In the BBV Mock Draft, the Browns select ...

by Ed Valentine on Apr 8, 2009 6:00 PM EDT in News Comment 8 comments

Our Big Blue View Community Mock Draft is rolling right along, and we are now up to the fifth pick, which belongs to the Cleveland Browns. New member 'jp2y' is playing the role of Browns' GM. Here is his pick.

5. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

With stud pass-rushing talent Brian Orakpo fresh oig ff of the board, Mangini and Kokinis select the gifted receiver from Texas Tech, Michael Crabtree. His off-the-charts production at Tech proved that he was not merely a system product of Mike Leach's high-octane offense. There have been rumblings of a Giants-Browns trade for Braylon Edwards for weeks now, and the Browns have done nothing to dispel those rumors. Crabtree will replace the talented yet drop-prone Edwards, and replace him as Cleveland's deep threat for the next decade, and most likely develop into an All-Pro talent. The extra picks obtained from the Edwards trade will allow Mangini to focus on the defensive side of the ball.

My thoughts: Excellent choice, especially if the Edwards deal happens. That means the Browns would have removed both Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow, so they need pass-catchers. By all reports, Crabtree is the best one on the board.

The Cincinnati Bengals are now on the clock. We await 'bforrer's' choice.

1. Detroit Lions (selected by 'cjmulrain')

Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: Conventional wisdom says that the Lions are going to select quarterback Matt Stafford of Georgia, but since I'm running the show I'm going in a different direction. I'm not convinced that Stafford is going to be a star QB in the league, and when you're taking a guy with the first pick I don't think you can have any doubts about it, especially when you're coming off the first ever 0-16 season in NFL History. Even if Stafford does have the tools to be a great quarterback, the Lions have no semblance of an O-line to protect him, putting him at risk to develop David Carr syndrome if he were brought in to play right away. To address this, I went with Smith, who profiles as a potential franchise left tackle. I strongly believe in the philosophy of building a football team from the lines out and think a team as devoid of talent as the Lions would be better served with a rock at left tackle. I was tempted by Aaron Curry but think there will be better value on the defensive side of the ball at the 20th pick than there will be on the O-line. As for QB, let's just say that I'm not too optimistic about the prospects for the 2009 Lions and like the thought of Colt McCoy in silver and blue.

2. St. Louis Rams ('Woogie526')

Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest: Well this decision was originally going to be a selfish one by the new coach. However, with Jason Smith off the board, it became a no-brainer. I choose Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. He would be the brain of Spag's defense. In the crazy schemes Spags uses, he needs a general on the field to organize blitzes and coverages.

3. Kansas City Chiefs ('jrs1940')

Brian Orapko, OLB, Texas: Orakpo is an NFL ready defensive end. He is 6-4 and 258 pounds and a great athlete who can power or finesse his way into the backfield. He tallied four tackles-for-loss and a half a sack as a freshman and earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. The following year he managed 4.5 sacks and six tackles-for-loss. As an upperclassman last season Orakpo improved those numbers and ended up with 5.5 sacks and nine tackles-for-loss, although his playing time was limited due to a knee injury. He is much better than that guy the Rams stole from us, I’m glad we didn’t get him.

4. Seattle Seahawks ('bkurcz')

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: I know its not the sexy pick, with Stafford and Crabtree still out there, but it's the pick that makes the most sense. The three main areas that Seattle needs to improve are O-line, WR and secondary. The WR depth in the draft is pretty good, I'm sure there is going to be an attractive prospect early in the second round at that position. Number 4 is a little early to take any of this year's DBs and a future replacement for Matt Hasselback can wait 'til late in the draft or next year. So, my pick for a guy that has proven himself at guard and tackle is a smart way to go. Especially because Walter Jones isn't getting any younger.

5. Cleveland Browns ('jp2y')

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: With stud pass-rushing talent Brian Orakpo fresh off of the board, Mangini and Kokinis select the gifted receiver from Texas Tech, Michael Crabtree. His off-the-charts production at Tech proved that he was not merely a system product of Mike Leach's high-octane offense. There have been rumblings of a Giants-Browns trade for Braylon Edwards for weeks now, and the Browns have done nothing to dispel those rumors. Crabtree will replace the talented yet drop-prone Edwards, and replace him as Cleveland's deep threat for the next decade, and most likely develop into an All-Pro talent. The extra picks obtained from the Edwards trade will allow Mangini to focus on the defensive side of the ball.

6. Cincinnati Bengals ('bforrer')