If I were the Cleveland Browns, I would trade the pick to Mike Ditka and the Saints. I have two reasons for doing this.
First, there is no clear-cut No. 1 QB available. Neither Tim Couch nor Akili Smith is the correct choice for the West Coast Offense the Browns will be running. Donovan McNabb would be the best choice for this team, but he is not worthy of the first overall pick.
Second, you now have the ability to secure eight additional draft choices, including two first-rounders over the next two years. This draft is strong in linemen. Build your offensive and defensive lines now. Pay these players large up-front bonuses (with low future annual salaries) out of your huge cap allowance.
You have now secured eight-to--10 solid line starters for your team, and you still have large amounts of cap room left over for the next few years. Use this freed up money to secure a few key free agent skill players.
Look at recent history and Jacksonville and Carolina. Who would you rather have on your team, Tony Boselli or Kerry Collins?
Mike Sacks
Portland, Ore.
mikes@imperialdirect.com
