Q: Do you think any of the receivers in this year’s draft will eventually be a go-to guy?
— Chuck, Charleston, S.C.

A: I'm not quite sure how to define "go-to guy," but I would say that Limas Sweed and Devin Thomas have the potential to become productive receivers who are the primary options for their teams.

Neither is a slam dunk, however. Sweed has to show he can stay on the field. Thomas has to adjust to the pro game and show maturity as a player. Other than that, there aren't a lot of candidates to become "go-to guys" in my opinion.

I was talking with a general manager the other day about how shocked we both were to see Donnie Avery become the first receiver chosen in the draft. Avery has very good speed, but his inconsistent hands scared away many teams. As for some of the other top receivers in the draft, you would have to question the speed and attitude of Malcom Kelly and the character of Mario Manningham.

Q: Where do you think the Cleveland Browns now rank in the AFC? Do you think they have a chance at a deep playoff run (possibly AFC title game)?
— David Bliss, Los Angeles
A: When you compare the Browns with teams like the Patriots, Colts and Chargers on paper, they still might be a notch below. But games are not played on paper. The Browns are a strong team without a glaring weakness. They should be able to compete with most teams, and if they are healthy and get a little lucky, there is no reason why they should not be able to make a deep playoff run.

Q: Will Mike Martz turn Alex Smith into a better QB?
— Erin Thompson, Stockton, Calif.

A: I have a lot of respect for Mike Martz, but I'm not sure if any coach could turn Smith into a better quarterback. Martz is known for complex game plans, making changes on the fly and making his quarterbacks beat pressure by making plays (as opposed to combating pressure with extra blockers).

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I would not be surprised if Smith, who is probably a bit emotionally fragile at this point, did not respond well in Martz's offense. It would help if the 49ers had a great receiver who could bail out the quarterback in tough spots, but they do not appear to have that player.

Q: How do teams get compensatory draft picks? Some teams did not receive any compensatory draft picks.
— Greg Dierig, Wichita Falls, Texas
A: The NFL has a complex, secret formula that rewards teams with compensatory picks based on the number and quality of free agents they lose vs. the number and quality of free agents they sign. Teams that lost a number of high-priced free agents this year, like the Patriots, for instance, should be rewarded with quality comp picks in the 2009 draft.

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