When I heard that the Browns traded their first-round pick again, my reaction was immediately negative. This was a new era, time to find a marquee player.

Needless to say, this reaction changed when I discovered the details of the trade. As much as Julio Jones would have been an excellent fit for Cleveland, this was a can't-miss deal. It was Patriots-esque. The men in brown were able to grab an additional first-rounder, a second-rounder and a fourth-rounder in addition to the Falcons' first- and fourth-round picks next year.

The Browns acquired a ton of value in this trade and should (hopefully) be able to add some nice young players in the future.

They hope one of those players is Phil Taylor. They used a third-round pick to trade up to take him at 21st overall.The defensive tackle from Baylor soared up draft boards after a solid senior day, but was not associated with Cleveland at all before the draft.

I was not a fan of the pick. I think Taylor will be solid, but the Browns need impact players and a pass rush. Still, Cleveland will have a chance to potentially take a stab at Da'Quan Bowers or other impact players in the second round.

This was a solid first day for the Browns, but we all know drafts are made in the middle rounds.

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-- JESSE HEUSSNER
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Traditionally, the NFL commissioner announces each pick in the first round. But Cleveland Browns fans got a treat Thursday night when Peyton Hillis, cover boy for Madden 2012, came out and announced the Browns pick, 21st overall.

The Browns took defensive linemen Phil Taylor and looked pretty happy with the selection. Taylor is 6-3 and 334 pounds so he should be able to shore up an improving defense.

On Friday, NFL alumni will announced many of the second- and third-round picks, yet another way the league is trying to make the draft more entertaining. Nicely done!

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-- MATTHEW WEISS
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With so much attention surrounding the legal business of the NFL lockout, the draft is not generating the same anticipation it usually does. Have no fear, though! We have not forgotten.

This draft, for the Browns in particular, is extremely important. After making some subtle -- but noticeable -- strides last season, the Browns have to hit it big in this year's draft to kick-start a new coaching regime.

Here is a list of Cleveland’s biggest draft needs, in order:
WR: The Browns have a lot of solid players, but they do not have enough playmakers. Mangini would not have wanted a receiver in the first round, but this is a new era, and the Browns simply need to add to the talent level of this team. Mohamed Massaquoi is the best receiver the Browns have, and he is a third receiver at best for most teams in the league. Cleveland should use its first pick on a receiver, whether it be Julio Jones or AJ Green (if he happens to fall.)
DE: Cleveland has to find a way to get to the quarterback, plain and simple. Drafting a defensive end will address that need and add much needed pass rushing to a team that generally does not rack up many sacks. If the Browns opt to go defense in the first round, Da'Quan Bowers would be an interesting risk. If he pans out, he could be the best player in the draft.
CB: The Browns addressed this need by drafting rookie Joe Haden, but Cleveland lacks depth on the outside and could use a third cornerback. Eric Wright was a disappointment last year and having depth at CB is vital in the NFL.
LB: The job of the linebacker changes in a 4-3 scheme, so Cleveland could look to bolster its linebacker crop to add some more depth.
RB: Peyton Hillis is a gem, but he's going to need a speed back to complement him and give him some breaks on third down. Jerome Harrison was somewhat disappointing so I would not be surprised to see the Browns pick a running back in the middle portion of the draft.

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-- JESSE HEUSSNER
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