Cleveland Browns 2010 Draft Review

Cleveland entered the draft with a lot of needs. They also had the benefit of having a lot of draft picks. They started the draft by drafting Joe Haden, a corner who was a lock to go to Cleveland before a slow 40-time at the combine raised some questions. Haden answered those with an excellent pro day and now is expected to step in as the number one corner for the Browns. Montario Hardesty could be a sleeper for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Colt McCoy could develop into a decent NFL starter in the mold of Jeff Garcia. Lauvao, Asante, Mitchell, and Geathers all have the potential to be starters and were excellent value where they were drafted. Not the type of draft that will grab headlines, but  one where every player has the potential to make an impact next season.

Round 1, Pick 7

Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Ht:  5’ 10 ¾” Wt: 193

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Haden was probably best player available in spite of the fact that he ran a slow 40 time at the Combine.  Cleveland needs playmakers, and he was probably the best overall cornerback available in the draft. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Good-sized, physical, confident corner who stepped into an elite program and made an impact from Day One, going toe-to-toe with talented receivers and matching up very favorably. Should be able to compete for a job readily in the pros. Needs refinement and raised eyebrows with pedestrian 40-times at the Combine. Must still prove he is not the oversold product of a talented secondary, and spring workouts will go a long way toward determining his draft value.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Haden is a third year junior who came out early for the 2010 NFL Draft because he is so physically gifted that he will really impress anyone that has questions about his ability to overcome his technique problems.  He is a very instinctive defender who consistently competes at a very high level, which helps him to make plays in every area of defense.  Overall, Haden is not a finished product by any stretch, but his combination of athleticism, explosiveness, competitiveness, instincts, toughness and ball skills have me convinced that he will improve his technique enough to become a very productive starting cornerback in the NFL.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  With Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson and equally impactful Jets CB Darrelle Revis proving just how effective cover corners can be, shutdown cornerbacks are valued more than ever.  Haden’s size and silky-smooth athleticism will make him a top 20 pick. 

Round 2, Pick 38

TJ Ward, S, Oregon

Ht: 5’ 10 1/2” Wt: 211

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Ward is one of those football players that if he got off the bus he would not impress you but when he puts on the pads and starts playing football he stands out.  Cleveland needs as many talented football players as possible because their roster is lacking serious depth. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Tough, competitive, compactly built short-area banger who looks most comfortable in the box. Lacks range and athletic ability to survive on the back but makes his presence felt near the line of scrimmage and should contribute readily on special teams. Good football player.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  What Ward lacks in size, he more than makes up for in versatility, toughness and aggression.  He should make an immediate impact on special teams.  His big hitting and reliable open-field tackling will likely earn him a starting position in the deep secondary early in his career. 

Round 2, Pick 59

Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

Ht: 5’ 11 ¾” Wt: 225

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Hardesty is a bruising type back who can help progress the ball in small chunks.  The Browns were in need of some to eat up carries in the backfield and keep defenses honest.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Emerged as a senior under Lane Kiffin, but Hardesty has yet to prove that he can sustain success or that he can be a premiere back in the NFL. Injury history is concerning and could limit him to a complementary bruiser role, where he could be efficient between the tackles.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  NFL teams will proceed cautiously with Hardesty.  He had already undergone three knee surgeries, and scouts were disappointed with his late decision to pull out of the Senior Bowl.  When healthy, Hardesty has proven to be a legitimate workhorse with rare agility for a back his size.  He leaves Tennessee with 560 career carries, the second-highest total in school history. 

Round 3, Pick 85

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

Ht: 6’ 1 1/8” Wt: 216

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  McCoy is an excellent leader and shows very good ability to throw the ball accurately on the move.  The Browns' style of offense should suit McCoy well, but his limiting physical ability may diminish his impact.  He could exceed expectations, but quarterbacks of his size and having his arm strength rarely succeed at the NFL level.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Played in a quick-hitting offense that promoted the development of arm throwers and may require some time to learn how to snap his arm and torso into throws. Will never be a prototype pocket passer with a big-time gun but does possess the toughness, accuracy, intelligence and intangibles to become an NFL starter or, at worst, be a great backup. Would be best in a West Coast offense where he could use his athletic ability to move around the pocket, sprint out and create some plays in a similar mold as Jeff Garcia or Jake Plummer. Key to success is proving he can stay healthy and handle pressure.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:

The intelligence, moxie and leadership skills that made McCoy a four-year starter and the winningest signal-caller in college football history are all appreciated by NFL teams.  His slight build will make scouts question his durability, but given the rest of his tangible and intangible positives, one would expect McCoy to be an NFL starter following some development.

Round 3, Pick 92

Shawn Lauvao, G, Arizona State

Ht: 6’ 2 7/8” Wt: 315

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A prospect that many seem to think will exceed expectations, Lauvao is the type of hard-working player that team's seek in this point of the Draft.  Though Cleveland is deep at certain positions on the offensive line, Lauvao will have an opportunity to be a part of the Browns' rotation.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Athletic, undersized, positional blocker who played guard and left tackle in college but projects inside in the pros, where he would be best served manning short areas. Had a strong showing playing guard at the Senior Bowl and possesses eventual starter potential in a zone-blocking scheme.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Lauvao made a successful conversion to left tackle in 2009, but most scouts feel he fits best at guard in the NFL.  Lauvao’s height, short arms and toughness make him an ideal fit inside.  Considering his versatility, durability and toughness, he provides good value in the middle rounds and has the work ethic to be a future NFL starter. 

160.)  Cleveland Browns
Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 212

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Asante is an excellent in the box strong safety.  The reason that he fell to this part of the draft is his lack of instincts which are crucial at the safety position.  Though he may never develop into a starter, he is sure to become a special teams standout.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Well-built, physical junior-college linebacker equipped with the toughness and hitting ability to bang in the box. Has some limitations in coverage but has starter-quality traits as a run defender in the box and could excel with good coaching if schemed to conceal his coverage deficiencies.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

177.)  Cleveland Browns
Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 215

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Mitchell is a prospect that has all of the attributes you would want in a wide receiver except consistency.  He needs to get stronger in the weight room but is an excellent draft choice by the Browns at this point in the draft because of the level of expectation.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Mitchell decided to leave USF only after coach Jim Leavitt was fired.  He has shown good route-running skills and more toughness than his lanky frame would indicate, allowing him to creep up boards throughout the draft process – as long as teams believe he can become more consistent catching the ball and blocking for the run.     

186.)  Cleveland Browns
Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina
Ht: 6' 7" Wt: 299

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A perfect prospect for a 3-4 defensive end, Geathers needs to gain functional strength to develop into a possible starter in the NFL.  Players of his size are rare and that makes him a good value at this point in the draft.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A big, raw base end who is still figuring it out and will take some time to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Developmental prospect with a chance to become a functional pro once he fills out his frame but always could be at a natural leverage disadvantage.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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