Browns sign all five draft picks on eve of training camp
Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram
The rookies will be present and accounted for when training camp opens this afternoon.
All five draft picks signed four-year contracts through 2011 Tuesday night and will be in uniform today when training camp opens with a practice at 3:30 p.m.
Linebacker Beau Bell and tight end Martin Rucker were picked in the fourth round, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and receiver Paul Hubbard in the sixth round and linebacker Alex Hall in the seventh round. Negotiations were made easier by the lack of a high pick, and the millions of dollars that follow.
The lack of drama will be a welcome departure from seasons past for the front office. Last year, quarterback Brady Quinn missed more than a week in a holdout. Kellen Winslow in 2004 and Braylon Edwards in 2005 also missed substantial time before signing their rookie contracts.
Bell (6-foot-1, 250 pounds), who went to UNLV, is expected to contribute immediately on special teams and eventually compete for playing time at inside linebacker. Bell started 12 games as a senior, registering a career-high and team-leading 126 tackles, five forced fumbles and four interceptions.
Rucker (6-4, 260) set a Big 12 record at Missouri with 203 receptions as a tight end. He will add depth behind Winslow and Steve Heiden and could be used as a receiving threat in multiple-tight end formations.
Rubin, Hubbard and Hall will try to earn roster spots as backups. Hubbard could benefit from Joe Jurevicius’ lingering knee injury, while Hall will try to make the team as a special teamer and pass-rushing specialist. Rubin is in the mix for two backup spots on the line.
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Filed by Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram July 23rd, 2008 in Sports. Popularity: 9% |
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