2010 NFL Draft: Is This the Beginning of the New "Cleveland Longhorns?"

After the 2009 NFL draft, jokes about the Cleveland Browns began circulating that because of many acquisitions and trades with the New York Jets to attain former Jets players, the Browns were the new "Cleveland Jets."

(Please note: there is some satire in this article.)

Now after a year, and a 2009 season-ending four-game winning streak later, the Browns are going into the 2010 NFL draft and could very well get a new nickname—the "Cleveland Longhorns."

The Texas Longhorns have a huge representation in this draft class and there have been many mock drafts saying the the Browns could very well pick not just one, but multiple Longhorn standouts.

If Eric Berry is gone in the first round, the Browns could pick safety Earl Thomas with the No. 7 overall pick.

Quarterback Colt McCoy is regarded by many as president Mike Holmgren's quarterback target in the second round to be the future face of the franchise.

Defensive lineman Lamarr Houston has also been projected as another target for the Browns since they have a new need on their defensive line because of the impending suspension that will get handed down to Shaun Rogers. However, Houston may get picked by another team as high as the second.

Another player whose name has been attached with a Browns pick in the past is projected outside linebacker Sergio Kindle. He is another player, however, who may not be available as of late because he has been seen in the last half of the first round in many mocks.

If the Browns land McCoy, wide receiver Jordan Shipley could be a great pick to help in their young receiver group, since he already has a rapport with McCoy.

Shipley could be sitting on the board when the Browns pick in the fifth round, but with comparisons to the Patriots receiver Wes Welker, Shipley's stock could jump while the draft is ongoing.

Will the Browns draft a former Longhorn or two?

There is a high possibility of this occurring, but do not expect as many "Cleveland Longhorn" jokes as there were "Cleveland Jets" jokes from one year ago.

All jokes aside because there is no denying the level of potential the Longhorns have in this draft class, getting one or more of them on the Browns would help no matter which way you look at it.