Football - Troy Smith Lobbying For Cleveland Browns

Troy Smith is trying very hard to ensure that Cleveland Browns select him in the 2007 NFL draft. Smith is Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy winner and he is not taking any chances in ensuring that the Browns know he would be available to join them.

Recently Smith was named as the area’s outstanding collegiate athlete at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. During the his acceptance speech, he thanked the fans for their support and said that he hoped to represent the city with the Cleveland Browns.

Smith has always made it known that he wanted to join the Browns. In a recent Ohio State basketball game, Smith wore a Browns jacket during the halftime ceremony. The Browns finished the last season with 4-12 and will pick either third or fourth in the NFL draft on April 28, 2007.

Smith said it has been a lifelong dream of his to play for the Browns and it is something he has spoken about to his mother. His mother too wants him to join the Browns so that the team can perform better and if given a chance to join, Smith will be able to stay with the community and give back something to it.

Most draft experts think that Smith will be picked in the second or third round since he at 6 foot 1 he does not fit into the stereotypical pocket passers who are much taller.

Unfortunately for Smith, his college career did not end on a good note. Ohio State lost the BCS title game 41-14 to Florida and during that game, Smith was roughed up by Florida’s defense. However, Browns’ general manager Phil Savage does not think that Smith’s performance would have a negative impact on his draft.

According to Donte Whitner, who was the no. 8 pick overall last year and now a Buffalo safety, Smith should not face a problem with his height because he has proved what he do on the field and that should work to Smith’s advantage.

There are many players from Cleveland like Smith who dream of adorning Browns colors and all will be waiting with bated breath for draft to commence.