The 2009 NFL Draft has brought on eight new rookies who will be competing from various roster spots. Let's see how they matchup with the current roster.
Round 1 – Alex Mack, C, California
Incumbent: Hank Fraley
Mack is ready to play right now, and Fraley has had a down year. It would be surprising to see this be much of a battle, unless a holdout on Mack's part. What could end up being fortuitous for the Browns is that pick 21 last year was Falcons offensive tackle Sam Baker, so it shouldn't be too difficult to negotiate.
Fraley was the savior of the LeCharles Bentley disaster and a great locker-room asset, but his days as a starter are finished in the NFL. In fact, it wouldn't even be a surprise to see Fraley let go from the roster at some point.
2009 role: Starter
Round 2 – Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
Incumbent: Donte' Stallworth
With the pending legal issues in front of Stallworth, expecting anything from him would be silly. Even without the legal issues, Stallworth was a massive disappointment in 2008 due to injuries and lack of production. He was only kept on roster because his bonus was guaranteed.
Robiskie is a smart and polished receiver. He understands the game well and has good technical skills. He may not be ready yet to be the number two receiver, but a trial by fire is likely ahead of him.
2009 role: Starter
Round 2 – Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
Incumbent: Syndric Steptoe/David Patten
The Browns issues at receiver depth were addressed with the selection of Massaquoi. Because of injuries last season, Steptoe was forced to start five games. He averaged only 9.6 yards per catch and struggled.
Adding Patten in free agency was done to help stabilize a young group of receivers with shaky hands. He is a solid possession receiver with good hands. He will likely hold on to a roster spot before Steptoe does.
Massaquoi probably will max out as a rookie as a fourth receiver. He will be given the playbook slowly, but like Robiskie has a ceiling of being a number two receiver in a few seasons.
2009 role: Backup, second string
Round 2 – David Veikune, DE/OLB, Hawaii
Incumbent: David Bowens/Alex Hall
The Brows had a hole at strong-side linebacker heading into the draft. Right now the Browns look to have mostly subs and adding Veikune didn't change that image.
Bowens will probably get the nod as the starter, but he's not as effective in a full-time role. He is mostly a pass-rush specialist. Hall is intriguing because of his upside, but he is not a product of this regime. The Browns may want to spend more time developing their own product.
Veikune posted a great workout at the Combine (see video below) but he is highly inexperienced. Veikune has good hustle and a feel for the game, but can he be more than just a high motor player? He should carve out a role on special teams this year, but the Browns need him to become a full time player.
2009 role: Backup, second string
Round 4 – Kaluka Maiava, LB, Southern California
Incumbent: Leon Williams/Beau Bell
The loss of Andra Davis was offset by the addition of former Jet Eric Barton, but he's not a long-term solution. Also, the Browns have to develop depth in their linebacking corps. Adding someone with the upside to compete for a starting job in 2010 looked to be key.
Adding Maiava may not provide that spark. He's a productive, smart run defender who shows good awareness in short-zone coverage. Maiava has the makeup of a good special teams linebacker and backup, but he may not be able to carve out more of a niche than that.
Realistically, in front of him there is a battle for a roster spot. Both Bell and Williams are products of the Savage regime, and have huge question marks with this staff. Williams may not have the smarts to be a Mangini linebacker, and Bell may not stay healthy long enough to make his mark.
2009 role: Special teams contributor, third string
Round 6 – Don Carey, CB, Norfolk State
Incumbent: Corey Ivy/Hank Poteat
This pick may end up becoming one of the more interesting battles in camp. Ivy and Poteat are fighting for the nickel and dime jobs, and both have carved out good NFL careers in those roles. Ivy is a favorite of general manager George Kokinis, and Poteat the same for Mangini.
Carey's best bet is to make the roster as the nickel back. He has good awareness in zone coverage (notice that all of these picks are "smart" players). Carey has to have a huge camp, though, to win a job.
2009 role: Practice squad
Round 6 – Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State
Incumbent: Gerard Lawson
With only so many spots in the secondary, both Carey and Francies are fighting for a spot. It's unlikely both make the final 53-man roster also. Francies may have a better shot to make the squad though because of his size and ability to play special teams. The Browns lack a corner over six-feet tall on the roster before the selection of Francies.
To make the roster though, he'll have to beat out Lawson, who played on special teams as a rookie. Lawson can return kicks and play on coverage units. Luckily, Francies can do all of the same things.
2009 role: Special teams contributor
Round 6 – James Davis, RB, Clemson
Incumbent: Noah Herron/Jerome Harrison
With the Browns likely to only carry three running backs on their final roster, Davis gives good competition for the two veterans Herron and Harrison. Davis is a productive power running back with nice elusiveness. He was not as productive as a senior due to a poor offensive line at Clemson, but he still averaged 4.4 yards per carry.
Herron is another former Jet who was brought over due to his familiarity with the coaching staff. He is a limited athlete though, and is mostly a journeymen in the NFL. Harrison has big play potential, and provides the best competition for Davis.
2009 role: Third running back
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