Final draft grades

[OconRecon]

Here's Walter. He's not impressed.

Cleveland Browns (Last Year: 5-11)

2010 NFL Draft Grades:

I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. Mike Holmgren has been in this league for a long time, and having won a Super Bowl and appeared in the game thrice, he knows what it takes to go to the playoffs on a consistent basis.

Based on this draft, however, the Browns won't be getting anywhere near a postseason berth anytime soon.

The Joe Haden selection was great, but it was all downhill from there. T.J. Ward was a fifth-round prospect that Holmgren drafted in Round 2. Montario Hardesty, while having potential, wasn't a need in the slightest. The quarterback position was not addressed until the third round, when Holmgren took the spread-shotgun guy (Colt McCoy) despite passing on the West Coast pro-ready strong-armed quarterback (Jimmy Clausen).

I liked some of Cleveland's late-round picks, and I'm not going to forget that Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong were acquired for some of them. However, the fact remains that this franchise is currently heading nowhere. To win consistently in the NFL, you need a franchise quarterback. Holmgren had Brett Favre in Green Bay and Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle. I don't know why he's suddenly ignoring the position.

Overall 2010 NFL Draft Grade given on 4/26/10: C-


2010 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

7. Joe Haden, CB, Florida
With Eric Berry off the board, this was a no-brainer. Joe Haden is the top cornerback prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft. Sheldon Brown will likely be moved to free safety. (Pick Grade: A)

38. T.J. Ward, SS, Oregon
The Browns have nothing at quarterback, yet they pass on two prospects for a projected mid-round safety? This fills a need, but wow. I'm very disappointed in Mike Holmgren. (Pick Grade: Millen)

59. Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee
"We have no quarterback. We have a good running back. Let's take a running back!" I like Montario Hardesty as a prospect, but what in the world are the Browns doing? (Pick Grade: D)

85. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
I don't like Colt McCoy as a prospect. I could be wrong, but I think he's a mini-Kyle Orton. Having said that, he's a great value toward the bottom of Round 3. He's a natural fit for Cleveland's West Coast offense, but why then did the Browns pass on him twice on Day 2? That's the huge question. (Pick Grade: A)

92. Shawn Lauvao, G, Arizona State
The Browns had to find a guard. A slight reach, but it's the bottom of the third round; Mike Holmgren just had this guy rated highly on his board. (Pick Grade: B)

160. Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
A Round 3-4 safety prospect, Larry Asante is a much better value here than T.J. Ward was atop Round 2. (Pick Grade: A)

177. Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida
This is a good value, as Carlton Mitchell was a Round 3-5 prospect. He's raw but very physically gifted. The Browns need playmakers and they potentially got one. (Pick Grade: A)

186. Clifton Geathers, DE/DT, South Carolina
Brother of Bengal Robert Geathers, Clifton is a perfect fit as a 3-4 end. The Browns needed depth here and the value is very good. (Pick Grade: A)


Season Summary:
It was pretty obvious that things wouldn't go well when the Browns essentially traded the No. 5 pick to the Jets for nothing. Instead of landing Mark Sanchez, Cleveland acquired Alex Mack and a bunch of scrubs. So, it was no surprise that the Browns began the year 1-11. However, they deserve credit for finishing the season with four consecutive victories. Now, in addition to losing out on Sanchez, they won't have the chance to obtain Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford! Terrific. With this cunning strategy, you have to wonder how Cleveland hasn't made the playoffs since 2002.

Offseason Moves:
Browns sign C Eric Ghiaciuc
Browns acquire CB Sheldon Brown, DE/OLB Chris Gocong from Eagles for DE Alex Hall, 2010 4th-, 5th-rounders
Cardinals sign QB Derek Anderson
Browns re-sign LB Blake Costanzo
Broncos acquire QB Brady Quinn from Browns for FB Peyton Hillis, 2011 6th-rounder and 2012 late-rounder
Raiders acquire DE Kamerion Wimbley from Browns for 2010 3rd-rounder
Rams sign C Hank Fraley
Browns sign QB Jake Delhomme
Browns re-sign ILB Jason Trusnik
Browns cut TE Steve Heiden
Browns sign TE Ben Watson
Cardinals sign G Rex Hadnot
Jets sign FS Brodney Pool
Browns cut QB Derek Anderson
Browns acquire QB Seneca Wallace from Seahawks for conditional 2011 pick
Browns sign ILB Scott Fujita
Browns sign OT Tony Pashos
Browns announce retirement of OT Ryan Tucker
Lions acquire DT Corey Williams and 2010 7th-rounder from Browns for 2010 5th-rounder
Browns tender ILB D'Qwell Jackson
Browns tender RB Jerome Harrison
Browns tender ILB Jason Trusnik
Browns tender FB Lawrence Vickers
Browns tender SS Abram Elam
Browns tender DE/OLB Matt Roth
Browns cut C Hank Fraley
Browns cut RB Jamal Lewis
Ravens sign WR Donte' Stallworth
Browns cut WR Donte' Stallworth

Offseason Needs:
Quarterback: It's really a shame that the Browns won their way out of the Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford sweepstakes. They may attempt to trade for Donovan McNabb, but I'm not sure he would be willing to re-sign with Cleveland. Most likely, Mike Holmgren will have to acquire Matt Hasselbeck and draft a young quarterback in Rounds 2-3 (Tony Pike, Colt McCoy, etc.) Traded for Seneca Wallace; signed Jake Delhomme; drafted Colt McCoy

Free Safety: Brodney Pool is a talented player, but he already has four concussions in his career. The Cleveland Plain Dealer suggested recently that his playing days might be over. There will be plenty of safety talent in the second and third rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. Traded for Sheldon Brown

Cornerback: Eric Wright is a solid corner, but the Browns have nothing across from him. They can't go another season rotating between Brandon McDonald and Mike Adams. Joe Haden is a major option at No. 7 overall. Drafted Joe Haden

No. 1 Wide Receiver: Brady Quinn was terrible last year and his deep accuracy is downright depressing, but it's not like he had anything to work with either. It might not be a bad idea to spend a Round 2-5 pick this April on a wideout.

Inside Linebacker: The Browns need someone to go along with D'Qwell Jackson in the middle of their defense. The 2010 season could also be Jackson's final year in Cleveland. There will be some options in Rounds 3-4 this April. Signed Scott Fujita

Rush Linebacker: Kamerion Wimbley began the year strong, but fizzled out, recording just 1.5 sacks in his final eight games. Matt Roth played well in December, but someone must be added to push Wimbley. Traded for Chris Gocong

Strong Safety: As you can see, Cleveland's secondary is a major issue. Abram Elam isn't very good, but with so many needs, the Browns will likely roll with him again in 2010. Drafted T.J. Ward and Larry Asante

Right Tackle: John St. Clair has allowed 15.5 sacks the past two seasons from the right tackle position. Taking someone like Sam Young or Ciron Black in the middle rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft could work. Signed Tony Pashos

Slot Receiver: More than one wideout is needed to optimize Cleveland's pedestrian offense.

Return Specialist: It goes without saying that this will be a big need if the Browns can't come to terms with Joshua Cribbs.

Running Back Depth: It might not be a bad idea to add depth behind Jerome Harrison. Cleveland still doesn't know what it has in James Davis. A late-round pick could be used here. Traded for Peyton Hillis; drafted Montario Hardesty

2010 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Scott Fujita, ILB, Saints. Age: 31.
Signed with Browns (3 years, $14 million; $8 million guaranteed)

A marginal strongside linebacker who thrives against the run but struggles in coverage. Can be upgraded.

Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers. Age: 35.
Signed with Browns (2 years)

Jake Delhomme plays like, well, a guy who's trying to throw games to appease his son's kidnappers. Delhomme has a lot of experience and will be a solid backup somewhere. He can't be a starter anymore.

Ben Watson, TE, Patriots. Age: 29.
Signed with Browns (3 years, $12 million; $6.3 million guaranteed)

Ben Watson caught 29 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns in his contract year. Time for the Patriots to move on.

Tony Pashos, OT, 49ers. Age: 30.
Signed with Browns (3 years, $10.3 million)

Can't be a starter anymore, but has experience and should serve as a solid backup.

Eric Ghiaciuc (RFA), C, Chargers. Age: 29. -- Signed with Browns


Cleveland Browns Free Agents:

Salary Cap (As of Feb. 15): No cap.
D'Qwell Jackson (RFA), ILB, Browns. Age: 26.
Tendered by Browns (2nd round)

The Browns really missed D'Qwell Jackson last year; he played in only six games because of a chest injury. He's slightly overrated, but still a very good player.

Jerome Harrison (RFA), RB, Browns. Age: 27.
Tendered by Browns (2nd round)

You have to wonder why Eric Mangini didn't use Jerome Harrison earlier in the year. In his final three games, Harrison rushed for 561 yards and five touchdowns despite running behind an offensive line that needs major help on the right side. Harrison is also a solid pass-catcher.

Brodney Pool (RFA), FS, Browns. Age: 26.
Signed with Jets (1 year, $1.3 million)

Brodney Pool is a very talented free safety who is great in coverage. He would be ranked higher, but he has suffered four concussions in his career. One more could finish him off as an NFL player.

Matt Roth (RFA), DE/OLB, Browns. Age: 27.
Tendered by Browns (2nd round)

Where did this come from? Matt Roth was thoughtlessly waived by the Dolphins in November. He signed with the Browns and went on to accumulate four sacks in his final six contests. Roth was already good against the run, so his ability to get to the quarterback was a huge spark for Cleveland's four-game winning streak at the end of the year.

Derek Anderson, QB, Browns. Age: 27.
Signed with Cardinals (2 years, $7.25 million; $3.2 million guaranteed)

And to think, the Browns could have traded Derek Anderson for a first-round pick two years ago... Anyway, Anderson has tremendous upside because he has nice size, experience and very good arm strength. He's also just 27 years old. Unfortunately, his work ethic and accuracy are huge negatives. Still, he could perform well with a decent supporting cast; he proved that in 2007.

Rex Hadnot, G, Browns. Age: 28.
Signed with Cardinals (3 years, $9 million)

A sound run-blocker, Rex Hadnot helped Jerome Harrison finish the year on a strong note.

Lawrence Vickers (RFA), FB, Browns. Age: 27.
Tendered by Browns (2nd round)

Did a good job leading the way to Jerome Harrison's dynamic finish this season.

Jason Trusnik (RFA), ILB, Browns. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Browns: 1 year, $1.6 million

Jason Trusnik played well at multiple linebacker positions for the Browns, but he'd be better as a reserve.

Abram Elam (RFA), SS, Browns. Age: 28.
Tendered by Browns (2nd round)

Can be a solid reserve safety. Struggles in coverage.

Hank Fraley, C, Browns. Age: 32.
Signed with Rams

A decent reserve center and spot-starter.

Donte Stallworth, WR, Browns. Age: 29. -- Signed with Ravens (1 year, $900,000)
Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns. Age: 31.
Blake Costanzo (ERFA), ILB, Browns. Age: 26. -- Re-signed with Browns (1 year)
Brett Ratliff (ERFA), QB, Browns. Age: 25.
Mike Furrey, WR, Browns. Age: 33.
Arnold Harrison (RFA), DE/OLB, Browns. Age: 27.
Syndric Steptoe (RFA), WR, Browns. Age: 25.
Steve Heiden, TE, Browns. Age: 33.


2010 NFL Free Agent Rankings
Divisional Rival History:
Baltimore Ravens: The old Browns have beaten the new Browns in the past four matchups.
Cincinnati Bengals: Carson Palmer is 8-2 lifetime against the Browns. No surprise there given the difference in talent at the quarterback position.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh had won 18 of 19 against the Browns before that infamous Thursday night game in December. Browns 13, Steelers 6.

[Riffer X]

Walter is my least favorite, hands down.

This was a solid draft, he's basing most of it off of taking McCoy over Clausen and reaching for Ward, which is his opinion.

[BernietheKid]

Originally Posted by Riffer X

Walter is my least favorite, hands down.

This was a solid draft, he's basing most of it off of taking McCoy over Clausen and reaching for Ward, which is his opinion.

Completely agree! Like I said in another thread Ward wasn't a reach because 9 DB were picked before him, and 4 after him. So the chance of him being there at #71 were slim to none.

[Danamal]

It was clear before and after this draft we needed a franchise QB but there just wasn't one to be had in this draft.
We have holes everywhere so you do what we did which was take whoever you had highest rated on your board.
Offense fills the seats I get it I really do but in order to establish a winning philosophy you have to stop letting teams own you in your own home.
If there is a potential Montana in next years draft we can pull a Ditka and sell the farm to get him if we have to but I like this years draft,it wasn't sexy but we came away a much better team than we were and thats all you can hope for.

[OconRecon]

Originally Posted by Riffer X

Walter is my least favorite, hands down.

This was a solid draft, he's basing most of it off of taking McCoy over Clausen and reaching for Ward, which is his opinion.

Originally Posted by BernietheKid

Completely agree! Like I said in another thread Ward wasn't a reach because 9 DB were picked before him, and 4 after him. So the chance of him being there at #71 were slim to none.

Not sure he's my least favorite, but I think he is a little over the top in his negativity towards our draft. One reason Ozzy gets praised every year is he seems to take the highest rated player available - which is not always good or the right thing to do. No room for thinking outside the box. So, you can either try to please these draft-nicks (and get praise on Monday morning), or do what you think it best for the team.

It's not a bad off season summary page though.

[mohican]

FWIW, Fox sports gives us a B+

NFL Draft Report Cards

Cleveland Browns

The key to the draft was the selection of Texas QB Colt McCoy with the 85th overall pick. McCoy won 45 games in 53 college starts. McCoy made perfect sense in the third round, and he will be given every opportunity to be the future quarterback of this struggling franchise. Mike Holmgren did say he won’t be coaching McCoy, nor will the rookie play this season. It’s Jake Delhomme’s job in 2010. Grade: B+

[Jax Dawg]

As I said in the other thread he just makes himself look like an idiot for busting on us for not taking the QB in the top of the 2nd where everybody thought we would take him, busts on us again for not reaching again for QB in the late 2nd and then tops it all off by busting on us for being patient enough to get the QB everybody thought we were taking in the 2nd in the latter part of the 3rd!

If he had any reputation as a reliable and impartial draft guru he lost it all in that ridiculous assesment of our draft!

[golfer704u]

What I love is....Read the individual complaints about each pick.

"The Browns have nothing at quarterback, yet they pass on two prospects for a projected mid-round safety?"

Umm yeah walter? none of those prospects was drafted in the top 40...so yeah this was a reach.......

"We have no quarterback. We have a good running back. Let's take a running back!" I like Montario Hardesty as a prospect, but what in the world are the Browns doing?"

Ummmm hey walter... One of those two "qb Prospects", you know the one you really liked? is gone now. The other won't be drafted for another oh....30 picks.

"85. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
I don't like Colt McCoy as a prospect. I could be wrong, but I think he's a mini-Kyle Orton. Having said that, he's a great value toward the bottom of Round 3. He's a natural fit for Cleveland's West Coast offense, but why then did the Browns pass on him twice on Day 2? That's the huge question. (Pick Grade: A)"

I love this one...."I really question wether or not this kid just sucks eggs and is terrible. But why didn't the Browns draft him higher?????" is essentially what he said.

Good lord if this wasn't the dumbest review of picks I've read in a while.

[hammertime]

Mike Holmgren did say he won’t be coaching McCoy, nor will the rookie play this season. It’s Jake Delhomme’s job in 2010.


McCoy wants to play right away. Homgren knows McCoy can beat out a Senaca Wallace. We are one injury away from another QB debate. We all waited for a qb to step up and impress us the last few years, if McCoy shows us anything in pre-season i think we can all collectively breath a huge sigh of releif. But until then..... we better hope Jake can commandeer this team for at least 1 year.

[Jax Dawg]

Originally Posted by golfer704u

What I love is....Read the individual complaints about each pick.

"The Browns have nothing at quarterback, yet they pass on two prospects for a projected mid-round safety?"

Umm yeah walter? none of those prospects was drafted in the top 40...so yeah this was a reach.......

"We have no quarterback. We have a good running back. Let's take a running back!" I like Montario Hardesty as a prospect, but what in the world are the Browns doing?"

Ummmm hey walter... One of those two "qb Prospects", you know the one you really liked? is gone now. The other won't be drafted for another oh....30 picks.

"85. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
I don't like Colt McCoy as a prospect. I could be wrong, but I think he's a mini-Kyle Orton. Having said that, he's a great value toward the bottom of Round 3. He's a natural fit for Cleveland's West Coast offense, but why then did the Browns pass on him twice on Day 2? That's the huge question. (Pick Grade: A)"

I love this one...."I really question wether or not this kid just sucks eggs and is terrible. But why didn't the Browns draft him higher?????" is essentially what he said.

Good lord if this wasn't the dumbest review of picks I've read in a while.

Thanks Golfer, you said what I wanted to say but in an easier to understand format.

[golfer704u]

Originally Posted by Jax Dawg

Thanks Golfer, you said what I wanted to say but in an easier to understand format.

LOL I was gonna say you said what I said in much fewer and easier to understand words!!!!

[YtownBacker]

FWIW - Steuber gives the Brown's a "B" for a very solid draft.