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NFL Scouting Combine: Browns Looking For A "Home Run"

Mike Holmgren knows what he wants, but what that looks like is still to be seen. According to Tony Grossi of the Plain Dealer,

"I'm also looking for a home-run hitter," Holmgren said, pointedly.

That set off a firestorm of people assuming the home run meant A.J. Green, but it isn't as simple as that. The Browns need a playmaker, and that doesn't necessarily mean on offense. The defense is a big concern, and the Browns have repeatedly expressed that they will address those needs, but it is still to be seen whether that will be in the first round, or later.

If A.J. Green is on the board at No. 6, it's pretty clear the Browns will take him at this point. But if he's not, it's down to Dareus, Fairley, Bowers or Quinn. Patrick Peterson will be selected in the first five picks; that's pretty much assured. And the Broncos and Bengals have expressed interest in possibly selecting a quarterback, so one of the top pass rushers OR Green will be available.

That's where the combine comes in. Scouts for the Browns will be constantly monitoring the pass rushers to start to narrow down the field and find their right fit. The numbers and metrics always come into play. So as the reports start streaming in, it looks like we'll finally get to narrow down who the Browns are actually targeting. And it stands to reason the Browns hope they find that home run.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.