Browns Rebuilding Yet Again, But Around Whom?

Browns fans and analysts alike complain that the Browns do not have a true deep threat wide receiver.  Current Wide receivers Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, Chancey Stuckey, and Josh Cribbs all seem like Mike Holmgren-style receivers.  So for the Browns' 29th ranked offense, the biggest needs are a dependable, accurate quarterback to get them the ball, and a consistent right side of the offensive line, not another wide receiver.  The Browns claim to be happy with Colt McCoy at the helm, and he's going to be playing under a head coach in Pat Shurmer with experience grooming Donovan McNabb, Mike Vick, Kevin Kolb, and others.  Plus Holmgren has a penchant for grooming quarterbacks not drafted in round one.

Despite his break-out year, running back Peyton Hillis is an awkward fit in new head coach Pat Shurmer's offense.  2010 second round pick Montario Hardesty was unavailable the entire season, as he often was at his alma mater Tennessee.  Mike Bell never seemed to get going either.  Running back would make more sense with this pick than wide receiver.

This is a team that will be transitioning from a 3-4 to Dick Jauron's 4-3 defense.  All the ends are probably too big and slow to transition to defensive tackle in a 4-3.  The only remaining defensive tackle is Ahtyba Rubin.  Several linebackers may be able to transition to the 4-3 defensive end position, including Matt Roth, Jason Trusnik, Marcus Bernard, and Chris Gocong.  A healthy D'Qwell Jackson could play anywhere at linebacker.  Scott Fujita looks to play the Sam linebacker, and Kaluka Maiava might have a little Lofa Tatupu in him to man the middle.

With Von Miller gone early on The Contrarians' draft board, and Auburn's Nick Fairley and Alabama's Marcel Dareus still on the board for a team with a gaping hole at defensive tackle, the smart choice is to go for a defensive tackle.

Fairley's motor has been questioned, but at number 6, much of the selection is based on upside.  Fairley is quicker than Dareus, who is more adept at taking on blockers.

The best pick for the Browns would be Nick Fairley.  If they motivate him, the Browns could have a winner for their new system.