After a busy 12 months that included trading up into the first round of the 2007 draft for Brady Quinn, and trading their second- and third-round picks last month to bolster the defensive line (hi, Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers; adios Leigh Bodden), the Browns won't make their first selection in next week's NFL draft until Round 4. To hear general manager Phil Savage spin it, Cleveland wouldn't have done better than Quinn, Williams and Rogers with picks in each of the first three rounds, so in that sense, they're better off. Fair enough.
That said, teams do enjoy building the roster through the draft and via free agency. Which is why it wouldn't be completely shocking if the Browns traded their way back into one of the earlier rounds. Except, well, it ain't happening. At least according to Savage:
The organization appears happy with its decision, but that leaves the front office with nothing left in the first day of the draft. "I have no thoughts in my mind that we have the wherewithal to (trade up),'' Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "Sitting here today, I just don't envision a scenario. " Cleveland's first pick will be No. 122 overall in the fourth round.Cleveland, like every team, has plenty of needs. Unlike most off-seasons, though, they're pretty well-stocked heading into 2008. They could use some depth in the secondary, and you can never have enough pass-rushing linebackers in the 3-4, but offensively, the team is set. Now all that's left to do is find a way to beat the Steelers.
Savage, however, didn't rule out trading up in the second day of the draft if they see a prospect that the team really likes.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-14-2008 @ 6:13PM
Jerry Desaulniers said...
I really hope he doesn't trade up if it means future draft picks. But if Atlanta was to offer their three second round picks for one of our QB's I would hope he pulls the triger on that. There is a huge famine of good starting QB's in the league right now and the Brown's are sitting on two of them. And if history proves right trying to start a fresh rookie in the NFL doesn't usually work too well. But there have been a few major exceptions I must admit.
The way I count them there are at least 5 teams that need a QB that can start now, and in my opinion the Vikes are a QB away from making it deep into the playoffs.
Reply
4-25-2008 @ 8:52AM
mb41cb said...
The Browns are sitting pretty right now. For the first time in 20 years the team is in position to win in the playoffs. Of course we must make the playoffs first, but with the off season moves the team made, this season is looking very bright indeed. A forth round pick spent on a quality defensive player would bolster an already decent defense and ensure the victories that escaped last season.
Reply