Written by Dave Kolonich

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Although the 2010 Draft is still a month and a half away, the immediacy of the event feels overwhelming.  Because the Browns finally appear to be on the threshold of establishing some long overdue front office stability, and based on the idea that this year’s talent pool is much deeper than the ones of previous years, and finally – and most importantly – since this franchise has reached a most critical point of existence, the upcoming draft could be one of the most monumental in team history.

Really.  No exaggeration.

Perhaps my overwhelming sense of apprehension regarding the various directions the Browns could take in the draft reflect the historical nature of the changes being made in Berea.

While I’m certainly not annoiting Mike Holmgren as the franchise’s savior, I am of the opinion that finally – for the first time during the ownership tenure of Randy Lerner – the franchise is heading down the right path.  Although we only have barely two months worth of history to analyze, it is worth noting that Holmgren has already begun to solidify the team’s fractured chain of command.

The hiring of Tom Heckert as GM, along with several other personnel moves, and of course the retaining of Eric Mangini as head coach have already signalled that a new era of Browns football is unfolding.  Whatever the on-field product becomes, at least we can take comfort in knowing that the franchise seems to finally be in the hands of a competent leader.   Gone are the days of destructive power grabs set in a leaderless vacuum – the kind that always seemed to trickle down to the most important of decisions…like drafting franchise-altering players.

In terms of good timing – how about this?  The franchise’s management is finally on the verge of being settled, just in time to participate in one of the deepest drafts in years.

Speaking of management - several readers have commented lately that because of the great number of needs found among the Browns roster, it would be easy to justify practically any first-round selection.

Well, almost any.

To get back to history, consider the following.  From the team’s return in 1999 to the end of the Phil Savage era in 2008, the Browns drafted exactly two offensive linemen in the first round…Jeff Faine and Joe Thomas.  Looking even further, the team drafted only eight other total linemen during the same span, with only one pick, Melvin Fowler, coming before the 4th round.  Of these eight, guess how many are still in the league?

The point is obvious – since the team’s return, the offensive line has been badly neglected.  Of course, the selections of Joe Thomas and Alex Mack are some most welcome exceptions.  Naturally, you can make a case that the signing of Eric Steinbach was critical – which it was – along with the unfortunate circumstances of LeCharles Bentley’s short-lived Cleveland career.  However, the recent history of the team’s line has also been littered with some costly free agent misses.  Because of the lack of attention paid to the line on draft day, the signings of Kevin Shaffer, Rex Hadnot and last year’s moves involving Floyd Womack and John St. Clair became necessities.

And because I want to enjoy my Friday, I won’t go into detail about the train wreck that was Dwight Clark’s two nearly offensive lineman-free Cleveland drafts.

Which brings me back to this year’s draft.  Because the Browns could go in a number of directions at Number Seven overall, perhaps the argument could shift back towards what type of pick could truly improve the team’s core – along with being the safest option.

Based on the Browns’ recent history, along with a long-established pattern of the league’s elite teams consistently drafting quality linemen, you can’t wrong using a pick to bolster the front line.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that new GM Tom Heckert comes from a Philadelphia front office lineage, one that emphasizes the importance of continually improving the offensive line.

Finally, here’s something else to consider.  Is anyone comfortable with John St. Clair entering 2010 as the starting right tackle?

Having said all that, let’s take a look some of this year’s top O-line prospects.

Russell Okung
Okung is a strange mix.  He was a very effective pass blocker at the college level, yet doesn’t seem to have the quickness an NFL team would desire in a traditional left tackle.  In the Browns case, this wouldn’t be a big deal, considering that Joe Thomas has emerged as one of the best left tackles in the game.  However, the case for Okung as a Brown would be focused on whether he could become a quality right tackle.

Physically, his body would not suggest as much, as he more resembles D’Brickashaw Ferguson.  While incredibly athletic for his size, Okung tends to play a kind of “high” style.  Although much of his game will no doubt translate well to the NFL, it would be a bit of a gamble for the Browns to try to essentially convert him to the right side.

Also, did I mention that I have a bias against Big-12 linemen?  What?  You thought it was just the quarterbacks?

Bryan Bulaga
Bulaga’s stock definitely rose after Iowa’s Orange Bowl win…although I’m surprised he’s being ranked this high in various projections.  Bulaga can definitely play at the NFL level, although I’m not entirely sure where.  He strikes me as more of a right tackle, based on his size, decent mobility and strong point of attack run blocking skills.  His pass blocking is still a work in progress, although again his Orange Bowl performance showcased some improvements.

I almost wonder if Bulaga would be better served to play a Guard spot in the NFL.  His hands and upper body strength are impressive and although Iowa’s offensive scheme didn’t require much movement, he appears mobile enough to get ahead of defenders.

But again – an Iowa lineman projected to go early in the first round?  If the Browns bite here, I’m going to start having Robert Gallery nightmares.

Trent Williams
If you switched Trent Williams and Okung, I’m not sure many people would notice.  From watching some Big-12 games this past year, the two players are remarkably similar.  It would appear that Williams is more of a run blocker than Okung, which could benefit the Browns.  However, it’s possible that he could handle left ends better at this point in his development.  The one thing that keeps getting circulated regarding Williams is his work ethic and general dedication to the game.

But again – Big 12.  You just never know.

Anthony Davis
Here’s the wildcard of the top O-line prospects.  Davis is massive, incredibly strong, at times dominant, but also very raw.  His overwhelming power is impressive, but his inconsistency and fluctuating weight are concerns – especially considering the high stakes of the first round.  Perhaps Davis’ ultimate NFL destination is as a right guard, which is no doubt a position the Browns need to upgrade.

Despite Davis’ general inconsistency, he could be viewed as somewhat versatile, having played both left tackle and guard.  Certainly, the talent and size are there, however numerous reports suggest that the work ethic is sometimes lacking.  Throw in the fact that Davis has not played against much elite talent while at Rutgers, and his selection would definitely be a gamble.

Although this could be a gamble that could pay off huge.

Bruce Campbell
Speaking of projects, much like Davis, Campbell has some stunning size and talent.  However, due to some 2009 injuries, this Junior entry to the draft lacks the experience of the above candidates.  Campbell could eventually become a quality right tackle, but both his pass protection and run blocking need refined.  However, depending on how the draft ultimately shakes out, Campbell could be an intriguing target in the second round.

Mike Iupati
Of course, the rule of thumb in the NFL Draft is that pure guards are not taken in the Top 10.  However, considering the volumes of talk regarding Iupati after the Senior Bowl, it’s possible that this trend could be broken.  Iupati’s massive size and upper body strength make him an intriguing prospect.  In most respects, he is the easily the most dominant run blocker in the draft.  However, like Campbell and Davis before him, he is still a work in progress.

Although in terms of quickly making an NFL impact, Iupati could be the kind of player that produces from the start.  While his pass blocking is nothing special, he could probably survive on talent and strength alone, until his game gradually improves.  Of course, the major red flag regarding Iupati is the level of competition he faced at Idaho.  It’s one thing to flatten Big Sky defenders – quite another to take on Haloti Ngata.

Ciron Black
Is big, slow and experienced a good triumvirate of skills for an NFL guard?  In Black’s case, it just may be.  Let’s also throw in value.  Unless there is an early run on linemen, Black could fall to the third round.  Depending on which direction the Browns take during the first couple rounds, Black could help to strengthen the right side of the line.  Although more experienced on the left side, Black’s great power could provide a much-needed boost to the Browns’ run blocking.

While Black is certainly not the greatest athlete available in the draft, his experience playing against top-tier SEC talent makes him an intriguing mid-round prospect.

The Pick
If the Browns go for an immediate defensive upgrade early, such as Joe Haden or Rolando McClain, then the offensive line becomes the first priority in Round Two.  Ideally, this unit will be addressed again later in the draft.   This strategy could work in the Browns’ favor, as there are several quality candidates who could fall to the middle and late rounds, including several sleepers not listed above.

Of course, with offensive line prospects, there are so many other tangibles to consider.  Just the basic practice of weight control can separate many prospects, and perhaps rightfully so.  After all, when it comes to O-linemen, athletic talent has to eventually meet discipline.  It’s not a stretch to suggest that several prospects currently projected to go late could be one serious diet or some better coaching away from becoming legitimate NFL contributors.

Come April, let’s hope the Browns’ front-office practices something similar.  Although the team has more options than quality starters at this point, the idea of drafting an offensive lineman early becomes a sound plan.  However, much like the quandary that results from holding the seventh overall pick, I’m not sure that there are any linemen worthy of such a huge investment.

But then again, our recent history should suggest otherwise.