Since the truth contained in the subject line is rarely debated, particularly when a team's top selection does not arrive until two-third's the way through Round Four, there is one gamble I prefer to another.
It should be evident the wiser gamble is on a sure-fire talent with injury history than a suspect talent without such physical concerns. This, of course, assumes their characters are comparably clean and that those with the injuries have sufficiently healed.
This preamble is my way of saying Nebraska's CB Zach Bowman and TCU's Tommy Blake head my hoped-for list of 2008 draft candidates for the Cleveland Browns, though ILB is considered the roster's greatest concern.
Bowman and Blake might well have been top-ten projections had not they incurred complications en route to early Day One selection. Bowman was reportedly among the nation's top cover corners as long ago as 2005, possessed with long arms, quick feet, excellent speed, desireable ball skills, bump-and-run qualities and the toughness and technique for tackling. To go with hands and instincts, at 196 and a shade over six foot, Bowman also has prototypical CB size.
Two serious knee injuries interferred, however. Damage was sustained to the patellar in one knee and the ACL in the other.
As for Blake (6-3 255 4.6), his questions are of a more delicate nature, with whispers of depression and bipolar disorder among his afflictions. Subsequent medication caused weight fluctuations tempering his once elite athleticism, characterized by quickness, speed, explosiveness, closing burst, acceleration, a competitive spirit and a very high motor that goes all out on every play. Once a certain top-five overall pick, Blake also has experience in a 3-4 scheme, personifies potential and is famous for behind-the-line tackles.
With Leigh Bodden having gone to Detroit as partial payment for DT Shaun Rogers and with the Browns desperately in need of an edge-rushing complement to ROLB Kamerion Wimbley, Bowman and Blake, respectively, may represent ideal solutions for Browns' GM Phil Savage when finally he gets to participate on Day Two of the NFL draft.
Reportedly, Purdue LB Stanford Keglar may be the GM's target in Round Four. Some feel he might step in immediately as an appreciated inside player. UNLV's Beau Bell is supposedly the guy the team hopes falls to within their trading-up reach, though he did not impress this observer during Mobile's Senior Bowl week. A falling DL could also intrigue, as might the chance to acquire a veteran via trade for one of the Sunday picks. Doubtlessly, you've seen and examined the same prospect lists as have I.
But the two I'm hoping are Cleveland Browns by the end of the annual talent-acquisition process are Bowman and Blake, with Oklahoma State's Rodrick Johnson (6-2 260) my choice for ILB thereafter. The best available, regardless of position, can be the seventh-round option.
When it's time to lock up undrafted rookie free agents, go heavily after OT, ILB and CB depth.
Count me among those who would rather gamble on talented health concerns than on healthy youngsters questionable for their marginal skills. bowman and Blake are dare-to-be-great alternatives.
In closing, may this be a fruitful and memorable weekend for Browns' fans the world over.
Read the complete post at http://www.xanga.com/MALeonard/654151777/draft-as-crap-shoot.html