Eventually, it will all be about Brady Quinn in Cleveland...
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1/3 Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
With the third overall selection,
the Browns had plenty of decisions to make regarding their pick. They went with the consensus top offensive
lineman in the draft by taking the bruising tackle out of Wisconsin. His long frame and quickness will allow him
to keep the opposing pass rusher away from whichever quarterback takes the
snaps for the Browns this season. Given
the amount of time that Charlie Frye
had to throw last year, and additional seconds that Thomas can provide will
only mean better things for Braylon Edwards
and Kellen Winslow, Jr.
1/22 Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Cleveland would’ve chosen Quinn
with the third overall spot if the cards fell right, but traded up to get him
at 22. He’s one of the top QB prospects
coming into this season, but has yet to sign a deal and has been rumored to
possibly hold out into camp. If Quinn does
hold out, expect an even longer arrival for the rookie as the entire staff is
learning a new offense and Quinn would be that much more behind. Look for Quinn to take a few snaps by the
end of the season, as he’s obviously the quarterback of the future for
Cleveland.
2/53 Eric Wright, CB, Nevada-Las Vegas
Character issues forced Wright’s
draft stock down the board, but the Browns were licking their lips when they
saw him at 53. Wright is a solid cover
corner which will be able to help the Browns immediately. In fact, thanks to a great minicamp, the
rookie DB appears to be locked into a starting spot across from Leigh Bodden. He’s a great man-to-man cornerback and should be able to rack up
some tackles as well. If your IDP
league is position specific and rewards big plays, Wright may not be a bad
addition towards the end of the draft.
6/200 Melila Purcell, DE, Hawaii
Purcell is currently fifth on the
depth chart at defensive end and doesn’t figure to be a part of many snaps this
season.
7/213 Chase Pittman, DE, LSU
A defensive end in college,
Pittman was selected to join the outside linebacking corps of the 3-4 Cleveland
Browns. He appears to have decent
pass-rushing abilities as can be seen by his 5.5 sacks to go with 6.5 tackles
for a loss last season. One of the main
negatives of Pittman is the fact that last season’s first selection Kamerion Wimbley had a solid season in this
position and doesn’t appear to be relinquishing any time soon.
7/234 Syndric Steptoe, RS, Arizona
Steptoe is pretty
small at 5’9”, 170 lbs but provides solid speed. He’ll be used primarily as a return specialist, possibly
replacing the spot vacated by Dennis
Northcutt. Steptoe won’t see
many snaps on offense, but should be a solid option in the return game.
