Cleveland Browns Post Draft Commentary

The Cleveland Browns had a tumultuous 2008 season winning 4 games. The team never settles on a starting quarterback and such indecision affected the rest of the team. However, in no way were the team’s struggles entirely the fault of the uneven quarterback play. The defense could not stop anyone from running the ball, and the unit only garnered 17 sacks for the season. The Browns fired Romeo Crennel, and then retained him as a member of Eric Mangini’s staff.

The Browns first order of business had to be to address the need for playmakers on offense and pass rushers on defense. The offense is lacking playmakers as Kellen Winslow is in Tampa Bay, Jamal Lewis is on the decline and Donte Stallworth may be in prison. Braylon Edwards is likely to join Winslow in playing for another team sooner rather than later; only exasperating their situation. The Browns drafted two receivers early in 2009 in Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi. Robiskie is a very good route runner and could make an impact early in his career. Massaquoi is inconsistent and drops a great many passes. He needs to become a better catcher of the football if he is to succeed at the next level. Outside of wide receiver, the Browns needed help at TE and running back but chose to rely on Steve Heiden and Robert Royal.

Center was an under the radar need as Hank Fraley is clearly on his way down. The team drafted Alex Mack to fill Haley’s shoes and former Cal Bear should bring a physical style to the pivot that few teams possess. James Davis was brought in to help spell Lewis and provide a dose of speed; something Lewis clearly lacks at this stage of his career. If Davis can prove to be a late round steal, the Browns could reap the rewards as they figure to be a run first team given the personnel and lack of talent on the roster. Controlling the ball could be the game plan in 2009, and Davis could be a big factor in the success or failure of the running game.

Defensively, the Browns needed to find a way to rush the passer. As most fans know the pressure in a 3-4 come from the outside linebackers, and last year Kamerion Wimbley garnered 4 and Willie McGinnest had just 1. Such meager production will just not suffice in the AFC North; a division which features some good quarterback play. The Browns selected David Veikune to come in and fill that role. Veikune is an effort player who uses his hands very well to work his way free. Veikune does not have a great first step, but his effort and hand use allow him to make a great many plays. Chances are Veikune will man the strong side and allow David Bowens to freelance and stay as a backup player. One player that may get overlooked is Kaluka Maiava from USC. Maiava is a very instinctive player, who is always around the ball and is rarely fooled. Don’t be surprised to see this late round pick garner some playing time aside from special teams. Maiava may be a bit undersized, but he is an extremely physical player who will engage blockers without regard for his body. He could be an impact player for the Browns right away.

The Browns secondary did lack some depth, and using an earlier selection to bring in a corner may have been a better idea, but the team did draft two corners with the hopes of ensuring one will make the grade. The Browns did bypass selecting a safety, which was a large need for the team. Mangini and company may have to scour the waiver wire this summer in an effort to bring in some  better candidates for the position. Regardless, the team did improve their depth within the secondary, and every need cannot be filled in one year. Raising the overall talent of the cornerback pool could relieve some pressure on the safeties to make plays. The Browns did have a good draft in my opinion, but is it enough to have the team competitive?

Pre Draft Needs: S, RB, CB, LB, TE, OL