2010 NFL Draft: How the Cleveland Browns Can Be Successful

The NFL Draft is here, and the Cleveland Browns are under a lot of pressure to get this year right.

There is no arguing at this point the drafts since 2005 should be considered failures since most of the players acquired in those drafts no longer play for the team.

It's too early to judge the 2009 draft completely since we've only had one year to see results, but having two of your second round picks barely being able to get on the field last year doesn't bode well.

Alex Mack did have a great rookie season, though, so there is hope for the future.

But with so many failed drafts in the last five years, the Browns absolutely can not get this draft wrong, or it's going to be another two or three years of 4-12 and 5-11 seasons before they can get back on track again.

The Browns have 10 picks total, one in the first, one in the second and three in the third. The other five are in the fifth and sixth rounds.

To be successful, the Browns obviously have to fill needs and take the best player available in the upper rounds while hoping they find a few diamonds in the rough in the later rounds.

The first round is all about not screwing up the No. 7 pick. There should only be three or four players on their draft board marked for being worth that pick. If those players are gone, and someone is making a good trade offer, trade down.

Trading down also would have the benefit of adding another second round pick, which is something the front office has been trying to get all offseason. If the Browns swing a trade that nets them an extra second round pick, it's worth doing, even if it drops the Browns into the lower part of the first round.

Finally, it's all about needs.

In order of needs, the consensus seems to be the defensive secondary, quarterback of the future, a right tackle or guard, wide receivers, a blocking tight end, and more secondary.

Only one of those needs will be filled tonight, unless a deal no one sees coming happens.

Get your popcorn ready, Draft Day is here.