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DAWG DAYS: With the third pick the Cleveland Browns select ...
Sandusky Register, OH - 21 hours ago
If both highly-regarded quarterbacks are off the board, the debate will involve running back Adrian Peterson and tackle Joe Thomas. The Browns also will entertain trade talks from teams drooling over Johnson, the sure-fire pick of Tampa at No. 4.

With Peterson, the Browns would get someone to pair with workhorse Jamal Lewis to create an impressive backfield. Such a good one-two punch would alleviate some of the pressure on young quarterback Charlie Frye. After all, the lack of a running game was the biggest reason for the team's offensive struggles in 2006. The Browns would get little or no yards when running on first or second down, forcing Frye to make something out of nothing in the presence of a strong third-down pass rush. And all too often, he tried to do too much and it cost him.

The down side with Peterson is his injury history. If Cleveland were to take Peterson and then lose him to an injury early on, critics would have a field day, saying the Browns should have known better.

That brings us to Thomas. He is the safest pick. For eight years, everyone -- including people with the team -- has said Cleveland needs to build an offensive line through the draft. Overpaying for aging, marginal talent in free agency doesn't cut it. And then, when the draft rolls around, the Browns pick players at just about every other position in the first three rounds and then excuse their not taking a tackle by saying good ones can be had in free agency.

It's time to take a tackle, and Thomas is it.

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:14:16 GMT

Post your comments about this story here.

[Lefty Noob]

Assuming Quinn's gone, or they choose not to pick him (or Calvin Johnson for that matter), would the Browns be better off drafting Peterson or Thomas? I agree with the article here. Thomas over Peterson. The Browns need the offensive line help. They need a RB for the future too, but they can get that in Round #2.

[azrael492]

I would take Peterson. I don't recall off hand, but has there been another 1st round O-Line pick that has done well? Would it be smart to spend 3rd round pick money on an offensive lineman. They can surely get a good one later in the draft.