It has been a productive two days for the Browns. On day one they traded with the Falcons to solidify some excellent options for building over the next two years.
Then in a move that surprised very few, the Browns used their first two picks to shore up their non-existent defensive line and still managed to pick up a receiver with the potential to become a No. 1 receiving threat late in the second. A very good two days all in all.
Now it is time to turn our attention to the last day of the draft, where Tom Heckert will truly earn his paycheck. Finding late-round gold can be the difference between actual contention and simply fielding a 53-man roster every Sunday.
Here is a look at some of the top options still available to the Browns on Day 3:
Brandon Burton (CB, Utah)—Burton is one of the last cornerbacks on the board with the potential to become a true starter. If the Browns do not pull the trigger on him, they will be looking at cornerbacks who will only be able to cover the slot in nickel and dime packages.
Quan Sturdivant (LB, North Carolina)—With nice athleticism, ability to read plays, and sure tackling, Sturdivant could become a starting linebacker in the NFL. He probably would not be available this low if he had not missed five games with a hamstring injury last season.
Marcus Cannon (OL, Mountain West)—I think the chance for the Browns to find a starting right tackle has come and gone. That is not to say Cannon will never be that guy; he has unique speed and agility for a man his size. But it is more likely Cannon becomes a guard at the next level with the ability to kick out if needed. By picking Cannon the Browns would get some insurance behind injury-prone Pashos while picking up a guard to replace Steinbach when age finally catches up with him.
Edmund Gates (WR, Abilene Christian)—It is highly unlikely the Browns would pick receivers back to back, but Gates would provide Cleveland with the one thing they did not get by drafting Greg Little: deep-threat speed. A complete cleaning of house might not be out of the question.
Ricky Stanzi (QB, Iowa)—If the number one question about your starting quarterback is his arm strength, it could not hurt to have a prototypically sized quarterback who was the leader of his team and showed steady improvement over his career waiting in the wings.
Robert Sands (FS, West Virginia)—At 6’4”, 217 lbs. this guy is a beast of a safety. He has great awareness and play making ability. His height will count against him one on one with a shifty slot receiver, but has a ton of potential.
Bilal Powell (RB, Louisville)—Great acceleration, good hands, and elusive in the open field. Would make an excellent third down option and insurance policy behind Hillis and Hardesty.
Sam Acho (DE, Texas)—A very long shot considering the Browns already picked up their rush end. But with some people grading Acho as a second round prospect, he should be in consideration if you believe in best player available.
Greg Romeus (DE, Pitt) – A boom or bust selection. Looked to be a first-round talent after being named the Big East’s 2009 Defensive Player of the Year until injuries ruined his senior season. He would make a great power end option across from Sheard in what would be quite the reunion.
I am sure there are more. Let us know who you think should be on the Brown's radar.
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