Your first day draft grade

[CBBI]

I think everyone has a pretty good chance of making it..

I agree with this one. I think at least 7 of the 8 picks will end up making the final roster. One of the two cornerbacks might get slid to the practice squad if you expect Ivy and Poteat to both make the roster which I do.

I think Maiava is safe to make the roster. The fact that he should be able to be a contributor on all the special teams units from day 1 (USC's special teams player of the year twice) increases the likelihood that he makes the team to me. He's the new Mason Unck/Kris Griffin which isn't a bad thing. I think Leon Williams could end up being the odd man out at inside linebacker.

 

[Smooth]

Good point CBBI... I think Maiava will be a special teams ace and our coverage LB--but in the 4th round?

Anyway..

Here's a good article on our first day:

Busy Browns Tackle Their Issues
By Lane Adkins
Posted Apr 26, 2009

Lane Adkins recaps a wild first day of the 2009 draft and, unlike some fans and members of the media, The OBR writer seems pleased with what the Mangini/Kokinis duo accomplished in their first Cleveland draft.

Heading into the draft, the Browns sought quality and depth from the players they were to select. Adding draft selections would come from a frenzy of first-round deals that left many high-profile names on the draft-board.

Upon announcing the Browns had traded the fifth selection in the draft to the New York Jets, Cleveland eliminated themselves from having to select a player in a position which this organization did not see true value.

The blessing on this day was USC quarterback Mark Sanchez falling to the fifth spot in the draft. As worked out prior to the draft with the Jets, sending the fifth pick would net the Browns a proven defensive end (Kenyon Coleman), a starting strong safety (Abram Elam), a backup QB (Theo Ratliff), plus the 17th and 52nd selection in the draft.

Due to issues of quality and depth at the SS and DE positions, the additions of Elam and Coleman are solidifying moves for this Browns roster. Assembling talent from his defense in New York, head coach Eric Mangini and general manager George Kokinis have quickly established this Browns team is not one which is going through a rebuilding process, but rather a re-tooling with players familiar to the scheme and coach.

As with many of the moves the Browns have made this off-season, the draft-day trade with the Jets not only was made to solidify roster spots with experiences talent in the scheme, but done so at what is a true value approach.

Looking for a pass rusher, a center and wide receivers to add quality and depth to the roster, the Browns achieved their plan when the deal with the Jets went down.

The selections of center Alex Mack, wide receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi and outside linebacker David Veikune will not win any popularity contests with fans of the team, but these selections attack some of the core issues within the roster.

Unable to control the line of scrimmage, the Browns offense and particularly the rushing attack suffered a season ago. With the offensive line playing at a below-average rate and a lack of weapons in the passing game, the lack of talent at the wide receiver position was exposed for what it is -- alarmingly inadequate.

What we are seeing in the tandem of Mangini and Kokinis is two men who are calling the shots in Cleveland may not make the popular moves, but they have the fortitude to make the moves they deem necessary -- whether these decisions are correct or not, only time will tell.

With players dropping off the board, the Browns targeted center Alex Mack. Mack, a bright and physical talent from California, is regarded as the best center prospect in the draft, an area which the Browns staff immediately acknowledged as one of weakness from viewing game-film. In a division that sports numerous high-caliber interior linemen, selecting a player such as Mack should help eliminate the Browns offensive line from being manhandled the way they were on numerous occasions in the 2008 season.

Knowing a couple teams were in the market for a center in the later stages of the first round, the Browns effectively worked their way back in the draft to the 21st position, ahead of teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills that were believed to be targeting Mack.

Dealing back from #17 and #19 is where I have my only concern with the draft process of the Browns. In each trade scenario, the Browns only received an additional sixth-round selection from the respective trading team to complete the deals. Not earth-shattering in theory, but the Browns could have done better in retrospect.

Despite being described a reach by many draft pundits, in selecting Mack at #21, the Browns got the man they had targeted early on and in an area of the draft which they ultimately wanted the player.

While the selections of WR's Brian Robiskie at #36 and Mohamed Massaquoi at #50 are also considered reaches at their respective draft spots by some, the Browns did solidify an area of grave concern due to a lack of quality and depth.

Brian Robiskie, a native of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, comes to Cleveland after a successful collegiate career at Ohio State. Not a burner, but not solely a possession receiver, Robiskie possesses sufficient speed, quickness and athletic ability to be deemed the most ready and safest WR in the draft. His precision route-running and sure hands are qualities which will be a fresh perspective for a Cleveland offense that's struggled mightily with inconsistency and poor technique.

The son of former Browns coach Terry Robiskie, Brian has developed under the tutelage and professionalism of a long-time NFL coach. As a member of the Cleveland Browns, Robiskie is expected to assume the role of the #2 receiver in the Browns offense opposite veteran Braylon Edwards and providing the Browns a legitimate option in the passing game, an element that was missing a season ago.

Massaquoi elevated his draft stock in recent months due to hard work and the ability to display his talent consistently in workouts and interview sessions. At one time looked upon as a late second-day selection, Massaquoi held private workout with numerous teams; his time spent with the Browns solidified his status with Cleveland offensive coordinator Brian Daboll as Massaquoi's workout was nearly incredible.

Not known as a speed-type WR, Massaquoi is sneaky quick. His ability to accelerate into and through cuts make his actual football speed quicker than his straight-line timing would indicate. Late in his junior season and into his senior season, Massaquoi continued to develop, became sure-handed and developed into a weapon in the slot or flanked out wide in the Bulldogs offensive set. In Cleveland, Massaquoi could develop into a viable weapon out of the slot, where his ability to find space and create in the open field would be magnified.

With the center and wide receivers in the fold, the Browns had yet to secure a pass rusher from the outside linebacker spot they coveted. With the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins rumored to be looking at DE David Veikune as a pass rushing OLB in their 3-4 defensive scheme, the Browns again could be classified as "reaching" for the Hawaii product.

Relentless, hard-working and simply a young man of character and determination, Veikune fits the profile of a player Mangini and this Cleveland Browns organization is looking for. His tireless work ethic, power and quickness had elevated Veikune's draft status for a team looking for a legitimate pass-rushing prospect. Due to his physical ability and mental capacity, Veikune could project to being an OLB, as well as playing inside in different defensive sets.

Day One of the college player draft netted the Browns potentially four immediate starters (Coleman, Elam, Mack and Robiskie) and two others (Massaquoi and Veikune) that are expected to play more of a situational role from the onset.

For a team with the numerous needs the Cleveland Browns entered draft-weekend with, the selections made within the first two rounds of the draft provide the organization with talent. This influx of youth and talent will be counted upon as the Cleveland Browns again look to finally get it right and become a consistent contender, rather than the laughingstock so many associate Browns football with.

I liked Day One due to the value and flexibility the deal provided the Browns and here's to hoping Day Two and throughout the summer training sessions prove to be more of the same for this once proud franchise.

http://cle.scout.com/2/860233.html

 

[Zone]

They're not really idiots. It's not asking too much to give up a future 1st to get into the top 5 and get a possible franchise qb.

We traded our 1st round pick for the following year for Quinn we didn't swap picks like we did this year. Giving up a future pick is entirely different than swapping picks. Look at the people we missed on around our area in last years draft, Mendenhall, Johnson, Jones. Based on the talent alone i'd feel much better with the possibility of two firsts next year than what we got this year.

We didn't get a starting safety. We got a guy who could potentially be one but you can't say he's better than Brodney or Mike Adams.

Ratliff was UDFA i mean we could do the same this year to fill in that spot.

OK, so we tell them we're not trading down unless they give us next year's #1? What happens when they tell us to go pound salt and we have to take someone like Crabtree, Raji, etc.? To me, it looks like ManKok didn't want that to happen and instead came up with a deal that they were comfortable with. In addition to the players/picks we received, it looks like not taking one of those guys at #5 entered into the equation.

For the 5th pick, we essentially received: Alex Mack, David Veikune, Coye Francies, James Davis, Abram Elam, Kenyon Coleman, and Brett Ratliff. Too early to tell on some of these guys, but it looks like we're trying to instill a mindset and attitude to our football team. It's one area where I feel our former regime failed.

Good point CBBI... I think Maiava will be a special teams ace and our coverage LB--but in the 4th round?

Anyway..

Here's a good article on our first day:

LOL, we got THEO Ratliff from the Jets?

 

[Sly]

TSN

Monday April 27, 2009 2:38 pm
War Room scouts and Browns' correspondent Steve Doerschuk offer their analysis from the NFL draft:

Overview

The Browns' passing game was disgraceful last year, but draft weekend went a long way toward turning it into a strength. The Browns opted not to trade Braylon Edwards and added receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in Round 2. Robiskie was the draft's most NFL-ready receiver and should contribute from Day 1. The team should be in fine shape at No. 3 wideout, with veteran free agency pick-up David Patten competing with Massaquoi.

Last year, it became a problem when center Hank Fraley too frequently got overpowered and shoved into the quarterback's way. Spending a first-round pick on a bigger center, Alex Mack, is intended to solve that problem. Mack is super smart and should be ready to make a positive ripple effect all along the line.

Trading out of the No. 5 pick helped the Browns add four defensive players who could plug holes right away. Former Jet Kenyon Coleman will start or at minimum be a key man in the line rotation, and Abram Elam has a chance to start at strong safety. Linebackers David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava were added in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. Both are relentless competitors with versatility, traits the new regime craves.

Quotable: "Braylon and I sat down for a long time, we spoke, and it was a good meeting. He and (offensive coordinator) Brian (Daboll) have talked quite a bit. I call tell you (Edwards) is here. Brady (Quinn) is here, and we're excited to move forward." -- Eric Mangini after the WR and QB were not traded.

1st round, No. 21 overall pick: Alex Mack, C, California

Scout's take: This is a surprise pick, but when you consider the Browns' offensive line now has Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach and Mack lining up together, they should have a scary running game if they're able to pick up a running back later in the draft. Mack is possibly the surest thing in this draft. While center is not a glamorous position, he shows the athleticism, intelligence and toughness to be a mainstay for the next decade.

Correspondent's take:

How he fits: The Browns fell in love with Mack and picked him even though fan favorite Chris "Beanie" Wells was still on the board. Avoiding Wells was a sign coach Eric Mangini believes Jamal Lewis still can be a workhorse at running back. Going for Mack confirmed the suspicion the new regime thinks incumbent center Hank Fraley is just about out of gas. The Browns have question marks at both center and right guard, and Mack said Saturday that he feels comfortable at either spot. Mack gives the Browns a highly intelligent player -- he won the Draddy Award, the academic Heisman -- who has good size and athleticism. He is the second center (Jeff Faine, 2003) on whom the Browns spent a No. 21 overall pick. Landing Mack ended a wild flurry in which the Browns traded down three times in Round 1.
When he plays: Mack figures to start right away, given his extensive college experience and intelligence. The likelihood is that he will replace Fraley at center, and Fraley will be a handy backup. Eric Mangini played center Nick Mangold as a rookie when Mangold was a Round 1 pick of the Jets.

2nd round, No. 36 overall pick: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

Scout's take: Cleveland gets a solid receiver with great hands to catch the ball in traffic. Robiskie can go across the middle and absorb hits while holding onto the ball. He also made the best of his Combine opportunity by running a solid 40, allowing him to jump into the second round.

Correspondent's take:
How he fits: Robiskie is a perfect pick for Cleveland's offense, and he comes at a reasonable price. The team solved its No. 1 wideout issue by not trading Braylon Edwards, a 2007 Pro Bowler who slipped in '08. The thinking is that Edwards can return to form and thrive with an upgrade at the No. 2 wideout spot after Donte Stallworth was awful in that role in '08. Robiskie has a good combination of size and speed and might be the most polished wideout in the draft. His father, Terry, is Atlanta's wide receivers coach.
When he'll play: Robiskie almost certainly will be the Browns No. 2 or No. 3 receiver right out of the gate. He is way ahead of the rookie curve as a route runner, and he is driven to help early. If Robiskie has a good preseason, he will be the No. 2 wideout, starting opposite Edwards. If not, he will be the No. 3, behind free-agent pickup David Patten.

2nd round, No. 50 overall pick: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia

Scout's take: Massaquoi is tough and extremely athletic, and he accelerates to full speed very quickly. He'll need to add some weight to increase his durability, and he needs to learn to create separation from defenders.

Correspondent's take:
How he fits: The Browns spent a second consecutive Round 2 pick on a wideout because they are confident Massaquoi can quickly add depth to Cleveland's wideout corps. Massaquoi was a productive receiver in a big-time program. He is a big receiver with long arms who was a savvy college route runner and is a hard worker. When he'll play: Massaquoi and earlier Round 2 pick Brian Robiskie figure to compete for the No. 2 wideout role, with veteran David Patten in the mix as a safety net. Spending such a high pick on two receivers means the team's initial noise about becoming a power running team is on hold. Massaquoi figures to play earlier, if only as a No. 4 receiver, on a team that now figures to be fairly balanced between the pass and run.

2nd round, No. 52 overall pick: David Veikune, DE, Hawaii

Scout's take: Veikune helped himself at the Senior Bowl, where he had his first chance to play elite talent and he held his own. He shows a good first step off the snap and is a classic hardworking overachiever who will play beyond his athletic skills.

Correspondent's take:
How he fits: David Veikune was a 4-3 end at Hawaii but will be an outside linebacker in Cleveland's 3-4. He is a late bloomer who was born in Alaska and didn't play a lot of football early on. He didn't start until his senior year with the Warriors. He has so-so speed in relation to his draft position, but Browns scouts like his relentless motor. He may have been a reach, but he shows the kind of hunger the new Browns regime wants to mix into the team.
When he'll play: The Browns can afford to experiment with Veikune in the preseason and allow him to focus on playing special teams at first. They hope he can work his way into a rotation while learning the nuances of a 3-4. He figures to be coachable and has the upside to be a starter down the road.

4th round, No. 104 overall pick: Kaluka Maiava, USC

Scout's take:Maiava is a surprise going to Cleveland here, as he does not have the size and strength that Mangini covets. He is a good straight-line athlete and is very competitive, but struggled to see the field because of USC's deep and talented linebacking corps. He is a versatile player who won't start but should contribute as a special teams player.

Correspondent's take: His 5-foot-11 frame obviously means size is an issue, but he fancies himself in the Lofa Tatupu/Zach Thomas mold. He is, fierce, fast and versatile, traits the new regime values. He projects as an inside backer in the Browns' 3-4, needing a line that lets him run to the ball. He will be a key special teams man from day one but won't likely have a chance to start on defense right away.

6th round, No. 177 overall pick, Don Carey, CB, Norfolk State

Correspondent's take: Carey has good size, athleticism and versatility. As a four-year starter, he was primarily a cornerback, but he also made some starts as a safety, including in 2008. This will help his bid make a team with issues at both safety and cornerback. He likely is headed for the practice squad.

6th round, No. 191 overall pick, Coye Franceis, CB, San Jose State

Correspondent's take: Franceis has shown some signs of having what it takes to be a No. 3 NFL cornerback. He must prove off-field issues that led to a transfer from Oregon State and slow pre-draft 40 times can be overcome. He has the height to cover tall wideouts but must put on weight without losing speed. He could make the team as a No. 4 corner.

6th round, No. 194 overall pick, James Davis, RB, Clemson

Correspondent's take: He's a good fit for the Browns, with the talent and experience to make the team as a guy who could spell Jamal Lewis now and then. He is in an ideal learning situation, in that he went to the same Atlanta high school as Lewis and is acquainted with him. He will battle Noah Herron for the No. 3 running back job.

Unfinished business

Running back remains a big concern. Jamal Lewis, nearing 30, must prove he isn't worn out. If Lewis goes down, the top current backup is Jerome Harrison, who is too small to last as a No. 1 back and has just 77 carries in three NFL seasons. It remains to be seen whether Clemson's James Davis, a Round 6 pick, can help. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll might have to adjust his system toward the passing game, where more key parts were added. That shouldn't be a problem for Daboll, who worked in an offense starring Brett Favre last year.

The secondary remains shaky. Depth was improved with the addition of Jets safety Abram Elam via a first-round trade, but neither he nor veteran Mike Adams has the pedigree of strong safety Sean Jones, who left in free agency. Brandon McDonald was erratic as a starting cornerback last year, but no one to push him was added in the draft, and the free agent corners who came aboard, Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy, are hardly ideal starting candidates. Sixth-round picks Don Carey and Coye Franceis don't figure to help much right away.

The front seven added competent veterans and promising youngsters but certainly no obvious impact pass rushers. A team that totaled just 17 sacks in 2008 will have to try to up that total via scheme and committee.