Browns select Alex Mack

04.25.2009

The first draft pick of the Eric Mangini-George Kokinis Era is Alex Mack.

The Browns selected Cal center Saturday afternoon with the 21st overall pick after making three trades.

A three-year starter at Cal, Mack can play both guard and center. He was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy in each of the last two seasons.

Mack won the 2008 Draddy Trophy as the top scholar-athlete in college football. He's a native of Santa Barbara, California.

"We really liked Alex," Mangini said."I've been part of drafts in the past when wedrafted offensive linemen and it worked out well. He's an outstanding center and an outstanding person who should be a good player here for a long time.

"He has very good strength to drive in the running game and also the ability to make all the calls and run the O-line. All those things are pivotal."