Browns Seek Offensive Firepower.

With the choice of Phil Taylor (DT) and Joe Haden (CB) in the opening round of the NFL Draft the past two years, the Browns ended a streak of selecting offensive players in seven of their last eight first round picks dating back to 2002. 

This April, it seems very logical to say that Cleveland will take an offensive player with their fourth choice overall. Browns’ General Manager Tom Heckert has stated that Cleveland has no interest of trading up one spot and would consider dealing down as far as the eighth pick. 

Many insiders have speculated the Browns to look at Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who ran for over 1600 yards (1679) for an average of 5.9 per carry this past season. Richardson also caught 29 passes for 338 stripes. 

The Plain Dealer recently reported that Texas A&M signal caller Ryan Tannehill will work out for the Browns prior to the selection meeting. The 6’4 senior threw for 3744 yards and a completion percentage of 61.6 and 29 touchdowns. Tannehill tossed eight interceptions over the course of his last five games this past year.

The St. Louis Rams, who are picking at the sixth spot, are said to be very high on Oklahoma State wideoutJustin Blackmon. The Terrell Owens-built receiver caught 232 passes for 3304 yards and 38 touchdowns over the past two campaigns. With new offensive coordinator Brad Childress now in the mix in Cleveland, he remembers what Owens did for his Eagle offense during the 2004 season. Blackmon would be a major upgrade to the receiving corps if the Browns decided to land the 6’1, 215-pound pass catcher. 

The Browns have addressed the defensive line in free agency by bringing aboard two veteran players inFrostee Rucker and Juqua Parker. I look for Cleveland to keep the pedal to the metal and take advantage of their bevy of late round choices to search for gems on the defensive side of the ball by seeking defensive lineman, corners (to eventually replace an aging Sheldon Brown), and outside linebackers. 

The offensive line will be a main focus of the Browns’ brass. Besides Joe Thomas (LT) and Alex Mack (C), the seal brown and burnt orange will look for depth along the line and to find a right tackle for years to come. Cleveland owns two first round draft choices and I would not be surprised to see the pride of the Cuyahoga River take a right tackle with their second or third selections. 

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