CLEVELAND -- Would Dee Milliner be the right pick for the Browns at No. 6?

"He is a solid player, kind of reminds me of Joe Haden," said Phil Savage, the former Browns general manager.

Savage has seen all of Milliner's college games because Savage is one of Alabama's radio voices. Savage also is close to Alabama coach Nick Saban, as the two date back to the Bill Belichick Browns of the early 1990s.

Savage said Milliner came to Alabama as a big time, five-star recruit. He started as a pure freshman on a team that lost 10 defensive starters in 2010.

"He had a few games early where he took some lumps," said Savage. "But then he stood up and kept getting better."

In 2011, Milliner started only six games as DeQuan Menzie beat him out. But Milliner still played a lot because he was the nickel back and so many college offenses are dominated by the passing game.

Milliner reclaimed his starting spot in 2012, and had a strong season.

"But I doubt the Browns will take him," said Savage.

Why?

"Their secondary screams for help," said Savage. "Not just at cornerback, but at safety. There are a lot of good cornerbacks who will be available late in the first round and into the second round. I am convinced they will try to trade down, and get that second-round pick they lost when taking Josh Gordon in the 2012 supplemental draft."

Savage explained it this way:

•1. Milliner could drop to the Browns if three offensive tackles are taken in the top five: Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M), Lane Johnson (Oklahoma) and Eric Fisher (Central Michigan).

•2. Savage said three tackles can go high: "There are several new general managers. A good tackle is a safe pick. If he doesn't work out at left tackle, you can move him to right tackle. If he struggles there, he can probably play guard. You will get something out of him."

•3. For the Browns to trade down, one of the three top tackles need to be available at No. 6. Savage explained that San Diego (No. 11) and Miami (No. 12) are looking for tackles. The Browns can flop picks with one of those teams, then add a second-rounder.

•4. If that happens, the Browns "have a lot of options at something like No. 12," said Savage. "I still think they want an outside linebacker to rush the passer. They can take a [linebacker] there, or even [Texas safety] Kenny Vaccaro. Then they can get a cornerback in the second round. They could end up with the best safety in the draft, and a good cornerback this way."

•5. Savage believes a deal is possible even if Milliner falls to the Browns at No. 6: "I just don't see him as Champ Bailey or Charles Woodson. He doesn't flash like that. It may make more sense to trade down and add the pick."

Savage is director of the Senior Bowl and he posts scouting reports at seniorbowl.com.

He wrote this on Milliner: " A legitimate height-weight-speed prospect, Dee started as a true freshman in 2010, but lost his role in 2011 and only played in the Crimson Tide's Nickel and Dime packages.

"He returned with a purpose in 2012 and had a terrific season with 54 total tackles, 22 pass breakups and 2 interceptions from his "boundary" position . . . With his background in Nick Saban's NFL-like defense, he will have a good understanding of zone concepts and reading pass patterns.

"His straight-line speed will help when it comes to running downfield, but there is some concern about his pure Man-to-Man ability in open space (or over a slotted receiver) and that is a question that will not be answered until his rookie year begins."

Savage said Milliner always defended one side of the field. He wasn't assigned to follow the best receiver, regardless of where the receiver lined up. That's Alabama's style.

Savage rates Washington's Desmond Trufant as "the best man-to-man" cover cornerback, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the Browns have an interest in him.

"I expect them to work really hard to make deals," he said. "Not just in the first round, but in other parts of the draft."