Written by David Regimbal

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The Browns were given a “compensatory pick” by the NFL on Friday, giving Cleveland eight picks in this year’s draft. After giving up their seventh round pick to Seattle in a trade for Seneca Wallace last year, the Browns were awarded the No. 247 pick overall.

Some of you may scoff at the seemingly pointless pick, but a little research shows that we might not want to overlook the eighth-to-last selection in the draft. Here is the list of players who have been drafted No. 247 overall in recent years:

2010: Brandon Deaderick -- Deaderick was drafted by the New England Patriots with their compensatory pick, and after being listed as “inactive” on New England’s roster through six games, Deaderick played in 10 games and forced his way into the starting lineup by the end of the season. He recorded 17 tackles (12 solo) and two sacks. Sheesh, he was better than Shaun Rodgers! This No. 247 pick could be gold...

2009: Nick Reed -- Selected by the Seahawks, Reed made an immediate impressions on the coaching staff in preseason camp and was signed to the official roster. Reed didn’t crack the starting lineup for Seattle, but he was the situational pass-rusher and even recorded a touchdown after taking a recovered fumble 79 yards to the house against Jacksonville. When Pete Carroll took over the team, his hippy-goggles enabled him from seeing the talent Reed had, so Reed was forced to move on. He has since worked out for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but neither team offered him a spot on their roster. Browns -- get on it! Sign this guy before someone else does!

2008: Kirk Barton -- The former Ohio State lineman was selected by the Chicago Bears, but has also been a part of some great organizations like the Miami Dolphins, the San Fransisco 49ers, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos. The number of teams in such a short period of time is by no means a reflection of his talent, but more a reflection of how many teams want his natural charisma and energy to infect their locker room. Barton was recently claimed by the Carolina Panthers, but retired because the talent and fame was beginning to get to his head... That’s totally what happened.

2007: Mike Elgin -- Elgin is a former offensive lineman from Iowa and was drafted by the New England Patriots. He didn’t make the official roster or the practice squad that fall, but ended up with the Colts as a part of their practice squad months later. His present whereabouts are unknown, according to Wikipedia... Oh crap, my 247 pick is gold argument is falling apart isn’t it?

But wait! Three picks later in the 2007 draft, the Giants selected Ahmad Bradshaw at No. 250! You see?! New England just made a mistake by drafting Elgin. They should’ve went with Bradshaw... Actually, all kidding aside, they should have drafted Bradshaw. Can you imagine what New England’s team would’ve been like last year with Ahmad in the backfield? Yikes.

So, many of you might not care about Mr. 247 -- but he just became my favorite 2011 Browns player, whoever he is.