
Your Browns questions answered
Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question to cleveland.com/heytony, and Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi will choose at least one to answer each Sunday in the sports section. All of Tony's answers are archived online.
Q: Hey, Tony: While I agree the Browns need to upgrade at the LB spot, I am weary of spending the No. 5 on Aaron Curry, and I feel Rey Maualuga is a reach. The Browns missed on Kamerion Wimbley, and Eric Mangini missed on Vernon Gholston with the No. 6. I know I am in the minority, but what about spending that pick on one of the four quality OT and shoring up some bookends on that O-line for years to come? Also, maybe Malcolm Jenkins would be a safer pick. Your thoughts? - Shaun, Glendale, Ariz.
A: Hey, Shaun: Using that first pick on an offensive tackle can be justified. I probably would choose Curry over a tackle, however, and possibly - possibly - Maualuga. Not Jenkins, though.
Q: Hey, Tony: A quick glance at the Browns' depth chart reveals real needs amongst the defensive front seven. Willie McGinest, Andra Davis and Shaun Smith should be gone, while Kamerion Wimbley and Corey Williams are serviceable. That leaves only D'Qwell Jackson and Shaun Rogers as true defensive assets. Yet when I look at these mock drafts, I see the Browns projected to pick CB or RB or even WR. Shouldn't the Browns be drafting a linebacker, seeing as how we are running a defense that is LB dependent? And is Aaron Curry a combine freak or a real Football player that can do more than just rush the QB? - Aaron, Boulder, Colo.
A: Hey, Aaron: All the experts say that Curry is the safest pick of the draft. So safe that he may be taken first, third or fourth. No way would I use the No. 5 pick on a running back or wide receiver.
Q: Hey, Tony: Your article last Sunday, "The big question: Who's the QB?" failed to answer one question I have as a big Derek Anderson fan. What will it take for the Cleveland Browns to make D.A. the starting quarterback this year? Mangini and George Kokinis have both indicated they are open to "different possibilities" at the QB position. Thoughts? - M.R., Brecksville.
A: Hey, M.R.: It's entirely possible that Anderson could be the QB to benefit from the regime change. It's looking and sounding as if, at the very least, Anderson and Brady Quinn will have an open competition in training camp. The previous Browns regime was split on the two passers, and so is this one.
Q: Hey, Tony: I see lots of mock drafts and hear lots of people talking about the Browns drafting either Malcolm Jenkins or Rey Maualuga. But I think they should draft Brandon Spikes of Florida. He was the best defender on the No. 1 team last season, so what's all this hype about players who wouldn't even stand up to Florida's defense? What is your take on this? - Jacob, Lakewood.
A: Hey, Jacob: Spikes is not eligible for the draft until 2010.
- Tony