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BROWNS NOTES
TE Rucker could play valuable role: Winslow insurance
MORE DRAFT: Bell tolls for Browns | Grade the Browns draft
Monday, April 28, 2008
BEREA — With Kellen Winslow (knee) and backup Steve Heiden (back) coming off surgery and perhaps unavailable until training camp, tight end Martin Rucker will get plenty of chances to impress. The only other tight end on the roster is Darnell Dinkins.
"We took 'best available' in this case," General Manager Phil Savage said of the Browns' second fourth-round pick Sunday, April 27. "It wasn't as much of a need pick as a value pick."
Extras
Which isn't to say a tight end won't be needed. Winslow, who played through knee and shoulder pain last season, has three years remaining on his contract but wants it redone. It's a situation that could become sticky between the Browns and high-profile agent Drew Rosenhaus.
"We've had a few conversations this spring," Savage said. "Drew has a lot going on, but we've kept open lines of communication."
No magic dust
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper was wrong. The Browns did not take a cornerback in the fourth round, as he predicted. Or any round for that matter. The position had been a priority after the trade of Leigh Bodden (team-leading six interceptions), but Savage resisted the urge to reach.
So, what will they do now? For openers, they hope free agent Daven Holly signs their one-year tender offer.
"I can't magically create a cornerback," Savage said, gesturing as if sprinkling fairy dust. "It's something we'll continue to watch."
UNLV connection
Nevada-Las Vegas is a basketball school from which NFL talent rarely flows, but the Browns took cornerback Eric Wright in the second round last year and now linebacker Beau Bell in the fourth. Wright quickly became a starter.
"He said it's cold there, but it's real fun and the team's on the rise," Bell said.
Teams shied away from Bell due to a knee injury he suffered in a January practice for the Senior Bowl. It was just a bone bruise, but it led to a 40-yard dash time (4.9) at the Scouting Combine about two-tenths slower.
"He has an explosive way of playing the game," head coach Romeo Crennel said. "He gets his hands on guys and gets them down. Some of his hits are dramatic."
End zones
• Savage said his contract extension is still in the "handshake and wink" stage but should be finalized soon.
• Rucker's father is a congressman from Missouri, which led one scouting service to accuse him of having a "sense of entitlement."
• Between 10-15 players will be signed as undrafted free agents, Savage said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.
