Cleveland Browns 2008 NFL Draft Needs
June 8, 2008
The Browns have more optimism heading into their 2008 season than they have any other year since moving back to Cleveland in 1998. Although their 10-6 season resulted in another season out of the playoffs, it was still the most wins they have had in any year since their return. For once, the offense is the cause for all of the excitement in Cleveland. QB Derek Anderson’s strong ‘07 season means the browns can wait on Brady Quinn. Anderson’s value will likely never be higher than it is now, but whoever takes over at QB this season will have two of the best pass-catchers in the AFC in WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. The defense is a another story, as indicated by Larry Cook’s preview of the Browns 2008 NFL Draft needs below.
2008 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Defensive End
The Browns clearly need at least one impact defensive end to fit the 3-4 scheme they play, if not two. Veterans Orpheus Roye and Robaire Smith have had their moments, but Roye is nearing the end of his career. Both might be better off in spot duty rather than starting. The Steelers and Patriots seem to always find those ideal 3-4 defensive ends, but it’s much tougher than they make it look. It’s time for the Browns to get some new options at end after failing to do so in previous years. This is especially the case since head coach Romeo Crennel has indicated the team is sticking with their 3-4 defense.
2.) Nose Tackle
The Browns must bring in some new challengers at nose tackle or the Browns will be forced to start Shaun Smith there. It’s safe to say with Smith starting that the Browns would lack the inside force the Patriots and Steelers have with the likes of Vince Wilforch and Casey Hampton respectively. For a defense that struggles to stop the run, a force in the middle to plug holes and free up linebackers would be essential for the Browns.
3.) Linebacker
The Browns could use a left outside linebacker to match the skills that ROLB Kamerion Wimbley brings to the table. Willie McGinest is probably on his last straw in Cleveland and Antwan Peek has had health troubles as of late. At the least, the Browns must improve their depth at outside linebacker courtesy of the 2008 NFL Draft. If the Browns don’t bring back veteran MLB Andra Davis, inside linebacker becomes a major priority in Cleveland.
4.) Running Back
The Browns want to bring back Jamal Lewis after he resurrected his career in Cleveland last season as an unrestricted free agent. But Lewis enhanced his market value with that strong season. Whether Lewis returns or not, the Browns have to start thinking about a long-term replacement. The Browns like Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison as backups, but they need to add a bigger, more talented back at some point. If Lewis exits, the running back position becomes an even bigger need in Cleveland obviously.
5.) Wide Receiver
The Browns have found their No. 1 receiver in Braylon Edwards, but it’s a little shaky after that. No. 2 starter Joe Jurevicius is steady, but he is unspectacular and the Browns have to find a replacement for him sooner than later. They are hoping that their third-round pick in ‘06 with Travis Wilson can push Jurevicius this season. Tim Carter and Josh Cribbs are other backup receivers. Another pass-catching weapon in the slot would only make the Browns’ offense that much more difficult to defend, opening up more room for Edwards and Winslow to operate.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Rob Chudzinski has more talent to work with than any other Browns offensive coordinator has had in recent years. He took advantage of that talent with an aggressive vertical passing game last season. The Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the business and give great blocking in both running and passing games to give Chudzinski full use of his playbook. WR-PR Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech could be that slot receiver the Browns are looking for in the later rounds. RB Matt Forte of Tulane, WR D.J. Hall of Alabama, ORT-ORG Mike McGlynn of Pittsburgh, RB Mike Hart of Michigan and RB Jalen Parmele of Toledo are a few names the Browns might add courtesy of the 2008 NFL Draft to bolster their offense.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Browns are looking for the right personnel for Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 scheme. Cleveland has always struggled to stop the run and generate a consistent pass rush without the blitz. The Browns will likely use their first three draft selections to find the type of players that can match the 3-4 scheme. DRE Calais Campbell of Miami, LOLB Jeremy Thompson of Wake, DLE Kendall Langford of Hampton, LOLB Darrel Robertson of Georgia Tech, NT Red Bryant of Texas A&M and S Craig Steltz of LSU have to be a few names on their minds to fill these voids on the defensive side of the ball.