Kosar likes Taylor, Winslow in draft for Browns today

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS -- Bernie Kosar is biased and he's not afraid to admit it.
When it comes to forecasting the Cleveland Browns' selections in today's NFL draft, Kosar likes two special players from his alma mater -- University of Miami tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. and safety Sean Taylor.
According to the former Browns quarterback and Boardman native, Winslow and Taylor are high-impact players.
"Safety and tight end aren't maybe the most glamorous positions," said Kosar, speaking this week at the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation's scholar-athlete awards banquet.
"But Winslow and Taylor are difference-makers," he said. "They're play-makers at their positions."
Adding talent
Nobody can predict whether Winslow or Taylor will be available when and if the Browns pick seventh, but two NFL teams will benefit significantly by adding them to their rosters, Kosar said.
And it's not just because of their athletic ability. It's because of their attitude and personality, which can bring teams to another level.
"Warren Sapp made a difference in the personality of the whole team and their commitment towards winning," said Kosar, referring to another former Hurricane who signed this off-season with the Oakland Raiders.
"Guys like Kellen Winslow and Sean Taylor make that kind of difference."
The 6-foot-4, 243-pound Winslow has been criticized at times for his behavior -- on and off the field. He's been outspoken toward the media, revealing a fiery, emotional side that, Kosar believes, is an integral component in the NFL.
Taylor holds many of the same qualities. Plus, he's got great size (6-2, 231), with a blend of quickness and power.
"I want guys where that's the most important thing in the world to them," Kosar said of winning. "They live, die and breathe with winning and losing. That's the only thing that matters to them.
"That's who I want at my back and who I want to play with."
Draft class
Of course, Winslow and Taylor aren't the only standouts on the Browns' radar today. Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery would be a welcome addition in Cleveland, but the Browns will most likely have to trade up to take him.
"You'd never see me criticize an offensive lineman," Kosar said. "God, I used to pray for those picks when I was playing.
"I didn't pray hard enough, I guess," he added, laughing.
When it comes to dissecting the draft's quarterback class, Kosar shares the same beliefs as his mentor and former NFL quarterback, Gary Danielson, who likes North Carolina State's Philip Rivers and Mississippi's Eli Manning.
What about the Ohio boy, Ben Roethlisberger of Miami (Ohio)?
"I don't think you're going to go wrong with him," Kosar said. "He's an unbelievably talented, gifted football player."
If the 6-4 Roethlisberger remains available at No. 7, don't be surprised to see the Browns select him, even though he plays in a conference (Mid-American) that doesn't capture much national attention.
"I don't buy into the theory that the MAC is not big-time football," Kosar said. "I disagree with that. The MAC has proven that they belong in the big leagues."
The Browns can go in a number of directions, which makes today's draft all the more intriguing.
When NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue steps to the podium to announce the Browns' first-round selection, plan to welcome Miami's Sean Taylor to Cleveland.
A little SVC humor
It isn't often that Kosar, the Boardman High graduate, gets to tease a former Steel Valley Conference rival.
But that's exactly what he did this week with Cardinal Mooney graduate and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.
"I get to mess with the Youngstown guy," Kosar said at the NFF's scholar-awards banquet.
Kosar also had some nice things to say.
"The Stoopses were all good athletes, besides now being good coaches," Kosar said. "You looked up to them; you never admitted it because they were Mooney guys, but you always looked up to them because they were good in all the sports."
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