The Cleveland Browns had a great day three of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Browns drafted Joe Haden in the first round and had a great day two of the draft. On day three the Cleveland Browns only had three picks left. The Browns had one fifth round picks and two sixth round pick. Cleveland used the picks wisely selecting Larry Asante, Carlton Mitchell, and Clifton Geathers. Late round NFL draft selections are about filling needs, creating competition, and picking up value players. The Browns did all three.
Larry Asante
Larry Asante is a 6′ 212lb safety out of Nebraska who Scout.com describes as a four star prospect, the 77th best prospect in the NFL draft, and the eighth best safety in the draft. Not a bad pick up at all for the Browns with the 160th pick in the draft. Asante is a value pick here, he helps the Browns fill a need on defense, and he adds competition at safety with second round pick T.J Ward. Scout.com actually had Larry Asante ranked higher than T.J Ward. The safety spot should be fun to watch in Cleveland during the pre-season to see how these players develop.
Carlton Mitchell
Carlton Mitchell is a 6’3 215lb junior wide receiver out of South Florida. Scout.com considers Mitchell a four star prospect, the 71st best prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft and the 9th best receiver in the draft. The Cleveland Browns had a need at wide receiver and Mitchell has great draft value at the 177th pick. Fox Sports states “considering his size, speed and upside, he’s an absolute steal considering the Browns were targeting a receiver coming into the draft.”
Clifton Geathers
Geathers is a 6’8 281lb junior defensive end out of South Carolina. Scout.com lists Clifton as a three star prospect, the 21st best defensive end in the draft, and the 225th best prospect in the draft. The Browns selected Clifton Geathers with the 186th round draft pick. Clifton is not exactly value with this pick. However, he does add competition on the defensive line. According to Fox Sports “as a pure prospect, Geathers is among the most talented prospects in the draft.” They continue stating Clifton “has the size, the speed, and the versatility to play tackle or end.” However, Geathers did not play up to his potential with the Gamecocks and I am wondering why he choose to come out early as a junior instead of playing one more year of college ball and developing.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns had a tremendous draft. The final day of the 2010 NFL draft continued to be successful for the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland was able to draft two players late who will immediately compete for considerable playing time. The Browns swooped up two prospects, which were highly considered before the draft fall into their laps. Asante and Mitchell were true value picks for the Brown. Clifton Geathers might be a project player for the Browns. He has the size and some great gifts. Geathers just has not developed as a player enough to show he can play in the NFL.
Sources:
Scout.com
Fox Sports
