Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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Swerb breaks down each of the Browns seven second day draft picks, and explains how they fit into the scheme of the 2006 Browns. With eight new free agents and ten new draft picks, things are looking up for our beloved Brownies. The Browns added seven new players to the team today on day two of the NFL Draft, nabbing several players that were projected as much higher picks.

In the fourth round, Phil Savage started off the action for the team today by nabbing ILB Leon Williams, from Miami of Florida. Williams is a physical specimen that never really lived up to his potential in college, but if he does in his mid-twenties, could play to the level of a first or second rounder. Williams was the third linebacker selected in the teams first four picks, and along with the free agent addition of Willie McGinest, complete the revamping of this unit.

With their second pick in round four, the team took one of the second tier offensive guards off the board with the selection of Isaac Sowells from Indiana. The team desperately needed depth in the interior of the offensive line after dealing Jeff Faine on Saturday. Sowells will have as good of a chance as anyone to backup starting guards Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman.

In the 5th, the Browns selected two players who had been projected as first day picks in many, if not most mock drafts, when they selected RB Jerome Harrison from Washington State and CB DeMario Minter from Georgia. Both players had incredibly productive college careers, and were projected as late day one selections. Harrison will compete Lee Suggs for a backup running back spot, and appears to be a good fit as a third down back. Minter will compete with 2005 4th round selection Antonio Perkins for the 4th cornerback job behind Gary Baxter, Leigh Bodden, and Daylon McCutcheon.

In the 6th round, Savage picked another couple of players that were projected as much earlier picks. With back-to-back selections the team took FB Lawrence Vickers from Colorado and DT Babatunde Oshinowo from Stanford. Vickers was widely regarded as the draft’s best fullback, and Oshinowo one of the more intriguing second tier defensive tackles. Vickers will compete Terrelle Smith at fullback, and don’t forget … the team carried two fullbacks last season. Oshinowo will compete with Nick Eason and Ethan Kelley for time behind starting nose tackle Ted Washington.

In the final round, the Browns took strong safety Justin Hamilton from Virginia Tech. The Browns needed depth at safety, and hadn’t addressed it until here. Hamilton is a monster at 6’3, 230 pounds, and could be an intriguing option on special teams.

Here’s the Browns entire 2006 draft …

1st rd, #13 overall – OLB Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State – 6’3, 241
2nd rd, #34 overall – ILB D’Qwell Jackson, Maryland – 6’0, 229
3rd rd, #78 overall – WR Travis Wilson, Oklahoma – 6’2, 213
4th rd, #110 overall – ILB Leon Williams, Miami Florida – 6’3, 246
4th rd, #112 overall – OG Isaac Sowells, Indiana – 6’3, 323
5th rd, #145 overall – RB Jerome Harrison, Washington State – 5’9, 202
5th rd, #152 overall – CB DeMario Minter, Georgia – 5’11, 191
6th rd, #180 overall – FB Lawrence Vickers, Colorado – 6’0, 246
6th rd, #181 overall – DT Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford – 6’1, 305
7th rd, #202 overall – SS Justin Hamilton, Virginia Tech, 6’3, 230