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2008 NFL Draft Preview – Cleveland Browns
by Joseph
Mays
NFL Draft Analyst
4/20/08
Introduction
Perhaps
the surprise team of 2007 the Browns came out of nowhere, finishing
10-6 and narrowly missing the playoffs. The offense seemingly
gelled overnight once Charlie Frye was shipped to Seattle and Derek
Anderson gained control of the offense. Anderson earned a trip to
the Pro Bowl and the maturation and growth of Braylon Edwards and
Kellen Winslow was significant last year. Jamal Lewis had a
renaissance season and has since been resigned.
The defense’s performance was opposite of the offense. The
offense finished in the top 12 in each of the main offensive categories
but the defense finished 21st or lower. Improving the defense by
a small fraction would garner this team at least one more win if not
more. Some big strides have already been made with the addition
of Shaun Rogers, who will slide in at NT, as well as Corey Williams,
presumably a 3-4 DE. However these acquisitions came at a steep
price. Coupled with the acquisition of Brady Quinn last year, the
Browns first selection in the 2008 draft isn’t until pick 122.
| Offseason Transactions (as of
April 17) |
| Player |
Action |
Comments |
| Orpheus Roye |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Charles Ali |
FA |
Resigned |
| Gary Baxter |
FA |
Resigned |
| Jamal Lewis |
FA |
Resigned |
| Kris Griffin |
FA |
Resigned |
| Lennie Friedman |
FA |
Resigned |
| Nick Sorensen |
FA |
Resigned |
| Seth McKinney |
FA |
Resigned |
| Simon Fraser |
FA |
Signed with Atlanta |
| Ricardo Colclough |
FA |
Signed with Carolina |
| Chaun Thompson |
FA |
Signed with Houston |
| Bobby Hamilton |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Ethan Kelley |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Keith Adams |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Matt Stewart |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Nat Dorsey |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Ted Washington |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Tim Carter |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Derek Anderson |
RFA |
Resigned |
| Shantee Orr |
Signing |
From Jacksonville |
| Rex Hadnot |
Signing |
From Miami |
| Donte Stallworth |
Signing |
From New England |
| Shaun Rogers |
Trade |
From Detroit |
| Corey Williams |
Trade |
From Green Bay |
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| 2007 Statistics |
| Offense |
| Points/Game |
25.1 |
8th |
| Yards/Game |
351.3 |
8th |
| Rush Yards/Game |
118.4 |
10th |
| Pass Yards/Game |
232.9 |
12th |
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| Defense |
| Points Allowed/Game |
23.9 |
21st |
| Yards Allowed/Game |
359.6 |
30th |
| Rush Yards Allowed/Game |
129.5 |
27th |
| Pass Yards
Allowed/Game |
230.1 |
24th |
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Areas
of Need
The Browns traded
away their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks in this year’s draft.
Luckily there aren’t too many glaring needs that must be addressed this
year. Perhaps finding some gems in the mid to late rounds is all
Cleveland can hope for.
Running
Back – Jamal Lewis played great last year but he is injury prone
and can be streaky. The talent behind him is minimal.
Adding a RB with one of their four picks would be wise.
Possible Targets (Round) – Allen Patrick, Oklahoma (5); Chauncey
Washington, USC (6); Cory Boyd, South Carolina (6); Dantrell Savage,
Oklahoma State (7); Jerome Messam, Graceland (7)
Linebacker
– Andra Davis had a down year in 2007. Willie McGinest may not
make it the whole year. Kamerion Wimbley looks like a keeper and
D’Qwell Jackson is progressing slowly. Adding a pass rushing OLB
or a young MLB would be wise in the late rounds.
Possible Targets (Round) – Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech (5); Ezra Butler,
Nevada (5); Curtis Johnson, Clark Atlanta (6); Spencer Larsen, Arizona
(6); Jameel McClain, Syracuse (7)
Cornerback
– This is the biggest are of need and the Browns should use their 4th
rounder on a CB. Eric Wright seems to be developing but Leigh
Bodden was shipped to Detroit in the Shaun Rogers deal. Brandon
McDonald, Kenny Wright, and Daven Holly are fighting for playing time.
Possible Targets (Round) – Antwaun Molden, Eastern Kentucky (4); Jack
Williams, Kent State (4); Trae Williams, South Florida (4); Dwight
Lowery, San Jose State (5); DeJuan Tribble, Boston College (5)
| 2008 Draft Picks |
| Round |
Pick
(Overall) |
Comments |
| 4 |
23 (122) |
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| 5 |
20 (155) |
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| 6 |
24 (190) |
From Seattle |
| 7 |
24 (231) |
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