Sometimes being a small-to-mid market team off the beaten track isn't such a bad thing.

View full sizeFrank Franklin II / Associated PressBud Selig had little choice but to step in to salvage a Dodgers franchise in disarray, and may have to soon do so in New York with the Mets.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Commissioner Bud Selig certainly has his hands full after seizing control of the Dodgers last week while monitoring the Mets, who listing badly from their own financial problems.

As an aside, Indians fans may think they have it bad with the Dolans' ownership, but when was the last time they faced a lawsuit on a Ponzi scam or had to have Selig send his accountants in to prop up one of the game's flagship franchises? It may or may not make up for the $48 million payroll this year, but sometimes being a small-to-mid market team off the beaten track isn't such a bad thing.

Outside of his stewardship of 30 franchises, Selig is moving forward with plans to add a second wild card team to each league for 2012. It's a good idea. So is the best-of-three playoff series that the two wild-card teams in each league would play to move on to the next stage of the playoffs.

Selig isn't acting alone. Fellow owners, his on-the-field committee and the players association is on board. For teams like the Indians, should their strong April prove to be built on bedrock instead of sand, it is a way to climb back to prominence.

If stretch runs are your thing, there is nothing like a desperate team trying to claim the last wild card spot in September.

If Selig could just see fit to expand the use of replay, everything would be fine.

When it comes to the draft, NFL teams ask the darndest questions, Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

View full sizeAP photoIn 1970, Pete Rozelle and the NFL had a considerably low-tech presentation of its draft -- in which the Steelers took a quarterback from Louisiana Tech. Given the modern over-analysis of every potential pick, would Terry Bradshaw have passed muster and gone No. 1?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- How is it that NFL teams have gone this long without hiring Barbara Walters to ask the really innocuous questions? ...

Wide receiver A.J. Green shared a story about some questions the Cincinnati Bengals asked during the laborious "pre-draft" process of evaluating, measuring, probing, prodding and generally mystifying top NFL prospects for no apparent reason.

"I walked in and the guy starts firing questions at me," Green told USA Today.

"What do a banana and apple have in common?"

"How many days in a year?"

"What do a chair and a table have in common?"

"What do you do if you're lost in a forest during the daytime?"

"I said 'Follow the sun,'" Green told the newspaper concerning the forest question. "But it was wrong. It's 'Follow the moss on the trees.'"

Maybe that one comes in handy when you're a team like the Bengals and Browns and you're looking for players who can help you after years and years of mostly wandering in the wilderness. But the rest?

At least if they're going to ask you what kind of tree you'd be if you could be a tree, you can guess that "oak" is going to sound a whole lot better than, say, "weeping willow" or "chokecherry."

Green reportedly bombed the Wonderlic test, posting the lowest score of any wide receiver. Whatever that's worth, being further stumped by the Bengals isn't necessarily a sign of low intelligence. Their fans haven't understood much of what they've done in the last 20 years (the same can be said of the Browns) and they can't all be stupid. Maybe the ones who went out and bought those Ki-Jana Carter jerseys on draft day 1995, but not everybody.

Given that it was the Bengals, Green had reason to expect an entirely different battery of questions.

View full sizeAP photoThe Bengals have been a bit inconsistent in their years under Mike Brown, but they at least know the difference between a chair and a table.

More pertinent ones like:

"Have you seen Carson Palmer?"

"Any chance you can get him to call us?"

"What weighs more? A feather or Mike Brown's wallet?"

"Hey, buddy, can you spare a dime?"

Green's story is a familiar one at this time of year. University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker told a Seattle radio show host of the strangest question he was asked.

"I was asked if I had a 16-year-old daughter whether I'd let her be on birth control or not," Locker related. "That one kind of threw me for a loop. It caught me off guard. I didn't know what to say at first."

LeCharles Bentley said on WKNR this week a St. Louis Rams' representative once asked him during the pre-draft period if he could swim. Bentley later guessed it was more of a safety issue than anything deeper seated.

Kirk Barton, another former Ohio State lineman, shared his experience a few years ago. He remembered being asked what has become a standard ink blot-type of question. Would you rather be a dog or a cat?

"You wonder if it's a house cat or a tiger," Barton said at the time. "If it's a tiger, then you're solid. But a dog can beat a regular cat. I always pick the dog."

I'm not sure that would've been the best advice for Green when the Bengals came calling. Green could be picked by Cincinnati fourth overall. If not, the Browns could grab him at No. 6.

Here's what I'd want to know about Green's orienteering skills if I were the Browns.

Can you find the end zone in broad daylight?

And act like you've been there before because you actually have?

Good enough.

Millions of Buckeyes' fans beg to differ...

Rich Rodriguez now believes leaving West Virginia for Ann Arbor may have been a mistake.

May have?

"I think it's easy to go back now and say, 'Gee, made a mistake.' And you can say that now because of hindsight," Rodriguez told CBSSports.com. "But at the time, some of the things I was looking to do and the opportunity that was there, you kind of make the move."

That's exactly what Rodriguez did – "kind of" made the move.

Deciding, apparently, to go to Ann Arbor and not even try to field a defense.

The "330" area code tattoo and the "KNG OF AK" vanity plate already gave him away...

View full sizeAP photoThere are plenty of laughs when he comes to call.

A reporter covering the Miami-Philadelphia series asked LeBron James a question. When the reporter referred to Cleveland as "your city," James interrupted.

"It wasn't my city," James said. "It wasn't my team either. I was just a player, you know, I helped get that franchise to leaps and bounds that they haven't seen before."

Yep except for the not winning a title, we've never seen anything like it.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

Comedian Tracy Morgan and Lakers' center Andrew Bynum. -- Jim Jaye

YOU SAID IT

View full sizeAP photoThere have been times when Kobe Bryant didn't consider this teammate a laughing matter.

(The Easter Edition)

"Bud:

"Is it true that Mark Sanchez wants the lockout to continue so that the OTAs won't conflict with his girlfriend's prom?" -- Joe, Avon

Give the guy a break. He already ordered the wrist corsage.

"Bud:

"Are you the best columnist available for this year's NFL draft?" -- Joe S

No. But for the 20th consecutive year I fully expect to be crowned "Mr. Irrelevant."

"Bud:

"Can we cross-breed a hockey player and a baseball player to get a more durable ballplayer? Or are these poor guys just doomed to a lifetime of trips to the DL for stiffness, soreness, strains, pulls, twinges, runny noses, and hangnails?" -- Ron

I'm not one to talk. I got hurt once in a run-on sentence and missed my next three columns.

"Oh Shawodamous:

"The third week of April and the Indians are in first place. Is the end of the world near?" -- Mal, North Ridgeville

From Page 2 of Saturday's Plain Dealer: "Two Eminent Scientists Predict Demise of Man." I'm just saying.

"Bud:

"As a longtime Cleveland sports fan, with the way the Indians are playing ... when did they move out of town?" -- Jim Lovelace

They haven't left town. They've been in hiding inside Progressive Field.

"Bud:

"I read that Da'Quan Bowers might need microfracture surgery. Does that increase the chances that the Browns will trade up to the number one spot in the draft to make sure that they can select him? And if they do select Bowers, is it possible that Montario Hardesty will pick him up from the airport?" -- David Orloff

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"What is it with all these naysayers who think there might be a jinx if Peyton Hillis becomes the cover boy for Madden 12? What in the Ray Chapman, Rocky Colavito, Ernie Davis, Mike Phipps, Ray Fosse, Ted Stepien, Red Right 88, Ernest Byner, Jose Mesa world are they talking about? What could possibly go wrong?" -- Jim, 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Shaker Heights

Repeat winners receive a broken mirror.

Is Auburn's Nick Fairley emerging as a favorite for Thursday's draft choice?

View full sizeMark J. Terrill / Associated PressHave the Browns downplayed the extent of their interest in Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley? Terry Pluto is beginning to think so.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It doesn't have to be NFL Draft week to know that some opinions are always on the clock.

About the Browns ...

1. Why do I have a feeling the Browns are seriously considering Nick Fairley? I'm convinced they won't pass LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson. But if Peterson is gone, and the Browns find themselves looking at different defensive linemen -- then what?

2. General Manager Tom Heckert added this at his Thursday press about the defensive tackle from Auburn: "[Fairley] is one-year wonder from a sack standpoint. ... It's a great thing to have 11.5 sacks as a defensive tackle. That's impressive. There is probably no other defensive tackle that is close to that in the draft so, you can't say he is a one-year wonder. He had a really good year but you can't say that he didn't have a good year as a sophomore."

3. I wasn't alone in assuming Heckert preferred North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn over Fairley, but Heckert added, "I wouldn't say [that's true in] everybody's perception." Is it smoke to disguise the fact the Browns like Quinn, a speedy, 250-pound pass rusher? Or is Heckert preparing the fan base for the possibility of drafting Fairley, who hasn't been discussed much?

4. There are three defensive linemen who have been rated in the top 10 by most scouts -- Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers, Quinn and Fairley. All have some warning signals. I doubt the Browns will take Bowers because he is not as quick as Quinn, and there are questions about his knee. Even if the Browns are sincere when they say his knee isn't a concern -- if there are questions about his speed, and he has some knee troubles ... how do you take him at No. 6?

5. Quinn didn't play this season because he was suspended for taking money (reportedly $5,642 for some watches and earrings) from an agent. The Browns don't consider this a mortal football sin, because Quinn had no other serious discipline issues. But the fact is he didn't play this season. So while Bowers had 24 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks for Clemson and had at least one sack in 11 of 14 games, Quinn didn't play.

6. USC wide receiver Mike Williams missed a season because he thought he could turn pro -- when he couldn't. He was drafted by Detroit with the 10th pick in 2005. He did little in two seasons, then was traded to Oakland. The Raiders cut him. Tennessee signed and cut him. He was out of football for two years, came back with Seattle in 2010 and caught 65 passes. Not sure what this has to do with Quinn -- other than Williams is the last top pick who missed a year.

7. So we have Quinn (sitting out a season) and Bowers (productive, but questions about his knee) as the top defensive ends. Then there's Fairley, the 6-3, 290-pound tackle who had 24 tackles for a loss, 111/2 sacks. These are big-time numbers. In 2009, he started only two games (played in 13) with 11/2 sacks. That led to claims Fairley is a one-year wonder.

8. Pro Football Weekly talks about Fairley's "boom or bust" potential. Fairley dominated the line for a team that won the BCS title. That's can't be dismissed. He also has been late for some meetings with NFL coaches, missed a plane for a meeting and his temper bubbles up on the field. He was penalized for several personal fouls.

9. Some Browns fans have compared Fairley to Gerard Warren. Maybe he will be a draft blunder such as Warren. But there are two differences: A) He's not nicknamed Big Money, as was the case with Warren. Never draft a guy named "Big Money." B) Warren had only 4.5 sacks as a senior at Florida, and only 9.5 in his three-year college career. Fairley was far more productive in the same conference.

10. The issue is that all of the players in the draft are in their early 20s. Maturity is an issue for most people in college. Add that they are on scholarship and know big NFL money awaits, that is not a recipe for wisdom in every circumstance. What the Browns need to determine is who will be a productive pro, and who is a major risk. My guess is that Fairley is getting a lot of attention from the Browns.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerIf the Indians continue to have reasons to celebrate -- such as another Grady Sizemore home run at Progressive Field -- and the weather begins to warm, so will the team's attendance, says Terry.

About the Tribe ...

1. Yes, people are paying attention. Team president Mark Shapiro said television ratings are up at least 50 percent from a year ago. The 3-2 loss Thursday night at Kansas City drew a 20 percent audience share, which is outstanding. Emails, Facebook posts and other forms of social media have shown "a real uptick" in terms of Tribe talk.

2. While the Indians have never announced it, they have about 7,500 season tickets. That's the lowest since they moved into the new stadium in 1994. They are averaging 14,391 fans, lowest in the majors.

3. "It really hasn't been fair to the fans [to criticize them for the small crowds]," said Shapiro. "The weather has been awful. We've had only one game where it was above 50, and two in the 30s. It's rained a lot. I really think we will see an increase in the next few homestands."

4. The Indians sold 8,000 tickets in 24 hours before the April 15 game with Baltimore. They averaged 2,500-5,000 tickets sold within 24 hours of all three games against the Orioles last weekend. The weather has been an issue all over baseball. The Reds made the playoffs last season, but they are averaging only 22,504.

5. Shapiro said, "It makes more sense to buy tickets ahead because they are cheaper and deals are better -- and we will have some lines before some games. We want to get everyone in the park as fast as possible."

6. If the Indians do need another starter, Alex White could be the one. In his first three starts at Class AAA Columbus, White is 0-0 with a 2.00 ERA. In 18 innings, he has struck out 20, walking only three. His fastball has been up to 95 mph, and averaging 92 mph. He also has shown progress with his off-speed pitches. White was the team's No. 1 pick in 2009.

7. The Indians are really excited about Nick Hagadone, who has been dominating at Class AA Akron. Coming out of the bullpen, the lefty has thrown 10 2/3 scoreless innings, fanning 14 and walking only one. Picked up from Boston in the Victor Martinez/Justin Masterson deal, Hagadone has been held back by control problems before. Now, he's getting that 95 mph fastball over the plate, and he could be headed to Columbus soon.

8. So far, everything with Grady Sizemore's surgically repaired knee has been a wild success. He has had no real pain, no swelling. His legs are strong enough to produce a powerful swing. They are not ready to play him three days in a row just yet -- but that could be coming soon. The idea is not to put too much strain on the knee. Why take any chances for a setback when there has been so much progress?

9. The Indians' internal statistics and the Web site www.fangraphs.com have Jack Hannahan rated as baseball's top defensive third baseman. He also has delivered some clutch hits. The Indians are excited that Hannahan (and veteran Adam Everett) are producing, because it has stabilized the defense and allows Lonnie Chisenhall (.222 at Columbus) time to develop as the third baseman of the future.

10. Josh Tomlin has made 15 starts since coming to the Tribe in late July. Most fans know that he's pitched at least five innings in every start. He is 9-4 with a 3.96 ERA. It's 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA this season as opposing batters are hitting only .181. Maybe the opposition will figure out Tomlin, and the right-hander with the below-average fastball will be in trouble. But this is a guy who was 51-24 with a 3.20 ERA in the minors and a knack for pitching deep into games and coming away with victories.

A Tribe fan in Afghanistan

I received this email from SGT Michael Geist, stationed at Kandahar Airfield. He often posts on my Facebook page and loves reading Cleveland sports stories on-line. What a blessing the Internet is to women and men in the military.

Geist wrote: "My father and aunt had the 20-game packages for Tribe games. I was at the Boston [playoff] game in the 1995 playoffs when Tony Pena hit the homer to win it. I was at the game against Seattle where Cleveland was down 11 by the third inning and (eventually) won.

"I joined the army in 2006 and went to Germany, got deployed to Iraq. I came home for my son's first birthday. That's when I asked my wife to go to a game with me -- the first Indians game we went to together.

"It was the third game of the season vs. Chicago in 2008. It was so cold that night. I definitely didn't dress appropriately. I gave my wife my jacket. We bought the expensive Indians winter gloves to keep our hands warm. We bought 5-6 hot chocolates throughout the game.

"I bought seats on the third base side, about 10 rows from the field -- the best seats that I ever had.

"Before the game, we got great pictures of the players -- especially Ryan Garko, her favorite Indian. I enjoyed sharing memories of sharing the game with my wife. It was a great release. I got to spend three hours with my beautiful wife. I'm pretty sure they lost a close, low-scoring game. But that's not what mattered.

"For my wife and I, it was a chance to go out on a date and spend time with each other."

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerThe Cavaliers believe in Anderson Varejao as one of their key big men, but that doesn't mean they'll pass up on a chance to add a good young inside player when the draft takes place.

About the Cavaliers ...

1. Cavs GM Chris Grant is headed to Europe this week to watch the playoffs in various pro leagues. He will be looking at prospects, including four center/power forwards (Jonas Valanciunas, Donatas Motiejunas, Bismack Biyombo and Jan Vesely) who are projected lottery picks. The Cavs have had several scouts look at the overseas talent, and this is Grant's second trip to Europe.

2. The draft will be a challenging puzzle, because most of the prospects are big men. The Cavs believe they are in good shape with Anderson Varejao, Semih Erden and Ryan Hollins at center. J.J. Hickson also showed he could play some center last season. Hickson joins Antawn Jamison and Samardo Samuels at power forward. They also have Luke Harangody. Odds are at least one of these big men will be traded.

3. But it wouldn't be a shock if the Cavs drafted a big man. Kentucky's Terrence Jones has entered the draft, and he led the SEC in rebounding (8.8 pre game). Like Derrick Williams, there is some debate about Jones' best position. But most scouts have both players listed at power forward.

4. The Cavs have decided they will draft the "best player available" and if it's a big man, so be it. They believe it opens up trade possibilities -- be it for the player they are picking, or a veteran big man. The Cavs need a small forward and a shooting guard, but they refuse to simply draft a player at that position to fill a need. They want real value for their two lottery picks.

5. The Cavs also believe most teams need big men and point guards, so it makes sense to stockpile both. That's why they'd love to add Duke's Kyrie Irving, Kentucky's Brandon Knight or UConn's Kemba Walker at the point -- despite having Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions. Byron Scott is willing to play two point guards together for meaningful minutes. Suppose they do draft Irving -- there will be a significant trade market for Sessions.

Personnel questions and -- surprise -- more worries about the draft (and the lockout) dominate this week's mailbag for beat writer Tony Grossi.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerThe Browns believe Ahtyba Rubin will be a productive -- if not dominating -- player in any defensive format, which is why he's certain to be a foundation of Dick Jauron's 4-3 design.

Hey, Tony: Everyone has Ahtyba Rubin locked into one of the tackle spots, but is he going to fit a four-man line? Do the coaches have any reasonable explanation why he won't be as out of place as Corey Williams was in a three-man line? -- David King, Joelton, Tenn.

Hey, David: Playing tackle in the 4-3 is not a big adjustment for a nose tackle in the 3-4. With his emergence as an interior pass rusher last season, Rubin may be even a better player in a four-man front. Williams was an interior penetrator in Green Bay's four-man line who was a square peg crammed into a round hole as defensive end in the Browns' two-gap three-man line. Worst possible transition.

Hey, Tony: How does the Browns' schedule compare to last year and to their divisional rivals? Easier, harder, about the same? -- DA Pimley, Centreville, Va.

Hey, DA: It's not whom you play in the NFL, it's when you play them. A couple thoughts on the schedule. 1. As usual, they were given a favor of starting at home and playing three of their first four at home. Every coach would love that to trigger a fast start. 2. Two trips to the West Coast in the span of 14 days is not good, especially when followed by another trip to Houston. 3. Three road games in a row is never a good thing. 4. Playing five division games in the last six weeks is the weirdest scheduling I've seen.

Hey, Tony: All the QBs in the 2011 draft are under the microscope on all different angles. Since Bernie Kosar did not go through the draft in 1985, what do you think the pundits would have said about his skill sets and where he would have fallen in a draft back then? His delivery, lack of mobility, only two years of playing, etc. thanks. -- Rod Sauer, Athens

Hey, Rod: Kosar failed at all the athletic tests, but excelled at reading defenses, throwing accuracy, leadership and toughness -- all the things great quarterbacks must have. He would have been described as a winner.

Hey, Tony: I really like what I'm seeing in some recent mock drafts. There is a potential for one of the top two QBs falling to sixth, giving the Browns a great chance to trade down with a team such as the Redskins. This would give us a shot at the likes of a Robert Quinn or Julio Jones and still pick up some additional compensation. What are your thoughts? -- Chris Clark, Columbus

View full sizeAssociated PressIf Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert is still on the draft board when the Browns' selection comes up, many fans are hoping the Berea front office can take advantage of a team -- such as the Redskins -- in need of a new face behind center.

Hey, Chris: If A.J. Green is off the board ahead of them, I think the Browns would welcome your scenario. To get Quinn or Jones and an additional second-round pick no doubt would be considered a better value than using the sixth pick on someone other than Green.

Hey, Tony: In your analysis of the top of the draft, do you see any of the defensive players that may be available at six as solid, potential Pro Bowl pass rushers? If so who do you favor or do you favor a WR? -- Carl Salzano, Mentor

Hey, Carl: Most of the possible defensive linemen available at No. 6 scare me as high-risk players. I don't buy the hype about Robert Quinn. I'm petrified at the thought of taking Da'Quan Bowers and seeing him limp off the field with a bum knee. And Nick Fairley looks like the reincarnation of Gerard Warren. I would lean toward A.J. Green or Julio Jones.

Hey, Tony: Why is the media giving the Browns a free pass when it comes to their policy requiring season-ticket holders to pay in full by May 1 when there is no guarantee of a 2011 season? Other organizations such as the Giants have granted extensions until a new CBA is agreed. Once again the PSL/season-ticket holders are being taken advantage of and nobody seems to care! -- Bill Krempasky, Sagamore Hills

Hey, Bill: The Browns are a private company and can elect to run their business the way they want. You as a customer are free to take your business elsewhere. I don't see a role for the media in this issue. I'm sure I would have a different opinion if I were a season-ticket holder.

Hey, Tony: Does the pending rookie salary scale change teams' thinking regarding the draft? For example, would a team with a high pick like the Browns be more likely to go against "common wisdom" and draft the same position in successive years? -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake

Hey, Steve: Any change to the rookie salary pool has no impact on what a team might do in the draft. None.

Hey, Tony: How can us fans get our Browns to look at Dane Sanzenbacher for the slot? I realize that he may be a late-round pick, however, after watching him play on Fridays in Toledo, on Saturdays at OSU and in the Senior Bowl, he'd be higher on my draft board. He's a guy who just seems to be in always the right place at the right time. Am I stuck in dreamland and my man crush on Dane would not hold up in the NFL because the speed and size numbers just are not there, or could he fill the slot for my Brownies? -- Martin Extejt, Temperance, Mich.

Hey, Martin: Quoting from Dane Brugler's 2011 Draft Preview: "Sanzenbacher has consistent enough hands, but his lack of size and elite athleticism will keep him from being a consistent starter in the NFL. Ideal fourth WR who could emerge as a reliable slot target because of his field savvy, toughness, and receiving instincts." Brugler sees him being drafted in the fifth or sixth round.

Hey, Tony: At least one fairly credible Web site has the Browns selecting Temple defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson with the sixth pick. Rumors are he's shooting up draft boards and on YouTube videos he looks like a beast. What are your thoughts? -- Dave Torok, Independence, Ky.

Hey, Dave: The credible Web sites I respect most project Wilkerson as mostly a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, but also as a tackle in a 4-3. I don't see the Browns shocking the world with this pick at No. 6.

Hey, Tony: If no agreement is reached with the owners and players, can NFL players sign with an Arena, Canadian or UFL team? Could investors start a new football league, and shut down the NFL if they can not reach a new CBA? -- Kenn Roberts, Columbus Grove

Hey, Kenn: There have been a few NFL players already who have bolted to the Arena League or United Football League. They have been borderline roster players, however, who haven't made much money yet and need the work for income. I don't see any established NFL player risking his long-term NFL career by playing in the other leagues for a few bucks. Historically, rival leagues spring up during times of NFL labor strife. However, as investment costs have escalated to stratospheric levels, the threat of a rival to the NFL has severely diminished. It would take a TV network starved for programming to fund the investment capital for a new startup league.

Hey, Tony: While the Browns will build through the draft, they need more than eight players, so they will have to do some free-agent shopping. Can you think of any pending free agents with links to Heckert, Holmgren, Shurmur and Jauron who will be available and may be of interest to the Browns? -- Rob Barnfield, Sydney, Australia

Hey, Rob: I intend to thoroughly analyze the free-agent situation after the draft process is completed. So much hinges on the labor dispute that it's premature to speculate at this point.

View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerThe lockout isn't helping Pat Shurmur in his first season as an NFL head coach, but there are plenty of league observers who believe he has what it takes to succeed.

Hey, Tony: Without any off-season workouts/camps, etc., I don't have a very good "feel" for our new coach. From the time you've spent with him what are your impressions? Do you feel more comfortable with his offensive philosophy as compared to you know who from last year? Does he come across as a no-nonsense type coach who relates to his players? -- David Dobson, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Hey, David: It's unfortunate that Pat Shurmur has been thrust into this miserable labor dispute in his first season as head coach. I can't imagine a worse set of obstacles to break in under. My initial impressions of Shurmur are positive. While Shurmur was an "under-the-radar" coaching candidate league-wide, everyone I've talked to in the NFL about him gives him high marks. But they are not nominating him for the Hall of Fame yet, either. The point is few know how Shurmur will turn out as a head coach. I like the fact he is from the offensive side. I like the fact he comes from a different coaching tree because what the Browns have tried for the past six years hasn't worked. And I like the fact that Shurmur, GM Tom Heckert and President Mike Holmgren share the same vision as to how to build a team and coach it.

Hey, Tony: We read about college players getting into trouble due to actions by their agents (money, gifts, parties), [but] what does the NFL do to the agents? If a college player does not have an agent, and there is no season, does he have the ability to return to the college ranks if he is an underclassman? -- Mike, Union City, Pa.

Hey, Mike: Agents at the NFL level are regulated by the NFL players association. They have suspended some agents in the past for their actions. If there is no NFL season, teams retain the rights to the players they drafted. Unless, of course, the entire NFL system is turned upside down by the players' antitrust suit and they become free agents.

Hey, Tony: Is the lockout and the inability to sign free agents a factor in who teams will select on draft day? Usually by now teams have filled some of their holes via free agency and have a better idea on what positions to target in the draft. I believe a good receiver is necessary to further Colt McCoy's development, but also because they have the potential to make the other receivers more productive. I also agree with you that we should not trade down more than a few spots and only for a second-round pick. I am not against drafting Peterson at six and having two young shutdown corners. I think the tandem of Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield was a significant part of the Browns' three trips to the conference finals during the 1980s. Don't you think we can fill a couple of defensive line positions through free agency? -- Paul Naudain, Portland, Ore.

Hey, Paul: I agree with just about all your points. I will make this point again about Dixon and Minnifield because I think it's important to note. Dixon was a first-round pick. Minnifield was signed from the United States Football League and didn't cost the Browns a draft choice. When you devote two top-10 draft choices in a row to the cornerback position you are stalling your growth at other areas. Totally different circumstances in 2011 than in 1984.

Hey, Tony: I have not heard Casey Matthews' name mentioned much in all this draft talk. Where do you see him going in the draft? I would hope the Browns would have a shot at him in a later round. -- Alan Kraus, Delta, Ohio

Hey, Alan: Most experts have Matthews going in the third round.

View full sizeMichael Conroy / Associated PressJulio Jones is considered by some draft experts as more physical than Georgia's A.J. Green, and therefore a better choice for a West Coast offense featuring crossing patterns.

Hey, Tony: I happened to see The Baltimore Sun's 4/17 mock draft. The writer, Jamison Hensley, predicts the Browns will pass over A.J. Green because "he doesn't fit into the Browns' West Coast Offense." What skills does a receiver need to fit in the new offense? Does Green have them? -- Stan Himes, West Des Moines, Iowa

Hey, Stan: Green can fit in any offensive system. The writer must have been referring to frequent analyses of Julio Jones being a more physical player and thus adept at running the crossing routes in the WCO.

Hey, Tony: How crazy am I for thinking that the Browns should consider taking Kyle Rudolph with their No. 2 pick? He is probably a future All-Pro, a great blocking and catching tight end. He would be a solid, extend-the-field receiver and run-blocking guy who would really fit the offense. -- Greg Foust, Akron

Hey, Greg: You used the word crazy. I think the Browns are OK at tight end with Ben Watson and Evan Moore. They need more touchdown-makers.

Hey, Tony: Did you know that a letter from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to the Congressional Black Caucus is posted in its entirety on another sports Web site? In his letter to the caucus, Goodell outlines the last proposal to the NFLPA before the union walked away from the negotiations and decertified. Presuming Goodell is being honest and forthright in his letter, it seems all of the players' publicly stated demands were met by the owners. Goodell wrote that the proposal included lifelong health insurance (including free neurological exams, joint replacement surgery and rehab, and other benefits at no cost to the player/retiree), extended benefits for players diagnosed with a brain disease, a significant pay increase to retirees, and up to $1,000,000 of the players' contract guaranteed (even in the event of injury) -- all without any contribution from the players themselves or the union. So I guess my question is this: What exactly are the players looking to receive in a new CBA that hasn't already been offered to them? And in your professional opinion, what will it take to end this lockout? (And please don't reply money. That's a lazy answer.) -- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.

Hey, Tim: My take is the players want to preserve their present percentage of shared revenue in future revenue growth. The owners want to reduce it. That's not a lazy answer. It's the truth.

Hey, Tony: How serious are the Browns about developing Jarrett Brown? Does he become the third active QB and will the Browns end their relationship with Jake Delhomme? -- Terry Carbetta, Ashland

Hey, Terry: Brown was signed because somebody likes something about him. I wouldn't award him a roster spot just yet. I believe the Browns will also draft a developmental quarterback. That would put Delhomme, Brown and the rookie in competition for the No. 3 role.

Hey, Tony: Do the Browns look at local products such as WR Cecil Shorts from Mount Union and WR Joe Morgan and DT Tony Reed from Walsh? Who scouts these local players? -- George Condoleon Canfield

Hey, George: They have area scouts who are responsible for certain geographical areas, and then those players are cross-checked by other members of the personnel department.

Hey, Tony: We all know the restrictions on trading players in this year's draft due to the labor situation. Is it allowed, and would it be possible, for teams to make prearranged trades to be consummated after an agreement on a CBA? For example, if the Vikings want to trade Sidney Rice to the Browns for a second-round pick and fourth-round pick (I dream), could the Browns select the players the Vikings want and then deal the rights of those players for Rice after a new CBA is reached? -- John, Dayton

Hey, John: No, something like that cannot take place.

Hey, Tony: I thought when teams play each other from other conferences, they rotated locations, so every eight years you would see the other teams. With that, how is it the Browns play at Arizona and here vs. Seattle in 2011, the same setup as 2007? -- Brian Tomlin, Fairview Park

Hey, Brian: Teams on the West Coast always fly the most air miles, and they've not been happy about it. A few years ago the NFL sought to accommodate their concerns by tweaking the schedule a bit each year to lessen their air miles. Occasionally these tweaks result in the Browns playing the same team at home or on the road that they played four years earlier. So don't assume anymore that teams automatically alternate game sites against interconference opponents.

Hey, Tony: Now that the schedule has been released, why do games that feature West Coast teams coming to the eastern time zone (for example, Seahawks at Browns) start at 1 p.m. and not 4 p.m.? Just seems logical (a 1 p.m. game here is a 10 a.m. start time for fans in Seattle) for the fans of both teams to be able to enjoy the game. Plus I like the 4 p.m. start time over the 1 p.m. start time, I can get more done at home before the game than I can after on a Sunday. -- Matt R, Akron

Hey, Matt: Start times are entirely dictated by the whims of the networks. If a network would rather have Team A playing at 1 o'clock for its Eastern audience, then the Western audience will have to tune in at 10 a.m.

Hey, Tony: I immediately eliminate A.J. Green from consideration. Here's my reasoning: Given the recent rules changes that reduce the run-back opportunities on kickoffs, I think shifting Josh Cribbs' focus to WR would maximize his ability. Cribbs is a dynamic enough playmaker if he shifts to full-time WR the Browns get a needed playmaker on offense and plug one of the holes on defense by drafting LSU CB Patrick Peterson or a DL. I know you don't favor drafting a WR anyway, but what do you think about modifying Cribbs to maximize his ability? -- Jonathan Saurage, Chicago

Hey, Jonathan: I think Cribbs will benefit from the new offense. Maybe the Browns are thinking the same as you. I just think Green is a playmaker on offense the Browns currently don't have. And he comes with much less risk than the D-linemen rated high in this draft.

Hey, Tony: Do you know if Greg Little of North Carolina is being considered by the Browns for the third round? I know he only played one full season as a wide receiver and would be a developmental-type player, but he is freak. -- Tommy O'Brien, Streetsboro

Hey, Tommy: Yes, Little is a physical freak. The Browns have visited with him.

Hey, Tony: Just for argument's sake, let's say the entire 2011 NFL season is canceled. What would happen with the 2011 draft picks? Also, what would happen with the 2012 draft? -- Kevin Kropf, Brunswick

Hey, Kevin: Note to everyone: Please clip and save this answer. The NFL has not addressed this doomsday scenario. At some point, it may have to. We will surely report it when it happens.

-- Tony

Plain Dealer Cleveland Browns beat writers Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot look at the NFL Draft and the needs of the Browns at offensive line. This is the fourth of seven videos in a week-long series before the draft begins on Thursday.

First of a five-part series, with links to game stories, videos, etc. Not a ranking of the 100 best players drafted by Cleveland, but an estimation of the 100 best Browns' picks weighing contribution versus pick investment.

Plain Dealer file photoRunning back Leroy Hoard eludes the would-be tackle of New England's Maurice Hurst during the Browns' 20-13 wild card playoff win over the Patriots on Jan. 1, 1995 in Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns begin participation in their 59th NFL draft on Thursday night.

The draft, on paper, ends up as a list of names. Here, we submit another list: the Browns' 100 best draft picks of all-time. Today, Nos. 100 through 81. Each of the next four days, we will count down the next 20 best.

This is not a ranking of the 100 best players drafted by Cleveland. Instead, it's an estimation of the 100 best Browns' picks in terms of value. Simply, a Player A taken by the Browns with, say, the 120th overall pick, turned out to be a better pick for value than did a Player B who might have contributed a little more but was a 55th overall pick.

Only players who played at least three seasons with the Browns after being picked by the team in the annual draft were considered.

Players acquired through a rare supplemental draft, such as Bernie Kosar, Kevin Mack and Mike Johnson, aren't included because the mechanics of the supplemental draft are not comparable to the regular draft.

Browns greats such as Otto Graham, Marion Motley, Lou Groza, Dante Lavelli, etc., aren't included, as they began their Browns' careers in the All-America Football Conference.

Performance with the Browns only is considered. For instance, future Hall of Famers Doug Atkins, Willie Davis, Henry Jordan and Dick LeBeau were Browns' draft picks from 1953-59. LeBeau was cut by the Browns before playing for them. The other three were traded by the Browns after just two seasons each as part-time players.

Playoff game performances were considered. Statistics are only for what a player did with the Browns. Statistical considerations in the rankings recognize that the game has become more pass-oriented in the last 30 years or so. Also, some players' values are enhanced by what the Browns eventually got for them in trades.

Only occasionally is it considered who the Browns didn't take. The value of 1976 picks Mike Pruitt (seventh) and Dave Logan (65th) shouldn't be diminished because they and no other team selected future Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater until the Los Angeles Rams took him 86th.

Positions: Offense -- QB, quarterback; RB, running back; FB, fullback; WR, wide receiver; TE, tight end; C, center; G, guard; T, tackle; PK, placekicker; P, punter; Rtn, kickoff and/or punt returner; LS, long snapper.

Defense -- E, end; T, tackle; NT, nose tackle; LB, linebacker; CB, cornerback; S, safety; DB, cornerback and safety.

Key: ranking number, player, position, year drafted, round/overall pick number, college, years with Browns:

100. Jim Copeland, G-C, 1967, 10/255, Virginia, 1967-74. Versatile backup played on five playoff teams and was an important contributor on four of them. A special teams standout.

99. Dave Puzzuoli, NT, 1983, 6/149, Pittsburgh, 1983-87. Played in every game except the three with "replacement players" during the 1987 strike. Provided strong inside pass rush, his landmark moment being the sack of John Elway that temporarily de-railed "The Drive."

98. Bobby Franklin, S-CB, 1960, 11/127, Mississippi, 1960-66. Started four years in the secondary. Held on place-kicks for the legendary Lou Groza. Excelled at the task during an era when place-kick execution was erratic for most NFL teams, but usually not for the Browns.

Video: Highlights of the 1964 Browns last two regular season games, and their 27-0 win over the Baltimore Colts in the NFL championship game. Six minutes into the video, Franklin (24) celebrates Lou Groza's field goal that gave the Browns a 3-0 lead over Baltimore (videos are from youtube.com):

Franklin's greatest game was on Dec. 11, 1960, when he intercepted three passes and ran back two of them for touchdowns during the Browns' 42-0 rout of the Chicago Bears at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The Plain Dealer's Browns History Database includes PD game stories on every regular season and playoff game in Browns history. The late Chuck Heaton, The PD's longtime Browns beat writer, wrote about the big day for Franklin and the Browns.

97. Steve Everitt, C, 1993, 1/14, Michigan, 1993-95. Wasn't the dominating player the Browns hoped he would be, but was steady in the team's last three seasons before the move to Baltimore.

96. Eric Wright, CB, 2007, 2/53, UNLV, 2007-10. A surprisingly poor 2010 season, when he was picked on by opponents, followed three solid campaigns.

95. Brodney Pool, S, 2005, 2/34, Oklahoma, 2005-09. Good enough at coverage that he played some cornerback early in his Browns career. Suffered four concussions as a Brown.

94. Jim Shofner, CB, 1958, 1/11, Texas Christian, 1958-63. A reliable starter his last five seasons, he intercepted 20 passes and recovered seven fumbles. Was 1-6 as Browns' interim coach in 1990.

Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot's game story on Shofner's debut as the Browns coach.

93. Ken Carpenter, RB-Rtn, 1950, 1/13, Oregon State, 1950-53. As a young player on a star-studded veteran roster, didn't get an abundance of touches -- 8.3 per game -- but was productive when he got them.

92. Rickey Bolden, T-G-TE, 1984, 4/96, Southern Methodist, 1984-89. Missed 34 games with injuries. His talent was evident, usually lining up at left tackle as Bernie Kosar's chief pass protector.

91. Fair Hooker, WR, 1969, 5/124, Arizona State. Made clutch catches to help aging Browns' teams in 1971 and 1972 make the playoffs. In a 1972 playoff game at Miami, caught a 27-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Mike Phipps to give Cleveland a 14-13 lead. Dolphins followed with a season-saving touchdown drive, and went on to become Super Bowl champs with the only perfect season in NFL history.

90. Scott Nicolas, LB-LS, 1982, 12/310, Miami (Fla.), 1982-86. Didn't miss a game, made eight starts one season at LB, and was a special teams standout -- including as the long snapper.

89. Larry Williams, G, 1985, 10/259, Notre Dame, 1986-88. Good enough to make 33 starts for a diversified Browns' offense that featured a veteran line.

Video: Larry Williams (70), at left guard, makes some key blocks for Kevin Mack as the Browns move into position for Mark Moseley's field goal that gave Cleveland a 23-20 double-overtime win over the Jets in a playoff game on Jan. 3, 1987:

88. Henry Sheppard, G-T, 1976, 5/130, Southern Methodist, 1976-81. Missed just three games. Started 42 games at left guard and 16 at right tackle from 1977-80, helping the "Kardiac Kids" of 1979-80 to many improbable comeback wins.

87. Dennis Northcutt, WR-Rtn, 2000, 2/32, Arizona, 2000-06. Caught 276 passes. Finished among the NFL's top five in yards per punt return in four seasons.

Northcutt played a superb game, highlighted by two touchdown receptions, but unfortunately dropped a key late-game pass in the Browns' 36-33 playoff game loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Jan. 6, 2003. Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi's game story detailed the only playoff game the Browns have played in since 1994.

86. Preston Carpenter, WR-RB, 1956, 1/13, Arkanasas, 1956-59. Had a big rookie season as a running back and kickoff returner. Along came Jim Brown, though, and Carpenter made a successful transition to wide receiver.

85. James A. Jones, DT, 1991, 3/57, Northern Iowa, 1991-94. Didn't miss a game and made 49 starts. Scored touchdowns on an interception return, and when coach Bill Belichick called his number for a 1-yard TD run and a 1-yard TD reception.

84. Leroy Hoard, RB, 1990, 2/45, Michigan, 1990-95. Made the 1994 Pro Bowl team with 890 rushing yards and 445 receiving yards. Then had a fine game in the Browns' 20-13 wild card playoff win over New England -- Cleveland's only postseason win since 1989.

Video: Immediately in this video of the 1989 season Rose Bowl game between Michigan and USC, Leroy Hoard makes plays that had to impress NFL scouts:

83. Bob McKay, T-G, 1970, 1/21, Texas, 1970-75. Missed 17 games with injuries, but was an above-average blocker when healthy. Traded to New England for established cornerback Ron Bolton, who gave the Browns several good seasons.

Joshua Gunter, PDSean Jones (26) and Andra Davis during a 2008 training camp practice.

82. Sean Jones, S, 2004, 2/59, Georgia, 2004-08. Bounced back from a knee injury that cost him his rookie season. Intercepted 14 passes in his three seasons as a starter.

81. Daylon McCutcheon, CB, 1999, 3/62, USC, 1999-2005. Developed into a pretty good cover corner and was one of the team's best tacklers. Started 96 games, but couldn't get back on the field after having microfracture knee surgery.

The Monsters performed well enough for 40- or 50-minute stretches but never 60 in losing their first-round AHL playoff series.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerJonas Holos (6) and the Monsters had plenty to celebrate during their run to the AHL playoffs, but there was plenty of frustration one day after their Game 7 loss to Manitoba.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- During the regular season, the Monsters went 24-11-2-3 at The Q to help them finish second in the North Division and secure home-ice advantage for a first-round playoff series against Manitoba.

When it mattered most, though, the Monsters failed to make the comfort zone work for them. After winning Game 1 -- the first playoff game in the four-season history of the franchise -- Lake Erie lost Game 2 (3-2 in overtime), Game 6 (3-1) and Game 7 (4-1) at home.

The Moose's clinching victory Tuesday night capped a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. The Moose advanced to play the Hamilton Bulldogs in the North Division Finals; the Monsters began their off-season.

What stung Monsters General Manager David Oliver and coach David Quinn the most is that their club never played a complete game in the series, something it had been so good at doing in the last few months of the regular season. The Monsters performed well enough for 40- or 50-minute stretches but never 60 or, in the one case, 60-plus.

When the Monsters had their lapses, the Moose seemingly always punished them. It is what veteran, playoff-seasoned teams do.

The club that loses Games 5, 6 and 7 typically looks in the mirror first, and the Monsters were no different. They took responsibility for the most untimely of three-game slides. But a case can be made that a suddenly hot goalie ripped the series from them.

The Moose's Eddie Lack, who was pulled in Game 1, won the final three games, stopping 84 of 86 shots. Factoring in a relief appearance earlier in the series, Lack stopped 92 of the last 94 shots he faced. He held the Monsters to one even-strength goal combined in the last three wins.

Monsters and Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert was not going to let the first-round exit get him down. He tweeted congratulations to the Lake Erie Monsters "for an exciting run in our first-ever playoff appearance."

Gilbert and his staff also can feel good about the season as a whole. The Monsters went 44-28-3-5 in the regular season and set countless club records.

The Monsters averaged 6,568 fans for 40 home dates to rank sixth in the American Hockey League. Three of the four playoff home dates drew 7,500-plus, including 10,277 in Game 7.

"The guys enjoy playing here because the fans are so passionate," Quinn said.

Given the fluctuation of minor-league hockey rosters, who knows how many Monsters personnel will be back this fall? Quinn did not want to think about it Tuesday night.

"I've loved coaching this team since the first day of camp," Quinn said. "Very rarely in professional sports do you find a group that enjoys being around each other as much as ours does. They love coming to the rink. We have so much chemistry and camaraderie. This isn't a situation where, we're kind of teammates and good luck. These guys care about each other, which is why this is so disappointing and difficult."

Browns President Mike Holmgren favors the surer thing over high risk-high reward players with the team's early draft picks.

View full sizePD file photoThe Browns' decision-making which resulted in the drafting of Florida's Joe Haden with the team's top pick in 2010 helps define who may be at the top of the team's wish list on Thursday. Haden reflected Mike Holmgren's 'conservative' mindset of not reaching with the first choice and making sure to get a playmaker.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns enter Thursday night's first round of the NFL draft leaning toward conservatism.

The litany of recent past draft mistakes -- some made on gut feelings, others on a hope and a prayer -- haunts President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert. They're the ones wielding the shovels, consigned to digging the franchise out of a mess created by bad drafts.

"The graphic of our past drafts, past No. 1 picks ... we've talked about how that's affected the team over the last number of years," Holmgren said. "I'm not placing blame. It's just a fact of life.

"I guess my marching orders [to Heckert] then is I'm less likely to take a chance. I want someone solid.

"It's really important for us for the next 2-3 years to make sure the guys we pick have a real good chance to play for a while. In the past, that hurt the team, in my opinion. We're trying to avoid that. There are no slam dunks. But we're probably going to be a little more conservative than a team that doesn't have as many needs as us."

That attitude would appear to rule out talented players with higher degrees of risks, such as Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn and Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith. The Browns conducted visits with all these highly rated prospects, each of whom could fill an obvious need.

The Browns enter the three days of the NFL draft with eight picks. They are far more inclined to add to that haul by trading down than to reduce it by trading up for a player they fall in love with.

"We are talking to people about trading," Holmgren said. "I am not going into any more detail than that. The only thing I challenged Tom to do, I want to know names [if we trade down]. I would like some strategy to shoot for and have some reasonable idea of who we can get. I don't think you just trade down to trade.

"[A trade] has to make absolute sense to us, otherwise we take the player. I know we need other things, [but we'd] just take the player."

The Browns did not trade down in the 2010 draft -- Heckert's first in charge. Rather, they packaged three mid-round picks to Philadelphia on the second day to move up into the second round for running back Montario Hardesty. Hardesty had a history of injuries at Tennessee. He wound up missing his rookie season after suffering a torn knee ligament.

Otherwise, Heckert's first draft netted three starting players -- cornerback Joe Haden (first round), safety T.J. Ward (second) and quarterback Colt McCoy (third). Hardesty is expected to be ready to relaunch his career in summer training camp and could share the backfield with Peyton Hillis. Guard Shawn Lauvao (third) also is considered a potential starter this season.

"I think we got a decent start last year [on his master plan]," Holmgren said.

Heckert has said the Browns still have "holes to fill all over the place."

The Browns can't disguise their needs at defensive line. The switch to a 4-3 defensive alignment calls for two starting pass rushers at defensive end. There is also a void at the tackle spot next to ascending star Ahtyba Rubin. But Holmgren's directive and Heckert's history suggest these multiple needs will be attacked after the first round.

"That's a need," Holmgren said of the D-line. "But that need can't force you to reach."

Wide receiver and cornerback are also needs, and the Browns very well could be staring at one of the best two in this draft at each position.

Georgia receiver A.J. Green and Alabama's Julio Jones became popular choices for the Browns in the thousands of mock drafts conducted by experts, media and fans. Holmgren fed the frenzy by announcing at the NFL Scouting Combine that he was looking for a "home run hitter" on offense.

But Holmgren has delivered the seemingly conflicting message that he has a high opinion of his current receivers, who have been belittled by everyone outside the team.

"I would keep our feelings about what we have and my feelings about getting a striker separate," he said. "I think our guys [are now in] a new system -- a little more receiver-friendly -- so we will learn a lot more in my opinion about who are receivers are than I did last year. I think there were games last year when they weren't much of a factor, but why?

"I think they're better than what people think they are, but does that mean I wouldn't want someone [else] to scare the defense? No. We're going to need four, five receivers in this offense."

But he won't tip his hand whether Green or Jones are in his sights.

"I've made a living a little bit finding receivers in the second and third round that have been very good players for us," Holmgren said. "I think there is probably a guy later that can come and be really, really good."

As for the other obvious position of need, the Browns visited with or worked out 12 prospects at cornerback, a few of which can also play safety. The top cornerback in the draft is Patrick Peterson of LSU. If the Browns devoted the sixth overall pick on Peterson after taking Haden seventh a year ago, they would be only the second team in history to use top 10 picks in back-to-back drafts on cornerbacks.

Baltimore drafted Duane Starks 10th overall in 1998 and took Chris McAlister, also 10th overall, the following year.

"Absolutely, we love him as a player," Holmgren said of Peterson. "I don't see anything wrong with devoting two years in a row to cornerbacks if that's what you need to do. Particularly, seeing more spread offenses [with multiple receivers] like you do now. Corners are always a premium, but if you can lock up a couple guys and have them play ... you're ahead of the curve."

If Peterson is off the board before the Browns pick, they could consider Prince Amukamara of Nebraska.

At his final pre-draft press conference last week, Heckert said, "There are six guys that we'd be happy with [in the first round]."

As the draft drew closer, Holmgren increased that number to seven players. A few might be in a second wave of options if the team traded down.

Like everything else in the NFL, the draft has been affected by the league labor dispute.

View full sizeKathy Kmonicek / Associated PressThe NFL followed its tradition of building more publicity for this weekend's draft by having some top rookies pose above the marquee at Radio City Music Hall. But this is hardly a typical draft season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Like everything else in the NFL, the draft has been affected by the league labor dispute.

In a normal season, the first wave of free agent signings would have been completed by now. But free agency is on hold until the league institutes interim court-proof rules to govern player transactions. A likely result is teams will be more intent on drafting to fill urgent positions of need.

Here are other ways the labor problem will affect this weekend's draft, according to an NFL spokesman:

• Teams can only trade draft slots. Once a player is drafted, he can not be traded. Also, no veteran players can be included in trades.

• Teams can trade future picks "at their own risk." Meaning, if the 2012 draft is not held for any reason, those teams would be out of luck.

• Drafted players can have contact with their teams during the three days of the draft. They can be transported to team facilities for introductory interviews and can meet coaches and other team staff during that visit.

• Drafted players can not receive coaching instruction, workout information or be provided video or playbooks.

• After drafted players leave the team facility, they are treated like current veteran players and can not have any further contact with club employees. Their agents can not talk with the club about contracts.

• Drafted players are free to join their future teammates in informal workouts -- at their own risk.

• Players not drafted can not be signed by NFL teams. They are put in the same waiting cell as veteran free agents.

"Remember all those people out there that wanted to bat him 6, 7 or 8? Same ones said he was washed up. All the guy has ever done is show hustle, heart and ability to play the game. He gets hurt and people forget all that he is." - maul-I

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerThere were plenty of questions surrounding Grady Sizemore coming in to the 2011 season.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore making beautiful noise at top of the lineup: Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader maul-I thinks Grady is already putting his detractors in their place. This reader writes,

"Remember all those people out there that wanted to bat him 6, 7 or 8? Same ones said he was washed up. All the guy has ever done is show hustle, heart and ability to play the game. He gets hurt and people forget all that he is."

"I hope that Orlando doesn't have to experience what Cleveland did. With any luck, when the NBA emerges from its lockout, there will be a franchise player tag that they will be able to use on Howard to keep him from leaving." - Sorry, but you're wrong

View full sizeLonnie Timmons | The Plain DealerDwight Howard's free agency is approaching a little too quickly for Magic fans.

In response to the story NBA free agency: An open letter to Orlando Magic fans, cleveland.com reader Sorry, but you're wrong wants to see a franchise tag in the NBA. This reader writes,

"I hope that Orlando doesn't have to experience what Cleveland did. With any luck, when the NBA emerges from its lockout, there will be a franchise player tag that they will be able to use on Howard to keep him from leaving."

Gladiators receiver Robert Redd feels like he has unfinished business in Cleveland from his last stint with the team in 2008.

View full sizePD photoRobert Redd wants to help the Gladiators to postseason success this summer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three years later, Robert Redd is back. He's back to catching passes for the Gladiators, back to leading the team in all-purpose yards, and most of all, back to finish what he began in Cleveland in 2008.

That was the year when the 2002 Bowling Green product helped the Gladiators reach the AFL's National Conference Championship game, where the team stumbled against Philadelphia in failing to advance to the ArenaBowl.

Redd is the only player from that squad on this version of the Gladiators, and the 30-year-old receiver hasn't forgotten.

"That left a bitter taste in my mouth," he said. "None of these guys actually played on the '08 team, but we're still trying to overcome that Cleveland Curse, so to speak. That was a dream season, and we'd like to get that back."

The Gladiators began the season headed in that direction with three consecutive wins, but have stumbled in back-to-back losses heading into Friday's hosting of the Tulsa Talons. First-year quarterback Kurt Rocco, a Mount Union product, has thrown four interceptions in his last two games.

Redd, meanwhile, has continued his steady play this season, his first since leaving Cleveland in 2008. After the AFL folded for 2009, Redd played last season for the CIFL's Cincinnati Commandos.

"When it came to this year, I knew that come heck or high water, I had to go to Cleveland," Redd said.

Redd is on pace to have similar numbers to his standout season with the Gladiators three years ago. He has 32 catches for 463 yards and seven touchdowns through five games, and is fourth in the AFL in all-purpose yards (157.8 per game). In 2008, Redd had 43 catches for 503 yards and seven touchdowns.

"Robert is so huge for our team," Gladiators coach Steve Thonn said. "He's a threat to get you anywhere on the field on offense, then he can break a return at any given time. On top of all of that, we can throw him in there on defense and he can make some plays. He is one of those special players."

Dutton an adviser: Veteran quarterback John Dutton is back with the Gladiators -- to help give advice. Dutton, who has 10 years' experience in the AFL, was lost for the season when he suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in the Gladiators' opener.

Wednesday, he was hobbling in a walking boot, offering advice to Rocco. After two strong starts, Rocco has thrown four interceptions in the last two games and dropped to ninth in the league in passing efficiency at 111.5. He has thrown 19 touchdowns while completing 66.7 percent of his passes.

Opponents have played more zone defense against the Gladiators, preventing Rocco from connecting with favorite target Troy Bergeron. Dutton has pulled Rocco aside to offer the kind of advice a coach might provide.

"Every week he does a little bit more just to kind of give him a few tips," Thonn said. "You want to be careful because you don't want to overload him. But he's done a good job helping him out."

Hello, goodbye: The Gladiators waived defensive lineman Earl Heyman on Monday. They signed Hudson native and Ohio University product Conor Reilly to replace him.

USC offensive tackle is one of the six or seven players on the Browns' radar at No. 6.

View full sizeUSC photoSouthern California's athletic Tyron Smith is considered a fast-riser in the first round, and with Joe Thomas could give the Browns a pair of young tackles to anchor the offensive line for a decade.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith is one of the six or seven players on the Browns' radar at No. 6, a league source said.

"They met with him at the combine, conducted a private workout with him and brought him into Cleveland for a visit," said the source. "They've spent a lot of time on him and I'd say he's in play for them at No. 6."

The other likely candidates for their top pick are defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, linebacker Von Miller, cornerback Patrick Peterson, receiver A.J. Green and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Julio Jones might also be in the mix.

Smith, the top-rated tackle in the draft, was a man of few words during his combine interview, but said he only gave up "close to one [sack] in the Arizona game" all season. He described himself as "a high-effort guy with speed and power both."

Most experts project Smith (6-5, 307) as a left tackle in the pros, but he started at right tackle at USC. With the Browns, he could most likely step in right away at right tackle, potentially giving the Browns a formidable tackle tandem, along with Pro Bowler Joe Thomas.

"The only left I played was my freshman year," said Smith. "It could go either way [right or left]."

Smith boosted his stock at his Pro Day at USC April 4th, including a 4.91 time in the 40. Draft analyst Mike Mayock has him going ninth to Dallas.

"With all 32 NFL teams in attendance, Tyron Smith blew the doors off the bar," nfl.com's Gil Brandt wrote. "He had a 29 vertical and 9-1 broad jump. He posted a 4.68 short shuttle, 7.48 three-cone drill and did 31 bench reps. His 36 1/2-inch arms and size 11 hands also stood out. He put himself in the top 10 with this workout and should be the first offensive lineman drafted."

Smith and his family are in New York City for the draft.

"It might be a little hard sitting there in New York but I wouldn't want to miss it," Smith told the Sports Xchange. "I'm hearing first round; I'm just waiting for the day. I want to be surprised."

Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki wrote, "Is one of the youngest players in the draft, everything is in front of him and he's dripping with upside."

Cribbs, Ward to Berea: Receivers Josh Cribbs and Jordan Norwood and safety T.J. Ward all showed up at the Browns' facility again Wednesday to remain eligible for their workout bonuses. Ward tweeted "Leaving the facility. It felt good just to get back in my locker."

Cribbs also tweeted before heading to the facility "Going 2 Browns facility 2 try and work out, hopefully I run into a coach and a playbook falls out of his back pocket..." The players are permitted to visit their lockers but are still not working out.

Redskins looking to trade up? The Redskins might try to trade up to No. 10 to select a quarterback, according to NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora. Several general managers have said they might try to go after Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, who could be available at No. 6 if the Bengals opt for Green at No. 4. The Browns have said they'll trade if they can get enough in return.

A nine-pitch masterpiece on Tuesday night was a big moment for young Indians reliever.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerEscaping a bases-loaded, no out situation on Tuesday night against Kansas City was just the latest success for young Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Clubhouse confidential: Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano has allowed one run in nine innings over 10 appearances. He has given up four hits, walked three and struck out 12.

Pestano's stranded nine of 10 inherited runners. Batters are 2-for-18 (.111) with runners on.

"I try to pretend nobody's on," Pestano said with a smile. "Actually, I don't mind having guys on base. I've been dealing with it my entire career, whether they're mine or somebody else's."

In Tuesday's 9-4 victory over Kansas City, Pestano relieved Tony Sipp with the bases loaded and none out. The ultra-dangerous Billy Butler dug in. The Tribe led, 7-3.

"I knew I needed to make quality pitches, no matter who was at the plate," Pestano said. "At the same time, I knew I was facing Billy Butler."

Pestano ran a two-seamer fastball in on Butler's hands and got him to pop to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Jeff Francoeur whiffed at an elevated four-seamer and Kila Ka'aihue popped to third on a four-seamer away.

Pestano wrapped it up in nine pitches. Manager Manny Acta said Pestano "saved the day for us."

"You try to treat every situation the same, but the reality is, you're definitely more amped up when it's bases loaded, nobody out," Pestano said. "You've really got to bear down."

Stat of the day: Wednesday marked the 3,000th game for John Adams as drummer at Indians games. He will be honored Saturday.

Josh Tomlin gave up two runs in six innings as the Indians extended their AL Central lead.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerTravis Hafner is getting plenty of instruction from Shin-Soo Choo (left) and Shelley Duncan as he prepares to slide past Royals catcher Brayan Pena following Orlando Cabrera's 3-run double in the Indians' five-run first inning Wednesday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians right-hander Josh Tomlin is a Texan with a big smile, but he's not flashy.

All he does is quietly take the mound and  give his team a chance to win. One of these days, the rest of the baseball world will notice.

Tomlin gave up two runs on five hits in six innings as the Indians defeated the Royals, 7-2, Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

The first-place Tribe (15-8) has won nine straight at home -- five coming in front of four-digit crowds. Paid attendance Wednesday was 9,722.

Tomlin is the only pitcher in club history to work at least five innings in each of his first 17 major-league appearances. He did so 12 times last year. The most recent major leaguer to have gone five-plus innings in his first 17 or more is Boston's "Dice-K'' Matsuzaka in 2007 (28).

Tomlin improved to 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts; teammate Justin Masterson is 5-0 with a 2.18 ERA in five. The Indians have not featured two starters at 4-0 or better at this point of the season since 1988.

The Royals, who waited for rain that never came hard enough, lost their fifth in a row to slip to 12-12.

The Tribe took a 5-0 lead in the first against lefty Jeff Francis. With one out, Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo and Shelley Duncan singled to load the bases. Travis Hafner hit an RBI single and Orlando Cabrera plugged the left-center gap with a three-run double.

Jack Hannahan later had an RBI single.

The Royals pulled within 5-2 in the second when Jeff Francoeur and Mike Aviles homered off Tomlin.

Tomlin was relieved by Rafael Perez to begin the seventh.

Who will the Browns draft? Dan Shonka of ourlads.com projects all the Browns picks, starting with Robert Quinn.

View full sizeMichael Conroy / Associated PressRobert Quinn is one draft analyst's choice for the Browns on Thursday -- but the mocks are just about done, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbling a few final thoughts about draft weekend.

1. Most fans know who ESPN's experts like in the draft. I sought out a different voice, Dan Shonka from ourlads.com. One reason is he did a mock draft of all seven rounds. In case you can't wait, he has the Browns taking Zane Parr, a defensive end from Virginia (No. 240) as their last pick.

2. But let's start with the name at the top of his draft board -- Patrick Peterson. He rates the LSU cornerback as the best player in the entire draft, and the best for the Browns. His top five for the Browns are 1) Peterson, 2) Marcell Dareus, 3) A.J. Green, 4) Von Miller and 5) Julio Jones.

3. Two receivers in the top 5? "It's rare," said Shonka. "But both are special players. Green is a three-tier guy, meaning he can catch balls short, over the middle and deep. He has tremendous hands. As for Jones, he is fast, he is a good guy [running0 after the catch and a good blocker. But if you have Jones, you need to know that he'll drop a ball a game."

4. If Jones drops a ball a game at Alabama, I just don't want to think about him with the Browns. I'm glad he went to Peterson at No. 1. "A Pro Bowl guy every year," said Shonka.

5. He projects the Browns ending up with Robert Quinn at No. 6. He isn't concerned that the defensive end from North Carolina missed a year because he took jewelry from an agent. He believes Quinn is the best pass rusher from the edge in the draft, "and that's exactly what the Browns need." He added that Quinn played against Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo (a projected first rounder), and "Quinn went around that kid as if he were tied to a fence. He couldn't touch Quinn."

6. Shonka brought up a few interesting points about Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley. He says Fairley "isn't a full time player, he plays 35-45 snaps a game." He said Fairley has "had some sleep apnea and while that can be treated, he could have some breathing problems. I don't see him as a regular, you have to rotate him in and out of the game."

7. Shonka believes Dareus is the best defensive lineman in the draft, and would be ideal for the Browns -- but odds are they won't have a chance to pick him.

8. Then he mentioned something that I've been thinking about ... suppose the Browns can trade down a few notches ... why not take Tyron Smith, the right tackle from USC? Smith is projected as good enough to play left tackle in the NFL despite being a right tackle at USC. If the Browns take him, "Your offensive line is set for years," said Shonka. "You got Joe Thomas (left tackle), Alex Mack (center) and Smith at right tackle. Just fill in with guards. It really is something to think about. The line becomes the strength of your team."

9. Another player the Browns may consider if they trade down is Wisconsin defensive tackle A.J. Watt: "He's not the pass rusher like Quinn, but this guy is a good lineman, really can stuff the run."

10. Shonka said the Browns should look at Maryland receiver Torrey Smith in the second round. He's a speed player, and does make some sense. A player such as Smith is why the Browns may skip a receiver and go with defense in the first round. They think they can find a receiver later in the draft.

11. Shonka has Oklahoma safety Quintin Carter (No. 70), N.C. State linebacker Nate Irving (No. 102), Clemson offensive tackle Chris Hairston (No. 137), Southern Arkansas defensive lineman Cedric Thornton (No. 168), Boise State safety Jeron Johnson (No. 170) and Zane Parr (No. 248) as the rest of the Browns' picks.

12. I have no clue on most of those guys, but I threw out their names so draft fanatics can do some homework. I doubt they'd take two safeties (Johnson and Carter), but they certainly need one. I'd love the Browns to give serious thought to Mount Union receiver Cecil Shorts.

It's really NFL Draft day, but for Browns fans, it's Super Bowl Sunday.

View full sizePD file photoThe memory of "Big Money" wasted by the Browns a decade ago never leaves the team's most devoted fans, who have adopted the NFL Draft as their playoff season, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thursday, the NFL draft begins.

All we can do is give thanks, because the Browns simply must pick someone before their entire fan base has a collective nervous breakdown.

This is Northeast Ohio, where the Browns have had a grand total of two winning seasons and one playoff appearance (a loss) since returning in 1999.

"[The draft] is on par with the Super Bowl," emailed Paul and Angela Merrick. "We want nothing but the Browns to get better. I've had enough of all these Steeler fans in Northeast Ohio who probably couldn't find Pittsburgh on a map."

That may be true, but unfortunately for Browns fans, the Steelers are regularly found in the Super Bowl. So far, the Browns and Super Bowl don't appear in the same sentence unless it's one that adds to the anguish and anticipation of the draft.

As John Bednarowski emailed: "The draft has always been an important day because it allows your mind to drift and think what if ... what if the Browns catch lightning in a bottle and have a draft like they did in 1978 and get two of the franchise's best players of all time in Ozzie Newsome and Clay Matthews? What if this draft signals the beginning of a dynasty like the Steelers of the 1970s?"

When do Browns fans start seriously talking about the draft?

"The moment the Browns were two games below .500," said WTAM radio talk show host Andre Knott.

What started after the Browns opened the season at 0-2?

"People calling the shows wanting to know who the Browns will draft," said Knott. "Or thinking they know who the Browns will draft. Sometimes, I do a five-hour show. And I can do all five hours about the draft."

Mad dog in a meat market

"It's the illusion of hope," emailed Larry Hannan. "On draft day, we can believe that the Browns have drafted good players, and are on the right track. Also, it's a chance to make 'Mad Dog in a Meat Market' jokes (still funny after 20 years)."

The "dog" was what the Browns called Duke linebacker Mike Junkin, the No. 5 pick in the 1987 draft. They passed up future Hall of Famer Rod Woodson in favor of Junkin. He was with the team for two years and was more like a timid puppy hiding under a chair because his master was looking for him with a rolled-up newspaper.

Browns fans love the draft for another reason -- it's time to recall all the horrible picks and bad moves by the front office.

As Eric Furniss emailed: "I've wasted whole weekends glued to the television watching not only the first round but all seven [rounds]. ... I sometimes wonder what I could have accomplished while waiting around for the Browns to pick players like Madre Hill, Spergon Wynn and Clifton Geathers."

Kevin Rucker emailed these two words: "Big Money." That's as in "Big Money" Gerard Warren, the No. 3 pick in the 2001 draft by Butch Davis. There should be a rule against ever drafting anyone in the first round with the nickname "Big Money," who mostly played like small change in his seasons here.

More from Furniss: "I never really measured the time I've spent reading mock drafts or news articles on the draft. I can tell you this much: I spent more time learning about players than Butch Davis ever did. I knew that Jeremiah Pharms had a criminal background and Butch drafted him anyway."

Pharms was the team's fifth-round pick in 2001 (The Big Money draft) and was arrested before arriving at training camp.

Where's that other shoe?

Browns fans have an in-depth sense of draft history ... along with a feeling of impending doom.

Some fans don't want the Browns to pick a receiver at No. 6, because they took Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards in 2005 near the top of the draft. He usually was near the league lead in dropped passes.

How about a massive defensive tackle such as Auburn's Nick Fairley? Can't do that ... brings back memories of Big Money in 2001.

A quarterback? How can we forget that in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, the Browns selected Spergon Wynn. The 183rd selection in that draft played only seven NFL games for the Browns. And 16 picks after Wynn's name was called, New England grabbed Tom Brady.

That's why some Browns fans are convinced they can do the draft better than their favorite team, or at least some of the previous front offices.

Doug Dickerhoof emailed: "I was at my girlfriend's [now wife] choir concert in Ashland [during the 2009 draft]. The minute it was over, I ran to the car and listened to the draft. The first trade, I was happy. Then it became anger as the rounds continued, especially hearing 'David Veikune.' I went nuts ... a guy who was a defensive end at Hawaii moving to linebacker ... in the second round! Come on!"

That was when former Browns coach Eric Mangini traded twice in the first round to add future Pro Bowl center Alex Mack. But they Browns also drafted Veikune, who was cut after one season.

Time well spent?

Kevin Rucker emailed: "Sad to say, but I'm pretty sure my co-workers and I could cure cancer ... if only we didn't spend our down time mocking up the draft complete with trade scenarios."

Brent Cochran emailed that he spends about 30 minutes "every day for a couple of months at least thinking/researching/talking about the draft ... I definitely have my own Big Board ... it changes a lot less than that of ESPN's experts."

Randy Tolen emailed: "The Big Board resides in my head ... [My friends] kick things back and forth and sort of develop our own board as it relates to the Browns ... We Browns fans have such anticipation and hope that this time we'll get it right and hit big time in the draft."

Tom Nemcek emailed: "My friends from high school get together twice a year -- once for the Super Bowl and the draft. The draft is basically our Super Bowl ... everyone we draft has done nothing [yet] to disappoint the fans."

In 2010, the Browns actually had a good draft. Their first three picks became starters: defensive backs Joe Haden and T.J. Ward along with quarterback Colt McCoy. Optimism is real because of those selections by General Manager Tom Heckert, along with his solid record of drafting in Philadelphia.

Jason Cocca emailed: "I have my own big board. I watch clips of players on YouTube. And my friends and I have been running through draft day scenarios for the past two months.

"The NFL draft is like Christmas. It starts the yearly cycle of optimism for the Browns season. The optimism usually continues on through training camp and pre-season, right up until the first game when all of us are reminded that the Browns still can't stop the run."

For the final mock draft of the season, a projection of what all 32 first-round selections might bring.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the final mock draft of the season, a projection of what all 32 first-round selections might bring.

1. Carolina Panthers: QB Cam Newton, Auburn

Comment: If this blows up, they're still in position for Andrew Luck in 2012.

2. Denver Broncos: DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama

Comment: He makes the most sense for John Fox's 4-3 defense.

3. Buffalo Bills: LB Von Miller, Texas A&M

Comment: They prefer Dareus, but have to settle for another rush LB.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

Comment: Quarterbacks are in Mike Brown's DNA.

5. Arizona Cardinals: CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

Comment: A trade with Houston here is possible.

6. Cleveland Browns: WR A.J. Green, Georgia

Comment: This is a no-brainer if available.

7. San Francisco 49ers: DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina

Comment: This would be good landing spot for Carson Palmer after draft.

8. Tennessee Titans: DT Nick Fairley, Auburn

Comment: There is some speculation they could reach for a QB.

9. Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyron Smith, USC

Comment: Jerry Jones breaks streak of never taking O-linemen in first round.

10. Washington Redskins: QB Jake Locker, Washington

Comment: Mike Shanahan can make a player out of this guy.

11. Houston Texans: DE Aldon Smith, Missouri

Comment: They will try to move up for the top-rated cornerback.

12. Minnesota Vikings: DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson

Comment: With sights on Donovan McNabb, they bolster defense.

13. Detroit Lions: CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

Comment: They will seriously consider a left tackle here.

14. St. Louis Rams: WR Julio Jones, Alabama

Comment: Nirvana, for them.

15. Miami Dolphins: RB Mark Ingram, Alabama

Comment: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are free agents and over the hill.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

Comment: Fits the profile of GM Gene Smith to a T.

17. New England Patriots: DE Cameron Jordan, California

Comment: Bill Belichick finally finds his replacement for Richard Seymour.

18. San Diego Chargers: DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

Comment: Best available defensive lineman for them.

19. New York Giants: OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

Comment: Former BC coach Tom Coughlin is a softie for BC offensive linemen.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

Comment: Need for pass rush help is inescapable.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

Comment: GM Scott Pioli has to surround Matt Cassell with players.

22. Indianapolis Colts: DT Corey Liuget, Illinois

Comment: Bill Polian debates taking an offensive lineman here.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado

Comment: Some experts rate him a better CB than Peterson.

24. New Orleans Saints: DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

Comment: They hope to get some pass rush out of this guy.

25. Seattle Seahawks: OG Mike Pouncey, Florida

Comment: They've been looking for a left guard a long time.

26. Baltimore Ravens: CB Brandon Harris, Miami

Comment: Ozzie Newsome doesn't mind shorter cornerbacks.

27. Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

Comment: Surprise choice joins Tony Gonzalez to help Matt Ryan.

28. New England Patriots: G Danny Watkins, Baylor

Comment: Will be a 27-year-old NFL rookie.

29. Chicago Bears: OT Nate Solder, Colorado

Comment: Bolstering the pass protection a must with Mike Martz's system.

30. New York Jets: OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA

Comment: The next Vernon Gholston?

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

Comment: They have the luxury of easing in their top picks.

32. Green Bay Packers: DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

Comment: This team is set up to win for a while.

A deal to pick up more draft picks is a realistic possibility for the Browns, if Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton are still on the board.

View full sizeAP photoIf Missouri's Blaine Gabbert is still on the board when Thursday's first round gets to the Browns, a trade down a few spots is a very likely scenario, says Mary Kay Cabot.

1. They're all ears: The Browns will listen to all offers and try to trade out of the No. 6 pick. The Browns have plenty of holes and need several good players more than one blue-chipper. One report has the Texans hoping to move up from No. 11 for either LB Von Miller or CB Patrick Peterson. If Peterson is there and the offer's good enough, I can see the Browns doing it. Other teams will call, too, especially if QB Blaine Gabbert, CB Prince Amukamara or WR Julio Jones are there. Some teams have Amukamara rated higher than Peterson. If there's no blockbuster offer, they'll most likely choose one of the following: DT Marcell Dareus, Miller, Peterson, WR A.J. Green, Amukamara or OT Tyron Smith.

2. Corner over receiver: Given a choice between an equally-rated corner or receiver, the Browns would take the corner. I think they'd take Peterson over Green, and Amukamara over Julio Jones. Browns GM Tom Heckert has had success with drafting receivers later -- the Eagles' DeSean Jackson in the second round, 49th overall -- and loading up on cornerbacks. Although Green and Jones seemingly promise to have great careers, a superstar receiver doesn't always mean Super Bowl -- or even playoffs. Besides, the west coast offense and its high-percentage passing game can make good receivers look great. Again, some teams have Amukamara ranked higher than Peterson, and worthy of a top-10 pick.

3. Caution on those defensive linemen: The Browns love Dareus, but he'll be gone by No. 3. Among the top defensive linemen, that leaves North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley and Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers. I highly doubt the Browns would take Quinn, who was suspended all last season for accepting agent benefits. I think they like Fairley and Bowers, but maybe not at No. 6. They'd be great candidates if the Browns trade down. Both are one-year wonders, but both have exceptional upside. Heckert staunchly defended Fairley's character this week and insists Bowers' knee is fine. Both are immediate starters.

4. How it might go: If both of the top quarterbacks -- Cam Newton and Gabbert -- are gone, either Peterson or Green would probably be there for the Browns -- and barring a trade they'd take whichever one is there. But if Gabbert falls out of the top five, the following players the Browns like will be gone: Dareus, Miller, Peterson and Green. In that scenario, if they stay where they are, it would come to down to Amukamara or Smith -- and they'd be thrilled with either. The two were among the big-name players who visited the Browns in recent weeks and left strong impressions.

The NFL draft brings a yearly reminder of just what a good personnel man can mean for a franchise. Tom Heckert is off to a good start, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column.

View full sizeGus Chan / The Plain DealerTom Heckert could offer the most savvy of any Browns GM in recent memory ... not that that's a particularly high bar to clear, says Bud Shaw.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A review of the last two decades indicates Tom Heckert could be in line for a different kind of bust...

Shining moments in the draft have eluded the Browns more often than not. But then again, I've only been here for 20 years.

As for the other moments, can you spare three hours?

Let's just say the only personnel man with an easier act to follow than Phil Savage in my two decades in Cleveland is Heckert. Heckert's work in his first draft -- Joe Haden, T.J. Ward and Colt McCoy in the first three rounds -- is the primary reason for hope in 2011.

Nobody is building a statue to Heckert quite yet. No one is proclaiming him a can't-miss talent evaluator. But not only does he have an opportunity again Thursday to score big in the first round, where others before him have failed so miserably, he looks entirely capable of avoiding the kinds of picks that have doomed this franchise since 1999.

A review of the "Worst Of" list I've compiled since my first draft in Cleveland in 1992 should make you appreciate Heckert even more. It includes an inappropriately named running back, a self-titled defensive tackle, a wide receiver who declared himself the best in the draft (no, it wasn't Braylon) and a player under investigation for a felony at the time the Browns proclaimed him a great family man.

You can decide the worst of the worst. To me, it's Gerard Warren, but they all run together.

Courtney Brown (First round, 1st overall, 2000). Could've been somebody. Compared to Hall of Famer Bruce Smith while in college. Missed more games (51) than he played (45) over the last six seasons of his career.

Gerard Warren (First round, 3rd, 2001). Other than questions about his character and work ethic sending off alarms the Browns should've heeded, it's probably best to avoid drafting anybody calling himself "Big Money." Nicest guy Pittsburgh police ever arrested, according to Carmen Policy.

Could've been somebody, too -- LaDainian Tomlinson.

View full sizePD file photoWilliam Green may not have been the worst Browns draft pick, but he was no LaDainian Tomlinson.

William Green (First round, 16th, 2002). A makeup pick for not getting a franchise back when they were in position to do so the year before. Green's issues made Warren look like a Boy Scout. Say what you will about Big Money, at least he never claimed to have fallen on scissors and stabbing himself in the back while walking up the steps.

Craig Powell (First round, 30th, 1995). When the Jets took Penn State tight end Kyle Brady one spot ahead of the Browns, Bill Belichick either said, "Shucks," or threw a phone against the wall, depending on what story you believe. The upshot was Belichick traded down to the 30th pick and drafted Powell, a Buckeyes linebacker.

Depending on your perspective, this could be the worst pick of the two decades in question. The Browns traded down, passing up Warren Sapp despite a serious need for defensive linemen. Plus, not only did the extra picks acquired by trading down in a multi-team deal leave for Baltimore with Art Modell, but one of them turned into future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.

Travis Wilson (Third round, 78th, 2006). The self-declared best receiver in the draft. Career stats as of 2010: two catches, 32 yards.

Rahim Abdullah (Second round, 45th, 1999). He was gone two years later. If you consider winning a Grey Cup with Edmonton the last laugh, I guess he got it. Now employed as a high school defensive line coach.

Touchdown Tommy Vardell (First round, 9th, 1992). On the list because he was a Top 10 pick. Had three rushing TDs in four seasons with Browns.

His best year came blocking for Barry Sanders in Detroit. Got a better last laugh than Abdullah. Founded Northgate Capital, a private equities investment firm, where he works as managing director.

David Veikune (Second round, 52nd, 2009). Hawaii is a good place to look if you need a limbo dancer for a halftime show.

Chaun Thompson (Second round, 52nd, 2003). Why did Butch Davis and Pete Garcia outsmart themselves so often? Because they could.

Jeremiah Pharms (Fifth round, 134th, 2001). The Browns praised him as a mature family man on the day of the draft. One media account said while "his Washington teammates were out socializing on Friday and Saturday nights, Jeremiah Pharms was home changing diapers."

Apparently not all the time. He was also changing into ski masks. Pharms had been under investigation for most of the past season for a felony assault. He did time and never played in the NFL.

So ... Tom Heckert ... what's your preference for a statue? Marble or bronze?

SPINOFFS

In a development that conspirators inside Cleveland sports believe was a fraternity initiation rite, the Lake Erie Monsters lost Game 7 of their playoff series against Manitoba after holding a 3-1 lead...

Former Boston outfielder Carl Everett, a volatile player during his playing days, was arrested in Tampa for pointing a gun at his wife. His attorney called it a "family matter." Unless her family name is Soprano, good try...

How ridiculous does it look now that Ohio State initially planned to suspend Jim Tressel for only two games? Something tells me that's one of the many questions the NCAA was asking. Now it's asking how ridiculous it looks that the suspension is only five games...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

View full sizePD file He drafted some great rock and roll, but could he find NFL talent?

Browns GM Tom Heckert and Akron Heavy Metal Hero Tim "Ripper" Owens -- Brian Heldman.

Harvey Updyke Jr., Auburn tree killer and Curt Schilling, Yankee killer. -- Bob H., Medina

YOU SAID IT

"Bud:

"The Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson earns a $750,000 bonus just to work out. What does the PD pay you extra for?" -- Tom Hoffner

I'm trying to work out a deal to get paid extra for exclamation points!!!! Imagine!!

"Bud:

"Before the Browns consider drafting A.J. Green, should they find out if he has a New York Essence?" -- Daniel Jenkins, Xenia

According to Wikipedia, which is never wrong, A.J. Green was on his elementary school "juggling team" and began riding a unicycle in the fourth grade. I'd be more worried about him running away from here to join the circus.

"Bud:

"Albert Haynesworth was indicted for fondling a waitress in Washington. Based on the way he played last year that's about the only thing he put his hands on." -- Angelo, Cleveland

Not true. He also was seen fondling and kissing an oversized paycheck.

"Bud:

"Was it any surprise to you that with all of his troubles, Jim Tressel came to the OSU spring game in a camo cap? He wasn't trying to hide anything was he? Himself, for instance?" -- Steam

I thought that was a tattoo of camouflage cap.

"Hey Bud:

"Do the recent developments at Ohio State make Jim Tressel the odds-on favorite to win coach of the year honors in the SEC?" -- Dan Coughlin

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"These attacks on OSU make me so mad, I could punch a Clemson player." -- Joe S

Repeat winners receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.