The real drama unfolded yesterday between Phil Savage and Ozzie Newsome, when our guy, Phil, traded picks with Oz. Phil passed on Ngata and Bunkley and took Wimbley. Obviously what that said was Phil liked Wimbley better than both lineman. Ozzie took the lineman, Ngata. Obviously, what that said is Oz liked the lineman better the linebacker / pass rush guy.
Make no mistake about this Browns fans, this was a big decision made by both personnel chiefs. Remember, we had needs in both areas in round one and Phil made his call. He stuck his neck out. In my mind this will be the pick that follows Phil around for years to come. Should he have taken Ngata, should he have taken Bunkley? Was Newsome right in taking Ngata? Was Newsome right in passing on Bunkley?
Phil and Oz, two guys who worked well together in Baltimore, and two guys who can still work well together while manning their posts in rival cities. That is not a bad thing.
What is most important is how the players they selected will perform on the field. It will be good drama to see if Phil was more right that Oz on this one. Remember, in reality we needed both Ngata and Wimbley and Phil made his choice.
But as Phil said before the draft, we can't fill all needs on draft day. Let's hope he filled the biggest one.
Final Note: Domata Peko, NT, from Michigan State, would also be a great pick today. He is a space eater who can stuff the run...and he has great hair. You win with big people.