2008 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Needs

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

The Browns are coming off an improbable 10-6 season in 2007 after spending much of the decade in the AFC North basement. Cleveland's rebuilding project is still far from being complete and GM Phil Savage is looking to draft at least three players who can step right in and contribute this year. Getting Brady Quinn in the first round last season cost the Browns their first round pick, but don't be surprised if Savage trades back into the first round, even if it means giving up a future first rounder. Head coach Romeo Crennel is campaigning for defensive help and I would have to agree with him. Find out which direction the Browns are slated to go first in this 2008 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft needs preview.

#1 Defensive Tackle

Coach Romeo Crennel's three-man front has not been very effective as it is missing a marquee player. The Browns will try to trade up to nab a guy like USC's Sedrick Ellis or Auburn's Pat Sims.

#2 Outside Linebacker

Continuing the theme of bolstering the defensive side of the ball, the Browns will look to address the outside linebacker spot. Kamerion Wimbley wowed in his rookie year, recording 11 sacks, but offenses adjusted last season. On the other side, Antawn Peek fought through injuries and Willie McGinest is no longer much of a threat to reach the QB at age 36. In order to avoid wasting Wimbley's talent, another elite pass rusher must be added to the outside. Virginia Tech's Chris Ellis looks to be cut out of Wimbley's mold and Georgia Tech's Darrell Robertson is another option is Ellis is off the board.

#3 Inside Linebacker

The Browns have three decent backers on the inside of their 3-4 scheme, but the Browns would like to add an impact guy with Pro Bowl talent. I'd have to say this would be a good move considering the struggles they have had against the run. UNLV's Beau Bell and South Florida's Ben Moffitt both have good size and speed and could be sleepers in the later rounds.

#4 Cornerback

The Browns drafted corner Eric Wright with their second round pick in 2007, but the Browns could use another strong corner to add depth and competition. Iowa's Charles Godfrey has good size and speed and plays with an edge while LSU's Chevis Jackson is a middle round candidate who could also compete for a role.

#5 Guard

The Browns have a good one at left guard in Eric Steinbach, but they could use a versatile player to develop at both center and guard. A mid-to-late-round prospect like Michigan's Adam Kraus would fit the description to a tee. He played eight games at guard and four at center for the Wolverines while earning All-Big Ten honors. If they wish to wait even longer to address this spot, USC's Chilo Rachal should still be around.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 28th, 2008