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The Cleveland Browns have been relatively quiet since trading troublesome tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a month ago. But the noise is expected to crescendo into a roar as we approach the NFL draft. Cleveland has been the subject of many trade rumors and could make a splash on draft day.

Trade or no trade, one thing is certain: The Browns will be looking for playmaker prospects when it comes time to make their selection.

Record breaker

The Browns are believed to have their sights set on one playmaker entering the draft, University of Central Florida cornerback Joe Burnett. Why are the Browns interested? They see a lot of Josh Cribbs in him.

Burnett has been flying under the radar, but NFL teams are finding out that Burnett is a return-specialist extraordinaire.

Burnett was voted first-team All-America as a corner, punt-returner and kick-returner this season. He holds UCF's career record for interception with 16. He also has been one of the top return specialists in college football the past four years. 

The 5-foot-10, 192-pound Burnett gained the attention of scouts with his performance at the combine. He ran as low as a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash; banged out 22 reps on the bench press and posted a 35.5-inch vertical. He had an overall good showing and helped his cause tremendously.

'Best value'

NFL draft expert Mike Mayock called Burnett the "best value" of any draft prospect.

The Browns were so intrigued they sent defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson to Florida to work Burnett out.

Burnett said the workout went extremely well and that he learned a lot from Henderson. And he said he would love to play in Cleveland.

However, the Browns are not alone in their interest. Burnett also worked out for the New England Patriots and is scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 1.

You can add Jacksonville, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, St. Louis and New Orleans to the list of teams also showing interest.

Burnett is projected as a fourth-round pick but could sneak into Round 3.

Strongest player

As a cornerback, Burnett shows great cover skills, good feet, hands and quickness. He's very smooth in transition and demonstrates good ball skills. Burnett is instinctive with very good natural ability.

According to UCF secondary coach Gary Blackney, he was pound-for-pound the strongest player on the team.

Burnett excels in press coverage and reacts quickly. He's a leader on the field and a high-character guy. On the downside, he will have to adjust to the speed and contact of the pro ranks and become more disciplined in press coverage.

Burnett said he patterns his game after another former Knight cornerback, Asante Samuels, who the Patriots struck gold with when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2003 draft.

As a return man, Burnett's extremely dangerous. His outstanding ability to play corner, nickel corner and return man could potentially make him a better asset than Cribbs.

Former UCF standout and Denver Broncos Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall is a believer. He said Burnett is a great player and will surprise some people at the next level.

Cleveland is desperately in need of secondary help and Burnett would definitely fill a need at the position.

Carlos "Big C" Holmes covers the NFL for Dayton Daily News.

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