Analysts believe there are numerous offensive tackles who could step in and provide quality help for NFL teams. More Browns- and draft-related links.
Joe Thomas (left), Alex Mack (right) and Eric Steinbach (not pictured) give the Browns the nucleus of what could be a top offensive line.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns seem set on the left side of their offensive line with all-pro tackle Joe Thomas, respected veteran guard Eric Steinbach and promising two-year center Alex Mack.
It's the right side of the Cleveland line, especially at tackle, that needs to be addressed in the April 28-30 draft.
Fortunately for the Browns, personnel analysts say the position is steeped in both quality and depth in the upcoming draft.
Steve Doerschuk, for SportingNews.com, details the Browns' needs as they plan for the draft. He feels Cleveland's No. 1 draft priority is a defensive lineman, followed by a wide receiver.
The No. 3 need, Doerschuk writes:
3. Right tackle. The Browns are in great shape on the offensive line with left tackle Joe Thomas, left guard Eric Steinbach and center Alex Mack, but there are problems at right tackle. New Browns coach Pat Shurmur says the trenches will be a priority. Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi would be a good right tackle option if he’s available when the Browns pick early in the second round. Arkansas’ DeMarcus Love played left tackle in 2010 but has the size and strength to do well on the right side. He is an option in the middle rounds.
Joe Reynolds of NFLDraftScout.com, writing for USAToday.com, raves about the offensive tackles in the draft. He lists and comments on 13 tackles, seven guards and two centers.
Maybe the Browns could wait until the third round to tab a promising right tackle. For instance, Reynolds comments on the tackle he ranks as the 10th best in the draft:
Marcus Gilbert
Florida, 6-6, 330, 3-4: He has been trained to set and explode quickly in the Gators' spread-read offense, and he has the footwork, strength and size to be an NFL right tackle. He is described as highly coachable and a leader. If there is a concern, Gilbert has to improve picking up edge defenders in the 3-4 front.
Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage will continue to highlight the upcoming draft.
Goal to goal
On Scout.com, the third round of a mock draft, with links to the first two rounds.
General manager Tom Heckert says the Browns will stick to a draft strategy. By Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.
A story on former Browns star running back/receiver/returner Greg Pruitt, by Nate Ulrich for clevelandbrowns.com.
The top NFL draft prospects all have "red flags." By Andrew Perloff for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.
The positions of defensive end and quarterback are "trending" as the draft approaches. By John Crist for Scout.com.
"(Rob) Rang's Big Board: Top 32 plus 10," for Sports XChange/CBSSports.com.
The executives and coaches who will make their teams' (including the Browns) draft decisions, by James Walker of ESPN.com.
FoxSports.com's mock draft.
The National Football Post's mock draft.
Source: http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2011/03/pm_cleveland_browns_links_101.html
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