Browns use last pick till 7th round on CB Pierre Desir
Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive corner Pierre Desir of Lindenwood (30) celebrates after an interception against the South squad during the second half of a game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. South defeated the North 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns take Cornerback Pierre Desir from Lindenwood with the #127 pick (from Indy in the Trent Richardson trade) . Desir is 6’1″ 198lbs and didn’t have a great combine. He was one of the weaker (only 11 reps) and slower (a 4.59 compared to Justin Gilbert‘s leading 4.37 time) corners at the combine (though he looks quick on tape). That combined with his below rate college competition is a big reason why the Browns were able to get him late in the 4th round. His game tapes show a guy who can play though. I think the Browns will be able to take advantage of his ability to come away with the ball. When you watch Desir, he seems to always have an eye for the ball. Every time, he’s making a play on the ball and getting the INT, including one in the Senior Bowl. Here’s where I think he’ll make an immediate impact. Late in games (hopefully) when then Browns have a lead, teams typically go to 3 or 4 wide outs. When they do, Desir will have his opportunity to shine. With Joe Haden and Justin Gilbert most likely at 1 and 2 and Buster Skrine as a 3rd/nickle he’ll be able to play on less talented receivers with the best spot maybe a zone coverage where he’ll be able to float while using his great instincts to make a play on the ball and seal the game with a late INT. Long term maybe he’s able to grown into a legit starting corner but for now he can make an immediate impact in passing downs and late in games with this ability to find the ball and bring it back for his offense.
At this point, it doesn’t really matter. It’s not that you plan on grabbing a WR in the 5th or 6th round to come in and be your #1, more than likely he’ll a contributor at the #3 or #4 WR. But the Browns still have yet to draft a wide receiver. We all thought they’d grab one to be a #2 for Josh Gordon but now that news is surfacing that the Gordon will be gone for the season, the wide receiver need got that much more. With Jalen Saunders, Bruce Ellington, Shaq Evans and my man Martavis Bryant taken off the board before the Browns drafted there wasn’t much to choose from. The Browns seem to be sticking to their board and not reaching based on need. If one of those had dropped to Cleveland, then it’s possible they would have justified the need with value but it didn’t happen. Now the Browns (barring a trade up) are essentially done, with only one pick in the 7th round remaining. If they do trade up or somehow these players fall, here are the guys I think can still be valuable to the team.
Still available help
WR Brandon Coleman – A 6’6″ sizable mismatch nightmare for corners. Would be a great red-zone threat.
WR- Jared Abbrederis – Solid all around. Watched him tear some Big 10 corners (including 1st round pick Bradley Roby) up.
( Just went to the Bucs)
G-Andrew Norwell – Would add even more depth, especially great in the zone blocking scheme. Quick, Smart.
CB-Loucheiz Purifoy – A very athletic corner who can make plays. Great game smarts, not so much off the field. Not likely pick with Justin Gilbert and Desir drafted.
S-Dion Bailey – I think he’ll make an impact immediately. A bigger safety, maybe too similar to 3rd round pick Christian Kirksey, who has the size to battle upfront but the speed to play safety. Solid in coverage and a solid blitz threat.
S-Vinnie Sunseri– A playmaking ball magnet safety who seems to be able and willing to do it all, including being a special teams monster.