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Big C at the Combine: What are the Bengals and Browns looking for?

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes
Cox News Service
02/26/2007

Sunday was the last day for media to attend the NFL combine with the final day of testing due to take place on Tuesday. However, over the last four days the draft picture has become clearer as teams express their interest in certain prospects during the five days of testing.

Here are some of the things I learned while at the combine that draft-hungry fans should keep an eye on:

Bengals looking for talent in unlikely places

There is no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals will be looking to snag another linebacker in this year's draft, and don't be surprised if they look to a small-school to get a big-time player. Hampton LB Justin Durant is believed to be showing up on the Bengals radar screen like a heat-seeking missile, and word has it that he's a Marvin Lewis favorite.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker finished the 2006 season with 98 tackles, including 65 solo stops and was named the SBN Sports Mel Blount Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. There are those who believe that Durant could be this year's Danieal Manning, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second-round in '06, out of tiny Abilene Christian.

I'm not surprised by the Bengals interest of a small-school talent like Durant. During last year's draft, member of the Bengals defensive coaching staff were enamored with Indianapolis Colts DB Antoine Bethea from Howard University. However, the team failed to pull the trigger and draft the hard-hitting strong safety. Bethea was selected in the sixth-round by the Super Bowl champion Colts and started 14 games as a rookie and finished third on the team in tackles with 90. The Bengals used their sixth-round pick on project/troubled QB Reggie McNeal.

Let's see if the Bengals can find themselves a small-school gem this season.

Browns leaving no stone unturned

I really like the approach that the Cleveland Browns are taking toward this year's draft. Nearly every prospect I talked to had spoken with the Browns organization rather formally or informally.

The Browns have a lot of areas they need to address this offseason. The way I hear it, the team is expected to attack free agency and the draft with a vengeance. One thing fans can count on is the Browns addressing their offensive line situation via free agency.

Offensive linemen Kris Dielman, the Troy High graduate, and Leonard Davis rank high on the team's list of free agents.

As far as the draft, RB Adrian Peterson appears to be the favorite for the team's pick at No. 3 should they stay put. That being said, rumors are running rampant that the Houston Texans are interested in moving up the draft board for a shot at Peterson and could propose a trade to the Browns that would send starting QB David Carr and draft picks to Cleveland for the No. 3 position.

Browns GM Phil Savage said in his press conference at the combine that the team is content to stay at No. 3, but would opt to move back. Savage also said that the team would keep its trade option open. If such a trade should transpire between the two clubs, Michigan DT Alan Branch would likely be the choice for the Browns at No. 8.

The Browns are hard-pressed to find a No. 2 receiver to groom behind WR Joe Jurevicius and will look to the draft to fine his potential replacement. East Carolina WR Aundrae Allison and Notre Dame WR Rhema McKnight are two players that the team could give serious consideration.

Allison is a speed receiver with good hands and has the ability to make plays after the catch. He also has some value on special teams do to his ability to return kicks. McKnight, on the other hand, is very athletic and is a good route runner. Playing in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame should help him make a smooth transition into the pros.