Week 10

Well, the best Power Rankings week of the year is upon us. And once again after tossing around several ideas, I decided to base the rankings on something near and dear to all of our hearts: The Cleveland Browns first round draft picks since 1999. Now, before you all think your team’s suck, hold on a minute, there have been a few picks have turned out pretty damn well. Here we go.

1. Jake – Joe Thomas, 2007…..I was a little hesitant to put myself at Joe Thomas level, because Thomas should probably be reserved for someone with a 10-15 point lead. However, he is their best pick and I do have the lead, so there you go. Obviously he’s not the flashiest player being an offensive linemen but he does his job better than anyone, similar to my team at this point.

2. Heydinger – Joe Haden, 2010…..Another good pick by the Browns, and a team on the rise. Like Haden, this team’s best days are probably ahead of it. Heydinger has been on a tear lately and I don’t see any reason for that to stop - my pick to win the league at this point. His slow forty time in the combine can be compared to Coker’s slow start, but as of now, neither matters. Also, they have the same initials.

3. Luke – Alex Mack, 2009…..Much like the drafting of Alex Mack, Luke’s draft seemed mediocre at best. However, both have turned out pretty damn well. Mack made a pro bowl last year and even scored a touchdown on the game’s final play. Via trades, Luke has put himself into a position to be the league’s best this year as well. Hopefully for Luke, his team doesn’t come down with appendicitis in the coming weeks.

4. Knipp – Tim Couch, 1999…..Probably the most heralded pick coming out of college, and my most heralded pick to start the season, both huge disappointments. Each definitely had their moments. Think any time Couch threw a hail mary, and Weeks 1 and 4 for Knipp. However, I think drafting James White screwed your team like Kevin Johnson running a 4 yard route and falling down on 3rd and 6 screwed Couch’s career. Furthermore, I wouldn’t be surprised if years from now Knipp is busted for taking steroids.  

5. Farber – William Green, 2002…..When Green had that run against Atlanta his rookie year, I’m sure we all thought he was on his way to great things. When Farber got first place in back to back weeks this year, I’m sure we all thought the same.  Then, for Green came a stabbing in the back by his girlfriend, marijuana possession and drunk driving, and let me quote Wikipedia here, “ was also notoriously seen wearing one shoe and one sock during the arrest.”-  Which has to be my favorite moment as a Brown’s fan since their return. Farber’s downfall was less dramatic, as his players just stopped performing as well.

6. Schumann – Courtney Brown, 2000….Not the worst player the Brown’s have drafted in the first round, but not good either. Just like Schumann’s team. Injuries plagued the career of Brown, and injuries and suspensions plagued the season for Schumann. Both had tons of talent, but that talent could never get on the field. I'm thinking drafting DeVier Posey has haunted him the entire season, which is probably how Brown feels for being drafted by the Browns.

7. Haines – Brady Quinn, 2007…..Each was late to the party. Quinn in sitting in the green room through 17 picks in the first round, and Haines in that this is his first year; neither amounted to much either. Should we be surprised? Not really, as stated it is Haines’ first year; and when 17 other teams didn’t want Quinn, why in the hell would the Browns trade up to get him?  

8. Seth – No pick, 2008…..Sorry Seth, but so far this season hasn’t amounted to anything for you. No one on your team has had a breakout year or even lived up to expectations. The only way you had a shot at getting back in this was by some miraculous trade, just like the only way the Browns were getting a pick in 2008 was by a trade. Ok, you want a player, you’re Gerard “Big Money” Warren. 

Not Mentioned: Jeff Faine - 2003; Kellen Winslow Jr. - (2004); Braylon Edwards - (2005); Kamerion Wimbley - (2006); Phil Taylor - (2011)