Advice to Browns: Gallery

If you listen closely to the reports coming out of the Cleveland Browns' complex regarding the upcoming NFL Player Selection, a k a, the draft, all you might hear is the sound of crickets chirping.
Which could mean two things:
UThe optimist in me believes the Browns are closely guarding their true desires, or
UThe pessimist in me believes the Browns really don't have any idea who they're taking.
And while you would rationally believe the former is closer to the actual truth, the Browns, sitting with the No. 7 pick, are kind of in a draft day no man's land. While they can still get a marquee player, it might not be one worthy of the top billing.
Certainly, there's no question that whomever Cleveland takes will be expected to compete right away for a spot in the starting lineup, regardless of the position.
Experts' guesses
That's why it's curious how some of the Internet "experts" are projecting the Browns' pick.
It seems to be pretty close to consensus that the Browns need help at just about every position, with the possible exceptions being quarterback and running back. Even with the apparent loss of Dennis Northcutt, Cleveland should be deep enough at receiver.
Obviously, if a guy like Roy Williams of Texas or Southern Cal's Mike Williams is available at No. 7, I'd have to assume the Browns would take either one. There's also some belief that Miami (Fla.) tight end Kellen Winslow is being coveted.
In fact, one of the CBS.Sportsline's two draft gurus is predicting Cleveland will take Mike Williams.
However, I don't see the Browns trading up to grab a receiver, and this draft would seem deep enough at receiver that Cleveland could easily wait until the second or third rounds and still find quality.
Not Big Ben
The strangest prediction I found was Miami (Ohio) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Granted, he's a terrific prospect, even though his stock has dropped a little in recent weeks, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. And, considering Jeff Garcia's age, the Browns could do a whole lot worse than taking Roethlisberger and grooming him as a the eventual starter.
However, considering the state of the Browns' franchise -- they need more immediate help at a number of different positions -- they're not in a position where they can waste a No. 1 pick on a project.
In addition, I think it would be a major public relations disaster if the Browns took the Miami (Ohio) signal caller. Even though he's a local kid, somewhat, Browns fans are astute enough to realize there are more pressing needs on this team.
I've always been a firm believer that three most important offensive positions in the NFL are quarterback, left tackle and running back.
Personal choice
Since the Browns appear set under center and in the backfield, I'd really like to see them take Iowa's Robert Gallery.
Listed at 6-foot-71/2 and 323 pounds, Gallery is the highest-rated offensive tackle in the draft. Some of his best attributes, according to Scouts, Inc., is his run-blocking, his athleticism and his strength. Kiper Jr. has him rated as the fifth-best player in the draft, regardless of position.
It's improbable, unfortunately, that Gallery will fall down to the Browns' No. 7 spot on Saturday though. Most Internet experts have him pegged at the New York Giants in the fourth spot, although I found at least one mock draft that had him going to the Oakland Raiders in the second spot.
Would the Browns consider drafting up to get Gallery? I think he's worth it.
If Gallery is gone by the time Cleveland is on the clock, the next guy I'd like to see them take is Virginia Tech's shutdown corner, DeAngelo Hall.
Hall is 5-10, 202, and is the top-rated cornerback in the draft by Scouts, Inc.
XRob Todor is sports editor of The Vindicator. Write to him at & lt;a href=mailto:todor@vindy.com & gt;todor@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;.