Do McShay and Kiper Know Anything?

ESPN Draft “experts” Todd McShay and Mel Kiper recently got together and discussed their mock drafts. While I’m not employed by ESPN like these two are, I feel that I have a better grasp on the Browns needs than they do. Just take a look for yourself.

"Mel Kiper – Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State – I’ve talked to people around the league about Dez Bryant, and I can tell you the notion that there are concerns about Bryant’s character is blown out of proportion. Here the Browns get the best WR in the draft, a threat they really need, and a player that, in a football environment, is a workhorse and a producer. I think K.C. will also be looking hard at Bryant at No. 5, but will ultimately pass and allow the Browns to get him."

"Todd McShay – Dan Williams NT Tennessee – This would be a frustrating scenario for the Browns, who should be hoping Berry falls to them at this slot. RB C.J. Spiller would be a possibility but don’t count out Williams, who appears to be a reach but will garner plenty of attention over the next few picks because he’s the only legitimate first-round nose tackle in this class. Finding a long-term replacement for current NT Shaun Rogers is high on the priority list, and Rogers’ recent run-in with the law might only increase the urgency."

Ok, well first off let me just say that each had my personal favorite, Eric Berry, already taken. Moving on, let’s start with Mr. Kiper. He has the Browns taking Dez Bryant. Yes, it’s no secret that the Browns’ receiving corps is a bit thin. But taking a guy who many compare to former Brown, Braylon “the fans hate me because I’m from Michigan” Edwards, is not something that I can say thrills me. But the thing that strikes me the most from the picks is Mr. McShay’s pick. Yes Dan Williams is a first round talent, but to say the Browns have a “high-priority” to find Shaun Rogers‘ replacement is a bit of a stretch. I guess Todd didn’t watch Ahtyba Rubin fill in just fine for Rogers last season.

Don’t get me wrong, I see the validity in both picks, but the players they have us picking are both ridiculous, for Bryant because we just picked two WR’s in the 2nd round last season (Brian Robiskie and Mo Massaquoi), and for Williams because NT is so far down on the list of needs for this team. Personally, as many readers know, I pray that Eric Berry falls to 7. However if that doesn’t happen, or the team doesn’t trade up to get Berry, I’d rather see the team trade down and select a LB or secondary personnel.  Would I like to see the team pick up another wide-out and D-line help? Yes, just not in the 1st round when we have so many other needs.