Draft doesn't answer Browns questions
The Browns had a nice draft. (They even have the grade to prove it.) But from a fantasy perspective, they left the proceedings with a lot of questions dangling.
1. Instead of a confusing race between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, we now have a three-man race that includes Brett Ratliff. The former Jet seems most likely to be a backup, but he's a Mangini favorite. It reminds me of when Mike Martz added J.T. O'Sullivan to San Francisco last year as the underdog in a three-man derby.
Quinn looks unlikely to be dealt now, but you can't know for sure now because of the logjam at the position. Cleveland tried to see what they could get for Quinn and weren't happy with what they found.
2. Remember when we heard at various points the Browns had first-round picks on the table for Braylon Edwards and Quinn? The media got played there: Mangini apparently wasn't just spreading Michael Crabtree information.
3. Edwards remains on the team, but we can’t be certain it’s for good. A late summer trade, ala Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans, could still happen. The Browns may see what Edwards' attitude is like before deciding how to proceed. Adding two rookie wideouts (Brian Robiskie, Mohammad Massaquoi) gives Cleveland more flexibility, but they were necessary picks at a woefully thin position.
If Edwards was dealt, it's hard to imagine the Cleveland quarterbacks having much fantasy value.
4. Jamal Lewis is a great team leader, but Cleveland can't be content with Lewis, Jerome Harrison, and late sixth-round pick James Davis as the only NFL-quality backs on the team. Harrison is a third-down threat, so there will be a ton of pressure on Davis if Lewis gets hurt. Look for someone else to be added. If not, Davis is in a great spot to have some fantasy value by default.
Comments
The Alex Mack pick really solidifies that O-line though. That line has excellent potential going forward. With the pickup of the 2 WR's combined with freeing up some $ by trading down (possibly to use to re-sign Edwards?), I would have to think that dynasty value of Quinn has to have increased.
Posted by: TC | April 27, 2009 11:49 AM
Gregg,
Will James Davis, who was drafted in the 6th round, have any immediate impact on Cleveland's backfield situation?
Posted by: Tony B. | April 27, 2009 12:04 PM
How about the Browns adding soon to be released Edgerrin James?
Posted by: Bart | April 27, 2009 12:18 PM
is it safe to confirm that L.Johnson will now not be cut?
Posted by: scott c | April 27, 2009 12:27 PM
James Davis should be on everyone's radar, he'll go unnoticed because he was picked in the 6th round but he's a great all around back and could surprise some people.
Don't let the draft stock of guys like James Davis and Rashad Jennings fool you, I think both guys will contribute early in their careers.
Posted by: Chris R. | April 27, 2009 02:00 PM
7bIU6m comment2 ,
Posted by: Wbnyeolk | June 27, 2009 11:34 AM
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Posted by: Wbnyeolk | June 27, 2009 11:35 AM