Cleveland Browns 2009 NFL Draft Review

Sports Network | April 26, 2009

(Sports Network) -

1 - Alex Mack, C, Cal (6-4, 307); 2 - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 209); 2 - Mohammed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia (6-1, 210); 2 - David Veikune, OLB, Hawaii (6-2, 257); 4 - Kaluka Maiava, OLB, USC (5-11, 229); 6 - Don Carey, CB, Norfolk State (5-11, 192); 6 - Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State (6-0, 185); 6 - James Davis, RB, Clemson (5-11, 218)

Analysis: The Browns moved down three times in the first round, trading from No. 5 to No. 17 to No. 19 and then No. 21, picking up a second- and two sixth- round picks in the process. When finally making selection number one at No. 21, Cleveland went for the best center in the Draft in Mack, though whether center was among the biggest needs for this team will continue to be a matter of serious debate. Either way, Mack and Joe Thomas will make up the foundation of what should be a solid o-line. Browns fans are very familiar with Robiskie (whose father, Terry, is the former interim head coach of the team), but selecting him at No. 36 looks like a bit of a reach. The team's next pick, Massaquoi, could end up as the more productive of the second-round wideouts. Veikune is a project who started just one year at Hawaii but could be a late- bloomer. Maiava was the fourth-most talented linebacker on his own team at USC. The club's inability to get secondary help before the sixth round could be a problem, though Francies was viewed as having third-round talent by some. Davis will be among the most-scrutinized sixth-round picks in this draft, as Cleveland lacks running back depth.

Bottom Line: Even when including the players obtained as part of the deal with the Jets, it's hard to see how the Browns got markedly better via this draft.

Grade: C