Team Needs

As the draft talk gears up, it is critical that teams review their roster and identify positions of weakness. In the perfect world, teams can simply draft the best player available to keep a team on top. However for the Browns, drafting solely on best player availble without looking at team needs is asking for trouble. Here at Super Bowl Someday, we take a look at a couple positions of needs.

The Browns need major upgrades at the following positons:

Safety
If Brodney Pool can return and stay healthy, he is a quality starter at Free Safety. An impact player at Strong Safety is needed. A stong safety is expected to provide run support while also being able to maintain coverage responsibilities. A stong safety must be big enough to play the run and cover tight ends, but must have the speed to cover deep routes as well. Players availabe in the draft are Taylor Mays (USC) and Nate Allen (S. Florida). Allen might fall to the Browns in the 2nd round, where he would be a great value pick. Do not expect the Browns to draft a safety at 7 unless Eric Berry falls.

Corner Back
We have examined the CB position and have determined that outside of Eric Wright, we do not have a starting quality corner on this team. Looking at the impact players like Revis and Charles Woodson made for their teams this year, and the pass happy Super Bowl teams, Corners are at an all time premium. With the 7th pick the Browns could immediately upgrade the position by drafing Joe Haden if he is available. Haden has good size and speed for a CB, he plays aggressive and is physical enough to match up with the big WRs in the NFL. A CB who will be available later in the draft is Chirs Cook (Virginia) who has looked good during Senior Bowl practices and at 6-2 has great size. Kyle Wilson (Boise State) has also been impressing scouts in Mobile this week.

Right Tackle
As noted in our breakdown, RT has been a position of weakness for the Browns in 2009. After basically swapping Kevin Shaffer for John St. Clair, the Browns will need to address this position soon. The Browns will likely not spend the 7th pick on a RT, so look for some of these names later in the draft. Charles Brown (USC), Bruce Campbell (Maryland), and Kyle Calloway (Iowa) for the 2nd and 3rd round picks.

Outside Linebacker
The Browns must get a passrush opposite Wimbley. By now you are sick of hearing about my man crush on Brandon Graham. But remember that my last "we need to draft this player" guys have been great picks in the NFL. See Adrian Peterson, Brian Orakpo, Rey Mauluga, Lamarr Woodley. However, if we do not draft Graham, because he goes too soon, there are other talented players in this years draft. Sergio Kindle (Texas) is a big name. Sean Weatherspoon has been having a great Senior Bowl week. Look for his stock to rise. Also, TCU's Jerry Hughes will be looked at by the Team and we may also look at Eric Norwood from South Carolina. AJ Edds from Iowa has looked good in front of scouts this week as well.

Right Guard
While the RT play certainly did not help, the Browns could use an upgrade at RG as well. Despite a solid performance down the stretch, I could see the Browns addressing RG in the draft as well, likely in the 3rd round or later. Teams have had great success finding players later in the draft at RG. If Iupati (Idaho) is there in round 2, I'd consider him, but I expect with the amount of talent on the defensive side of the ball we will stay there for the first two picks. It would be interesting to get Joe Thomas, a Guard from Pitt on this team. Haven't we always said we wish we had more of Joe Thomas?

Quarterback
Much will be made of the QB situation in Cleveland, but we can assume Brady Quinn will remain on the team and DA will be cut prior to receiving a 9 million dollar roster bonus on March 5th. Expect the team to draft a QB at some point but not high. Holmgren has made a name for himself by finding QB's not touted as first round picks, like Bret Farve... I wonder if he'll retire? And Matt Hasselbeck. Tony Pike could get a look, although he has not had a great Senior Bowl. He continues to be innacurate and is not throwing tight spirals. Im looking forward to watching him Saturday to see how he plays. McCoy would be an interesting prospect in the 3rd round. He is accurate and could play in a West Coast Offense, but he needs to show he can play under center. Tim Tebow has had an up and down week so far at the Senior Bowl. He plays with a ton of heart and is a great leader and competitor. If Holmgren thinks hes worth it round 3 or later I would not be upset. I expect someone will take a chance on him sooner than that though, maybe Jacksonville in the 2nd round.

Tight End
While Evan Moore played well to close out the season, it is unknown whether he is the answer moving forward. I'd like to see a more complete TE on this team like a Jason Witten. While I love Aaron Hernandez (Florida) I'm not sure I'd spend the pick to get him too early. There is some talent available later in the draft in players like Anthony McCoy (USC), Garret Graham (Wisconsin) and Nate Byham (Pitt) have all shown some ability in Mobile this week.

The Browns could of course upgrade at other positions as well. No one could argue with taking a great running back or wide receiver, but if the above positions can be addressed or even half of them, we will be a much more competitive team next year.

SUPERBOWL!!!!