Pre-Combine Browns Mock Draft
Posted February 8th, 2009 by Luke Chandler
The Browns holes right now are fairly clear: OLB, RB, CB, FS, OL, and WR; in no particular order. Free agency will of course shape up the Browns roster differently. In free agency, I'm predicting the Browns will do the following:
Retain: SS Sean Jones, FS Mike Adams, CB Daven Holly, TE Darnell Dinkins
Depart: CB Travis Daniels, ILB Andra Davis, OG Seth McKinney, OLB Willie McGinest (retire), LB Shantee Orr, OG Scott Young, OG Lenne Friedman
The Browns have picks in the first, second, fourth, and sixth rounds. The trades they made to diminish their stock are explained here. The Browns could have possibly compensatory picks coming for the loss of DE Simon Fraser,LB Matt Stewart, or LB Chaun Thompson, but that seems unlikely due to the signings of OG Rex Hadnot and WR Donte Stallworth. Also I did not predict any trades because they are too random and hard to decide.
My rankings and round values are all taken from New Era Scouting, and scouting information was also used from Mocking the Draft.
Round 1 – Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
I expect the Browns to draft a productive, versatile, and intelligent defensive player with this pick. They need a stabilizing force for the linebacking corps also. Curry is a highly productive and experienced linebacker who would fit best as the strongside outside linebacker in the Browns 3-4, although some feel he could also play inside.
Other possibilites: CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State), WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), OLB Brian Cushing (Southern California)
Round 2 – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Another key upgrade the Browns are lacking is at wide receiver. Assuming Stallworth is cut due to financial reasons, the Browns will need a second option outside Braylon Edwards. Bey is a physical receiver who can work the middle of the field, and caps out in the NFL as a second receiver.
Other possibilities: DE/LB Paul Kruger (Utah), DE Tyson Jackson (Louisiana State), RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)
Round 4 – Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State
Even if Holly comes back, I'd expect the Browns to make more personnel decisions regarding the backups. Terry Cousin could be sent packing, and the Browns will likely try to develop a corner to push either McDonald or Wright. Lewis is a smart corner with good quickness and smarts. He should be a nice addition as a zone corner, and the Browns were heavily scouting him at the Senior Bowl.
Other possibilities: SS Chip Vaughn (Wake Forest), OT Augustus Parrish (Kent State), RB James Davis (Clemson)
Round 6 – Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M
While it's late in the game, Goodson would be a huge value here. He has questions about durability and translating to the pro game, but he could be developed as a kick returner and third running back, similar to what the Jets did with Leon Washington.
Other possibilities: ILB Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic), SS Courtney Greene (Rutgers), OG Greg Isander (West Virginia)
February 8th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Great mock.I' love Curry or the OT from Bama if we stay at 5. If we can move down to 10-15 we get a guy who falls and more picks.Then the ball is in George's court……Cousins could be gone? You mean he's still around?
February 9th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Most definitely an interesting list of selections, but I'm more astonished to see you don't mention ILB as a serious personnel need. Similarly, you overlook DE, where an impact starter would be equally appreciated.
Not only do I not expect Heyward-Bey to be there at 36 (nor should you), but going away from LB, DE or even OL for any of three possible positions should be very difficult for the Browns to do.
I'd also add, not that you say anything about this in your piece, but I'd suggest fans avoid focusing upon an edge-rusher who might be one-dimensional (however desperately this club needs a pass rush) and recognize greater value might be found in a three-down football player at OLB.
And while I am at it, allow me to remind RBs are a dime a dozen. Good ones can be found on the street at any moment. It has a lot to do with how a given guy fits your system—and that, if he ain't starting, he'd better be able to help on 'teams.
Jus' sayin'.
February 9th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
The Browns have major needs at nearly every position, and you think they could make the playoffs?
February 9th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
This is very interesting. One other thing that could be of value is Derrick Anderson. Living in the Carolinas, Peppers is available and could be had for a trade with Carolina. They could use a good QB and the Browns could get a quality DE for a simple sign and trade proposition.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
What's wrong with OLB Everette Brown and DE Tyson Jackson with the first two picks? Both picks would help the anemic pass rush and help the DL rotation which will aid in stopping the run.
I'm sure we all have our dream scenarios with the top two picks. I just don't want to see the Browns waste a 2nd rounder on a WR this year. The defense and running game need way too much help right now.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Aaron Curry sounds like a good pick , hope he is the one.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:23 am
No mention of Maualauga??
Why?
February 10th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Defense first, before we forget what division we're in. Building from the inside out, inside linebacker first in Curry or possibly Maualauga, or a shutdown corner with free safety possibilities in Jenkins would be a good start with the #5 pick. I wouldn't be surprised if our first two picks were defensive, outside of the o-line, rb,and wr, the offense needs depth, the defense needs starters.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Just looked at the yahoo page mock draft. Steelers projectd to take C Alex Mack and G Herman Johnson . Picks I would like to see the Browns make. Yes Def. wins games , but guess what you also got to score some points too. Quinn or Anderson ? It won't matter if they are on their back in the dirt. Improve the O-Line is my motto this year. Don't tell me how good they were 2 years ago when they looked so good and didn't make the playoffs. A better dominating O-line where we have a running game , QB's not on injured reserve. The Def. off the feild watching long balanced drives ending in TD's will win games. ADD SOME HOGS TO THE DOGS . Or lets watch the Steelers win another super bowl. Maybe Ravens next year boy that would be great .
February 15th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Curry is very impressive but I can't figure out whu aaron maybin of penn state is not being mentioned. His stats are better than curry's on sacks, hurries, turnovers, and his tackle numbers are still good. And he's only a sophomore. I bet the bills take him in first round
February 18th, 2009 at 11:55 am
peppers wants to be an outside LB in a 3 – 4 defense. He does not want to play DE anymore.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
we need to trade down and get 2 of these that will be available,all albackers,Cushing <clay jr or maleagua