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

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.