A snap shot about how the '09 draft class is panning out

[OconRecon]

Let's look back at a summary of our draft trade results and picks (with a blurb on each at the time):

 

From the Jets,

 

Brett Ratliff, QB will be the new #3 quarterback, and I've never seen him play or read one word about him, yet I can tell you this: as long as he has a heartbeat, he is an improvement over Ken Dorsey. He does have good size (6′4, 235) and he obviously is not a total stiff because Mangini coached him last year and was willing to bring him to Cleveland.

 

Abram Elam S, has three years of playing experience, having seen the field for Dallas (2006) and the Jets (2007-2008). Last season was his best season as he totaled 69 tackles, 2 sacks, and INT that he returned for a touchdown. The Browns have obvious needs in the secondary, so Elam provides what I would anticipate to be solid depth.

 

Kenyon Coleman, DE, is an 8-year veteran whose two most productive seasons were his two with the Jets. Prior to playing in New York, Coleman spent 6 uneventful seasons in Dallas and Oakland. Over the last two years, Coleman has amassed 136 total tackles and 2 sacks. He had 4 sacks for the Cowboys in a limited role in 2006. Again, he fills a need. The guy isn’t Michael Strahan, but can be a useful player with a couple of years experience playing for Mangini.

 

and then,

 

David Veikune, DE, Hawaii - Rd 2 - #20(52) from the Jets

Analysis: He will move from defensive end to a 3-4 linebacker. He plays hard all the time. The Browns need help here, so this is a solid pick.

 

Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State - Rd 6 - #18(191) from Bucs

Height: 6-0, Weight: 185, 40 Yard Dash: 4.59

Strengths: Ideal NFL height with a long athletic frame...shows good change of direction skills...comfortable pressing receivers at the line...aggressive player...natural athlete...fluid hips...shows good awareness...willing to support versus the run...really solid 2008 season...delivers a hard hit despite below average bulk. The well travelled Coye Francies is one of the most interesting corners in the draft.

 

James "Thunder" Davis, RB, Clemson - Rd 6 - #22(195) from the Vikings via the Eagles

Davis is a solid running back with good quickness and cutback ability. He possesses great vision and patience and is tough between the tackles. He has the speed to get on the edge, but isn’t an open field threat. He has good hands and can contribute in the passing game. He’s been a durable and productive performer during his career.

 

and for Winslow,

 

Mohamed Massaquoi WR, Georgia - from Bucs Round 2, Pick 18 (50)

Pick Analysis:The Browns continued to fortify their receiving corps with the selection of Massaquoi. The former Bulldog is a big, physical receiver with the starting potential. Though he has a penchant for dropping passes, Massaquoi put together a solid senior season and is an intriguing possibility as a third or fourth receiver.

 

and still managed to get,

 

Alex Mack C 6'4" 311 California - Round 1, Pick 21 (21) (From Eagles)

Pick Analysis:After moving down multiple times in the first round, the Browns tab Mack as their pivot of the future. The former Golden Bear has outstanding overall skills and should man the middle of the Browns' line for years. Although the move doesn't have the sizzle of other potential choices, it fortifies the interior of the team's offense and should improve its dismal running game.

 

Brian Robiskie WR 6'3" 209 Ohio State - Round 2, Pick 4 (36)

Pick Analysis:The most polished receiver in the draft falls to the Browns at No. 36. The former Buckeye is an exceptional route-runner with outstanding hands and ball skills. Though he isn't a classic deep threat, Robiskie is a big-play threat capable of being a productive No. 2 receiver in the Browns' offense.

 

Kaluka Maiava OLB 5'11½" 229 lbs, USC - Round 4 (104)

Quote: "I'm best at hitting and finding the ball, never stopping," said Maiava. "I always want to make the solo hit. I try to be like Ray Lewis and play with his intensity. He's always psyched and plays every down like it's his last. I'd like to be better on pass defense which I think is a little weak."

 

Don Carey CB 5'11¼" 192 lbs NORFOLK STATE - Round 6 (177)

Strengths - Solid instincts, good if not great speed has above average ball skills and is a physically tough tackler not afraid to come up in run support

 

 

Other than injured/cut Don Carey, can it be every guy he obtained on draft weekend will make the team? Pretty impressive.

 

 

Our 2007 draft class may end up being pretty good, depending on how Quinn pans out. If Thomas and Quinn end up as our franchise OT and QB, well then the '07 draft was huge, epcecially compared to our Courtney Brown and Gerrard Warren days.

 

1. (3) Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

 

1. (22) Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

 

2. (53) Eric Wright, CB, UNLV

 

5. (140) Brandon McDonald, S/CB, Memphis State

[lemosley01]

Good summary. I'm not sure that all of these guys making the team speaks to how good the draft was or how miserably bad our talent is.

 

It may take us years to undo the damage Savage did with his drafting, and RAC/staff did with their 'coaching' of these players.

 

Let's hope the QB issue is settled for the next 15 years.

[Sez.EJ]

This draft will live or die on our second round picks... potentially the best draft class in decades based upon what we have see thus far.. I am hesitant to put too much stock on part of one preaseason. Usually the standard is... where is this class in 3 years?.. I think the knee jerked on Carey a bit.. could have held onto him another couple weeks before making a decision and possibly sliding him onto the practice squad when the other teams are making the major cut downs.. it's easier to let a guy "hide" when the big cuts are done. Then again there is a reason he was a late round pick and the secondary has much more experience this year than last year.

[ClevelandFanForLife]

now that smith has signed with the bengals, i think it is only a matter of time when crabtree signs. he is missing out on a lot of money, even if he wants more. i think the idea of holding out a year and making no money will be more troublesome for him than if he played and didn't make as much as he wanted. plus, goodell may put in a rookie pay scale next year and if he went back into the draft he may not make nearly as much as he would this year. just my opinion, but look for him to sign in the next couple of weeks.

[choco]

even with no pay scale, he almost certainly wont make as much next year. SF still owns his rights i believe, so no other team can even work him out until the combine(?). with other fresh legs coming out, i cant imagine he'd be top 10.