Your first day draft grade

[Silky Smooth]

Don't forget we also got Abram Elam, Brett Ratliff and Kenyon Coleman too...

Werent the Browns trying to sign Elam and the Jets ended up signing him?

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

Agreed but is Center a bigger need than pass rush/LB?

Pass Rushers can be found in the middle part of the draft *As evidence by who they drafted*.

Let's put it this way, Mack will have a bigger impact than any Pass rush/LB we could have drafted there. Mack gives us an inside running game for the first time...ever?

 

[DDJ7777]

Werent the Browns trying to sign Elam and the Jets ended up signing him?

Yes, he was restricted and they matched. Guess it doesn't matter now because he's ours again.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

21. Cleveland Browns (From Philadelphia)
The pick: Alex Mack, C, California
What he brings: Mack displays great strength and comes from a wrestling background, which allows him to play with great balance. He also possesses the necessary ability to sink his hips and reset his feet when going up against bigger interior defensive tackles, and he uses his hands very well.

How he fits: This is not a flashy pick, but fills a need with a young player who can grow with the quarterback. Mack is capable of being the point person on an offensive line that already has Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas. Mack is a player who will likely be an long-time starter in the NFL. This is a conservative pick, but his toughness and strength fit perfectly with the new regime in Cleveland.

4. (36) Cleveland Browns
The pick: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
What he brings: The truth is Robiskie might have already reached his potential. He doesn't have top-end speed and is already very polished. That being said, he's a smooth route-runner with good size (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) and reliable hands. In other words, he's capable of contributing immediately.

How he fits: Because Robiskie is polished, he will be able to help fill the void possibly left by Donte' Stallworth. While there is a wide variance of opinion on Robiskie's upside and ultimate value, he is capable of contributing some in 2009 because of his background and understanding of the pro game.

The pick: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia What he brings: Massaquoi has some limitations as far as home-run hitting ability goes. However, he does an excellent job lowering his hips and creating separation out of his breaks. He also plays with a fearless attitude and possess the concentration and reliable hands to make the tough catch in traffic.

How he fits: While he is not as polished as Brian Robiskie, who the Browns took in Round 1, many personnel executives feel Massaquoi has a higher upside. He had confidence issues early in his career with his hands, but really came on during his senior season. Cleveland needed and took two receivers early in this draft. Massaquoi has the tools to be a quality NFL receiver.

The pick: David Veikune, DE, Hawaii
What he brings: Veikune brings an excellent combination of speed along with athleticism to fit the role of a 3-4 outside linebacker. He can provide pressure off the edge as a pass-rusher and has the strength to be effective holding his ground against the run.

How he fits: He will likely line up outside as a strong side linebacker. He is a tough kid who has the ability to stack the edge and provide some pass rush on third down. He fills a need left by the departure of Willie McGinest and will compete with David Bowens and Alex Hall for early playing time.

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From ESPN.

 

[PIP]

Meh, C.. Maybe better if the Jets players are effective..

The Georgia WR is just a weird pick, and I wonder if the Hawaii DE is better than Kruger ?

 

[JayDub]

C-

Georgia WR is a pointless pick imo IF we dont get a an RB later in the draft.

We traded down to 21 got a center that was a reach. many people said him and the guy from oregon were indistinguishable. Robo and DE from Hawaii are solid picks and we got a few jet scrubs. Overall, Mankok made ripple in thier debut.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

C-

Georgia WR is a pointless pick imo IF we dont get a an RB later in the draft.

We traded down to 21 got a center that was a reach. many people said him and the guy from oregon were indistinguishable. Robo and DE from Hawaii are solid picks and we got a few jet scrubs. Overall, Mankok made ripple in thier debut.

Which people?

Considering Eric Wood was taken maybe 4 picks or more later, I'd say he was picked right where he should have been. Everyone I've seen said Mack was the best C by far.

 

[Ajak0410]

I'm just sad Curry wasn't available, he's the only guy in the draft I was excited about. I'm happy for Beanie because he got drafted by a good team that needs him.

As for the Browns...I don't understand the Mossaquoi pick not because I don't think he'll be good but right after we drafted Robiskie, I thought there were more pressing needs. Because of the Jets players we got and the fact that we doubled the number of picks we had to begin with, I'm optimistic but not necessarily excited.

B-

 

[Sly]

These aren't the players that I wanted going into the draft. However, I can't look at these picks, and the traded Jets, and not come away thinking that we are a stronger team. We filled a lot of holes and added depth.

After the Giants selected Nicks, I thought the Edwards deal was dead. After the Giants selected Sintim, whom by most regards is not suited to play in the 4-3, I started to think maybe something else is going on. Then Massaquoi after we had taken Robiskie? It's not outrageous to have 3 receivers. I want to dismiss it because I'm tired of the rumors, but something tells me this might not be over after all.

I think it's obvious that the brass either has a running back in mind later in the draft, or they for whatever reason wanted no part of Wells or McCoy. I don't think it's terribly surprising. The first thing everyone ever says about running backs is, low shelf life and easy to find late in the draft. Cedric Peerman?

Alex Mack is the man. I realize that many have a fondness for Fraley, and he's not a terrible player. He's adequate. It's not a hole and it wasn't the biggest need. Alex Mack is really a complete player and a huge upgrade.

This is a surprise pick, but when you consider the Browns' offensive line now has Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach and Mack lining up together, they should have a scary running game if they're able to pick up a running back later in the draft. Mack is possibly the surest thing in this draft. While center is not a glamorous position, he shows the athleticism, intelligence and toughness to be a mainstay for the next decade.

I like Robiskie. The only question about him is that I'm not sure if he's a #2 or #3. Obviously, we needed receivers. I think he's a terrific match for Quinn.

(No. 36 overall, Browns) Cleveland gets a solid receiver with great hands to catch the ball in traffic. Robiskie can go across the middle and absorb hits while holding onto the ball. He also made the best of his Combine opportunity by running a solid 40, allowing him to jump into the second round.

Obviously Massaquoi impressed the team with his late workout.

Is quick-footed and athletic. Accelerates to full speed in a blink and shows speed to gain separation deep. When using good technique, runs sharp routes. Turns his head and hands around quickly to pluck passes out of the air. Does not hesitate in catching passes in traffic and holds on to the ball while absorbing hard hits, particularly on quick inside slants. Shows hands, concentration and coordination to make low catches. Tucks the ball away and starts running quickly after catches, showing some wiggle to avoid tackles.

I had never heard of David Veikune before the senior bowl. He didn't seem to have anything to offer just by looking at him. But it was obvious that he was one of the most difficult rushers to match up against and from what it looked like, extraordinarily frustrating to block him.

Is one of the most competitive players we have evaluated this year. Plays with great passion and intensity on every snap. Is a smart player who plays with good leverage, maintains his assignment and uses his hands well against blockers. Consistently stacks the point of attack, sheds and makes the tackle on runs at him when blocked by a tight end. Against offensive linemen's run blocks, does a good job of holding his ground and keeping the play inside him. On running plays away, does a good job of making sure the ball is going the other way before pursuing; once he does, comes down the line quickly to make the tackle. Does a good job of using his hands to defeat tackles in pass protection; has good technique and pass-rush moves. Is consistently able to pressure the quarterback through great effort, strength and use of hands. Has experience sliding inside to pass rush from a defensive tackle alignment when his team uses a nickel defense.

DE Kenyon Coleman is a vet. He'll come in to compete, but I think he's a likely to start.

Brett Ratliff is a back up QB that showed a lot of upside before Favre came in last year. I really think he would have beat out Clemmens.

We tried to sign Abram Elam away from the Jets in FA and they blocked us. ”Big Play Abe.” -I like that. Must read about Abe: http://nyjetsfan.com/index.php/2009/01/14/mistakes-of-2008-abram-elam-not-the-starter-at-week-one/

I'm not ready to grade yet until we see the entire picture.

The analysts that aren't jackasses, that don't have their head up their ass, like what the Browns have done so far.


The Raiders? LOLHILARIOUS. Forget taking Heyward-Bey at least 10 picks too early and passing on Crabtree. Michael Mitchell may not even been drafted.

 

[jlj3184]

F-

Pick #21, Alex Mack (Ranked #39 by Scouts Inc.)
Pick #36, Brian Robiskie (Ranked #76 by Scouts Inc.)
Pick #50, Mohamed Massaquoi (Ranked #53 by Scouts Inc.)
Pick #52, David Veikune (Ranked #69 by Scouts Inc.)

We traded back three times and STILL reached for a player. We drafted two average NFL receivers (HOPEFULLY) and a dude that played in the WAC, where all they do is throw the ball...of course he can get to the quarterback, he never has to worry about defending the run.

We got a safety who can't play the pass, but he hits hard so everyone cums in their pants. He has a 58 grade from Scouts Inc.

We got a career backup DE (that is until Mangini decided to give him a starting job) who has a 67 grade from Scouts Inc.

We got a QB who we're high on because he lit us up in the preseason last year? I can't even find a site that grades him or has a scouting report on him, he's that bad.

Oh, and 2 6th round picks FTW!

How anyone is defending this draft is beyond me. The Browns had the second worst first day of anyone in the league, behind the Raiders. The BENGALS outdrafted us...for shame.

 

[The Oi]

Grading drafts now is as absurd as trying to figure out who's picking whom before they start. We won't know what kind of grade to give the draft for another two years.

I don't know much about our new DE but as of now...I'm happy that they addressed the fact that we have zero WR depth and we picked up a terrific Center. Depth on the o-line is going to be CRUCIAL if we start the season with Brady back there. In addition to that we added some stability to the team by picking up some guys that are used to Mangini's system and personality and whom we know will be able to come in and play from day one.

I hope that a lot of the decisions we made today end up as small pieces to a larger puzzle. I'm encouraged but I'm not going to grade it because there's no way to know until these guys hit the field.

 

[Dungong]

I like drafting 2 recievers, Stallworth is useless, JJ is gone, Cribbs is a beast but not a reciever, so besides Braylon, we dont got that many guys that can even catch a ball. Losing KWII hurts here too.

Mack is solid I guess and lets us line up Steinbach and Joe Thomas next to him, of course now we need someone to run behind them, though we really don't need that RB piece yet, rebuilding until further notice.

I'm not sure what trading down for 6th rounders really gets us... but you never know? Cribbs was an undrafted FA so I guess anything can happen

I would have liked us to grab one of the higher profile LB's, but maybe the Jets dudes are good enough?

 

[The Oi]

I'd imagine we're going to use the 6th rounders for special teams and depth guys. It's already abundantly clear that depth is the main target for this regime.

 

[fearthehawk47]

As of right now, I would give it a C. Yes, Alex Mack is a great talent and will be a great football player and that's what you have to get to have a successful football team; however, we need someone to rush the passer and we really didn't add much (outside of Coleman, who honestly, I haven't read up about yet). I don't like Robo or Massaqoui that much, but then again, I've had my heart set on getting Nicks for the past week or two.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

As of right now, I would give it a C. Yes, Alex Mack is a great talent and will be a great football player and that's what you have to get to have a successful football team; however, we need someone to rush the passer and we really didn't add much (outside of Coleman, who honestly, I haven't read up about yet). I don't like Robo or Massaqoui that much, but then again, I've had my heart set on getting Nicks for the past week or two.

You need to read about our 3rd 2nd rounder. He is a pass rusher.