Cleveland Browns' Draft Targets and Needs According To ESPN's Mel Kiper

At the end of the 2009 season the Cleveland Browns won an amazing four games in a row on a running game that could not be stopped. But the team will not be able to run all season long in 2010 and they have many needs throughout their roster.

ESPN's NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper has just posted his needs list and second and third round predictions for every NFL team on ESPN.com's Insider section of the Web site.

For those Browns fans out there that refuse to pay for ESPN.com's Insider fee, here is a breakdown of Kiper's analysis just for you.

Kiper lists the Browns' top needs in this order: quarterback, (a big) running back, cornerback, safety, outside linebacker, wide receiver, and tight end.

Browns fans know how bad the offensive line was until the last four games of the season in 2009, and it is surprising that Kiper does not think they need a solid right tackle.

Fans will tell you that right tackle is more important of an addition in the offseason than running back or tight end, so the fact that Kiper left this out is mind-boggling a bit.

Last week Kiper posted his first 2010 mock draft and had the Browns selecting cornerback Joe Haden from Florida with the No. 7 overall pick in the draft.

His comments on the Browns choosing Haden were, "I'm not convinced the Browns will be willing to draft a quarterback simply because the position is unsettled. In Haden, they can't go wrong with by far the top CB on the board, a player they can plug in from day one. A deft cover corner and great tackler, Haden is the total package."

Kiper has now listed possible second round options for the Browns as follows: Fresno State's running back Ryan Matthews, Georgia Tech's running back Jonathan Dwyer, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, and South Carolina's outside linebacker Eric Norwood.

A very interesting approach since the Browns really need lots of help on the defensive side of the ball, but they do not have a big, bruising running back on their roster either. Kiper obviously thinks the Browns need a bruiser in the second round.

Also interesting is that Kiper has McCoy listed as a possible target in the second round, and honestly if the Browns could get a talent like McCoy in the second round with the No. 38 pick than that might not be a bad option, but only if president Mike Holmgren thinks McCoy is the future of the franchise though.

Continuing to the third round, Kiper predicted the following prospects: Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel, Oregon tight end Ed Dickson, BYU tight end Dennis Pitta, Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, and Auburn outside linebacker Antonio Coleman.

The Browns have two picks in the third round at No. 71 and 92, and if Gerhart is still available in the third round at pick 71, then the Browns should pick him without a second thought.

Gerhart has power and spend that fits perfectly into the very physical AFC North division and it would be a joy for Browns fans to watch Gerhart pound on the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals twice a year.

For Kiper's quick summary of the Browns, he said, "I think there's a good chance Cleveland will wait a while to make a decision on a QB, so while the 'need' is at that position, it's also one of direction. Do the Browns stick with one of their guys or make a deal? I'd like to see them add a big back, so maybe Dwyer doesn't run well and falls to them, or they wait and get a guy like Gerhart with that pick at No. 92. They could also add a rushing linebacker or a tight end and fulfill needs there."

There are some interesting names and some unknown names that Kiper lists are possible targets for the Browns, but he is one of the leading draft guru's in the nation and his voice and opinion are of value across the NFL.

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)