This is time for Browns to draw line

This is time for Browns to draw line

BEREA - The Browns have done some research on the top two quarterbacks chosen in each draft since 1970. They discovered there have been 28 ``hits'' vs. 40 ``misses.''

That means 28 of 68 quarterbacks would be considered to have had successful pro careers, and these are the top two in each draft.

That's barely 40 percent.

It's yet another reason the Browns should not take a quarterback in the first round, especially since General Manager Phil Savage conceded what Browns fans should have known for years: Quarterbacks in orange helmets are endangered species.

``Given what happened last year, it's difficult to say any quarterback would have had great success here,'' Savage said.

As the Browns evaluate quarterbacks Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, here's what they know: They really don't know.

They won't say that.

As Savage spoke to some members of the media Tuesday, there was a picture of a Browns scout in the room. Written on it was ``The fog of confusion.'' That's a phrase Savage uses for cutting through all the reports, rumors, hype and hyperbole around the draft.

It also can apply to the Browns' quarterbacks.

Since 1999, have any of them really had a chance? Changing coaches, switching coordinators, playing with terrible lines and, generally, ineffective running games have led to concussions, fractures, sprains, strains and incredible mental pains to all who have taken snaps in the past eight seasons.

The Browns are like an airport with a runway full of cracks and potholes. Who knows how high that jet can fly if it can't get off the ground?

That's why the Browns should not be tempted to pick a quarterback with their top pick, which will be No. 3 or 4.

It's believed Savage has high regard for JaMarcus Russell, and it's also expected that the Oakland Raiders will take the Louisiana State junior with the top pick of the draft.

Let's hope so.

Savage needs to keep his eyes on where the team is bleeding the most: both lines and the cornerback positions. Odds are overwhelming against Frye or Anderson becoming an impact quarterback, but it's possible the Browns might become a decent team with one of them, especially if they fix the offensive line.

What is the point of bringing Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn to Cleveland? So he can take a beating, too, while chewing up a massive part of the salary cap?

Savage says it's doubtful center LeCharles Bentley will play in 2007. He might need a third knee surgery. His career is in question.

Linemen, linemen and more linemen should be the chant in the draft room as they check out veteran free agents.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has JaMarcus Russell going to the Raiders, left tackle Joe Thomas to the Detroit Lions with the second pick, and the Browns taking... a running back.

That might happen if Thomas is off the board. He's the best offensive lineman in the draft, although some scouts don't believe he should be a top-five pick.

The running back is Adrian Peterson, a junior from Oklahoma with all the physical attributes to be a star except one: durability.

He missed seven games this season with a broken collarbone. The previous year, it was three games with an ankle injury. Savage said running backs have hit in 32 of 69 cases, using the same scale as quarterbacks. He has 69 examples since 1970 rather than the 68 for quarterbacks, but even with backs there are more misses than hits. This leads to another thought: forget the quarterback or the running back and trade down!

Savage said there are more attractive players at the top of this draft than in past years. Perhaps someone wants Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson or Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, considered by some scouts as the best player in the draft.

Great, make a deal. Go for multiple picks. If the Browns' scouting staff is now as strong as Savage believes, then this might be the best route.

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