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

Blackmon is a terrific talent. I think Cam Heyward won't be there for the Browns in the second. Fairley is a monster, too, but he won't

even be there for the Browns in the first round, I think.

I like my draft, which means I probably have all three picks wrong,...LOL

All in all gotta say i like your draft

There are plenty of backs to be nabbed in the remaining later rounds of this draft - that could turn out to be stars, like Hillis.

Ben Watson is fine for another year, and the other guy who got hurt... is also a player. I just forgot his name...

The three players I picked, would be instant starters on the Browns. A rb, even if picked in the first round, could be a starter, but why,

when you have Hillis? The first round isn't for solid backups - it's for dynamic impact players. And, at rb, we have one

in Hillis. Below is a list of later round rb's, Rich. Which one would you pick, say, in the fifth,sixth or seventh round?

If you watch the Steelers, Rich - they draft olinemen early. This year, watch for them to draft an OG in the first round, at least in the second.

More and more, people are seeing that the olinemen are the engine that makes the offense run. St. Claire was a 7th round pick I think.

The Browns need a higher pick to fix that. You won't find an OT who can also back up Joe Thomas in a pinch, in those later rounds.

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

12) Darren Evans – Virginia Tech*- 6’0 224

Evans is a bigger back with good speed once he reaches the second tier of the defense. He’s has solid patience and can break a long gain on every touch. He tore his ACL early in 2009 missing the season, allowing Ryan Williams to take over. Evans split time in 2010 with Williams, helping lead Virginia Tech to the Orange Bowl. Evans can be a bruiser at the next level with a bit more strength.

Projection: 4th

13) Delone Carter – Syracuse- 5’10 215

Carter is a smaller guy with decent speed. He is good between the tackles and can break tackles and has amazing balance. He catches well out of the backfield, but really lacks the extra gear to break a long run. He has solid, but not exceptional vision, and needs to protect the ball better.

Projection: 4th

14) Graig Cooper- Miami (Fl.)- 6’0 205

Cooper is an underrated runner with excellent vision who makes good cuts off his blocks. He never lit the NCAA up in rush stats in a crowded backfield, and battled some nagging injuries. He could be one of the most underrated runners that could develop like fellow Miami graduates Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee.

Projection: 4th

15) Noel Devine- West Virginia- 5’8 180

Devine is a slippery runner who has the initial burst to get into the secondary quickly. He can be a force in the passing game as he can catch four to five balls a game and make plays after the catch. He’s a great screen runner and has the ability to be a home run threat with his top end speed. Despite his lack of size, he doesn’t go down as easy as expected, often breaking arm tackles with ease and driving his legs.

Projection: 5th

16) Ryan Williams- Virginia Tech**- 5’10 202

Williams is a surprisingly powerful runner with the speed to break a play outside. He has excellent hands out of the backfield as well. Williams does a nice job hitting the hole and using his vision to gain extra yardage.

Projection: 5th

17) Roy Helu Jr.- Nebraska- 6’0 220

Say Helu to this powerful running back who has solid downhill speed. Roy Helu Jr. is a powerful downhill runner who has the speed to break a play into the secondary. He’s had a stellar career consistently breaking big runs. He’s a disciplined runner who can also make an impact in the passing game.

Projection: 6th

18) Allen Bradford- USC- 6’0 233

Bradford is a bigger back who is excellent between the tackles. He’s a tough runner that doesn’t go down on the first tackle often. Bradford got caught up in a mix of many USC backs, therefore didn’t have excellent production at USC.

Projection: 6th

19) Vai Taua- Nevada- 5’10 220

Taua is a hard nosed north/south runner who doesn’t go down very easily. He has decent speed, but lacks explosiveness

Projection: 6th

20) Shaun Draughn – North Carolina- 6’0 205

Draughn is a decent third down back who can block well and catch out of the backfield. He struggles between the tackles

Projection: 6th

21) Damien Berry- Miami (Fl.)- 6’0 215

Berry is a deceivingly quick runner who uses his athleticism to make plays all over the field. With a good combine, he could move up a few rounds in the NFL Draft.

Projection: 6th

22) Jordan Todman- UConn*- 5’8 193

Todman is a smaller, tough runner between the tackles. He hits hard, and can make plays out of the backfield. His production has been great in a rush heavy UConn offense.

Projection: 6th

23) Da’Rel Scott- Maryland- 5’11 198

Scott is a bit on the light side, but he has solid speed. He could develop into a nice 3rd down back, and make plays in the passing game.

Projection: 7th

24) Caleb King- Georgia*- 5’11 217

King has an excellent blend of size and speed, making him a versatile option in the Bulldog offense.

Projection: 7th

25) Brandon Saine- Ohio State- 6’1 220

Saine made a name for himself with excellent speed at Ohio State. He bulked up a bit and slowed down, but has good vision, and excellent hands to make plays out of the backfield.

Projection: 7th

26)Matt Szczur – Villanova- 5’11 205

You have to love what Szczur has done at Villanova. He has exceptional hands and can line up at both running back and receiver. He’s one of the better utility players overall.

Projection: 7th

27) Derrick Locke – Kentucky- 5’9 190

Locke is a smaller, quicker scat back in the mold of Darren Sproles. He uses his speed to get to the edge and makes defenders miss in the open field.

28) Armando Allen – Notre Dame- 5’10 205

Allen isn’t a big threat to make a huge play, but he runs well north/south and has decent vision.

29) Baron Batch – Texas Tech- 5’10 210

Despite Texas Tech’s spread offense, Batch has made a name for himself. He projects nicely as a 3rd down back, excelling in pass protection as well as running sweeps, counters and draw plays.

30) Mario Fanning- Auburn- 5’11 225

Fanning didn’t have the season he hope with Michael Dyer and Onterrio McCaleb stealing the show, but he’s a tough north/south runner who should get a few tryouts.

31) Anthony Allen – Georgia Tech- 6’0 230

Allen replace Jon Dwyer in a triple option attack at Georgia Tech. He’s a powerful downhill runner who doesn’t go down on first contact.

32) Eddie Wide – Utah- 5’10 195

Wide is a versatile runner who can make plays in the passing game, as well as line up as a slot receiver. He has the speed to turn the corner on sweeps and toss plays as well.

33) Nic Grigsby – Arizona- 5’10 190

Grigsby doesn’t have ideal size, but he runs hard between the tackles, and hits the hole hard. He could afford to protect the ball better.

34) Derrick Washington- Missouri- 6’0 215

Washington won’t get much love being in the Missouri spread offense, but he has been effective out of the backfield and uses his speed to create mismatches in the passing game.

35) Donald Buckram – UTEP- 5’10 195

Buckram is a smaller, hard runner with solid speed. He has decent hands and can line up in the slot if needed.

36) C.J. Gable – USC- 6’0 205

Gable was a part of the running back by committee in USC. He’s a solid runner between the tackles with a lot of untapped potential.

37) Josh Nesbitt – Georgia Tech- 6’1 215

Nesbitt played quarterback in the Georgia Tech triple option. He’s a great athlete who will have to make the transition as a runner in the NFL.

39) Ricky Dobbs- Navy- 6’1 203

Dobbs is a tremendous athlete who played quarterback in Navy’s triple option. He has good speed and is very tough, and could be utilized on trick plays at the next level.

@calfoxwc said:

I may even be right. But, Shep IS right - I didn't get to see the military bowl, I thought they played N. Carolina state in the bowl game, my bad.

I can't tell how much he played in the bowl game, but Maryland won huge - I imagine the 2nd and 3rd strings got a good bit of time...

He WAS great in that NC game, though:

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

http://www.testudotimes.com/2010/11/27/183...n-c-state-38-31

He made quite the statement to the scouts, with a record-setting performance of 14 catches for 224 yards and four TDs.

11/30/10 - ACC WEEK 13 OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK: Torrey Smith, Maryland, WR, Jr., 6-1, 205, Colonial Beach, Va. (Stafford), turned in one of the most outstanding performances by a receiver in Maryland history, setting the school's single-game record with four touchdown receptions, while setting career highs with 14 receptions and 224 receiving yards as Maryland knocked off No. 21 NC State 38-31. His receiving yardage is the third most in a single game in school history and 18th-most on the ACC books, while his receptions are just two off the ACC mark. Smith's 1,045 yards are the second-most in a season in school history. Smith finished the regular season with 12 TD catches, which is a Maryland record and is tied for the ninth most in a season in ACC history. In addition to his receiving yards, Smith had 48 kickoff return yards, giving him 272 all-purpose yards in the game. He broke Lamont Jordan's school record for career all-purpose yards, and his 5,183 yards ranks seventh on the ACC career list. - ACC football

Good effort with the mock Cal. Thanks! I do mostly disagree with your picks. Our team is woefully short on offensive skill players. Our best receiver is a 30 year old TE and we have nothing behind Hillis at RB except a prospect who has been hurt two years in a row. Further Hillis will be two or three years and out just like Droughns. I find it hard to believe that there are not any quality WR's or RB's worthy of a one round pick or a two pick or a three pick. I would NOT draft any offensive lineman until five or later. They still are a dime a dozen. I would consider a game changer LB or DE in an early round, but why when there are plently of candidates. We have no offense it is time for the first time in since I can remember to focus on getting offensive skill players.

BTW, for the guy who said this premature before we get a head coach is missing it. Holmgren and Heckert are going to shape the personality of the team and they are going to be key ingredients in whom gets drafted

@louisville-slugger said:

6-1 238 isnt bad for a MIKE LB in a 3-4. P. Willis was listed at 242 coming out of Ole Miss and they said his playing weight was more then likely around 235. I like Matthews intensity and thats really what our D is missing in the middle. I want someone to attack the LOS instead of waiting for the RB to plow into them.

A WR that isnt getting mentioned on this board and is my favorite in the 2nd round is T. Young. He is a perfect slot/big play reciever. He reminds of a poor mans Desean Jackson, or maybe a Dexter McCluster.

If our draft came out looking like this Id cream my pants

RD1- C. Jordan DE

RD2- T. Young WR

RD3- C. Matthews ILB

Alabama runs a 34...

@thehammer said:

I will admit he looks good and I will also agree that the only WR we should be taking at the 6th pick is Green and if we can't get him we should try to move back otherwise we should use the pick on a DE. Darius is good because he is an ideal DT in a 4-3 and an ideal DE in a 3-4. Even if his 40 time is off I'm sure it's not off by much and it isn't unheard of for someone his size to run a 4.5. Plus I think it's funny that he is the one who hurt Colts shoulder during the championship game. I bet Colt gets Darius to sign his shoulder if we end up drafting him.

RD2- T. Young WR

RD3- C. Matthews ILB

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

With no trade down, the Browns would never draft Jordan, the #5 rated DE, over the #1 rated DE/DL.

This isn't any hit on Jordan, though. Jordan would be a cool pick later. He has scouts grading him out as a top twenty talent....

But, I'm always full of crap on wanting trade downs, so I avoided that scenario this year. GGG

Titus Young is spectacular, but he's 5'11", 175 lbs and is more a slot receiver. the Browns need a bigger target

for their #1 WR. I went with Torrey Smith because of his size over Young. They are both worth the second round pick.

As for Mathews, he'd be a fine pick, but I'm still pouting we didn't land his brother... and I am a huge oline fan.

The guy I picked in the third round, can also play LT in a pinch. The last time I checked, the Browns don't even have

a backup for Joe Thomas. Just my goofy thoughts on the draft. Thanks for the input everybody !

@hoorta said:

There is a reason Saine went from sharing reps with Boom Heron to only being in on 10% of the snaps. He might turn into a Danny Woodhead type of player, but that is a long stretch.

@the-gipper said:

I agree. Watched Brandon closely because he's from the Dayton area. Has track speed (I believe he won the 110 state hurdles championship) but isn't elusive, or particularly tough. Fairly good hands. Late round pick for someone- big career in the NFL- highly doubtful.

@calfoxwc said:

He's only 6-1, 238 - that's small for a 3-4, in my dumb opinion...

I would think that he would be able to transition well to OLB if brought into a 3-4 defense. He's a good pass rusher just like his brother.

@canton-mike said:

Mike

Saine will last a while because he has proven that he is just not that good.

Michael Floyd is slotted to go in the 20 area. Most people have Baldwin in that area, too. The OK State kid (name suddenly left me) is closer to top 10 and Julio Jones is around the top 10, too. All three are big guys who can run like backs with the ball.

6-1 238 isnt bad for a MIKE LB in a 3-4. P. Willis was listed at 242 coming out of Ole Miss and they said his playing weight was more then likely around 235. I like Matthews intensity and thats really what our D is missing in the middle. I want someone to attack the LOS instead of waiting for the RB to plow into them.

A WR that isnt getting mentioned on this board and is my favorite in the 2nd round is T. Young. He is a perfect slot/big play reciever. He reminds of a poor mans Desean Jackson, or maybe a Dexter McCluster.

If our draft came out looking like this Id cream my pants

RD1- C. Jordan DE

RD2- T. Young WR

RD3- C. Matthews ILB

He's a future Ocho Stinko. I'd pass.

The concern is also that he seems to usually have db's right with him when he's catching passes - maybe not a wr

who can get separation in the pros....

I like Smith. @@

If we go WR in the second, I'll have to tune in Pitt's Bowl game Saturday to check out his guy- Walter's draft has us taking him in the second round, assuming he decides to declare.

Jon Baldwin

I may even be right. But, Shep IS right - I didn't get to see the military bowl, I thought they played N. Carolina state in the bowl game, my bad.

I can't tell how much he played in the bowl game, but Maryland won huge - I imagine the 2nd and 3rd strings got a good bit of time...

He WAS great in that NC game, though:

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

http://www.testudotimes.com/2010/11/27/183...n-c-state-38-31

He made quite the statement to the scouts, with a record-setting performance of 14 catches for 224 yards and four TDs.

11/30/10 - ACC WEEK 13 OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK: Torrey Smith, Maryland, WR, Jr., 6-1, 205, Colonial Beach, Va. (Stafford), turned in one of the most outstanding performances by a receiver in Maryland history, setting the school's single-game record with four touchdown receptions, while setting career highs with 14 receptions and 224 receiving yards as Maryland knocked off No. 21 NC State 38-31. His receiving yardage is the third most in a single game in school history and 18th-most on the ACC books, while his receptions are just two off the ACC mark. Smith's 1,045 yards are the second-most in a season in school history. Smith finished the regular season with 12 TD catches, which is a Maryland record and is tied for the ninth most in a season in ACC history. In addition to his receiving yards, Smith had 48 kickoff return yards, giving him 272 all-purpose yards in the game. He broke Lamont Jordan's school record for career all-purpose yards, and his 5,183 yards ranks seventh on the ACC career list. - ACC football

@cambridgeho said:

ESPN are taints.

Along with cheering this week when Mangini got fired they are putting down a kid who goes back to college to finish his degree instead of opting for millions and fame. Luck will get this $ and fame eventually, school is something that will go beyond pro football.

@shepwrite said:

All I know is the Other QBs and thier agents need to call Andrew Luck and thank him for making them more money. AJ Green will for sure be gone now, and Broyles was my sleeper pick in the 2nd round, but now next year he will probably be a first. Also I love how ESPN is talking about how much money Luck is losing out on instead of saying that yound man has a good head on his shoulders.