2010 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Are Looking For a Franchise Changing Draft Now

The writing is on the wall...the Cleveland Browns are looking at the 2010 NFL Draft as their franchise changing draft for the future.

This is obvious to any Browns fan who is still in a state of shock after the team they once loved and knew so well has just been blown up by two weekend trades.

The Brady Quinn trade to the Broncos happened very quickly after the Browns signed veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme to a two-year contract at the beginning of the March 12 weekend.

What wasn't expected was the low value the team received for Delhomme, including two future draft picks and a running back in Peyton Hillis. Known in Denver for his endzone salutes after scoring, Hillis is a giant back and a bruiser.

Coming in a 6'1" and 240 pounds, Denver fans loved his bruising running style and gritty nature when the ball was in his hands.

He is a perfect fit to compliment both Jerome Harrison and untested James Davis.

Initially said to be a fullback, Hillis is more of a running back in the mold like the Giants' Brandon Jacobs.

Moving right along, more of a shocker was the sudden announcement that the Browns had traded their best pass rusher in outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to the Raiders for a third round pick this year.

Wimbley never really lived up to his potential, but he did show signs of improvement in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's scheme in 2009.

Regardless, the Browns must feel good with their depth at linebacker including the recent addition of Scott Fujita who can play inside or outside.

That leaves the Browns with a team that still has big holes in the secondary, a new veteran starting quarterback who will be mentoring a young drafted quarterback and a big bruiser of a running back.

There may still be deals that might be done, but where does that leave the Browns going into the draft?

In a fantastic position to either move up in the first round to try and grab quarterback Sam Bradford or defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh or to pick talented players with all the picks they have and infuse this team with a jolt of talent.

Browns' President Mike Holmgren has said that general manager Tom Heckert will be fully in charge of the draft while getting feedback from both Holmgren and Head Coach Eric Mangini, but Heckert is really the wildcard.

Heckert has drafted some amazing and talented players for the Philadelphia Eagles the past two years including: receiver DeSean Jackson, tight end Brent Celek, quarterback Kevin Kolb, receiver Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy.

If Heckert can hit on most of the Browns' draft pick in April's 2010 NFL Draft, then look for this draft to be the one that may change the franchise for the foreseeable future.

This draft is not only important for the new Browns regime, but for the fans since they have needed this team to get to the next level and bring a better product to the field.

The 2010 NFL Draft is the key to that and fans can't have draft day in April come quick enough right now.

The Browns have 12 draft picks in the draft as of March 15.