Sam Bradford is going to be the top pick in next Thursday's NFL Draft according to many of the top draft experts.
Who he goes to, however, could be a different story, as the Browns today confirmed they have talked to the St. Louis Rams inquiring about the #1 pick.
However, Mike Holmgren followed this information with a bit to the media about how everyone at this time of the year likes to use smokescreens to hide their true intentions.
This begs the question that do they even want the #1 pick?
If the Browns want to rebuild the right way, they want to keep their picks as much as possible and use them wisely.
As GM Tom Heckert had done for many years in Philadelphia, he acquired extra picks for the Browns, giving them 10 in the upcoming draft.
They still have the #7 pick, and are likely to take Tennessee S Eric Berry or Texas S Earl Thomas depending onwho is left on the board.
But there is also no question that despite getting Jake Delhomme in free agency, the Browns lack a franchise QB.
And a guy like Bradford who has great accuracy could potentially thrive in Holmgren's West Coast Offense, which many assume the team will run even though Holmgren is not on the sidelines.
But if they do not move up, Colt McCoy in the second round would be another good option, with outstanding accuracy and a skill set conducive to the WCO.
Also, don't be surprised if the Browns are the team that takes Tim Tebow should he fall to the third round and McCoy does not go to Cleveland.
Regardless, whoever the Browns draft will most likely be the third-string behind Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, allowing him to develop at his own pace.
For that reason, the Browns would be best served to use the #7 pick on someone who can make an immediate impact on the defense, which is where despite a poor offense, they need to make the most improvement.
The secondary was terrible last season, and though acquiring CB Sheldon Brown helps, a talented safety can go a long way to improving a defense.
And it's no surprise that the two most consistent defenses in the AFC North, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, are led by two of the best safeties in the NFL in Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed respectively.
With all that said, it's clear the Browns need immediate impact, and that is something Sam Bradford might not be able to provide the Browns.
2011's draft should bring Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett to the NFL, two QBs the Browns may pursue should they try to find their franchise guy once again.
But if the Browns want to take the next step in the process, they need guys who can contribute now, and they should stay where they are to get that to happen.
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