by J. Alan Beck

Created on: April 01, 2010   Last Updated: April 23, 2010

(Note: Updated draft analyses are appended at the end of this article.)

If the once-upon-a-time successful Cleveland Browns want to return to winning, this month's 2010 N.F.L. player draft is pivotal.

Even if the Browns trade a couple of their twelve current draft picks in exchange for another player or a higher selection, they will still own more selections than in any recent draft. In short, through various trades (including of former stalwarts Braylon Edwards and Kamerion Wimbley), the Browns have purposely amassed an abundance of picks. They have, in effect, committed to this year's draft as an important resource for rebuilding the team. And the Cleveland organization must endeavor to “get it right” this time. The club's future on the field over the next several seasons will depend upon it.

Despite appearances to the contrary new Browns General Manager Tom Heckert is the key front office person for the 2010 Browns draft. Though only with his new organization for a few months now, his ten-plus years of college player scouting and player personnel experience will be relied upon heavily. Ten of the Browns’ twelve selections in the 2010 draft are positioned in the third round or lower. (Six of these are in round 5 or lower.) Heckert and the Browns’ scouting team must strive to select well there, as winning division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore have often done with middle/lower round picks. I.e., the Browns must find a few serviceable (or better) players in these later rounds.  It is especially important this time, as the 2010 college draft is generally considered to be a deep one in overall talent.

Under past management Cleveland's recent drafting history in the middle and lower portions is poor. From 2004 through 2009 (covering the last six player drafts), only three current, regular players have been found via round three or later in the draft: Running backs Lawrence Vickers and Jerome Harrison, and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin. (The verdict is not yet “in” on injured RB James Davis (2009), while the team seems to be actively looking to replace 2007 selection Brandon McDonald (DB).)

Veteran coach and general manager Mike Holmgren is the high-profile “czar” brought in by Browns owner Randy Lerner to preside over major facets of the team's football operations. (And the latest overhaul.) He likely has the final word about players chosen this year, especially the team's top picks. Holmgren’s experience

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