So Many Possibilities; Who Do The Browns Take at Number 5?

The NFL Draft is probably the most hyped event of the entire sports year, with predictions coming out 6 months before the actual event.

And now, one day away, it is time to connect the dots and try and figure out who goes where.

One especially intriguing situation is the Cleveland Browns at number 5 overall. The Browns have needs all around, and have been rumored to take an outside linebacker, defensive end, defensive tackle, wide receiver, and now quarterback. Plus, they're shopping wide receiver Braylon Edwards. And the Browns new regime of Eric Mangini and George Kokinis, two Belichick disciples, has treated the off-season like a CIA operation and kept everything quiet.

The first choice was Aaron Curry, the safest pick in the draft with the most talent, but he shot up draft boards once the scouting season began, and unless Kansas City reaches for Tyson Jackson at 3 and Mark Sanchez goes to Seattle, he probably won't end up in Cleveland.

The needs are probably most glaring on defense, where the Browns ranked 16th last season. BJ Raji, a dominant 337 pounder fit to be a 3-4 nose tackle was rumored, but what about Pro Bowler Shaun Rogers? Isn't he already upset at the Mangini thing? He's very talented and you shouldn't put smoke to fire, as they say.

Brian Orakpo makes the most sense as he is the best pass rusher in the draft, especially for a Browns team that lacks a pass rush and needs someone to play opposite Kamerion Wimbley to take some pressure off him. But, should they really spend $20 million on a player who will be switching from defensive end to outside backer?

Then, there's Michael Crabtree. Crabtree wouldn't even be considered had the Browns not begun shopping Braylon Edwards or had Donte Stallworth get caught up in legal trouble. But, here he is, the best receiver, the most dynamic playmaker in the draft. People claim he is a prima-donna, but aren't most receivers? I don't know if I buy in fully to this, and I think the production he brings is tremendous and outweighs the issue. Plus, the Browns offense was absolutely putrid last season, and now is without injury-prone yet productive tight end Kellen Winslow.

I just think it makes the most sense to draft Crabtree, then trade Braylon for the number 29 pick from the Giants and stockpile some more picks, because Lord knows we need help.

Then again, it is the Browns and they tend to let us down.

But, maybe, just maybe, Eric Mangini is the savior.

Nah.