Written by Chris Hutchison

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First off, I would like to apologize for the lateness of this article.  At this juncture, the draft has been hashed and rehashed so many times that an article of this nature is about as useful as teats on a proverbial bull.  But such is life.

Unfortunately for all involved, I have spent most of this week in and out of hospitals and doctor's offices because my wife-to-be contracted a staph infection.  And, as we all likely know from one experience or another, there is nothing urgent about Urgent Care.  I have become a connoisseur of daytime TV the last couple days (and I am a lesser human being for it).

Witnessing first hand the evil destructive power of the dreaded staph has been eye-opening.  The stuff multiplies/reproduces faster than teenagers in a trailer park.  There is now a small crater in her body from where they lanced the infected area, not dissimilar in appearance to that volcano in Iceland. 

Like so many before her, my girlfriend's football career is likely over.

And I was so looking forward to a free ride.

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Regarding Draft Grades

Draft Grades are generally stupid things, since they're so subjective, done so lazily, and really are completely invalid because you can't honestly evaluate a draft class until at least 3 years have passed.  But people like giving/reading them anyway.  It gives them a sense of closure to the drafting season.

I perused a couple of national sites to see what their opinion of the Browns' draft was, and here's what I found:

CBS Sportsline (Rob Rang) - B+, Mike Holmgren is known for his ability to build an offense, but he started the draft working on improving the defensive side of the ball, securing the draft's best cornerback in Joe Haden (Florida) and following that with the hardest-hitting safety in the country in T.J. Ward. The pick that will get all of the attention -- quarterback Colt McCoy, who has enough arm strength, accuracy and intelligence to perform well in the West Coast offense. Running back Montario Hardesty (Tennessee) could emerge as the team's most impactful rookie on offense if he can duplicate his 2009 season and remain healthy. Shawn Lauvao (Arizona State) is a tough, versatile lineman who could become a valuable swingman in Cleveland. WR Carlton Mitchell (South Florida) and DE Clifton Geathers (South Carolina), who each left after their junior seasons, have the size and athleticism worthy of being development picks.

He seems to like it just fine, but really... didn't... say... anything...

CBS Sportsline (Pete Prisco) - Best pick: There was talk they would take Boise State corner Kyle Wilson, but they stuck with Joe Haden, who was the better player, with the seventh overall pick.

Questionable move: Passing on Jimmy Clausen in the second round. They did get Colt McCoy later, but Clausen is a better player.

Third-day gem: Sixth-round pick Carlton Mitchell has good size and speed. He's a receiver who could challenge for time as a rookie.

Analysis: They landed good players in Haden and second-round pick T.J. Ward. But they waited too long to address the quarterback situation.

Grade: C

Lazy and weak.  The whole draft - apparently - was about Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy.  Never mind the fact that people weren't falling over each other to nab either one of them.  Like McCoy, Clausen was certainly a bargain where he was picked, but I hardly think the Browns' passing on him was some kind of cardinal sin.  That, of course, could yet be disproved, but at this juncture I'd have to say that Clausen and McCoy are about even prospects.

ESPN - Not too much in the way of grades (that isn't part of the Insider package, which I refuse to pay for despite making 95% of ESPN's content inaccessible to me), but there was a Sports Nation poll that asked which team had the best draft, and the Browns were one of the 5 choices.

So, obviously, someone at the Four Letter liked it.

The map is cute.

CNNSI (Ross Tucker) - What I liked: Getting a potential starting quarterback for 2011 in the third round in Colt McCoy after resisting the temptation to take him earlier.

What I didn't: Both Joe Haden and T.J. Ward fill needs but the Browns likely could have traded down, picked up extra picks, and still gotten those players a little bit later if they were so inclined.

Moving forward: If Jake Delhomme can get back to his pre-2009 playoff meltdown form, the Browns have a chance to be a .500 team. If he can't, it will be Seneca Wallace time in the Dawg Pound.

Oh no he di-int!  Mr. Tucker, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THEY DIDN'T TRY TO TRADE DOWN?  WHAT IF MABYE THEY TRIED AND THERE WERE NO TAKERS, OR IT WAS TOO FAR, OR THE COMPENSATION WAS A JOKE?

Unless you were in the War Room and witnessed Heckgren declining a valid trade-down offer, a critique like "they could have traded down" is STRAIGHT RETARDED.

USA Today (Jarett Bell) - C+, Cleveland Browns: Offensive guru Mike Holmgren's first Browns draft began with defense. He picked the top corner, Joe Haden, then went for hard-hitting safety T.J. Ward. Quarterback Colt McCoy fell to the Browns in the third round, who might ultimately define this class. Second-rounder Montario Hardesty fits the profile of a between-the-tackles, cold-weather back.

A quick re-cap of the first three rounds, with absolutely no explanation for the grade whatsoever.  THAT, my friends, is journalistic excellence.

There you go - a total waste of time.  We read these because we're slightly curious to know what national pundits think about how our team did, and then as soon as we find out, we realize that about the only thing that we learned is that national pundits don't really pay much attention to the Cleveland Browns.

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Regarding Joe Haden - CB - Florida

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 1, Projected Round - 1, Drafted Round - 1

Analysis - Read & React: Typically plays in press or off-man coverage, reading the receiver to gain an advantage on the route. Good straight-line for the deep route. Reacts quickly in zone coverage and when he's facing the quarterback in man coverage. Little wasted motion in closing once he sees the ball in the air.

Man Coverage: Very strong in man coverage. Quick, active hands to provide an initial pop to the receiver in press coverage. Quick feet and loose hips for the transition to run downfield. Good balance and body control to mirror the receiver. Can plant his foot in the ground and explode out of cuts. Good use of hands downfield to prevent separation. Shows a legitimate late burst to close after the ball has been released. Good timing and hand-eye coordination to slap the ball away as it arrives.

Zone Coverage: Smooth, low backpedal out of his stance. Maintains cushion with his backpedal, keeping his eyes alert to receivers in his zone. Changes direction smoothly with no wasted motion. Plays even faster than he has been timed, a credit to his recognition and efficient change-of-direction ability.

Closing/Recovery: Among his best traits. Plants and drives back to the ball very well. Accelerates late and has the body control to contort in space and slap the ball away without drawing a flag. Good straight-line speed to run with any receiver and has a late burst to close if beaten initially. Locates the ball in the air. Good vertical and times his leaps to compete for the jump ball.

Run Support: Reads run and is quick to close toward the line of scrimmage. Evades blocks due to his lateral agility and anticipation and is willing to take on bigger ballcarriers. Understands his role on the edge and approaches it with a workmanlike mentality.

Tackling: Takes good tackle angles, going low against bigger ballcarriers. Isn't an explosive hitter. Grab-and-drag tackler more often than scouts would like, rather than wrapping up securely, but rarely has his tackles broken. Can be dragged a bit by bigger ballcarriers, but gets his man to the ground.

Intangibles: Signed with Florida as a standout prep quarterback and all-around athlete. Originally was expected to play slot receiver, but elected to compete for the starting cornerback position rather than back up Percy Harvin. Team-first player who is a standout special teams player despite his All-American status. Played in 2009 on the punt return, kickoff and punt teams.

After the evil and disgusting Kansas City Chiefs thieved Eric Berry away from us at #5, the Browns could've gone so many different directions.  Likely, they had a similar grade on several different players and decided to go with the position of greatest need (DB) with Haden.

There were many people that felt the Browns had a bigger need at Safety than Corner and should've taken Earl Thomas instead.  However, I'm not surprised Heckert went Haden instead since he believes that Cornerback is one of the four most valuable positions on a team (QB, LT, and Pass Rusher being the other three).

Will he start?  Hard to say.  Perhaps by the end of the year.  With Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown in the wings, it's likely that he'll play the Nickel as he breaks into the league.  And Nickelbacks get plenty of playing time.

Not to mention that I think Haden will get some snaps as a quasi-Safety, as per Mangini in his post 1st Day presser:

"We're probably going to be in multiple-defensive-back sets, so whether that's three corners or some combination of that. I have used corners in the past to play safety that have then come down to cover slot receivers so you don't have to substitute in when you are playing multiple-receiver sets, so that's a possibility."

Now, Haden converted from QB/WR to CB in college, so he's still fairly new to the position.  In that light, his ceiling if pretty high.  The more he learns the position, the better he'll get.  And he's already a Top 10 selection.

But at #7 overall, you'd like your Corner to be the next Darrelle Revis.  You'd like him to be a perennial Pro Bowler. 

There's a good chance he won't be. 

However, if he just becomes a solid starting Corner for the next 6 or 7 years (which I think he will), then I'd say he was a good pick that justified his draft position a helluva lot better than many a waste that's wandered into Cleveland Browns Stadium over the years.  No problems with this draft selection from me.

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Regarding T.J. Ward - S - Oregon

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 2 (as Strong Safety, Free Safety is separate), Projected Round - 3, Drafted Round - 2

Read & React: Quick to diagnose the action. Closes quickly in run support and is an intimidating hitter over the middle who times his hits just as the ball arrives, resulting in some of his more impressive pass breakups. Aggressive and can be beaten deep over the top against good play-action.

Man Coverage: Former cornerback with experience dropping down to shadow the slot receiver. Bit high in his backpedal. Has to gather himself a bit, but accelerates quickly and has good straight-line speed for safety. Only adequate hands for the interception.

Zone Coverage: Instinctive and experienced in zone coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and reacts quickly. May lack the speed to cover as a true centerfielder.

Closing/Recovery: Among his better traits. Reads the action and has a quick burst to accelerate. Seems more interested in timing his leap for the violent collision than to go for the interception. Only three career interceptions and never more than one in a season.

Run Support: Despite a lack of preferred size, this is one of Ward's stronger areas; a reason some will view him as a better fit at strong safety rather than free in the NFL. Quick to read run. Good agility to elude blockers, but willing to take them on and shows good, explosive hands to disengage. Can break down in space to make the effective open-field tackle against elusive athletes. Fearless. Will take on and take down the bigger ballcarrier.

Tackling: Explosive hitter who can be a truly intimidating force over the middle and in run support. Closes downhill quickly. Likes to lead with his shoulder and explode into the ballcarrier. Has nearly twice as many forced fumbles (five) as interceptions (three) over his career. Though known for his explosive hits, is also a reliable wrap-up tackler in the open field. Runs through the ballcarrier by bringing his hips. Standout special teams performer on kickoff duty.

Intangibles: Former walk-on approaches each game with a chip on his shoulder. Standout special teams player. Very strong; equaled the program's best power clean lift ever (330 pounds) among defensive backs during 2008 winter testing, in addition to posting the position's top squat mark (495 pounds). Has a history of injury. Missed nearly half of his senior season with an ankle injury. Recurring knee injuries in 2006 which kept him off the field for nearly the entire season despite his earning a starting position as a redshirt freshman. Was dropped by many recruiters due to a season-ending knee injury in 2004.

No one saw this pick coming and, consequently, this selection was met with initial disdain.  I must admit that I felt at first like this was a desperation pick, that the Browns had targeted Nate Allen (S - South Florida) and had panicked when the Eagles took him the pick right before them.

An injury-prone Safety that can't cover and was projected to go in the 3rd or 4th Round?  Egads.

However, after some further study, this guy grows on you.  I feel his coverage weaknesses are overblown.  Just because his strength is making huge hits in run support doesn't necessarily mean he can't cover, and he has the speed and experience to be more than adequate in that area (though I doubt he'll spend a ton of time doing it).

Plus, his huge hits weren't overstated.  If you haven't seen this hit on Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson, check it out via that link.  That hit is almost criminal.  Robinson probably flirted with charging him with Assault.

If Ward does that one time to POS (that Steeler QB), I'll build him a freakin' shrine, complete with a shot of rum and a cigar.

Really, the only thing not to like about Ward is his injury history.  His knee has known war - he's had surgery on his patella tendon and his MCL.  He missed a large portion of last season with a high ankle sprain (although that's not anything to worry about on a go-forward basis). 

In essence, he's almost 4 years removed from his last major injury.

The more I study him, the more I like him.  And he will probably start at one of the positions that the Browns most needed to address.  The Browns fans' draft day whipping boy will probably end up being one of their favorite picks (at least in 2010).

However, Ward will be judged career-wise directly against Taylor Mays, the much more famous USC Safety that the Browns passed up in preference of Ward.  It will be interesting to see that comparison 4 or 5 years from now.

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Regarding Montario Hardesty - RB - Tennessee

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 5, Projected Round - 2-3, Drafted Round - 2

Inside: Classic one-cut runner who presses the line of scrimmage and attacks the hole when it is there. Runs a bit upright, but lowers his pad level when in traffic and keeps his feet churning to generate as much positive yardage as possible. Good forward lean. Good vision and has the burst to take advantage of cutback lanes.

Outside: Lacks elite straight-line speed, but can beat the linebacker to the edge and turn the corner. Can stick his foot in the ground and accelerate quickly to get past the initial wave of defenders and get into the open field. Not a naturally elusive runner, but has deceptive speed due to his upright running style and good power.

Breaking tackles: Among his best attributes. Good balance to keep his feet and fight through arm tackles. Very good spin move. Keeps his feet churning in traffic and can sneak through the pile and break away to gain yardage in chunks.

Blocking: Willing pass blocker with the size, strength and technique to face up the oncoming defender. Cognizant blocker who keeps his head on a swivel and looks for someone to hit. Inconsistent effectiveness as a cut blocker as he drops his head and lunges. Good effort downfield. Looks to help out his teammates.

Receiving: Good receiver used on a variety of routes in this offense, including the basic screens and dump-offs, but also more complicated wheels and was even split out wide and used on slants. Reliable hands. Shows the ability to extend, make the reception and secure the ball quickly. Good ball security. Didn't fumble the ball once in 285 touches in 2009.

Intangibles: Characterized as the consummate teammate. Twice voted team captain, including in 2008 when he wasn't a starter. Convinced team to let him play special teams against Wyoming despite his injuries being too much to allow him to suit up as a running back. Surprised and disappointed scouts with his decision to pull out late from the Senior Bowl, but impressed them with his sub-4.5 speed and athleticism at the Combine.

This was probably my favorite pick of the draft.  Graded down because of knee injuries, I think he was one of the top Running Backs in the draft, a big, powerful runner that also has speed and moves.  A very good compliment to Jerome Harrison.

The Browns traded up into the end of the 2nd to get this guy, and I'm more than fine with that.  Hardesty stayed healthy all of last season, and rushed for over 1300 yards and 12 TD's in 12 games at Tennessee.  That's about 109 yards and 1 TD per game, boys and girls.

I dispute the above assertion that he's not elusive - he's got a mean spin move, and he's not afraid to use it.  Just watch this video, which, I believe, contains every single 2009 Hardesty carry (yeah, it's long).

It's hard to call any RB a "starter" in today's NFL, but I see Hardesty sharing carries 50-50 with Harrison a few games into the season, and probably getting the majority of carries by the bad weather months.  So I'll just go ahead and categorize him as the 2nd Starter from the Browns draft (so far).

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Regarding Colt McCoy - QB - Texas

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 4, Projected Round - 1-2, Drafted Round - 3

Accuracy: Completion percentage benefits from many short throws and receiver screens. Puts those shorter throws where receivers can catch the ball, usually in a position where the receiver can make a play after the catch. Doesn't attempt a high number of intermediate-to-deep throws, although he can throw the intermediate out and the occasional line drive down the seam or sideline. Makes touch throws look easy while in the pocket or on the move but will float deep passes down the middle, often causing his receiver to stop or comeback for the ball.

Arm Strength: Improved arm strength over his career, and now has good zip on underneath patterns and short outs. Only adequate arm strength on deeper throws, although he can sneak a 40-yard rope into the end zone if he spots an open man. Inconsistent spiral on intermediate and longer tosses. Rarely throws into tight spots between defenders.

Setup/Release: Has only adequate height, but stands tall and balanced in the pocket to find passing lanes. Quiet feet when patient in his drop, but usually throws from shotgun. Willing to throw off back foot to get ball to receiver quickly, but that style gets him in trouble when throwing into traffic. Could be a bit more patient to sell ball and pump fakes. Good poise in the pocket and will stand in and take the hit. Inconsistent release, and will wind up at times allowing defenders to break on the ball. Missed throws tend to be high because he gets too anxious and forgets to follow through completely.

Reading Defenses: Intelligent enough to understand what the defense is giving him and take advantage of it. Patient enough to let deep routes develop. Usually throws to first read because he feels where defense is weak. He will take off if first option isn't available instead of going through progressions. Hesitates to make a read on QB sneaks, finding a sliver to get to the marker. Must prove he can survey the field after taking a snap from under center. Not always cognizant of double coverage, and will force throws to make a big play.

On the Move: Moves well inside the pocket, staying calm when pressured. Buys time with his feet, and is able to throw accurately on the run in either direction within 10-12 yards -- although he will lose his spiral. Loses accuracy past that point. Directs receivers into open areas while on the move. Picks up first downs -- and much more -- with his feet by displaying quickness and vision in the open field. Able to evade sackers and run through arm tackles, but is smart enough to slide or find the sideline when needed. Could be more patient looking for receivers downfield instead of tucking and running.

Intangibles: Good intelligence. Quiet leader with positive attitude who doesn't give up during games. Impeccable character. Plays tough; gets hit often whether running the ball and in the pocket but bounces back up. Teammates will play for him. College football's all-time winningest quarterback.

With Browns nation ready to melt down because Heckert wasn't drafting enough brand names, along comes the 2nd day's "savior" - the winningest (not a real word) QB in NCAA history.  Yep, somehow the Browns managed to pass on ol' Doe Eyes twice in the 2nd and still nab him in the 3rd.  A coup, by all rights.

Honestly, I am very guarded in my enthusiasm.  I love this pick here in the 3rd, and it brought a lot of needed excitement to the layman/woman.  But my expectations are realistic.

I have no problems with Colt's arm strength.  I've seen enough of this guy to know that he has plenty of arm to perform the NFL QB job.  And he's very accurate - much more so than the last two guys we had in here.  That will be vital in this Offense.

However, I do not discount his height issues (6'1) simply because Drew Brees is highly successful at 6 feet.  Brees has learned how to acclimate - McCoy will need to make that transition.

And I don't look at McCoy and see the potential for NFL Elite.  There's only one QB in this draft that I see that in, and he went really early to St. Louis.

What I do think McCoy could be is a mobile Bernie Kosar, though.  And that would be plenty good enough.

Sadly this class was weak on really good QB prospects.  There was Bradford, but then after that it went to Tebow, who I think will be a really nice hard-working bust.  I believe that Jimmy Clausen can be good, but his potential (in my opinion) is probably about the same as Doe Eyes.  So I'm not at all upset the Browns took McCoy over (under?) Clausen.

McCoy has 2 things really going for him: 

1) He will not start in 2010.  I fully believe Holmgren when he says McCoy will sit and learn, and I think that is wise.  Other QB's have played as Rookies and succeeded, but the team surrounding them was always much better than the Browns are now.  Look at that WR corps.  That's not a nice thing to do to a rookie QB.

Delhomme will start and Seneca will back him up.  McCoy will be the #3.  The year on the sidelines and running scout teams will serve Colt well, and better prepare him for playing late season football in Northeast Ohio.

2) Mike Holmgren has a personal, vested interest in him.  Holmgren, a GREAT developer of QB's (fact, you can look it up), stuck his neck out to get McCoy selected.  Per Peter King in MMQB:

In Cleveland, midway through the third round, the Browns already had addressed cornerback, safety and running back; now they had two more priority positions to fill: defensive tackle and offensive tackle. They had picks 85 and 92. They had their two guys lined up from about the 70th pick on -- Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters and Arizona State tackle Shawn Lauvao. In the draft room, president Mike Holmgren, GM Tom Heckert and coach Eric Mangini, along with a few of the scouts, monitored the draft. Colt McCoy kept sliding.

"I had talked to Jon Gruden about Colt and he really liked him,'' Holmgren told me. "But Tom said we've got our plan, we like this defensive lineman and the offensive lineman, and we should go ahead and pick them. I kept saying, 'What about the quarterback?' ''

At number 83, two spots before the Browns were going to pick, Atlanta GM Dimitroff picked Peters, the defensive tackle the Browns had in their sights at 85.

"Then,'' Holmgren said, laughing, "the fates were telling me something. We had to pick him. I said to Tom, 'Let's pull the trigger.' I tried to run this draft the way Ron Wolf used to in Green Bay. Everyone contributed. But I kind of pulled rank a little bit. I said, 'Let's do this.'''

Heckert and Mangini wanted to go another direction, but Holmgren, with his QB love, wouldn't let them do it.  This is Holmgren's pick alone - and there's no way he wants to look bad.

So Holmgren will go above and beyond with Colt.  Lots of one on one time, watching film, on the field, before practice, after practice.  The Walrus will become his personal freakin' trainer.  Which will also help satisfy his innate desire to coach.

You combine 1 and 2 together, and hopefully what you get is a guy who is about as fully prepared to start in the NFL as you can get by the time that first start is made.

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Regarding Shawn Lauvao - G - Arizona State

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 7, Projected Round - 5, Drafted Round - 3

Positives: Has a massive, thick frame with a thick chest and arms, thighs and calves … Shows good short area quickness and balance for a player his size, displaying the agility to quickly adjust to counter moves … More of a position-&-wall off type of players, using his size effectively to gain movement off the snap … Has developed a strong hand punch to stall the bull rush and uses his hands with great effectiveness to control and sustain … Gets good leg drive and movement, staying low in his pads on run blocks … Is a bit heavy-legged, but has the functional burst to pull and impact on the edge, doing a very good job of sealing up inside … Has enough short area quickness to come out and attack the linebackers in the second level … Has the ability to adjust on the move and shows adequate lateral slide … Flashes a very good hand set and punch to stop the pass rush charge and demonstrates the foot agility to kick and adjust with his lateral slide … Uses his lower-body strength well to drive defenders off the ball and simply engulfs defenders at the point of attack.

Negatives: Lacks explosion coming off the snap and is more of a position/wall-off type of blocker … Lacks the sustained speed to get out quickly to make plays in the second level … Will come out and attack the linebackers, but will fall off some blocks working in space … Better playing inside, where his feet are not exposed to the edge rush (struggled as a tackle to mirror the speed rush moves and could not control and finish as well as he does when working in-line) … Has a good short-area straight-line charge, but struggles to redirect his massive frame due to hip stiffness … Needs to get in better shape, as his excess body fat causes him to labor when moving up field and will wear down as the game progresses … For a player of his size and strength, he should be generating more power at the point of attack (uses his body to lean into the defender rather than explode through his blocks) … Weight room strength fails to translate to the field at times, especially in his pass set … Needs to take better angles as a drive blocker.

Compares To, KYNAN FORNEY, Jacksonville -- Lauvao's immediate value to an NFL team is his versatility. He is one of the strongest drive blockers in this draft class and while he does not have the size to play out on the edge, his power base and trap blocking sills are more likely to see him push for a starting job at left guard within a few years.

Lauvao played Tackle at ASU, but will likely play Guard in the NFL.  Pundits felt the Browns took him too high, but that's only because there's some unwritten rule that you're not allowed to draft Guards early, even if they're really good.

I have no idea how this guy will translate to the pro game, but his skills are a good match for what we need at Guard, and my guess he will be starting sooner rather than later.  As in 2011, making Eric Steinbach expendable.

I never complain when Offensive Linemen are taken in the early rounds.  They should probably take one at 4 or higher every year.

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Regarding Larry Asante - S - Nebraska

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 6 (as Strong Safety), Projected Round - 5, Drafted Round - 5

Read & React: Quick reaction to the run and screen passes, getting to the ball in a hurry. A step late to pick up play-action or receivers coming underneath his zone, but has the reflexes to get to the ball, anyway.

Man Coverage: Athletic and fluid enough to hang with tight ends, running backs and most receivers. Choppy in his backpedal but transitions to turn and run pretty well for his size and physicality.

Zone Coverage: Excellent speed to the ball. Reads quarterback well and baits him to throw into his area. High-points jump balls and owns better than average hands for the position. Changes directions quickly enough to come off deep route to underneath ball and make the tackle, although needs to be more aware of tandem routes to prevent receptions.

Closing/Recovery: Closes to the ball in the air, plants and drives, coming in with the intention of making the interception or laying a huge hit. Very good recovery speed, can hit the wrong gap and bounce out to track down running backs from behind.

Run Support: Used on run blitzes often, flies into the hole or into the second level when playing deep half and does not usually miss his target. Future may be as a primarily in-the-box safety because of his strength in this area. Explodes into the ballcarrier in space or near the line. Takes the correct angle to prevent touchdown runs, has the speed to make the play.

Tackling: Secure wrap-up tackler with very good upper-body strength and the capability and attitude to force fumbles with a big hit. Effective cut tackler, makes solid contact with the ballcarrier's legs and only occasionally misses. Breaks down in space and changes directions quickly to bring down elusive backs. Willing to be the second or third man on the ballcarrier. Will be a terror inside on special team coverage units, plays with reckless abandon.

Intangibles: Coaches say he's become more assignment-sure and is now a vocal player who directs teammates on the field and lets them know when he's unable with their play. Unafraid to mix it up with bigger players.

Many pundits have expounded the idea that Asante can be a starter in a couple of years with the right development, and I've seen speculation that he and Ward could be the starting Safeties someday.

That is unlikely, since they both share the same qualities (hard hitting, strong in the box, less adept at coverage).  They both project as Strong Safeties, so they probably won't be on the field at the same time very often.

This pick is simply to bolster the Special Teams (where Asante's skill set should excel) and add depth to a position that was both shallow and weak.  A solid pick, and clearly one made with BPA in mind, since the Browns had gone through 5 rounds and selected nary a WR.

Besides, can't dislike anyone that dubs themselves "The Assassin" and fashions their game after Jack Tatum.

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Regarding Carlton Mitchell - WR - South Florida

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 8, Projected Round - 2-3, Drafted Round - 6

Release: Gets to top speed much faster than expected for his height, eating up cushion and blowing by corners without great speed. Can hesitate to lull defender to sleep, then accelerate to get separation. Is not pressed much because of his size and speed, but seems comfortable giving a shake and using his hands to free himself from the jam.

Hands: Inconsistent hands and traps the ball against his chest more often than not on short to intermediate throws. Tracks balls over his shoulder, able to secure the catch when stretched out on deep balls or throws to the sideline. Excellent red-zone threat. Better adjusting to high throws than low ones, but can get down to make the grab if given room to do so. Loses concentration on easier passes at times.

Route running: Will round off routes at times, but sinks his hips coming in and out of routes pretty well for a 6-4 receiver. Stop and comeback routes are sudden, a dangerous combination with his potential as a deep threat. Uses a head fake to sell routes. Willing to find holes in zones over the middle.

After the catch: Not many tall receivers are used on quick screens, but his surprising quickness and length allows him to succeed. Turns on the jets after the catch, with his long strides making it difficult for defenders to catch him. Can be elusive on screens but fails to avoid defenders when on a dead run. Height makes him a target to be chopped down in the open field by better corners.

Blocking: Has the desire and length to take defenders out of the play when he knows the run is coming, but a failure to break down and mirror his man allows them to avoid his grasp. Runs hard and extends his arms to keep safeties at bay while blocking for fellow receivers downfield. Resorts to ineffective cut blocks at times despite have the size advantage on the edge.

Intangibles: Tough player who bounces up after the big hit. Confident, well-liked in the locker room who has worked hard to be more than a track star playing football.

The 8th ranked WR, projected as high as the 2nd, goes to the Browns in the 6th?  Instead of getting some little speedy smurf to act in a specialty role to help stretch the field, you get a big speedy non-smurf that could - potentially - develop into a #1?  Uh... score.

This gentleman's analysis reads just like a Braylon Edwards (except the part about being liked in the locker room).  It's not necessarily a great thing to be compared with Braylon, but I'd certainly spend a 6th rd pick on Edwards (provided we could cut out his tongue). 

Yes, yes, I know that it is CRAZY to project Mitchell as a future #1 WR.  I am NOT saying that he WILL be - I'm saying he has the POTENTIAL to be one.

Mo Massaquoi doesn't have that potential and never did.  Brian Robiskie doesn't have that potential and never did.  Neither of them had the raw physical combination of speed and size (6'3) that Mitchell has.

Now, lots of physical specimens come and go in this league.  Especially at WR.  For all I know, he could be Paul Hubbard all over again.  So having the POTENTIAL to be a top WR doesn't mean you'll even make a team.  There's way more to being a good Receiver.

But there's no doubting that Mitchell was a huge value this late in the draft, and I'll be excited to see what he can show.

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Regarding Clifton Geathers - DE/DT - South Carolina

NFLDraftScout.com:  Positional Rank - 14, Projected Round - 4-5, Drafted Round - 6

Pass rush: Flashes a burst off the snap but appears to be guessing at the snap count and can be beat late. Shows a burst to close when he's given a lane, but unless he beats the offensive tackle with his initial burst, he lacks the sustained speed to collapse the pocket. Typically relies on a powerful bull rush to knock the tackle into the pocket. Flashes swim and rip moves, but doesn't use either often enough.

Run defense: His best asset. Good size and strength to anchor and create a pile. Has enough lateral agility to slip outside and keep contain. Despite his long arms and good upper-body strength, is inconsistent to shed due to marginal hand placement. Marginal balance and lateral agility to handle quick ballcarriers. Can be evaded in relatively tight quarters. Inconsistent pursuit downfield. Lacks the balance to change direction and the straight-line speed to catch up.

Explosion: Flashes an impressive burst off the snap for a player his size. Inconsistent. Lumbers downfield in pursuit, showing only average quickness and body control when changing direction. Heavy tackler but needs a lane to generate momentum for the big hit.

Strength: Good strength at the point of attack. Anchors well against double-team blocking and can hold the point. Can push the pocket as a bull rusher. Can drag down ballcarriers as they run by due to his long arms and good upper-body strength.

Tackling: Marginal balance and struggles to break down to tackle in the open field. At his most productive when slipping off blocks and using his wingspan to grab the ballcarrier coming through the line. Flashes some pop as a hitter when he gets an open lane to generate momentum.

Intangibles: Great bloodlines. Brother is current Cincinnati Bengals DE Robert Geathers, Jr. and both his father, Robert Sr., and uncle, Jumpy, played in the NFL. Arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public drunkenness Aug. 23 outside of a local nightclub. Sustained a cracked right orbital bone the night he was arrested. Was suspended for the first game of the season after arrest.

The Browns last pick was described as Heckgren as "A Monster".  At 6'8, 300 lbs, he is big, and has the potential to get bigger.  Most agree that the deep draft class at DT, as well as being arrested in a fight outside a nightclub (he and Chris Jennings can swap stories), dropped this raw but high-potential player down this far.

Geathers will have a couple years to develop before he's asked to start, and I do believe the Browns expect him to do so and some point.  Geathers apparently does too.

"I've got 37 1/2-inch arms, did a 36-inch vertical, have a 7-foot, 2-inch wingspan and I'm just able to move. I'm a freaky guy. I think with a little coaching and a little polishing, I'll be the best player probably in the league."

In the analysis, you'll notice how modesty is not listed as one of his traits.

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Draft Summary

According to the newly developed Hutchison Theorum - a complicated calculation using algorithms and Avogadro's number - the Browns were +3 in Draft Value.  The sum total of the projected rounds the 8 players chosen was 25, whereas the sum total of where Cleveland actually drafted them was 28.  Historical research shows that any team with a Draft Value of +2 or higher usually goes on to win the Super Bowl at some point.  Or so I speculate.  I haven't actually done the research yet.

2 Safeties, 1 Cornerback (3 DB's total).  1 DT project.  1 Running Back, 1 Quarterback, 1 Wide Receiver, 1 Guard.

Of these 8, I would say that 7 of them are projected to be Starters by 2012 (at least).  The only one that I'm guessing wasn't drafted with starting in mind is Asante.

Now, not all 7 of those guys will pan out.  There will be a bust in there somewhere, someone who will be nothing but a drunken draft party trivia question someday.  But if they come away with, say, 5 legit starters from this draft class, then it is a successful draft.

Hell, I fully expect 2 or 3 of these guys to start right away.

But, in all likelihood, this draft will be defined by the success/failure of Colt McCoy.  He's the big name, he's the QB.  If he fails, people will be more apt to forget the contributions of the rest of his draft class.

3 DB's certainly helps address the Defensive backfield.  Abe Elam & TJ Ward will probably start, with Larry Asante and Mike Adams (and some others) backing them up.  Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright will likely start the season at CB, with Joe Haden at Nickel and Brandon McDonald at Dime.  A huge infusion of talent for an area that needed it.

There are already Linebackers galore, and Geathers can hopefully help bolster a decent but aging D Line.  The Offensive backfield is more crowded than Beijing, and the QB spot is set.  The O Line is decent, and Lauvao helps bolster it further, and the TE spot is mediocre, but serviceable.

So where oh where could the weakness of this team lie?  Hmmmmmm... I wonder...

Wide Receivers - 1) Mo Massaquoi, 2) Brian Robiskie, 3) Chansi Stuckey, Josh Cribbs, Syndric Steptoe, Jake Allen, Carlton Mitchell.

Even with Mitchell - who is, after all, still a 6th Rounder - this position is HEINOUS!

They'd better be signing a veteran WR real damn soon.

I will ignore RFA's, but Mangini's old friend Laveranues Coles is out there.  How about him?  (I hope not - that name is Hell to Spell).

Tom Heckert's old player, Kevin Curtis?  Brandon Lloyd?  Javon Walker?  Kelley Washington?  Delhomme's old playmate Muhsin Muhammad?

Or how about... Terrell Owens?  (That's right, I said it.)

Yes, that list is about as interesting as watching pubic hairs turn gray, but they've gotta bring someone with a track record in here, even if his best days are two or three seasons behind him.  Cuz that lineup is most non-triumphant.

So that would be my main qualm with this draft - it failed to adequately address one of the two positions of greatest need coming in.

However, Holmgren tells the truth when he says that "you can't fix it all in one draft".  What you do is get the best players that you can and hope that enough develop that you can maybe fix it all in two.  Even that would be a miracle.

But this team is - on paper - a lot better than it was entering the 2009 season.  And with the players and Mangini better knowing what to expect from each other, I think it is not impossible/improbable to expect the Browns to be around a .500 team next season.

8-8 and contending for a Wildcard into the 14th or 15th week... maybe my standards have been sadly lowered by the repeated blows of painful failure, but you show me the dotted line where I can get that and I'll gladly sign.

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Person That I Dislike More Than Aaron Goldhammer

Rasheed Wallace.

Considering the upcoming Cavs-Celtics series, this is a no-brainer (much like Sheed himself).  Rasheed is a repugnant piece of human excrement whose impending ejections I will enjoy very much.

As a kid, I heard about a torture where the torturer would stick a glass wand up the urethra of the penis of the torturee, then break it with a hammer (the wand, not the other thing).  One can only imagine the pain/damage/horror.

I'm not sure why looking at Sheed makes me think of that torture.