Cleveland Browns' new possible draft target: Penn State lineman Jared Odrick

By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer

April 05, 2010, 11:39AM

JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News

Penn State's Jared Odrick is well-suited for

end in the Browns' 3-4 defense.

CLEVELAND -- The new name to watch as a contender for the Browns' first draft choice is Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick.

"He's a guy who's gained significant traction on NFL draft boards and the Browns are right on him," said a league source.

The Browns have worked out Odrick privately and also plan to bring him to Berea before the draft.

Odrick is 6-5 and weighs 304 pounds and possesses long arms and big hands. He played inside in Penn State's four-man line but is considered a perfect end in the Browns' 3-4 defense.

"You're talking a defensive lineman that does not have any fat on him," said the source. "He's all muscle. He's a tailor-made Patriots type of player. Richard Seymour-type. He's perfect for what the Browns do on their defensive line."

Evidently the Patriots see a bit of Seymour, their former star lineman, in Odrick. They have been on his trail for weeks. But they draft 22nd and know that Odrick will be long gone.

Once considered a borderline first-round pick, Odrick is one of eight players invited by the NFL to attend the April 22-24 draft in New York City.

Since the Browns acquired Philadelphia cornerback Sheldon Brown last week, it has been assumed that they now can rivet their attention to acquiring Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the No. 7 overall pick. The source believes that Berry remains a consideration with Earl Thomas of Texas, but Odrick would be the choice because he would have a bigger impact than either safety.

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert consistently has stated his belief that elite teams are built on the offensive and defensive lines.

Odrick makes sense for the Browns because their starting ends in 2009 both are over 30. Kenyon Coleman turns 31 this month and Robaire Smith is 33.

Also, nose tackle Shaun Rogers' future is uncertain after he was arrested last week at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for trying to board an airplane with a loaded gun. Moving Rogers to end was a possibility before the incident.