The Browns did not have picks in the first three rounds because of three separate deals. The first-rounder was dealt to Dallas to move up for QB Brady Quinn in the ’07 draft. The selections in Rounds Two and Three were dealt for veteran defensive linemen at the outset of free agency. The second-rounder was shipped to Green Bay for DE Corey Williams, while the third-rounder went to Detroit for massive DT Shaun Rogers. But the Browns did not stand pat on the draft’s second day, trading up twice in Round Four. They first added UNLV LB Beau Bell, a strong, instinctive big hitter who has been compared to Adalius Thomas, who was drafted by the Ravens eight years ago when Browns general manager Phil Savage was then Baltimore’s director of college scouting. Bell will provide depth at inside linebacker and will also pitch in on special teams. In time, he could develop into a starter, especially if he learns to trust his instincts and becomes better at changing direction. Later in Round Four, the Browns paired up again with familiar trading partner Dallas and landed Missouri TE Martin Rucker, who could become an immediate contributor on offense because of his very good pass-catching skills. He’ll get plenty of offseason practice reps, too, as Kellen Winslow is coming off more knee surgery and Steve Heiden is on the mend after back surgery. Iowa State NT Ahtyba Rubin has good strength and will compete for playing time in the Browns’ D-line rotation. Wisconsin WR Paul Hubbard will have to make it on special teams in his first NFL season. Hubbard is a big, physical possession receiver who has been plagued by drops. St. Augustine (N.C.) DE Alex Hall likely is to be converted to outside linebacker.
