THE DRAFT IS 5 WEEKS FROM TODAY!

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!!!

Senior Bowl: Final Thoughts

Can we please get Brandon Graham? As a Michigan fan, Eric was pimping this guy to me all last season. I finally got a chance to see him play watching the Ohio State-Michigan game this past November and he immediately jumps out at you. His motor never stops. He draws a lot of comparisons to Lamaar Woodley because they both played DE at Michigan, but he reminds me a lot of Dwight Freeney in terms of his motor. He is non-stop. Not only can he rush the QB, but he is very strong and is sound against the run too.

BG continued to toss the South tackles around like rag dolls in the second half, picking up another sack a forced fumble and game MVP honors. I doubt we would take him as high as 7 but perhaps if we are able to trade down in the first or trade back into the first, he will be a solid OLB in the NFL. Lets just pray Pittsburgh or Baltimore don't take him. He's a BEAST.

Tebow's performance in this game was lackluster. Facing the toughest competition of his career, Tebow looked lost at times. When plays broke down he lacked the speed to outrun defenders and looked very ordinary. Granted its hard to get into an offensive rhythm when you are constantly switching QBs (where have a heard THAT song before?), Tebow struggled and he will be a project on the next level.

As far as quarterbacks go, Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan and Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State stood out the most. They showed good ability to move in the pocket, keep plays alive when the pocket broke down and moved the ball fairly well on offense. LeFevour, which is French for "The Fevour" is intriguing as he was extremely productive over his career. Let's keep an eye on him.

Marty Gilyard - WR (Cincinnati) showed some ability (sorry for the Crennelism there). While he might not have top end speed he's very shifty and quick in and out of his breaks and is very adept at creating separation. His Senior Bowl performance likely elevated his draft status to the 2nd round.

The North defense beat up the South offense throughout the game. We'll continue breaking down the Senior Bowl and the prospects as we head towards the Scouting Combine which is less than a month away!

Senior Bowl: Impressions at Halftime

Tim Tebow - QB (Florida)
Tebow ran a little no huddle on the opening drive to try to catch the North defense off guard. Tebow was quick to check down to his tight ends and backs (where have I seen this before?), and missed on a skinny post, underthrowing his receiver. On his second drive, Tebow did a good job moving the offense and got the South on the board to knot the game at 3-3. Tebow was not impressive in limited work, but watching a Florida game or two, Tebow seems to improve as the games wear on.

Offense
Nobody has done anything to really stand out head and shoulders above everybody else. However, I want to see what LeGarrett Blount - RB (Oregon) does at the combine in terms of 40-time, short shuttle and position drills, especially catching the ball. He is a solid 6'1" 245 and could be a nice complement to Mr. Jerome Harrison. Eric and I have been proponents of adding more physicality to the Browns. Who better than Blount? Blount scored the North's first TD rushing off LT and leaping into the end zone from about the 5 yard line. It will be interesting to see whether his incident at Boise State will affect his draft stock.

Speed is crucial at the next level. Dexter McCluster - WR/RB/PR/KR/MD/JD/LLM/ESQ/CPA (Ole Miss) and Jacoby Ford - WR (Clemson) absolutely have it. Ford burned most of the North defenders on a reverse in the first quarter and the Dolphins coaching staff on the South have had McCluster do a little bit of everythign in this game.

Mike Mayock has repeatedly pointed out how heralded guard/tackle prospect Mike Iupati out of Idaho has good footwork but lacks a strong punch and has a propensity to hold. This concerns me as a team possibly in the market for his services. He comes from a small school and may have gotten away with it there but it will not work in the NFL.

Defense
Dan Williams - DT (Tennessee) was dominant in the interior of the defensive line for the South team, consistently commanding double teams and was able to collapse the pocket, pressure the QB and knock down a pass or two at the line of scrimmage.

Brandon Graham's - DE/OLB (Michigan) opened eyes this week and his dominance in practice has carried over to the game as he has beaten just about every tackle hes faced. He's been living in the backfield creating pressures and even registering a sack, an impressive feat considering the Senior Bowl rules prohibit blitzing (only 4 man rushes are allowed). We need someone like this at OLB.

Sean Weatherspoon - LB (Mizzou) looks like he is a real playmaker. He was all over the field and even covered the quick McCluster one on one on a swing route out of the backfield.

Taylor Mays - FS, has drawn a lot of criticism for not making enough plays this year at USC. He has all the physical tools and his problem in my opinion is that hes always trying to go for the home run. On the first or second play of the game he went for a knock out punch going full speed at a RB and missed allowing the North to pick up extra yards. Mays made up for this by picking off a pass in the end zone, keeping points off the board.

Looking forward to seeing more plays made in the second half!

Senior Bowl Full of Top Prospects

The Senior Bowl kicks off from Mobile, Alabama in a little less than 30 minutes (broadcast live on NFL Network). This is the premier game for scouting senior prospects and has important ramifications on the upcoming NFL draft. Last year, a little more than one-third of the picks in the first round played in the Senior Bowl.

I am looking forward to seeing how Tim Tebow does against the toughest competition he has ever faced. Tebow will be the most scrutinized player to enter the NFL this year and perhaps of all time. Like him or not, Tebow is a consummate competitor and leader. He exudes confidence and strength and makes the players around him better. Others will argue the players around him and Urban Meyer's system at Florida made him better. Either way, I like his intangibles and his base skill set. I think if he gets in the right system and works on his mechanics, he can be a successful NFL QB.

I will also be paying close attention to anyone and everyone on defense, especially pass rushers and defensive backs.

Refresh periodically for updates and thoughts on players that stand out to me.