| Jeff Risdon. 4th May, 2007 - 8:35 pm
 The picks:
1st round, #3 overall--Joe Thomas, T, Wisconsin
1st round, #22--Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
2nd round, #53--Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
5th round, #140--Brandon McDonald, CB, Memphis
6th round, #200--Mel Purcell, DE, Hawaii
7th round, #213--Chase Pittman, DE, LSU
7th round, #234--Syndric Steptoe, WR, Arizona
Best pick: Quinn
Worst pick: Steptoe
Analysis:
GM Phil Savage pulled a major coup by snagging both Thomas and Quinn, two of the top-five prospects in the entire draft. Thomas can play either side and is the punishing run blocker the Browns have sorely lacked since their reincarnation. Paired with free agent G Eric Steinbach, the Browns should have as good a left side OL as any team.
Quinn’s free-fall has been covered ad nauseum, but he’s a major upgrade over incumbent Charlie Frye. His mechanics, leadership, and zip on the ball are all outstanding, though he will have funks where his throws are wildly inaccurate.
Wright is a worthwhile gamble at #53. Most scouts agreed Wright is as good in man coverage as any CB in this deep draft, but a couple of seriously disturbing off-field issues dropped his stock. If he stays on the straight and narrow, he’s the next Rashean Mathis, and the Browns are in dire need of ability and healthy bodies at corner.
McDonald more fits the latter, but he is very good when the ball is in the air and also has potential as a PR/KR. Purcell and Pittman will be competing for the same job, pass-rushing DE, but the winner will be the guy who plays the run better.
Purcell has more natural ability but often doesn’t show it, while Pittman has better size.
The Browns haven’t had a 7th rounder make the team since Thane Gash in 1988, and Steptoe won’t change that.
Grade: B+
You cannot argue with the deals made to get Quinn and Wright, as their talent is significantly better than anything on the roster. Thomas was the safe choice at #3, but considering their recent history, not a bad choice. Quinn gives the Browns a potential franchise player and face, something the fans have been clamoring for. The 2nd day ignored RB and interior OL, though DE and CB are arguably just as pressing of need. Purcell could be a real gem. |
