tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Browns Draft: So Far So Good!!!

The Cleveland Browns made a steal with the trade that saw them get 4 extra picks from Atlanta, including the Falcons 2012 1st and 2nd round picks.  So far the Browns have used their first three picks to address needs, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

The selection of Phil Taylor in the first round came out of nowhere as I really had not heard much about Taylor in 1st round mock drafts.  However, it makes sense to have a big body in the middle of the line.  With Shawn Rogers gone, Taylor should be able to team up with Rubin to provide a difficult interior to run against.

Their first pick on Day 2 was an excellent one.  The selection of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Jabaal Sheard, fills a need that the Browns have had forever: a legitimate pass rusher.  I recall seeing a couple of Pitt games this past season and Sheard did make an impression.  If Sheard can play to his potential and Taylor can be a run stopping force, the Browns have the making of an very good defensive line, again something they haven't had in years.  In order to compete in the AFC North, you need a physical, tough defense. Add Sheard and Taylor with T.J. Ward, Rubin, Joe Haden and Scott Fujita and the Browns slowly begin to get playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

With their second pick in the 2nd round, that they received from Atlanta, the Browns took wide receiver Greg Little from North Carolina.  In reading mock drafts, Little's name was often mentioned as a second round pick and the Browns were at some points tied to him. Little is big, quick and excellent running after the catch.  He played in a west coast offense at North Carolina so the system in Cleveland should be easy for him to pick up.  The concern is that he missed the entire season last year as he was suspended for taking gifts. (Hmmmm.....Pryor and company get 5 games??)

As we all now there are no guarantees with draft picks.  At this time of year, each team believes that they have helped themselves.  None of these 3 Brown picks come without some concerns, mainly character issues.  But I'm optimistic based on Tom Heckert's track record in Philadelphia and last year in Cleveland.  I also think its clear that he gets the message that the defense needs to be tough and since they've been back, the Browns defense has been far from it.  It certainly would have been real sexy to take Julio Jones, but Jones would not have made a difference next year.  The added picks set the Browns up nicely as they potentially have 3 starters already selected and are set up nicely for the rest of the draft and more next year.  2012: 2 1st rounders and 2 2nd rounders.

The future looks bright.  Finally, there is hope in Believeland!!!!