Draft Grades: Browns

This was a very bizarre draft for the Browns. And it makes me question if George Kokinis and Eric Mangini have any clue what they're doing.

Trading down in the 1st round was a nice thought, but they got absolutely fleeced by the Jets. To move up more than 10 spots in the 1st round requires giving up two 1st round picks (this year's and next year's). Yet the Jets managed keep their 2010 1st rounder by throwing in a few players that Mangini clearly has overrated because of his familiarity with them. Abram Elam and Kenyon Coleman may be able to start, but that isn't to impressive considering the lack of talent on the Browns defense. The other two trades the Browns made to move down were insignificant, as they only picked up late round picks. The Browns were clearly desperate to move down, and were willing to take any offer that came their way.

Alex Mack was a decent selection, but it doesn't fill a need. Hank Fraley has been an above average starter for the past two years and arguably their best offensive lineman aside from Joe Thomas. If the Browns were going to target an offensive lineman with this selection, a right tackle such as Michael Oher would have been a much better fit.

Brian Robiskie was an excellent 2nd round pick. Assuming they keep Braylon Edwards, Robiskie will be a nice compliment and should be able to fill the role that Joe Jurevicius did in 2007. The selection of an Ohio State player also appeases the fans - something that the new management team in Cleveland hasn't done much of since taking over.

Had the Browns not selected Robiskie, Massaquoi would have been a decent mid 2nd-round pick. But I cannont understand why the Browns felt they needed to spend their first three picks on the offensive side of the football.

The Browns finally added a defensive player with the 52nd pick, but they reached for David Veikune. He'll likely make the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker and could compete with David Bowens for a starting job. However, he's very raw, so the Browns shouldn't be counting on him in 2009.

Kaluka Maiava was a decent 4th round pick. He'll add some depth at inside linebacker and play special teams.

Don Carey and Coye Francies will add depth at cornerback and, because of the lack of talent in the Browns secondary, compete for a starting job. Francies is the better of the two, and could end up being a steal in the 6th round.

James Davis had great value in the 7th round. He could give the Browns a respectable trio of running backs along with Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison.

Overall this was a disappointing draft for the Browns. They added a few decent players, but they failed to address their needs and made a terrible trade which cost them a chance to add an impact player on defense.

Grade: C

Steelers Eyeing Eric Wood?

The Steelers offensive line is in serious need of some help, and yet they've done nothing about it this offseason. That could change on draft day. Pro Football Weekly recently ran this quote from someone's front office personnel: "The Steelers have figured out Justin Hartwig is not the answer. He’s just a guy. He needs to be upgraded. I think they’ll look hard at a center in the first (round)."

Another source had this to say about Eric Wood: "If you want a physical center, (Louisville’s) Eric Wood is your guy. Flip a coin between Wood or (California's Alex) Mack, but we like Wood better. He could be the first center drafted. (Oregon’s) Max Unger is more versatile, but he won’t match up as well against power."

Put the two quotes together and it leads me to believe that Wood is the Steelers' guy. Their offensive line is built from guys that can be physical and dominant in the trenches. Wood has the ability to play center or guard and the Steelers have worked him out at both positions. He should be available with the 32nd pick and would be a safe choice for Pittsburgh.