Somebody in Cleveland Finally Gets it

If we're talking about the NFL draft, it probably means the Browns have a top-of-the-round pick. Since returning to Cleveland in 1999, top-10 first-round selections include: Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Gerard Warren, Courtney Brown, and Tim Couch. Notice anything missing? That's right, nary an offensive linemen. In fact, center Jeff Faine is the only offensive linemen Cleveland's taken in the first round, and he's now in New Orleans. But all that could change:

[Wisconsin left tackle Joe] Thomas was of such high interest to the Browns [at Senior Bowl practices] because, as one member of the staff said, they are looking for an "infusion" of offensive linemen in this draft. Thomas is probably the only lineman worthy of consideration with the Browns' first pick, which will be at either No. 3 or No. 4 pending a coin flip with Tampa Bay.

Better late than never, I guess.

There had been some talk Cleveland might use their pick on a quarterback -- maybe JaMarcus ~~Nelson~~ Russell or before the National Championship Game, Troy Smith -- but such a strategy just avoids the obvious problems the Browns faced last year. Namely, no offensive line means no offense.

I'll admit it , I wrote that Cleveland should consider taking a quarterback, but after some thought -- and some thoughtful comments -- I've changed my mind. If the Browns started the 2007 season with Tom Brady under center and their 2006 offensive line, Cleveland might win seven games. Maybe.

Even with the No. 3 or 4 pick, there's no guarantee Joe Thomas will be available, but if he is, Cleveland has to draft him. If not for the children, for Charlie Frye/Derek Anderson/QB TBA.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-27-2007 @ 5:07PM

Sherri said...

As a huge Cleveland fan i have to agree with you.while i was thinking that maybe they should pick a qb in the first round i really do think that they need to strengthen that offensive line up!i've liked the browns since they came back in 1999.let's just say that it's hard to see them lose and lose.i want this to be the year that they at least win 8 games-is 16 asking too much?:-)maybe they could somehow hire peyton manning's offensive line!

1-26-2007 @ 8:42PM

Luz said...

i think you mean JaMarcus Russell...

1-27-2007 @ 12:51AM

Joe Biz said...

Why do people fail to relize that the Browns cant stop anybody?Willie Parker 200yds,Jamal Lewis 200yds,The list goes on,and on.You can win in the Nfl without a quarterback,just ask the Bears, you cant win if you cant stop anybody,or you cant run the ball.There are three players the Browns will choose from,and I'll list them for all the mentally challanged Nfl fans.1)Joe Thomas 2)Alan Branch 3)Adrian Peterson.Any of those three players will help you stop the run,or run the ball.It's not rocket science.