Day one of Phil Savage’s second draft with the Browns featured a couple mild surprises, two trades, and the selection of two new linebackers for the teams 3-4 defensive scheme.The Browns traded down one pick in the first round, dealing the #12 overall selection to division rival Baltimore for their #13 pick, as well as a 6th round pick in this years draft. The Browns now have two selections in each of the 4th, 5th, and 6th rounds of today’s second day of the draft.
The Ravens selected Haloti Ngata with the pick acquired from the Browns, while we took Florida State defensive end Kamerion Wimbley, who Phil Savage described as the player they wanted from the start, and an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Essentially, the Browns picked up a 6th rounder for taking the guy they would have anyway. Wimbley is a physical specimen, and a very high character player. Savage compared him to Peter Boulware, and cited his belief that Wimbley has a good chance to be a very special player in this league, and that he would be a difference maker for the Browns between the 20’s this season.
In round two, the Browns made another trade, dealing Jeff Faine and their 43rd overall pick to the New Orleans Saints for their 34th overall pick. With that selection the Browns picked Maryland inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, the reigning ACC defensive player of the year. Jackson has drawn some comparisons to Ray Lewis, and fills one of the remaining holes in this Browns team … inside linebacker.
Savage cited three linebackers that the team had targeted in the second round. Alabama’s DeMeco Ryans, Miami of Florida’s Rocky McIntosh, and Jackson. Once Ryans and McIntosh went off the board, Savage felt he could no longer wait and hope one of the three fell to him, and made the deal up with New Orleans. Jackson is a little smallish, but is an incredibly sure tackler that plays disciplined, has a great nose for the ball, and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. He will be expected to start inside next to Andra Davis at inside linebacker.
In round three, in a mild surprise, the Browns selected Oklahoma wide receiver Travis Wilson. Wilson was held back a bit by a foot injury his senior season, but had a great junior year for the Sooners. Wilson has average speed, but has great athleticism, sure hands, and is a great blocker. While not likely to be a deep threat, Wilson should be able to step in and contribute immediately, and gives the team another big, sure handed target for the red zone.
In today’s second day of the draft, the Browns have seven selections, which include two in the 4th, two in the 5th, two in the 6th, and one in the 7th. Coverage starts at 11 AM on ESPN.
Apr 29, 2006 7:00 PM