Phil Savage and the Browns have made a large splash in the free agent market in the last week. They’ve shelled out over $100 million on the likes of LeCharles Bentley, Ted Washington, Willie McGinest, and Joe Jurevicious. One of the biggest Browns offseasons in recent memory, it’s these big names that have grabbed the headlines, and rightfully so. But with the NFL draft approaching next month, it is Savage’s minor moves that have been overlooked and could prove extremely beneficial for the Browns.
They recently traded safety Chris Crocker, netting a fourth round pick in return. Crocker proved to be expendable with Sean Jones and Brodney Pool waiting in the wings at the safety spot. Last season during training camp, the Browns sent wide receiver Andre Davis to the Patriots for a fifth rounder. And with LeCharles Bentley on board, center Jeff Faine may be on his way out soon, possibly giving us another draft pick via trade. So as it stands now, the Browns have nine picks in April’s draft, one in each round and two in the fourth and fifth.
With the high number of mid-round picks the Browns hold, it will give the team some strong flexibility. If they choose to keep the picks, they will be able to stockpile players with the hopes of filling holes and giving the Browns depth. And with Phil Savage’s scouting ability and eye for talent, the Browns would have a greater chance of perhaps grabbing a few diamonds in the rough. Some past fourth and fifth rounders who have emerged in the NFL recently include Nathan Vasher, Domanick Davis, Alex Brown, Randy McMichael, Larry Foote, Rudi Johnson, and Andra Davis.
On the other hand, they could choose to package all or some of those middle picks to move up in the first round (where they have the 12th pick) or even get an extra pick in the second or third. Whatever route Savage and the Browns choose to take come draft day, they unquestionably have a luxury and a lot options to work with.
