DRAFT DAY LIVES UP TO EXPECTATIONS FOR USC'S CLAIBORNE.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

USC cornerback Daylon McCutcheon had to wait about six hours longer than teammate Chris Claiborne to hear he had been drafted Saturday, but he was just as happy, after being selected as the first pick in the third round by the Cleveland Browns.

``It was one of the longest days of my life,'' McCutcheon said. ``It was long but it was exciting. I'm really happy.''

McCutcheon spent the day watching the draft in Pasadena, and wasn't sure when he would be selected.

``I knew they were interested, but I didn't know they were more interested than any other team,'' he said. ``It's a lot of pressure off my chest.''

By contrast, Claiborne had a much less stressful day, hosting about 30 friends and family at a swank West Los Angeles hotel. Despite a couple of early trades that shook up the draft, Claiborne was selected by the Detroit Lions with the ninth pick overall, which was exactly where he had expected to go.

``They've been calling lately. They tied me up all morning,'' Claiborne said. ``The good thing about Detroit is I can be on a good team and be in the playoffs.''

Although Claiborne was slated in some early mock drafts to go as high as fourth, he wasn't complaining about going to Detroit.

``I've enjoyed the process because I'm able to fulfill my dream,'' he said.

Claiborne was also happy the Lions run a 4-3 defense similar to USC's. He thinks he can start at middle linebacker.

A bigger adjustment might be the cold weather he'll experience for the first time in his life.

``I always adjust. It doesn't matter,'' Claiborne said. ``It's something new. It's something different.''

It was impossible for even his closest friends to detect any nerves from Claiborne on draft day.

``He was real calm, considering what he was up against. It wasn't like he was nervous,'' said former USC cornerback Brian Kelly, who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and who attended the draft party.

Also in attendance was UCLA point guard Baron Davis, looking as though he were taking mental notes for his own future party, should he decide to enter the NBA draft.

McCutcheon's situation could be interesting. He is going to an expansion team that will have plenty of veterans, but could start rookie Tim Couch, the No. 1 pick in the draft, at quarterback.

``(The Browns) have a great tradition,'' McCutcheon said. ``It gives me a chance to go in there and prove we belong in the league. Now it's up to me.''

McCutcheon leaves Thursday for Cleveland's first mini-camp. As for Claiborne, he has one more piece of business. He's having a post-draft party Monday night at the Key Club in West Hollywood.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1) CLAIBORNE

(2) McCUTCHEON