2011 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Needs

The Cleveland Browns are on the clock with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s try to take a look inside the head of personnel chief Mike Holmgren to see how he might choose to address the team’s biggest needs.

1. Defensive End: With new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron transitioning the Browns to a 4-3 scheme, the defensive end position becomes a priority. The Browns managed just 29 sacks last year and Kenyon Coleman led their defensive ends with only 2.5. The best 4-3 defenses in the league possess athletic ends that are quick enough off the ball to turn the corner. Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers has the potential to be that kind of a player. He has the power, quickness and instincts to be an every-down player at the next level. There are some concerns, however, about a torn meniscus in his knee that he recently had surgically repaired. The Browns could also go with a guy like North Carolina’s Robert Quinn if they feel Bowers’ knee makes him too big of a risk. Quinn doesn’t project as a strong run defender but he has big upside as a pass rusher, which is what the Browns are really looking for. Bowers may be the more complete player, but Quinn may end up being the better pick.

2. Wide Receiver: If Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green were to fall, the Browns would have to think about taking him at No. 6. Colt McCoy performed well in his rookie season despite not having a legit deep threat. Tight end Ben Watson and running back Peyton Hillis were the two top pass catchers. The defense wasn’t good last season, but it did perform better than an offense that finished 29th in total yards and 31st in scoring. With this in mind, Holmgren may not be able to pass up a 6-foot-4, 211-pound freak like Green. He’s strong, physical and fast for his size (4.48 40-yard speed). If Green is off the board, the Browns could still spend their top pick on Alabama’s Julio Jones. There are a lot of years where he would be the hands down top wideout in the class. He’s not quite as tall as Green (6’2¾”) but he is faster. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine. He has all the tools to be a true No. 1 wideout for many years at the next level.

3. Defensive Tackle: While the offense needs to add a playmaker, the Browns could continue to solidify their defensive front with a beefy tackle. I don’t see them taking a tackle at pick No. 6, but they may go after a guy like Oregon State’s Stephen Paea in round two.

4. Cornerback: The Browns scored with Florida’s Joe Haden last year and it may serve them well to look for another corner in the 2011 draft. After all, Sheldon Brown is getting up there in years. They could potentially get LSU’s Patrick Peterson or Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara with their first pick but likely won’t because of bigger needs elsewhere. They could, however, make the decision to go after a player like Colorado’s Jimmy Smith in round two.

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