A Seattle-based blog is running with a good idea: a mock draft chosen by bloggers from each team. Though some of the choices so far are pretty wild, I am pleased to be able to represent the Browns and select linebackers Aaron Curry and Clay Matthews III in the first two rounds. If only it would really turn out that way.
Click through to follow the entire interblog mock draft. Here’s what I wrote about Curry and Matthews:
5. Browns – Aaron Curry (LB) Wake Forest
Among the disturbing revelations laid bare during Cleveland’s 2008 catastrophe was the team’s paucity of quality depth. Early injuries to DE Robaire Smith and OLB Antwan Peek devastated the 3-4 defense’s front seven much more than they should have. One solution to a talent-thin roster is versatility, and that’s why I favor Curry.
New coach Eric Mangini will have many holes to fill on both sides of the ball, but upgrading the linebacking corps demands utmost urgency. Elders Willie McGinest and Andra Davis are all but gone, Peek’s return to form is doubtful, and ILB Leon Williams has proven unready for full-time duty. That leaves only ILB D’Qwell Jackson and OLB Kamerion Wimbley as viable starters, with 2008 second-day picks Beau Bell and Alex Hall as possible contributors.
This Butkus Award winner would do more to solidify the Browns’ subpar pass rush and run defense than any other player, though USC’s Rey Maualuga and Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins are tempting options here. Adding to his outstanding aggressiveness, speed, and strength, Curry is durable, bright, and mature. He’s just the best all-around choice to lead the Browns into their next era. His goal is to be drafted in the top five, so here’s hoping he just barely makes it.
36. Browns — Clay Matthews III (LB) Southern Cal.
No sentient Browns fan will fail to recognize the name. After all, his father played more NFL games in the orange and brown than any other man and remains the team’s all-time sack leader.
While that alone is no reason to draft the son, this pick actually fills some of the Browns’ most critical needs: restocking the linebacking corps, ginning up some sort of pash rush, and instantly intensifying the coverage units. Matthews may not cut a ferocious figure or stun the combine with pure athleticism, but through tremendous determination, he’s grown into a very effective football player.
Incoming head coach Eric Mangini clearly seeks a certain chemistry in the Cleveland locker room, beginning with guys who obviously love the game. “The words that I told you would go up in the draft room are up: smart, hardworking, competitive, and selfless,” Mangini said. The trajectory of Matthews’ career at USC illustrates that this description fully fits the latest prospect from a proven pro bloodline. The positive PR that would arrive with this pick, while much needed, would be great gravy.
