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2007 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Predictions

Get ready for the upcoming season with our 2008 Cleveland Browns NFL Predictions!

The Browns know that their fans are patient and will remain loyal. Cleveland cannot possibly count on them to remain loyal forever though. It seems for every step they take forward, the Browns take two steps back. Cleveland made a solid choice last season with their first-round pick. Kamerion Wimbley asserted himself at linebacker and led the team with 11 sacks. He also had 8.5 tackles for loss. He is only going to improve this season with a year of experience under his belt.

The first thing the Browns have to do is evaluate their offense. A survey of scouts and general managers done by the MSNBC ranked Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson as the worst quarterback duo in the league. Frye showed brilliance in a few performances, but his 10 touchdowns to 17 interceptions ratio is not very promising for Browns fans. The Browns have to decide if Frye is really going to be their answer. If not, LSU's JeMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn of Notre Dame or Ohio State's Troy Smith may be their answer.

Russell will likely go #1 in the draft to the Oakland Raiders. If the Browns want Quinn, they might be forced to trade up with the Detroit Lions in order to get him. Smith has been openly campaigning for his hometown team to draft him, and he possesses many attributes that would make him a top quarterback. A few downfalls that hold him back are his height and he has a long delivery. Smith is likely to go later in the first round. The Browns have to take Quinn if he is available.

One key need for Cleveland is the defensive line, where it needs more youth at the tackle position. Ted Washington still wants to play, but is old, slow and not in the best of shape. If the Browns draft in that direction, Michigan's Alan Branch or Louisville's Amobi Okoye would fit the mold. Okoye keeps moving up in the eyes of draft experts especially after he impressed in the Senior Bowl. Some experts have him as a Top-5 pick, which would be perfect for Cleveland. Branch is a massive, powerful run-stuffer who also has the athletic ability to go with his strength.

The Browns lack offensive linemen now that they lost center LeCharles Bentley to a torn patellar tendon before the 2006 season. There is no guarantee Bentley will return to full strength and remain the dominant blocker he once was. The rest of the offensive line lacks top-end talent as well. Cleveland gave up far too many sacks (54) and they ranked 31st in rushing yards per game. The Browns' 3rd overall pick will likely go to Quinn or Wisconsin Tackle Joe Thomas, just depending on which player Detroit selects. If their first-round selection is a player other than these two studs, we would be very shocked. Cleveland selects Quinn or Thomas as their 3 rd overall pick in the 2007 draft.

Updated April 27th, 2007