2011 NFL Draft: An Alternative Plan For The Cleveland Browns and Tom Heckert

With the 2010 NFL season ending Sunday, fans’ attention turns to speculation about the upcoming NFL combine and draft.

The Browns have to navigate a very tricky offseason. With the uncertainty around the CBA and the unknowns surrounding free agency, the 2011 NFL draft becomes even more important for the rebuilding Browns.

Every pick counts this year, and the Browns must hit on as many players as possible.

A lot of mocks have already been constructed, playing the usual name game. But few seem to question whether the moves make sense in relation to the Browns’ needs, the talent that will be available, and the drafting history of Tom Heckert.

Here is a mock with some alternative options the Browns should weigh in the upcoming draft.

Round One, Trade Down: Aldon Smith, Defensive End, Mizzou

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Jordan Webb #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks is sacked by Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers during the game on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Contrary to belief, receiver is not the Browns’ biggest need. The switch to the 4-3 and a group of players too old and too slow makes injecting youth and talent into the defensive front seven the most pressing need.

By trading down for Smith, the Browns acquire more picks while gaining an elite pass rusher. Smith runs a 4.6 40, has an endless motor, and could easily rush from the weak side. But what is really amazing about Smith is his wingspan. He uses his hands extremely well to shed blocks, has an arsenal of swim and rip moves, and is really efficient in wrapping up the quarterback and swatting down passes.

Honestly, go watch some tape of this guy. There’s not much he doesn’t do. While he is still raw, he has an enormous ceiling that will payoff for the team that selects him. And while his production didn’t match the top prospects of the nation, most fail to mention that he was playing half the year on a fractured fibula. In just ten games Smith still managed 48 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks. As a redshirt freshman in 2009, he tallied 64 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss and 11.5 sacks.

If the Browns aren’t sold on Smith, trading down is still the right move. There will be an array of talented defensive ends still available in the mid to late 1^st round. 

Round Two, Pick 37: Titus Young, Wide Receiver, Boise State

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Titus Young #1 of the Boise State Broncos catches a pass just out of bounds in the end zone in front of Brandon Burton #27 of the Utah Utes during the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, N

The Browns’ fan base gets the receiver they’ve been clamoring for, just not the name they expected to hear. While some may cringe at the thought of another 2^nd round receiver not panning out, they must remember they did not have Heckert at the helm before.

At 5’11”, 175 lbs., Young is not going to be mistaken for a #1 receiver like A.J. Green. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a ton of upside. Young received a lot of attention heading into the Senior Bowl. Some even considered him over-hyped. Yet he continued to impress scouts throughout Senior Bowl practice week against some of the nation’s top talent.

Young has the top speed to be the deep threat the Browns need and would provide the Browns with another kick return option. He is known for precise route running, his ability to make defenders miss, catching the ball away from his body, gaining separation in the open field, and cutting and accelerating with speed. All qualities that will help him excel in the WCO. But perhaps most telling about the Browns’ likelihood of selecting Young is the pro player he is most often compared to: Desean Jackson, Heckert’s 2^nd round selection in the 2008 draft.

Round Two, Hypothetical Trade Pickup: Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon

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EUGENE, OR - DECEMBER 03: Running back LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks rushes with the ball past tackle Stephen Paea #54 of the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium on December 3, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

If the draft unfolds as I’ve predicted, then the Browns would find themselves with another pick in the middle of the 2^nd. I imagine they’d want to go middle linebacker here, but the top inside prospects are all undersized and project better in 3-4 defenses. Rather than reach, the Browns decide to add the best player available.

Stephen Paea is a first round talent whose size, fit in only the 4-3 scheme, and recent knee injury could have him sliding into the mid to late 2^nd. In 2010 Paea recorded 45 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 passes broken up.

Paea has a great initial burst that helps him penetrate. While not the largest tackle at 6’1”, 311 lbs., he has great strength, can bull-rush the passer, demanded double teams all year, and has a motor that won’t stop. Speaking of strength, have you seen the video of Paea bench pressing 225 lbs. 44 times? That’s one short of the combine record.

Paea is extremely stout against the run, which is exactly what the Browns should be looking for in their tackles. His size shouldn’t be a factor when lining up next to Rubin and Rogers, and he could easily come right in and start. Of course, with his athleticism and skill there is a good chance Paea comes off the board well before the 2^nd regardless of the aforementioned circumstances.

Round Three, Pick 70: Kelvin Sheppard, Middle Linebacker, LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 08: Glen Coffee #38 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tries to avoid a tackle by Kelvin Sheppard #11 of the Louisiana State University Tigers on November 11, 2008 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tide defeated the Tige

The Browns have no one who fits as middle linebacker in their new scheme. Lots of fans have been kicking around the name Casey Matthews. Huge mistake. I’m not going to count a Matthews out, but lets not fool ourselves about which brother is the talent. Casey is undersized for his position, and unlike his brother who used the Senior Bowl to catapult himself up draft boards, Casey was underwhelming in the game. He showed a nose for the ball but could not get off his blocks and was consistently pushed around by bigger linemen. If the Browns want to spend their 5^th rounder on Casey, fine, but in the 3^rd would be an extreme reach. Don’t be blinded by pedigree. Casey Matthews is the Eli Manning to Clay Matthews’ Peyton, the Jordan Palmer to Clay’s Carson.

Instead, the Browns should look for a middle linebacker with the potential to be the solidifying force of the front seven for the next decade. Sheppard has the appropriate physical attributes to develop into a dominating middle linebacker in the 4-3, which requires both the strength to get off of blocks and to the rusher as well as speed to run sideline to sideline. At 6’3”, 240 lbs, Sheppard has the size (6’3”, 240lbs.) and speed (4.70) to do so. He has the football IQ too.

Sheppard was the undisputed team leader of an LSU defense that was among the nation’s top 12 in pass defense, scoring defense, and total defense. Originally playing at Will Linebacker, Sheppard’s production skyrocketed when he was moved to middle linebacker his junior season, racking up 100+ tackles in each of his last two seasons. As a senior he had 11 tackles-for-loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Sheppard has not reached his ceiling and will only get better under the tutelage of a coordinator like Jauron. But what fans should be most psyched about is his personality. Sheppard is known for his leadership and fiery pre-game speeches. He’s the type of player that will demand more from those around him and elevate the game of the other defensive players. By selecting Sheppard, the Browns would get their own version of Baltimore’s Ray Lewis to lead this team over the next decade.

Round Four, Pick 101: Clint Boling, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

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ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Offensive lineman Clint Boling #60 of the Georgia Bulldogs sets to block against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium on September 29, 2007 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that the right side of the Browns offensive line has been woeful the past few seasons, but the Browns could be better off here than many think. Pashos should be healthy and ready to start again next season, and if not, the development of guards Lauvao or Yates would allow the Browns to kick Womack out to right tackle. Both scenarios are improvements over St. Clair and should allow the Browns to wait until the 4^th to select a future right tackle.

Boling would be a solid addition and should still be on the board when the Browns draft in the 4^th. His one drawback is size. Some consider him a tweener at only the average height of 6’5” and possessing shorter arms and smaller hands.

He uses those hands well though, getting under opponents pads. He’s able to pull, has nimble feet and solid footwork, moves well in open space, and can reach the second level. He’s also got a great football IQ and understands his positioning and angles. He may need to hit the weight room and get a little stronger to add to his push in the run game, but Boling would be a pick that could start contributing sooner rather than later.

The other direction the Browns could go would be to select a developmental tackle with a larger frame and wingspan in order to groom into an eventual starter.

Round 5, Pick 134: Ryan Winterswyk, Defensive End, Boise State

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Ryan Winterswyk #98 of the Boise State Broncos tackles quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs on a quarterback keeper in the third quarter during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on Ja

Did I mention the Browns need bodies on the defensive line? Winterswyk would be a great addition as the strong side complement to Aldon Smith, and he is definitely what I would classify as a sleeper in this draft.

Winterswyk was a crucial element to the success of Boise State’s defensive line. He is stout against the run and is an above average pass rusher. After a great junior year in which he tallied 41 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, and 9 sacks, his production tapered off, largely due to double teams and a knee injury before the season. He recorded 44 tackles with only 9 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks as a senior. Yet he was still named to the All-WAC first team, which just shows you what his coaches and others think of his ability and work ethic.

That dip in production and the fact that he is coming out of the WAC rather than a division like the SEC is why he’ll be available for the Browns in the 5^th. But overall, Winterswyk is a solid player with above average instincts, prototypical size for the 4-3, and ability beyond what his statistics reflect. With the proper coaching, there is no reason he won’t be able to shake off his senior slump and continue to develop at the next level.

Round Six, Pick 163 (From Denver): Da’Rel Scott, Running Back, Maryland

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Da'Rel Scott #23 of the Maryland Terrapins carries the ball in the first half against the Boston College Eagles on November 29, 2008 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The emergence of Peyton Hillis last year makes running back a lesser need. But no one can deny that Hillis’ overuse eventually led to his breakdown in production closing out the year. The Browns need to find a change-of-pace back to take some of the load off of Hillis. While I’m still hoping Hardesty can remain injury free and contribute next year, it would be a smart move for the Browns to use a late round pick on a developmental player like Scott.

At 5’11”, 200 lbs., Scott may need to add a little more bulk to his frame. But where he more than makes up for that is with speed. Running a 4.42 40, Scott has the ability to break a long run at any time. In each of his four years at Maryland, he’s averaged at least 5 yards-per-rush, and his longest rushes are near or eclipse fifty yards. Scott also possesses good hands and could contribute in the passing attack too.

We need a speedy back to compliment Hillis and occasionally break off that game-changing run, and Scott can be that back. 

Round Six, Pick 165: Quinton Pointer, Cornerback, UNLV

Like many mocks I’ve read, I was tempted to put the sure-footed Alex Henery from Nebraska here. The prospect of Dawson leaving doesn’t have me too excited. But for the same reason that Dawson might be out, I don’t believe the front office will go kicker here, especially not with a number of holes still left on the roster.

So instead the front office turns to cornerback Quinton Pointer. The Browns have some promising defensive backs in Haden and Ward, but the depth there is very thin. With Wright either gone or unreliable and Sheldon Brown getting older, cornerback becomes quite a priority.

Pointer was the one bright spot on a very poor and overtaxed UNLV secondary. He is a solid tackler and possesses good footwork and speed (4.45 40). He also has decent size for a cornerback at 5'10", 185 lbs. But he will be available in the sixth because he was sidelined for 2010 with a knee injury.

The major criticism leveled against Pointer was his inconsistency. But hopefully with some coaching up he can produce on a more regular basis. In 2009, Pointer recorded 72 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 2 sacks, 4 passes broken up, and 1 forced fumble. 

It’s unlikely he’ll develop into the shutdown corner the Browns eventually pair with Haden, but he could provide the team with some much-needed depth for years to come.