NEW YORK – Rumors are flying as the countdown to the draft at 7:30 tonight continues. The latest has the Browns picking Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan if Tennessee safety Eric Berry is gone.
The Redskins with the fourth pick and Chiefs with the fifth pick are considering Berry, according to rumblings coming out of those cities. The reports could be true, or Washington and Kansas City might be tossing bait out there to get the Browns to trade up, a deal that would probably cost the Browns a third-round draft choice plus their own first round pick. The Browns have three third-round picks.
If the Redskins and Chiefs go for offensive tackles as expected the Browns would still have to worry about the Seahawks taking Berry. In such a scenario safety Earl Thomas from Texas would still be available when the Browns draft seventh.
Morgan is regarded as the best pass rusher in the draft. He had 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles or loss in 2009, but at 266 pounds he is light for an end in the Browns’ 3-4 defense. If the Browns would switch him to outside linebacker he would have to learn a new position as Kamerion Wimbley did in 2006. He had 11 sacks as a rookie but never was close to matching that in the three succeeding seasons. After four seasons the Browns last month traded Wimbley to Oakland for a third round draft choice.
Drafting Morgan could also mean the Browns are transitioning to a 4-3 defense.