The Official Cleveland Browns Nfl Draft Thread

[SJ_Browns]

It's getting close to the draft and I thought I would start a thread so we could put all draft related things into one place. With that being said:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/03/cleveland_browns_might_have_op.html

 

NEW ORLEANS — It's still too early to handicap the top of the NFL Draft accurately, but it's sounding as if the Browns may have a real option of trading down from the No. 6 spot.

 

"I think we're open to it this year," President Mike Holmgren said at the NFL league meetings. "We have a couple of [needs] I'd like to deal with, specifically. We'd move down for the same reason you'd always trade back."

 

That reason would be to acquire an extra pick to patch another need without sacrificing a desired player with the first pick.

 

The Browns elected to use their top pick last year, No. 7 overall, on cornerback Joe Haden. General Manager Tom Heckert said there was no demand from other teams to move up.

 

This draft could be a lot different.

 

"This draft might fall kind of funny because of the quarterbacks," Holmgren said.

 

At league meetings this week, there was speculation quarterbacks Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert could both be taken within the first three picks. If one is left for the Browns at No. 6, San Francisco (seventh), Tennessee (eighth) and Minnesota (12th) all could be interested in moving up.

 

"I think anytime you have a quarterback situation, that probably changes things," Heckert said. "There's a chance both are gone [by No. 6]. There's a chance both are still there. I don't know. I do know this: There's more than six players that are really good that people are going to like. Definitely."

 

Coach Pat Shurmur said, "I think [sixth] is a pretty interesting place to pick. We'll have good choices there. I think there's a handful of guys that could be available, and they're all very attractive."

 

In separate interviews this week, the Browns' top three football minds all made reference to team "needs." It is very apparent they feel the team needs to match up well with what will be available to them.

 

The Browns haven't hid the fact they need defensive linemen to fill in their new four-man front defensive scheme. Holmgren also said he's looking for "a home run hitter" on offense. Heckert will seek to fill two needs with his top two choices, No. 6 and No. 35. Taking linemen with each of those picks -- one on a pass-rushing end and one on a tackle -- is not out of the question.

 

The need to address "needs" is more relevant this year because the labor dispute stopped free agency before it started. Heckert acknowledged Tuesday that in a normal off-season, he probably would have signed a starting defensive lineman in free agency by now.

 

As it is, tackle Ahtyba Rubin is the only bona-fide defensive line starter on the Browns' roster at this time.

 

"We'll make it work," Heckert said. "It's not a dire situation, I don't think."

 

Still, Heckert said he will "definitely" attend the pro day workout of Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers on April 1. It would be Bowers' first workout in front of scouts since he had knee surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus. Heckert also has April 8 circled on his calendar. That's the date Bowers returns to Indianapolis to have his knee re-checked by NFL doctors. All teams then will receive that report.

 

Despite rampant reports questioning Bowers' knee, Heckert said the top sack specialist in the draft is very much "in the mix" to be a high pick.

 

Bowers joins Alabama tackle Marcell Dareus and Auburn tackle Nick Fairley at the top of a very deep group of defensive linemen in this draft. The entire Browns' football operation -- minus Holmgren -- attended the pro day workouts of Dareus and Fairley.

 

In other draft-related news:

 

• Heckert and Shurmur had to miss Georgia receiver A.J. Green's pro day workout Tuesday. Shurmur indicated he would visit with Green prior to the draft.

 

"We got to know him quite a bit at the combine and through the initial stages of this process," Shurmur said. "I think he's a fantastic kid, a terrific player. As we go forward here in the next few weeks, we'll get some more detailed information . . . There's a very good chance I'll go and see some of these players individually."

 

• Heckert said Alabama receiver Julio Jones is also drawing strong interest league-wide and might be another player that attracts teams to the top 10.

 

"No question about it," Heckert said. "Everybody's talking A.J., A.J., A.J., but different people have Julio up there."

 

• Shurmur conceded it will be difficult for him to pass up an offensive playmaker with the first pick. Green and Jones are the only two -- besides the quarterbacks -- considered in the top 10.

 

"You know, it's intoxicating to go after the playmaker," Shurmur said. "But our team has needs in areas that we can address [with the top pick]. So I think that's the way we need to approach it."

 

• Heckert said he hasn't determined how far he would be willing to move down. That limit depends on the final makeup of the Browns' draft board.

 

"We'll probably start sitting down with Pat this week and going over the board," he said.

 

• Heckert said he expects to attend "probably" two more pro days and "maybe" one or two private workouts.

[calfoxwc]

Will anybody get the first round correctly ... for even ten picks?

 

This draft is going to be exciting stuff.

 

Just when a lot of folks decide the Bengals may very well draft Green.....

********************

Report: Bengals prefer Julio Jones over Green SI's Peter King reports that the Bengals have Julio Jones rated higher than A.J. Green on their draft board.

 

This is fairly significant because many mock drafts have A.J. Green going to Cincinnati at No. 4 overall. "Several personnel sources" tell King that Jones is the safer receiver prospect "in terms of work ethic and practice habits." The theory, ostensibly, is that Jones had to work harder in college because Green is a more natural athlete. The Bengals are also reimplementing a run-first offense, and Jones is regarded as a better blocker. Source: SI.com Mar 22, 12:11 PM

[SJ_Browns]

Will anybody get the first round correctly ... for even ten picks?

 

This draft is going to be exciting stuff.

 

Just when a lot of folks decide the Bengals may very well draft Green.....

********************

Report: Bengals prefer Julio Jones over Green SI's Peter King reports that the Bengals have Julio Jones rated higher than A.J. Green on their draft board.

 

This is fairly significant because many mock drafts have A.J. Green going to Cincinnati at No. 4 overall. "Several personnel sources" tell King that Jones is the safer receiver prospect "in terms of work ethic and practice habits." The theory, ostensibly, is that Jones had to work harder in college because Green is a more natural athlete. The Bengals are also reimplementing a run-first offense, and Jones is regarded as a better blocker. Source: SI.com Mar 22, 12:11 PM

 

yeah, i saw an article about this tuesday nite. and the plot thickens. it's going to be a very exciting draft this year. it would be nice if there's a new cba in place by then.

[SJ_Browns]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/03/clemson_defensive_end_daquan_b.html

 

CLEVELAND -- The agent for Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, a player the Browns are considering with their No. 6 pick, said in a statement today that his client's surgically-repaired knee is ahead of schedule and that reports of new concerns are false.

 

Bowers, the nation's sack leader in 2010, underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus and will work out for teams April 1st. Browns general manager Tom Heckert and other Browns officials will attend the workout.

 

The Browns are also one of eight teams that Bowers will visit before the draft, on either April 11th or 12, a league source said.

 

Agent Joe Flanagan's statement is as follows:

 

Recently, inaccurate reports have surfaced regarding our client, Da'Quan Bowers, the health of his knee and the scheduling of his workout. Bottom line: Da'Quan's knee has progressed ahead of schedule, in every regard, since the day he walked out of his procedure. There have been no "setbacks" or "new concerns", and Da'Quan is very much looking forward to his workout on April 1st.

 

Here are the facts:

 

Shortly after the combine, on our advice and based on input from the teams at the top of the draft, it was decided to push Da'Quan's workout deeper into the proday schedule, simply to give him more time to train.

 

On March 4th, all NFL clubs (and certain media) were notified that Da'Quan would hold his proday at Clemson on April 1st, the day after North Carolina's proday, to best accommodate NFL personnel.

 

As announced at that time, Da'Quan will indeed work out on Friday, April 1st, at 9:00 a.m. at Clemson University. He will participate in all combine and defensive line tests and drills. He will be meeting and dining with several teams in both the days leading up to and after the workout.

 

Starting on April 4th, Da'Quan will begin traveling for visits currently scheduled with 8 teams at the top of the draft. Those teams will visit with Da'Quan and conduct physicals. He will also participate in the medical re-check in Indianapolis, which will lead to updated medical information being provided to all 32 clubs.

 

We believe this series of events ... the meetings, dinners, workout, visits, physicals and re-check ... will show that there exists no short- or long-term concern about his knee and also confirm that Da'Quan is the best defensive player in this draft, with as much upside as any prospect in a very long time.

[SJ_Browns]

http://browns.ohio.com/2011/03/2011-nfl-draft-tracking-prospects-who-have-worked-out-or-visited-with-the-browns/

 

With the NFL Draft coming up in late April, the Browns have held workouts and visits with several prospects.

 

"We are having 30 players come in," Browns President Mike Holmgren said earlier this month. "Which 30? I'm not going to tell you. I know we talk about give and take and transparency, but I've told you a lot with the fact we are bringing in 30 players, which is the league-high level."

 

Although Holmgren wouldn't reveal who's on the list, workouts and visits can still be tracked on this blog. Here is a list of the prospects with whom the Browns have reportedly set up meetings:

 

TCU QB Andy Dalton (visit)

Cal RB Shane Vereen (workout)

Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray (visit)

Eastern Kentucky DT Andrew Soucy (workout)

Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers (visit)

Indiana OL James Brewer (workout)

South Carolina DB Chris Culliver (workout)

LSU CB Patrick Peterson (workout)

Wisconsin OL John Moffitt (visit, possible workout)

Wisconsin OL Gabe Carimi (workout)

Texas A&M LB Von Miller (visit)

Lehigh OL Will Rackley (visit)

Miami CB DeMarcus Van Dyke (workout)

Auburn QB Cam Newton (workout)

Arizona DE Brooks Reed (workout)

Central Florida OL Jah Reid (workout)

Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates (workout)

Texas CB Curtis Brown (workout)

[calfoxwc]

The one player that jumps out to me, on that list is GATES ! He was the fastest wr at the combine. And I think that was with a slight groin injury.

 

Super class kid, outstanding work ethic to excel, and work on weaknesses....

 

If the Browns DO get him in the third, that would be a steal. But don't think a lot of teams didn't notice him at the combine.

 

Far from it.

 

With a trade down, he's a Cleveland Brown in the second round.

 

I don't think he's a third round pick like NFLdraftscout thinks.

 

He might very well become a better WC offense wr than Jones or Green...

 

Below is an interview with him:

*******************************************************************

Question: What has been your most memorable College Football experience?

 

Answer: Edmund was quick to point out that he really loved the game against West Texas where he helped his team score an unheard of 93 points.

 

Question: Who was the best player you faced during your College Football Career?

 

Answer: Edmund felt that he always got great competition from DJ Whitley during practice. Whitley is from Austin, Texas and his effort and skills always brought the best out of Gates.

 

Question: What part of your game do you feel you have improved the most during your college career?

 

Answer: Gates pointed out that with time and repetition he improved his route running and ability to read a defense. He felt that good coaching and the extra time he put in allowed him to improve each and every year.

 

Question: To succeed at anything in life you need to have something that drives you, what is tit that drives you to succeed?

 

Answer: As is the case with a lot of people Edmund felt that his son, Edmund Jr., is his biggest inspiration. He also mentioned that he is the type of person that always gives 100% but he does it all for his son and family. Gates also pointed out that he is proud of what he accomplished and that his upbringing and story has made him stronger.

 

Continue reading the rest of the interview after the jump!

 

 

 

 

Question: What do you love most about football?

 

Answer: Gates love the competition of the game and how it brings out the best in people. He loves testing his skills and ability and striving to be the best at what he does.

 

Question: What area of your game do you hope to improve on, while at Ignition?

 

Answer: Gates will be focusing on improving the technique of his 40 time while at Ignition. He also will be working on his balance and improving his ability to accelerate in and out of his breaks. All reports from Ignition's Clif Marshall are that Gates is performing well and working extremely hard.

 

Question: Do you consider yourself a vocal leader or someone that leads by example?

 

Answer: Gates loves to help teammates and lead vocally during practice but in the game everyone should be focused and ready to go.

 

Question: When it's all said and done what would you have liked to accomplish in the NFL?

 

Answer: Gates wants to succeed at life as a whole and football is a major part of that as well as his family. He wants to get drafted and succeed in the NFL and be the best he could be! He would love to use his success in the NFL to provide security for his family and hometown. Gates wants to give back to the community and share his story with the world. He would like everyone to know that if you work hard you can overcome anything. Keep an eye out because Gates has expressed a willingness to share his story with us at NFL Mocks.

 

Question: Does your draft position matter to you? Will it affect you if you fall further than expected?

 

Answer: Gates said that his draft position will have no impact about his attitude and effort. He only was a shot to compete and show that he has what it takes to make in the NFL. Gates stated "if they love it, they will take it" which I felt was a great statement coming from a man that is confident with the work he has put in.

 

Question: What do you feel is the strongest part of your game?

 

Answer: Gates feels that his best attribute is his speed. I couldn't agree more and we fully expect him to run a great 40 time! Good luck again to Edmund Gates and thanks for speaking with us. Also be sure to check out Ignition APG's website as they are a top of the line facility w/ an absolutely great staff!

[SJ_Browns]

i'll have to look up gates and get more info on him. thanks for posting this.

[SJ_Browns]

http://www.cantonrep.com/browns/x796070673/Browns-might-look-to-Round-2-for-wide-receiver

 

Who was the last wide receiver Browns fans loved in a relationship that lasted?

 

The one who comes to mind was drafted in Round 2 in 1986. He was entertaining and effective on all three Browns teams that reached AFC title games in a four-year stretch.

 

Two decades have passed without an answer to the question of who will be the next Webster Slaughter. Another draft, another try?

 

Probably. And that try could come in Slaughter’s old draft neighborhood — he was a No. 43 overall pick out of San Diego State.

 

WHAT THE BROWNS HAVE NOW

 

While the Browns’ current wideouts scare no one, Head Coach Pat Shurmur calls them “NFL receivers.” He seems to think Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie and Joshua Cribbs can be molded into useful parts of a West Coast offense.

 

Cleveland lacks defensive linemen, and the draft is supposed to be full of them, including ones worthy of the No. 6 overall pick. The Browns probably can’t afford to spend that pick on premium wideouts A.J. Green and Julio Jones, given their D-line dilemma.

 

A second-round pick on a wideout makes more sense. The decision is in the hands of General Manager Tom Heckert, who was GM in Philadelphia when the Eagles made one of the great Round 2 steals, taking DeSean Jackson at No. 49 overall in 2008.

 

One gives up something by passing on the receivers who get drafted in Round 1, and in Jackson’s case it was his size, 5-foot-10, 175 pounds.

 

Heckert’s boss, Mike Holmgren, never had a problem mixing in a short guy as a key part of a West Coast attack. Holmgren took the Seahawks to the 2005 Super Bowl with 5-9 Deion Branch and 5-10 Bobby Engram as his most productive wideouts. Six-foot-5 Joe Jurevicius was the designated tall receiver.

 

The Browns have plenty of size with the 6-3 Robiskie, the 6-2 Massaquoi and the 6-1 Cribbs. A dynamic short guy would fit — Jerrel Jernigan might be the exact fit.

 

Jernigan is seen as a Round 1 talent, but he could fall to the Browns because of his height, 5-9, and the fact he played at Troy. The Sporting News draft guide compares its top draft prospects to current NFL players. Green is Randy Moss. Jones is Anquan Boldin. Third-ranked wideout prospect Leonard Hankerson is Steve Smith.

 

IS HE ANOTHER DESEAN JACKSON?

 

Jernigan? Sporting News sees him as none other than DeSean Jackson, saying:

 

“He should make an impact as a rookie and start by his second season. Plucks the ball away from his body with ease. Bursts off the ball and accelerates to full speed quickly. Changes direction in a heartbeat. Makes tacklers miss.”

 

Shurmur is big on run after catch. It sounds like Jernigan was made for his offense.

 

NFL Draft Scout ranks Jernigan as its 50th-best prospect. Heckert, the man who picked Jackson at No. 49, has a mind of his own. The 2010 analysts had safety T.J. Ward nowhere close to No. 38 overall, where Heckert picked him. His Round 2 pick at this point, sans trades — he is always making trades — is at No. 37.

 

Jernigan is quick and fast.

 

“Do we need more speed at wide receiver?” Holmgren said. “You’d like a blazer to come in here.”

[nickers]

Will anybody get the first round correctly ... for even ten picks?

 

This draft is going to be exciting stuff.

 

Just when a lot of folks decide the Bengals may very well draft Green.....

********************

Report: Bengals prefer Julio Jones over Green SI's Peter King reports that the Bengals have Julio Jones rated higher than A.J. Green on their draft board.

 

This is fairly significant because many mock drafts have A.J. Green going to Cincinnati at No. 4 overall. "Several personnel sources" tell King that Jones is the safer receiver prospect "in terms of work ethic and practice habits." The theory, ostensibly, is that Jones had to work harder in college because Green is a more natural athlete. The Bengals are also reimplementing a run-first offense, and Jones is regarded as a better blocker. Source: SI.com Mar 22, 12:11 PM

 

 

 

I find this hilariose the "run first attack" since they hired Jay Gruden (yes Jons brother) to run the offense.

[SJ_Browns]

http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/news.asp?sport=nfl&line=202298

 

Da'Quan Bowers - DL - Player

 

One scout told SI's Peter King that Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers (knee) has "failed at least two physicals that I know of."

 

Bowers will have a chance to put all these injury rumors to rest on Friday. As long as he looks healthy at his April 1 Pro day and checks out fine during individual visits, his stock should hold. Before red flags about Bowers' knee scope emerged, he was considered a lock to go in the top five.

Mar. 28 - 9:05 a.m. ET

 

Source: SI.com

[Nw220]

Im really not sold on Bowers and from everything ive read it seems Heckert is really into this guy and may be are pick at #6 overall, i really hope his knee checks out fine and everything but id much rather have other options then Bowers...Id pretty much go Green,then Peterson,then Miller, and then Ethier Dareus or Fairley before i would take Bowers....It just worries me that were showing so much interest in him

[secondwave]

Im really not sold on Bowers and from everything ive read it seems Heckert is really into this guy and may be are pick at #6 overall, i really hope his knee checks out fine and everything but id much rather have other options then Bowers...Id pretty much go Green,then Peterson,then Miller, and then Ethier Dareus or Fairley before i would take Bowers....It just worries me that were showing so much interest in him

 

yeah, i'm not liking Bowers. He seems like a one-year wonder with knee problems (one or the other, and worse, maybe both). I like to draft a guy in the top 10 thats been great more than one year to see some consistency from him. The only DE that really jumps out of the page as a guy who 'could' (big if) be a superstar is Robert Quinn, but as I stated, I wouldnt draft a high-risk, high-reward guy that high.

[SJ_Browns]

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/118959454.html

 

BEREA: Browns General Manager Tom Heckert obviously can't ignore his team's needs while preparing for the NFL Draft, but he doesn't want them to cloud his judgment, either.

 

Heckert is from the draft-the-best-player-available school of thought. And even though the Browns need to bolster several areas, including their defensive line and wide receiving corps, Heckert vows to stand by the draft philosophy that brought him success in his previous job as the general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

''This year will be interesting,'' Heckert said earlier this week during an interview in his office at the team's headquarters. ''We have to be really careful that we don't panic and [draft strictly based on needs]. . . . We've got some holes to fill. There's no question. I don't think anybody's gonna deny that. But I don't think we can say just because we need some defensive linemen, 'All right, we're gonna take defensive linemen with our first three picks.' I think you're crazy.''

 

The Browns have eight draft picks one in each of the first five rounds, two in the sixth and a recently awarded compensatory choice in the seventh. Their conversion to a 4-3 scheme calls for more defensive linemen, and the draft is loaded with elite prospects, including Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson, Marcell Dareus of Alabama and Nick Fairley of Auburn. Their transition to the West Coast offense could be aided by a play-making wide receiver such as A.J. Green of Georgia or Julio Jones of Alabama.

 

Top talent at either position could be up for grabs when the Browns are put on the clock April 28 with the sixth overall pick. Still, Heckert is keeping an open mind.

 

After all, the player he considers the best available might not be a defensive lineman or a wide receiver. It could be someone like LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson or Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller.

 

The possibilities, of course, extend beyond the aforementioned players and positions. Earlier this month, Browns President Mike Holmgren said ''don't discount anything'' when he was asked about the team's chances of choosing a quarterback the top prospects are Cam Newton of Auburn and Blaine Gabbert of Missouri in the first round.

 

''If you go with the best available guy, you'll eventually [get what you need],'' Heckert said. ''We'll get defensive linemen. We'll find those guys. Don't worry about that. Whether you get them in the draft, free agency, waiver wire, trades, you'll find ways to do that. You just can't automatically say just because we need these offensive linemen, corners, safeties, whatever it is you can't just say, 'We have to get these guys,' 'cause then you're just [going to create] a disaster. You're probably gonna move guys up [your draft board] that you shouldn't.

 

''Everybody was clamoring in Philadelphia every year, and you think it's bad here about [fans wanting] receivers. We had Todd Pinkston and James Thrash, good football players. But everybody wanted the great player all the time, and we went to five NFC championships. Maybe from the outsiders looking in, they don't perceive that, but I think we have pretty good receivers.''

 

Some of the public comments the Browns' brass make before the draft might be viewed as smoke screens because NFL teams often try to disguise their true intentions before the players are picked. Heckert's draft philosophy, though, is not a decoy.

 

When Heckert was the Eagles' director of player personnel in 2002, he and coach Andy Reid collaborated on a draft that has been praised ever since. With their first three picks, they selected defensive backs Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis and Sheldon Brown, even though they already had solid veterans in their secondary. Sheppard and Lewis became Pro Bowl players, and Brown became a longtime starter for the Eagles before joining the Browns last year.

 

''The thing that really kind of made a case for my philosophy is we had one Pro Bowl guy and one pretty good guy, Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, as our starting corners, and we still took two corners,'' Heckert said. ''I think that just goes to prove if you do that, you're gonna be good. If you get good players you can't have enough at quarterback, corners, offensive linemen and defensive linemen I think you can't go wrong.''

 

Now if the Browns can just use their picks to nab the best available players and fill major needs at the same time, they might find a perfect balance. Heckert said there's a chance he could select six players who will contribute next season, and he'll be using his draft philosophy as his guide.

[SJ_Browns]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/04/cleveland_browns_to_host_big-n.html

 

CLEVELAND -- It's a big week for the Browns as they'll host some of the biggest names in the draft, including receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones, cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara and defensive linemen Da'Quan Bowers.

 

Other top prospects expected to visit include quarterback Cam Newton and defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley.

 

The marquee names are among the 30 players the Browns are permitted to bring in for visits. During their trip, they're allowed to be interviewed and examined, but not worked out.

 

Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller, the premier rush 'backer in the draft, is expected here on Monday and Tuesday. Miller, who had a sensational showing at the NFL Combine in February, had 50.5 sacks in his four college seasons. Although he's viewed primarily as an outside linebacker in a 3-4, he's still very much on the Browns' radar for their 4-3 scheme.

 

Georgia's Green is the player most draft experts predict the Browns will pick at No. 6, but Alabama's Jones is closing the gap between the two top-ranked wideouts, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper.

 

Bowers, who will visit the Browns on Tuesday and Wednesday, underwent another MRI in Indianapolis on Saturday to determined how his repaired torn meniscus is healing. Results have not been available, but the Browns will have a chance to exam the knee themselves this week.

 

Browns general manager Tom Heckert has made it clear that he wouldn't hesitate to draft another cornerback at No. 6 despite the fact he picked Joe Haden at No. 7 last year. LSU's Peterson is thought by some to be the best player in this draft and could be gone by No. 6. But Nebraska's Amukamara, who had five interceptions in 2009, is expected to be there.

 

The draft is April 28-30.

[SJ_Browns]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/04/knee_checked_out_well_for_clem.html

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Clemson's defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, who will visit the Browns on Tuesday and Wednesday, received a good report on his surgically-repaired right knee in Indianapolis over the weekend, a league source said.

 

Bowers, widely regarded as the premier pass-rushing end in the draft, didn't even have to undergo another X-ray or MRI because the physical exam went so well, the source said. Stability was good and there was no swelling in the knee.

 

Bowers underwent surgery in January to repair a small tear in the right meniscus. He didn't work out at the combine in February and then postponed his Pro Day several weeks until April 1. A relatively slow 40 time -- 4.9 -- and some rustiness during drills led to rumors that Bowers might need another procedure, possibly even microfracture surgery.

 

But one team examining him lately said the knee looked great, and the re-check in Indy could boost his draft stock again. Bowers is one of the players the Browns are considering with their No. 6 overall pick, and they're permitted to examine the knee themselves when he's in town.

 

Before concerns over the knee, Bowers, who led the nation with 15.5 sacks last season, was thought by some to be the best defensive player in the draft.

[Harry Buffalo]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/04/knee_checked_out_well_for_clem.html

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Clemson's defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, who will visit the Browns on Tuesday and Wednesday, received a good report on his surgically-repaired right knee in Indianapolis over the weekend, a league source said.

 

Bowers, widely regarded as the premier pass-rushing end in the draft, didn't even have to undergo another X-ray or MRI because the physical exam went so well, the source said. Stability was good and there was no swelling in the knee.

 

Bowers underwent surgery in January to repair a small tear in the right meniscus. He didn't work out at the combine in February and then postponed his Pro Day several weeks until April 1. A relatively slow 40 time -- 4.9 -- and some rustiness during drills led to rumors that Bowers might need another procedure, possibly even microfracture surgery.

 

But one team examining him lately said the knee looked great, and the re-check in Indy could boost his draft stock again. Bowers is one of the players the Browns are considering with their No. 6 overall pick, and they're permitted to examine the knee themselves when he's in town.

 

Before concerns over the knee, Bowers, who led the nation with 15.5 sacks last season, was thought by some to be the best defensive player in the draft.

 

I bet we still see a "credible source" reports next week that he doped up for his exams so they wouldn't xray him and find his knee needs surgery.

[wvdawg]

If his knee really is 100% i wudnt mind taking him

[Nw220]

I perfer Quinn over Bowers not just because of the Knee just because in the type of 4-3 defense we are looking for Quinn is more of Pass Rushing 4-3 he is Considered the second best in this Class Behind Miller....Hes also only 20 years old which is incredible that only means his best days are still ahead of him

[Nw220]

And if you are looking at someone to play the other End poistion the same that Bowers would play and has concerns as does Bowers, alot of recent Mock drafts ive seen have us taking Adrian Clayborn there in the 2nd who very well could be a steal in the draft

[Harry Buffalo]

I feel like both Quinn and Bowers are going to be boom or bust guys. Everytime I watch film on Quinn I see him do the same thing, which is trying to run around the edge as fast as he can and dip his inside shoulder. On the plays that he doesn't get around he either get's completely blown off the line (in the less talent filled ACC) or he completely over shoots the QB and takes himself out of the play. When you job 90% of the time was the rush around the edge and get at the QB instead of QB contain or inside cap then you are bound to have inflated numbers when it comes to TFL and sacks. When he is in the NFL he isn't going to be rushing around the edge the whole time, he will be asked to do these other things and all the tackles are going to be faster and stronger than what he is used to.

 

He is a physical specimen, but at the same time that doesn't necessarily mean squat.

[CLEVELandMILIDH]

This kid is sick, its against inferior competition but you can see his instincts on tape. What you think?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bsdNFcQ9aw

[The Gipper]

This kid is sick, its against inferior competition but you can see his instincts on tape. What you think?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bsdNFcQ9aw

 

Fair enough for a low round pick.

 

I still like RB Taiwan Jones in later rounds.

[Nw220]

Yeah and i still like Dion Lewis with one of 6th round picks, hes gonna be a steal in this draft..

[SJ_Browns]

did anyone see gruden qb camp on espn yeatserday? he told ryan mallet to stop trying to truck people over like peyton hillis lol. so does that mean gruden voted for hillis?????

[Kosar_For_President]

I am 100% certain, we need to pick Julio Jones. Dude is sick. He fits the West Coast and is the best blocker in the draft at WR.

 

[calfoxwc]

I like Julio better for the WC than Green. Green is a dynamic wr, but....

 

whoever THIS Browns fo and coaching staff draft, we should all be happy.

 

I will be...

 

but I really like Randall Cobb at the top of the second, and a butt kickin DE in the first:

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/index.asp?mm_file_id=2320

 

http://www.videosurf.com/video/randall-cobb-highlights-1257465108

 

 

 

 

[SJ_Browns]

For those of you that missed Heckert's pre-draft presser this morning.

 

My video link

[Nw220]

I still perfer Green over Jones, regardless of the system Green is the superior talent...He has better hands,runs better routes and plays faster than Jones does..

 

I know Heckert will have another great draft and im just exicited for it to get here already

[secondwave]

My thoughts exactly Nw220. Combine numbers can be deceiving, watch the game tape, he plays at a faster game speed and runs better routes than Jones.

[DawgEatSteel]

id rather have peterson over green and julio jones over green