Browns Trade for WR Davone Bess, Draft CB Leon McFadden
On Friday, the Browns managed to add depth to the receiving corps and a potential starting cornerback, all with only one pick between the second and third rounds of the 2013 NFL draft.
The team traded for wide receiver Davone Bess and selected San Diego State cornerback Leon McFadden in the third round.
Without a second-round pick (which was used to select wide receiver Josh Gordon in last year’s supplemental draft), the Browns opted to trade with Miami for Bess, moving down seven spots in the fourth round (104 to 111) and trading their fifth-round pick (164) for a seventh-round pick (217). In other words, they didn’t give up much. The Browns also signed Bess to a three-year extension.
Bess has had a very productive career with the Dolphins. Last season, he had 61 receptions for 778 yards and one touchdown. His best season, though, came in 2010, when he had 79 catches for 820 yards and five touchdowns.
With the selection of McFadden, the Browns addressed a big need in the secondary. While there is certainly a concern over his size (5-10, 190 pounds), the key is that McFadden has a chance to be a starter. Previous to his selection, the Browns had something of a dumpster fire on their hands opposite budding superstar Joe Haden.
In a conference call with reporters, McFadden expressed his surprise with being drafted by the Browns, along with his strengths and weaknesses.
"“I believe my ball skills are very good, my man-to-man coverage,” McFadden said. “I became a lot more aggressive in the last couple years. My IQ for football, studying my opponent is really big for me. The main thing I would like to work on is my press man (coverage) and polishing up my technique and keeping my eye discipline.”"