Finally, a Linebacker

by rufio on Apr 25, 2009 9:19 PM EDT

With the 52nd pick in the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns took DE/OLB David Veikune, Hawaii.

A little background on Veikune from ESPN's scouting report:

2004: Veikune enrolls at Colorado. 2005: Veikune transfers to Fresno City College. 2006: Veikune transfers to Hawaii. 2006-'07: Veikune starts one of the 27 games he appears in accumulating 44 tackles including 11.5 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks. 2008: Veikune starts all 14 games accumulating 73 tackles including 16.5 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks. He also breaks up three passes and forces four fumbles. Veikune earns first-team All-WAC selection in 2007 and second-team honors in 2008.

Simplified scouting report:

6'2 3/8", 257lbs.
Aggressive
Above average speed and quickness
Flexible hips: has the potential to be able to cover as a LB
Strong for his size
Good burst to the QB
Needs to improve against the run

I personally love this pick. Veikune is aggressive and tough, the kind of LB we need. I think he can help our pass rush, and it was good to finally see a defensive pick, as much as I like the "best player available" strategy. I do wonder about his mental capacity because I don't know much about his mental game. He was all academic WAC in 2006, 2007, and 2008. I'll take 28 TFL in 2 years, even against the WAC.

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Big block by Veikune

You can see a little fluidity and great change of direction at his pro day. You can see the room for added muscle in his legs.

He bench pressed 455 at Hawaii.
I’ve only found one set of highlights that aren’t from Junior College.

by rufio on Apr 25, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

Im not crazy about the mulan hair, but i still like him considering who else was left

Alex Hall for President

by BradyQuinnisBeast on Apr 25, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

Do u have any of his combine/ pro day #s like 40yd, 10yd split, bench reps?

by BradyQuinnisBeast on Apr 26, 2009 12:10 AM EDT reply actions

35 on the bench, 4.87 (4.7s at his pro day), 7.20 3 cone. He didn’t do the others at the combine.

by rufio on Apr 26, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Who are you?

Since you constantly say “we” I assume you are a member of the Browns staff and that explains you gushing over this draft.

One starter in Mack, 3 back-ups you call NFL players in spite of them not starting for an average NYJ team. Two second tier recievers and a LB from a small conference school.

Geez, I hoped the Browns, not WE, had a clue this time. Guess not.

by Majortom505 on Apr 26, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions

We’re all just fans of the Browns who like to discuss the team. And who cares if a player is from a “small-conference school” — do I need to list all the great NFL players from outside the BCS schools? Just because you haven’t heard of a players doesn’t mean he’s not a good player. Let’s wait a little to see how these guys play before assuming that they’re all going to be busts.

by Buckeye Brad on Apr 26, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions

James Harrison: reigning defensive POTY
Antonio Gates: best offensive tight end in the game

Both from THE Kent State University

I actually went to OU but the MAC is the MAC baby. I think that J Cribbs guy may have taken some classes at KSU as well.

by fivekmd on Apr 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry buddy, I like this team a lot. Somtimes I get confused about where the lines are drawn because of how much I consider the Browns “my team”. I’ll make sure to use “they” or “the Browns” next time.

by rufio on Apr 26, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Screw that, rufio, you have nothing to apologize for. In a word, stfu, “majortom.”

www.lowbrowsophisticate.com

by kwoog on Apr 26, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly. We all say “my” or “we” when talking about the Browns. No big deal.

by Buckeye Brad on Apr 26, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Best Draft in a while

I finally have hope we have drafted a little of what we need to be a true contender in our division. Maybe this year we won’t be saying “There’s always next year” early on in the season.

by Anoypid on Apr 26, 2009 9:22 PM EDT reply actions