By Terry Pluto
I was going to tell you what I thought about the Browns draft, but I was able to get a scouting report on some of the Browns' picks from an NFC team's college scout. He's paid for his opinions, and he has no agenda with the Browns. Anyway, here are some of his notes:
FIRST ROUND: Kamerion Wimbley, LB, 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, Florida State:
The scout: "I feel he's a risky pick. It's not because he can't play, but he has yet to last a full season. He has a great work ethic and intensity, but he is a little light as a four-down lineman. As I asked, 'Sure, you can rush the passer, but can you play the run?' The upside is huge, and he certainly is a person of great character. He might even be more of a linebacker than a defensive end. ... I see him as a player who may become like Jason Taylor, but is far from a finished product. He could make an immediate impact as a pass-rushing end.''
My thoughts: I was hoping the Browns would take Haloti Ngata. You can read that opinion here: At least Browns have priorities set. But I did like the Browns' approach to the draft.
As for the scout's opinions, it makes me feel even better about what the Browns did. He was evaluating Wimbley as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. The Browns see him as a linebacker in the 3-4 alignment. So does the scout, who praises his attitude and pass rushing. I know that the Baltimore Ravens had Wimbley rated as a low first-rounder, but their general manager, Ozzie Newsome, told me that Wimbley is exactly the kind of player who should do well in Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense.
SECOND ROUND: D'Qwell Jackson, LB, 6-0, 229, Maryland.
The scout: "This is a guy I love to hate. Every year, I think about a guy like this, 'He's too small and a step slow.' Then he goes out and makes 10 tackles. He plays well in a zone, but struggles when a guy goes up field on him, man to man. He covers well on the slot. A good hitter! I love his competitive fire and attitude. Can a 6-foot LB play in the middle in the NFL? It's been done before, but this guy is a reach. I really hope I'm wrong, because I love the way he plays.''
My thoughts: He led the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles for two years and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. I love players who achieve in college, who aren't just about potential. Down deep, the scout knows that sometimes your heart is right, and your head can be wrong. I bet Jackson becomes a key player for the Browns within three years.
THIRD ROUND: Travis Wilson, WR, 6-2, 214, Oklahoma.
The scout: "Don't know much about him. Heard he has great hands.''
My thoughts: I respect the scout for this. He wrote similarly about fourth-rounder Isaac Sowells (offensive line, Indiana) and fullback Lawrence Vickers and defensive lineman Babatunde Oshinowo, who were picked in the sixth round. He didn't scout them, so he offered no opinions. Good for him.
FOURTH ROUND: Leon Williams, 6-3, 245, LB, Miami.
"Talked to some people with Miami and they don't like this guy. They say he has great talent, but didn't start some games in 2005. Has all the tools, size, speed and burst to the ball ... and the intangible nastiness of an LB, but there is definitely a question mark with the guy. What happened? I don't know. There is no doubt he can do it, but will he?''
My thoughts: In the upper part of the draft, the Browns put stock in character. Here, they are gambling on pure talent. Maybe he will mature. If not, the Browns don't lose much. You just don't want to pick a guy like this on the first day.
FIFTH ROUND: Jerome Harrison, RB, 5-9, 201, Washington State.
The scout: "Just saw him on TV for a few games. Third-down back with great balance. I like his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. I rate his hands as very good, his blocking way below average. ... Could be an interesting guy to create matchups -- motion him out, and get him man to man on a linebacker. Could make an immediate impact on special teams and as a third-down back. His size makes me wonder if he can last.''
Second opinion: Rod Oviatt (head strength coach, Washington State) e-mailed me, unsolicited, about Harrison: "When the game was on the line, he wanted the ball in his hands. He's strong, tough and there are no character issues with this young man. He was a captain for us, and one of the best people I've had the privilege of coaching in the last 20 years. He carried the ball more than 300 times and didn't miss a game. Everyone was trying to stop him, even USC (140 yards). As a lifelong Browns fan (from Wooster), I'm excited.''
My thoughts: Harrison is the kind of second-day pick that I love. Scouts rated him low because he's small, and looks even shorter on film. His 40-yard dash time is an uninspiring 4.59. All he did was gain tough yards and make big plays. He gained 1,900 yards, second best in the country. He had 16 TDs in 11 games and is from Kalamazoo, Mich., so the cold weather should not bother him. A lot of middle-round draft picks make it as running backs. I'm eager to see him. I also think this will mean the end of Lee Suggs, if Harrison looks promising. What the Browns don't tell you is that they have doubts Suggs ever will stay healthy. The three backs for this season could be Reuben Droughns, William Green and Harrison.
FIFTH ROUND: DeMario Minter, DB, 5-11, 191 pounds, Georgia.
The scout: "I think this guy is a steal! Why was he still on the board at 152? Good size and speed and doesn't mind hitting. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought he'd be taken on the first day. He bolsters the secondary right away. His coaches love his ability. They thought he'd be a second-round pick, and I agreed, but we were wrong. Don't be surprised if he's starting this year and plays well in a couple of years. He does need to stop gambling and jumping routes.''
My thoughts: I know nothing about Minter, but he played well in the SEC. That should count for quite a bit.
