Julio Jones and Robert Quinn are latest projected Browns draft picks

Story by Chuck Yarborough, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

If ESPN's Mel Kiper is right (and doesn't change his mind between now and April 28), the Browns will take Alabama receiver Julio Jones with the sixth pick of the NFL draft. He told The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot about his choice in a conference call today and she passed along that word on today's SBTV webcast.

The speedy wideout (an oxymoron in recent years when it comes to Cleveland receivers) ran a 4.39 40 at the NFL Combine. Bleacherreport.com quoted Kiper's subscription-only draft account:

"His size and speed combination is the best in the draft at the position, and his development as a wideout over the past year shows a determination and work ethic that will be loved by the coaching staff. The Browns need a true No. 1 at wide receiver, and if healthy, Jones can be that guy. A gifted athlete, he blocks as hard as he runs routes. Great when healthy, still really good when battling through pain."

That's all well and good, but Jones does have a reputation for dropping the easy passes. Here's our thought on this: The guy could be a star in an extremely vertical game. But that's not what the West Coast offense is. The West Coast offense is quick outs, slants, circle routes to backs, etc.

Moreover, while we do tire a bit of the constant haranguing about quarterback Colt McCoy's arm strength, the reality is that he's no Derek Anderson (and yes, we picked that name on purpose; D.A. could throw the ball a country mile, which is no good if your receiver is only 30 yards away). McCoy has two attributes that make him the perfect choice for a West Coast type of offense: his accuracy and his judgment. He already "sees" a field better than most rookies, and that's going to get even better. He needs receivers with good first steps, who can pick up yards after the catch.

Kiper's ESPN colleague, Todd McShay, says the Browns likely will take Robert Quinn, the North Carolina defensive end who missed his entire junior year (and subsequently declared for this year's draft) because he was suspended by the NCAA for accepting two expensive watches. (Memo to Quinn: Watches, bad. Tattoos, not so bad)

We're a little wary of the character issues but as yahoo.com noted, Quinn in his sophomore year finished second in the ACC with 11 sacks, 19 tackles for losses and six forced fumbles.

To put it bluntly, you could throw a dart at the Browns depth chart and hit something where they need help (except quarterback; we're sticking with McCoy, backed up by Wallace and -- if he'll take a cut -- Delhomme). We'd still prefer a defensive stalwart.