AFC North draft analysis: Cleveland Browns
We will conclude our breakdown of how AFC North teams fared in the draft with a look at the Cleveland Browns.
A list of Cleveland's draft picks:
UNLV LB Beau Bell (Fourth round, 104th overall)
Missouri TE Martin Rucker (Fourth round, 111th overall)
Iowa State DT Ahtyba Rubin (Sixth round, 190th overall)
Wisconsin WR Paul Hubbard (Sixth round, 191st overall)
St. Augustine DE Alex Hall (Seventh round, 231st overall)
Obviously, that's not the whole story. Cleveland traded its first-round pick to the Cowboys for the 22nd pick in the '07 draft, which the Browns used to take quarterback Brady Quinn. Cleveland also took steps to strengthen its defense, which ranked 30th in the NFL last season, allowing 359.6 yards per game. The Browns traded their second-round pick (56th overall) to the Packers for defensive lineman Corey Williams. Williams, 27, has had 14 sacks over the past two seasons.
One defensive lineman was not enough for Phil Savage and company, however. The Browns also sent cornerback Leigh Bodden and their third-round pick to the Lions for 6-foot-4, 340-pound defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.
While Quinn might not see the field this season if Derek Anderson plays well, Williams and Rogers are expected to contribute immediately.
As for the players they drafted, Bell is expected to play middle linebacker, according to The Plain Dealer (Cleveland). The article says Bell has a learning disability and ran a 4.9 40-yard dash, possibly due to a bruised knee.
Meanwhile Rucker stands at 6 feet 5, 251 pounds and is the little brother of recently retired defensive lineman Mike Rucker.
Here's a roundup of how the national media assessed the Browns' draft:
ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. gives Cleveland a B+.
Here's what SI.com's Dr. Z says about the Browns' draft:
The first of five choices starts at round four with LB Bo Bell. They say he's mean. I know why. He's lonely. Earlier deals for DT Shawn Rogers (Lions) and DE Corey Williams (Packers) took their toll, which wouldn't be so bad, except that Cleveland had to throw in a gifted corner, Leigh Bodden, and I don't think that was such a good idea.
CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco gives the Browns a B+:
Trading away their top three picks before the draft started. I like the moves, but some will question them. If Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams don't work out at defensive tackle, they will be ripped for trading the picks.
Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports gives the Browns a C:
Rucker is a good backup to have for TE Kellen Winslow. This is a really difficult draft to analyze because the Browns traded away their first day of the draft. The first-round pick was dealt last year for Brady Quinn. Then they dealt the other picks for the likes of DTs Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. The Quinn deal has yet to pan out but it could be great. Rogers and Williams were both huge needs, a sign that the Browns are playing for today. This is the type of draft where they could have problems down the road if the roster gets old in a hurry. Bell is a decent interior LB prospect, but he has been hurt.
John Czarnecki of FoxSports.com gives the Browns a D:
The Browns' big draft was last season and GM Phil Savage took Saturday off. UNLV linebacker Beau Bell was a solid pick in the fourth round, and he should help on special teams. Bell had 323 tackles in college. Missouri TE Martin Rucker is the younger brother of recently retired Mike Rucker, and he caught eight touchdowns last season. Rucker is not the deep threat Kellen Winslow is, but he can definitely sit down in a zone.
Click here for the Bengals draft analysis. And here for the Steelers draft analysis.
Comments
They have a lot of talent, but I don't know who they are going to play in the secondary that is any good. The Williams trade made sense, but the Rodgers one did not. He would have been worth the 3rd rounder, but not the best cover corner they had as well.
He has been wildly inconsitant in Detroit, and has had a recent steroid suspension.
The other off season move I question was the Stallworth signing. He was pretty good at YAC and has great speed, but they already had a real good WR core, and Cribbs seemed ready to step up into the role.
They are going to be tough this year, and if you are trying to win a SB now it is better to go with vets than rookies.
They have pretty good depth, and the Giants did show that a dominant front 4 pass rush can make up for a shaky secondary. Rodgers and Williams are going to give them better run defense, but other than Wimbley, I don't see much of a pass rushing threat.
Posted by: JJ | May 9, 2008 11:11 AM
How can you seriously use the SB (for Superbowl) concerning the Browns? They have never been in one and aren't on the verge of getting there. Playoffs, maybe, if all the moves pay off - Superbowl no way. They need a defense to do that.
Posted by: Jiji N | May 9, 2008 5:46 PM
JJ. the browns were playing some really youngs guys in the secondary last season. It has nothing to do with not have anyone is the secondary that "isnt any good". They have talent and with some more time under their belt I think the secondary will be better this year. Also the help on the D-line will help. Rogers had 7 sacks last year and thats a guy everyone says only plays half the game and is outta shape. People forget rogers is going to have a totally different job in cleveland, he's there to free up linebackers. Watch wimbiley have a big year with a good amount of sacks. I think the browns will have a good team this year and their D will be greatly improved. also the stallworth trade I agree with be Joe J will be retiring within the next year or two so that gives you a guy to take his place and not lose a step.
Posted by: Tk | May 10, 2008 12:24 AM
The Clowns su*k!
Posted by: Drew | May 10, 2008 1:36 AM
I don't think they will win the SB or even the division, but I understand why they are trying to this season.
I think they will be in contention, and may be our toughest division opponent. They have a pretty good O line, better than Pitt and Cincy, and they have better skill guys over all.
The defense was not terrible last year, but I still doubt Rodgers or Williams will do much to improve the secondary. Stuffing the run however they should be a lot better at this year.
Posted by: JJ | May 10, 2008 11:16 AM
Man I sure can sense the fear and jelousey for the browns in some of those comments. Browns S.B. Champs 08
Posted by: bman | May 11, 2008 12:17 AM
I hate the browns we took there team and now they have a vendetta against us. Phill Savage has snake bitten the Ravens on many occasions, stealing players off the practice squad. Derek Anderson?????????
Posted by: Spike Foy | May 11, 2008 10:20 AM
Well, I'm not sure about going to the Superbowl this year, but I am certain of one thing. Browns will sweep the Ravens. Count on it.
Posted by: Brownsrule | May 13, 2008 11:53 AM
Speaking of the Browns , they wont sneak up on anyone this year . High expectations can really impact a team . And dont forget good old injury bug .
Count on it .
Posted by: Allan | May 14, 2008 9:20 AM
its not the browns fault that the ravens place players on the practice squad that have potential. Phil Savage made a wise move in 'plucking' Derek Anderson from the Ravens.
Posted by: WS8 | May 14, 2008 5:58 PM
The Browns beat one team with a winning record. I am really shaking in my boots, now. They are no longer the doormat of the NFL but I think they are going to be another version of the Bungels. One good season turns them into the media darlings, only to have them not meet the high expectations. The Browns cracked under the pressure last year. They needed to beat Cinci to seal the deal for the playoffs and they couldnt pull it off. I doubt that changes this year.
Posted by: Chase | May 15, 2008 11:29 AM