2010 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Pick Best Player over Needs With Joe Haden

The Cleveland Browns were in a rut when they were on the clock with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. They were forced to pick likely the best overall player still on their draft board over roster need in Florida cornerback Joe Haden.

Earlier in the day, before the draft began, there were rumors saying that the Browns were more interested in Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson, and the Browns had him rated higher that Haden on their draft board.

That was could have been a smokescreen of bad reporting from cleveland.com. Haden, after being projected to be the Browns' No. 7 pick months before the draft, was indeed still the Browns' pick.

On ESPN's broadcast, they had reporter Michael Smith reporting live from the Browns headquarters. Before the pick came in, he said the Browns were debating between Wilson and Haden, and he said Mike Holmgren liked Haden's physicality more, and Holmgren had final say in the matter.

Holmgren obviously flexed his president muscles on this pick.

Even though the Browns still have a need at starting free safety, with the Chiefs picking Eric Berry, their hand was forced, and they had to pick the best overall player on their draft board with Haden.

Not an odd pick since the Browns still needed more depth at cornerback, but with the acquistion of Sheldon Brown from the Eagles, there is still the chance Brown will move to free safety instead.

With more picks still to come, anything can happen. The Browns may still fill their need at free safety in a later round. 

One thing is likely for sure—Brandon McDonald may be buried in the depth chart now.