Since the Browns returned in 1999 and the playoffs have been a rumor for most of that time, the most popular thing for the fans to look forward to is the NFL Draft.
It’s like the Super Bowl. It’s an event that’s debated for four months, from immediately after the season ends until the actual day of the draft. The players in the draft go from being the favorite of the fans to not desired, to back as a popular choice.
That happened last season to Joe Haden, and he turned out quite nicely for the Browns.
Many gurus have Cleveland picking a wide receiver with their first round selection, the 6th overall pick, in this year’s draft. This is based on the 2010 starting wideouts being Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie.
However, it is likely that GM Tom Heckert will follow the same strategy as he did last year and go with defense first in 2011.
Notice that most of the veterans released last week played on that side of the football. Therefore, the defense needs to be rebuilt, and what better way to do it than in the draft.
There should be no question that this is biggest area of need, especially on the front seven, which right now probably has three starters: T Ahtyba Rubin, and LBs Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong. That leaves four spots open.
There is no question that this franchise needs a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. Name the last great Browns’ defensive player? Not an All Pro player, a Hall of Fame defensive player who put fear in opponents.
It can’t be done. At least, there is no player who suited up for the Browns in the last 40 years that fits that description.
That’s what this team needs more than anything, especially in the AFC North. They need a Ray Lewis or Troy Polamalu type. And picking this high in the draft gives them an opportunity to go out and get one.
One position that is not an area of pressing need is quarterback. Whether or not you think Colt McCoy is the answer, you have to believe he is an upgrade to the people who have called signals since Derek Anderson’s remarkable 2007 campaign.
Many people are pointing to Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton as the 1st round pick to get a guy to compete with Ben Roethlisberger or Joe Flacco.
While Newton has all the physical tools to play QB in the NFL, he’s still was a spread option guy in college and therefore is a bit of a risk. He’s also played just one year of major college football. He is simply too big of a gamble for the Browns, when they have glaring needs on defense.
It comes down to what is more of a position of need: Defensive front seven or quarterback? Even McCoy’s biggest critic would have to admit the Browns need a big time defensive player in order to be a factor in this division.
As for the wide receiver need, the Browns probably feel that with a better offensive system, the guys they have will improve.
The wild card here is last year’s 6th round pick, WR Carlton Mitchell. One of the mysteries of last season was that Mitchell couldn’t or wouldn’t be allowed to be on the field.
Also, remember that in a lot of cases, good quarterbacks make good receivers. McCoy’s continued progress will make the wide outs look better.
Yes, the Browns have offensive needs such as another lineman and another receiver would be helpful. However, the biggest need on this football team is defense. That’s where the sixth pick in the draft should be used.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 