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Sporting News' Top 10 players still available in NFL Draft

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There will be some excellent players drafted in the next 32 picks. Take a look at the 10 best players available as NFL teams prepare to attack the second round.

Janoris Jenkins SidelineIt's not a surprise that Janoris Jenkins slid out of the first round because of his numerous off-field issues.

There were a number of surprise picks in Thursday's first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, which means solid prospects available on Day 2. Rounds 2 and 3 will be conducted tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Some players fell out of the first round for obvious reasons, including character questions and the level of competition they faced. However, a number fell out for reasons for which no one can be certain. One thing is sure: There will be some excellent players drafted in the next 32 picks.

Below is a look at the 10 best players available as NFL teams prepare to attack the second round:

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

It's not a surprise that Jenkins slid out of the first round because of his numerous off-field issues. He is an outstanding physical talent who stood out in 2010 (when he was still at Florida) when he shut down A.J. Green and Julio Jones.

Jenkins has what it takes to be a top NFL cornerback, and his most outstanding attribute is his ability to close on the ball to break up passes. Jenkins also has the hip flexibility, physical style and speed to cover extremely well in man coverage.

Despite his character concerns, look for him to be drafted in the second round.

Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

After a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine, Glenn proved he has the quickness, agility and strength to be a good pro tackle. However, concerns over Glenn's ability to stay in shape and his inconsistent production at Georgia are why he is still on the board. He has the tools to be a solid starter and should go in Round 2.

Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

Randle's combination of size at 6-3, 210 pounds, explosive acceleration, deceptive speed and good hands are why he will be one of the first players taken on Day 2. He has the strength to run through grab tackles, making him a legitimate big-play weapon.

The Rams weren't able to fill a gaping chasm at receiver in the first round, and Randle would be an excellent selection for them with one of their three second-round picks. They hold Friday's first pick.

Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

If Kendricks were two inches taller, he likely would have been a top-20 pick. But at 5-11, he slid out of the first round despite being the draft's most versatile inside linebacker. He shows outstanding speed when chasing down plays in pursuit, is productive in coverage and sets himself apart from other linebackers with his pass-rush ability.

The Rams and Bills will have strong interest in him in the second round. The Rams pick seventh on Friday thanks to Thursday's trades. The Bills hold the ninth pick in Round 2.

Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

Reyes' fall out of the first round was not that surprising because he was not an explosive, game-changing player. But he uses his hands well against blockers and is a smooth athlete. Reyes has the versatility to become a productive starting defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or an end in a 3-4 scheme. Look for Indianapolis to consider Reyes — it holds Friday's second pick — as it tries to get big defensive linemen to fill its new 3-4.

Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

We were surprised that Fleener fell out of the first round because big-play receiving tight ends have become so popular. He is a good target at 6-6, with good speed and excellent hands. Fleener must improve his routes and blocking to become a good all-around tight end. Expect Cleveland, St. Louis and Buffalo to consider him in Round 2.

Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State

Silatolu has rare quickness and all-around athleticism. He played tackle at a small school and will need to switch to guard. So the combination of switching positions and making a huge jump in level of competition likely led to him sliding out of the first round. Expect the Jets and Chargers, both of whom need upgrades at guard, to have interest in him.

Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington

Ta'amu, the best nose tackle still available, fell to the second round because he is not an elite or explosive athlete. He has tremendous size at 6-3, 348 pounds, excellent strength and deceptive athleticism to be a real force at the point of attack. He can anchor against double-teams and can drive pass blockers into the quarterback's lap. The Chargers, Steelers and Colts are looking for a young nose tackle and are possible Day 2 landing spots.

Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

No one is shocked that Osweiler did not get selected in the first round. However, he is the best quarterback left, and with his tremendous arm strength, good accuracy and natural feel for the passing game, he will be selected in the second round. The Bills, Chiefs and Eagles will all consider drafting him on Friday.

Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

Curry fell out of the first round because teams are unsure of his ability to maintain a high level of production after not shining at the Combine. He is, however, an athletic pass rusher who uses his hands well to defeat pass blocks and has a burst to finish sacks. But his intensity will help him become a productive pass rusher. Teams that will consider him on Day 2 include the Lions, Jaguars and Falcons.

Still available but not on this list: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech; Mike Adams, OL, Ohio State

Russ Lande is Sporting News' NFL Draft Expert

This article originally appeared on SportingNews.com


2012 NBA Draft lottery odds: Cleveland Cavaliers tied for third

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NBA Draft lottery odds: Cleveland and New Orleans tie for third, giving each about a 42 percent chance to land one of the top three picks in the draft. See the breakdown.

Anthony DavisKentucky's Anthony Davis could be the prize of the 2012 NBA Draft.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Hornets finished in a tie for the third-worst record in the NBA - meaning each will pick no lower than seventh in the 2012 NBA Draft.

By losing their season finale in Chicago, the Cavs significantly improved their chances at a top 3 pick in this year's draft.

The precise odds will be determined after the NBA breaks the tie through a random draw.

But the chances for each team landing the top pick will look about like this:

  • No. 1 pick - 13.8 percent.
  • No. 2 pick - 14.2 percent.
  • No. 3 pick - 14.4 percent.

The winner of the tiebreaker between New Orleans and Cleveland will receive 138 of the 1,000 chances in the lottery. The loser will receive 137.

More importantly, however, the drawing will set the order should neither team land one of the top three picks. The rest of the draft order will be determined by record and the tie-breakers.

The team with the third most chances in the lottery could end up drafting as low as sixth. The team with the fourth most chances could draft as low as seventh.

An announcement could come Friday from the NBA.

Here are standings at the close of the regular season and approximate odds, before the tiebreakers are determined.

  Team W L Win
ave.
No. 1 pick
chance
No. 2 pick
chance
No. 3 pick
chance
Somewhere
in top 3
1 Charlotte 7 59 0.106 25.0% 21.5% 17.8% 64.3%
2 Washington 20 46 0.303 19.9% 18.8% 17.1% 55.8%
3 Cleveland 21 45 0.318 13.8% 14.2% 14.4% 42.4%
(tie) New Orleans 21 45 0.318 13.8% 14.2% 14.4% 42.4%
5 Sacramento 22 44 0.333 7.6% 8.4% 9.4% 25.3%
(tie) New Jersey 22 44 0.333 7.6% 8.4% 9.4% 25.3%
7 Toronto 23 43 0.348 3.6% 4.1% 4.8% 12.5%
(tie) Golden State 23 43 0.348 3.6% 4.1% 4.8% 12.5%
9 Detroit 25 41 0.379 1.7% 2.0% 2.4% 6.1%
10 Minnesota 26 40 0.394 1.1% 1.3% 1.6% 4.0%
11 Portland 28 38 0.424 0.8% 0.9% 1.2% 2.9%
12 Milwaukee 31 35 0.470 0.7% 0.8% 1.0% 2.5%
13 Phoenix 33 33 0.500 0.6% 0.7% 0.9% 2.2%
14 Houston 34 32 0.515 0.5% 0.6% 0.7% 1.8%

Sources: NBA and The Plain Dealer


Reports: Browns talking with Packers about trade for Colt McCoy

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Colt McCoy might be traded to the Packers today, according to a report.

colt mccoy 4.JPGWill Colt McCoy be a Packer by today?

CLEVELAND -- The Browns are talking to Green Bay about trading quarterback Colt McCoy to the Packers, a source told the Packer Report. The Eagles might also be in the market for a backup, according to nflnetwork's Jason LaCanfora.

 The Browns drafted quarterback Brandon Weeden with the No. 22 overall pick and said "he's the guy.''

 The Packers have a sixth-round pick and four seventh-rounders that they can use to land McCoy. A player could also be involved. They need a backup to Aaron Rodgers after losing Matt Flynn to Seattle in free agency. The Eagles and Browns have traded several times in the past two seasons.

McCoy has not asked for a trade, according to LaCanfora, and is willing to come in and compete with Weeden. The Browns are initiating the talks.

 "(A trade is)something we'll talk about tonight and tomorrow," Browns general manager Tom Heckert said on Thursday night.

  Browns coach Pat Shurmur and Heckert both acknowledged Thursday night that they drafted Weeden to be their starter and that they felt they upgraded the position. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, McCoy had been told that the Browns weren't going to draft a quarterback in the first round.

 He believed what they had been telling him all offseason, that they were moving forward with him as their starter.
 

Proud of being 'a grown man', Trent Richardson overcomes a life of obstacles to join the Cleveland Browns

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Trent Richardson dealt with comparisons to a Hall of Famer, ankle injuries and becoming a father at age 16 to become the Browns' top pick in this year's NFL draft. Watch video

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BEREA, Ohio -- What drives Trent Richardson most is not the need to prove he's the best running back to ever come out of Pensacola, Fla., better than the guy who graduated from Escambia High School two decades before he did and then went on to rush for the most yards in the NFL.

It is not the chance to show that two ankle injuries in high school that led to doctors telling him he might never run again are irrelevant, now. It's not even that Richardson wants to play for all the little guys, those 5-feet-10 like him, who don't get respect in a league where size matters.

What drives him is two little girls named Taliyah and Elevera. His 5- and 3-year-old daughters, whom Richardson brought on stage with him after the Browns made him the No. 3 selection in the NFL draft, are the catalyst for everything the 21-year-old Richardson has done to overcome obstacles and arrive in Cleveland as the newly appointed offensive spark.

"When it comes down to it, I have two little girls who have to eat and who have to have smiles on their faces," Richardson said Friday in Berea. "I can't let any man take meals from my little girls."

It was the birth of Taliyah when Richardson was 16 that propelled the running back to change his life, he said. Until then, he had been a solid and speedy football player at Escambia, the alma mater of Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time rushing leader. He was overcoming surgery on both ankles in successive years when ligaments in both needed screws inserted to repair the damage. And he had a choice.

"It was going to be either I hung around a wrong crowd and try to get fast money, or I could go make something out of myself and go be a grown man and handle my responsibilities," Richardson said. "I stood up to the plate and my little girls are happy now."

Off the field, he worked a part-time job to earn money to care for his daughter. On the football field, Richardson began running through and from defenses, piling up yards and earning comparisons to Smith. Jimmy Nichols, who coached both players in high school, says it's true -- Richardson is bigger, faster and stronger than Smith ever was.

Which is not to say that Richardson is better than Smith, though.

"He's much stronger, much faster, but he doesn't have the intangibles that Emmitt had," Nichols said Friday in a telephone interview. "[Especially in] vision. Emmitt studied the game so much. Trent is gradually improving in that area. He'll get there."

Richardson already has the endorsement of Smith, who is someone he considers a mentor and idol. Earlier this year, Smith told the Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal that he's a "big Trent Richardson fan."

"What I love best about him is he moves the pile," Smith said. "He runs with cruel intentions. I absolutely love that about the way he plays the game."

These are accolades about the same player that former Browns running back Jim Brown called "ordinary." When Richardson arrived in Cleveland on Friday, he declared that he has aspirations to rise above that label.

"I can be one of those guys who you can mention my name with Emmitt Smith, or Marshall Faulk or all of those great guys," Richardson said. "Even the great Jim Brown, when it comes down to it. There is only one thing you can take to the grave with you, and that's your last name. How your name is remembered, that's on you."

So when Richardson rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns for Alabama last season, it was a step toward proving that he's fast and strong enough to be among the greats. But, most of all, it was for the daughters he wants to provide for. His relationship with the two girls that his mother, Katrina, and girlfriend help care for, is genuine, those around him say.

"It's awesome," Nichols said. "It's the way it should be. Trent deserves everything good that comes his way. He's a great, great person."

On the field he's the real deal, too.

"No doubt about it, he's going to be an immediate impact player," Nichols said. "He is that good."

Said Richardson: "That's the plan and that is the standard I'm going to set. When it comes down to it, this town and this community, they expect the same thing. And I wouldn't be here if they didn't expect the same thing. We want to win. ... This has always been a dream for me. Coming form where I came from, people don't make it out of age 18. I really want to thank them [the Browns] and try to repay them back and just try to play good football for them."

Terry Pluto talks about the Browns' second round pick, Mitchell Schwartz : Video

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The Cleveland Browns filled their void at right tackle by drafting University of California at Berkeley's Mitchell Schwartz. The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto talks about the pick and how the Browns add versaitily at the two tackle positions with this pick. Watch video

The Cleveland Browns filled their void at right tackle by drafting University of California at Berkeley's Mitchell Schwartz.

The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto talks about the pick and how the Browns add versaitily at the two tackle positions with this pick.

Will the Browns move back in the second round to draft a wide receiver? Pluto says it's a possibility.

Schwartz is the sixth 37th overall selection drafted by the Browns in franchise history. He now joins Gene Donaldson (1953), Bob Freeman (1955), William Quinlan (1956), Gary Prahst (1959) and Jabaal Sheard (2011).

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NFL Draft 2012 second- and third-round roundup: Links to the picks

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Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick leads off the second round, going to the Rams, before Andrew Luck's former favorite receiver, Coby Fleener, gets picked by the Colts.

goodell-fleener.jpgStanford tight end Coby Fleener (right) is congratulated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after Fleener was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the second pick in the second round of the draft on Friday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The overnight wait paid off for Stanford tight end Coby Fleener. He's reuniting with his college quarterback, a guy named Andrew Luck.

Fleener wasn't chosen in the first round of the NFL draft, in which Luck was the top selection. He got a nice consolation prize Friday night when the Indianapolis Colts grabbed him with the second pick of the second round. Chances are very good Fleener will become a starter - and a main target - for Luck.

"I knew it was a possibility, a small chance," said Fleener, who had 10 touchdown catches last season and 18 for his career in Stanford's prodigious offense.

Indy not only parted with four-time MVP quarterback Peyton Manning this year, but also lost tight end Jacob Tamme to free agency and isn't expected to bring back injury-ravaged veteran Dallas Clark.

The Rams actually used their own pick to begin the second round, selecting Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick. St. Louis traded down twice in the first round the previous night, accumulating several extra picks and also taking LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers 14th overall. In the second-round spot they earned for going 2-14 in 2011, the Rams took a wideout from an FCS powerhouse. The 6-foot-4 Quick had a strong Senior Bowl, showing he could play at the highest college level and helping his stock in the draft.

An overview of the second round:

THE PICKS 

(Overall pick No.)

33. St. Louis Rams: Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

Comment: His massive frame is his best attribute, and he possesses impressive speed and jumping ability for such a big receiver. He also has very strong hands and good instincts.

 34. St. Louis Rams: Coby Fleener, TE, Standord

Comment: He has excelled in the red zone, using his frame to go up and get the ball, and is a solid route runner. And despite his size, he can get separation and get behind defenders to make plays deep down the field.

35. Baltimore Ravens: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Comment: Upshaw is a good run stopper and gets into the backfield by overpowering offensive linemen. However, he sometimes struggles when having to move laterally and can get lost in the shuffle when plays move to the opposite side of the field.

36. Denver Broncos: Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

37. Cleveland Browns: Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California

Comment: Though his technique needs improvement, Schwartz is strong at the point attack. A tough, mature and intelligent athlete who showed versatility throughout college, Schwartz could hear his name called late in the second round or early third.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Comment: A pass rush specialist who could be moved to linebacker - a position he occasionally played in college - Branch can blaze past offensive tackles thanks to quick feet and an uncanny ability to dip his shoulders under them. He's certainly not as good against the run, easily eaten up by multiple blockers, but is good at chasing down rushers from behind.

39. St. Louis Rams: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Comment: There's little doubt that Jenkins is a first-round pick based on his on-field production and a case can be made that he is the best cornerback prospect in this draft. Perhaps no player, however, comes with more baggage than Jenkins, whose football skills and athletic ability have been overshadowed by character flaws and several run-ins with the law.

40. Carolina Panthers: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State

Comment: He has good footwork and finishes blocks well, often smothering opposing tacklers, but his leverage needs work. Far from being the fastest or strongest O-liner at the combine, he did show off his athletic ability by finishing toward the top in the vertical and broad jumps.

41. Buffalo Bills: Cordy Glenn, OT-G, Georgia

Comment: Glenn is an athletic offensive lineman who uses his speed to get up the field, and he showcased his quickness by finishing sixth among linemen at the NFL combine with a 40-yard dash time of 5.15 seconds. Glenn was also a top performer among players at his position in the bench press, finishing eighth with 31 reps.

jonathan-martin27.jpgStanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round, with the 42nd overall pick.


42. Miami Dolphins: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Comment: Martin has impressed scouts with his smarts since he also was recruited by Harvard and has plans to attend law school after his football career is over. Those lofty post-NFL ambitions do not mask his intense competitive nature since he declared at the combine that he was a better player than Kalil.

43. New York Jets: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Comment: Hill has above-average hands and great leaping ability, but he needs to improve his concentration to avoid drops. Hill can be tough to bring down, yet some additional strength is needed for him to compete on Sundays.

44. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeff Allen, G, Illinois

Comment: A better-than-expected athlete with good bulk, Allen has the size and foot quickness to be a solid pass protector at the next level. He plays low with excellent leverage and a strong base that makes it tough for defenders to knock him off balance.

45. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Comment: As good as the NFL combine began for Jeffery, weighing in at a trim 216 pounds following rumors he ballooned to 250, the rest of the event may play a role in his draft stock dropping significantly. Not only did his interviews reportedly turn teams off, Jeffery inexplicably didn't compete in any of the drills - many scouts wanted to see his 40-yard dash time considering speed isn't his strong suit.

46. Philadelphia Eagles: Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

Comment: Extremely athletic, Kendricks led linebackers at the combine in the 40-yard dash at 4.47 seconds, the vertical leap at 39 1/2 inches and the broad jump at 127 inches. Though Kendricks is short for an inside linebacker, he was a three-year starter at California. He has been compared to Hall of Famer Mike Singletary because of his size and stature.

47. Seattle Seahawks: Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

Comment: However, shortly before the combine, Wagner was hospitalized with pneumonia and unable to show his talents to scouts. Still, after a full recovery, he will be high on teams' draft boards given his college performance. His overall speed is a perfect fit for an immediate contributor at the linebacker position...

48. New England Patriots: Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois

49. San Diego Chargers: Kendall Reyes, DE, Connecticut

Comment: His 36 reps in the bench press at the scouting combine was tied for second among defensive linemen. Understandably with his massive frame, Reyes isn't particularly fast, but he uses a quick first step off the snap to get in position and make plays.

50. St. Louis Rams: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

Comment: Combining excellent speed with great athleticism and the ability to explode through holes makes Pead a breakaway threat any time he touches the ball. However, lack of power and average size will keep him from being a first-round selection. Pead has never been afraid to run inside and take hits, but he's not going to run over anyone either.

51. Green Bay Packers: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Comment: A constant presence in opposing backfields, Worthy is a prototypical run-stopper but must develop his technique against double-teams to truly flourish in the NFL. Worthy is being mentored by Detroit Pistons general manager Joe Dumars, and could develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player in the right NFL system.

52. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Comment: With good size and a great frame to go along with his remarkable speed, Brown currently projects as a second-round pick. While much has been made about his physical attributes, Brown likely needs to improve his work ethic if he hopes to be a star at the next level; adding a bit of muscle could also be key.

53. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Comment: He is a space-eater in the middle, someone who can occupy two blockers in an off-center position at nose tackle that would allow freedom for linebackers in a 3-4 scheme to roam. At the point of attack, Still has room for improvement - he is incredibly adept at using his arms but needs to create a better foundation for himself to avoid getting knocked off the line.

54. Detroit Lions: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

Comment: An impressive career at Oklahoma has Broyles headed for the NFL. His size, however, could hamper his chances at excelling. Combined with recovery from a torn ACL, Broyles' draft stock has taken a hit. He's expected to be selected in the middle to late rounds, but scouts do like a lot of his qualities.

55. Atlanta Falcons: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Comment: Konz, who became the full-time starter at center as a sophomore in 2010, is considered to be a very good station-to-station blocker and also excels when asked to pull in the run game. He possesses a desired combination of size, strength and quickness that could lead to a successful NFL career. The major knock against Konz is his durability, as various injuries kept him out of two games in 2010 and three late last season....

56. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Comment: Adams has the size to be an NFL lineman, but that lack of strength may scare off teams from using a first-round pick on him. He'll need some fine-tuning of his skills, though teams also question whether or not his poor character will make him difficult to coach. Based off sheer size alone, Adams could be drafted in the second or third round if teams look past his off-the-field issues and focus on his potential.

57. Denver Broncos: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

Comment: Osweiler's decision to leave Arizona State after his junior year was a bit of a surprise, especially considering he was a starter for only one full season, but the towering quarterback may be vindicated with talk of a potential first-round selection. Scouts may be seduced by his arm strength and athleticism - he originally planned to play basketball at Gonzaga before choosing football - especially since his uncommon height allows him to easily see over linemen and make all the throws.

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

Comment: David's productivity and playmaking ability are unquestionable and his technique is solid, but it is his speed that must be his calling card if he hopes to make it at the next level. David demonstrated his quickness at the NFL combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.22...

New Orleans Saints: Pick forfeited

59. Philadelphia Eagles: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

Comment: With a good work ethic and a willingness to be coached, Curry should be able to catch on quickly at the next level. Curry is currently projected as a second-round pick, where he could prove to be a substantial value. He doesn't come with any red flags and is regarded as a pretty safe selection.

60. Baltimore Ravens: Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

Comment: One of the few concerns about Osemele is his footwork is a little slow and he sometimes has trouble getting off the line to block linebackers. Despite lumbering a bit, most scouts believe Osemele has the potential to be an anchor on an offensive line and will likely be one of the first few guards taken in the draft.

61. San Francisco 49ers: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Comment: That speed could make him an option for kick and punt returns as he's a constant threat to score when he gets into open space. James has shown a tendency to struggle to break free from tackles, though, something that will only be exacerbated against bigger NFL players. James also has a propensity for fumbles.

62. Green Bay Packers: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

63. New York Giants: Rueben Randle, WR, Louisiana State

Comment: Scouts see his size, strength, speed and balance as pluses. However, his route discipline is an issue and he lacks breakaway speed. Still, his hands are considered exceptional and he doesn't drop many passes.

64. Indianapolis Colts: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson 

Comment: Allen is also regarded as an above-average blocker. His speed (4.89 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine) isn't outstanding, but at his position it may not have to be. Allen tied for second among tight ends at the combine with 27 bench press reps and placed fifth in the 20-yard shuttle. He is also regarded as an intelligent player, making him close to the complete package for a team seeking a potential star at tight end.

65. St. Louis Rams: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

Comment: Johnson didn't show tremendous speed at the combine (4.61 in the 40) but did finish fifth among cornerbacks in the bench press with 19 reps. On the negative side, there were some issues with durability during his first two seasons in Missoula as he missed a combined nine games due to injury.

66. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

Comment: Robinson earned the distinction of the NFL scouting combine's fastest player with his blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash, and was hand-timed even faster at 4.29. The Central Florida standout graded out well in numerous areas, with the second-best vertical jump among cornerbacks at 38.5 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet, 1 inch, which matched Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill for the best mark by any player at the event.

67. Denver Broncos: Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State

Comment: He uses his speed and elusiveness to get away from defenders, but Hillman is considered undersized and lacks power through the line. Scouts see him as a change of pace back since it's doubtful he'll be able to be the feature back in an offense.

68. Houston Texans: DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

Comment: His biggest assets for the next level are his sudden burst to create separation from a cornerback and an ability to change directions. Posey also has sure hands and is a strong route runner, however, he is not a physical player - he is not the person you want to throw the ball to over the middle to get a needed first down and he does little in the way of blocking. Still, Posey's receiving skills will be more than enough to make him a potential third- or fourth-round selection come draft day.

69. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Graham, WR, North Carolina State

70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Bryan Anger, P, California

Comment: Anger is versatile in the sense that he uses a wide variety of punting styles. He's capable of executing both Australian-style and rugby kicks that should help him angle punts toward the sidelines inside the 20-yard line. One downside of these methods, though, is an occasional lack of height on kicks. He tends to drive the ball more than loft it, which could lead to some shanked kicks at the next level.

71. Washington Redskins: Josh LeRibeus, G, Southern Methodist

Comment: LeRibeus has played guard his entire career dating to high school. It's clear that his strong suit is run blocking and he could struggle against elite NFL tackles inside. He projects as a likely backup in the NFL, but could provide good value in the seventh round.

72. Miami Dolphins: Olivier Vernon, LB, Miami (Fla.)

73. San Diego Chargers: Brandon Taylor, S, Louisiana State

Comment: His stock is somewhat hard to figure; some NFL teams might see him as an underrated player who was simply overshadowed in college, but others may conclude that he's not quite the elite athlete some others at his position are. It's true that he's not the biggest or the fastest safety, but Taylor - whose brother Curtis was selected out of LSU by San Francisco in the seventh round in 2009 - is a hard-working, smart player who should be able to add depth to a defensive backfield quickly.

74. Kansas City Chiefs: Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma

75. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Comment: Wilson enters the draft as a major mystery to scouts. He has the physical and athletic tools to be among the best quarterbacks available, but his size is a major concern. That could cause him to fall into the later rounds to a team willing to develop a quarterback that makes more plays outside of the pocket than in it.

76. Houston Texans: Brandon Books, G, Miami (Ohio)

77. New York Jets: Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State

Comment: His speed has caught the attention of scouts and likely will make him a second-day selection and a contributor on special teams. Davis doesn't take plays off and is a solid tackler when he gets to the ball carrier, but his biggest asset is an occasional weakness. He is prone to overrun plays at times and fly past the point of attack, which makes him susceptible to failing to contain cutback runners.

78. Miami Dolphins: Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

Comment: As a former wide receiver, Egnew has experience running multiple types of routes and could even be used as a deep threat due to his speed. With his size, he'll be able to be used in multiple formations within the passing game. However, due to his overall inexperience playing tight end, his blocking skills need refinement.

79. Chicago Bears: Brandon Hardin, S, Oregon State

80. Arizona Cardinals: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

81. Dallas Cowboys: Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State

Comment: His combination of strength, size and speed make him a potentially dangerous pass rusher, though he's undisciplined and needs to use his hands more effectively.

82. Tennessee Titans: Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

Comment: His best value could come as a rotational interior lineman in a 4-3 scheme where he needs to shed one blocker most of the time. Martin, who enjoyed a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, is an intelligent athlete who could learn as a role player while he continues to improve from a technique standpoint.

83. Cincinnati Bengals: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

84. Baltimore Ravens: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

85. Detroit Lions: Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette

86. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sean Spence, LB, Miami (Fla.)

87. Cleveland Browns: John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati

88. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

89. New Orleans Saints: Akiem Hicks, DE, Louisiana State

90. New England Patriots: Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

91. Atlanta Falcons: Lamar Holmes, OT, Southern Mississippi

92. Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International

93. Cincinnati Bengals: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

94. New York Giants: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

95. Oakland Raiders: Tony Bergstrom, G, Utah

Mike Adams, Ohio State OT, selected by Pittsburgh Steelers in 2nd round of NFL Draft 2012

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Pittsburgh originally took Ohio State's Mike Adams off its draft board, then reconsidered after meeting with the offensive tackle and took him in the second round.

mike-adams-combine.jpgOhio State's Mike Adams at the NFL Combine.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This wasn't necessarily the draft scenario Ohio State fans would have predicted when the Buckeyes landed one of the best recruiting classes in the country in 2008.

That group didn't yield a first-round pick Thursday, just the second time in seven seasons the Buckeyes didn't have a first-rounder. But things got rolling a bit Friday as offensive tackle Mike Adams went in the second round, as the No. 56 pick, to Pittsburgh, and receiver DeVier Posey followed in the third round, at No. 68, to Houston.

Adams was drafted by his favorite NFL team only after driving to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers after failing his drug test at the NFL Combine. Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert told reporters in Pittsburgh that before the meeting, the Steelers had dropped Adams from their draft board because of the positive test.

Adams also had been suspended for five games of his senior season for his role in Ohio State's tattoo-related NCAA violations.

The meeting obviously changed the minds of Steelers' decision makers, with Colbert saying they believed Adams was serious about making up for his mistake. Considered before the draft as a first-round possibility, Adams settled for the 24th pick in Round 2. He should have a chance to start at either tackle spot as the Steelers rebuild a young offensive line, having taken guard David DeCastro in the first round.

This was just the fourth time in the last 22 years that Ohio State waited this long for a draft pick. In 2010, defensive end Thaddeus Gibson was the first OSU player off the board as the No. 116 pick, in 2003 Mike Doss went No. 58 and in 1998 no Buckeyes were drafted.

It was a long wait for the entire Big Ten, though, as the league's first choice Thursday didn't come until Iowa tackle Riley Reiff went No. 23 to Detroit. That tied for the longest Big Ten drought in draft history.

Adams was then the 10th Big Ten player off the board, with Illinois getting four draft picks, Wisconsin two and Iowa, Michigan State and Penn State one each before a Buckeye went. Adams was also the sixth offensive tackle picked, when several analysts believed he might be the second-most talented tackle in the draft.

Posey went soon after Adams, picked higher than expected after he was suspended for 10 games of his senior season. He was the 10th receiver selected in what was seen as a deep draft for the position.

Here is Adams' scouting report:

Adams already had questions entering the draft due to his involvement in a scandal at Ohio State, and his stock has continued to drop after a rough showing at the scouting combine. The offensive tackle had been projected by some as a first-round draft pick despite violations off the field in college. Adams was suspended for the first two games in 2009 for unspecified violations of team rules, then had charges dropped that same year after police found drug paraphernalia in his car. Adams also was involved in the highly publicized scandal of selling memorabilia to a Columbus tattoo artist in exchange for free tattoos. He was suspended for the first five games of 2011, and teams may view him as a risk due to his past troubles. Hurting him further was a mediocre showing at the combine, hitting only 19 reps in the bench press and placing near the bottom of offensive line prospects in that category. Adams has the size to be an NFL lineman, but that lack of strength may scare off teams from using a first-round pick on him. He'll need some fine-tuning of his skills, though teams also question whether or not his poor character will make him difficult to coach. Based off sheer size alone, Adams could be drafted in the second or third round if teams look past his off-the-field issues and focus on his potential.



Two coin flips improve Cavaliers' NBA lottery chances: Cavaliers Insider

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Nick Gilbert, the oldest son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert worked his magic again, helping the Cavs win two tiebreakers Friday that improved their position in the upcoming NBA lottery May 30 and draft June 28.

nick-gilbert.JPGView full sizeNick Gilbert, 14, center, celebrates moments after the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2011 NBA basketball draft lottery. Gilbert and team attorney Jason Hillman represented the Cavs in New York on Friday for the random tiebreaker drawings among teams that finished the season with identical records.

What's not to like about Nick Gilbert?

The oldest son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert worked his magic again, helping the Cavs win two tiebreakers Friday that improved their position in the upcoming NBA lottery May 30 and draft June 28.

Nick Gilbert represented the Cavs in the lottery last spring when they won the No. 1 pick and used it on likely NBA Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving.

Nick Gilbert and team attorney Jason Hillman represented the Cavs in New York on Friday for the random drawings that broke all the ties among teams that finished the season with identical records.

In the first drawing, Cleveland (21-45) won a tiebreaker with New Orleans (21-45) and now ranks third, with 138 chances out of 1,000, for the No. 1 pick in the 14-team NBA lottery. New Orleans, now fourth, will have 137 chances. Even if the maximum three teams behind the Cavs move up in the lottery, the Cavs will pick no worse than sixth.

In the second drawing, the Los Angeles Lakers (41-25) won a tiebreaker with the Memphis Grizzlies (41-25) and now have the No. 24 pick in the NBA Draft, a pick that was sent to the Cavs in the trade for Ramon Sessions. Memphis now has the No. 25 pick.

Even before the drawings, Cavs GM Chris Grant and coach Byron Scott said at their season-ending meeting with reporters that they were optimistic about the state of the franchise. Grant estimated the team could be about $20 million under the salary cap, which will give him a lot of flexibility moving forward.

But the two cautioned fans that even with two first-round and two second-round draft choices, the playoffs are not guaranteed next season.

"We're headed in the right direction," Scott said. "It's still going to be a long process. We're probably not going to be there this coming year, but if we hit home runs in the draft, it puts us in a position to get much better quicker."

Irving on their minds: With Irving out for nine games in April with a sprained right shoulder, Atlanta's Ivan Johnson was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, an award Irving had claimed three straight times. Denver's Kenneth Faried won the award for the Western Conference.

But the NBA release announcing the award said, "Irving led all rookies in steals (1.45 spg) and paced Eastern Conference first-year players in field goal percentage (.582)." It should have said Johnson led in those categories.

The Cavs' Tristan Thompson also was nominated.

No show: Antawn Jamison, who already announced that he had played his last game with the Cavs, was the only player who did not report to the team's practice facility Friday. But Grant was not upset.

"I haven't talked to him yet," the GM said. "At some point we'll catch up with him. We're very appreciative of the time he spent here and the work that he's done. I haven't met too many guys who are better pros."

A lot to learn: Scott said he thought forward Omri Casspi had an OK season and has a lot to learn.

Scott said the young forward told him this was the first time he learned how to play basketball in a lot of different areas, "which I thought was interesting. But I also thought it was great because it meant myself and my staff did a really good job of teaching him how to play the game the right way. That's something for him to take home, learn from and grow from. We're real excited about him coming back. I think he has a lot of room to grow and I think he can still be a very good basketball player for us."

Z's role: Scott said former Cavs star Zydrunas Ilgauskas was focusing on working in the front office and not on coaching. There had been some reports Ilgauskas was going to work with Thompson this summer. That role is already filled by assistant coach Jamahl Mosley.

"Z doesn't want to coach," Scott said. "If he sees something he can help Tristan with, he will. He'll give some advice. Jamahl has done an excellent job with Tristan. He's our big-man coach."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668 On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider


Cleveland Browns deal third-round pick to Denver for later third-rounder and extra fourth-round selection

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The Browns traded the pick shortly after LSU receiver Reuben Randle was selected 63rd by the Giants.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns traded their No. 67 overall pick in the third round to Denver for the Broncos' 87th pick (in third round) and the 120th pick (in the fourth round).

The Browns now have two picks in the fourth round again, including the 100th overall. They traded the 118th pick to move up to select Trent Richardson at No. 3. That was the pick acquired in the trade with Atlanta last year.

The Browns traded the pick shortly after LSU receiver Reuben Randle was selected 63rd by the Giants. It's possible the Browns would've taken him.


DeVier Posey, Ohio State WR, selected by Houston Texans in 3rd round of NFL Draft 2012

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Posey played just three games his senior year, finishing with 12 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns

devier-posey.jpgDeVier Posey, shown running for yardage against Florida, has been selected in the 3rd round of NFL Draft 2012 by the Houston Texans.


Cleveland, Ohio - Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey was taken by the Houston Texans tonight with the fifth pick of the third round of NFL Draft 2012.


Here is Posey's scouting report:

Posey appears to be a receiver who does everything well without having a standout skill that would make him an elite option. Due to a pair of suspensions - five games as part of the Ohio State tattoo scandal that cost coach Jim Tressel his job and an additional five-game NCAA-imposed suspension for receiving too much money for a summer job - Posey played just three games his senior year, finishing with 12 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the limited action in 2011, Posey does have a solid body of work from his two full seasons. He had a team-high 60 catches for 828 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore in 2009 and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention his junior year with 53 receptions for 848 yards and seven TDs. Posey finished in Ohio State's top 10 all-time for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His biggest assets for the next level are his sudden burst to create separation from a cornerback and an ability to change directions. Posey also has sure hands and is a strong route runner, however, he is not a physical player - he is not the person you want to throw the ball to over the middle to get a needed first down and he does little in the way of blocking. Still, Posey's receiving skills will be more than enough to make him a potential third- or fourth-round selection come draft day.


Cleveland Indians defeat Los Angeles Angels, 3-2, on Asdrubal Cabrera's walkoff single in the 9th

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Cabrera hits a one-out single in the ninth inning to drive in Aaron Cunningham from third as the Indians defeat Los Angeles at Progressive Field.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indians, walkoff masters last season, are on the board this season.

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a one-out single in the ninth inning to drive in Aaron Cunningham from third as the Indians defeated the Los Angeles Angels, 3-2, Friday night at Progressive Field.

The Indians (10-8) snapped a two-game slide.

The Tribe is 6-0 in one-run games -- the only team in the majors unbeaten in such games.

Cunningham led off with a double to left against rookie right-handed reliever David Carpenter. Michael Brantley flied to shallow center.

Jason Kipnis singled off shortstop Erick Aybar's glove. Cunningham had to freeze to make sure the ball got through and only got to third. Cabrera lined a 2-0 pitch into the right-field corner for his fourth career walkoff hit.

The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the first. With two outs, Albert Pujols scalded a single to left. He advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kendrys Morales walked.

Hunter dumped a single near the right-field line. Pujols scored before right fielder Aaron Cunningham erased Hunter at second.

Brantley led off the Tribe first with a single up the middle off a Jered Weaver fastball down the middle. Kipnis, beginning an interesting night, grounded into a 4-6-3.

The double play stung that much more when Asdrubal Cabrera doubled and Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana walked. Jack Hannahan watched a 2-2 fastball start inside, then veer back over the corner for the strikeout.

The Indians have become allergic to batting with the bases loaded. They entered 3-for-21 with a .306 OPS, including 0-for-9 with two outs.

Brantley led off the third with a single. He sprinted for second twice as Kipnis hit full-count foul balls. The third time, Kipnis swung and missed as Brantley did not get as good of a jump. Catcher Chris Iannetta's throw to second was on-target for the first K/2-6.

Cabrera singled and Hafner walked. Santana singled to right, giving Hunter an opportunity to show  how he has been one of the game's best defensive outfielders for years. Hunter charged the ball while moving to his left, crow-hopped and unleashed a laser to the plate that never touched the ground. Iannetta waited for Cabrera.

In the top of the fourth, Hunter hit a two-out homer to right for a 2-0 advantage. When right-handed hitters take Justin Masterson deep, it's news.

Hunter entered hitting .288 (168-for-583) with 26 homers and 92 RBI in his career against Cleveland, mostly as a member of the Twins.

Kipnis was at the plate in the fifth when the Angels pulled off another K/2-6. Cunningham got caught stealing as Kipnis was caught looking. Kipnis had a few choice words for umpire Jim Wolf.

The Indians tied it in the seventh. Casey Kotchman snapped an 0-for-24 with a leadoff single off lefty Hisanori Takahashi, who had relieved Weaver to start the inning. Kotchman moved to second on a grounder and scored on Brantley's double.

Righty Kevin Jepsen relieved and gave up an RBI single to Kipnis. Weaver (6 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 8 K) was forced to settle for a no-decision.

With two outs in the top of the eighth, the Angels had a runner on second and Pujols in the box. Tribe pitching coach Scott Radinsky visited Masterson. Radinsky, Masterson and Santana decided to pitch to Pujols.

On a 1-0 count, Pujols popped to Kotchman in foul territory.

Pujols, who signed with the Angels in the offseason after a fabulous 11-year run with the Cardinals, entered hitting .224 with four RBI in 19 games.

"He's going to be OK,'' Acta said. "You can write that down: He's going to be OK. Even the best ones fail seven out of 10 times.''

Masterson began the ninth by walking Morales on four pitches. With one out and a runner on second, Masterson walked Peter Bourjos on four pitches.

Vinnie Pestano relieved Masterson and struck out Vernon Wells and Aybar swinging.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd
 

Cleveland Browns draft California offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz in second round

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The Browns had a variety of options at either tackle and wide receiver, seen as the top areas of need as the second day of the draft got underway.

schwartz-combine-2012-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeMitchell Schwartz helped pave the way for three 1,000-yard Cal running backs -- Isi Sofele, Shane Vereen and Jahvid Best -- during his time in Berkeley.

BEREA, Ohio -- Round Two Friday night was all about protecting assets from Round One.

The Browns plugged a hole on the right side of the offensive line to help bust holes for new running back Trent Richardson and keep rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden upright.At No. 37, the fifth slot of the second round, the Browns grabbed Mitchell Schwartz, a 6-5, 317-pound offensive tackle/guard from California.

He's played both left and right tackle, but knows his home on the line is the right side, because Browns' All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas isn't going anywhere.

"Honestly," he said during a conference call Friday from his home in Los Angeles, "I'm pretty comfortable with both."

On the revamped line, that means two pieces are from Cal. Schwartz rejoins Browns center and fellow Bears' alum Alex Mack, the 22nd overall pick in 2009. They played on the same line for two years in college.

In choosing Schwartz, General Manager Tom Heckert and his team bypassed Georgia's Cordy Glenn and Stanford's Jonathan Martin -- tackles rated higher by many NFL scouts.

"We just thought he was a better football player,'' Heckert said. "He's a big kid, he's athletic. He's a very solid guy.''

"Schwartz's athletic ability is the greatest knock on him," according to NFL.com. "He is a bit stiff in his movements and out of his stance, and can struggle when working to the second level."

But Schwartz impressed NFL scouts with his performance at the Senior Bowl, and especially his ability to ward off some of the top pass rushers in the draft.

"I don't know how much teams and coaches put into Senior Bowl performances," he said, "but I definitely think it made them go back and look at my senior film."

Schwartz said a back injury, which required surgery after his junior year, wasn't an issue. "I got it cleaned up after the season and it's been great ever since," he said.

Proof of that: Schwartz was a workhorse at Cal, starting all 51 games he played for the Bears -- 35 at left tackle and 16 on the right side. In 2011, he started all season at left tackle, earning All-PAC 12 first-team honors.

His older brother Geoff, a former seventh-round choice of Carolina in 2008, is an offensive tackle for Minnesota -- soon playing opposite of the Vikings' top pick Matt Kalil. Much was made pre-draft about the Browns possibly taking a left tackle (Kalil) and shifting him to the right side and how difficult that might be. But Schwartz said the technique from left to right wasn't much of an adjustment.

"It's just a different side of the body and a different leg is back," he said.

A side and a leg the Browns expect to finally keep that end of the line from caving in.

Why shouldn't the Cleveland Browns keep Colt McCoy? Terry Pluto's scribbles

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In terms of his own career, it makes more sense for McCoy to stay here, where only once since the team returned in 1999 has a quarterback started all 16 games.

mccoy-scram-vert-jax-jg.jpgView full sizeColt McCoy may be a better fit as a backup quarterback in the NFL. If that's true, why wouldn't he be a good backup for Brandon Weeden? Terry Pluto is just asking.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Browns notebook from the draft's second day.

1. Just because the Browns drafted Brandon Weeden, do they have to trade Colt McCoy? Why not keep him, especially since he is a pro in terms of attitude and work ethic. Sure, he wants to start. But teams that may want him such as Green Bay also consider him a backup. In terms of his own career, it makes more sense for McCoy to stay here, where only once since the team returned in 1999 has a quarterback started all 16 games.

2. If I'm Pat Shurmur, I'd want McCoy to be my backup for Weeden. McCoy has started 21 games (6-15 record) with 20 touchdowns compared to 20 interceptions (74.5 rating). Those are very good numbers when it comes to a backup on what has been a bad team. Why dump him for a very low draft pick?

3. Yes, there was damage between the Browns and the McCoy family when Colt's father questioned the Browns' handling of McCoy's concussion in the Pittsburgh game. But that should not be a deal breaker. Nor should the drafting of Weeden, who is expected to be the starter. I see no reason to rush McCoy out of town.

4. If the Browns want to trade a quarterback, it should be Seneca Wallace. He thought he should have been starting instead of McCoy -- and was little help to the starter. He said it wasn't his job to mentor anyone. How do you think he'll react to a 28-year-old rookie given the job?

5. The Browns have denied a report that they told McCoy that no quarterback would be taken in the first round. Why would they say that, especially as they had their eye on Weeden -- even if they hoped to wait to the second round. Why would they discuss their drafting strategy with McCoy or any other player?

6. Some fans say the Browns should have waited to pick Brandon Weeden at No. 37 -- because no teams between No. 22 and 37 needed a quarterback. But remember how many first-day trades were made? The Browns feared someone moving up in a deal.

7. No matter if he's drafted No. 22 or 37, Weeden has to become a viable starter for the pick to be a success. You don't take a backup in the second round. The Browns are convinced that Weeden has the size, arm strength, maturity and ability to quickly adapt to starting. They consider him a superior physical specimen to McCoy, better suited for playing in cold weather and strong winds.

8. Nonetheless, you do need a decent backup. In the last two years, the Browns have had six different starting quarterbacks in the last three years -- and four in the last two years. Does anyone believe Weeden will start every game? These guys get hurt.

9. After demanding and begging for more than a year that the Browns get a right tackle, I can't complain about the Browns drafting Mitchell Schwartz in the second year. Yes, they need receivers. But in the name of Cody Risen, they need a right tackle -- unless you happen to like O.C. Just so you know, O.C. is Oniel Cousins -- General Manager Tom Heckert called Cousins by his initials at a recent press conference.

10. Many scouting services had Stanford's Jonathan Martin and Mississippi's Bobby Massie rated higher. I have no clue which is the best right tackle ... or the left tackle, which is where Schwartz played most of last season at California. He was a Pac-10 first-team selection. He started 51 games in four years, played both tackle spots: 35 left tackle, 16 right tackle. An extra benefit for the Browns is if Joe Thomas ever is injured, Schwartz can play left tackle.

Mitchell Schwartz selected by Cleveland Browns: Conference call transcript -- NFL Draft 2012

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He says about Joe Thomas: "I know Cleveland has probably the best left tackle in the game, so I understand my role in regards to that."

mitchell-schwartz-action.jpgMitchell Schwartz is being penciled in to compete for the Browns' starting right tackle job.

Cleveland, Ohio -- A transcript of tonight's conference call with California offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, who was drafted in the second round by the Cleveland Browns tonight:

On if he prefers the left side or the right side:

"Obviously if you go to Cleveland, Joe Thomas is the left tackle, so probably right now a little more right tackle. Honestly, I'm pretty comfortable with both, like you said I've played both in my career, so I'm comfortable doing either. I know Cleveland has probably the best left tackle in the game, so I understand my role in regards to that."

On if he knows Browns starting center Alex Mack:

"Yeah, I played with him. My first two years at Cal were his last two. I've stayed in contact with him throughout the process and talked to him a little bit. I'm sure I'll get the full scouting report on Cleveland. It's definitely going to be good to have a former teammate there. It's always good when you know someone going into a new situation."

On his older brother Geoff Schwartz who was drafted in 2008 and now plays for the Minnesota Vikings:

"I got really lucky having an older brother who has been through the process already. Coming out of high school, I kind of knew what to expect as far as recruiting. Obviously now going into the NFL, I have a pretty good understanding of what to expect. He's been there and done that, and I can learn a little bit off of his mistakes. It's a really good thing to have that there. We talk pretty much every day about all sorts of things. Obviously, we talk about football and how he likes it and what the challenges are going to be. It has definitely given me a little bit of a leg up that all the guys aren't necessarily fortunate enough to have."

On possibly starting with new teammates Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden:

"Obviously the franchise just looks to get better in any way that it can. I'm not in the war room or anything, so I'm not sure how those talks went down. Cleveland is just doing their best to get better with everything they can do and the draft is obviously part of that process. You can tell that the team has gotten more talent and gotten better as the years have progressed these last couple of years. It is definitely an exciting time coming to an up and coming team, a team with a lot of talent that is going to be competing for the next few years and all the years to come."

On if he had a feeling the Browns would select him and where he is watching the draft:

"I'm watching from my house in Los Angeles. I know through the whole process I've talked to them a decent bit. I had a good understanding and I think they liked me. I never tried to put too much stock into that. You get told a lot of different stories about teams that showed guys a lot of interest and nothing really comes of that. But I have a good relationship with them like I said, we talked a pretty good amount through the entire process. I'm definitely excited with it, it's not completely new. I've met all the coaches, all that kind of stuff before. I'm just looking forward to it."

On his familiarity with Weeden and Richardson:

"I don't know them personally, but as fan of college football, you can't not know those names, you can't not see them on TV. I know Trent is the best running back coming out this year. He has been a monster ever since he got to Alabama. We all know the Brandon Weeden story, about the success he has had at Oklahoma State, lifting them up and pushing them into the national championship conversation. Those are two tremendously successful college players and that is the reason Cleveland brought them around for the NFL."

On how much of an adjustment it is moving from left tackle to right tackle:

"It's not too much, all of the techniques are the same. It is just a different side of the body and a different leg is back. In terms of the techniques and the style of your play, it is basically all the same."

On if his performance at the Senior Bowl drove up his stock:

"I think so. I don't know how much teams and coaches put into Senior Bowl performances, but I definitely think it made them go back and look at my senior film. They were able to go through and see how I did against some decent players in college. I definitely think it did help me, how much I can't really say, it is hard to know. It was a good experience for me and I am glad where I ended up."

On being called a "dumpy" player by scouts and what he thinks about comments like that:

"I try not to put too much stock into that, I think my family puts more into that than I do. I played over 50 games in college. I have had two really good coaches that have been in the NFL before. I do feel really prepared to come in and compete right away and start if I get the opportunity to. I feel like a top guy being able to come in and start from day one because of my college choice and the coaches I have had there. It will be exciting and I am looking forward to it."

On scouts saying he was a slugger inside:

"Whatever they say, I try not to look into that too much. I know the type of player that I am. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how you win. It isn't a beauty contest. Football is definitely not a beauty contest. You are going out there to try and win the down. However you have to do that, sometimes it's not going to look the best, but as long as you come out successful, all that really matters is the production."

On if he had to fight through back problems:

"Not really. I got surgery after my junior year on that to clean it up. It was something I dealt with a little bit junior year, but I put a pretty high premium on being on the field. Obviously, you're no use to your teammates or the coaching staff if you're not on the field. I got it cleaned up after the season and it's been great ever since."

Cleveland Browns select Cincinnati DT John Hughes with third-round pick, add extra fourth-round pick in deal with Denver

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Hughes will provide depth behind Ahtyba Rubin and last year's first-round pick Phil Taylor. He's 6-2 1/2, 309.

hughes-cincin-dt-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeJohn Hughes was taken by the Browns in the third round, instead of a handful of wide receivers.

BEREA, Ohio -- After trading their No. 67 overall pick in the third round to the Denver Broncos for the 87th and 120th overall picks, the Browns selected defensive tackle John Hughes of Cincinnati with the 87th pick.

Hughes will provide depth behind Ahtyba Rubin and last year's first-round pick Phil Taylor. He's 6-2 1/2, 309. Twelve receivers came off the board before the Browns drafted Hughes.

"There were a couple of guys we like and we thought they'd be there later on,'' Heckert said. "I was kind of holding my breath. He's a big, powerful tough guy,. You can't have enough defensive linemen.''

Said Shurmur: "We drafted two big, tough physical guys today."

Hughes, who starred at Gahanna Lincoln High School in suburban Columbus, where he received Associated Press All-Ohio honors, finished the 2011 season with 51 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 12 games.

Heckert said not to rule out getting a receiver on the final day of the draft.


Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving believes: 'There is no limit for me'

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The Cavs, who finished a lockout-shortened season 21-45, are eager to see what the 20-year-old Irving can do with a full off-season, a summer league and an improved lineup.

kyrie irving.JPGView full sizeCavs guard Kyrie Irving led all NBA rookies in scoring this season, averaging 18.5 points per game.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Kyrie Irving arrived in Cleveland four months ago as the NBA's most unheralded No. 1 overall pick to come out of college in more than a decade.

Television networks opted not to broadcast a Cavaliers game, critics wondered if Irving was truly the top selection, questions persisted about the teenager's health and durability.

And, then the wisp of a point guard began to play. He started spinning past All-Star big men in the lane, scoring 20 points with regularity and dominating fourth quarters in a way LeBron James never did as a rookie.

"The progression of Kyrie from game 1 to game 50, probably exceeded everyone's expectations," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "I don't think anyone expected him to do what he did this season."

Questions answered, critics silenced, a rookie- of-the-year award all but won, Irving departed Cleveland on Friday with a simple message: The best is yet to come.

"There is no limit for me," Irving said. "The only way I can go is up. That's the only way I want to go. [This season] was a learning experience. I learned what to do and what not to do. Going forward, I want to apply it next season and take it to another level."

The Cavs, who finished a lockout-shortened season 21-45, are eager to see what the 20-year-old can do with a full off-season, a summer league and an improved lineup.

The Cavs will draft no lower than sixth and have four picks among the first 34 selections in the NBA Draft on June 28.

As the club parts with respected veterans Anthony Parker and Antawn Jamison, Irving will assume more leadership, a responsibility he's ready to accept. He will guide the Cavaliers' summer league team in July and help indoctrinate draft choices and newcomers into the team's offense and system.

"It's kind of mind-boggling to think about what can happen in the next few months," Irving said with a grin at the team's practice facility in Independence. "I want to take the necessary steps I need to take to be a leader on this team --working hard, showing up every day ready to work and playing my heart out. AJ and AP taught me that. They had their own leadership ways. I took what I could from them and will try to put my own little twist on it."

Irving led all rookies in scoring, averaging 18.5 points. Among first-year players he ranked first in free-throw percentage (87.2), second in assists (5.4 per game) and 3-point percentage (39.9), third in average minutes (30.5) and fifth in field-goal percentage (46.9).

Scott noted that Irving's first year was better than the rookie season of Chris Paul, or who Scott coached and who Irving is frequently likened. Many see the similarity.

"I have been in basketball for a lot of years and it didn't take me long to see he's the type of player you can build a franchise around," said Cavaliers forward Luke Walton, who won two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. " . . . he reminds me a lot of Chris Paul and I've played against him a few times in the playoffs. He's definitely a franchise player."

Irving did suffer a concussion and missed a dozen late-season games with a sprained right shoulder. But after playing just 11 games at Duke as a freshman, stamina was never an issue. Neither was the well-chronicled toe and foot injury that sidelined him at Duke and kept him out of the gym for part of the summer.

Irving was asked one last time Friday for an update on his big right toe.

"It's fine," he said. "I look at it every single day. It reminds me of you guys [in the media]."

On Sunday in San Antonio, Irving spoke about two of the biggest challenges -- losing and being the focus of opposing defenses. He said Jamison helped him deal with defeat by concentrating on daily effort and striving for improvement. Late in the season, as his numbers and profile rose, he also had to adjust to defenses designed to take away his fearless drives to the basket. He was held below his point average for three straight games (March 23-27).

"For every night now for the rest of my career it's going to be night after night where I have to find a way to get my teammates involved and score and win the game," he said. "That's been one of my biggest growing pains, getting used to defenses keying on me all the time."

His season highlights were many and included three last-minute, game-winning baskets, contributing to back-to-back road wins in Denver and Oklahoma City and being named Most Valuable Player at the Rising Stars Challenge as part of All-Star Weekend in Orlando.

As he posed with the MVP trophy, Irving held it stomach level against his white Cavaliers jersey and offered one instruction to the cameramen. "Make sure to get the 'Cleveland' [in the picture]."

Proud fans back home ate it up.

"It wasn't a publicity stunt, at all," he said. "I just wanted to make sure they got the Cleveland uniform in it. We're not as publicized as everybody else."

Irving will return to Cleveland next fall looking to change that.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

John Hughes drafted by Cleveland Browns: Links, highlights and stories -- NFL draft 2012

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Hughes is big and strong but some reports have questioned the consistency in his effort. Browns picked the Cincinnati defensive tackle in the third round.

john-hughes2.jpgCiincinnati defensive tackle John Hughes (right) has size and strength but needs to improve his technique and consistency.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cincinnati Bearcats defensive tackle John Hughes has been selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the NFL draft, with the 87th overall pick.


Hughes' pre-draft player profile on NFL.com includes:




Strengths Hughes is a big man who until his senior year had mostly been a gap-filler in a scheme that valued him as a frontline player. He uses his hands well to stay off blocks and displays good technique. He can defeat single blocks fairly easily and plays with good instincts. It's obvious that he is diagnosing plays early after recognizing blocking schemes.


Weaknesses Hughes has numerous issues in his play that, if not fixed early, could severely limit his pro prospects. He seems lazy at times and rarely chases plays down on the perimeter. As a run defender, he is capable of getting through blocks but often looks shell-shocked once he gets in the backfield. He needs to finish with more force; at times Hughes would be neutralized by offensive linemen because of his poor effort and pad placement.


The Columbus Dispatch featured Hughes in a Q+A report on Feb. 26, when he participated in the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Included:




Q: What's interesting about your background?

A: I was raised by my grandmother, Esther Hughes. My mom and dad divorced when I was little. My dad went overseas; he’s a sergeant in the Army. My grandmother kept me busy when I was younger so I’d stay out of trouble. Growing up, I took violin lessons.



Mark Mihalko, writing for the blog "Steelers 101," featured Hughes in a Steelers prospect profile on April 18.



Video: An interview with Hughes from the NFL Scouting Combine:




Cleveland Browns add two linemen in Day 2 of the NFL Draft, but focus stays on QB situation

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The Browns haven't had any talks yet about trading Colt McCoy, but haven't ruled out dealing him in the near future. Watch video

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BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns dismissed a report that they were shopping quarterback Colt McCoy on the second day of the NFL draft Friday, but haven't ruled out trading him sometime in the near future now that Brandon Weeden is on board.

"We've drafted a quarterback to come in and compete with him -- at this point -- and that's where it's at,'' said Browns coach Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur also said a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Browns told McCoy Thursday that they wouldn't draft a quarterback in the first round "was absolutely false. It's ridiculous to think we'd consult with our players about our draft plans."

If a team wants McCoy, it would probably only be willing to surrender a sixth- or seventh-round pick for him. The final four rounds of the draft take place on Saturday, beginning at noon. But a source said the Browns ideally would like to take a little time to think about what they want to do. They might also have to make a decision on Seneca Wallace, who's set to make $2.4 million in 2012 and $2.85 million in 2013.

"We haven't made any plans to do anything about anything yet," said head coach Pat Shurmur. "We haven't made any phone calls, we haven't done anything in regards to Colt."

Asked if McCoy will still be with the team when organized team activities begin May 22, Shurmur said, "let's not take it all the way out to May 22. As it stands right now, I've talked to Colt and we're getting ready to draft [more players]."

He said he talked to McCoy Friday evening, but not about his role in the wake of the Browns drafting Weeden.

"He's actually going to Dallas this weekend, which he had planned to do," said Shurmur. "He's fine. All we talked about was what we [were] going to do with the next two picks."

The Browns' second-round pick, the No. 37 overall, was something McCoy could've really used -- a starting right tackle. They drafted California's Mitchell Schwartz, who has experience playing on both sides, including the last two seasons on the left and 2009 on the right. Schwartz also played two seasons with Browns center Alex Mack at Cal.

The Browns traded their third-round pick -- the No. 67 overall -- to the Broncos for Denver's 87th in the third round and 120th in the fourth round. They used the 87th pick on Cincinnati defensive tackle John Hughes, who will provide depth behind Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor.

"We got two big, tough physical guys that are going to help us," said Shurmur.

The Browns didn't draft any of the 12 receivers that went off the board, but Shurmur said he thinks Weeden will make the current receivers better. "I believe so," he said.

As of Friday afternoon, McCoy had no plans to ask for a trade, but would like an opportunity to compete with the Weeden for the starting job, a source said. McCoy was given the impression by the Browns all off-season that he was going to be their starting quarterback, at least heading into training camp. Shurmur said at the NFL Annual Meetings that he'd take the first snaps -- ahead of Seneca Wallace -- when the Browns take the field for the first time.

If he remains as a backup, it might not be such a bad situation for him -- or the Browns. McCoy's salary is team-friendly: he's only making $540,000 and 2013: $575,000. If he's willing to back up Weeden, who's three years his senior, it might be a chance to learn the West Coast offense better. He would then get an opportunity if Weeden falters or gets injured.

The Browns have made it clear that Weeden is their starter, even though they're saying they won't merely hand him the job.

"We have the guy that we think is our guy as we move forward," said Shurmur.

Meanwhile, Weeden conducted himself like a starting quarterback during his introductory press conference. After spending five years pitching in the minor leagues and four years at Oklahoma State, Weeden is not your typical rookie quarterback. He's married and is older than most of the players on the Browns' roster. He was the first player chosen in the 2002 MLB draft by the Yankees and left home at the age of 18 to chase his dream of pitching in the major leagues.

"To have the opportunity to be the first pick of the New York Yankees, with the opportunity to go back to school and they pay for it -- it's too much as an 18 year-old kid to pass up," Weeden said. "I wouldn't change my decision. I don't regret anything I've ever done."

In 2006, after suffering extreme pain in his throwing shoulder after every game and never making it out of Class A ball, he knew it was time to quit.

"I was playing in California in the High Desert [Mavericks]. Low A," he said. "It was the worst experience of my life. The wind blew out at about 55 mph every single night, right center field. I gave up three broken bat home runs, and my ERA was astronomical, like 5.6, not good.

"I came home, my now wife, I said, 'I'm thinking about going back and playing college football' and she said, 'Are you crazy?' I'm like, 'Naw, absolutely not, let's do it.'"

Fortunately, the searing pain in Weeden's shoulder after throwing 91-97 mph fastballs disappeared when he threw the football at Oklahoma State.

On Friday, he vowed that his arm -- his best asset -- is rock-solid.

"I've never had a surgery, I've never even broken a bone, knock on wood," he said. "I've been very fortunate. I've thrown thousands and thousands and thousands of footballs at Oklahoma State, zero pain and I can actually sleep at night and didn't hurt."

He also contended that his age is an asset.

"My baseball background, the adversity I've been through, it really prepares me for what I'm about to go through," he said. "Being 28 years old, I use it as an advantage because my body's still fresh, I have a lot of football left in my tank. I think it's going to help in the locker room. I think it's going to help me prepare on a daily basis to become the best player I can possibly become."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Cleveland Browns/NFL Draft 2012 megablog -- Rounds 2-3

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We'll have all the intrigue, comments and scuttlebutt from Berea right in this post -- constantly updated -- as the draft's second and third rounds wind through the night.

schwartz-combine-2012-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeMitchell Schwartz helped pave the way for three 1,000-yard Cal running backs -- Isi Sofele, Shane Vereen and Jahvid Best -- during his time in Berkeley.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome back to our all-night updates from the NFL Draft. Keep refreshing your browser for the latest news and notes.

11:34 p.m.

This will be the final post of the evening. We'll be up and running again Saturday shortly before noon. Thanks for taking part and let's be careful out there!

Mary Kay Cabot wraps up the day for the Browns saying the focus remained on the QB situation and the future of Colt McCoy.

"If a team wants McCoy, it would probably only be willing to surrender a sixth- or seventh-round pick for him. The final four rounds of the draft take place on Saturday, beginning at noon. But a source said the Browns ideally would like to take a little time to think about what they want to do. They might also have to make a decision on Seneca Wallace, who's set to make $2.4 million in 2012 and $2.85 million in 2013."

11:26 p.m.

WKNR read a review of John Hughes' play with the Bearcats from a fan blog, Bearcat Nation, which included the following in an NFL analysis:

"One of the primary differences between John Hughes and Derek Wolfe isn’t in size or mentality but the fact that regardless of the situation, Wolfe never stopped playing. He has a motor that simply doesn’t stop pressuring offensive linemen regardless of the down, yardage-to-go, or quarter. But the biggest knock on Hughes was that he sometimes didn’t run plays out or display a different, and sometimes worse, technique play-to-play."

That, not surprisingly, didn't have Bruce Hooley and Munch Bishop feeling very confident. A few minutes later, the blog updated its site with a reaction to the Browns' selection.

"This was an extremely pleasant surprise to me! By all accounts most NFL Draft analysts pegged the Cincinnati defensive tackle to go on Day 3 in the 6th or 7th Round. I didn’t necessarily disagree with them but defensive linemen were going fast and furious in the opening rounds that it made it easy for Hughes to move up. Plus the 6’2″ 309 lbs defensive tackle is excellent against the run.

"Like I mentioned in the pre-draft analysis he can beat 1-on-1 blocks to get to ball carriers and is simply big enough to clog gaps in the offensive line. That was probably one of the factors that drew the eyes of the Browns. If you’ve watched even a minute of professional football over the past decade you probably know that the Browns are one of the worst franchises forced to take the field every Sunday.

"There were many things wrong with Cleveland last season and among one of them was the fact that they couldn’t stop the run (30th in the NFL) in a division that emphasizes rushing the football. It’s a recipe for disaster if a team neglects run defense in the AFC North. The Browns tried to correct that problem by taking Hughes in the 3rd Round. He will most likely start his NFL career near the top of the depth chart with the ability to earn starting time immediately next season."

Which qualifies as ... a mixed opinion?

10:56 p.m.

From NationalFootballPost, the rating service used by Yahoo.com, on John Hughes:

"Hughes gives the Browns a thick body that can push the pocket inside and play the run game. I thought this was a little high for him but he should be able to continue as a rotational guy early. NFL ceiling: Low-end starter. NFL floor: Solid reserve."

10:35 p.m.

The Browns do go defense, taking defensive tackle John Hughes from Cincinnati.

From NFL.com: "Hughes is a fifth-year senior from Cincinnati who started for two years at defensive tackle. He has the size to compete inside at the next level, but he lacks athletic ability and has been rather unproductive to this point in his career.

He could get selected in a later round by a team that falls in love with him, but he is more likely to get a shot as a free agent. The pre-draft process will be of extra importance for Hughes, as he needs to prove he has the skills to match his frame."

10:31 p.m.

Terry Pluto has an interesting suggestion -- why shouldn't Colt McCoy be Brandon Weeden's backup?

"If I'm Pat Shurmur, I'd want McCoy to be my backup for Weeden. McCoy has started 21 games (6-15 record) with 20 touchdowns compared to 20 interceptions (74.5 rating). Those are very good numbers when it comes to a backup on what has been a bad team. Why dump him for a very low draft pick?"

10:26 p.m.

With the Browns' pick just moments away, the top WRs available, according to NFL.com, are Arizona's Juron Criner, Arkansas' Joe Adams and Wake Forest's Chris Givens. Criner is the biggest, at 6-3.

10:11 p.m.

When the NCAA all but snuffed her son's senior year with penalties, Julie Posey was absolutely disgusted by what she considered unfair, heavy-handed treatment for minor violations.

Friday, minutes after Houston surprised many by choosing Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey in the third round (68th overall), she was absolutely something else.

"I am absolutely elated,'' she said. "It is wonderful. I'm thanking God." Most draft experts had Posey rated much lower, closer to the 200th best player in the draft. But Julie said he went about where she expected, a mother's bias to be excused.

-- Bill Lubinger

10:07 p.m.

Bill Lubinger's profile of Mitchell Schwartz has hit the site.

"Schwartz impressed NFL scouts with his performance at the Senior Bowl, and especially his ability to ward off some of the top pass rushers in the draft.

"'I don't know how much teams and coaches put into Senior Bowl performances,' he said, 'but I definitely think it made them go back and look at my senior film.'

"Schwartz said a back injury, which required surgery after his junior year, wasn't an issue. 'I got it cleaned up after the season and it's been great ever since,' he said."

10:02 p.m.

Just some idle speculation from your friendly megablog operator ... if the Browns traded down because their top receiver candidates had disappeared, would they be pursuing a defensive player with their upcoming pick? Someone like Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard?

9:52 p.m.

Wilson can finally escape the Kiper-Gruden debate, as Seattle picks him at 75 and allows him to chat on the phone while the hot air continues from New York.

9:44 p.m.

Give Wisconsin's Russell Wilson credit for tremendous poise. He's been watching from home -- with ESPN cameras recording every reaction -- as Kiper and Gruden debate why he's still on the board. The Badgers' quarterback is being dissected in a very public way, and seems to be absorbing it in considerable good humor.

9:21 p.m.

The Browns have traded down in the third round, dealing the fourth pick in the round to Denver. They have the Broncos' 24th pick in the round and the 25th pick in the fourth round.

The Browns' picks are now the 24th in the third round, the fifth and 25th in the fourth round, the 25th in the fifth round, 34th and 35th in the sixth round and 245th and 247th in the seventh.

9:20 p.m.

Did the Browns need a wide receiver more than an offensive tackle? You may think so, but the NFL ends the second round clearly valuing the big man far more.

Of the 31 selections -- New Orleans forfeited their pick for the bountygate scandal -- there have been 18 linemen or linebackers (plus a tight end) taken against just five receivers.

That the fifth was Rueben Randle ... the LSU receiver who was waiting in the green room before being rescued by the Giants at the end of the round ... doesn't change the clear message from the front offices around the league.

Top receivers according to SI.com remaining are Mohamed Sanu of Rutgers and Wake Forest's Chris Givens.

9:08 p.m.

This may (or may not) calm the critics, but the Web site Coldhard footballfacts.com has this take on the Browns' second-round pick:

"Cleveland has had a potentially monster draft so far, with three of the first 37 picks -- all devoted to rebuilding its pathetic offense. Schwartz gives Cleveland a bookend tackle opposite perennial Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas, some insurance at the position and a chance to open up holes for RB Trent Richardson and protect QB Brandon Weeden."

9:01 p.m.

Friday's draft featured a wrinkle: Each team sent a familiar former player to the podium in New York to announce its choice. The Browns' second-round pick, offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz of California, was announced by former Browns great Gary Collins, the receiver/punter who caught three touchdowns in the 1964 NFL title game -- Cleveland's last champion in any major sport.

8:55 p.m.

Interesting note given by ESPN's Chris Mortenson that Ohio State's Mike Adams sent a letter last week to NFL teams not only apologizing for testing positive for marijuana, but for also lying to teams at the NFL Combine about his pot smoking.

The Buckeyes' local radio partner, WKNR, is spending several minutes talking about the mistakes Adams has made, with even Steelers fan Kenny Roda showing less that enthusiastic support for the newest Pittsburgh offensive tackle.

8:40 p.m.

Staff writer Jodie Valade profiles the Browns' top draft pick, Trent Richardson.

"He was overcoming surgery (as a teenager) on both ankles in successive years when ligaments in both needed screws inserted to repair the damage. And he had a choice.

" 'It was going to be either I hung around a wrong crowd and try to get fast money, or I could go make something out of myself and go be a grown man and handle my responsibilities,' Richardson said. 'I stood up to the plate and my little girls are happy now.'"

8:31 p.m.

From NationalFootballPost, on Schwartz: "Schwartz is a tough, nasty kid who loves to get after it in the run game and finish opponents through the whistle. He played left tackle at Cal and will be asked to move to the right side in the NFL. He's a great fit to handle the power side because of his ability to gain leverage, stick through contact and hold the point of attack vs. the pass. NFL ceiling: "Plus" right tackle. NFL floor: Above average swing tackle."

8:27 p.m.

It could be argued that the NFL is proving in the second round the difference between being a general manager of a fantasy team and a GM of a real franchise.

From the Browns' choice of Schwartz to the Packers' choice of Jerel Worthy, nine linemen have been drafted, opposed to just two receivers -- Stephen Hill and Alshon Jeffrey.

8:20 p.m.

Berkeley Browns: Schwartz is the ninth player from the University of California at Berkeley to sign with the Browns and the first since current center Alex Mack in 2009. Mack and Schwartz were teammates for two years.

Other Cal-Berkeley players drafted by the Browns were: Ray Solari (1951), Harley Martin (1957), Leo Biedermann (1978), Reggie Camp (1983), Issac Booth (1994), Marquis Smith (1999) and Adimchinobe Echemandu (2004).

8:14 p.m.

Terry Pluto on the Browns' new offensive tackle:

"Yes, they need receivers.

"But in the name of Cody Risen, they need a right tackle -- unless you happen to like O.C.

"Just so you know, O.C. is Oniel Cousins -- General Manager Tom Heckert called Cousins by his initials at a recent press conference. Yes, O.C. is back. But thankfully, Schwartz should make sure that O.C. spends a lot of time next John Greco as backups on the offensive line."

8:02 p.m.

Mitchell Schwartz has played both left and right tackle, but knows his home on the Browns' line is the right side, because All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas isn't going anywhere.

"Honestly,'' he said during a conference call from his home in Los Angeles, "I'm pretty comfortable with both.''

7:57 p.m.

Mitchell Schwartz has already had his first quick phone press conference with Cleveland media, and was excited to be rejoining former California teammate Alex Mack on the line.

"I played with him my first two years at Cal, his last two,'' said Schwartz. "It's definitely good to have a former teammate there.''

Also, check out videos of Schwartz with the Bears.

7:48 p.m.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock gives his evaluation of Mitchell Schwartz: "This is a guy that wins ugly -- but he wins. His stock has been rising ever since the Senior Bowl. His technique and the angles he takes are phenomenal. He's a plug-and-play right tackle, so he better be a starter right away."

7:45 p.m.

Early Sense Of Humor award goes to Boogie2Shoes when considering his level of satisfaction with the Schwartz pick: "I'll hold off judgment until I see they don't draft a long snapper or what have you."

7:37 p.m.

OK, so the Browns haven't taken a wide receiver yet ... what's the excuse for the other NFL teams, who have also avoided the position through the first eight selections?

7:27 p.m.

With pretty much all of their hoped-for prospects sitting on the board, the Browns take ... California offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz.



7:18 p.m.

All the worrywarts worried about a good receiver not being available to the Browns because they chose Brandon Weeden on Thursday? You're officially wrong. Pretty much all fans would have been happy with either Hill or Randle. But what of all the offensive tackles?

7:11 p.m.

What's going on in the Berea press room? From an observer: "There are four long rows of tables, about 10-12 seats across, facing the dais. There is another row of seats along one wall, probably another 12 seats. Right now pretty quiet. All reporters looking at Twitters or watching TVs. About 40 media types in here now. Row of TV cameras behind last row of tables. NFL Network kept Solomon Wilcots here.

"Food for the media? Salad."

7:06 p.m.

The Rams needed both a wide receiver and an offensive tackle ... and took Appalachian State's Brian Quick. Fair to assume that most Browns fans aren't unhappy about that.

7 p.m.

ESPN seemed a bit unprepared for the speed of Round 1, in which teams had 10 minutes, but typically needed much less time to get their pick in. How will the network fare tonight with no more than seven minutes between picks? Can Jon Gruden actually get all of his praise out of his mouth and still leave room for Mel Kiper?

6:44 p.m.

Before the start of the first round, we showed how the computer simulation used by Drafttek.com predicted the entire draft for the Browns. The site is constantly updating its predictions based on live selections, and here's what the simulation offers for the Browns if they use their current picks, without further trades up or down.

Round 2 -- Mississippi OT Bobby Massie.

Round 3 -- Virginia DE Cam Johnson.

Round 4 -- Wisconsin WR Nick Toon.

Round 5 -- North Carolina State LB Terrell Manning.

Round 6 -- West Virginia DE Julian Miller, LSU CB Ron Brooks.

Round 7 -- Mississippi State SS Charles Mitchell, Temple OG Derek Dennis.

6:38 p.m.

NFL Network's Ted Sundquist on the Browns' Day 1 choices: "Brandon Weeden can become the Browns' Andy Dalton. ... To get both Trent Richardson and Weeden in the first round was far better than what I thought they could come up with."

6:33 p.m.

What pleased Bud Shaw the most about the Browns' opening night at the 2012 draft?

"(The Browns) showed a lack of ego -- lack of ego not something routinely associated with the Mike Holmgren regime.

"GM Tom Heckert didn't cling to the notion that Montario Hardesty -- a player he previously traded up to get, could be the answer at running back if only given an injury-free season.

"Mike Holmgren didn't insist McCoy, his pick, could blossom given another year with more weapons around him."

6:23 p.m.

There was a certain amount of scoffing going around a few years ago when the NFL decided to move the draft from the weekend to prime time -- eventually splitting off the first round to a separate day.

Had the league finally over-reached in getting national exposure?

Well, guess not.

According to Neilsen, ESPN and the NFL Network reached a combined audience of 25.3 million viewers on Thursday evening. Not exactly American Idol, but certainly more than impressive.

Plenty of Browns fans kept their browsers refreshed last night in the megablog, and we thank you.

6 p.m.

SI.com's Don Banks projects the first four picks of the second round to be Cordy Glenn to St. Louis, Coby Fleener to reunite with Andrew Luck in Indianapolis, Courtney Upshaw for Baltimore and Jerel Worthy to Denver. Which means the Browns take ...

WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech: "As good as Stanford's Jonathan Martin would look filling the gaping hole that is the Browns' right offensive tackle spot, landing Hill continues the much-needed job of upgrading the Browns' offensive skill positions. He's the top-rated remaining pass-catcher, and his 4.3 speed adds a potential big-play element to Cleveland's attack."

-- Plain Dealer staff

Nobody left on your draft board? Worried that the Browns don't have enough options?

Agreeing with the assumption that the top remaining needs are right tackle and wide receiver, here are the players at those positions who are on NFL Network's Mike Mayock's Top 100 prospects.

Offensive tackle

Georgia's Cordy Glenn

Stanford's Jonathan Martin

Illinois' Jeff Allen

Mississippi's Bobby Massie

Ohio State's Mike Adams

California's Mitchell Schwartz

Oklahoma's Donald Stephenson

Wide receiver

Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill

South Carolina's Alshon Jeffrey

Appalachian State's Brian Quick

LSU's Reuben Randle

California's Marvin Jones

Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu

Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles

Mentor boys track team edges Kenston to win Cardinal Relays

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MENTOR, Ohio — Two points is a slim margin by which to lose a track meet. Kenston coach Chris Ickes looked at it another way.

MENTOR, Ohio — Two points is a slim margin by which to lose a track meet.

Kenston coach Chris Ickes looked at it another way.

"Point-oh-eight seconds," he said, shaking his head. "That's how close it was."

Either way, Mentor's boys edged the Bombers at the Mentor Cardinal Relays on Saturday at Osborne Stadium.

Mentor's girls won the meet for the first time since 2006.

Defending boys champ Kenston and the Cardinals traded the lead throughout a chilly afternoon. They were tied heading into the penultimate event, the shuttle hurdles. Kenston finished second, while Mentor placed sixth, giving the Bombers a five-point lead heading into the 4 x 400.

The 4 x 400 was run in two heats, and in the second, Mentor took second place while Kenston was third.

When times were compared and the event was ranked, Mentor remained second for eight team points. Four teams from the first heat squeezed ahead of Kenston, dropping the Bombers to eighth place, worth one point.

Kenston's time of 3:35.83 was 0.08 seconds behind Bedford, which was in sixth place, and was worth three points and would have given Kenston a co-championship.

Last year, Kenston beat Mentor by 31 points.

"They destroyed us last year," first-year Mentor coach Bill Dennison said. "This is such a different team from last year. We've got a lot more guys out, and we've kind of cleaned house a little bit, too. Guys are serious this year, where I didn't think we were serious last year. It was a team-fought battle today."

Mentor's Desi Ingram, Jeff Gudowicz, Jared Keipert and Max Ostrowski won the 4 x 800 in 8:03.04, just 0.14 off a 24-year-old meet record. All but Keipert ran on the runner-up distance medley, and Keipert was third in the 3,200.

Numerous Kenston runners competed in four events, leaving just one regular to run the 4 x 400. Its lone champ was senior Mike Weilacher, who set a school record (11.03) in the 100. Owen Norely was second in the 1,600 and 3,200.

Weilacher nipped John F. Kennedy junior Antwon Smith (11.037) at the wire.

"He was ahead of me until about 15 feet, and I caught him," Weilacher said. "I wasn't sure, to be honest. They went to a photo finish."

Mentor's girls scored a 106-89 win over Massillon Jackson. The Cardinals won three events, including a pole vault relay record (28-6) by seniors Alex Aiello (10-0), Hallie Gatto (9-6) and Kristine Wagner (9-6). Wagner was also part of a first-place long jump relay and ran on two top-four relays.

"The pole vault record has been one of our goals since last year," Wagner said. "The [team title] was definitely a good win for us. We hadn't won this in a while, and to come back senior year and win it and finish off the year strong is great."

The meet features distance events, usually a Mentor strength, and that gave Brunswick, Riverside and Chardon chances to shine. Riverside senior Zach McBride swept the 1,600 (4:26.41) and 3,200 (9:35). His 3,200 time was a personal best by five seconds, and he was named boys Most Valuable Performer.

"It's the training. Doesn't matter what the weather is, you just keep improving with the training," McBride said.

Brunswick's Matt Dietrich, Brian Colarik, David Ryland and Rob Scanlon claimed the boys distance medley record in 10:37. Scanlon, Dietrich, Ryland and Nick Perozini also combined to win the 4 x 1,600.

Chardon's girls also swept the distance medley and 4 x 1,600. Corinne Kule, Sam Stansbury and Amanda Garlak ran on both.

South discus and shot put champ Maria Romano was the girls MVP.

Bedford freshman Tiara Stephens led off the winning 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relays and was third in the 100.

Shaker Heights senior Naleta Andrews anchored the winning 4 x 400. She also had runner-up finishes in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 and was second to promising Chardon sophomore Stephanie Ferrante in the 100 (12.60).

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

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