A Fans View of the Browns 2011 Draft

Tom Heckert just completed his second draft with your Cleveland Browns.  Over the three days the Browns added 8 new players to the roster. Only time will tell us now if Heckert had another  fine draft, as he did in 2010.  The draft was started with a trade, and a big one at that.  Trading the number 6 pick to Atlanta for 5 picks was the right thing to do.  Julio Jones will be a fine player, but the Browns need more than one fine player.  A rumor floating over the past few days is that the Browns will trade Atlanta's #1 pick next year to Philadelphia for QB Kevin Kolb.  That pick was one of the five picks received in trading the #6 pick in the draft.  With that said, here is my analysis of the Browns draft picks

Phil Taylor, DT, pick #21: After trading down with Atlanta, the Browns traded their 3rd round pick to move up to select Taylor.  This guy is huge, and true space eater.  I do not understand some of the criticism that Taylor is a nose tackle.  The guys has never played nose tackle, always playing in a 4-3 defensee.  This was a solid pick, and should start immediately.   The run defense is much better today.

Jabaal Sheard, DE, pick #37: Should compete for a starting spot with our switch to the 4-3 defense.  At worst he will be a situational pass rusher.  This guy has the size, strength and speed to play in the NFL.   Sheard was the Big East Defensive MVP in 2011.

Greg Little, WR, pick #59: Fans are excited about this guys potential.  I believe people are too excited and setting expectations too high.  For two years Little was a running back at NC.  His junior year he switched to WR and was solid.  Little was suspended for his senior year by the NCAA.   You need to be patient with this guy because it will take a couple of years to develop.  Compare his switch to WR with that of Josh Cribbs.  This is a very tough position to start immediately in the NFL.

Jordan Cameron, TE, pick #102: Another raw player with a ton of upside.  Played basketball at BYU before switching to football at USC.  This guy is a lot like Evan Moore currently with the Browns.  Not much of a blocker at TE, was drafted to catch passes and cause mismatches with DB's.

Owen Marecic, FB, pick #124: If you are a Lawrence Vickers fan, you will most likely dislike Marecic.  This guys played both ways at Stanford and once scored an offensive and defensive TD within 13 seconds.  Owen will soon be a fan favorite paving the way for Peyton Hillis.

Buster Skrine, CB. pick #157: One of the fastest guys in the draft.  Above average cover skills.  The question will be at 5-9 and 186 lbs. can he handle the physical part of the NFL.

Jason Pinkston, OT, pick #150:  Played tackle in college, projected as a guard in the NFL.  I believe the Browns will give Jason a chance at RT.  At worst Pinkston will be a back up this year.

Eric Hagg, S, pick #248: May have a chance as a back up and special teams player.  This guys had a nose for the ball in college.

Well that is my take on the Browns draft.  Let me know what you think.  Email your comments, or drop me a tweet at @BrownsAnswerGuy.