Poll Question: You are the Cleveland Browns. Last year, you loaded up on veterans to make a run, yet here you are making the third pick. Trading down is not an option because frankly, nobody wants your pick. Assuming JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn go #1 and #2, who do you select to build your franchise around?
Gaines Adams
Alan Branch
Brian Brohm
Calvin Johnson
Adrian Peterson
Joe Thomas
First, Brian Brohm decided against entering the draft after this poll was posted. As you will see, however, he had very little impact on the results anyway.
Also, this poll assumed that both Oakland and Detroit will take a QB - which may or may not come to fruition. Detroit in particular may end up opting for Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson, which would open up the option of Brady Quinn (probably) for Cleveland. But assuming Detroit does go with Quinn, who then would be the most viable choice for the Browns?
Cleveland's in an interesting situation. They have needs at just about every position, and there's a wide variety of ways they could go. With the 3-4 defense they run (or more accurately, are trying to to run), Gaines Adams could presumably be converted to an outside linebacker and paired with Kamerion Wimbley to form a dynamic pass rush duo for years to come. A bigger need, however, is at the crucial nose tackle position, where exceedingly large Michigan junior Alan Branch would fit. He could also be used as a defensive end, as the Ravens did with Haloti Ngata.
On the other hand, if the Browns want to address the offensive side of the ball, then even more talent is available. There's little doubt that Calvin Johnson is the "best" player in this draft, and pairing him with Braylon Edwards would create a formidable duo. However, the team spent the #3 pick in the draft on Edwards a couple years ago, and with him not living up to expectations yet, I imagine that it'd be a little tough to stomach spending the #3 pick yet again on a receiver.
Reuben Droughns is under contract at running back - but let's be honest, he's Reuben Droughns. Bringing in ultra-talented Adrian Peterson would definitely be an upgrade; and the fact that Peterson wouldn't have to take all the carries right away would be a plus, because physically he's just not durable enough right now.
Finally, the team could look to Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas to anchor a marginal offensive line. Thomas is by far and away the top prospect on the o-line in this draft, and is regarded as a future franchise left tackle.
So what route do you the readers think Cleveland should go? Here are the results:
Gaines Adams - 2.0%
Alan Branch - 6.4%
Brian Brohm - 3.8%
Calvin Johnson - 17.8%
Adrian Peterson - 47.5%
Joe Thomas - 22.6%
Total Votes: 800
It appears that like me, you guys wouldn't exactly be thrilled with starting Reuben Droughns for the forseeable future either. Peterson is a rare talent, and would provide the Browns with a much-needed offensive identity. Other options given consideration by readers were Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas - so apparently we're all pretty comforable with the Browns' defense! Right? ....right?
Check the main page for a new poll, and come back next Friday for the analysis. |
