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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Cleveland Browns "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-21) Alex Mack, C (California): Considered by many talent evaluators as one of the “safest” picks in this draft, Mack brings his lunch pail to work every day. The Browns have been trying to fill the void left by LeCharles Bentley for years and Eric Mangini hopes to have found an immediate starter in Mack, a la Nick Mangold in his first year at the helm with the New York Jets. Strong, quick, sound technique and smarts makes this Cal man look like a sure thing. (Pick From Philadelphia)
(2-36) Brian Robiskie, WR (Ohio State): The Browns were unable to deal wide receiver Braylon Edwards but insured themselves just in case with the selection of Robiskie. With Dante’ Stallworth facing legal troubles and an almost certain suspension, the door is wide open for Robiskie to step in and earn a starting role. Robiskie has great hands and is a polished route runner and although he lacks the upside some other wide outs in this draft, he is more NFL-ready than almost any player entering the league at the position. Ideally, Cleveland will pair the sure-handed position receiver from Ohio St. with Edwards—they should complement each other well.
(2-50) Mohamed Massaquoi, WR (Georgia): Cleveland adds another receiver to their earlier pick of Brian Robiskie, which significantly upgrades the position. They needed immediate depth and an eventual replacement for Mr. Edwards, who will be looking for a big contract pretty soon (see Kellen Winslow). A smooth receiver who displays good leaping ability, body control, and vision after the catch, Massaquoi has had problems dropping the ball in the past. He doesn’t fall under the game-breaker category, but he is one of those receivers who is considered to have more upside than Robiskie. (Pick From Tampa Bay)
(2-52) David Veikune, OLB (Hawaii): Veikune will move to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme that the Browns run. He is a quick rusher that will be a nice complement across from Kamerion Wimbley. Whether he can make the adjustment from being a college down lineman is uncertain, but don’t be surprised if the Hawaii product finishes the 2009 campaign as the team leader in sacks. Veikune is the third of three very solid second-round picks. (Pick From New York/AFC)
 (4-104) Kalukia Maiava, LB (USC): Maiava was overshadowed by the “Big 3” at USC, but this guy can play too. He is a smart player and will be a huge asset on special teams. Maiava has excellent quickness and changes directions very well. He's a fluid athlete but appears to be somewhat undersized to play in the Browns' 3-4 defense.
(6-177) Don Carey, CB (Norfolk State): Carey is a good athlete with decent ball skills. The Browns have a terrible secondary, so Carey has a chance of playing early and playing a lot in 2009. He is instinctive and could be their starting nickel back this season as the Browns need to rebuild their secondary.
(6-191) Coye Francies, CB (San Jose State): Francies is a big, athletic corner that showed a lot of potential while he was at San Jose State. Like Carey, Francies has a great chance of playing next season and has the talent to start very early in his career. Also like Carey, Francies has a feel for the game and reliable hands, but tends to get pushed around which could limit his potential as a starter if he can’t contribute in run support. (Pick From Tampa Bay)
(6-195) James Davis, RB (Clemson): The Browns got good value in the sixth round when they landed James Davis from Clemson. Davis has good vision and hits holes quickly. He chose to come back to Clemson after his junior year despite being rated a mid-round prospect. If Davis gets back to his 2007 form he could end up being one of the Browns' better runners. He's not much of pass catcher or blocker so if he is to contribute, it will be carrying the football. (Pick From Minnesota via Philadelphia)
Team Needs: OLB, RB, CB, TE, OT, WR
Needs Filled: Four of six.
The Bible’s Take: In an apparent duel with the New England Patriots for draft day deals, the Browns traded down three different times in the first round before taking center Alex Mack. The Browns probably could have traded down a few more times and still landed Mack in the first or early second, but there are no qualms here with that selection. In the second round the Browns selected two very solid receivers, Robiskie and Massaquoi, and a speed rusher in Veikune with value meeting need. The Browns did a good job with the rest of their picks, adding much-needed depth and three potential sleepers in Carey, Francies and Davis.
Grade: B-
Photo Credit: Collegiate Images, University of California
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