Company

In a year in which the Browns didn’t have a pick in the first three rounds, many fans watching the second day probably felt like the construction workers from the movie Major League who made the above title their fun little catch phrase. I know I sure did for some of these picks. This week we’ll take a look at each of the Browns day two selections. Enjoy.

Martin Rucker – TE – Missouri

I have to admit, while watching the draft on Sunday I thought I was seeing things when the on-screen ticker indicated that the Browns had indeed moved up in the 4^th round for the second time today. The first move was up 18 spots to take ILB Beau Bell. The second was just seven picks later. “Are we getting a defensive back” I wondered? After all, a few corners were still on the board still that had favorable grades that could really fill a need on the team. Even running back Tashard Choice was on the board still. Oh, the possibilities.

Instead, I was astonished to see that the Browns moved up to take a tight end from Missouri named Martin Rucker. That’s right; the Browns traded next year’s 3^rd round pick for a backup tight end. Without saying a word, I picked up my car keys and drove to the corner store for a six pack of Pabst tall boys.

Naturally, once again the Cowboys were the recipient of the future pick. It is me, or is Browns GM Phil Savage starting to get stuck with the Cowboys in an endless cycle for picks kind of similar to some people who are stuck getting payday loans week after week? Let’s hope this trend doesn’t continue.

Strengths:

At Missouri, Rucker was an All-American who caught 84 passes to go with his 8 touchdowns as a senior. While not a very explosive runner for a tight end (4.73), he does know how to get open and catches the football really well. At nearly 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, he will provide another big target for Browns quarterbacks whenever he gets on the field and puts his good natural athleticism to use.

Weaknesses:

Blocking is to Martin Rucker, as what back hair removal is to Ron Jeremy. Yes, we’d like to see them both happen, it’s just we will never expect it. That is blog-speak for “one dimensional player.”

Outlook:

My best guess right now is with Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden both coming off off-season surgeries, the Browns decided to get a proven receiving tight end on the roster. Perhaps even more plausible is that this pick may have been a preemptive measure by the Browns brass to Winslow and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, not to expect the team to re-work Winslow’s contract and the team will be ready to move on if the Pro Bowl tight end decides to hold out.

On the field, Rucker has the potential to be sort of a Kellen Winslow light in the Browns offense. Though not as talented, Rucker is a similar player and can substitute for Winslow in the offense in passing situations. I wouldn’t be surprised to even see Rucker and Winslow both line up on the inside in passing situations. As a backup for Winslow, Rucker would enable to the Browns run the same offense with him in compared to say if Steve Heiden or Darnell Dinkins were forced into the role due to their physical limitations.

Either way, this is likely a depth pick with potential to start down the road.

Did you know?

Rucker’s brother is Mike, the recently retired former Pro Bowl defensive lineman of the Carolina Panthers, and his father is Martin T. Rucker, a Democratic member of the Missouri House of Representatives.