NFL DRAFT
Browns leaning toward CB, but who knows?
General manager: Goal is to get at least one or two players to help immediately.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Think the draft is a crapshoot? Try guessing who the Cleveland Browns are going to pick in the fourth round Sunday, April 27, at No. 122 overall?
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, whose guess is as educated as any, has them taking Kent State cornerback Jack Williams.
Extras
Such a selection would address the team's biggest need after veteran Leigh Bodden — last year's team leader in interceptions — was sent to Detroit in the Shaun Rogers deal.
What's the plan?
At the moment, the Browns have four picks, one in each of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. Their objective, as stated by General Manager Phil
Savage, is to unearth at least one player, better yet two, who can help immediately and another one or two who might help down the line.
If there's any chance to land an extra pick, look for the Browns to explore it today. They definitely will have time on their hands. As for trading into the first three rounds or dealing a quarterback, the chances seem remote.
About Williams
According to the Pro Football Weekly 2008 Draft Preview, the 5-foot-9, 186-pound Williams "shows quickness, burst and the speed to track receivers," has "good recovery speed and plays the ball well in the air." His size is often questioned, but he supposedly plays bigger and last season played through a shoulder injury.
Some other options
Some think Boise State junior cornerback Orlando Scandrick fits the profile of what the Browns are looking for, but it's safe to say not all reports are favorable. PFW: "Does not play physically. Gives up too many big plays. Not a strong tackler. Very average ball skills. Not a worker. Has a long memory. Is moody and immature. Takes himself out of games. Cannot play with pain."
• If not a defensive back, maybe a linebacker? Michigan's Shawn Crable, who played at Massillon High, reportedly wants to come home. He's being projected as a fourth-round pick. At
6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he had 71/2 sacks last season at Michigan, where he was team captain, and finished second in the nation with
281/2 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
A puncher's chance?
Somebody will take a
flier on Notre Dame safety
Tom Zbikowski, who also boxes. He's good friends with Browns quarterback Brady Quinn from their days under the golden dome. Quinn seems to have become his promoter, telling ClevelandBrowns.com, "He's the type of player everyone would want. He's strong, fast, smart, and I don't think there's any doubt he's going to succeed."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.
