The Browns’ first-day draft performance may not have earned the accolates that division rivals Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati did, but the team filled in some critical holes with three quality athletes. The choices of C Jeff Faine, OLB Chaun Thompson, and CB/S Chris Crocker also show that the Browns believe strongly in their system of scouting and evaluating talent. Bigger names were still on the board in each of the three rounds.

Now comes the process of developing them into viable NFL starters sooner rather than later. Faine, at least, has played in a winning, big-time college program. Thompson’s team was 0-11 in Div. I-AA. Crocker, playing in the MAC, has not seen the likes of the receivers on the Browns’ schedule this year. Despite the small-school backgrounds, these two athletes fit the mold of a Davis/Campo defender: quick and aggressive, with the size and speed to play every down.

A few stray comments:

I’m glad that Jamel White was not traded. Though William Green will get the bulk of the carries, there should be plenty of chances for the nifty White to make big plays and add another dimension to what could be an explosive offense. I’d love to see him sign a long-term contract, but most likely this is his last year in Cleveland.

With Baltimore’s selection of pass rusher Terrell Suggs as the 10th overall pick, the pendulum appears to be swinging more toward Cleveland in the quest for Jamir Miller. He would add much to the defense, even if he can’t return to his 2001 Pro Bowl form, as a situational pass rusher and inspirational leader to a very young linebacking corps.

Cincinnati has drafted two players I though might very well be Browns: OL Eric Steinbach from Iowa and CB Dennis Weathersby of Oregon State. Weathersby fell to the fourth round after sustaining a gunshot wound last week. The verdict is out on this former Beaver: will he have what it takes to turn from a shot-down corner into a shut-down corner?