Browns draft outlook
An in-depth look at the Browns' needs heading into the 2007 draft:
1. Running back. Reuben Droughns isn't the answer. And neither Jason Wright nor Jerome Harrison will ever be more than an extra back, so the Browns will have to decide whether Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is worth a top five pick. He appears to have the perfect combination of size, speed and elusiveness the team is looking for, though durability is a concern.
2. Defensive end. Orpheus Roye, 34, is showing signs of breaking down, and the team might not be able to re-sign Alvin McKinley. So if the Browns stay with the 3-4, they'll need a young end to compete with Roye or start on the other side. It would be nice to find a lineman with the size and flexibility to play tackle as well, in case the team switches to a 4-3. If the running back the team wants isn't available when the Browns make their first pick, they might trade down and take Michigan tackle Alan Branch.
3. Cornerback. This was an area of strength before the season, but it has been ravaged by injuries. Leigh Bodden still projects as a solid starter, but Gary Baxter and Daylon McCutcheon are doubtful for 2007 because of knee injuries. Brodney Pool has the size and athleticism to play corner, but the team prefers him at safety, and Daven Holly probably isn't more than a No. 3 or 4 corner. The team might think hard about picking a cornerback in the second round, especially if a player such as Syracuse's Tanard Jackson is still available.
4. Guard. Joe Andruzzi isn't the player he once was, and it's unclear whether Isaac Sowells can make the transition from tackle and whether Cosey Coleman can be re-signed. Rob Smith has shown some promise, but the team needs an upgrade. Auburn's Ben Grubbs, who likely will be available in the third or fourth round, has the quickness to start, but he needs to get stronger. Luckily, this position has become a lesser need with the signing of former Bengal Eric Steinbach.
5. Defensive tackle. At one time, Ted Washington was one of the game's great run stuffers, but he's nearly 40 and isn't the monster he once was. The Browns muddled through 2006 by rotating Washington with Ethan Kelley, but Kelley is no more than a stopgap starter. The team needs to improve the position; Florida tackle Marcus Thomas could work.
6. Quarterback. Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, both 2005 draft picks, have left as many questions as answers. The Browns like LSU's JaMarcus Russell, but he might be gone before they pick in the first round. They also were heavy in attendance on Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn's pro day, and the fact he is a nearby Dublin, Ohio, native, might make it a tough choice between him and Peterson if Quinn continues to grade out well. Another local product, Ohio State's Troy Smith, is a possibility in the later rounds.
7. Offensive tackle. Kevin Shaffer doesn't appear to be the answer at left tackle. He has the size, strength and flexibility to move to the right side, which would allow the team to draft Wisconsin's Joe Thomas -- but it would take time to groom him. A later option might be Tennessee's Arron Sears or Washington State's Charles Harris.
OUTLOOK
With so many needs, the Browns are looking for a combination of value and ability to start right away. That means they likely will look for proven starters from major-college teams. Long term, taking a quarterback and a left tackle high might work out best, but both would have to be groomed before starting.
A running back, probably Peterson, would have the best chance to provide an immediate upgrade. General manger Phil Savage could put off drafting an offensive lineman until the third round, when he could take a guard. If he goes that route, Savage could take a defensive lineman in the second round, but getting a good one will require some luck.
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Browns draft outlook
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