Let's face it, no one really knows for sure which players at the top of the draft are going to make it big, bust or just be mediocre.
In this year's edition we have five players who have separated themselves from the pack-- J.Russell, B Quinn, A.Peterson, C. Johnson and J.Thomas.
Back in 2000 there was a big debate amongst Browns' fans--do we go with Courtney Brown or Lavar Arrington? I was an Arrington guy. With the benefit of history, we realize now that neither lived up to expectations.
So, how should history, uncertainty and the role that potential plays effect the Browns first pick in '07?
Simple. Look at the positions the top five guys play and use that as a key ingredient in making your choice as to whom the Browns should take in round one. We have two quarterbacks, one running back, one wide receiver and one offensive left tackle.
Free agency is barely a week old. Who were the first players signed? Which position garnered the most money? Right out of the shoot Steinbach, Dockery, Davis all signed for $50mm. Yes, Clements had that record contact, but I would argue that was more of the exception than the rule. The point is, linemen, good ones and average ones for that matter, are hard to find and they are in high demand. Today we see running back movement in free agency--Henry, Lewis etc. That is because GMs around the league took care of the priority first, the offensive line.
For years Browns fans have lusted for the Orlando
Paces, Walter Jones and Tony Bosellis to shake free in free agency. It
never happened. That is why if Joe Thomas is available at three he should
be the pick. A good line makes the skill positions better. Don't get
me wrong, there isn't one player of the Fab Five that I wouldn't want to have on
our roster. They all played great in college. They all have the
prototype numbers, but they don't all play offensive left tackle. This
could be the first year that we finally can get our hands on that left tackle
that has eluded us since Doug Dieken retired. Do you remember there once
was a time when for over 30+ years the Browns had only three left
tackles--Groza, Schafrath and Dieken. Now it seems we have a
different left tackle each season. It is time to bring stability to that
position once and for all.
If Thomas is all that he is supposed to be, he
should step in and start from day one. Then you could leave Steinbach at
his natural left guard position, Fraley at center, perhaps Tucker at right guard
and Shaffer at right tackle. Not bad huh?
As for Droughns and Lewis... I see where the
Browns are going to move Droughns one way or the other. I would have
preferred to keep both and put that position to bed. We could have had two
power backs. Now with just Lewis (and I do think he has a bit
more talent than Reuben) we have to go out and get another running
back. This is an example of spinning your wheels. You don't give
away good football players. This reminds me of the Jeff Faine move last
year.
On another subject. Admit
it. Isn't this time of year like Christmas for us Browns fans? We
wait breathlessly for news of the next possible signing. Then when you get
one it gives you a high for about 24 hours. Then you come down and you
need another rumor that turns into reality. Yes we are all geeks in our
own way. At least this is the fun time of year for Cleveland fans.
Lord knows when May 1 rolls around the fun ends. Why May 1? That is
about the time the first minicamp is held and surely this year's Sean Jones will
tear up a knee in a non-contact drill--gosh I shouldn't have said
that.