There has been more than ample talk of the Cleveland Browns 4th overall pick in this year’s 2012 NFL Draft. But the potential draft success for this year will also weigh heavily on the Browns 22nd overall pick which was acquired from Atlanta in the 2011 Draft trade that allowed the Falcons to select Julio Jones. Will Heckert and Holmgren’s gamble in 2011 pay off in 2012? Let us examine the possible options for the Browns.
WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
The 5-10 196 lb four year starter for the Baylor Bears has impressive speed and lightning quick moves. Wright had a lack luster 40-yard-dash time at the combine but then posted numbers between 4.41 & 4.46 at Baylor’s pro day in March. Wright holds a share in 10 Baylor receiving records including setting a season mark last year of 108 receptions for 1,663 and 14 touchdowns. Wright’s career total of 4,004 receiving yards is over 1,000 yards more than any Baylor receiver in school history. Although Wright is not a large target, he does have the ability to get open either short, or deep routes. He has reliable hands and impeccable concentration (which is something lacking in Cleveland). He is also a natural blocking receiver and takes pride in his ability to do what is necessary to win. Many scouts have compared Wright to Carolina’s best receiver of all time Steve Smith.
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
Stephen Hill is a bit of a mystery package as far as first round prospects go. Hill was Georgia Tech’s number one receiver in a system that runs a triple option offense. Because of this offensive scheme Hill had only caught 28 passes last year. However his receiving yards from those 28 receptions totaled an unbelievable 920 yards which led the nation in yards per attempt at 29.3 (Does anyone remember the passing game in Tecmo Bowl?). Hill’s talent, and ability is not in question however (much like Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill) he is still a very raw and unpolished commodity. When picking in the first round, teams tend to avoid players with little experience. However unlike Tannehill,, the question for Hill is not playing time, it’s about the opportunities he had in the Yellow Jacket offensive scheme. Hill is expected to go no later than the 25th overall pick.
OT Mike Adams, Ohio State
To any Browns fan whom also follows the Buckeyes you are very familiar with Mike Adams from Ohio State. Adams is considered to be the third best tackle in this year’s draft pool, and that pool is a shallow one in 2012. After Adams, many consider the talent level at offensive tackle to be dramatically less. Adams is expected to be picked no later than 27th in the draft, however due to recent events, Adams may slide a little further. During the NFL combine in February Adams tested positive for marijuana. He has since undergone counseling and has been up front with all teams about the situation. Some point out that his honesty about the situation will be a positive in his favor, but the failing of the drug test does call into question a possible character flaw.
These are “best guess” options at the 22nd pick for the Browns. And a guess is all anyone will tell you because predicted selection are useless at 22 if there is any sort of trade or surprise pick from a team ahead. This also does not preclude a trade for the Browns. They also have the 37th pick and with a total of 13 picks in this years draft I would not be surprised if the Browns move back up into the 1st round for another pick. With so much disinformation, manipulation, and out-right lying during this part of the year from NFL teams, it will likely be a mad house in draft rooms all across the country.
http://www.clevelandbrownsreport.info/2012/04/cleveland-browns-22nd-pick-could-be.html
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