The Cleveland Browns have had one winning season since they rejoined the league in 1999, a mediocre 9-7 record in 2002. Since 1999, they have shuffled between 3 head coaches, 5 quarterbacks (in the past five years!), 6 leading rushers, and 5 leading receivers.

They have ranked above 20th overall offensively (points and yards) only once in that span (2002) and have ranked worse than 25th in both categories each of the past four seasons. In fact, the Browns have won only 19 games over the past four seasons, a pathetic .300 record.

But they hope to change their luck in 2007, a rebirth if you will.

Offense is what the team will draft this season, the third in Romeo Crennel’s tenure as the head coach. They will look closely at where their needs will be best filled, either at quarterback, running back, or wide receiver. In fact, three major players could be on the board when Cleveland drafts; it’s time to analyze their options.

Quarterback: Either JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn will probably be available when the Browns are on the clock. Both would be great additions, but let’s look at Quinn more closely because he stands the better chance of being available.

Brady Quinn has been the most ridiculed, most criticized quarterback in college football; both during the season and (especially) after it ended with a loss to LSU in the Sugar Bowl.(Russell’s LSU). Though his stock is still high, many expect Quinn to slip to 7th or even 9th overall.

His skills are there. He is physically a good NFL quarterback, one who was groomed in a NFL-type offense by a NFL mastermind. But everyone wants to believe he folds under pressure, and that’s not a stretch. However, he is not the pathetic quarterback everyone makes him out to be. Actually, he performed quite well for being under the microscope of every critical fan who called out Notre Dame as being overrated. He handled the pressure coolly, thus landing him a spot as the number two rated quarterback in the draft.

The Browns would be wise to invest in Quinn, whose skills are reminiscent of another quarterback: Tom Brady. Though he hasn’t yet won “the big one,” Crennel-n-Co. should draft him; if only to acquire a quarterback with great potential, someone who won’t be the 6th quarterback recycled over the past 6 seasons.

Running Back: Only one running back is worthy of the third overall selection: Adrian Peterson. Peterson has nearly unlimited upside, but a slightly scary downside.

Beginning with the downside, consider that he has never completed a college season in three seasons at Oklahoma. He runs with power, but his durability is definitely a concern for any team looking to draft him.

But moving to his potential, it’s obvious he has tons. He runs a 4.40, 40 yard dash (see: fast) and is even faster on the field. His vision and instincts are unmatched by another runner in the draft, and, despite having great speed and agility, he also runs with tremendous power. Not phased by defenders, he has the knack to lower his shoulder if need be.

Cleveland needs a running back and has been rumored to be looking extra-closely at Peterson. Though he’s a “boom-or-bust” type player, his abilities as a runner are definitely there.

Wide Receiver: Similar to the running back position, there is only one receiver worthy of a pick this high. Actually, this draft class has good depth at the wide receiver position, but only one true jaw-dropper exists. But, boy, will he make your jaw drop hard.

Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson is the best athlete in the draft, not only because of his freakish speed, (4.35, 40; and I definitely mean “freakish” as a compliment) but also his size. At 6′5 and 239 pounds, Johnson is the prototypical example of a deep threat, big play guy. It’s nearly impossible to cover him, as proven by his numbers — 76 catches, 1202 yards, and 15 touchdowns.

The only problem here is that Johnson might not be available when Cleveland is on the clock. Both Oakland and Detroit have shown deep interest in the wide receiver and no one will be surprised if either team drafts him. But if they pass, expect Cleveland to pounce at the opportunity to acquire the best player in the draft.

Conclusion: Expect Cleveland to take an extra long look at both Peterson and Quinn, finally settling on the latter. Their need for a quarterback is obvious and Quinn certainly fits the bill.

Subscribe to The NFL Minute

This post is tagged