SI says Draft redux has Slaton & Brown going in first 12 picks

[nunusguy]

Cincinnati Bengals (Original Pick: Keith Rivers, LB, USC)
RE-DO PICK: STEVE SLATON, RB, WEST VIRGINIA
Tough call here. Rivers was playing very well until he got his jaw busted by Hines Ward early in Week 7. And the Bengals loved Jerod Mayo, who went No. 10 to New England. But defense hasn't been the problem for a change in Cincy, the offense has. When Cedric Benson is your leading rusher, you need help in the running game. Slaton has been a revelation for Houston.
**
RE-DO PICK: DUANE BROWN, OT, VIRGINIA TECH
We were tempted to select Oregon's Jonathan Stewart for the Broncos, given that they've gone through running backs like Kleenex this season. But Denver doesn't take first-round running backs. With no Clady on the board, we stick with a left tackle in Brown, who has started 12 games for Houston and excelled in run blocking.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...x.html?eref=T1

[NBT]

He's done OK, but Brown needs to get stronger on top and become a better handfighter.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by NBT

He's done OK, but Brown needs to get stronger on top and become a better handfighter.

He hasn't been great, but I think he's gotten better as the years gone on...despite some up and downs early. He's only going to get better. I think for a rookie LT he's done enough that to convince me that we finally have our long term answer at LT. That was really weird to type.

[barrett]

He definitely has the athleticism that was advertised. In the run game he already hooks about as well as any tackle I've ever seen. It is huge in a zone blocking scheme to have a tackle who is able to reach the end on the stretch play.

He has been less effective in the passing game, and he has given up both the edge and bull rush too often. Hopefully footwork helps improve his balance against both. I also agree he has a hard time hand fighting (specifically with getting his hands on a pass rusher).

[HPF Bob]

I wasn't a fan of taking Brown but, as a rookie, I'd say he's been fine. I no longer grit my teeth and yell "watch out!" when our qb drops back to pass. He can get better but he's held his own which is saying something in the Gibbs system.

[Mike]

He had a tough opening stretch with Harrison, Freeny and Vandenbosch. He has gotten better. He certainly is athletic enough and will just get better. I think we got this one right, and picked up the extra #3 in the process.

Duane does have to work on his conditioning and strength, but by all accounts he loves football and is a worker. I think he will be better in year #2.

[Nconroe]

I guess with a top 4 offense, top three rookie RB, the whole offensive line including Duane Brown deserves a bunch of credit. Does look like both of these guys will be getting better with experience. Top 12 is pretty high praise.