With the draft coming in just 5 short weeks, the Cleveland Browns are hard at work scouting both college and pro players. Among the college ranks, the Browns attended several pro days and have been watching certain players. Some of the notables include Florida's Joe Haden, who greatly improved his combine 40 time. At the combine, Haden ran a 4.57, due to a back injury. Many national pundits equated the poor showing to a slide on draft day. On Wednesday, Haden greatly improved his time, running in the high 4.3's and up to about 4.4 according to scouts.
I never doubted that Haden would improve his time at the combine and re-establish himself in the top 10 consideration. If Berry is off the board, I think the Browns pull the trigger on Haden.
Tim Tebow also had a great pro day, displaying his adjusted footwork and throwing motion. By all accounts, Tebows throws were on target all morning while displaying vast improvement since the Senior Bowl six weeks ago. On NFL exec who had a front row seat was our very own Mike Holmgren. The Browns have also set a private workout with the former Heisman winner and two time National Champion QB. I find it interesting that Holmgren signed Delhomme to a 2 year deal and stated, that because of the length of the deal, it was obvious what they were planning (meaning they want to draft a QB and develop him behind Delhomme). It is recognized that Tebow needs some time to learn the game from both physically and mentally. Its possible he could sit behind a great team guy like Delhomme, who said he welcomes the role of mentoring yutes. (Youths). In 5 weeks and a day, we'll know if Tebow or possibly Colt McCoy could be that yute.
One Florida player who did not perform well was MLB Brandon Spikes. While his game film looks great due to his overall production while at Florida, Spikes ran a 5.01 in his 40. This kind of speed is devastating at the LB position. No one ever believed he was a fast linebacker, but teams will be worried if the 5.01 speed is also seen on tape.
Eric Berry, the star Safety from Tennessee also worked out yesterday, but injured a toe early in the workout, and cut the session short. Don't expect for this minor injury to affect Berry's draft status, as he went into the workout not needing to prove himself to anyone.
The Browns also attended Bowling Green's pro day to watch WR Freddie Barnes, who had a monster year in 2009. Barnes displayed incredible hands and had terrific production at BG. He will likely be taken in the mid to late rounds as his speed is average at best.
Ryan Mathews, the second rated RB in this years draft had his pro day at Fresno State and solidified his position in the draft. The Browns attended the pro day, but don't expect Mathews to make it out of the first round, specifically past the Chargers at 28.
Superbowl!!!
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