With the start of NFL training camp coming at the end of the month coming up I thought I’d do a quick write up about each of the Browns’ second-day draft picks. Why only the second day picks you ask? The answer is quite simple; we had already read or heard enough about first day picks Joe Thomas, Brady Quinn, and Eric “Eazy-E” Wright that…well, need I say more? I think we all get the idea.
Melila Purcell – DE – HawaiiAs I’ve
mentioned a couple weeks ago, the Browns have a dire need on the defensive line of epic proportions; along with Chase Pittman, the team also selected Melila Purcell out of the University of Hawaii. Though some figured Purcell may end up being an un-drafted free agent (likely based on 4-3 projections), Browns GM Phil Savage decided to burn a sixth round pick on the big 6-5, 289 pound lineman from American Samoa.
If this guy actually sticks with the team, could this potentially signal a future in which fans in the Pound start dressing up like the former WCW tag team stars the
Samoan Swat Team? Hey, if we can draft Brady Quinn to sell jerseys and get the ladies excited, then I think we should guarantee this guy a roster spot. If so, I think someone better tell the
Frye Guys to move over. I am officially on the record to say that this has to happen. Who’s with me?!?!
Hopefully, I don't run into Purcell in Berea this weekend...Purcell comes to the Browns on the heels of a pretty successful career at college football’s “other” U…the Fighting Rainbows of Hawaii! While in school, Mel gained some valuable experience in the Rainbows’ 3-4 defensive scheme as an end. This past year Purcell put the lay on opposing backfields for 9 ½ sacks, 15 ½ tackles for loss, 16 quarterback pressures while also picking up the Ben Yee Most Inspirational Player Award. Mel was also a defensive teammate of Lions second round pick Ikaika Alama-Francis.
Some strengths Purcell brings to the table include: solid pass rushing skills, good range, and experience in the 3-4 system. Some noticeable weaknesses that he’ll have to work on include developing some overall consistency to his game as well as working on his ability to shed blockers once he’s tied up. However, the one area Mel is really consistent in is his injury history. Purcell has battled various elbow and chest injuries throughout his tenure at Hawaii.
Purcell’s overall outlook, like Pittman, is going to be somewhat interesting. He is certainly going to benefit from the fact that by November the entire Browns projected starting defensive line group of Roye, Smith, and Washington will all be at least thirty years old (uh-oh). Either way, Mel has to like his chances to make this roster…at least for 2007.
Hey, like Pittman, at least he’s with the right franchise for a late round pick to make an NFL roster. Over the past 25 or so years, aside from 5th round pick Rob Burnett in 1990, the Browns haven’t had too much luck with mid to late round d-linemen. This year Phil Savage took a shot on two for the defensive line. Assuming recent history is an indicator, if one of them is a hit, then Browns will feel like they’ve hit the lottery.
NFL Comparison: former '95 Browns 5th round pick Tau Pupua - DT - Weber St.
Read the complete post at http://kidcleveland.blogspot.com/2007/07/introducing-melila-purcell.html