The Draft

Even though the Cavaliers have just began their playoff run, my mind is still on Cleveland's first love, the Browns.

As many of you probably know, the NFL Draft begins this Thursday, April 22 (Not a fan of how they split up the draft this year but that's a different story). If my readers are like me and look at every mock draft on this side of the Mississippi, it shows that nothing in this draft is concrete and for sure like other years. Will the Browns trade up? Will the Browns trade down? Will we go offense or defense? If you know somebody that has the answer to that, tell them to tweet at me (@Beaufait1). The thing is, nobody, save the Browns front office, knows what the Browns are going to do, let alone want to do. This draft is very top heavy when it comes to defense, but the skill position players on offense are nothing to write home about, and the ones who have the potential have some serious question marks. Lets take a look at some of them.

QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma- Spectacular sophomore season won him the Heisman Trophy. Decided to comeback for his junior year which almost cost him. Had a shoulder injury in first game of season against BYU, then reaggravated it against Texas. Some teams are scared that his shoulder may not be 100%. His pro day tells otherwise. The St. Louis Rams hold the #1 pick and do not seem worried.

WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State- TREMENDOUS talent, but will he ever mature. Throw a jumpball within 3 galaxies of this kid, and no doubt he is coming down with it. Missed much of his junior campaign because he lied about working out with Deion "Primetime" Sanders (what the H-E double hockey sticks, I know right). That doesn't show immaturity, but reports out of Stillwater makes many wonder if this kid would be a distraction in the locker room (seems like me first type player). Was once a consensus top 10 pick, but has recently been slipping down draft boards.

RB CJ Spiller, Clemson- Another great talent. Played with current Browns RB James Davis at Clemson as part of the Thunder (James) and Lightning (CJ) tandem. CJ is a great player because of his speed (he's from Florida, surprise?). Speed does not cut it in NFL (unless your #28 and are a Titan). You have to be able to get those few extra yards and not be afraid to lower your shoulder and deliver a pop. Should be a great returner.

As I said earlier, the defense in this class is very nice at the top. As much as I would love the Browns to get Ndonkeykong Suh or Gerald McCoy, lets be realisitic, it's not going to happen. And with the Browns acquiring CB Sheldon Brown from the Eagles, Haden will no longer be an option. I believe the Browns should try and improve the secondary even more with a safety. Whether we find a way to get SuperSafety Eric Berry out of Tennessee, trade down a few and get Earl Thomas out of the other UT, or make a play for Taylor Mays later in the draft. The Browns lack a gamebreaker on D, especially now with Shaun Rogers fiasco, and I believe any of these guys can provide the spark. A secondary of Eric Berry, E Wright, Abe Elam, and Sheldon Brown? Hmm...sounds intriguing.

With D'Qwell coming back, Scott Fujita coming from New Orleans, and getting Chris Gocong from Philly, I would be shocked to see us go linebacker in first couple of rounds. We picked up Tony Pashos from San Fran (Praise the Lord we do not have to see John St. Clair) so going OL early isn't very likely as well. Those are the only two positions I do not see us needing to upgrade in the first few rounds.

Here are my predictions for the Browns draft:

(Note: Would not be surprised to see a trade to move up a few spots in first round. Would involve 3rd round selections)

1st round, 7th pick-Eric Berry, S, Tennessee.

I think the Browns find a way to snag him. He's a ball hawk, big hitter, you name it. Got great coaching in college by former Bucs DC Monte Kiffin. Would help Browns tremendously. Has his own song, too, by the way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr2MOiEnnF8

Others to consider: QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame. RB CJ Spiller, Clemson. S Earl Thomas, Texas.

2nd round, 38th pick- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas.

Browns have raved about him so far. Would have a year or two to learn under crafty veteran Jake Delhomme. Is a big need.

Others to consider: WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame. S Nate Allen, USF. WR Damian Williams, USC. WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois. QB Tim Tebow, Florida.

3rd Round, 71st pick- Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson.

Speedster, ran a 4.28 at combine. Steve Smith looked good with Delhomme in Carolina, so maybe Ford could make an impact.

Others to consider: RB Ben Tate, Auburn. LB Brandon Spikes, Florida. DT Torell Troup, UCF.

3rd Round, 85th pick- Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee.

All purpose type of back. Good hands out of backfield and isn't afraid to get the little yards. Decent speed. Had a lot of little nagging injuries in college.

Others to consider: LB Jason Worilds, Va Tech. DE/OLB Alex Carrington, Arkansas State.

3rd round, 92nd pick- Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Ohio State.

Local product (Euclid). Great athlete. Should have had more sacks his junior year, but is very active. Good OLB in 3-4.

Other to consider: Major Wright, S, Florida. Novarro Bowman, LB, Penn State.

5th round, 134th pick- Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia.

Got Pashos, but he's 29. Need to start molding some youngins.

Others to consdier: Who cares its 5th round.

5th round, 146th pick- David Pender, CB, Purdue.

Can never have too many corners.

5th round, 160th pick- CJ Wilson, DL, East Carolina.

Need to create some depth across DL.

6th round, 177th pick- Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse.

We got 2 WR's early last year. Mo looks good. Robiskie is a question mark. Williams is a talent, low risk, high reward.

6th round, 186th pick- Clay Harbor, TE, Missouri State.

No Heiden = Trouble.

That's all folks. GO BROWNS, TRIBE, and CAVALIERS!

Comments are appreciated