I was displeased to hear that you all have decided to skip the current Organized Team Activities currently underway in Berea. Mr. Roth, I was particularly irritated by you upon hearing of your recent trade request.

The question I have for you all is this: what are you expecting to gain from this no-show?

To Jerome and the other RFAs: think about what you're doing

All of your timing could not be worse. Eric Mangini, your coach who sees you play up close and everyday, has only been around for a year. But the guys who decide whether or not to deliver your paychecks — GM Tom Heckert and President Mike Holmgren — have yet to see you play!

What do you expect them to do? Roll over and commit to you long term financially when (a) they have yet to see you play football since they’ve joined the Browns organizion and (b) during an uncapped year when the effects of such long term commitment remains uncertain?

Such logic is less sound than a broken amplifier.

Besides, you all have zero leverage at this point. You may  have been upset that the Browns signed you to only a second round tender. You may have thought you were worth more. But the bottom line is: no one else thought you worth more.

You were all still restricted free agents. If someone else thought you were worth the second round pick and a new contract, a team would have attempted it and signed you to an offer sheet. At that point in time, the Browns would have evaluated the offer to see if you were (a) worth that contract or (b) they’d rather just have the second round pick.

But it never got to that point. So grow up, and join your team.

Now, here’s where you might say: Wait. What if we are just sitting out as a matter of principle? We know that this probably won’t result in a new contract for us, but this lets them know we eventually want a new contract and gives us an excuse to skip the dull and tedious OTAs. And I can kind of get that.

But it’s still a half-baked idea.

I’ll repeat this again: You are now playing for a new GM and new President/Tsar of the organization. You may have made a good impression on Mangini last year, but that means little to nothing at this point. None of you are Andre Johnson or Chris Johnson, fellow NFL hold-outs looking for new deals. They are proven, Pro-Bowl caliber players.

I loved how you all have played for the Browns at times, but all of you have something to prove.

And none of your roles are secure:

• Mr. Elam — It’s no secret that the new team brass singled out the secondary as the Browns biggest weakness. It seemed obvious to your everyday fan like yours truly, considering both Mike Furrey and Brandon McDonald started at key positions. I’m not sure which is more alarming. But if there was any doubt, Heckert squashed them by drafting for the secondary with the first two picks in CB Joe Haden and SS TJ Ward. They addressed the position again with one of their fifth round pick SS Larry Asante.Mr. Elam, again, I thought you played pretty well last year. But they drafted two more strong safeties. Was that not your position last year?Now don’t you think it would be wise to get in there and start making a better impression?
  
• Mr. Harrison — Last year, you were probably the most impressive of any of the restricted free agents sitting out right now. In fact, you were just straight up one of the most impressive players on the Browns last season. Period. Hell, I’ll even take it to the next step: you played at a Pro Bowl level. Only problem: We only saw that level in four games (last three games + game 4 vs. Cincinnati).Please, don’t get me wrong. I’ve been a huge advocate of yours since you were at Washington State. I’ve always thought you deserved a shot to be the featured back. Last year, in those limited chances, you proved you could.

  But you have to understand that before they commit to you long term they will want to see more.

  When buying a house, you typically go through the open house, an individual showing and a final inspection before submitting that official offer. You’re in the final inspection phase. Hold steady.

  Yet be warned: there is always a chance, in the middle of the process, that a buyer can find a new house. And that new house could be second round pick RB Montario Hardesty.

  It’s apparent that GM Tom Heckert really likes the kid. Not only did he move up (and pay a fairly hefty price to do so) in order to grab him, he was also very confident in his abilities. When asked if he was drafted to be a complementary back to you, Heckert responded “We think he can be a feature back in this league.”

  In OTAs, Hardesty was getting reps with the first team.

  You are only hurting your chances of getting that new contract by not showing up.

• Mr. Jackson — In 2008, you led the NFL in tackles. So you obviously have a boat-load of talent and potential. But you have to remember that you are still brand new to the Heckert-Holmgren combo. And because of an injury plagued 2009 season, you are also still fairly new to Head Coach Eric Mangini. Another reality to consider is that the Browns played their best and most inspired defense seen in years those last five games. And you weren’t on the football field. So when reviewing the roster, you may not be as highly regarded to this front office as you are among fans.Also, inside linebacker is crowded position right now. Eric Barton, David Veikune, David Bowens and Jason Trusnik (the leader in the middle of that inspired defense we saw those last five games) are all returning.

  Also, Heckert signed Chris Gocong (who was seen lined up at ILB at OTAs) from his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and Scott Fujita from the Super Bowl Champion Saints. Both should be highly regarded.

• Mr. Roth — I was pumped when we picked you off from waivers last year. I remembered you in college and was psyched to see how you would play in a Browns uniform. And you certainly didn’t disappoint. Since being claimed off waivers, you started all six games, had 4.0 sacks and proved to hold a relentless motor in chasing opponent quarterbacks.You played great. But like Mr. Harrison, your problem is that you played great for a limited number of games. And like Mr. Jackson, you have to compete in a crowded linebacker corp this offseason.

  That is why your trade request was almost laughable. Remember, it was just six games ago that you were let go by the Dolphins for nothing. You still need to prove your abilities to this team and to the people who cut the team checks.

• Mr. Vickers — You’re reckless abandon in the blocking game is revered by Browns fans. You heedlessly throw you’re body like a wrecking ball into opposing linebackers to create wholes. And do a damn good job at it too. You are one of the premier fullbacks in the NFL. I, for one, am glad to have you on the team. Problem: With Holmgren as the head honcho, and his former assistant Gil Haskell on board, there is the feeling that the Browns will eventually move to a more West Coast style offense, where the fullback position is not held to a premium.Heckert also recently traded for the RB/FB hybrid Peyton Hillis. Suddenly, your position is becoming a bit crowded as well.

The overall idea for each of you is this: you have more to prove. All of you are playing in the first year of the new GM and Team President. With that, comes two rules you can be sure they’ll abide to:

• They are not going to give you a new contract.

• They also are not going to save you a spot or role on this team.

Sure, Josh Cribbs received a new contract. But he was the most valuable player on the team last season and was grossly underpaid.

You all have the opportunity to sign a one-year deal for $1.759 million (and for Matt Roth, its $1.809 million). You need to remember that isn’t chump change.

You also need to remember that if you hold out and end up not earning a significant role… Well, good luck finding that offer on the table elsewhere. You all need the Browns just as much (honestly, probably more) than they need you.

Finally, I will leave you with the following advice:

Sign the tender. Take the money. Appreciate it. Come to work. Work hard. Prove yourself to the new team brass. Do your best to help the team win. Understand that that is how you get your next contract.

Sincerely,

Sam Toth

“Starting him off early, I see?”

“Oh yeah,” the mom responded with a quiet laugh.

“Seems a little cruel and unusual to do to a baby. Save him while you still can!” My Dad joked.

“No, no! He’s going to help change Cleveland’s luck!” Both parents countered, with a hint of a chuckle… but one could tell they were entirely serious.

And with that little baby in the Cribbs jersey, the everlasting fountain of Cleveland sports optimism continues.

You have to be an optimist to survive as a Cleveland sports fan. We all know that. If it weren’t for the hope and promise of Next Year, we wouldn’t be able to do it. A lot of folks who don’t understand might ask why we even bother. But it’s not like we could give up. Because when the planets finally align and the Tribe wins the World Series, the Cavs win the NBA Championship, or the Browns win the Super Bowl… all those years of hardships will make the celebratory champagne taste that much better.

At the Browns Backers Banquet, this unbridled optimism was apparent throughout the night.

Now, for some highlights of the night:

• In order to get fans excited about the future, they looked into a chapter of the Browns storied past: The Kardiac Kids. Several members of the Browns from the early 80′s were in attendance, as well as the Head Coach of the team, Sam Rutigliano.
• Rutigliano was one of the first speakers. He had several thoughts to share, including:
  • Why fans can legitimately have hope: Heckert, Holmgren and Mangini are easily the best personnel that has been in place for the Browns since their return. The front office is filled both talent and experience.
  • The team is also finally beginning to put a premium on effort in their search for players. Josh Cribbs and David Bowens being prime examples, both of whom were in attendance.
  • He particularly singled out Cribbs for his performance and handling of the contract situation. He didn’t make a big fuss about it in the media, just went out and played his heart out every sunday. Rutigliano even dropped a favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quote of mine to describe Cribbs: “What you do speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say.” Deep.
  • Lastly, he praised the fans for their unrelenting loyalty to the Browns. Pointed out that no other city has gotten their team back (and name and colors) within three years of leaving and that that says something special about the Browns fans. Thanks, Sam.
• David Bowens wins “Good Guy” Award
  • The “Good Guy” award is voted on by writers who cover the team. It basically goes to whoever the writer’s think is, well, a good guy. Someone who is easy to talk to, gives some good quotes, and is respectful to the media.
  • Bowens on why he is so good with the media: “When I was 15, I had my first interview. I was so nervous, but then my mom gave me some great advice: ‘Just don’t say anything that will make you look stupid.’” Well, I think Mrs. Bowens would be proud.
• Joshua Cribbs wins “Player of the Year” Award
  • You could have knocked me over with a feather after that announcement.
  • I suppose Joe Thomas could always be in consideration for the award. Jerome Harrison would have won it if it were based on just the last five games of the year. But the 2009-2010 season was Josh Cribbs’ year, make no mistake about it.
• Tom Heckert speaks
  • His dad was a scout for the Browns, and he grew up a fan of those Kardiac Kid teams. That must be why he decided to take the lateral career move from the Eagles to the Browns. Cool.
  • In the most definitive statement of the night, Heckert declares “We’re not in this thing to quote, unquote ‘Rebuild.’ We’re here to win. And that’s not just lip service.” Now, I don’t know if he really believes that, or if he was just saying that to appease a room full of die hard Browns fans. But he sounded sincere.
  • Hell, the Dolphins went to the playoffs a year after going 1-15. No one saw that coming. Why can’t that be the Browns in 2010? Optimism. It’s our lifeblood.
  • Wait. Did he just say lip service? That sounds like some kind of Amsterdam Red Light District special.
• Don Cockroft is writing a book. He swears!

• On the drive down to Akron for the banquet, my dad’s buddy Grant told us about how Don Cockroft, the Browns kicker/punter for several years, had been coming to this banquet the past five years to tell people about this book he has been writing. Three years ago, he asked people about pre-ordering it. It still hasn’t been finished.
• So when Cockroft came up to the stand this year, Grant mumbles “I swear, if he brings up that damned book again, I’m throwing my mashed potatoes at that podium.” Cockroft: “As many of you know, I’ve been working on a book. I promise it will be finished soon.” Grant in turn delivered a “*Cough*BullSh*t*Cough*” that drew a respectable amount of chuckling from our corner.
• Funniest thing about the book thing? It was revealed this year that he has a co-writer too! I don’t know why I think this is so funny.
• By the way, is there another former Browns player with a better porn name than Don Cockroft? This is an entirely serious question. E-mail me any other contenders.

• A random thing that happened that might only interest me:
  • When looking for a bathroom, I saw Mary Kay Cabot in an empty hallway pacing back and forth telling someone over the phone her scoop on Heckert’s take on the Matt Roth trade request. Then five minutes later, it was on the PD Browns website, and on twitter. That was kind of cool. Plus, she’s oddly hot in person.
• Tom Heckert denied my resume. It was a shameless attempt, but nonetheless I’m glad I tried.
  • “Mr. Heckert.. Sam Toth here, glad to see you with the Browns. Loving the work you’ve done thus far,” I say as I hand him a legal pad to autograph.
    “Oh, why thank you,” he responds while signs his John Hancock.
    “Also, just wondering if you had any advice for a recent college graduate trying to make it into the Browns organization…”
    “Uh, well I guess the best thing for you to so is to try to get an internship. So I guess just send in your resume,” as he hands back the legal pad… a legal pad that was located inside of my resume binder.
    “Well, actually, I have a resume right here if you’re interested. I know your busy, but-”
    “Uhhhhhhh, yeah, I don’t think I can take that right now.”
  • Again, it was shameless. And again, I don’t care.

Finish a season at the bottom of the barrel? We may be downtrodden for a bit, but it only takes one new regime change and the excitement of the NFL Draft to get everyone looking forward to the next year.

This everlasting buoyancy even finds its way from late round draft picks (I’m admittedly a little turgid over 6th round picks Carlton Mitchell and Clifton Geathers) to the undrafted rookie free agents.

Sure, those undrafted free agents have about a 95% chance of getting cut. But to a Browns fan? That glass is 5% full! In fact, it sort of reminds me of this scene:

We can probably all thank Joshua Cribbs for aiding to our disregard of statistics. As an undrafted rookie free agent, Cribbs defied the odds by making the team through his guts and willingness to do whatever it took to make the team on special teams. He defied the odds even more by becoming an integral part of the team. He continues to defy the odds today with each Pro Bowl trip and broken NFL record.

So in an effort to find the Next Josh Cribbs, I’ll be highlighting a few unsung prospects leading up to OTAs and training camp. Today, I’ll be looking at undrafted free agent Joel Reinders.

Joel Reinders, Offensive Tackle, University of Waterloo

• Apparently, the Canadian prospect caught the attention of the Browns scouting staff from the very YouTube video seen above. I doubt that video was all that was considered when they offered Reinders a contract. But even if it was, who could blame them? The guy looks like a beast.
  

  Check out that Handlebar!

• If the video wasn’t enough for them, then maybe his headshot did the trick. He just looks like a mean person. I’m not saying he goes around stealing children’s ice cream and punting puppies. I’m just saying that it looks like he would give two sh*ts if he bashed you in the throat on the football field. Oh wait. That happened in the first play of his highlight video!
• Seriously, check the video out again. On that first play, it looks like he unapologetically collapsed a guys trachea.
• Moving on to other random thoughts not concerning the video or his mugshot…
• The first thing that jumps out to me is his size. At 6’8″ 320 lbs, Reinders towers over everyone. The other thing that jumps out to me is his athleticism. He played basketball for two years at the University of Waterloo. He played basketball in college so he has to be pretty agile, right? But because he originally only played basketball, he has limited exposure to football. In fact, he only played in eight games at Waterloo.
• Now, logic says that having playing only eight games simply means he’s inexperienced. But to a Browns fan like myself? All it screams is untapped potential. And I’m only half kidding. Obviously such little experience to football should serve as a cautionary flag to optimism. But at the same time, Antonio Gates played basketball at Kent State and hadn’t played an organized game of football since high school. I’m not saying Reinders will have the same success as Gates. I’m just saying you never know.
• I’m excited to see how he handles the coaching. Say what you want about finding a prospect via YouTube, but a guy that is 6’8 320 who is strong with quick feet has potential. You can’t teach size or athleticism, but you can teach technique.
• As an offensive tackle, he also comes in at a position of need. Obviously not left tackle, Joe Thomas has that on lockdown. But the right tackle position has been unsteady to say the least. Ryan Tucker was a good player, but had other issues. Since, there has been a bit of a revolving door with Kevin Shaffer, John St. Clair, and Porkchop Womack starting at the position in recent years. Now comes in Tony Pashos. Again, as an optimist, I’ll hope its a solid pick up — but he’ll still be over 30 at the start of the season.
• At the very least, Reinders is an intriguing possibility to develop into the long term answer to the Browns right tackle position.

I know the odds are stacked against him. But he’s got enough potential to think he might just make it.

Might. Its a mighty word in Cleveland, isn’t it?

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Like the article? Think its annoying? Send questions/comments to lebrontourage@gmail.com … We’d love to do a mailbag someday.

• 5th Round, 160 overall – Larry Asante, S, Nebraska – Another “in-the-box” safety. Like Ward, he’s said to have the hard hitting ability. He’s got good size (6’0 212 lbs) and athletic ability. Was a three year starter for the Cornhuskers, which is nice.
• 6th Round, 177 overall – Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida – Love this pick. He’s big (6’3″ 215 lbs), fast (4.49 40), and can catch the football. Not sure what the knock on him was. Most projections had him in the third.
• 6th Round, 186 overall – Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina – Big (6’7″, 300) defensive end with pretty good strength that apparently has some character issues.

Now for some unprofessional commentary on Day 3 of the NFL Draft…

Quick Thoughts:

• Hard to get too excited about anyone picked in these late rounds, but I was giddy about the selection of Carlton Mitchell. Reasons:
  • His name is Carlton. And his favorite show is “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Just kidding about that second part. But it definitely should be his favorite show.
  • As explained above, he is big and fast and can catch. What more can you need? Plus, he was compared to Brandon Marshall. Much better comparison than, say, Braylon Edwards. Must be the whole “catching” thing.
  • Apparently, when breaking down the Browns roster, the three headed monster of Holmgren/Heckert/Mangini concluded that the receiving corp lacked speed. Mitchell ran his 40 in the 4.4 range, which is speedy. And by all accounts, his strength is that of providing a vertical threat to a team. Yes, please.
  • In the twitter world, some of the former scouts/ESPN guys were tweeting about how they couldn’t believe he even fell to the 5th round and that some team would be getting a steal. I couldn’t believe Cleveland drafted a guy I was hoping they would. This never happens. Explains the giddiness.
  • Not saying he’s perfect, because I’m sure there is a reason he fell to the 6th round. Maybe he smells or something, I don’t know. But he’s got the potential to be a quality receiver for the Browns.
• I’m not going to pretend I know anything more about Larry Asante than I read on nfl.com. But I do like that he’s a three year starter, I’ll say that.
• As for Clifton Geathers, I’m guessing he has a terrible jump shot. Most of the time, athletic 6’7″ dudes just don’t choose football.
• Seriously though with Geathers, apparently he was suspended for a couple of games for resisting arrest. Seemed pretty serious, and he had been red flagged by some teams for character issues. Since the three headed monster has taken over in Berea, they have put a premium on acquiring high character guys. So if they’re willing to roll the dice on this guy, they must have seen something intriguing. Oh yeah, he’s 6’7″. Duh.
• As far as I know, there were no notable hot girlfriends among the day 3 draftees. Someone please prove me wrong. But as for hot girlfriends of day 2 draftees, Colt McCoy’s fiance, Rachel Glandorf, is the “LeBabe Of The Week.” Congratulations, Rachel.
• Overall, I think the Browns had a pretty solid draft. They filled just about every need (CB, S, RB, QB, and WR). They failed to get help along the defensive front 7, but there is only so much you can address in one draft.
• Of course, only time will tell how the Browns truly performed in this year’s draft. But for the time being, I’ll give GM Tom Heckert the benefit of the doubt. After all, as pointed out in this weeks “Stat Of The Week,” the Eagles either drafted or acquired 10 different pro bowl players while Heckert was the GM.

Some even more random thoughts regarding day 3:

• I’m sick and tired of the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Ohio State players. I would love to root for them in the NFL, but I’m not physically able to cheer them on in any way, shape, or form while they have on those hideous black and gold jerseys.
• So for Thaddeus Gibson and Doug Worthington: I’m glad you were able to get drafted and are able to continue your NFL Dreams. I just hope that you find zero success until you find another team. Well, I guess you can have individual success on occasion. Just don’t win. Ever.
• At the very least, don’t pull a Santonio Holmes and win a Super Bowl MVP with the Steelers and be lost to me forever.
• Onto a less depressing subject: I would like to extend a congratulations to Myron Rolle for getting drafted by the Titans in the sixth round. Albeit later than he hoped, I’m glad he is given the opportunity because…
• Myron Rolle may only be a couple months older than me, but I want to be like him when I grow up. The guy is a Rhodes Scholar, has charity foundations, successful youth weight loss programs, and plans to open a free health services clinic in the Bahamas. I, uh… just started a blog. Crap.
• Late-Round-Guy-I’ll-Watch-In-Preseason-For-No-Good-Reason: John Skelton. I have no real connection to the Fordham QB… at all. I just looked him up one day because I saw he’s close to 6’6″ and 250 lbs. Enjoyed his YouTube clips, and pegged him as a late round guy I wanted the Browns to keep an eye on. Plus I guess he is a “weird dude, man. WEIRD dude,” according to a buddy of mine who is a Fordham Alum.
• He ended up going to Arizona, and now I’m very eager to see if he’ll usurp Derek Anderson at any point in the next three years. This morning, I saw he did an ESPN Sport Science segment. Impressive physical dude. Check it out:
  • 

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What overall grade did you give the Browns 2010 Draft Class? Visit the “Poll Of The Week” to cast your vote!

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It’s been a fun couple of days and I really appreciate all of the readers that have stopped by…

Leave some comments and hope to see you all back for more amateur and mildly comical insight on the Cavs and NBA Playoffs!

- Sam

Quick Thoughts:

• It’s funny how big of a low –> high this day went for most Browns fans.
• The day started with the Browns sitting pretty at #38… several big names still available when we picked: Sergio Kindle, Daryl Washington, Jimmy Clausen, Colt McCoy, etc. etc. They even had Jim Brown come out to announce the pick! This had to be a big deal right? And the Browns select… T.J. Ward? Umm… let me check my draft book.
• Now I had heard the name before — him and Nate Allen were two names at safety that I had read about being rated ahead of Taylor Mays by most teams. But I really didn’t have that great of a clue of who he was. I knew he went to Oregon, and that might have been the biggest reason I wasn’t overly excited about the pick. Not that I have anything against Oregon or anything, they seem to have a great program, very loud jerseys, running backs that throw mean left hooks, and a QB that’s just OK at stealing laptops.
• Seriously though, I have nothing against Oregon. The only reason that fact didn’t bode well with me is that I went to the Ohio State-Oregon Rose Bowl game this past January — and I remember just about everything from that night. I just don’t remember an Oregon safety making any impact plays. Not a good sign.
• Also not a good sign: history of knee injuries and sitting out 6 games last year due to a bum ankle. Although I think he deserves major props for battling through his one major knee injury. The dude tore his patella tendon! That’s what knocked former Browns Gary Baxter and LeCharles Bentley into retirement. This guy not only recovered from it, he returned to form and played some damn good football in the Pac-10 for three seasons. That’s pretty tough.
• So as I grew increasingly frustrated about the fact the Browns drafted someone I had to look up while I watch the Baltimore Ravens select collegiate studs Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope with the Browns trading back up into the 2nd round. Everyone I watched the draft with stood up from their chairs in excitement because it had to be a big name right?! And the Browns select Montario Hardesty? … Where’d I put that draft book again?
• I will say this about Hardesty: he had a pretty impressive 15 second highlight reel on ESPN’s draft coverage – for whatever that’s worth. Seems big, powerful, shifty enough to shed some tacklers. Rushed for over 1,300 yards last year, so I’m sure the guy is no slouch. But again, a history with knee injuries? I started getting the sense that Holmgren and Heckert were getting cocky by ignoring the horrible luck we’ve had with injuries.
• But then again, Courtney Brown didn’t miss a game when he was at Penn State, so maybe Holmgren and Heckert felt these guys already had their turn of bad luck. Sort of like the reasoning behind not getting struck by lightning twice. Yeah. That’s the way I’ll spin it.
• Before moving on, I’ve got one more gripe to rant aimlessly about: I’m sick and tired of the new Browns regimes getting tooled on draft day by the organizations they came from. Allow me to elaborate:
  • Phil Savage came from the Ravens. In 2006, the Browns had the 12th overall pick while the Baltimore Ravens held the 13th selection. We needed help along the defensive line badly. My dream guy was Haloti Ngata – but him falling to the Browns seemed to be nothing more than an ill conceived dream of mine. Yet lo and behold, he falls right into our laps. I do a little jig around my dorm room, excited to grab this stud. Then to my utter dismay, I see that beautiful orange helmet at the bottom of the screen switch to a ravens logo. The Ravens took Ngata and he looks like he’s well on his way to becoming a perennial pro-bowl player. We took Wimbley, and he is now an Oakland Raider. What did we get for this little swap? A 6th round pick — which turned out to be DT Babatunde Oshinowo, who I’m sure is at some sort of Ponderosa Steakhouse as I type this. We got tooled.
  • Eric Mangini came from the Jets. In the 2009 Draft, we held a coveted 5th overall selection. The NY Jets had the 17th overall pick. The Browns struck a deal to move down for  something like a third along with Brett Rhatliff, Kenyon Coleman and Abe Elam. Now, I was all for the idea of trading down – but you’re telling me we couldn’t do better than the NY Jets pu pu platter they offered? Tooled.
  • Tom Heckert came from the Eagles. In order to move up 12 spots into the end of the second round, the Browns give the Eagles their highest third, along with two of their fifth round picks. Now I know it followed the draft value chart fairly well, but just earlier in this draft the 49ers moved up two spots in the first round and only gave up one 4th. And does anyone else thing Hardesty would have been gone within those twelve picks? I don’t know, it just seemed like Andy Reid got the better of Heckert in that situation. Savage was the worst example, but its still a former team getting the upper hand on a new Browns regime.
• Back to the draft. After the Browns made their trade to get back into the second, I thought for sure it was for Colt McCoy. They didn’t. This is when I came to accept that the Browns just weren’t taking America’s hero today. And I wouldn’t get to see his girlfriend on a regular basis — truly the most disheartening subplot when you get down to it.
• So when draft rolled around to the 85th overall pick, I really expected to hear Roger Goodell to read some other name that would make me bust out my draft book. What’s that? Is that Mack Brown? No way. Way! Browns take Colt McCoy – and the heavy favorite in the lebrontourage poll finally lands on the Browns!
• My take on Colt:
  • He’s a leader. In the “SportsCenter Special: John Gruden’s QB Camp”, Gruden asks him what he’s going to do when he takes over a huddle with veteran lineman who don’t care what some rookie has to say. McCoy’s responds in a dead serious tone: “Same thing I did when I was a freshman at Texas with five senior offensive linemen… Earn their respect.” Gave me chills.
  • He’s a winner. In fact, the winningest QB in college football history.
  • He’s accurate. In fact, the second most accurate QB in college football history – completing just over 70% of his passes over his 4 year career. In his junior year, he completed 77%! That’s absurd. I can’t even do that on Madden.
  • He’s accurate. I know I already said this. Don’t care. I’ve seen Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn misfire on far too many easy slant routs to not mention this twice.
  • He’s got a smoking hot girlfriend.
  

  Colt McCoy's girlfriend. Can't wait to see her at Browns games.

• If you’re not completely sold on the Colt McCoy pick, I get it. But the bottom line is that we didn’t “reach” for him. He was the 85th overall pick, so there is no real pressure here. I mean hell, when the Browns drafted Charlie Frye, he was the 67th overall pick! This has got to be an upgrade over that, right?
• With the last pick on the day, the Browns try to upgrade the offensive line by selecting Shawn Lauvao, an offensive tackle from Arizona State that projects to play guard in the NFL. Apparently he’s gotten poor reviews among the draft websites out there, but the guy was second team All Pac-10 so he can’t be a scrub.
• An interesting note about this guy is that he is Hawaiian. Hopefully he fares better than former Hawaiian Browns draft picks in David Veikune and Melila Purcell.

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So what grade do you give the Browns day 2?

• Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas- With Kameron Wimbley being traded for a bag of balls the limited pressure the Browns put on the opposing quarterback last season got even weaker. The Browns can start him off only using Kindle on third downs (rushing the QB) until he learns Rob Ryan’s scheme.

• Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida- Dunlap is very athletic and solid against the run. He would be groomed to take over the space that Robaire Smith and Kenyon Coleman currently handle on the d-line.

• Colt McCoy, QB, Texas- People were talking about the Browns possibly trade back into the late first round to take Colt but once Clausen started to slip the Browns back off the table. Colt has the accuracy that Holmgren covets but this is still Mangini’s team and Tom Heckert is making the picks.

• Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame – Mike Holmgren once admitted that he “wished he liked him more” and obviously decided to pass on the golden domer at the seventh pick. But while he may have been cold on Clausen in the first, he may warm up to the idea as a second round pick. Personally, I’m just glad they didn’t trade up into the 20′s to grab him. I don’t think I could have handled the deja-vu.

• Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU- Early thoughts are that Fujita will be moved to the inside of the Browns line backing core which would still leave a whole at the OLB position. While he lacks good hands his speed and aggressiveness will make him a great addition to the defense.

• Taylor Mays, S, USC- Stock has only slipped as the draft came closer and closer and now that it is here Mays is going to be taken somewhere in the second round. He has the body and the physical skill set but lacks the football IQ which is so important at the safety position.

• Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame- Past the glimmer of hope shown by Mohamed Massaquoi, the Browns wide out position is wide open. Tate can be used as more than a wide out (a former running back) if the Browns do choose to go in that direction.

• Nate Allen, S, South Florida- Allen could give the Browns more of a cover-safety angle with this pick. Allen could give the Brownies a solid young secondary that can be built on throughout the Holmgren-era.

• Everson Griffen, DE, USC- While he lacks the ideal size for an end in a 3-4 defense, Griffen still seems to have a play-maker mentality and could make a difference in the DE/OLB rotation.

• Some names to consider in the 3rd Round: Daminan Williams (WR, USC), Myron Lewis (S, Vand.), Brandon Spikes (ILB, Fla.), Alex Carrington (DE, Ark. St.), Eric Norwood (OLB, S. Car.)

…

Quick Thoughts:

• Conventional wisdom says the Browns will take a young QB in this draft. Question is: Where? The Browns could take a highly touted guy in Clausen or McCoy. They could also opt to take stab at a late round guy and hope they strike gold — maybe a guy like John Skelton, a big (6’5″ 243lb) QB from Fordham University. I watched a YouTube video of him and the guy has got an absolute cannon; I also had some insider scoop from a Fordham alum that he’s a “weird dude, man. WEIRD dude.” So take that for what its worth.
• Back to the subject of Clausen/McCoy. Clausen seems to unanimously have the higher grade among scouts. But I don’t care. Consider this one vote for McCoy.
• McCoy is one of the winningest and most accurate QB’s in college football history. He holds the record of 45 wins in his collegiate career and had completion percentages of 76.7% and 70.6% during his junior and senior years! And after having to sit through frustrating years of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson misfiring on simple slant routes, I’ve found that I now put accuracy at a premium.
• Now I would like to see McCoy as the pick at #38, but I wouldn’t be disheartened if the Browns go another direction.
• The way I look at it is this: Holmgren is considered a quarterback guru, and Heckert was involved in the selection of Kevin Kolb, which appears to have been a good pick — therefore if either take or pass on a quarterback within the first two rounds, it must be for good reason. So if they decide to pass on Colt, I’ll trust their judgment. And if they decide to take him, I’ll be excited for the potential they must see.
• If they decide to go elsewhere, here are my votes that don’t count for anything: Sergio Kindle, Daryle Washington, Nate Allen, Everson Griffen, or one of the better offensive tackles available in Brown and Saffold.
• What may stand out there is that I would prefer Nate Allen over Taylor Mays. That may be more of a knock on Mays than an endorsement for Allen. Sure Mays can run faster and jump higher than most of his peers, but according to most scouting reports he lacks “football instincts”, “coverage ability” and “ball skills.” Sorry, but if I’m picking a safety for my team, those are my top 3 priorities. But hey, if I’m picking an All-NFL Olympic Track team, then sign me up for the Mays camp.
• Not-so-bold-prediction-I’m-predicting: The Browns will make at least two selections in the second round today. The Browns still have 9 picks and a ton of needs. The second round is often a GMs favorite round — you can still get great players, but without the financial ball and chain that comes with a first rounder. Don’t be surprised if they package some of their extra picks (they have three 3rd round picks) in order to make some moves today.

…

So who do you want to see the Browns get with their first pick in the second round?

Drafting Joe Haden wasn’t sexy, but it also wasn’t a reach. It was safe. There was a general consensus that there were six “elite” players in this year’s draft – Bradford, Suh, McCoy, Okung, Williams, and Berry. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the Browns picked 7th.

So with all of the elite players gone, the Browns found themselves in a limbo of sorts. Obviously, the first reaction is to trade down — but who wants to trade down to #7 when you get your first choice of the first non-elites available? Especially when it is known that there are eager trade partners sitting there at 10, 11, 12, and 13. The difference between the 7th pick and 11th pick could be $10-12 million in contract money.

Personally, I would have liked to take Texas safety Earl Thomas. The guy is a play maker and was Michael Reghi’s favorite player in the draft — I couldn’t imagine a better endorsement.

But apparently he wasn’t even in consideration. According to ESPN’s Michael Smith, the internal debate was between Joe Haden and Kyle Wilson. Haden was Heckert’s guy, and Wilson was Mangini’s guy. Mangini, the guy who drafted the best corner in the league, Darrelle Revis, reportedly claimed that Wilson was the closest thing to Revis he has seen since Revis. Holmgren must have played tiebreaker and sided with Heckert. And so, Joe Haden becomes the 2010 Browns first round selection.

I found the pick mildly funny too.

As soon as the Browns were pegged with the seventh overall selection, mock drafts ran rampant, as they always seem to do. Who was the overwhelming favorite for the Browns to take? Joe Haden.

Everyone – and I mean everyone – had the Browns taking Haden. Seriously. Everyone. It was boring as hell. I wanted someone to step out of the box, show me an alternative. But no, everyone had Haden – we needed a corner, and he was the best corner available. Easy pick. There were even debates about who the Browns would take if both Berry and Haden were available. And it was split.

Then what happened? Well, Haden ran a 4.6 at his pro-day. Suddenly, everyone backs off. The player they saw on tape must not have been who they thought. Haden claims he had a lower back strain. Everyone rolls their eyes – myself included. The Browns then go out and trade for Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown. Haden no longer seemed to fit the bill.

Sure, Haden went out at his pro-day and ran a 4.4 a couple of weeks letter — “See! I told you I had a lower back strain! I swear!”. But no one seemed to listen or care. ESPN didn’t regard him as a top 10 pick, and the mock draft scene around the internet regarded the Haden-to-Browns scenario as nothing more than a distant memory.

So today we have come full circle, with Haden once again landing in the #7 spot when it really matters – Draft day.

But the fact remains: Haden is an All-American, All-SEC caliber football player. He was a three year starter at Florida while they competed for national championships (winning one) and proved to be a lock down corner. Now, out of nowhere, with top three corners of Wright, Brown and Haden… the cornerback position suddenly becomes a position of strength.

So when all is said and done, the Browns made a very solid pick at a position that could use the upgrade. It wasn’t the splash most fans hoped for, but its a respectable ripple.

…

So what grade do you give the Browns?

1) St. Louis Rams

Dave’s pick: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

- The Rams need a QB about as bad as the Browns do and Bradford is the only ‘franchise’ signal caller in the draft.

Sam’s pick: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

- No surprise here. Ndamukong Suh is the best player in this draft, but for better or worse, the golden rule remains: “If you don’t have a franchise QB, you don’t pass on one.” If you look at the Rams’ roster today, you’ll find three names: Null, Feeley, and Reilly. I promise you those are in fact quarterbacks, and the only three currently set to play for St. Louis. After passing on Mark Sanchez last year and Matt Ryan the year before, I don’t think they can do it again.

2) Detroit Lions

Dave’s pick: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

- With the addition of Vanden Bosch, taking Suh here would give the Lions a defensive line to think twice about.

Sam’s pick: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

- This should be a no-brainer pick. I think he is the most elite talent to come out in recent memory. I’ve heard scouts say Gerald McCoy is right up there with him. Bologna. I’m not drinking that Kool-Aid. I know McCoy is a stud in his own right, but this season I watched multiple Cornhuskers games for one reason: to check out that defensive tackle. What? That just doesn’t happen. But this guy is a human wrecking ball. No, like literally. He hits like a human wrecking ball.

He recently participated in a “Sport Science” segment for ESPN. He hit a tackling dummy harder than any other participant they’ve ever had. They compared his force to that of a freight train. Who else has participated in this tackling exercise? Oh, only pro bowl defensive tackles like Kris Jenkins, and future hall of famers like Ray Lewis. No big.

Now should the Lions take him? Absolutely. Will they? Probably. But who knows? It’s too early for a wide receiver joke, but this is still Detroit.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dave’s pick: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

- The Buccs are searching for the next Warren Sapp and McCoy may just be their man.

Sam’s pick: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

- Hard to have two Sooners going sooner. Sorry for that cheese. But after Suh, McCoy is the next best player in this draft and should be the pick. Early on, some had Eric Berry in this spot… but over time, positions such as safety tend to get devalued and the players in the trenches gain steam. Always happens. And after having Warren Sapp on their side, those in Tampa Bay can fully understand the importance of shoring up that defensive front.

4) Washington Redskins

Dave’s pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

- Wit’h McNabb in DC, Washington should do everything in their power to protect Donvan and keep him on the field.

Sam’s pick: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

- Ater the Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb, it became fairly obvious that this pick would be a left tackle. Only question is, which one? This is the first pick I really wrestled with. Okung, by all accounts, seems to be the surest bet to be a very good starting left tackle in the league. Trent Williams, on the other hand, may be a little less polished, but appears to have more potential due to his athleticism. But because they have the veteran QB, and appear to want to win now, I say they go with the more polished guy. But at the same time, Shanahan did go with the athletic tackle in Ryan Clady a few years back, and now he’s regarded as one of the top tackles in the league. So we’ll see.

5) Kansas City Chiefs

Dave’s pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

- KC needs to keep Matt Cassel’s big contract in mind and give him some time to make a play. He was sacked 42 times in ’09, that’s 4th most in the NFL.

Sam’s pick: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

- If Okung slips past Washington, look for him to be the pick here. If not, look for every Browns fan to collectively go “Ah, #@%&!” You can fill in the blank, I’m sure any number of four letter words could work. Seriously though, I think that defensive coordinator, and former Browns head coach, Romeo Crennel will stand on the table for Berry. I want so badly to say they’ll take Williams or Brian Bulaga, but I just don’t see them passing on him. I know that it was “leaked” that Pioli had admitted in circles that he refuses to take a safety that high. I’m more likely to buy a ketchup popsicle while wearing white gloves (thank you, David Spade), than I am to buy a story where Scott Pioli had something “leaked.”

6) Seattle Seahawks

Dave’s pick: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

- Walter Jones may not come back this season, even if he does it may be his last. ‘The Beluga’ will be swimmin’ with the Seahawks.

Sam’s pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

- Another pick that can go any number of ways. Seattle has two picks in the first round, and I think the first wave of top tier tackles are gone by #14. So surfer boy Carroll plays it safe and goes with the offensive lineman while he can. I could easily see Spiller go here, because you know the former USC coach loves speedy playmakers – and this time he can legally pay him to play!

7) Cleveland Browns

Dave’s pick: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

- In a division with other elite safeties like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu its time for the Browns to follow suit with a play making ball hawk of their own and take Berry here.

Sam’s pick: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

-  Let me start off by saying two things: 1) If Berry is gone, look for the Browns to be working the phones to try and trade down, which is what I would fully support and 2) Thomas isn’t a bad consolation prize by any stretch. Thomas is seen to be the 1a) to Berry’s 1). Some even have him rated above Berry, such as respected analyst Mike Mayock. Berry has the better size (about an 1.5 inches taller, and about 5-10 pounds heavier depending on what they ate that day), but Thomas, many think, has the better instincts. Just last season, he had 8 interceptions. He’s only been a starter for 2 years and is leaving school as a red shirt sophomore; so there is a ton of potential for him to grow as a player. By all accounts, he seems to have the right attitude and work ethic. Browns fans should applaud this pick. Its worth noting that Phil Dawson went to Texas, and he’s been Cleveland’s Most Valuable Phil since our return to the NFL in 1999.

8) Oakland Raiders

Dave’s pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

- Pierre-Paul is the perfect Al Davis pick right here. A monster talent that would do well in the right hands, but he will be in Tom Cable’s hands…

Sam’s pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

- Al Davis took Darius Heyward-Bey last year about 20 spots too high because he ran a fast 40 time, so who the hell knows who he’ll take. What makes sense for the Raiders? Quarterback, offensive tackle and defensive tackle for one. But look for Davis to ignore the needs and go for the most physically gifted first round talent available. Pierre-Paul isn’t a top 10 talent on film, this is more of an WWDD (What Would Davis Do) guess here. And I recently read that he can do 23 backflips in a row… pick makes more sense now.

9) Buffalo Bills

Dave’s pick: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

- Because Clausen wasn’t spectacular in his workouts I think the Bills pass here and build in the trenches.

Sam’s pick: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa

- After trading away Jason Peters, one of the best left tackles in the game, Buffalo has yet to fill the void protecting their QB’s blind spot. Bulaga is the next best tackle available, so I think they go with him. Only question to me is that there has been some talk about him having to move to the right side. Why is that? Honestly, I don’t know because I’m too cheap to pay for ESPN Insider. Nevertheless, I think he’s got a high enough grade over Anthony Davis to warrant the selection.

10) Jacksonville Jaguars

Dave’s pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

- If Clausen falls this far the Jags have to consider David Gerrard is 32 going on 40.

Sam’s pick: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

- Not sure if Jacksonville even keeps this pick, but I think this is the pick regardless of which team is making the selection. He’s regarded as the only “premiere” running back in this year’s class, so I think he ends up going in the top 10.

11) Denver Broncos

Dave’s pick: Ronaldo McClain, ILB, Alabama

- One of the best over all talents in this draft, the Broncos would be silly to pass on him.

Sam’s pick: Ronaldo McClain, ILB, Alabama

- They released last year’s starter and former Browns player Andra Davis. McClain should be able to fit in seamlessly into the Broncos ILB spot. This is also one player to keep your eye on in the draft. ESPN NFC West blogger said he wouldn’t be all too surprised if the Chiefs shocked the league and took McClain 5^th overall. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him fall either though, due to the uncertainty of his medical issues (he had Chrohn’s disease two weeks ago, now apparently he doesn’t). I think the latter is more likely, especially considering the rampant rumors circulating that the Bronco’s will trade out of this spot.

12) Miami Dolphins

Dave’s pick: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

- This off season the ‘Phins lost Joey Porter and Jason Taylor so they are going to be in major need of a pass rusher.

Sam’s pick: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

- Another top-10 worthy player slides a bit, but Miami is happy to pick him up at number 12. With Jason Taylor and Joey Porter no longer in South Beach, they need someone else to get to opposing quarterbacks. Morgan can be that guy.

13) San Fransisco 49ers

Dave’s pick: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

- The ‘Niners could definately use some help in thier secondary and Haden’s 4.3 – 40 time at the Florida workout day proved his worth at this spot.

Sam’s pick: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

- San Francisco top two needs are offensive line and cornerback. With the top 3 cornerbacks still on the board, the 49ers take the only upper tier offensive tackle left with hopes of nabbing Haden or Wilson at #17. Davis has all the physical tools to become a stud left tackle, and I think Mike Singletary is the right guy to whip him into shape.

14) Seattle Seahawks

Dave’s pick: Derek Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

- The ‘Hawks were 6th last in team sacks last season and Morgan is the best player left on the board at this point.

Sam’s pick: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

- Carroll appreciates the Texas program, both on the collegiate level and the quality pros they seem to produce. I have no idea where to put Kindle, but he was a playmaker in college. And after going with a “safer” pick in getting offensive line help, I think playmaking is the direction Carroll goes at #14.

15) New York Giants

Dave’s pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

- The first stretch of the draft but the Giants need to establish themselves along the defensive line for Lovie Smith to be a successful coach.

Sam’s pick: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

- The Giants seem to have a never-ending supply of defensive ends, now its time to focus on the interior. Williams is one of the bigger boys to go in the first round – he has at least 20 lbs on either Suh or McCoy.

16) Tennessee Titans

Dave’s pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

- I don’t think Tennessee will be scared away by the possibility of “Crabtree II” because they have always been in search of a big time wide out.

Sam’s pick: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

- I almost didn’t have them taking a corner because they already have PacMan Jones locking down one side of the field. What’s that? He hasn’t played for them in three years now? Oh. Well, in that case, fairly easy pick. Haden was regarded as a unanimous top 10 pick before the combine. Then he ran an improved time at his pro-day, only no one seemed to care. Interesting.

17) San Fransisco 49ers

Dave’s pick: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

- San Fran has one of the weakest lines in the league and Campbell is the next best OT on the board.

Sam’s pick: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

- Wilson shot up the draft boards since his stellar performance in the Senior Bowl week. As an OSU alum, it saddens me to admit that Nate Clements isn’t quite the same player he used to be, so there is a need at corner.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers

Dave’s pick: Mike Iupati, OT, Idaho

- With Roethlisberger expecting to miss 4-6 games the Steelers will want to give  Batch/Leftwich as much protection as possible.

Sam’s pick: Mike Iupati, OT, Idaho

- The Steelers need offensive line help. Iupati is a mauler. It’s a perfect pick, and I hate it because the Steelers always seem to have the right guys fall into their lap. Ugh.

19) Atlanta Falcons

Dave’s pick: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

- I’m not saying I think Atlanta will take him here, but they should.

Sam’s pick: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

- Very good player from that school up North. Don’t want to praise him too much for that reason, but let’s just say that this is a great pick for the Falcons who need a defensive end.

20) Huston Texans

Dave’s pick: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

- No substitution for Dunta Robinson but they may have the best corner in the draft at this pick.

Sam’s pick: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

- I love Steve Slaton and think he has great potential, but this league has quickly evolved into a 2-back league. Matthews was super productive in his collegiate career, and he’s got terrific size that would be a great complement to Slaton.

21) Cincinati Bengals

Dave’s pick: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

- Cedric Benson’s Weekend at Bernie’s act isn’t going to last forever and Spiller would be a steal here.

Sam’s pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

- I know the Bengals already signed Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones in the offseason. I know Bryant is reported to have some off the field concerns. I don’t care. Bryant is too good of a talent to pass up. Bryant will make a much better 3 than 2, and Jones a much better 4 than 3. I hate how the other AFC North teams are getting great value at their spots.

22) New England Patroits

Dave’s pick: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

- Watson and Graham both left in free agency so Gresham would make a lot of sense here.

Sam’s pick: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

- Bill Simmons said it best: “TOM BRADY NEEDS MORE TOYS!” He may have said that after having the Patriots select Dez Bryant, but Gresham is a fantastic toy in his own right. He is a big, tall, and athletic tight end. The Patriots lost Ben Watson to the Browns and could use a stud at the position. By the way, Gresham could easily go to Cincinnati, because Carson Palmer could use the toys as well. Either way, barring any trades, I bet Bryant and Gresham go at #21 and #22 in some order.

23) Green Bay Packers

Dave’s pick: Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan

- With Aaron Kampman gone the Packers are going to need a pass rusher over anything else.

Sam’s pick: Jerry Hughes, OLB, Texas Christian

- They hit a homerun with Clay Matthews last year and now they need someone opposite of him. Aaron Kampman is gone, and I’m thinking they go with the speed rushing outside linebacker in Jerry Hughes. Offensive line is another area of need, but need offensive tackles more than interior help, so I think they go with Hughes over Pouncey.

24) Philidelphia Eagles

Dave’s pick: Earl Thomas, S, Texas

- Letting Brian Dawkins leave was a big mistake for this defense and Earl Thomas is an immediate starter.

Sam’s pick: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

- The Eagles would prefer a top-notch safety. Berry and Thomas will both be long gone by this point, and there is talk of them trying to move up. And seeing as how they have 10 picks in this draft, they have the ammunition to do so. If they can’t move up, look for them to get some offensive line help or best player available. Pouncey might be both.

25) Baltimore Ravens

Dave’s pick: Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State

- It only makes sense that the perfect pick would fall into the Raven’s hands. Odrick is 300 pounds of pure muscle and will be a great addition to that defense.

Sam’s pick: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

- I have to admit, I hadn’t even heard of Thomas until a couple of weeks ago. But when I saw him, he certainly passed the “damn, he looks big” test. He’s no Calvin Johnson by any stretch, but I still remember thinking he looked bigger than 6’3, 230. Now what does that mean? Absolutely nothing. But with both him and Anquan Boldin (still pissed they got this guy!) on the Ravens, AFC North defensive might lose a little sleep.

26) Arizona Cardinals

Dave’s pick: Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU

- Joey Porter came over in the off season and could be a very good mentor (on the field) for the ‘high motor’ Jerry Hughes.

Sam’s pick: Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State

- At this point, guessing correctly what will unfold is really like asking my 5-year old cousin to finger-paint the Mona Lisa – it’s just not going to happen. In fact, I probably reached that point around pick #4. But the Cardinals could use some help along the defensive line and Jared Odrick is a fast rising prospect. Don’t be surprised if he goes in the 10-15 range.

27) Dallas Cowboys

Dave’s pick: Charles Brown, OT, Southern Cal

- The Cowboys parted ways with Flozell Adams in the off season and should be looking to replace him along the line.

Sam’s pick: Taylor Mays, S, Southern Cal

- I personally am not that high on Mays. Sure his workout numbers are off the charts, but just about every scout agrees that he lacks the football instincts and coverage skills. Did I miss something, or aren’t those two of the most important traits in a defensive back? But at #27, it’s not too high of a reach, especially considering that the Cowboys need a safety. Plus, Jerry Jones likes his big name athletes. Mays fits that bill.

28) San Diego Chargers

Dave’s pick: Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

- If the Chargers are going to win deep in the playoffs Philip Rivers has to be on the field. Others have him going second round but I like his size (6-4 315).

Sam’s pick: Terrence “Mount” Cody, DT, Alabama

- They could definitely use a running back, so Jahvid Best might be up for consideration. I think they’ll go with California’s own Toby Gerhart in round 2, so that gives the chance at #28 to grab a nose tackle. At 6’4” 350lbs, Cody earns his nickname as “Mount” and will have no problem eating up blockers. Not literally, I hope.

29) New York Jets

Dave’s pick: Taylor Mays, S, USC

- HBO is calling the shots here. Taylor Mays is a pick that will solidify the hype for the next season of Hard Knocks.

Sam’s pick: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

- Great value at this spot. He really fits the scheme of th… Ah, who am I kidding? Only thing that concerns me with the Jets is when Hard Knocks premieres.

30) Minnesota Vikings

Dave’s pick: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

- Antoine Winfield was playing on one leg last year and it showed. Even Brady Quinn threw for 205 yards against them.

Sam’s pick: Devin McCourty

- Was tempted to put either Clausen or America’s son, Colt McCoy, here. But we all know how pissy Brett Favre got when the Pack selected Aaron Rodgers. Don’t want to hurt the old guys feelings. My guess is that they improve the defensive backfield.

31) Indianapolis Colts

Dave’s pick: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

- Just keep feeding Peyton Manning. The defense always seems to have its problems but as long as Manning has more targets they will win a lot of games.

Sam’s pick: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

- There is not too much to need on a team that only lost one game they tried to win last year (final two losses of the regular season don’t count, sorry Sorgi). My guess is that after Drew Brees and company lit them up, they go defense.

32) New Oreans Saints

Dave’s pick: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

- Scott Fujita was the leader of that defense and leaves behind a big hole but Weatherspoon is one of the more physical linebackers in the draft.

Sam’s pick: Everson Griffen, DE, Southern Cal

- Again, not too much needed here. Griffin is a first round talent and sneaks in on the last pick.

…

..

Quick Thoughts:

• I wasn’t kidding above when I said these will be completely broken and worthless after the top 3-5 picks.
• Some might criticize mine for not including Clausen. I didn’t mean to do it, I just went pick by pick. Then I realized he wasn’t in there. But really, after San Francisco, there is no team that really “needs” a quarterback. You could make the case for Minnesota, but I bet Favre would be pissed if they don’t use the pick to upgrade the defense or give him another weapon on offense.
• Although Clausen wasn’t in my mock, I firmly believe he will go in the first round. He might just get straight up picked by a team, but my money is on a team trading up for him.
• Feel free to rip us apart in the comments.

- Sam & Dave

Date – CAPS for home; @ for away

9/12 – @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
9/19 -  KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
9/26 – @ Baltimore Ravens (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
10/3 – CINCINNATI BENGALS (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
10/10 -  ATLANTA FALCONS (FOX 1:00 p.m.)
10/17 – @ Pittsburgh Steelers  (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
10/24 – @ New Orleans Saints (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
10/31 – BYE WEEK
11/7 – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
11/14 – NEW YORK JETS (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
11/21 – @ Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
11/28 – CAROLINA PANTHERS (FOX 1:00 p.m.)
12/5 – @ Miami Dolphins (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
12/12 – @ Buffalo Bills (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
12/19 – @ Cincinnati Bengals (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
12/26 – BALTIMORE RAVENS (CBS 1:00 p.m.)
12/2 – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (CBS 1:00 p.m.)

Quick Thoughts:

• For over a decade now, the schedule makers had been trying to do the Browns a favor by starting them off at home. Let me speak for the Browns fans when I say: “Thanks, but No Thanks.” In those 11 ‘favors’ the Browns went 1-10, losing their last 5 in a row.
• Now however, for the first time since their rebirth in 1999, the Browns will open their season away. Not saying this turn of events will change the Browns fortunes, but it sure can’t hurt.
• It also can’t hurt that we play the Tampa Bay Bucs and Kansas City Chiefs in our first two games. Seeing as how both will be selecting before Cleveland in Thursdays draft, I don’t think anyone should guffaw at the idea of the Browns starting 2-0.
• Random game I’m looking forward to: New York Jets. Just this offseason, they have picked up: LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Jason Taylor. Last year, they dealt for Braylon Edwards. Huh? Did Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum sign on as Executive Producers of Hard Knocks?
• You also have the whole Rex vs. Rob thing to consider. This will mark the first time the Ryan brothers will compete since Bar Louie’s “Rock the Tot” tater eating competition.
• The fact that the Jets will be this year’s team on Hard Knocks also plays a big role in my interest in the team. Last year, I watched the entire Bengals fourth preseason because I was curious to see if their 5th CB would play well enough make the team. That’s the equivalent of me caring about how Channing Tatum’s latest chick flick did in the box office. I shouldn’t care. I don’t really care. It doesn’t make any sense. The show is just that cool.
• Little known fact: The Browns actually are tied for first with the longest active win streak at 5. And with the addition of Holmgren to the organization, you think that combo might generate just a little excitement. Emphasis on might.
• But the Browns were scheduled for no Monday Night games, no Thursday Night games, no Sunday Night games, and not even Sunday afternoon games. Every game is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
• I’m totally cool with this though. Ever since we Braylon’d it (dropped the ball) in 2008 with all that prime time scheduling, I’m fine with staying away from the limelight for now. Let’s try to earn it with the flex scheduling.
  • Note: After week 10, which includes the Jacksonville game and every game after, the games will be subject to flex scheduling. So if the Browns and Bills walk into week 13 at 12-0 a piece, they’ll probably move it from its 1:00 p.m. spot. (Now feel free to guffaw.)
• This is also the first year that the final game must be a division game. The goal is to keep things competitive and prevent teams from tanking it. With the Ravens and Steelers as the final two games of the year, I can’t help but imagine it will help. No matter what the record, I’m sure I will care more about a finale vs. the Steelers than say, our ’09 opponent in the Jags.
• I’ll hold off from any prediction of the Browns overall Record until after the draft. Plus I don’t want to sour any excitement I may have had at the thought of starting off 2-0.

- Sam

And seeing as how I love lists, I decided to make one of the “Select Seven” guys who would work out the best for the Browns. The way it works is that if the Browns had the top pick, who would they take; then if that guy is gone, who would be next in line, and so forth.

So without any further ado, here is my “Select Seven” for the Browns in 2010:

1) Sam Bradford – QB, Oklahoma Sooners

-  Bradford is the top signal caller in this year’s draft class and is the only true “franchise” quarterback available. He has a rare accuracy and has a stronger arm than most give him credit for. The guy is also a winner, as he led his team to the national title game as a redshirt sophomore while winning the Heisman trophy. The general rule in the NFL draft is that if you don’t have your franchise guy behind center, you simply don’t pass him up. Especially if Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace sit atop your depth chart.

2) Ndamukong Suh – DT, Nebraska Cornhuskers

- The recent arrest of Shaun Rogers makes this look smart, but I would have had him up here anyways. Suh is an absolute beast and is viewed as the surest thing in this draft. I’ve always believed that great teams are built in the trenches and having this guy in the trenches on your side is sure to stack the cards in your favor.

3) Gerald McCoy – DT, Oklahoma Sooners

- Another elite talent that is too good to pass up. There is a general consensus that Bradford, Suh and McCoy will be gone in the top three, so unless Holmgren believes enough in one of them to move up and pay the king’s ransom, I don’t see any of these guys in a Browns uniform, unfortunately.

4) Eric Berry – S, Tennessee Volunteers

- Berry is the one of those ballhawks that just always seem to be in the right place to make big time plays at all the right times. I know these types of safeties far too well after having to play both Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu twice a year for all these years. And I say its about time to add one to our team. As mentioned before, Bradford/Suh/McCoy will all definitely be gone early, Berry is the first player on the Select Seven to have a legitimate shot at being the Browns pick at #7.

5) Russell Okung – OT, Oklahoma State Cowboys

- Staying true to my values of establishing the trenches, I’ll go with the guy that can solidify our offensive line. I know he play LT in college and the last thing I am suggesting is to bring in someone to compete with Joe Thomas. That would be sacrilegious. But as the top tackle prospect in the draft, Okung could be moved to the right side and give Cleveland a pair of young and talented bookend tackles unparalleled in the league.

6) Joe Haden – CB, Florida Gators

- Before the combine, Joe Haden was widely regarded as an elite corner prospect. Then he ran that pesky 4.6ish 40 time and suddenly the player everyone thought they knew on tape came into question. He claimed he tried to run with a lower back strain, but people seemed to roll their eyes. But when Haden responded with 40 times in the high 4.3s/low 4.4s at his pro-day, the lower back strain excuse didn’t seem so farfetched. But it feels as though he has not completely regained his pre-combine status among all the draft gurus out there. As for this guy, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, look at the pro-day numbers and stick with the first reaction people had when looking at him on tape: this guy is a stud. With the newly acquired Sheldon Brown, Haden won’t be forced into a starting position and will have to work that much harder to earn a starting spot, something that I believe hindered the development of Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald.

7) C.J. Spiller – RB, Clemson Tigers

- Now this is not a knock on Jerome Harrison. I’ve been a huge J.H. fan since we drafted him in the 5th round in 2006 (He had more all purpose yards than Heisman winner and #2 overall pick Reggie Bush his senior year!). This is simply a pick where I’m not quite excited about anyone else at this pick, and Spiller is the best running back available. Even though we have Jerome Harrison (and Peyton Hillis, I think he can prove to be a solid pick up), I think spiller can add some excitement and a spark to this offense. Even though the Panthers had DeAngelo Williams, I don’t think they regret taking Jonathon Stewart.

*Note: These are all 7 guys I’d really like to have on our team, but I’d say that there are really only 4 that I’d love to see in Berea. So if Berry is off the board (assuming Bradford/Suh/McCoy are all already gone as well), I would be in heavy favor of trading down. I believe we could get similar graded talents a few spots back while acquiring additional picks and saving some cap space – because these rookie salaries are absurd!

As for targets after a trade down, off the top of my head there are some more offensive tackles (Brian Bulaga, Anthony Davis, Trent Williams), some defensive linemen (Derrick Morgan and Jared Odrick), and defensive backs (Earl Thomas, Kyle Wilson) that could all be available.

-Sam