One more time

For their stellar performances in the 51-45 win over the Bengals last week, Derek Anderson and Jamal Lewis were named the FedEx Air & Ground players of the week. Anderson was also named AFC player of the week.


Don't look now, but the Browns offense is ranked 6th in the NFL in scoring, 7th in total yards, 8th in passing yards, and 9th in rushing yards and 5th in kick return average. Unfortunately, the defense is the exact opposite: 31st in points allowed, 32nd for total yards allowed, 30th for passing yards allowed, and 29th for rushing yards allowed. Of course the offensive explosion by both teams last week definitely skewed the numbers.


If you want to relive the game one more time, check out these great highlights from NFL.com.

The Browns are at the Raiders on Sunday, one of the few teams in the league that have been as bad as the Browns the last couple of seasons. Cleveland looks for back-to-back wins in the same season for the first time since 2003 when, coincidentally, they beat Oakland. The Raiders meanwhile have lost 11 in a row. I haven't seen them play this season, but know that Lamont Jordan is running the ball well and has had good games against Cleveland in the past. Oakland had the number 3 defense last year and has a lot of speed, as well as a few pro bowl players on the roster. Oh, and Gerard Warren too. "Big Money" was acquired in a trade with Denver near the end of the preseason, and will likely start this Sunday.

What a difference a week makes!

Last week at this time, I didn't want to talk about, write about, or even think about the Browns after their horrible performance against the Steelers. I was shocked at how badly the team and especially Charlie Frye looked. It seemed that it would be another long miserable year, and it still might.

After making the unprecedented trade that sent Frye to Seattle just days later, the Browns named Derek Anderson their starter, Brady Quinn the backup, and re-signed Ken Dorsey to hold the clipboard. Honestly, I think that this is the QB lineup that the Browns wanted all along, but Anderson's poor performance in the preseason didn't give them justification to trade Frye. Plus, there were differences of opinion within the organization, as Romeo Crennel preferred Frye's experience, while offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski preferred Anderson and his strong arm. After Frye's performance against Pittsburgh, in which he looked tentative and confused, the Browns had the justification they needed to trade him, without a huge backlash from the fans. Still, its unbelievable that a guy could win a QB competition, start week 1, and get benched and traded before week 2.

In steps Derek Anderson as the #1 QB on the depth chart for the first time in his career, and what an entrance he made. He threw for 5 TD passes, over 300 yards, and was named AFC offensive player of the week. Actually the entire team looked great--Jamal Lewis ran for 200+ yards, the offensive line opened big holes and didn't surrender a sack, and Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow had career days and finally lived up to their first round draft status.

I live in Cincinnati, and I can't remember the last time I enjoyed going into the office this much on a Monday morning. Those Bungles fans that were so cocky last week have been very humble this week. The talk radio in Cincy has been hilarious as well, as it seems the entire city is hopping off the band wagon and calling for Marvin Lewis to be fired. All in all a great week to be a Browns fan.

If the offense can play half that good the rest of year, and the defense can get a little bit better, this will be a very enjoyable season.

Browns roster ramblings and some predictions

Looking over the final roster, here are some random thoughts:

Best units:
1. Linebackers--Their youth could hurt at first, but they are fast with huge potential. Could develop into the one of the best LB corps in the league down the road.
2. Tight ends--KWII appears healthy, Heiden is always dependable, Dinkins provides depth.

Shakiest units:
1. Defensive line--The starting nose tackle is a year older and the guy being groomed as his replacement is unproven and starting at left end due to injury. Free agency and the draft changed a lot of faces, but can any of them play? Run defense has to be a huge concern.
2. Defensive backs--The talent is there if it is healthy, but that has been a big "if" the past two seasons. The Browns kept 10 DBs, 7 of them CBs for just this reason.
3. Running backs--Jamal Lewis has looked good, but can he carry the load all season, and if he gets hurt, can either of the remaining guys be a starter week in and week out?
4. Wide receivers--Braylon Edwards is talented, but inconsistent. Joe Jurecvicious is dependable, but not a star. Beyond those two, no one has stepped up. Someone needs to.

Most improved unit:
1. Offensive line--A couple years ago the Browns restocked the line with a bunch of past-their prime free agents. This season they rebuilt it with young free agents and draft choices. Steinbach, Thomas, and McKinney are a huge boost, and if Bentley comes back this line could be great.

Players that worry me the most:
1. Ted Washington--he struggled at times last season, with one front office exec saying "He's already retired, he just doesn't know it." His experience and tremendous size earn him the starting spot, but the skills just aren't there any more.
2. Phil Dawson--he struggled the last half of last season, missing 5 of his last 9, and also missed a couple of field goals during the preseason.

The next Browns Pro Bowlers: Kamerion Wimbley and Kellen Winslow

Browns Potential Pro Bowlers over the next few years: Sean Jones, Eric Steinbach, Joe Thomas, Leigh Bodden, Eric Wright, Leon Williams, Braylon Edwards, Brady Quinn

Browns name practice squad

Minutes after finishing my previous post, I discovered that the Browns named their practice squad:

• Returning players: RB Chris Barclay, OL Cliff Louis, DLs Chase Pittman and Melila Purcell, and WRs Steve Sanders and Syndric Steptoe
• New faces: CB Tim Mixon, undrafted out of Cal, cut by the Bears; TE Jonny Harline, undrafted out of BYU, cut by the Colts

The Final Cut Down

NFL teams pared their rosters to the mandatory 53 player limit over the weekend. Nothing shocking, although a few mild surprises among the Browns cuts:

• QB Ken Dorsey's release--while Dorsey was never a threat to start, or even be the#2, he seemed to have embraced the role of mentor to Quinn, and probably knew Chud's offense better than anybody
• RB Chris Barclay's release--following a strong NFL Europe season and some nice pre-season special teams performances, I thought he would make the team
• Draft picks cut--7 second day picks from the last 3 years were cut, although I imagine that Purcell, Pitman, and Steptoe from this years draft will probably be re-signed to the practice squad.
• Baba Oshinowo released, again--wasn't this guy supposed to be the 2nd best NT in the draft last year and a real steal in the 6th round? If he can't make it on the Browns D-line he must suck.
• Steve Sanders--I think he had a good camp, and is a good story. I hope he gets invited back on the practice squad.

Draft poll results

New polls are up! Not too surprising, the results of the draft polls were overwhelmingly positive.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

It's great to have football back again! What a long off-season. On a couple of occassions I have found myself watching the 2nd half of preseason games of teams I have absolutely no interest in, just to get a football fix.

I've been away for awhile, but here's my take on the first few weeks of training camp:

The good:

• Getting Joe Thomas and Eric Wright into training camp on time. This is huge. Both have looked good, and will likely start week 1
• Getting healthy--Gary Baxter and Kellen Winslow have practiced and so far have suffered no setbacks.
• The LBs--Kamerion Wimbley, Leon Williams, Antwan Peek, and Chaun Thompson are quietly having a nice camp.

The bad:

• Injuries--as always, the Browns have been bit by the injury bug already. Nothing season ending, but of note: Eric Steinbach, Orpheus Roye, Willie McGinest, and Leigh Bodden have all been slowed. Bodden worries me the most since it seems to suggest that his ankles have not heeled and may plague him all season.
• Brady Quinn's holdout--its never good for a 1st rounder to holdout, especially when its a QB.
• The WRs--Josh Cribbs is the #3 receiver not because he has been that good, but because the guys supposed to challenge for the spot (Travis Wilson & Tim Carter) have either been hurt or can't hold onto the ball.

The ugly:

• The QB competition--I had hoped that the starter could be named following the 2nd preseason game, but so far that's not the case--and its not because they are both playing so well. Neither Charlie Frye nor Derek Anderson look worthy of starting.
• LeCharles Bentley--I love that he is trying to come back and is progressing so well, but the Browns have not exactly been welcoming him back with open arms--their response has been odd. Seems like something fishy is going on behind the scenes here. I hope I'm wrong.

Go Cavs!!!!

Will Brady Quinn win, or be a bust?

Football Outsiders has a nice article that looks at what factors predict QB success in the pros. It turns out that number of games started and completion percentage in college are the most important predictors of pro success.

Based on this, Quinn should do well, while JaMarcus Russell is a risk.

How the draft was won

I love this photo, and I'm still smiling about the draft.

If, like me, you can't get enough of reliving the draft, here are two more good articles on the Browns draft. The first, from USA today, describes what happened in the Browns war room during the 1st round. The second, from Foxsports.com describes what Brady Quinn went through while waiting to be drafted. Good reading.

Consensus Draft Grades

ESPN.com has a nice compilation of draft grades from various sports sites. The Browns got an A from everyone except Mel Kiper, but then what does he know.

CBSSportsline.com's Pete Prisco	C	B-	A+	B-
FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki	C-	C	A+	B
ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr.	B	C+	B+	B
NBCSports.com's Tom Curran	C	C+	A	B
SI.com's Paul Zimmerman	B-	C	A	B-
ESPN.com's SportsNation	B	B	A	B
SportingNews.com's War Room Scouts	B	B	A	B
USAToday.com's Tom Weir	B	B	A	B
Yahoo.com's Charles Robinson	B	C	A-	B
Consensus GPA	2.6	2.5	4.0	2.9

Defining Day for Browns

What a day! The first day of the draft was a day that will determine the fate of the Browns for years to come. It will also define the career of Phil Savage & possibly coach Romeo Crennel.

As everyone now knows, the Browns drafted OT Joe Thomas at #3. I love this pick. Addressed a huge need that has thus far been neglected in the draft. He was the first tackle drafted by the Browns in the first 3 rounds since 1979, and the first drafted in the 1st round since 1970. A solid player, with very little downside.

All the speculation of trades among the top 10 teams drafting never occurred, and when the Dolphins surprisingly passed on Brady Quinn at #9, Phil Savage went to work, trading the Browns 2nd round pick this year, and 1st rounder next year to Dallas to move back into round one to grab Quinn! I don't know if Quinn will be the answer, but I like the gutsiness and aggressiveness that the Browns showed to improve the team.

"Five years from now we'll be saying, 'That was the day the Browns turned around,' " Savage said on Saturday night. "Either that, or 'Boy, that was the day Savage screwed up the whole thing.' "

Amen.

Draft poll results

What I hope happens

My wish list for the Browns first pick in order of preference:

1. Trade down (1 to 10 spots) and pick up a couple extra first day picks
2. Draft Joe Thomas
3. Draft Calvin Johnson (and possibly trade him)
4. Draft Adrian Peterson
5. Draft Brady Quinn
6. Draft Jamarcus Russell
   

If the Browns do trade down a few spots, they still may be able to get one of the players above. If they trade down 6 or more spots, I think they might draft OT Levi Brown or a defensive lineman or cornerback.

If the Browns take anyone other than Joe Thomas in the 1st, they should definitely take an offensive lineman in the second, possibly G Ben Grubbs of Auburn, and then take a CB or D-lineman in the 3rd.

If the Browns do take Thomas in the 1st, they should take a CB or D-lineman in the 2nd, and RB Michael Bush of Louisville in the 3rd.

The case against drafting a QB

As I've said before, I hope that the Browns don't draft a quarterback in the first round, for a couple of reasons.

First, taking a QB is risky, as they tend to have a high probability of being a bust regardless of their college resume. Taking one early in the first round only means that a team must spend millions in guaranteed money before they know if they have a bust. An analysis on ESPN.com's Page 2 shows that since 1989, QBs drafted in the first round have been busts 53% of the time. I don't like those odds, and the Browns have been anything but lucky lately. This team cannot take the risk of wasting millions of dollars and several more years of mediocrity with so many other glaring needs.

Second, Charlie Frye (or possibly Derek Anderson) has not been given time to establish himself. The team committed to Frye as their QB of the future just 2 years ago, and it is too early to give up on that. True, he has won only 5 of his 18 starts, but Peyton Manning only won 4 of his first 18. In order for a young QB to be successful he needs time, a healthy, semi-talented offensive line, and a stable offensive system in place. Frye hasn't had any of these. I don't love Frye, but he's not the worst QB I've seen either.

JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

As I've said before, I think that choosing JaMarcus Russell would carry the biggest risks, but also have the biggest potential upside. Phil Savage has known Russell since he attended his football camp in Mobile, AL as a 14 year old. I hope that Savage judges Russell objectively and based on what is in the best interest of the team, rather than his long time personal relationship with Russell.

Quinn at #1? More draft drama

According to Profootballtalk.com, the Raiders are talking to the agents for JaMarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, and Brady Quinn. No surprise here, its common for the team with the #1 pick to try to get a deal done before the draft. Rumor has it, that the Raiders have made a "low ball" offer to Quinn, since he is the least likely of the 3 to go #1. If true, the dilemma for Quinn is to decide if he wants to get paid on the low side as a #1, or get paid a "normal" amount for being drafted at some lower position--possible very low if both the Lions and Browns pass on him.

Normally you would think that the players agent, having their clients best interests in mind, would never advise the player to take a "low ball" offer. Here's where things get interesting. Quinn is represented by CAA sports agenty who also represents Adrian Peterson. So in theory, it would be in CAA's best interest to have Quinn take the offer and go at #1, so that Peterson might get picked by the Browns at #3. Otherwise, in the worst case scenario, one of both players could go at #7 or lower.

I don't give much credence to all of this, but it certainly is interesting. Like I said, this year the draft is anything but boring.

Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

If the Browns decide to choose a QB (and I hope they don't), then my choice would be Brady Quinn. While JaMarcus Russell is a tremendously gifted athlete with a cannon for an arm, Brady Quinn is a more polished passer who is more prepared to step into a pro offense.

Sentiment has shifted from Quinn to Russell over the past few months, in part due to LSU's bowl win over Notre Dame, but overall Quinn has a longer track record of quality play with a mediocre supporting cast, than Russell has with a better supporting cast. Russell is raw and probably has more upside, but also more potential downside and therefore is the riskier pick.

Peterson stock drop?

If this story in SI is true, than Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson might no longer be a top 5 pick. According to the story, Peterson re-injured his collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl, and might require surgery to properly heal. If so, he might be sidelined until the beginning of training camp or longer.

Pictured is the dive that broke his collarbone back in October.

One things for sure, this year's draft is anything but boring and predictable.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

Wide receiver is one of the few positions that the Browns probably don't need to fill with a first rounder. Still, he wouldn't be a bad pick for Cleveland, simply because he is thought by many to be the best player in the draft and the least likely to be a bust. In case you haven't noticed, I'm worried about busts.

Calvin Johnson has incredible size, speeds, and hands, and by all accounts is not a jackass like most "elite" wideouts. While Johnson could help the Browns by giving them another threat opposite Braylon Edwards and by opening up the running game, his best value to the Browns may be his trade value. Several teams are thought to be very interested in Johnson, especially Tampa Bay and Atlanta, however Detroit at #2 might take advantage of this before the Browns get the chance. If the Browns have a shot at him, Phil Savage and company should do everything in their power to trade down a few spots and get some extra picks.

Draft busts

Drafting in the top 5 again, I think the Browns need to determine which top player is has the least likely downside. The last thing they need is another first round bust. I decided to look at some Browns drafts to see who have been the biggest busts in the last 25 years. Unfortunately, a lot of the picks qualify as busts. My top 5:

5. Cleveland Crosby DE--a second round draft choice who was cut after the 2nd game of his rookie season!
4. Clifford Charlton LB--hung around a couple years, but certainly not a first round talent
3. Craig Powell LB--I don't even remember this guy. Released after 2 seasons.
2. Mike Junkin LB--Marty loved him, but most scouts had him as a 2nd-3rd round pick. Worst part is, they traded Chip Banks to move up to get him at #5
1. Tim Couch QB--Number 1 overall pick in the draft, still out of football

Below are the #1 and #2 picks from the last 25 years. Notice how many WRs and RBs have been drafted who have been mediocre or total busts.

1980--1. Charles White RB; 2a. Traded for Lyle Alzado DE; 2b Cleveland Crosby DE
1981--1. Hanford Dixon CB; 2. Traded for Joe DeLamielleure G
1982--1. Chip Banks LB; 2. Keith Baldwin DE
1983--1. Traded for Tom Cousineau LB; 2. Ron Brown WR
1984--1. Don Rogers S; 2a. Chris Rockins S; 2b. Bruce Davis WR
1984 supplemental--1. Kevin Mack RB; 2. Mike Johnson LB
1985--1. Traded for #1 pick in supplemental; 2. Greg Allen RB
1985 supplemental--1. Bernie Kosar QB;
1986--1. Traded for Kosar pick; 2. Webster Slaughter WR
1987--1. Mike Junkin LB; 2. Gregg Rakoczy C
1988--1. Clifford Charlton LB; 2. Michael Dean Perry DE
1989--1. Eric Metcalf RB; 2. Lawyer Tillman WR
1990--1. Traded away for Metcalf pick; 2. Leroy Hoard RB
1991--1. Eric Turner S; 2. Ed King G
1992--1. Tommy Vardell RB; 2. Patrick Rowe WR
1993--1. Steve Everitt C; 2. Dan Footman DE
1994--1a. Antonio Langham CB; 1b Derrick Alexander WR
1995--1. Craig Powell LB; 2. Traded away
1999--1. Tim Couch QB; 2. Kevin Johnson WR
2000--1. Courtney Brown DE; 2. Dennis Northcutt WR
2001--1. Gerard Warren DT; 2. Quincy Morgan WR
2002--1. William Green RB; 2. Andre Davis WR
2003--1. Jeff Faine C; 2. Chaun Thompson LB
2004--1. Kellen Winslow TE; 2. Sean Jones S
2005--1. Braylon Edwards WR; 2. Brodney Poole S

2006--1. Kamerion Wimbley LB; 2. D'Qwell Jackson

Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

If the Browns don't get Joe Thomas, this would be my next choice. It is an area of need for the Browns, and until a good offensive line is in place, I think that generally a RB would be able to withstand the physical and mental beatings that come with playing behind the Cleveland line better than a QB could (Tim Couch comes to mind).

Adrian Peterson is an awesome combination of power and speed, and has been compared to LaDanian Tomlinson and Eric Dickerson. He could be the franchise back the Browns have been searching for since returning to the league, provided the Browns have a good offensive line and he can stay healthy. Both of these are in doubt. Peterson has had a lot of serious injuries, ala Courtney Brown, but has been plagued by a lot of nagging, non-career threatening injuries (more like a Lee Suggs). My biggest fear about drafting him is that he will constantly be nursing some ailment, and I'm not the only one. On the other hand, he could be very healthy in the NFL where his immense talent should make him a star.

The case for drafting a Tackle

The Kansas City Chiefs website has a great article which makes a strong case for drafting a tackle in the first round.

Highlights:

• 39 players started five games or more at left tackle during the 2006 season. Of that group 20 were selected in the first round of the NFL draft (51%), including 15 in the top half of the round.
• among the 12 teams that made the playoffs in the 2006 season, 11 had left tackles that’s were selected among the top 50 players in the NFL Draft.
• Only five of the 39 players (13%) entered the NFL as undrafted college free agents. That’s fewer undrafted starters than any other positions in the league.
  

Bottom line: You need a good left tackle to be successful in the NFL. Left tackles are hard to come by and the good ones are gone early in the draft.

Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

The consensus best lineman in the draft is Joe Thomas, the freakishly athletic left tackle from Wisconsin. He is expected to be drafted in the top 5, and possibly as early as 2nd by Detroit. Experts think that while Thomas is worthy of such a high pick, he is still not at the elite level of guys like Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, or Jonathan Ogden.

Personally, this is who I want the Browns to pick. Its not a flashy, sexy pick, but it would address the biggest need of the reborn Browns and provide a solid starter for the next 10 years.

Draft needs

Looking at the team following the recent free-agent acquisitions, I think the biggest team needs, in order are:

1. Offensive line--free agency made it better, but still no stars.
2. Defensive line--same story. Could use a young end and dominate nose tackle.
3. Cornerback--what seemed to be the strongest spot a year ago has been devastated by injury.
4. Running back--Jamal Lewis is a big question mark and is only signed for 1 season.
5. Quarterback--Neither Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson looked like the answer last season, but between the awful line and change in offensive coordinator even Peyton Manning would have looked bad.
6. Wide receiver--Braylon Edwards is talented, but a distraction last year. Joe Jurevicius is solid but probably only has a few years left. Travis Wilson barely saw the field last year and Tim Carter has yet to live up to his billing.

At CB & DL there are no players worthy of being drafted #3, so unless the Browns trade down, its likely they will take one of the "fab five": QB JaMarcus Russell, QB Brady Quinn, RB Adrian Peterson, OT Joe Thomas, and WR Calvin Johnson.

Browns FA Grades, Part 2--New Arrivals

• Eric Steinbach--G--One of the best lineman available in this free agency and the Browns biggest area of need. Not a superstar, but solid and young. Grade: A.
• Antwan Peek--LB--Quiet career so far. Just starting to blossom in Texans 3-4 when they switched to 4-3. Great upside. Grade: B+.
• Robaire Smith--DT/DE--Another casualty of the Texans switch to a 4-3. Should provide an upgrade over Alvin McKinley on the line. Grade: B+.
• Seth McKinney--C/G--After missing a year due to injury, not sure what level he be playing at, but may challenge for a starting spot, or at the least will serve as a versatile backup capable of playing any of the interior line positions. Grade: B.
• Shaun Smith--DT/NT--A career backup for the Bengals, Smith has good size & youth. Browns hoping that after a year learning from Ted Washington, he will be ready to start. Browns taking a gamble, but there is good upside and very little risk. Grade: B.
• Jamal Lewis--RB--I've had a hard time with this one. I've disliked Lewis for so long, its hard for me to now cheer for him. I think this is another gamble for the Browns, but with limited upside & more risk. The Browns already had a serviceable back in Reuben Droughns. Yes, he struggled last year, but the line was terrible and he was injured. Lewis has also seen his yards per carry decline each of the last 3 years. At best, Lewis will regain his old form, but it will still be behind a work-in-progress line. I just don't see him performing that much better than Droughns. Grade: C. I'm not grading this signing lower only because of he's younger than Droughns and was an elite RB in the past.
• Kenny Wright--CB--He was signed to bolster a position that has gone from one of the best to one of the shakiest on the team due to career-threatening injuries. He's not a superstar, but is almost certainly better than Ralph Brown. Grade: B-.
• Ryan Krause--TE--Signed from San Diego, Krause has only caught 5 passes in 3 years. Still, he is likely here due to his association with new O-coordinator Rob Chudzinski. With the re-signed of Steve Heiden, I don't see Krause contributing much this year. Grade: C.
• Mike Adams--S--Brought in to add depth at safety due to the departure of Brian Russell. Started 8 games for the 49ers last year. Could challenge for a starting spot. Grade: B-.
• Alan Ricard--FB--The lead blocker for Jamal Lewis during his glory years, but was out of football last year due to injuries. Could challenge for a starting spot. I'd prefer to have Terrelle Smith. Grade: B-.

OVERALL GRADE: B. The Browns didn't add many stars via free agency, but overall a solid group that addresses several needs and adds some depth. Past free agent classes have had bigger names, but mostly these were guys in the twilight of their career (Andruzzi, Coleman, Washington, McGinnest), who may have contributed leadership and wisdom, but not much on the field. This years group is younger, with more upside.

I'm back

Sorry for not posting for so long. My wife just had our second child 10 days ago. The weeks leading up to it were a frenzy of getting things wrapped up at work and getting the house ready. The 10 days since have been crazy as we try to balance keeping our 3-year old happy and re-adjusting to the schedule (or lack thereof) of a newborn. I plan to start posting some final thoughts about free agency and previewing the draft, starting tonight.

Green to Browns?

The latest news coming out of the NFL meetings in Phoenix is that Cleveland GM Phil Savage has talked to the Kansas City Chiefs' GM about acquiring QB Trent Green. This comes just days after Savage proclaimed that the team had no plans to bring in a veteran QB, and were comfortable with either Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson.

I don't see this happening for a couple of reasons. First, Green can veto any trades. He has already expressed his desire to play for the Dolphins and head coach Cam Cameron, who coached him in Washington. Also, the guy is coming off of a major head injury. The last place he's going to want to be is behind the Browns offensive line, until the unit can prove that it is finally functional.

Second, Green is owed $7.2 million next season. Unless he takes a pay cut, I can't see the Browns picking up that tab.

If the Browns do go after a veteran QB, I think it would be a younger player who needs a change of scenery or a chance to start. Joey Harrington & David Carr come to mind. The Browns could sign them to a 1 year contract and if they don't work out, could let them go with no long-term damage done. The only reason I can think of to bring in someone like a Trent Green and not a younger QB, is if you plan to draft a QB early and want a veteran presence to mentor him...but I hope that's not what the Browns plan on doing.

What a joke!

Just days after announcing their desire to enact a new, tougher personal conduct policy in lieu of all the arrests league-wide the past couple of years, the NFL released their primetime schedule which features the Ravens at Bengals to open the Monday night football schedule.

What better way to show that crime doesn't pay then to rewards two teams that have been the poster-children for bad behavior with a nationally televised week 1 primetime game.

Browns FA Grades, Part 1--Who's gone

Since most of the big free agency action is likely over, I thought I'd give my own grades on how the Browns have done. First up, who Cleveland didn't resign.

**Free agents lost: S Brian Russell (Seattle), WR Dennis Northcutt (Jacksonville), DE Alvin McKinley (Denver). While Jones and Pool bring more athleticism to the safety positions than Russell, the Browns will miss his leadership in the secondary. Plus, he is responsible for one of the best hits of the reborn Browns, when he nearly knocked Chad Johnson's head off. Dennis Northcutt is still one of the most dangerous punt returners in the league, but as a WR he drops too many passes, and overall is not worth nearly what the Jaguars are paying him. McKinley is better suited as a situational backup than a full-time starter. He likely won't be missed. GRADE: B. Would be an A if they had kept Russell.

**Status unresolved: CB Ralph Brown, G Cosey Coleman, DE Nick Eason, T Nat Dorsey, DT Ethan Kelley, LB Mason Unck. Brown and Dorsey only played because the Browns had so many injuries. Coleman is well past his prime. Its unlikely any of these 3 will be resigned. Eason, Kelley, and Unck could be resigned and prove to be worthwhile backups, provided they come cheap. Unck is a perennial star on special teams coverage units. If none of them are resigned, they won't be badly missed however. GRADE: A-. Will be an A if they resign at least one of Unck, Eason, or Kelley.

**Players cut: FB Terrelle Smith, CB Daylon McCutcheon. I was surprised at both of these, and still think that the Terrelle Smith move was a mistake. I think it was primarily a business decision to save paying a roster bonus, but the guy has good size and likes to hit people, which is what you pay a FB to do (not run, not play wideout, not throw the option). Cutting McCutcheon was also a surprise. With the injuries to the secondary last year, in particular Gary Baxter, I thought that the Browns would give McCutcheon a chance to heal and attempt a comeback. If nothing else, his experience should have made him a good nickel back. Grade: C-.

NFL Draft Speculation

This time of year is absolutely crazy with speculation and rumor about who teams are going to draft. And 99% of the time the speculation is nothing more than a wrong guess. It's the NFL's own version of March Madness.

For some time, the consensus among NFL draft "experts" (often anyone with a website or blog), was that the Browns were leaning toward drafting RB Adrian Peterson. This compilation of mock drafts, the "Mock Draft Muncher" shows as much. However, this was compiled 2 weeks ago, and a lot has changed in two weeks.

One persistent rumor is that the Oakland Raiders, who own the #1 pick, plan to trade WR Randy Moss (possibly to Green Bay). If this were to happen, Oakland would have a need for WR Calvin Johnson, thought to be the best player in the draft by many. This could possibly drop QB JeMarcus Russell into the Browns lap at #3, assuming Detroit takes OT Joe Thomas, as predicted.

I have also read that some teams think that decent running backs can be found throughout the draft, and that unless a RB projects as the next LaDanian Tomlinson, its not worth the money to take a RB in the top 10 of the draft. Based on this, there has been speculation that the Browns will take Russell or QB Brady Quinn at #3.

Finally, there are numerous rumors about the Lions or Browns trading down, with the possible teams looking to move up including the Vikings (#7), Falcons (#8), or Texans (#10).

Friedman adds to Offensive Line Depth

The Browns announced that they resigned C/G Lennie Friedman to a one year contract. Friedman was a free agent who received little interest from other teams.

Resigning Friedman is a smart move. He will help provide depth, versatility, and experience to a line that seems to be ravaged by injuries every year.

Winslow debunks rumor

On the Browns official website is an interview with Kellen Winslow, in which he states that his rehab is progressing well saying, "As far as my rehab goes, I am ahead of schedule. I'll be back by training camp, if not before."

Earlier in the week a rumor on the internet claimed that Winslows season, and possibly career, were in jeopardy. "I don't even know where that came from - I don't know who said that," he said. "But I love to prove people wrong. That's fuel for me. I'll be back. People continue to count me out, and that lights my fire."

Whew.

Free Agency Grades

So how have the Browns done in free agency relative to everyone else? The Huddle Report grades each team and rates Cleveland's efforts at an A-. This report was prepared before Smith & Smith were signed however, so it's probably more like a solid A now.

Also, if you are keeping score at home, the Browns are tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for most players signed during free agency, with 7. In the AFC North, the Steelers and Bengals have each signed 1 player, while the Ravens have zero (although they did make a big trade for Bills' RB Willie McGahee).

Rumors: Good news & Bad news

I heard & read a couple of rumors today. Keep in mind, these are just rumors and haven't been verified by the players or by the Browns.

First the good news: A friend told me that The Orange & Brown Report (Scout.com) reported that LeCharles Bentley won't need another surgery and should be ready to play by October. I looked all over the site and couldn't find a word about this, so I am skeptical. This would be great news if true!

Now the bad news: Profootballtalk.com is reporting that the Browns have concerns about whether Kellen Winslow will be able to play in 2007 or ever again for that matter. While this is a possiblility, as the microfracture surgery is a major one, it seems to me that it is too early to determine Winslow's availability next season and especially beyond. One small possibility is that this information is erroneous, but was intentionally leaked to increase the speculation that the Browns would draft play-maker WR Calvin Johnson. Some mock drafts have Johnson falling to 4 or 5, but if teams thought the Browns might take him, there might be interest in trading up for the pick.

Top 10 Free agent moves

This article which appeared in the Detroit Free Press last week lists their opinion of the top 10 free agent moves so far.

They list the signing on Jamal Lewis as #6 and the signing of Eric Steinbach as #8. Personally I would have listed those the other way around. Among trades, they rank the Droughns-Carter trade at #4.

Phil on the way out?

Phil Dawson may be on his way out of Cleveland. The Miami Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely in free agency and are no longer in need of the services of Olindo Mare, but the Dolphins are trying to trade Mare rather than release him and receive nothing. The Miami herald reports that the Browns are one of 4 teams that have expressed an interest in Mare.

An 8-year veteran, Dawson has made 82.1% career field goals. Last season he went 21 off 29 (72%), his worse season ever. In his 10 season, Mare has made 80.9% of his FG attemps and went 26 of 36 (72%) last year.

I can't see the Browns giving up a draft pick for Mare. In doing so, they would be acquiring someone 2 years older with nearly identical career and last-season stats. There are usually a few decent unsigned kickers available around the start of training camp if the Browns want to bring in someone to compete with Dawson. Another possibility is that the Browns could use a late round draft pick on a kicker or sign an undrafted rookie to sit on the practice squad and develop for a season.

Comings & goings

Ace Davis has a nice analysis on his blog of who's come and gone so far during free agency for Cleveland.

Browns add another DT Smith

The Browns acquired defensive tackle Shaun Smith from the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday. Smith was a restricted free agent, giving the Bengals a chance to match the offer sheet Smith signed with the Browns. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement, "For our offseason and future planning, we have chosen to allocate our cap resources in a different direction." Generally, when restricted free agents are signed, the signing team has to compensate the players original team with draft picks. However, because Smith was undrafted, the Browns owe the Bengals nothing.

Smith, signed as a free agent out of South Carolina, has been in the league three years as a backup DT with the Bengals. He recorded 14 tackles in 13 games last year. His best season was 2005 when he had 25 tackles. He has never recorded a sack in his NFL career.

At 6-2, 325 lbs, the Browns project Smith as a nose tackle in the 3-4. He is expected to compete with Ted Washington for the starting spot. I think this says more about the decline of Washington than the talent of Smith. Still, Smith should be an upgrade over Ethan Kelly and Baba Oshinowo.

Terrelle Smith almost traded

Per Profootballtalk.com, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Green Bay Packers were one of four teams who were interested in trading for Terrelle Smith before the Browns cut him.

My only thought is that maybe the roster bonus that Smith was due would have had to be paid regardless of if he was traded, and nobody, including the Browns, wanted to pay it so the Browns cut him. Otherwise they certainly would have traded him, even if just for a 6th or 7th round draft pick....wouldn't they?

Off-season analysis

The Akron Beacon Journal's Patrick McManamon provides a nice overview and analysis of free agency so far.

It's encouraging that even after Eric Steinbach signed, the Browns offered Kris Dielman of the San Diego Chargers $49 million to sign. Its nice to see the Browns putting some emphasis on building the o-line, but free agency hasn't proven an effective way to build a good line thus far. I would like to see the Browns also add a linemen during the first day of the draft. If LT Joe Thomas is available the Browns should take him. If not, they should look at the best lineman available in round 2.

Best RB Tandems

I found a reference on one of my favorite NFL news sites, Profootballtalk.com, to an article on the Sports Illustrated site ranking the top 10 running back tandems in the NFL. What Profootballtalk found odd (and I agree) is that LaDanian Tomlinson and Michael Turner didn't make the list. Come on! You could pair my mother-in-law with LT and still have a top 10 backfield (she's pretty nimble for 83).

What I also found interesting is that the #10 pair is Brandon Jacobs & Reuben Droughns. Droughns is coming off a down year with the Browns and Jacobs has a limited resume to say the least. I would think that there would at least a couple of teams with a better tandem than that (but at this point, the Browns aren't one of them).

Browns add another offensive lineman

The Browns signed free agent G/C Seth McKinney to a one-year contract.

McKinney was a 2002 3rd round pick by the Miami Dolphins out of Texas A&M. He has played all 5 years of his career with Miami, starting 34. He's listed as 6'3" and 305 lbs. He missed all of last season after undergoing neck surgery.

My guess is that he will compete for a starting guard spot and also serve as a backup to C Hank Fraley. One possible scenario: If RT Ryan Tucker is unable to return and Eric Steinbach is moved to tackle, then this acquisition becomes even more important as McKinney would then likely start at guard.

Browns sign DT Robaire Smith

After a few quiet days of free agency, the Browns struck again, this time landing DT Robaire Smith from the Tennessee Titans. Smith was a player the Browns had targeted from the beginning and addressed a huge need.

Smith has 8 years of NFL experience, playing his first 4 with the Titans before going to the Houston Texans (where he was coached by Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham) as a free agent. He played for 2 years with the Texans before being cut when new coach Gary Kubiak switched to a 4-3 defense. Smith has 246 career tackles, with a high 68 in 2005. He has 15.5 career sacks, with a high of 4.5 in 2003. He is listed as a DT, but is projected to play DE for the Browns.

Although not a household name, this should be a good signing for the Browns. Smith knows Todd Grantham and should step in and be an immediate upgrade over Alvin McKinley. In addition, he hasn't missed a game since 2002, which means he is due for a season ending knee injury followed by a staph infection.

Terrelle Smith released

FB Terrelle Smith has had his contract terminated by the Browns. Smith was due a roster bonus of an undisclosed sum this week and, with the emergence of 6th round draft pick Lawrence Vickers, was seen as expendable. Last year the Browns indicated that they wanted their fullback to be more versatile, that is, capable of running and catching the ball out of the backfield. Vickers fits that bill more so than Smith, plus he's less of a cap hit.

Smith was signed away from the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 2004. A bruising blocker, in his 3 seasons with the Browns he had only 18 carries for 32 yards rushing and zero TDs. He caught 27 passes for 118 yards and 1 TD. My favorite Terrelle Smith moment is from his first regular season game as a Browns. The Browns were playing the Ravens, and on their first play from scrimmage handed off to William Green. Smith went through the hole, found Ray Lewis, and drove him to the ground. That play set the tone for the game and the Browns won 20-3.

I think this was a mistake. While having a FB who can run and catch the ball might give an offense more options, the first job of a fullback is to block, and Terrelle Smith was good at it. I didn't see anything from Lawrence Vickers this past season to make me think that he can replace Smith's blocking. The sight of Terrelle Smith and Jamal Lewis running at you would have struck fear into any defense, but I guess now we can only imagine what might have been.

Antwan Peek to boost pass rush

A day after landing Steinbach, the Browns announced the signing of LB Antwan Peek from the Houston Texans. Personally, I love this signing. One, it could be the best "sleeper" signing of free agency. Second, Peek is a fellow alumnus of my alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, and I've been a fan of his for years. Peek's signing reunited him with defensive coordinator Todd Gratham, who coached him while with the Texans.

Peek has great speed, quickness, and athletism. In fact, in high school he was a two-sport star in basketball and as a wide receiver in football. He still holds the Bearcats' career records for sacks (27.5) and tackles for loss (56) despite being double teamed his last two seasons. His draft prospect profile can be found here.

Peek was drafted in the 3rd round of 2003 by the Texans and spent his first two seasons battling nagging injuries and learning the transition from a 4-3 college DE to a 3-4 pro LB. His third season (2005) he began to show his potential as he started every game and recorded 46 tackles including 6 sacks. Last year the Texans switched to the 4-3 and Peek saw very little playing time.

Year	Games	Tackles	Sacks
2003	10	25	1
2004	14	20	2
2005	16	46	6
2006	11	14	1

Peek should be able to contribute to the Browns immediately. He knows the 3-4, knows Todd Gratham, and has the skills to excel as a edge pass-rusher. He could be the eventual replacement for Willie McGinest, and could even challenge him for playing time this year. If Peek can pick up his development where he left off in 2005 he could prove to be a nice complement to Kamerion Wimbley on the opposite side.

First signing: Steinbach to aid O-line

Ok, so let's review the signings thus far. The first guy the Browns nabbed was former Bengals offensive lineman Eric Steinbach. He started 62 of the 63 games he appeared in, and while primarily a guard, he also saw time at left tackle and center. Steinbach was drafted in 2003 in the 2nd round out of Iowa by the Bungles. He was reportedly on the Browns draft radar that year, but after taking center Jeff Faine in the 1st round, the Browns chose not to pick another lineman and instead drafted LB Chaun Thompson in the 2nd.

According the the Plain Dealer, Steinbach was so impressed with the Browns that he cancelled his planned visits to other teams and signed immediately with the Browns. "This is my first visit and I kind of had a gut feeling. As soon as I sat down and talked to the coaches and the personnel people up in the front office, I knew this was the right place for me." Steinbach said. His contract is reportedly worth $49.5 million, with $17 million guaranteed.

I think this is a good signing for the Browns. In a weak free-agent market the Browns signed one of the better players and arguably the best offensive lineman available. Don't get me wrong, he's no Charles Bentley, but if he stays healthy he'll immediately pay more dividends than Bentley has been able so far. He should be able to step in and immediately help the team. Is he worth what they paid him? Probably not, but in the current system of free-agency, teams have alot of cash to pursue middle of the road players.

I hope the Browns use him at his natural position of guard. Although he is versatile, I think that he would be less effective as a tackle. However, if the Browns don't draft LT Joe Thomas from Wisconsin with the 3rd pick and/or Ryan Tucker has a relapse, I wouldn't be surprised to see Steinbach moved to tackle--maybe even LT, with Kevin Schaffer moving to RT to replace Tucker.

Browns Free Agency Frenzy

What a couple of weeks it has been! I've been thinking about starting this blog for a couple of months, but thought, "Ehh..its the off-season, there's not much to talk about....I'll wait until training camp." Now I wish that I had started a few weeks ago! Phil Savage has been very active this off-season. Over the next few days, I'll give my reaction and opinion of the moves made thus far.