Draft reactions, mostly positive, still coming in

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As analysts continue to inspect, dissect, accept or reject what teams did in the NFL draft, the consensus about the Cleveland Browns' work is that they did pretty well.

In fact, some pundits claim the Browns did very well.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports gave the Browns an "A," writing:

As tempting as it may have been to stay at No. 6 to take Julio Jones and give second-year QB Colt McCoy some much-needed help, the trade the Browns made with the Falcons was too good to pass up for a rebuilding team. The Browns got an extra first-round pick for next year, which they will need, and did a good job of building the defensive line for the conversion to a 4-3 scheme with Taylor and Sheard. Just as impressive, the team came up with two explosive receiving threats in Little and Cameron. While Little has a lot of work to do to take care of his personal issues, he’s a monster at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and Cameron is a potential deep threat from his spot.

The Miami Herald carries draft analysis from The Sports Network, which has Scott Garbarini writing that the Browns are among "the big winners in this draft."

Top Picks Analysis: The decision-making tandem of president Mike Holmgren and GM Tom Heckert quickly addressed the Browns' two greatest needs through this draft. A defensive line that was devoid of starting-caliber talent added two likely Day One regulars in the beefy Taylor, who perfectly fits the profile new coordinator Dick Jauron wants in a tackle, and Sheard, a skilled pass rusher and high-energy player who went a bit overlooked due to the outstanding depth of this year's end class. Little will need some coaching up after sitting out the entire 2010 season for his involvement in North Carolina's well-publicized agent scandal, but he's a physical specimen with strong hands and the potential to eventually emerge as the No. 1 receiver Cleveland is seeking for its West Coast offense. The best move the Browns made, however, was trading down from the No. 6 overall spot and collecting four high picks from Atlanta that included the Falcons' first-round choice in 2012.

Best Value Pick: Sheard would have been a first-rounder in most drafts but was a victim of a well-stocked assortment of talent at his position. His teammate at Pittsburgh, Pinkston, was a two-time All-Big East honoree at left tackle, but the Browns believe he can eventually become a starter at guard.

We Question Why: The Browns used a fourth-round pick on Marecic, a blocking specialist and possible special-teams ace who probably won't have much of a role in the offense.

Summary: By filling glaring voids on the defensive line and wide receiver with worthwhile prospects and picking up an extra No. 1 pick for next year, the Browns come out as one of the big winners in this draft.

FINAL GRADE: A