Browns Draft Day 2

     One thing about the Browns first day of drafting is for certain, there are many mixed emotions! I myself am not too happy about for one reason and one reason only; there was a game changing right tackle right in our grasp, Riley Reiff. I'm not discouraged with Weeden's his age or the system he played in. What I am most concerned with is the fact that I don't think Weeden improves the QB position as much as Reiff would have improved the right side of our line. That, however, is for another day another topic. I think we all share the same excitement for Trent Richardson and can't wait to get him in the backfield!
     In the 2nd round the Browns currently own the 37th pick and the 67th pick in the 3rd round. My draft mind frame is all thrown off whack after leaving Reiff at #22, so the Browns could really trick us all and not go for a "need pick" but a "like pick" like Weeden. The way I see it, as well as about any other person with any clue, we need to get a wide receiver and right tackle, both out of absolute necessity. Of the two positions I believe there is only one top tier player left, Cordy Glenn, OT from Georgia. So if we want our best quality at 37, Glenn would be the obvious pick. Jonathan Martin and Mike Adams are the next tier tackles but at that point the next tier receivers (Stephen Hill, Rueben Randle, Alshon Jeffery) might be a better value at 37 if Glenn is not available.
     A sleeper at the #37 spot, if the Browns choose to go 'best available', is Courtney Upshaw. The dominating defensive lineman somehow dropped out of the first round and if he makes it to #37 he will be awful tempting to select him. Let's face it, our defensive ends need upgrading as well, I love Jabaal Sheard at one end but the other is up in the air. We picked up Frostee Rucker in free agency but Upshaw would be a day one starter and give us a great defensive line with Sheard, Taylor, Rubin, and Upshaw. 
     At #67 our options may be limited at WR and RT, it seems, based off of projections, unless someone slides down we would be reaching to grab either positions with the exception of Brian Quick. That doesn't have to lead to worry though if we don't get a RT or WR in the 2nd round because there are other options later. At RT Zebrie Sanders from Florida State, Donald Stephenson from Oklahoma and Brandon Mosley from Auburn would be options at #100 or #139. Also in those slots Greg Childs/ARK, Ryan Broyles/OKLA, and Nick Toon/WISC would be possible options.
     Trading up to get an additional early 2nd round pick is an option. The Browns are aware that the drop off at RT and WR are coming soon and can be a bit drastic. 


***There were six players who were invited to the live draft who weren't drafted last night, 5 remain after Cordy Glenn left to go back to Georgia.


***Where will Janoris Jenkins go and when?


***Will the Colts take Andrew Luck's go-to man Coby Fleener with the #34 pick?


***I can almost guarantee the Ravens will select Alabama LB/DE with the 35th pick. The Ravens make a living off of drafting hard-nosed guys that make a huge impact defensively. Upshaw is the type of player the Browns need but passed at 22, and most likely not have a shot at at 37. The Steelers are another team that is known for their toughness, the same toughness the Ravens possess and the Browns have long none without. 


***My bold opinion on the Browns moving into the second round is to find a way to trade up with the Rams and pick Courtney Upshaw. It will send a message that the Browns are ready to make a step in the direction of the top teams in the division. It will also show the Steelers and Ravens that we aren't going to allow them to push us around any more. It will be quite the eye opening pick. Heckert and Holmgren showed everyone last night that filling the most important holes is their priority by leaving Reiff on the board in favor for Weeden. So therefore RT and WR can be put on hold in order to make this pick to leave an impression on the rest of the division. Like I said earlier, there will be receivers at the #100 and #118 picks, whichever we may still have available after a potential trade.

Rich