My picks for the draft. Unless there is a trade, nothing of much significance is gonna happen between now and draft day. Everyone has made up their minds on the players they like, including NFL front offices. And the players are not changing unless maybe we see a Reggie Bush-like drama just prior to the draft. SO here it is, my picks as to
WHAT THE BROWNS SHOULD DO.
- Pick Joe Thomas. Not a sexy pick by any stretch, but c'mon -- the o-line has been poor in Cleveland for so long and this is a opportunity to add another cornerstone and ensure we have a decent line for years to come. People keep coming up with reasons why the Browns won't pick Thomas (too much money on the o-line, he's not a sure-fire dominant player, etc.) but the reality is that Thomas is the safest pick at the top of the draft and he fills not only a current need for the Browns, but a historical one too.
- Draft Calvin Johnson, trade him and move down a spot or three. If CJ is available, you can pick him and be 100% certain you can deal down within a couple spots. The only question is whether the Browns can get "draft chart" value. I say to hell with the draft chart, pick CJ and get what you can, and the Browns are liable to still get the guy they want at pick #4-#6. An extra first day pick is just what this team needs, and moving down even one spot saves a lot of dough.
- Draft Adrian Peterson. I've warmed to the idea of selecting Peterson. I've become convinced he's instantly among the best starting RBs in the league, and Peterson directly affects a huge weakness of the Browns -- running the ball. There's a good chance Peterson is a Ladanian Tomlinson-type prospect, and that's a chance worth taking. While I'd prefer to continue addressing the o-line, a good case can be made that the signing of Steinbech is enough. With all respect to Byner, Mack and Ben Gay, for many years the Browns have sorely missed having a powerhouse running back. I'm all about righting historical wrongs, apparently...
- Draft Gaines Adams. NOBODY seems to have the Browns taking this guy, perhaps because Robaire Smith has been added to the DL. But I think Orpheus Roye could be replaced, or at least a replacement could be groomed. Adams would have no problem fitting the 3-4 scheme and is good enough to make an impact right away. Winning in the trenches is the only way these Browns are going to consistently win games.
- Draft Brady Quinn. I still think Quinn is a smokescreen for the Browns. But between Russell and Quinn, I'll go with Quinn. Russell clearly has more physical talent and the big arm, but he just seems like a guy who's arm is almost too strong -- meaning he overthrows guys a lot and often makes receivers look bad trying to track down his balls. Quinn is not perfect, but his arm is also strong and he seems more comfortable throwing the mid-range passes that separate the good NFL QBs from the bad. Remember, Jeff George and Kyle Boller has strong arms and that didn't mean jack. You need more than that and I get a pretty good feeling that Quinn at least has the right demeanor to lead a team. Maybe RUssell has that, but I wouldn't be able to tell.