2011 NFL Draft Analysis

Round 1 - Pick #21, Phil Taylor DT, Baylor
Taylor brings a big, mean dude that will be a space eater in the middle of Dick Jauron's 4-3 defense. Between he and Ahtyba Rubin that's 664 pounds of man. Granted they both won't be able to be on the field for every down but it's a start to installing the 4-3 defense in Cleveland.

Round 2 - Pick #37 Jabaal Sheard DE, Pittsburgh
If you're going to switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 you are going to need some quick pass rushers at the defense end position. Sheard will be exactly that for the Browns in 2011. He was the second fastest defensive end at the combine only behind Robert Quinn out of North Carolina. Quinn recorded 4.62, 40 yard dash time and Sheard clocked in at 4.68.

Round 2 - Pick #59 Greg Little WR, North Carolina
The Browns passed on drafting Julio Jones with the #6 pick overall and received a number of picks in return. With the 59th pick (from Atlanta) the Browns filled a need at the wide receiver position. Little brings a big, physical receiver for Colt McCoy to pass to. He missed all of the 2010 season at North Carolina due to suspension but impressed many teams during individual workouts. He will be the Browns #1 receiver and should have a legitimate impact in 2011.

Round 4 - Pick #102 Jordan Cameron TE, USC
Cameron has little experience on the football field, only accumulating 16 receptions for 126 yards and 1 touchdown last year at USC. Some people may scratch their heads at this pick but he is a freak athlete with a 37.5 inch vertical. He'll be able to learn behind veteran Ben Watson and emerging tight end Evan Moore. I wouldn't expect Cameron to contribute right away but maybe some time in the next few years for the Browns.

Round 4 - Pick #124 Owen Marecic FB, Stanford
With Lawrence Vickers figuring not to be a Brown in 2011, the team needed to fill his spot at fullback. Who better to select than Marecic out of Stanford. He is a big physical guy who should be able to fill the void left by Vickers right away.

Round 5 - Pick #137 Buster Skrine CB, Chattanooga
Skrine fills yet another need of the Browns at corner. He has lightning speed and should see the field in 2011. The Browns drafted Joe Haden with their first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to begin heading in the right direction. With the exception of Haden, the Browns struggled at corner last season. Skrine should be able to have an impact with a some work.

Round 6 - Pick #150 Jacob Pinkston OT, Pittsburgh
Who would have guessed the Browns continued to fill needs in the 6th round of the draft. He played left tackle at Pittsburgh and has had some injury concerns. You have to figure if he sees the field it will be at the right tackle position, no way this guy plays over 4 time All Pro Joe Thomas.

Round 7 - Pick #248 Eric Hagg S, Nebraska
Hagg figures to be a special teams contributor early on and could be a key reserve at the safety position for the Browns and possibly a starter somewhere down the road.