NFL Draft 2011: 10 Players The Cleveland Browns Must Watch At The NFL Combine
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2011 NFL Draft process looking to address some team-specific needs and improve their team in many different areas.
The NFL Combine is a good time to look at potential prospects and get a feel for how potential players may fit into the teams' systems.
Cleveland Browns writers say the team needs help at seemingly all positions on the defense and in the wide receiver spot as well.
The following players are all prospects that Cleveland should focus on during the evaluating process at the NFL Combine.
No.10: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
1 of 10
Patrick Peterson is by far the best cornerback prospect in the entire NFL draft and may even be gone by the time Cleveland gets an opportunity to pick at number 6.
The Browns need to keep an eye on Peterson's progress for two reasons.
The first of which is that anything can happen on draft day and they need to be prepared. The second reason is that the Browns are weak in the secondary and Peterson would provide an immediate upgrade as a starter across from Joe Haden.
Peterson picked off four passes in 2010 while playing opposite of some quality quarterbacks in the SEC.
If for some reason Peterson falls to six, Cleveland would have a very tough choice to make if they are going by best available.
No. 9: Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia
2 of 10
Justin Houston completed his best season with the Georgia Bulldogs this past year, compiling 11 sacks and becoming one of the most elite pass rushing threats in the NCAA.
A strong and versatile player, Houston can be used at either the linebacker or defensive end position in the Browns predicted 4-3 system.
Cleveland is in need of defensive help and Houston may be available even heading into the third and fourth rounds.
Finding key players like Houston late in the draft will be the difference between a strong rebuilding draft and failure.
No. 8: Titus Young, WR, Boise State
3 of 10
Anyone that follows the Browns knows that Cleveland is in need of some playmakers at the wide receiver position.
Titus Young is a wide receiver option that should land somewhere in the second day of the draft.
Young has a tremendous upside and enough talent that many teams may consider trading up to grab him when the time is right.
In 2010, Young had 71 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns.
Young also had a total of 25 touchdown receptions covering his college career.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 7: Casey Matthews ILB, Oregon
4 of 10
Casey Matthews would spark memories of the glory days of Cleveland Browns football for many of Cleveland's older fans.
The son of former Browns' player, Clay Matthews Sr., Casey Matthews is a second day prospect that has a tremendous amount of field awareness and quickness.
Cleveland could use a linebacker like Matthews in the 4-3 system as a new rotation will more than likely become the norm at the inside position.
Matthews and his Oregon Duck teammates fell short in the BCS National Championship game against the Auburn Tigers.
Matthews made name for himself in the National Championship as he stripped Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton of the football and gave the Ducks great field position to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
In 2010, Matthews had 79 total tackles, three sacks, and nine tackles for a loss.
No. 6: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
5 of 10
Jonathan Baldwin in a physical receiver that may very well have a better professional career than he did in college.
Standing at 6'5" tall, Baldwin tends to tower over opposing cornerbacks and could create some significant mismatches for opposing defenses.
Many mock draft experts predict Baldwin to be taken early to middle 2nd round, leaving Cleveland in perfect position with the 37th overall pick.
Baldwin caught 53 passes for the Panthers in 2010 for nearly 800 yards.
No. 5: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
6 of 10
There is really not much left to be seen when it comes to A.J. Green.
Highly regarded as the best wide receiver in the draft, Green has been criticized as not being able to fit into the Browns' west coast offense.
The Browns need to scout Green further in order to determine if he can become not only a deep threat receiver, but an effective option across the middle and in short yardage situations.
Green should be drafted within the top six picks, meaning that Cleveland would need some luck in order for him to be available.
No. 4: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
7 of 10
Aaron Williams is a second day cornerback prospect that could work in slowly to the Browns' defensive system.
A bit of a raw talent, Williams shared time with Chykie Brown in Texas and has a lot to learn about the pro game.
Williams would more than likely work in with Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown and could even be a first-year starter in Cleveland's dime packages.
No. 3: Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida
8 of 10
Anyone who follows the Cleveland Browns knows that they have struggled on the right side of the offensive line the last several years.
Marcus Gilbert could fix this issue for Cleveland. The 315 pounder could fit right into the Browns' offensive line.
Gilbert is expected to put on even more weight during this off-season and should hopefully translate his college successes to the NFL level.
No. 2: Prince Amukamara
9 of 10
Prince Amukamara is almost the exact same prototype as Patrick Peterson, just without as much of the hype.
Amukamara is a shutdown cornerback who can start immediately and make an impact.
Amukamara is another top 10 prospect, giving Cleveland the option to trade down a few picks and possibly scoop him up.
Trading down may be key to the Browns success, which brings us to the No.1 player...
No. 1: Julio Jones
10 of 10
The Cleveland Browns need to watch Julio Jones like a hawk during the 2011 NFL Combine.
Jones has displayed great numbers when given opportunities and has all the physical tools which translate to the professional game.
If Cleveland likes Jones, they could easily trade down in the first round to grab him, acquiring more picks in later rounds.
Either way Cleveland decides to go, the wide receiver position and defensive front are two key areas that need to be addressed.
Only time will tell what Cleveland's draft plans will be. In the mean time these players should be evaluated very closely.
For More Cleveland Browns Coverage from Brian Murtaugh, Please Visit: The Dawg House
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
