I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Of course you don't draft guys in the later rounds expecting them to be able to contribute right away as starters. I think when you're in a situation like the Browns were in, setting an immediate goal for this group of players to upgrade the special teams is a good and realistic goal. However, even if that is the contribution you are expecting, I don't think you should be limiting yourself by going after guys that have special teams as their ceiling. I would hope (and I think that's what Savage has done) that they would bring in guys who could eventually step into roles on offense and defense.
I certainly hope that's the case for Rucker. Otherwise, I don't think it's a very smart move to trade away a future 3rd round pick (where you should reasonably expect to get more than just a special teams player) to get him. He seems like the kind of player that could become a capable fill-in or replacement for Winslow, or could even play in tandem with him in some situations.
I think Hubbard is interesting too. He'll be a project, but with his size maybe he can learn a thing or two from Jurevicius this year and step into that role down the road.
All told, I think the Browns did well given the circumstances. They had some glaring needs (CB, OLB) and some would say they went unfilled. I'm glad that they didn't fall into the trap of trying to draft based on need when their first pick came in the fourth round. The fact is that while you can find good players at the back end of the draft who can contribute down the road, you're not going to find somebody who can step in and fill those needs THIS YEAR. It looks to me like they just went for the best player available, and were bold in making the necessary moves to get the guys they wanted when they could. I think they got some interesting players that could be assets in the future.
I certainly hope that's the case for Rucker. Otherwise, I don't think it's a very smart move to trade away a future 3rd round pick (where you should reasonably expect to get more than just a special teams player) to get him. He seems like the kind of player that could become a capable fill-in or replacement for Winslow, or could even play in tandem with him in some situations.
I think Hubbard is interesting too. He'll be a project, but with his size maybe he can learn a thing or two from Jurevicius this year and step into that role down the road.
All told, I think the Browns did well given the circumstances. They had some glaring needs (CB, OLB) and some would say they went unfilled. I'm glad that they didn't fall into the trap of trying to draft based on need when their first pick came in the fourth round. The fact is that while you can find good players at the back end of the draft who can contribute down the road, you're not going to find somebody who can step in and fill those needs THIS YEAR. It looks to me like they just went for the best player available, and were bold in making the necessary moves to get the guys they wanted when they could. I think they got some interesting players that could be assets in the future.
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