Meadowdale graduation 2012
Middletown graduation 2012
Dunbar H.S. graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2009 > April > 25 > Entry
Encouraging day for the orange helmets
Somewhere in the blizzard of draft dispatches Saturday, I read something about fans not being all that excited about the Browns’ first-round pick, California center Alex Mack.
I actually thought it was fairly shrewd, even Belichick-esque, so to speak. As was the trade down from No. 5, especially when linebacker Aaron Curry was snatched away one pick earlier by Seattle.
Nothing sexy about the Mack pick, but it’s a building block. And evidence that new head coach Eric Mangini knows the importance of the offensive line and how everything else on offense depends on having one that doesn’t get pushed around.
The tepid reaction is understandable in terms of name recognition. Let’s face it. You have to be some kind of draft fanatic — or some weird Pac-10 fan — even to have heard the name Alex Mack before Saturday.
But you won’t read a bad word about the guy in any of the draft guides. He was clearly the top player at his position.
Now, was he the best pick at No. 21 overall? That’s what can be debated. But who else would you have taken? Ohio State running back Beanie Wells might have made sense. He went 10 picks later to Arizona. Otherwise, nobody’s jumping out at me.
Thrilled with receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in the second round. Robiskie is a known commodity, having played at Ohio State, and I’ve seen Massaquoi (Georgia) on TV enough to think his size and toughness should outweigh any concerns about his speed.
I can’t see Robiskie failing. At worst, he’s Kevin Johnson. Great hands, smart, crafty. He’s the kind of player the Indianapolis Colts usually draft.
Also in the second round, the Browns were able to land Hawaii defensive end David Veikune, and if you’ve seen this guy play, you like him. Simple as that.
Some guys, you see them in some random game or a bowl game and they’re in on every play. Veikune was that guy whenever I saw Hawaii, which ended up being fairly often given my recurring bouts with insomnia.
Would have preferred a defensive player early, but failing that, I thought the Browns did well getting Veikune, even though he makes Mack look like a household name.
All in all, an encouraging day for the orange helmets, I would say. Anxious to see what Sunday brings.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment |
Comments
By brownfoot
April 26, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
I agree, excellent understanding of the trench wars that go on in the afc north.By Jack
April 28, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
Satisfied with the selction of Mack. Our line has been greatly improved from last year and will have actual depth this year. Also like getting Elam from the Jets. Kid could be a star. Now, if we only had a QB.By JB
April 29, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
Totally Agree. They didn’t break the bank and drafter smart, talented players. Only #1 pick since 99’ to perform like one is Joe ThomasBy Russ
May 5, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
I cant speak for anyone but myself,but the one thing I think we all need to see from this team and coaching regime is consistantcy.Not up one year and down the next.By quantoid
May 6, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
Agree as wellBy Jack
May 11, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Sean, what do you make out of the Browns’ signing/drafting four or five wide receivers? We know Dante to be gone (expect to be gone), but what about Edwards?