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Cleveland may pass on Quinn for 'home-run hitter' Peterson
Sunday, April 22, 2007
When in doubt, go with an Oklahoma player?
In his first two drafts as general manager of the Cleveland Browns, Phil Savage has made 18 selections. Three have been Sooners — safety Brodney Pool and cornerback Antonio Perkins in 2005, receiver Travis Wilson last year.
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A scout at heart, Savage has done everything on the Oklahoma campus but drive the Sooner Schooner.
It's one reason many think running back Adrian Peterson will be the Browns' choice Saturday with the No. 3 overall pick.
Numerous mock drafts have the Browns taking Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Saturday, a panel of experts on ESPN Radio, including Mel Kiper, sent Peterson to the Browns.
One negative is Peterson's straight-up, confrontational running style. Critics contend it will make him even more of an injury risk in the NFL than he was in college. "He has to be a wiser runner," Savage concedes.
But he's also been compared to Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson and could be the next LaDainian Tomlinson. In 2001, the Browns passed on Tomlinson. Can they pass on his clone?
Listening to offers
From the way Savage talked last week, it sounded like the Browns would be open to trading down a couple of spots, especially if it meant that Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams or Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas would be there for them.
Adams, considered the best pass rusher in the draft, could be the first defensive player off the board and would look good lining up opposite last year's No. 1 choice, Kamerion Wimbley. Savage indicated as much, saying, "That would be exciting."
At the scouting combine in February, however, Adams said he smoked marijuana in college. Not since 2002 (running back William Green) have the Browns knowingly drafted a pot smoker in the first round.
Inside information
Not that there are any secrets in the draft, but the Browns should have an inside track on Thomas. His college position coach, Bob Palcic, is a former Cleveland assistant whose daughter, Amy, works in the team's communication department.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Browns' top needs
1. Offensive tackle: Wisconsin's Joe Thomas would be a safe pick. Incumbent left tackle Kevin Shaffer could move to the right side, a hedge against the return of right tackle Ryan Tucker's mental problems.
2. Outside linebacker/pass rusher: Somebody for the long term to pair with Kamerion Wimbley, last year's top pick.
3. Quarterback: Must be of the "franchise" variety. If any doubt, skip it.
4. Running back: When was the last time the Browns had that proverbial home-run hitter? Greg Pruitt in the '70s maybe? Adrian Peterson offers that promise and could share time with Jamal Lewis.
5. Receiver: It would help if he could return punts. Dennis Northcutt doesn't live here anymore.
6. Cornerback: Gary Baxter tore up both knees on the same play last season and might not play again. Kenny Wright came aboard in free agency, but depth is lacking.
7. Center/guard: Adding guard Eric Steinbach in free agency lessens the need here (if he isn't moved to tackle), but center Hank Fraley is a veteran and it looks as if LeCharles Bentley (knee) will miss a second season in a row.
— Sean McClelland
