Team need: Cornerback
Posted April 21st, 2008 by Dan
This week, I'm going to preview the position needs for the Browns in the upcoming NFL Draft. The following is the first part of a very special ordinary five-part series. Each position will be given a likelihood — strong, average and low.
Likelihood: Strong
What's there: After trading Leigh Bodden to Detroit, the Browns will choose from Daven Holly, Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald for the two starting spots. Outside of Wright, who played well last season, this could be a shaky unit. Players like Kenny Wright and A.J. Davis are only backups and Gary Baxter is too big of an unknown to rely on.
Position strength in draft: Even though it's possible about 15 cornerbacks will be off the board by the time the Browns pick at No. 122, there are still some quality players left.
Who to target: Zackary Bowman (Nebraska), Charles Godfrey (Iowa), Antwaun Molden (Eastern Kentucky), Tyvon Branch (Connecticut) Patrick Lee (Auburn).
Final thoughts:To my knowledge, the Browns have worked out all of those players with the exception of Lee.
Bowman has had an up-and-down career filled with injuries, so I don't think he'd be a sound choice because the team really needs to hit on a cornerback.
Godfrey is a big, physical cornerback who can be a little reckless because he likes to hit.
Molden is an unknown. Read his scouting report here. Some have considered Molden a possible second-round pick, so he'll probably be gone. Phil Savage supposedly likes him a lot, so if he's there in the early part of round four, the Browns could pounce.
Branch is big and fast (5'11, 204 pounds, 4.31 40-yard dash). However, his athleticism is somewhat lacking and he doesn't get many interceptions.
Lee was a one-year wonder for Auburn. He played really well as a senior and is really physical (which is needed given Eric Wright's lack of pop against the run). He's not as fast as the others listed, though.
The pick: Godfrey. He's everything the Browns could need in a corner and could start as a rookie. Read more about Godfrey after the jump.
As a senior, Godfrey had five interceptions and nine pass break ups. Solid enough numbers. The best thing about Godfrey is that he can provide some depth if he doesn't start. He could be a good backup at cornerback and a solid free safety backup.
