Browns trade again, take tight end
The Browns have just traded into the fourth round again. With pick 111 in the draft, they took tight end Martin Rucker from Missouri.
No word on this or the previous trade. Both were with Dallas, who the Browns traded with last year to pick Brady Quinn in the first round.
The Rucker trade is a little questionable. Clearly Kellen Winslow is the starter, but Steve Heiden has been a very good backup. Yes, he just had back surgery, but it's nothing serious.
Here's the skinny on Rucker from my site:
Rucker is one of the top 15 seniors in the 2008 NFL Draft class. His size, experience and production make him an intriguing prospect. Before his junior season, Rucker was stuck in an offense built around the running of Brad Smith. Since Chase Daniel has been the quarterback, Rucker has flourished and graduated as the most prolific receiver in the history of the university.
The Browns supposedly gave up next year's third-round choice to take Rucker. Earlier in the season, Phil Savage referred to Rucker as a first round player, so I'm sure he's happy with the pick. Some Browns fans on Scout.com are not so happy. Most wanted a cornerback.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Rucker's a smart pick. He was easily the top TE, even though he fell down the boards. Looking at Rucker, it gives the Browns a position of strength to negotiate with Winslow now.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Rucker has speed too… and he's used to lining up out wide in Missouri's funky offense. Wonderful pick.