Trading Leigh Bodden created a major void in the Browns' secondary, but
Cleveland didn't have many picks, and none until the fourth round, to address
the need. With a 3-4 scheme that coach Romeo Crennel runs, a team needs a solid
rotation of linebackers, so the Browns took a good one in UNLV's Beau Bell
Round 4, Pick 5 (104)
(From Raiders through Cowboys) Beau Bell OLB 6'2" 248 UNLV
Bell is a big linebacker out of UNLV. He has had some medical issues, but is a
bulky player inside. He had 323 tackles in college and an impressive 10.5 sacks,
which is a lot for an inside linebacker. He alienated some scouts by deciding
not to run at his first workout, but he has the talent to develop under Andra
Davis.
Round 4, Pick 12 (111)
(From Lions through Cowboys) Martin Rucker TE 6'5" 248 Missouri
Rucker is a highly productive player and the younger brother of former Carolina
Panther DE Mike Rucker. He is a terrific athlete and has great hands and ball
skills. He really came on his senior season with eight touchdown catches.
Round 6, Pick 24 (190)
(From Seahawks) Ahtyba Rubin DT 6'3" 315 Iowa State
A smallish defensive tackle who was a junior college transfer to Iowa State and
played two years there. He is a long-term prospect for the Browns at a position
where they have upgraded in the offseason with the addition of Shaun Rogers and
Corey Williams.
Round 6, Pick 25 (191)
(From Browns through Eagles) Paul Hubbard WR 6'3" 221 Wisconsin
Hubbard is a big receiver with good speed. A knee injury last season hurt his
draft stock. He did not have great college production, but can develop if given
time.
Round 7, Pick 24 (231) Alex Hall DE 6'5" 238 St Augustine
A hybrid Defensive end/outside linebacker for the 3-4 system.
Cleveland Browns 2008 NFL Preview
There is plenty of firepower on
offense and a division title is within reach as long as Derrick
Anderson was not a fluke. Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth at
receiver, Kellen Winslow at tight end, and Jamal Lewis at running
back give the Browns their very own pro bowl offense. The real
question is on defense, what happens if one of the defensive backs
goes down?
Offense:
Derek Anderson
surprised everyone
with a 29-touchdown,
3,787-yard season.
Now the pressure is
all on him to repeat
the effort after
getting his fat
contract. The
players around him
are of pro bowl
caliber, with a
great offensive line
as well that allowed
only 19 sacks last
year, and the
aforementioned skill
players. Look for a
prolific offense.
Defense:
The Browns brought
in
Corey Williams
and
Shaun Rogers to
bolster the
defensive line.
Both veterans signed
enormous contracts
after being traded
for early-round
draft picks. If both
men play up to their
potential then the
Browns might even
have a respectable
defense this year.
Shaun Rogers was
brought in to
bolster a secondary
that is badly in
need of a leader.
Second year players
Eric Wright
and
Brandon McDonald
now make up the
starting cornerback
tandem so they will
need all the help
they can get from
Rogers. the defense
is a work in
progress, but has a
chance to be
something special as
they learn to play
together.
Overall:
Look for some
shootouts, much like
Cincy was in the
past, but this team
is building a very
nice base. They are
the trendy pick this
year, but we don't
think they are quite
to the level of the
Steelers just yet,
but they are not far
off and have a
legitimate chance at
a very good season
and a wild card
berth.
Projected Record:
10-6 in a lot of
shootouts, second in AFC North
