The Cleveland Browns are preparing a pretty good smoke screen as to what they are going to do in the NFL Draft, which will occur later this month. Reports have the team looking at cornerbacks, safeties, quarterbacks, defensive linemen, and offensive linemen.
Since three of these spots are on the defensive side of the ball, it’s safe to say that Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert feel the need to improve on that side of the line of scrimmage.
Last week, they made another move to help out in that area.
They traded a 4th round pick, a 5th round pick, and backup linebacker Alex Hall to Philadelphia for cornerback Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong. The initial reaction is trading a couple of mid-round picks and a reserve player for two guys who will likely start for you is always a good thing.
The team continues to have five selections in the draft’s first 92 picks.
Brown, 31, gives the team an experienced corner to go with Eric Wright. He started all 16 games for the Eagles, picking off five passes. He is most definitely an upgrade over Brandon McDonald and Mike Adams, who started last season.
Gocong, who is just 26 years old, has started 35 games for Philadelphia, and can play both the inside and outside linebacking positions. He is also expected to play special teams for the Browns.
He was mentioned during Heckert’s introductory press conference as a guy both he and coach Eric Mangini liked coming out of college, but Heckert’s Eagles picked him before Mangini’s Jets could.
Outside of upgrading the quarterback position, there is no question the defense was a huge concern for the new administration, particularly the secondary. If Eric Berry from Tennessee drops to the seventh spot in the draft, which it appears more likely he will, the Browns will jump to get him.
That would replace half of last year’s starting secondary, with Berry replacing the oft-injured Brodney Pool, who was let go prior to the free agency period.
If Berry isn’t available, then the Browns can turn to CB/S Earl Thomas or USC S Taylor Mays to help the secondary.
There is no way to project who will start at what spot among the linebackers, because of the flexibility the brown and orange have picked up in the off-season. Newly signed free agent Scott Fujita can also play both spots.
It would also not be a surprise if Holmgren and Heckert went for another linebacker with one of their first five picks in a few weeks.
The point is this. Just like last season, the Cleveland Browns need an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. The AFC North has good quarterbacks and intimidating defenses. Think about Troy Polamalu with the Steelers and Ray Lewis with the Ravens.
The Browns need both of these things. Holmgren will target the QB in the second or third rounds, but he can use the first round choice to get that defensive player.
Now is the time to make the move.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 