2007 Cleveland Browns Thread (1 Viewer)

[The Man With No Name]

I also wouldn't mind seeing them trade down and get more picks. And it's been proven that pro bowl caliber o-linemen can be had after the first round. Dallas' great o-line of the 90's didn't have any 1st rounders, and had two undrafted guys. Picking so high just makes a bust pick stand out much more than a late one does, and I would rather bust (hopefully they don't) on a skill position player rather than a lineman.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

Offensive linemen draw Browns' interest

Offensive linemen draw Browns' interest

Friday, January 26, 2007

Doug Lesmerises

Plain Dealer Reporter

Mobile, Ala. -- The Browns, along with the rest of the NFL, would have liked a look at Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas this week. But the 6-6, 310-pounder pulled out of Saturday's Senior Bowl late last week, a common move for players projected at the top of the NFL draft.

Though it's agents who typically steer players away from the game, for some scouts, the desire of a top player not to hurt his draft status by risking exposure raises questions about that player's competitiveness. Some of the players here agree.

"It shows a little fear sometimes that maybe you have something to hide," said Penn State tackle Levi Brown. "Maybe you have something to hide."

Thomas was of such high interest to the Browns because, as one member of the staff said, they are looking for an "infusion" of offensive linemen in this draft. Thomas is probably the only lineman worthy of consideration with the Browns' first pick, which will be at either No. 3 or No. 4 pending a coin flip with Tampa Bay.

Of course, Tampa's staff is running the North team and would have loved a week of working with Thomas, too. Everyone in town has also heard that Detroit, picking No. 2, is very interested in Thomas as well. In fact, Thomas was in town this week and reportedly had dinner with the Lions on Monday. And there remains a school of thought that if either of the top two quarterbacks - LSU junior JaMarcus Russell and Notre Dame senior Brady Quinn - slip to the Browns, he might be too tempting to pass up.

So if help for the Browns' offensive line doesn't come in the first round, it will definitely come later, and one of the linemen here is a good bet to wind up in Cleveland. Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley, Tennessee guard / tackle Aaron Sears, Arkansas tackle Tony Ugoh and Texas guard Justin Blalock, part of an impressive group of linemen for the South, are among the players who have spoken with the Browns this week.

"I've talked to the Browns a couple times," said Sears. "You just try to be yourself. You've been yourself your whole life and you can't change now."

Staley is a particularly interesting case. Projected as a left tackle, he's playing for the South because the North had four others players at his position. After a slow start to the week, he has proven he can compete outside of a small conference.

"Coming from the MAC not a lot of scouts get a chance to watch us play, so I wanted to show that I'm like the other great athletes out here and I can play with anyone in the country," Staley said. "I wanted to show that I'm more aggressive than people think and show them my explosiveness, which is one of the weaknesses I've had."

If the Browns take a quarterback or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson in the first round, a lineman to clear their way certainly would make sense in the second round. Penn State's Brown had a good week and confirmed his status as a first-round lock, but players like Sears, Ugoh and Auburn's Ben Grubbs are first-round possibilities who could be hanging around when the Browns come up in the second round.

And then the infusion should begin.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

As much as the Browns are in need of o-linemen, I almost hope Thomas is taken before the Browns pick. Everything I've heard and read indicates that he isn't projected to be an elite LT, just the best in this draft. Not that the Browns couldn't use even an average OL at this point, but at the 3 or 4 pick, I'd hate to pass up an elite talent.

I'm hoping they address OL thru FA, go DL (or Peterson) in Round 1, and go OL in Round 2. Then best available OL, DL and DB the rest of the draft. With this franchise's history of crapping out on top 5 picks, I wouldn't mind seeing them trade down either.

They haven't exactly lit it up there either. I'm looking at you Jeff Faine and William Green.

 

[mr blond]

Offensive linemen draw Browns' interest

Offensive linemen draw Browns' interest

Friday, January 26, 2007

Doug Lesmerises

Plain Dealer Reporter

Mobile, Ala. -- The Browns, along with the rest of the NFL, would have liked a look at Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas this week. But the 6-6, 310-pounder pulled out of Saturday's Senior Bowl late last week, a common move for players projected at the top of the NFL draft.

Though it's agents who typically steer players away from the game, for some scouts, the desire of a top player not to hurt his draft status by risking exposure raises questions about that player's competitiveness. Some of the players here agree.

"It shows a little fear sometimes that maybe you have something to hide," said Penn State tackle Levi Brown. "Maybe you have something to hide."

Thomas was of such high interest to the Browns because, as one member of the staff said, they are looking for an "infusion" of offensive linemen in this draft. Thomas is probably the only lineman worthy of consideration with the Browns' first pick, which will be at either No. 3 or No. 4 pending a coin flip with Tampa Bay.

Of course, Tampa's staff is running the North team and would have loved a week of working with Thomas, too. Everyone in town has also heard that Detroit, picking No. 2, is very interested in Thomas as well. In fact, Thomas was in town this week and reportedly had dinner with the Lions on Monday. And there remains a school of thought that if either of the top two quarterbacks - LSU junior JaMarcus Russell and Notre Dame senior Brady Quinn - slip to the Browns, he might be too tempting to pass up.

So if help for the Browns' offensive line doesn't come in the first round, it will definitely come later, and one of the linemen here is a good bet to wind up in Cleveland. Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley, Tennessee guard / tackle Aaron Sears, Arkansas tackle Tony Ugoh and Texas guard Justin Blalock, part of an impressive group of linemen for the South, are among the players who have spoken with the Browns this week.

"I've talked to the Browns a couple times," said Sears. "You just try to be yourself. You've been yourself your whole life and you can't change now."

Staley is a particularly interesting case. Projected as a left tackle, he's playing for the South because the North had four others players at his position. After a slow start to the week, he has proven he can compete outside of a small conference.

"Coming from the MAC not a lot of scouts get a chance to watch us play, so I wanted to show that I'm like the other great athletes out here and I can play with anyone in the country," Staley said. "I wanted to show that I'm more aggressive than people think and show them my explosiveness, which is one of the weaknesses I've had."

If the Browns take a quarterback or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson in the first round, a lineman to clear their way certainly would make sense in the second round. Penn State's Brown had a good week and confirmed his status as a first-round lock, but players like Sears, Ugoh and Auburn's Ben Grubbs are first-round possibilities who could be hanging around when the Browns come up in the second round.

And then the infusion should begin.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

As much as the Browns are in need of o-linemen, I almost hope Thomas is taken before the Browns pick. Everything I've heard and read indicates that he isn't projected to be an elite LT, just the best in this draft. Not that the Browns couldn't use even an average OL at this point, but at the 3 or 4 pick, I'd hate to pass up an elite talent.

I'm hoping they address OL thru FA, go DL (or Peterson) in Round 1, and go OL in Round 2. Then best available OL, DL and DB the rest of the draft. With this franchise's history of crapping out on top 5 picks, I wouldn't mind seeing them trade down either.

They haven't exactly lit it up there either. I'm looking at you Jeff Faine and William Green.

I believe Jeff Faine is a Pro Bowl alternate this year. He's a player I wouldn't mind having back right now. Of course, it takes his exit from Cleveland for him to live up to his potential.

 

[wadegarrett]

Offensive linemen draw Browns' interest

Offensive linemen draw Browns' interest

Friday, January 26, 2007

Doug Lesmerises

Plain Dealer Reporter

Mobile, Ala. -- The Browns, along with the rest of the NFL, would have liked a look at Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas this week. But the 6-6, 310-pounder pulled out of Saturday's Senior Bowl late last week, a common move for players projected at the top of the NFL draft.

Though it's agents who typically steer players away from the game, for some scouts, the desire of a top player not to hurt his draft status by risking exposure raises questions about that player's competitiveness. Some of the players here agree.

"It shows a little fear sometimes that maybe you have something to hide," said Penn State tackle Levi Brown. "Maybe you have something to hide."

Thomas was of such high interest to the Browns because, as one member of the staff said, they are looking for an "infusion" of offensive linemen in this draft. Thomas is probably the only lineman worthy of consideration with the Browns' first pick, which will be at either No. 3 or No. 4 pending a coin flip with Tampa Bay.

Of course, Tampa's staff is running the North team and would have loved a week of working with Thomas, too. Everyone in town has also heard that Detroit, picking No. 2, is very interested in Thomas as well. In fact, Thomas was in town this week and reportedly had dinner with the Lions on Monday. And there remains a school of thought that if either of the top two quarterbacks - LSU junior JaMarcus Russell and Notre Dame senior Brady Quinn - slip to the Browns, he might be too tempting to pass up.

So if help for the Browns' offensive line doesn't come in the first round, it will definitely come later, and one of the linemen here is a good bet to wind up in Cleveland. Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley, Tennessee guard / tackle Aaron Sears, Arkansas tackle Tony Ugoh and Texas guard Justin Blalock, part of an impressive group of linemen for the South, are among the players who have spoken with the Browns this week.

"I've talked to the Browns a couple times," said Sears. "You just try to be yourself. You've been yourself your whole life and you can't change now."

Staley is a particularly interesting case. Projected as a left tackle, he's playing for the South because the North had four others players at his position. After a slow start to the week, he has proven he can compete outside of a small conference.

"Coming from the MAC not a lot of scouts get a chance to watch us play, so I wanted to show that I'm like the other great athletes out here and I can play with anyone in the country," Staley said. "I wanted to show that I'm more aggressive than people think and show them my explosiveness, which is one of the weaknesses I've had."

If the Browns take a quarterback or Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson in the first round, a lineman to clear their way certainly would make sense in the second round. Penn State's Brown had a good week and confirmed his status as a first-round lock, but players like Sears, Ugoh and Auburn's Ben Grubbs are first-round possibilities who could be hanging around when the Browns come up in the second round.

And then the infusion should begin.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

As much as the Browns are in need of o-linemen, I almost hope Thomas is taken before the Browns pick. Everything I've heard and read indicates that he isn't projected to be an elite LT, just the best in this draft. Not that the Browns couldn't use even an average OL at this point, but at the 3 or 4 pick, I'd hate to pass up an elite talent.

I'm hoping they address OL thru FA, go DL (or Peterson) in Round 1, and go OL in Round 2. Then best available OL, DL and DB the rest of the draft. With this franchise's history of crapping out on top 5 picks, I wouldn't mind seeing them trade down either.

They haven't exactly lit it up there either. I'm looking at you Jeff Faine and William Green.

Both Butch Davis picks. Savage > Davis.

 

[Browns Rule!]

I would love to see the Browns take the top DE with their pick. If they did this, they could end up with 5 playmakers on defense in the new DE, Wimbley, A. Davis, S. Jones, and Bodden. Add D. Jackson, 1 more year out of Willie McGinist (sp?) and some young talent at Safety, (don't think Baxter will be back (but never did anything anyways) and hopefully McCushion will be back, but he is always hurt). Our d has a chance to be one of the better ones (if they can stay healthy of course).

On offense, we have Edwards and Winslow as playmakers, with Joe J as a nice possesion receiver. Our missing link here is the oline, and if Benley can come back (big big big if I know, we can sign a nice guard, and get rid of that piece of junk LT we have, with Mother Tucker back on the right side, we have a chance to be in the Super Bowl this next year. A lot must go right, but with the right moves and a bit of luck, we have a chance next year.

 

[wadegarrett]

I would love to see the Browns take the top DE with their pick. If they did this, they could end up with 5 playmakers on defense in the new DE, Wimbley, A. Davis, S. Jones, and Bodden. Add D. Jackson, 1 more year out of Willie McGinist (sp?) and some young talent at Safety, (don't think Baxter will be back (but never did anything anyways) and hopefully McCushion will be back, but he is always hurt). Our d has a chance to be one of the better ones (if they can stay healthy of course).

On offense, we have Edwards and Winslow as playmakers, with Joe J as a nice possesion receiver. Our missing link here is the oline, and if Benley can come back (big big big if I know, we can sign a nice guard, and get rid of that piece of junk LT we have, with Mother Tucker back on the right side, we have a chance to be in the Super Bowl this next year. A lot must go right, but with the right moves and a bit of luck, we have a chance next year.

When have the Browns ever had this? A lot would have to go right for them to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

 

[wadegarrett]

Skilled coaches lost in Browns staffing shakeupsRosburg, Davidson walk; Atkins, Scherer take on new roles; GM Savage denies orchestrating changes

By Patrick McManamon

Akron Beach Jounal

Sunday, January 28, 2007

The Browns' offseason of change continues with four coaches not retained, two more departed, two retained in different spots and three hired.

Eventually the numbers will even out, but the people who left Cleveland voluntarily -- Jerry Rosburg and Jeff Davidson -- would not seem to be the guys Romeo Crennel wanted to lose.

In addition, two of the coaches who were let go quickly found jobs. Terry Robiskie was named receivers coach with the Miami Dolphins, and John Lott strength coach with the Arizona Cardinals.

The situation with Rosburg and Davidson is interesting.

Both are highly regarded in the league, and both did well in Cleveland.

Rosburg, especially, is given high marks for the way he handles special teams. In his tenure, the Browns' special teams were a bright spot.

But his contract expired after last season, and the Atlanta Falcons lured him south with a three-year deal.

Davidson was promoted to assistant head coach in the offseason, then named offensive coordinator in October when Maurice Carthon ``resigned.''

In a rare interview in November -- assistant coaches must be given permission to speak to the media -- Davidson spoke with jubilation at coaching with the Browns.

``I grew up in a small town near Akron called Doylestown,'' he said. ``I grew up listening to the radio at my house or watching the Browns on TV at a friend's house. I was a Browns fan growing up. This is a dream come true to be here as a coach, regardless of what my realm is as a coach.''

The dream ended in a hurry.

And it ended with Davidson being given 10 games to call plays using someone else's offense. To expect Davidson to change the system in those 10 games was just not realistic.

That being said, Davidson certainly seems to have been judged on those 10 games.

His interview seemed perfunctory, and sources said he almost knew he had no chance to keep the job.

Apparently, Davidson did not hold back on his evaluations of players in his interview, either.

He told General Manager Phil Savage -- who led the search and hiring -- that there were large needs on offense, and some of his criticisms went right to players signed the past two years.

The Browns would have liked him to stay as line coach, but apparently Davidson felt staying was not a viable option. Nor did he really believe he was wanted.

Davidson and Rosburg could not be reached for comment, and Savage said through the team's media relations department that he did not want to comment on departing coaches.

It's not known whether Davidson's blunt personnel assessments hurt his chances, but Davidson was respected by many players -- Trent Dilfer always spoke highly of him -- and the Carolina Panthers thought enough of him to make him their offensive coordinator.

Few in the league quibble with the fact that new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is a bright young coach. They wonder about his experience, but agree he's knowledgeable.

Coaching staffs change; it's a fact of life in the NFL. And the Browns' staff is changing.

That being said, the staff would look a lot stronger with Davidson and Rosburg on it than it does without them.

More change

The team announced Saturday that Dave Atkins had been moved from running backs coach to special offensive assistant, Rip Scherer had been promoted to assistant head coach/quarterback coach and Anthony Lynn had been hired from the Dallas Cowboys to coach running backs.

Soon the team will announce that former Houston Texans assistant Steve Marshall will be the line coach. Marshall was not in coaching last year after being fired by Houston in 2005, a year when the Texans gave up 68 sacks.

He was recently hired to work at Alabama, but prefers the NFL.

Atkins' shift hardly seems like a promotion, and according to one league source, it came after some back-and-forth with Crennel and Savage.

Crennel wanted Atkins to stay, and Savage wanted a change, a league source close to some of the Browns' coaches said. The move seems like a compromise.

Savage, who has taken a much more active role in the coaching staff's makeup, made a veiled reference to Atkins in his postseason news conference, when he said that Reuben Droughns' disappointing season was partly affected by training camp, when he didn't get enough ``at-bats.''

Savage seemed to understand the reasons, but still said it might have affected Droughns. How serious was the discussion about Atkins?

Serious enough that some coaches on the staff wondered if it would cost Crennel his job, according to the source.

Meanwhile, Alfredo Roberts takes the job of bringing along Kellen Winslow.

Winslow is a talented and dedicated player, but his energies sometimes need to be channeled. Roberts played tight end at the University of Miami and was a teammate of Chudzinski's.

On the changes

Savage said that talk he is calling the shots on coaching changes is ``almost comical in a way.''

``I've never had a coach come to me and say `This is what we are going to do' or `This is the play we are going to run.' The coaches don't report to Phil Savage, I promise you that,'' he said. ``Romeo is responsible for the coaching staff. Do I have some input or suggestions? Absolutely. Does he have input or suggestions to make when it comes to personnel, free agents or the draft? Absolutely.

``It's his coaching staff just like it's my scouting staff.

``The other factor to weigh in on all of this is, as GM, I can stand back a little bit from being in the eye of the storm. Sometimes the coaches are so involved in what they are doing on a day-to-day basis, a general manager can bring a little more of a perspective to it than someone who is involved in the fight on a day-to-day basis.

``Romeo is in charge of his coaching staff.''

As for changes that have been made, specifically the four coaches not retained, Savage said: ``I would say that when we talked about things and issues that we felt we were having, in the end, the best thing to do was make the moves we made.''

Brownies . . .

• One of the decisions Savage must make in the offseason is whether to bring in a veteran quarterback. He did not sound committed to the idea, saying, ``When you look at what quarterbacks are available on the surface right now via free agency, you probably wouldn't be overly impressed with that list.'' The best option might be to wait to see if Jake Plummer is released by Denver.

• His thoughts on the position? ``I think Derek (Anderson) certainly played himself into discussion with what he's shown over the last three or four weeks of the season. Charlie has played more, and Derek will have to beat him out. Is it a competition? Sure it is.''

• Savage said that half the interior offensive-line starters were taken on Day 2 of the draft or via free agency. ``History shows that you can find the center and guard spots on Day 2 of the draft,'' he said.

 

[wadegarrett]

Winslow has knee surgery

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. underwent arthroscopic surgery on his reconstructed right knee Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic to remove scar tissue and repair cartilage damage.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Anthony Miniaci, head team physician. Winslow has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. It's the second time he's had a clean-up on the knee, the first coming last January.

Winslow suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and damaged kneecap in his motorcycle accident in May of 2005 and had reconstructive surgery shortly thereafter. He also suffered a staph infection following the surgery. The knee bothered him all last season - and he practiced sparingly during the week - but still managed to play every game and tie Ozzie Newsome's team record with 89 receptions.

During the season, he said he was looking forward to having the scope and getting healthy so he can play with less pain next season.

In other Browns news, they named Ted Daisher (pronounced "Dasher") as special teams coordinator, the club announced. Daisher held that position with the Raiders last season and was Philadelphia's special teams quality control coach the previous two seasons. Daisher, 52, spent 22 seasons as a college assistant, including stints at East Carolina, Indiana, Army, Cincinnati and Illinois.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Posted on Tue, Jan. 30, 2007

Smith pushing Browns hard to draft him

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news...te/16581021.htm

TOM WITHERS, Associated Press

CLEVELAND - Usually the one avoiding pressure, Troy Smith is putting

the heat on the Cleveland Browns.

Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his

hometown team to select him in April's NFL draft, and he isn't missing

any chance to remind the Browns that he'll be available to them soon.

Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Monday

night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance

speech he thanked the city's fans for their support.

"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level

with the Cleveland Browns," he said.

Smith hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Browns, who after

finishing 4-12 last season will pick either third or fourth in April's

draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball

game, Smith wore a Browns jacket.

Following a tribute for him at Glenville High School in December,

Smith said playing for the Browns would fulfill a lifelong goal.

"I have dreamed about it and talked about it countless times with my

mother," he said. "All she talks about is saving the Browns. If that

were to happen, that would be a dream come true because I could stay

in the community and give back."

Last year, Texas quarterback Vince Young made a similar plea to

Houston, hoping to play for his hometown team. However, the Texans

took defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall pick instead.

Young ended up going to Tennessee at No. 3 and was named the AP

Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Titans to an 8-8 record.

Most draft experts have forecast Smith being taken in the second or

third round. The knock on Smith is that he's not a prototypical pocket

passer and that he's too small - he was listed at 6-foot-1 on Ohio

State's roster and measured 6-foot at last week's Senior Bowl.

One of his former high school and college teammates believes Smith is

being underestimated.

"He should be a first-round pick," said Buffalo safety Donte Whitner,

the No. 8 pick overall last year by the Bills. "I don't think there is

a problem with his height. He has shown what he can do on the field,

he's a winner. He has won the big games, except for the last one. I

believe in him.

"They said the same thing about Drew Brees, but he changed the New

Orleans Saints organization around this year."

Smith did not end his college career on a good note as he was roughed

up by Florida's defense in a 41-14 loss in the BCS national

championship. However, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Smith's

performance shouldn't hurt his draft status.

"One game doesn't make a career," he said. "It was unfortunate the way

it unfolded. That is the only sport that I know of where they take 50

days off and then play the championship. Troy had a terrific career at

Ohio State, he won the Heisman Trophy, he's from Cleveland and we'll

see how the draft unfolds in all of that."

The Browns seem committed to starting either Charlie Frye or Derek

Anderson at quarterback next season, so if they pick a QB, it probably

won't be until the later rounds of the two-day draft on April 28-29.

Frye said he isn't concerned about the possibility of the Browns

bringing in another quarterback.

"If you're worried about that, you're worrying about the wrong

things," he said.

Smith isn't the only Clevelander dreaming of playing for the Browns.

Wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr., Smith's teammate at Glenville and

Ohio State, is skipping his senior college season for the NFL. He,

too, said he would like to trade a silver helmet for an orange one.

"It's always been a dream to play for the Browns," he said. "Why would

I want to go anywhere else but Cleveland?"

Ginn still is wearing a protective walking boot after spraining his

left foot in the BCS title game. Ginn said his injury, which happened

during a celebration after he returned the opening kickoff for a

touchdown, is getting better and that he'll work out for pro scouts

once it's 100 percent.

He said watching from the sideline on crutches during the Gators'

thrashing of the top-ranked Buckeyes was difficult.

"Oh, man, it was very tough to see my team go down like that and not

be able to help them at all," he said

 

[wadegarrett]

Posted on Tue, Jan. 30, 2007

Smith pushing Browns hard to draft him

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news...te/16581021.htm

TOM WITHERS, Associated Press

CLEVELAND - Usually the one avoiding pressure, Troy Smith is putting

the heat on the Cleveland Browns.

Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his

hometown team to select him in April's NFL draft, and he isn't missing

any chance to remind the Browns that he'll be available to them soon.

Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Monday

night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance

speech he thanked the city's fans for their support.

"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level

with the Cleveland Browns," he said.

Smith hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Browns, who after

finishing 4-12 last season will pick either third or fourth in April's

draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball

game, Smith wore a Browns jacket.

Following a tribute for him at Glenville High School in December,

Smith said playing for the Browns would fulfill a lifelong goal.

"I have dreamed about it and talked about it countless times with my

mother," he said. "All she talks about is saving the Browns. If that

were to happen, that would be a dream come true because I could stay

in the community and give back."

Last year, Texas quarterback Vince Young made a similar plea to

Houston, hoping to play for his hometown team. However, the Texans

took defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall pick instead.

Young ended up going to Tennessee at No. 3 and was named the AP

Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Titans to an 8-8 record.

Most draft experts have forecast Smith being taken in the second or

third round. The knock on Smith is that he's not a prototypical pocket

passer and that he's too small - he was listed at 6-foot-1 on Ohio

State's roster and measured 6-foot at last week's Senior Bowl.

One of his former high school and college teammates believes Smith is

being underestimated.

"He should be a first-round pick," said Buffalo safety Donte Whitner,

the No. 8 pick overall last year by the Bills. "I don't think there is

a problem with his height. He has shown what he can do on the field,

he's a winner. He has won the big games, except for the last one. I

believe in him.

"They said the same thing about Drew Brees, but he changed the New

Orleans Saints organization around this year."

Smith did not end his college career on a good note as he was roughed

up by Florida's defense in a 41-14 loss in the BCS national

championship. However, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Smith's

performance shouldn't hurt his draft status.

"One game doesn't make a career," he said. "It was unfortunate the way

it unfolded. That is the only sport that I know of where they take 50

days off and then play the championship. Troy had a terrific career at

Ohio State, he won the Heisman Trophy, he's from Cleveland and we'll

see how the draft unfolds in all of that."

The Browns seem committed to starting either Charlie Frye or Derek

Anderson at quarterback next season, so if they pick a QB, it probably

won't be until the later rounds of the two-day draft on April 28-29.

Frye said he isn't concerned about the possibility of the Browns

bringing in another quarterback.

"If you're worried about that, you're worrying about the wrong

things," he said.

Smith isn't the only Clevelander dreaming of playing for the Browns.

Wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr., Smith's teammate at Glenville and

Ohio State, is skipping his senior college season for the NFL. He,

too, said he would like to trade a silver helmet for an orange one.

"It's always been a dream to play for the Browns," he said. "Why would

I want to go anywhere else but Cleveland?"

Ginn still is wearing a protective walking boot after spraining his

left foot in the BCS title game. Ginn said his injury, which happened

during a celebration after he returned the opening kickoff for a

touchdown, is getting better and that he'll work out for pro scouts

once it's 100 percent.

He said watching from the sideline on crutches during the Gators'

thrashing of the top-ranked Buckeyes was difficult.

"Oh, man, it was very tough to see my team go down like that and not

be able to help them at all," he said

Was just told that Smith put on 23 POUNDS between the Michigan game and the Florida game. Heard it straight from another OSU player. What a ####. Tells me all I need to know about him. Browns better not draft his lazy ###.

 

[Bobcat10]

Posted on Tue, Jan. 30, 2007

Smith pushing Browns hard to draft him

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news...te/16581021.htm

TOM WITHERS, Associated Press

CLEVELAND - Usually the one avoiding pressure, Troy Smith is putting

the heat on the Cleveland Browns.

Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his

hometown team to select him in April's NFL draft, and he isn't missing

any chance to remind the Browns that he'll be available to them soon.

Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Monday

night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance

speech he thanked the city's fans for their support.

"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level

with the Cleveland Browns," he said.

Smith hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Browns, who after

finishing 4-12 last season will pick either third or fourth in April's

draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball

game, Smith wore a Browns jacket.

Following a tribute for him at Glenville High School in December,

Smith said playing for the Browns would fulfill a lifelong goal.

"I have dreamed about it and talked about it countless times with my

mother," he said. "All she talks about is saving the Browns. If that

were to happen, that would be a dream come true because I could stay

in the community and give back."

Last year, Texas quarterback Vince Young made a similar plea to

Houston, hoping to play for his hometown team. However, the Texans

took defensive end Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall pick instead.

Young ended up going to Tennessee at No. 3 and was named the AP

Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Titans to an 8-8 record.

Most draft experts have forecast Smith being taken in the second or

third round. The knock on Smith is that he's not a prototypical pocket

passer and that he's too small - he was listed at 6-foot-1 on Ohio

State's roster and measured 6-foot at last week's Senior Bowl.

One of his former high school and college teammates believes Smith is

being underestimated.

"He should be a first-round pick," said Buffalo safety Donte Whitner,

the No. 8 pick overall last year by the Bills. "I don't think there is

a problem with his height. He has shown what he can do on the field,

he's a winner. He has won the big games, except for the last one. I

believe in him.

"They said the same thing about Drew Brees, but he changed the New

Orleans Saints organization around this year."

Smith did not end his college career on a good note as he was roughed

up by Florida's defense in a 41-14 loss in the BCS national

championship. However, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Smith's

performance shouldn't hurt his draft status.

"One game doesn't make a career," he said. "It was unfortunate the way

it unfolded. That is the only sport that I know of where they take 50

days off and then play the championship. Troy had a terrific career at

Ohio State, he won the Heisman Trophy, he's from Cleveland and we'll

see how the draft unfolds in all of that."

The Browns seem committed to starting either Charlie Frye or Derek

Anderson at quarterback next season, so if they pick a QB, it probably

won't be until the later rounds of the two-day draft on April 28-29.

Frye said he isn't concerned about the possibility of the Browns

bringing in another quarterback.

"If you're worried about that, you're worrying about the wrong

things," he said.

Smith isn't the only Clevelander dreaming of playing for the Browns.

Wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr., Smith's teammate at Glenville and

Ohio State, is skipping his senior college season for the NFL. He,

too, said he would like to trade a silver helmet for an orange one.

"It's always been a dream to play for the Browns," he said. "Why would

I want to go anywhere else but Cleveland?"

Ginn still is wearing a protective walking boot after spraining his

left foot in the BCS title game. Ginn said his injury, which happened

during a celebration after he returned the opening kickoff for a

touchdown, is getting better and that he'll work out for pro scouts

once it's 100 percent.

He said watching from the sideline on crutches during the Gators'

thrashing of the top-ranked Buckeyes was difficult.

"Oh, man, it was very tough to see my team go down like that and not

be able to help them at all," he said

Was just told that Smith put on 23 POUNDS between the Michigan game and the Florida game. Heard it straight from another OSU player. What a ####. Tells me all I need to know about him. Browns better not draft his lazy ###.

I thought he looked real big during that game. You could just tell. Anyways, at least we know that Smith won't be a top 5 pick. If he's there in the 2nd, which he probably will be, it will be interesting as to what they do. I think I'd like to pass at this point.

 

[Bobcat10]

Anyone watching those shows on FSO...Browns 60yrs or whatever? Some great highlights and commentary.

 

[wadegarrett]

Anyone watching those shows on FSO...Browns 60yrs or whatever? Some great highlights and commentary.

Saw Turkey Jones slam Terry Bradshaw on his head last night.Good times.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Anyone watching those shows on FSO...Browns 60yrs or whatever? Some great highlights and commentary.

How were the Super Bowl highlights?

 

[chris1969]

Anyone watching those shows on FSO...Browns 60yrs or whatever? Some great highlights and commentary.

How were the Super Bowl highlights?

Piss elsewhere Frenchy, Bobcat10 did not say a thing to set you off and yet you still had to come in here a be a jerk. You can blame BGP or whatever else you want to blame, but the fact remains that you just lost your entire coaching staff and a Pro Bowl Center and will probably lose Max Starks in FA. You may very well have to resort to watching the highlight reels yourself very soon if your team can't fix it's OL. FWP and Big Ben have had plenty of bad games with a great OL, with the OL that they have next year and having to learn new offensive and defensive game plans, they'll be lucky to match this year's record.As far as Championships go, The Browns Had 4 wins in 11 appearances before the Steelers ever even thought of a Championship. If you count the AAFL they had 8 wins in 15 appearances. The Steelers have taken advantage of the expansion Browns to finally even up the head to head match-up. We have the same number of players in the hall of fame 14 to 14, but that will change when Gene Hickerson gets elected tomorrow. Pitt does have 3 non-players vs Cle's 1 though.As much as you want it to be, Franco Harris will never be Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw will never be Otto Graham and Lynn Swann will never be Paul Warfield. I will say that we never had a LB like Lambert, but we've had more than our fair share of good ones.All in all, if you don't have anything to contribute to this thread then ####, I'm getting sick and tired of wading through Steeler insights such as yours in a Brown's thread. If you have something to contribute, then fine, post away. If not piss elsewhere.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Anyone watching those shows on FSO...Browns 60yrs or whatever? Some great highlights and commentary.

How were the Super Bowl highlights?

Piss elsewhere Frenchy, Bobcat10 did not say a thing to set you off and yet you still had to come in here a be a jerk. You can blame BGP or whatever else you want to blame, but the fact remains that you just lost your entire coaching staff and a Pro Bowl Center and will probably lose Max Starks in FA. You may very well have to resort to watching the highlight reels yourself very soon if your team can't fix it's OL. FWP and Big Ben have had plenty of bad games with a great OL, with the OL that they have next year and having to learn new offensive and defensive game plans, they'll be lucky to match this year's record.As far as Championships go, The Browns Had 4 wins in 11 appearances before the Steelers ever even thought of a Championship. If you count the AAFL they had 8 wins in 15 appearances. The Steelers have taken advantage of the expansion Browns to finally even up the head to head match-up. We have the same number of players in the hall of fame 14 to 14, but that will change when Gene Hickerson gets elected tomorrow. Pitt does have 3 non-players vs Cle's 1 though.As much as you want it to be, Franco Harris will never be Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw will never be Otto Graham and Lynn Swann will never be Paul Warfield. I will say that we never had a LB like Lambert, but we've had more than our fair share of good ones.All in all, if you don't have anything to contribute to this thread then ####, I'm getting sick and tired of wading through Steeler insights such as yours in a Brown's thread. If you have something to contribute, then fine, post away. If not piss elsewhere.

LOL, just kidding you guys...man I do my best to post some good Browns stuff here and then take one shot at some harmless kidding and you go ape#### on me...but no sweat man, I'll try to be more sensitive next time.

 

[wadegarrett]

Congrats to Gene Hickerson on his election to the PFHOF!

Gene Hickerson

Guard, 6-3, 248

Played: 1958-1973 Cleveland Browns. 15 seasons, 202 games.

Selected as future choice in seventh round of 1957 draft. ... A tackle in college, was shifted to guard. ... Was lead blocker for three Hall of Famers: Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Kelly. ... Suffered broken leg in 1961 preseason opener, missed entire season. ... Fractured leg again later in year when hit while standing on sideline. ... After sitting out two games in 1962, never missed another game during his career. ... First-team All-Pro five consecutive seasons (1966-1970). ... Voted to Pro Bowl six straight times (1966-1971). ... During Hickerson's tenure, Browns never had a losing season. ... Started at right guard in four NFL title games, including Browns' 27-0 win over Colts in 1964. ... Before Hickerson joined Browns, just seven runners in NFL history reached 1,000 yards rushing. With Hickerson as lead blocker, Browns posted 1,000-yard rushers in nine of his first 10 seasons. ... Cleveland featured league's leading rusher in seven of those 10 seasons. ... Chosen for NFL's all-decade team of the 1960s.

Hall of Fame Class of 2007

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

From PFT, this would be great news for Cleveland fans.

POSTED 9:41 a.m. EST, February 5, 2007

BROWNS FOR SALE?

Our friends in and around Cleveland tell us that the local CBS affiliate has been running a teaser for an "exclusive" story regarding the possibility that Browns owner Randy Lerner is looking to sell the team.

The teaser, we're told, pointed to statements from a Browns exec during a recent war of words with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, in which the ever-ominous (and adolescent) phrase "be careful what you wish for" was uttered in connection with the question of whether Lerner should cash in his chips.

It was Lerner's late father, Al, who secured the rights to the expansion franchise, after the original Browns fled to Baltimore and became the Ravens. Originally, Art Modell's team was going to make the move as the "Browns," but through negotiations between the city, the team, and the league, the relocation was allowed with the understanding that the Browns name and records would remain -- and that there would be a new version of the longstanding franchise put in place.

The Browns have struggled, however, since their return. One of the major problems has been the squandering of high draft picks, such as quarterback Tim Couch, defensive end Courtney Brown, and defensive tackle Gerard Warren. The jury is still out on more recent top-ten picks like tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards.

And Randy Lerner has hardly distinguished himself as an owner. The team has struggled, the front office has at times been dysfunctional, and there's a general sense that the franchise is caught in a funk from which it might never emerge absent change at the top of the organization.

So maybe this is good news for the good folks of Cleveland, who deserve much more than they have gotten from Art Modell, the league, and the Lerners over the past 10-plus years. Maybe there's someone out there like a Bob Kraft or a Jeffrey Lurie -- someone who has the money to buy the team and at the same time has the ability to balance the ability of realizing a quick return on his investment against the importance of putting a consistent contender on the field.

As we've said, it's easy to make money in the NFL. The hard part is building a team that always competes. Some teams never do, like the Lions and the Cardinals. So far, the Browns under Randy Lerner have fallen into this category, and could stay there for the foreseeable future.

 

[Bobcat10]

Anyone watching those shows on FSO...Browns 60yrs or whatever? Some great highlights and commentary.

How were the Super Bowl highlights?

The Browns have not been to a Super Bowl yet. Not sure where you get your data.Although, I must admit highlights of all the championship games (before the Super Bowls, ya know?) were cool to see. I was not around during those times, but if they were as exciting as the Browns 80's, then that must have been sweet. Watching Otto, Brown, and all of those guys is a pleasure.Putting all of this in perspective, while trying not to be such a homer, I have to say that I can't think of a better story for the NFL today than a Browns Super Bowl. Even just an apperance. It's gotta be near the top of the secret NFL wish list.

 

[Bobcat10]

From PFT, this would be great news for Cleveland fans.

POSTED 9:41 a.m. EST, February 5, 2007

BROWNS FOR SALE?

Our friends in and around Cleveland tell us that the local CBS affiliate has been running a teaser for an "exclusive" story regarding the possibility that Browns owner Randy Lerner is looking to sell the team.

The teaser, we're told, pointed to statements from a Browns exec during a recent war of words with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, in which the ever-ominous (and adolescent) phrase "be careful what you wish for" was uttered in connection with the question of whether Lerner should cash in his chips.

It was Lerner's late father, Al, who secured the rights to the expansion franchise, after the original Browns fled to Baltimore and became the Ravens. Originally, Art Modell's team was going to make the move as the "Browns," but through negotiations between the city, the team, and the league, the relocation was allowed with the understanding that the Browns name and records would remain -- and that there would be a new version of the longstanding franchise put in place.

The Browns have struggled, however, since their return. One of the major problems has been the squandering of high draft picks, such as quarterback Tim Couch, defensive end Courtney Brown, and defensive tackle Gerard Warren. The jury is still out on more recent top-ten picks like tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards.

And Randy Lerner has hardly distinguished himself as an owner. The team has struggled, the front office has at times been dysfunctional, and there's a general sense that the franchise is caught in a funk from which it might never emerge absent change at the top of the organization.

So maybe this is good news for the good folks of Cleveland, who deserve much more than they have gotten from Art Modell, the league, and the Lerners over the past 10-plus years. Maybe there's someone out there like a Bob Kraft or a Jeffrey Lurie -- someone who has the money to buy the team and at the same time has the ability to balance the ability of realizing a quick return on his investment against the importance of putting a consistent contender on the field.

As we've said, it's easy to make money in the NFL. The hard part is building a team that always competes. Some teams never do, like the Lions and the Cardinals. So far, the Browns under Randy Lerner have fallen into this category, and could stay there for the foreseeable future.

From what I've heard locally, this is completely untrue.

 

[Irish]

-- Browns Not for Sale --

Tue Feb 6, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

#

WKYC.com reports contrary to attack ads which aired during Sunday's Super Bowl, Randy Lerner says there is absolutley no truth to reports the Cleveland Browns are for sale. "I can definitely, positively, and categorically say that the Cleveland Browns are NOT up for sale," Mr. Lerner told WKYC. "There is no letter that I know of stating that fact. I adore this team," said Mr. Lerner. "I am working feverishly to make this a better team, and you can quote me." The Browns owner's comments came after repeated ads during the Super Bowl which promised a report on the possible pending sale of the team. "There are no plans to sell this team," the Browns owner continued. "I have never met with anyone , never corresponded with anyone to sell the Cleveland Browns. I have had several offers over the years, but turned them down." Mr. Lerner blasted the local Cleveland television station (WOIO) which ran the promotional spots. "They have gone on a steady mission to try to embarass or denigrate me and the Cleveland Browns. I have never spoken with anyone from Channel 19, and I have no idea where this story came from."

 

[chris1969]

For those of you that would like the real story, in the begining of the year, the news station that came out with this report, reported on a story of the death of Randy Lerner's neice. While it was reported on all the other stations, channel 19 is more of a tabloid type news station and made it into a big conspiracy. When they aired the 911 call from the girls mother it sent Randy Lerner over the edge and even though he had a contract with channel 19 for the preseason games, he decided that he was gonna pull the games from the station. Lawyers for both sides got involved and both sides came to an agreement, but it was pretty clear in the end that channel 19 was last on the list from now on as far as deals with the Browns go. Since they know they have no chance with the Browns anymore, they go back to what they do best. They turned a quote on a note written from a staffer a month ago that stated "If you want a new owner, be careful what you wish for." into Randy selling the team and using the money on the soccer team he just bought. No one in the local area even took the promos for the news bit seriously, given the station it came from. I saw the promo on the news 2 days before I saw anything posted here or anywhere else about it. I didn't post anything, because I considered it more tabloid tv during sweeps time than news.

 

[wadegarrett]

Any help for the OL is a good thing...

Sullivan travels back to Browns

Friday, February 09, 2007

Tony Grossi

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Another Butch Davis assistant coach has returned to the Browns.

The club announced the appointment of Mike Sullivan as assistant offensive line coach. He had the same role under Davis for four years and replaces Jeff Uhlenhake, whose departure was not announced.

Sullivan was offensive line coach at Western Michigan University the past two years. He joins another former Davis assistant, Rob Chudzinski, now offensive coordinator, on the overhauled staff of Romeo Crennel.

The Browns also named Frank Verducci offensive assistant, but did not specify his responsibilities.

Verducci had been offensive line coach with Dallas (2002) and Buffalo (2004-05).

That means the Browns now have three coaches with offensive line experience - Sullivan, Verducci and Steve Marshall, who holds the title of offensive line coach.

These hires probably conclude Crennel's moves for next season. The team has 10 new coaches since the 2006 season ended. Three holdovers received different titles.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns need plan to cut talent gap

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Tony Grossi

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Browns owner Randy Lerner made a mistake by reportedly telling Channel 3's Ramona Robinson that he would like to use the team's No. 1 draft pick on JaMarcus Russell, the quarterback from LSU.

He should have said Brady Quinn of Notre Dame.

Here's why:

Russell isn't going anywhere but Oakland as the No. 1 pick of the entire draft. Quinn is the next best quarterback prospect. Any team after Oakland desiring a quarterback would have to think about trading up for him.

The Browns should also consider Quinn, but they probably would benefit more by trading down from No. 3 or No. 4 (pending the coin flip with Tampa Bay) and collecting an extra pick, or two.

The effective trade-down is something the Browns have not accomplished in eight previous drafts since their expansion rebirth.

They are never going to bridge the talent gap between their rivals and themselves without scoring multiple picks in the first round. And then hitting them out of the ballpark.

If they merely draft well, they aren't gaining any ground on all the other teams that draft well. They have to maximize their high draft position, which they never have done.

This will be the fifth time in nine drafts the Browns have held a pick in the top five spots. The product of those picks so far have been Tim Couch (gone), Courtney Brown (gone), Gerard Warren (gone) and Braylon Edwards.

The Browns not only have whiffed or foul-tipped on each one, they have failed to attract trade offers and have not come close to maximizing their position.

Quinn will enter the draft on the heels of his second straight bowl game meltdown, but he would attract offers because quarterbacks always do.

Hey, Phil Savage was riding shotgun to Ozzie Newsome when the great Baltimore Ravens, who never made a draft mistake they admitted to, traded a future No. 1 pick for Kyle Boller. Why? Because they were desperate for a young quarterback.

So teams are capable of stupid things when they fall in love with quarterbacks. Which is why the Browns should be talking up Quinn and not Russell, whom they have no prayer of getting.

If the Browns win the coin flip, pushing Tampa Bay to No. 4, they should immediately announce they are leaning to taking Quinn. Why? Bucs coach Jon Gruden never met a quarterback he didn't like.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns' big worry not quarterback

Lineman, cornerback positions present more important dilemmas

Terry Pluto

Akron Beacon Journal

Scribbles in my Browns notebook...

• While they don't say so, it's no secret that the Browns would like to sign free agent Eric Steinbach, the outstanding guard from the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns want him as a guard to replace free agent Cosey Coleman. They also have major questions about veteran guard Joe Andruzzi, who is having physical problems. Finding guards is one of the key quests for the offseason.

• Here's the hitch: Some teams might want Steinbach as a left tackle. If they do, that raises his price tag enormously. Think of the offensive line as a baseball bullpen and the left tackle as the closer, the guy making the big cash. Most scouts think that Steinbach would be an acceptable tackle, but he's developing into a big-time guard. The Browns would prefer him at guard.

• The Browns hope Isaac Sowells can develop into a starter at guard or tackle. He was the team's fourth-round draft pick a year ago out of Indiana, where he was a left tackle. He had a major ankle sprain and some other physical problems that set him back in training camp.

• Hank Fraley played well enough at center for the Browns to make an offer for him to return -- and he supposedly has a strong interest in coming back. While Fraley is no LeCharles Bentley, the Browns think he's OK. Besides, they know they have bigger problems looking for two guards and at least one tackle.

• When the Browns decided to hire Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator over Jeff Davidson, it was clear that Davidson wanted another job. The Carolina Panthers hired him as offensive coordinator. Panthers coach John Fox has a good relationship with Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, and it was Weis who spoke out strongly for Davidson. Weis and Davidson worked together under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots.

• The problems between General Manager Phil Savage and Davidson were typical of a coach/GM. The coach favored his veteran players, especially Andruzzi. Savage wanted to look at someone else at guard because he thought that Andruzzi was so banged up physically. There might have been some other disagreements, but the main problem was the Browns did not want him back as offensive coordinator.

• Steve Marshall is the new offensive line coach. He was out of football last season, still being paid by the Houston Texans. He was paid off by the Texans when coach Dom Capers and the rest of the staff were fired. It seems suspect to hire a coach who had so much trouble protecting the quarterback for the expansion Texans, but the good news is Marshall was one of Nick Saban's first hires when he went to the University of Alabama. Marshall had an out in his contract with Alabama that allowed him to go to the pros, which he did when the Browns called.

• Confession time: Other than coordinators, it's very hard to judge how most assistants perform. You never know what is their area of responsibility, etc. At least, that's my view. With the coordinator, you can see the play calls. But even then, it's possible the head coach overrules them. So is Chudzinski a good pick to run the offense? I have no idea.

• It took a three-year contract to get Chudzinski from the San Diego Chargers, where he knew he was on a short string as tight ends coach because coach Marty Schottenheimer appeared headed out the door following 2007. Schottenheimer was fired Monday night. The Miami Dolphins wanted to talk to Chudzinski for offensive coordinator, so the Browns decided to push hard and keep the Ohio native home.

• Chudzinski is working on his relationship with wide receiver Braylon Edwards. He already knows Kellen Winslow well, because Chudzinski was Winslow's tight ends coach in college. He also was with the Browns as an assistant in 2005 when Winslow was injured.

• The Browns are high on quarterback coach Rip Scherer, who was the second choice after Chudzinski for offensive coordinator. They gave him the title of ``assistant head coach,'' the same one that Davidson received a year ago when the New York Jets wanted to hire him as an assistant.

• When it comes to evaluating young quarterbacks, the Browns find it hard because they went through two offensive coordinators last year, the offensive line was a mess and running back Reuben Droughns had a poor year. How much do you blame Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson for that? It's not an easy question, even though some fans think picking a quarterback would solve many of the problems on offense. If so, they are conning themselves.

• You're Jerry Rosberg. You have been the Browns special teams coach for the past six years through three coaches. Everyone likes your work. Your contract is up. You are a free agent, and the Atlanta Falcons make you a nice offer. The Falcons have a new head coach, and you figure that he has to be around for a few years. You like Romeo Crennel, but this is his third year -- and who knows if there will be a fourth? That's why Rosberg left -- security. It also has to be discouraging for him to have been through six years of all the trials (and few successes) with the Browns.

• The decision to replace Terry Robiskie with Wes Chandler as receivers coach obviously is an attempt to connect to Edwards with a coach who can command his respect. The Browns, with a recommendation from team scout/adviser Paul Warfield, turned to Chandler, who made four Pro Bowls and caught 56 touchdown passes in his distinguished career. His last job was coaching the receivers for the Minnesota Vikings in 2005. Chandler can tell Edwards, ``Look, I played the game. I was good at it. Here's how it works, here's what you need to do.''

• Edwards is telling the Browns that he plans to start fresh in 2007 and that he learned from some of his mistakes last season. The Browns are glad to hear that and hope he follows through. It's not an excuse but it's a fact that Edwards is only 23 and was handed a $17 million bonus at the age of 21 -- and that's not exactly the ideal prescription for maturity. Sometimes, these young guys with lots of cash only learn some things the hard way -- when they are embarrassed.

• Savage and his scouts are spending massive amounts of time checking out linemen on offense and defense. Savage knows the defensive line needs help quick. Ted Washington will be 39 on opening day. At 34, Orpheus Roye is showing some age. Alvin McKinley is a free agent, and the Browns are not sold on him as a starter. They like Simon Fraser as a backup but think that they need, at least, two defensive lineman to boost the 3-4 defense.

• The Browns will talk to free safety Brian Russell, but it's a long shot that he'll be back. The reason is the Browns are confident in young safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones. They are very worried at cornerback, where they have only Leigh Bodden as a healthy veteran starter. So you can talk offensive linemen, defensive linemen and cornerbacks as big needs -- and bigger keys to next season than drafting a quarterback high.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns say Bentley will miss 2007 season

3:03 p.m.

Brown center LeCharles Bentley, whose lifelong dream was to play for the Browns, will most likely miss the 2007 season and Browns general manager Phil Savage indicated there’s a chance Bentley’s career might be over.

Savage said during a press conference on Tuesday that Bentley will probably need another surgery on his torn left patella tendon and that if he does, he will miss the 2007 season. He said Bentley is rehabbing in Arizona and will know by May or June if he needs the surgery.

He said the Browns will carry Bentley on the roster through the 2007 season, regardless.

“I think we certainly owe LeCharles the opportunty to see where he’s going to be,” said Savage. “This time next year I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in terms of is he really a legitimate piece of the puzzle here or has the injury been so devastating that he may never play again.

“I think that’s something we’ll know clearly this time a year from now.”

Bentley, signed to a 6-year, $36 million free agent contract, suffered the torn patella tendon on the first contact drill of the 2006 training camp and underwent surgery soon after.

Savage said the Browns are proceeding as though Bentley will not play in 2007, saying it will be a “bonus” if he does.

Bentley, from St. Ignatius and Ohio State, said recently that he definitely will play again. Following his initial surgery, he suffered a life-threatening staph infection in the knee that had to be surgically removed. The staph infection may have caused the current damage that will probably need to be repaired.

Link

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Browns' big worry not quarterback

Lineman, cornerback positions present more important dilemmas

Terry Pluto

Akron Beacon Journal

Scribbles in my Browns notebook...

• While they don't say so, it's no secret that the Browns would like to sign free agent Eric Steinbach, the outstanding guard from the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns want him as a guard to replace free agent Cosey Coleman. They also have major questions about veteran guard Joe Andruzzi, who is having physical problems. Finding guards is one of the key quests for the offseason.

• Here's the hitch: Some teams might want Steinbach as a left tackle. If they do, that raises his price tag enormously. Think of the offensive line as a baseball bullpen and the left tackle as the closer, the guy making the big cash. Most scouts think that Steinbach would be an acceptable tackle, but he's developing into a big-time guard. The Browns would prefer him at guard.

• The Browns hope Isaac Sowells can develop into a starter at guard or tackle. He was the team's fourth-round draft pick a year ago out of Indiana, where he was a left tackle. He had a major ankle sprain and some other physical problems that set him back in training camp.

• Hank Fraley played well enough at center for the Browns to make an offer for him to return -- and he supposedly has a strong interest in coming back. While Fraley is no LeCharles Bentley, the Browns think he's OK. Besides, they know they have bigger problems looking for two guards and at least one tackle.

• When the Browns decided to hire Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator over Jeff Davidson, it was clear that Davidson wanted another job. The Carolina Panthers hired him as offensive coordinator. Panthers coach John Fox has a good relationship with Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, and it was Weis who spoke out strongly for Davidson. Weis and Davidson worked together under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots.

• The problems between General Manager Phil Savage and Davidson were typical of a coach/GM. The coach favored his veteran players, especially Andruzzi. Savage wanted to look at someone else at guard because he thought that Andruzzi was so banged up physically. There might have been some other disagreements, but the main problem was the Browns did not want him back as offensive coordinator.

• Steve Marshall is the new offensive line coach. He was out of football last season, still being paid by the Houston Texans. He was paid off by the Texans when coach Dom Capers and the rest of the staff were fired. It seems suspect to hire a coach who had so much trouble protecting the quarterback for the expansion Texans, but the good news is Marshall was one of Nick Saban's first hires when he went to the University of Alabama. Marshall had an out in his contract with Alabama that allowed him to go to the pros, which he did when the Browns called.

• Confession time: Other than coordinators, it's very hard to judge how most assistants perform. You never know what is their area of responsibility, etc. At least, that's my view. With the coordinator, you can see the play calls. But even then, it's possible the head coach overrules them. So is Chudzinski a good pick to run the offense? I have no idea.

• It took a three-year contract to get Chudzinski from the San Diego Chargers, where he knew he was on a short string as tight ends coach because coach Marty Schottenheimer appeared headed out the door following 2007. Schottenheimer was fired Monday night. The Miami Dolphins wanted to talk to Chudzinski for offensive coordinator, so the Browns decided to push hard and keep the Ohio native home.

• Chudzinski is working on his relationship with wide receiver Braylon Edwards. He already knows Kellen Winslow well, because Chudzinski was Winslow's tight ends coach in college. He also was with the Browns as an assistant in 2005 when Winslow was injured.

• The Browns are high on quarterback coach Rip Scherer, who was the second choice after Chudzinski for offensive coordinator. They gave him the title of ``assistant head coach,'' the same one that Davidson received a year ago when the New York Jets wanted to hire him as an assistant.

• When it comes to evaluating young quarterbacks, the Browns find it hard because they went through two offensive coordinators last year, the offensive line was a mess and running back Reuben Droughns had a poor year. How much do you blame Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson for that? It's not an easy question, even though some fans think picking a quarterback would solve many of the problems on offense. If so, they are conning themselves.

• You're Jerry Rosberg. You have been the Browns special teams coach for the past six years through three coaches. Everyone likes your work. Your contract is up. You are a free agent, and the Atlanta Falcons make you a nice offer. The Falcons have a new head coach, and you figure that he has to be around for a few years. You like Romeo Crennel, but this is his third year -- and who knows if there will be a fourth? That's why Rosberg left -- security. It also has to be discouraging for him to have been through six years of all the trials (and few successes) with the Browns.

• The decision to replace Terry Robiskie with Wes Chandler as receivers coach obviously is an attempt to connect to Edwards with a coach who can command his respect. The Browns, with a recommendation from team scout/adviser Paul Warfield, turned to Chandler, who made four Pro Bowls and caught 56 touchdown passes in his distinguished career. His last job was coaching the receivers for the Minnesota Vikings in 2005. Chandler can tell Edwards, ``Look, I played the game. I was good at it. Here's how it works, here's what you need to do.''

• Edwards is telling the Browns that he plans to start fresh in 2007 and that he learned from some of his mistakes last season. The Browns are glad to hear that and hope he follows through. It's not an excuse but it's a fact that Edwards is only 23 and was handed a $17 million bonus at the age of 21 -- and that's not exactly the ideal prescription for maturity. Sometimes, these young guys with lots of cash only learn some things the hard way -- when they are embarrassed.

• Savage and his scouts are spending massive amounts of time checking out linemen on offense and defense. Savage knows the defensive line needs help quick. Ted Washington will be 39 on opening day. At 34, Orpheus Roye is showing some age. Alvin McKinley is a free agent, and the Browns are not sold on him as a starter. They like Simon Fraser as a backup but think that they need, at least, two defensive lineman to boost the 3-4 defense.

• The Browns will talk to free safety Brian Russell, but it's a long shot that he'll be back. The reason is the Browns are confident in young safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones. They are very worried at cornerback, where they have only Leigh Bodden as a healthy veteran starter. So you can talk offensive linemen, defensive linemen and cornerbacks as big needs -- and bigger keys to next season than drafting a quarterback high.

Pluto does not have everyone following his thoughts in lockstep that QB isn't an issue. Some actually have the audacity to think that the lowest scoring team in the league over the last two years needs an upgrade from their QB play. Browns General Manager Phil Savage hardly gave a ringing endorsement when he was asked who his starter will be in the fall. He let his guard down as his Freudian slip showed when he called Charlie Frye "the incumbent" but did not say he'd be the starter next the fall. http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=6469

Savage was asked who his starter will be in the fall if the team doesn't address the quarterback position in free agency or the draft. He called Charlie Frye "the incumbent" and said he'd be the starter if the team played tomorrow, but did not say he'd necessarily be the starter heading into the fall.

And don't look now but others have noticed that the Browns may not be entirely enthralled with third round draft pick Charlie Frye who has shown absolutely nothing to prove he's the long term answer at QB.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=179047

HARD TRUTH: The Browns may be stuck banking on a quarterback in whom they have substantial doubts. With a high pick in the first round, the Browns will have a shot at a quarterback some scouts will tout as the guy for the future. However, fans are fed up with a team that has gone 19-45 over the last four years. Many of them have a low tolerance for having to build with another young quarterback who might not be ready to make hay until 2008 or 2009. The brass must bite the bullet. If in-house scouts conclude there's less than a 50 percent chance 2005 Round 3 pick Charlie Frye can break through -- and if they conclude Jemarcus Russell or Brady Quinn will become a real player -- a quarterback should be the pick. The Browns have been here before. They could have solved their QB problems long-term by picking Ben Roethlisberger instead of Kellen Winslow in 2004. As much as it would hurt -- depriving the team of filling one of several other glaring holes with a sudden-impact guy -- the Round 1 pick should be a QB if the Combine and March scouting reports indicate a go.

Go to the top link for Savage's comments on free agency and his confidence level heading into this off-season.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns say Bentley will miss 2007 season

3:03 p.m.

Brown center LeCharles Bentley, whose lifelong dream was to play for the Browns, will most likely miss the 2007 season and Browns general manager Phil Savage indicated there’s a chance Bentley’s career might be over.

Savage said during a press conference on Tuesday that Bentley will probably need another surgery on his torn left patella tendon and that if he does, he will miss the 2007 season. He said Bentley is rehabbing in Arizona and will know by May or June if he needs the surgery.

He said the Browns will carry Bentley on the roster through the 2007 season, regardless.

“I think we certainly owe LeCharles the opportunty to see where he’s going to be,” said Savage. “This time next year I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in terms of is he really a legitimate piece of the puzzle here or has the injury been so devastating that he may never play again.

“I think that’s something we’ll know clearly this time a year from now.”

Bentley, signed to a 6-year, $36 million free agent contract, suffered the torn patella tendon on the first contact drill of the 2006 training camp and underwent surgery soon after.

Savage said the Browns are proceeding as though Bentley will not play in 2007, saying it will be a “bonus” if he does.

Bentley, from St. Ignatius and Ohio State, said recently that he definitely will play again. Following his initial surgery, he suffered a life-threatening staph infection in the knee that had to be surgically removed. The staph infection may have caused the current damage that will probably need to be repaired.

Link

Some additional tidbits that were added later in the day...

* The Browns have $30 million in cap room and will be aggressive in free agency.

* The team has stepped up negotiations with center Hank Fraley now that it's apparent Bentley won't be around for 2007.

* There's no sense of urgency to re-sign free agent safety Brian Russell.

* Look for the Browns to go after Buffalo cornerback Nate Clements in free agency.

* The Browns won't tip their hand on who they'll pick with the No. 3 or No. 4 pick in the draft.

* They haven't committed to Charlie Frye as their starting quarterback, saying only that he's the incumbent.

Seeing as how the Browns have no serviceable CBs, I assume Clements is #1 on their FA list. Eric Steinbach would be a close second, but I'm not sure the Browns will be able to get him if other teams are willing to sign him to play LT.Agree and disagree with some of Bracie Smathers' posts here and in the other LB thread. But realistically, if the Browns can't find a trading partner, it will be either Brady Quinn or Adrian Peterson.

Another article...

Copley News Service

February 20, 2007 Tuesday

HEADLINE: Savage sets out to make Browns worth paying to see

The Browns announced they won't raise ticket prices in 2007, meaning they were pretty sure their customers didn't enjoy taking a sharp stick in the eye in 2006.

They're hoping to raise expectations.

They head for the NFL Combine this week with a top-four draft pick - and looking for possible 2007 contributors in each of the first three rounds.

"It's a good year to be in the top five," said General Manager Phil Savage, who added that wasn't the case when the Browns had a No. 3 pick in 2005.

Savage wouldn't confirm the top four players on his board are, as some believe, LSU quarterback JeMarcus Russell, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas and Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn.

All he would indicate Tuesday is that he has a top four, and "if we got any of the four, I'd feel good about it."

With about $30 million of room under the salary cap, Savage will play the free agency market hard a third straight year. He met with coaches Friday to finalize impressions of veterans who might fit the Browns.

"It's important for us to do it," he said. "We're still trying to make up for lost ground in terms of missed draft picks."

FREE AGENCY PLANS

There's a good chance the Browns will announce a major signing within 12 to 36 hours of the market opening at midnight March 1.

"If you miss out on the first two or three guys at any spot," Savage said, "you're missing the boat on a significant upgrade."

The "what have you" file features the previous two years' premier free agency signees, center LeCharles Bentley and cornerback Gary Baxter, both recovering from career-threatening patellar tendon surgeries. Savage said Bentley is "rehabbing in Arizona" and probably will undergo surgery that would knock him out of a second straight season.

"Our plans right now have to be that he's probably not gonna be here for '07," Savage said, indicating Bentley won't be released anytime soon.

"We owe LeCharles the opportunity to see where he's gonna be," Savage said. "At this time next year, we'll have a clearer picture of whether he's really a legitimate piece of the puzzle here, or ... has the injury been so devastating he may never play again?"

The Browns are pursuing Hank Fraley, who replaced Bentley in 2006 but is a free agent. Fraley has said he welcomes a return to Cleveland at a fair price.

"We'll do our best to get him back," Savage said.

Savage said Baxter is doing "quite well" after surgery to fix ruptured patellar tendons in both knees.

"He's exceeded where some people thought he would be," Savage said. "We'll see where he is when summer rolls around."

COY ON PLANS

There is no doubt Savage would pick a quarterback high in the first round if his staff concludes - and he agrees - that a spectacular prospect has fallen into the team's lap.

Meanwhile, if the quarterbacks grade out as quasispectacular prospects, the focus will shift to the offensive line and perhaps a back who might make any line look better.

Savage was asked if the Browns might add an offensive lineman in free agency and one in the draft, both intended to help right away.

"Two at a minimum," he said. "I wouldn't rule out the possibility of us trying to get two in free agency or two in the draft. It's a project for us." Keep an eye on Bengals guard Eric Steinbach.

A coin flip at the Combine will determine whether the Browns or Bucs draft at No. 3 or No. 4 in round 1. Is the coin flip any big deal?

"It'll be a big deal depending on who goes one and two," Savage said. The Raiders could warp the first round if they make Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson, the type of vertical threat Al Davis loves, the No. 1 pick.

Savage became coy, the way GMs do in draft season. He rejected the notion he knows who Oakland and Detroit will take with the first two picks. It was mentioned a quarterback will go No. 1.

"Which one," Savage deadpanned.

He tossed out a nugget regarding a man who was interviewed for the Browns' offensive coordinator job in January: "(New Oakland offensive coordinator) Greg Knapp said he would never pick a quarterback that high, that he would develop a guy."

But then, the Browns hired Rob Chudzinski, who in 2006 worked for a 14-2 team (San Diego) using former No. 4 pick Philip Rivers at quarterback.

 

[Irish]

-- Winslow Underwent Microfracture Knee Surgery --Thu Feb 22, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com#The Beacon Journal reports Browns TE Kellen Winslow's comeback from offseason knee surgery will be quite a bit more involved than first impressions indicated. Winslow had microfracture surgery on his right knee Jan. 30, a process that takes four months to rehab. The surgery is delicate, and although results have improved, it has not always been successful. Microfracture surgery replaces damaged or lost cartilage. Small holes are drilled in the knee bone to promote blood flow. Scar tissue forms, replacing the damaged cartilage. The procedure takes 30 minutes (according to Wikipedia) and is performed arthroscopically, but it requires the patient to use crutches for six to eight weeks and prohibits strenuous athletic activity for four months. GM Phil Savage said Tuesday that the team expects Winslow to be back full-go by June or July, which should make him available for training camp if his knee responds. Savage, who did not detail the microfracture procedure, said it's not known whether Winslow will take part in the team's June mini-camp.

 

[msommer]

-- Winslow Underwent Microfracture Knee Surgery --

Thu Feb 22, 2007 --from FFMastermind.com

#

The Beacon Journal reports Browns TE Kellen Winslow's comeback from offseason knee surgery will be quite a bit more involved than first impressions indicated. Winslow had microfracture surgery on his right knee Jan. 30, a process that takes four months to rehab. The surgery is delicate, and although results have improved, it has not always been successful. Microfracture surgery replaces damaged or lost cartilage. Small holes are drilled in the knee bone to promote blood flow. Scar tissue forms, replacing the damaged cartilage. The procedure takes 30 minutes (according to Wikipedia) and is performed arthroscopically, but it requires the patient to use crutches for six to eight weeks and prohibits strenuous athletic activity for four months. GM Phil Savage said Tuesday that the team expects Winslow to be back full-go by June or July, which should make him available for training camp if his knee responds. Savage, who did not detail the microfracture procedure, said it's not known whether Winslow will take part in the team's June mini-camp.

Wow, just wow. Is the success rate over 50% yet?

 

[wadegarrett]

A menu with lots of fixings

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Tony Grossi

Cleveland Plain Dealer

As he symbolically kicks off his third off-season as general manager of the Browns by attending the NFL scouting combine this week, Phil Savage either is being realistic or lowering expectations.

"We've obviously got a number of needs on the roster," Savage said before departing for Indianapolis. "What I've tried to preach to our staff is that we're probably not going to be able to fix all of them in one off-season, but let's keep trying to make some progress and fix two or three.

"With where we're picking right now and the room we have in free agency, we feel we're going to be able to accomplish that."

In Indianapolis, the Browns will flip a coin with Tampa Bay to determine which team picks third in the first round of the NFL draft and which team picks fourth. The Browns have approximately $30 million under the salary cap to spend in free agency.

These means of acquiring players intertwine, of course.

First comes the combine - six days of measuring, weighing, interviewing, and in some but not all cases, timing the top players eligible for the draft. The up-close look gives teams a good idea of what needs they may be able to fill in the draft on April 28-29.

Then the teams retreat home to map out their free-agent strategy. The signing period begins March 2 and Savage intends to strike quickly on two or three players he already has targeted.

After a flurry of free-agent activity, teams return to their preoccupation with the draft and travel the personal workout circuit to again chase the potential draftees.

So what does Savage view as his top priorities?

"Both [offensive and defensive] lines, quite honestly, are priorities for us," he said.

In another context, he also indicated the team wants to at least explore a new running back.

When Savage was pressed repeatedly about the quarterback position, he defended Charlie Frye and backup Derek Anderson and said he would be content to bring back both to compete for the starting job.

"As I sit here today, I can pretty confidently say I'll feel OK about [the quarterbacks] because I feel we'll have done some things around them to make them more of a success," he said.

Savage said that Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler and Vince Young - quarterbacks taken in the first round in the 2006 draft - would have fared no better than Frye and Anderson, given the team's circumstances at offensive line and running back.

"I just think there are a lot of issues that go beneath whether a guy can just throw the ball or not," he said.

"That's what the offensive staff really is trying to work through right now. If it's Charlie, we can do this list of things. If it's Derek, we can do this list of things. If it's somebody else, what are those guys strengths and weaknesses?"

The early consensus is that Oakland will use the No. 1 pick on hard-throwing LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

If that holds true, the Browns will have to choose among the following players at third or fourth: Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch.

Savage said there is a tier of "six or seven players" from which he would be comfortable selecting with the Browns' pick.

This will be the fifth time in nine years the Browns own a pick in the top five. They would like to believe they won't be picking this high again for some time. So the question is whether they should take a quarterback while they're in that stratosphere.

"I think it's something we talk about basically every day," Savage said. "Is it critical? Yes. Is it the most critical decision for the 2007 season? In conjunction with a lot of other things, I'd say they're all pretty important."

On FA: Grossi has mentioned before Nate Clements would cost too much seeing as how the Browns already have money tied up with Gary Baxter, Daylon McCutcheon and Leigh Bodden. Not sure they can afford to put more cap dollars at the CB position even though it's a position of need. Eric Steinbach from Cincinatti or Kris Dielman of San Diegoe are surely on the Browns radar.On the draft: who knows if Savage is playing games here or not. He may be putting out feelers to teams who want a QB and want them to think the Browns have no interest in taking Quinn. Don't think Savage would have a hard time taking Peterson at #3 (or #4) if it comes down to it.

 

[wadegarrett]

Winslow recovery will take months

Type of knee surgery isn't always successful

Patrick McManamon

Akron Beacon Journal

INDIANAPOLIS - Kellen Winslow's comeback from offseason knee surgery will be quite a bit more involved than first impressions indicated.

Winslow, a Browns tight end, had microfracture surgery on his right knee Jan. 30, a process that takes four months to rehab.

The surgery is delicate, and although results have improved, it has not always been successful.

Microfracture surgery replaces damaged or lost cartilage. Small holes are drilled in the knee bone to promote blood flow. Scar tissue forms, replacing the damaged cartilage.

The procedure takes 30 minutes (according to Wikipedia) and is performed arthroscopically, but it requires the patient to use crutches for six to eight weeks and prohibits strenuous athletic activity for four months.

Although some athletes -- notably basketball players -- have come back as good as new, some football players have not.

Former NFL running back Terrell Davis' microfracture surgery did not help him, but his was a last-gasp operation.

Former Browns defensive end Courtney Brown had microfracture surgery and was never the same.

Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster has come back well, but a teammate, receiver Patrick Jeffers, did not play again.

In basketball, Amare Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns and Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets are among those who have played at a top level after microfracture surgery.

That Winslow needed the procedure showed what he played through last season, when he tied a Browns record with 89 receptions.

Winslow continually said he was playing on one knee. Now it's evident why -- his right knee's cartilage essentially was missing by season's end.

The injury and procedure are just further damage to a knee that Winslow wrecked in a motorcycle accident in May 2005. He also suffered from a staph infection after the surgery to repair a torn ligament in the knee.

Winslow came back to play well last season. He conceded that he will never be what he was before the accident, but he contended that 90 percent of him is better than any other tight end in the league.

General Manager Phil Savage said Tuesday that the team expects Winslow to be back full-go by June or July, which should make him available for training camp if his knee responds.

Savage, who did not detail the microfracture procedure, said it's not known whether Winslow will take part in the team's June mini camp.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns win coin toss w/ TB. Will pick 3rd.

HEY, WE WON SOMETHING!!!

 

[schaef2k]

Browns win coin toss w/ TB. Will pick 3rd.

HEY, WE WON SOMETHING!!!

Great news! (and we need it)The Browns are 3-0 on coin flips since returning. Just a word of warning to the rest of the league. Finally a something the Browns are great at!

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns win coin toss w/ TB. Will pick 3rd.

HEY, WE WON SOMETHING!!!

Great news! (and we need it)The Browns are 3-0 on coin flips since returning. Just a word of warning to the rest of the league. Finally a something the Browns are great at!

Hopefully the NFL will change this stupid coin toss rule now.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns win coin toss w/ TB. Will pick 3rd.

HEY, WE WON SOMETHING!!!

Great news! (and we need it)The Browns are 3-0 on coin flips since returning. Just a word of warning to the rest of the league. Finally a something the Browns are great at!

Hopefully the NFL will change this stupid coin toss rule now.

Browns win flip for third pick in draft

9:30 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Browns won the coin toss with Tampa Bay this morning and will pick third in the first round of the April 28 draft.

Inside a meeting room in the Westin Hotel, Bruce Allen, Tampa Bay general manager, called heads and the coin flipped by Ken Fiore of the NFL player personnel department turned up tails. At that point, Browns General Manager Phil Savage smiled.

The result probably was poetic justice.

The Bucs beat the Browns in Cleveland on Dec. 24, 22-7. But that head-to-head meeting did not apply in the bizarre NFL rules to break a tie for draft order.

If the teams were in the same conference, head-to-head result would be one of 11 tie-breakers. But for teams in different conferences, the only tie-breaker is strength-of-schedule. Both teams were 4-12 and had the same strength of schedule at .535.

This loophole will be addressed by the league competition committee at NFL owners meetings in March.

The Browns and Bucs will alternate positions in each succeeding round. The Browns will have the fourth pick in the second round, third in the third round, fourth in the fourth round, and so on.

 

[wadegarrett]

Peter King blurb from today:

I think Cleveland just moved into the driver's seat for Brady Quinn. The Browns had been tied with Tampa Bay for the third overall pick in the first round of April's draft, and won the flip Friday morning. Both teams could be in the market for a quarterback, Cleveland probably more so, and now they'll likely have Notre Dame's Quinn on the board when they choose. (Rod) Marinelli tried to say the Lions may still take a quarterback, but nobody in the audience was buying much of that.

 

[redman]

Assuming no QB picked in the draft or via trade or FA, who has the inside shot to win the job long term, Frye or Anderson?

 

[redman]

Was just told that Smith put on 23 POUNDS between the Michigan game and the Florida game. Heard it straight from another OSU player. What a ####. Tells me all I need to know about him. Browns better not draft his lazy ###.

This is a typical problem with Heisman winners, with the banquets and ceremonies they constantly have to attend between receiving the award and their bowl games. There's less time to work out and more time sitting and eating. Every Heisman winner I've ever heard has mentioned this as a struggle.

 

[chris1969]

I heard he weighed in at 225, that's 10 pounds more than in 2006 media guide. Not anything I'd be alarmed at.

 

[Irish]

In Quinn's eyes, he's No. 1Notre Dame QB makes his pitch as Browns' pick, or betterSunday, February 25, 2007Mary Kay CabotPlain Dealer ReporterIndianapolis -- Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, who grew up as a Browns fan in Dublin, Ohio, has said he'd love to play in Cleveland -- and the Browns made it clear they like him, too.It's a lot more likely to happen now that the Browns won the coin toss with the Buccaneers to land the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. Tampa Bay will pick fourth."The chances of him being there are better now," said one Browns insider. "What's not to like about Brady Quinn?" Quinn, who has a picture of himself wearing a Bernie Kosar jersey and Browns helmet when he was about 4 years old, expressed his desire to play for the Browns during a Sugar Bowl interview, but has backed off that a little to be politically correct."I basically said I was a fan when I was younger and I definitely do have a desire based on where I live and because of where they are in the draft," he said Friday."I think economically that would be a good situation right now with them drafting in the third spot. But that's where it stops. I'm not biased toward any team based on where I live. Whatever team I go to play for, I'm going to be happy."Browns General Manager Phil Savage watched most of Quinn's 15-minute interview in front of hundreds of reporters to see how he handled himself -- and Quinn was poised and polished.Savage did the same a little earlier in the day with Louisiana State's JaMarcus Russell, the other top-rated quarterback in the draft.Russell, who's more laid back but also handled his session well, is expected to go No. 1 to Oakland. Detroit isn't expected to pick a quarterback at No. 2 - although the Lions talked up the position here perhaps to spark trade interest.The Browns aren't tipping their hand, even though they have no clear-cut starting quarterback. Charlie Frye leads in the competition with Derek Anderson, but some staffers last season didn't think Frye was the guy. Because of that - and the fact the Browns don't plan to pick this high again in the near future - the Browns are all over Quinn. The team was scheduled to interview him Saturday night."I like Brady," said Savage. "I think the benefits of him are he's played under a pro coach in Charlie Weis and under the scrutiny of national television every single game. He's a player we've spent an awful lot of time evaluating already and the scrutiny only intensifies."Savage said Quinn was impressive when the GM attended their training camp. "He's got a chiseled body and spins the ball well," said Savage.The Browns have an inside track to Quinn because coach Romeo Crennel is close to Weis, his good friend from their Super Bowl winning days with the Giants and Patriots.Weis' advice to Crennel? "Charlie told me that he's really good, and we should trade up to get him," said Crennel.Weis predicted last season that within three years, Quinn would be the No. 3 quarterback in the NFL behind Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, whom Weis helped developed into a three-time Super Bowl winner."I can't imagine any player in the country being more valuable than Quinn," Weis said during Sugar Bowl week. "He has that special something only few quarterbacks have."NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said his only issue with Quinn is that he sometimes misses throws. "Every game, he misses a couple of wide-open receivers," Mayock said. "In the NFL, the windows get smaller, not larger. So, there's an accuracy issue."But Mayock - and Savage - disagree with the rap that Quinn isn't a big-game player, fueled in part by a bad second half in the Sugar Bowl loss to LSU. "I think it's unfair, quite frankly," said Savage. "That was the knock on Peyton Manning for a long time until he won the Super Bowl. When you look at Notre Dame the last three years, if you know the personnel they have versus some of the competition they played, I think if you took Brady Quinn and put him in other situations, he would have won 'big' games."Despite his desire to play for the Browns, Quinn's immediate goal is to be the No. 1 pick overall."I talk about it all the time," said Quinn. "When I decided to come back [as a senior] I had three goals: win a national championship, win the Heisman and being the No. 1 pick in the draft. Obviously the first two didn't work out, and the third is yet to be determined." So what would he tell a general manager about why he should be the top pick?"I'd tell him I'm the most prepared collegiate player for the NFL in the draft," said Quinn. "There's not one other player that's had the kind of coaching that I've had the past couple of years. There's not one other player that's done what I've done the past couple of years. You've seen the progress, the numbers and everything we've done at Notre Dame, and I feel that I am the best leader for a team that needs someone to step in and fulfill that job."Savage looked pleased with the answer.Thomas impressive:Mayock said Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas lived up to his billing as a top-five pick during workouts Saturday. Thomas is one of the players the Browns are considering with their No. 3 pick."I thought the star of the day for offensive linemen was Joe Thomas," said Mayock. "He's one of the elite kids and a top-five pick. He doesn't have to work out. He goes out there and he ran a 4.92 officially in the 40."

 

[Irish]

Browns buzz now centers on SoonerSaturday, February 24, 2007Tony GrossiPlain Dealer ReporterIndianapolis- The buzz at the NFL combine is that the Browns are leaning toward taking Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson with the third pick in the draft."I'm picking that up," Peterson said with a grin on Friday.How does the top-rated running back in the draft feel about that? "Cleveland is a great town," he said. "They've got some Sooners down there already. I wouldn't mind being a Cleveland Brown."Browns General Manager Phil Savage has run a pipeline to Norman, Okla. In 2005, he selected Sooners safety Brodney Pool and cornerback Antonio Perkins. Last year, he took receiver Travis Wilson.Peterson would be the most spectacular Oklahoma player to come to Cleveland since Greg Pruitt. The rewards of taking him are immense, but the risks are great, too.Peterson's injury history reads like a script of Grey's Anatomy.As a freshman in 2004, Peterson dislocated his left shoulder in fall drills and reinjured it several times during the season. He had surgery in January 2005.As a sophomore in 2005, he missed all or parts of four games with a right high ankle sprain.As a junior in 2006, he fractured his left collarbone diving into the end zone in the middle of the year and missed seven games. He came back to play in the epic Fiesta Bowl game against Boise State. "I think it shows a lot about what he's made of when he decided to come back and play in the bowl game," Savage said Friday. "He didn't have anything to gain and certainly had something to lose."Peterson has more to prove here, which is why he has elected to participate in all running back drills scheduled for Sunday. He is peppered with questions about durability and injuries."The only injury I'm dealing with now is the collarbone injury," Peterson said. "A couple of doctors are saying there's no surgery required, and it's going to heal on its own. And when it heals, it'll be stronger than before. I'm just focusing on going out Sunday and performing."Injuries aside, there is not much else to question about the 6-1½, 217-pound runner."He is the total package," said Lions coach Rod Marinelli, who might be eyeing Peterson with the No. 2 pick.At Oklahoma, Peterson was healthy for the equivalent of two seasons. He finished third on the running back-rich school's all-time rushing list with 4,045 yards. He averaged 5.4 yards a carry. If he had been healthy four years, Peterson would have shattered the all-time NCAA rushing record."It was a missed opportunity, but I have no regrets," Peterson said. "Everything happens for a reason. Whatever happened in the past, I'm looking forward to going into the NFL. It's my dream."The Browns would like to join the NFL trend of dividing their rushing load among two feature backs. They can see Peterson, a home-run threat, and Reuben Droughns complementing each other well. Indianapolis and Chicago employed that style to get to the Super Bowl. Anthony Lynn, the Browns' new running backs coach, saw it work in Dallas, too."Running backs take a pounding," coach Romeo Crennel said Friday. "If you have two guys that you feel can get the job done, then it makes it easier for those guys to last a whole year."Reuben, he got nicked up in the second game on that hit [to his shoulder] at Cincinnati. That impacted how some of the season went for him. If you have another guy you can rotate in there and take some of the pressure and contact off him, I think that can work pretty good. The difference is that you got to have two. If you got two, you can use them."Some draft publications have compared Peterson to Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson because of their size, strength, speed and upright running style."He's an explosive runner," Savage said. "Every time he touches [the football], there's a chance he can take it the distance. He's the kind of runner that will have four or five of what you would characterize as ordinary runs and then he explodes for a 50-60-yard run."All the reports we've heard from OU are extremely positive on him in terms of toughness, temperament, demeanor. Those are all qualities we're looking for in a player."The question of durability remains.

 

[wadegarrett]

Thought this was a great article by Terry Pluto from last week...

This is time for Browns to draw line

By Terry Pluto

Akron Beacon Journal

BEREA - The Browns have done some research on the top two quarterbacks chosen in each draft since 1970. They discovered there have been 28 ``hits'' vs. 40 ``misses.''

That means 28 of 68 quarterbacks would be considered to have had successful pro careers, and these are the top two in each draft.

That's barely 40 percent.

It's yet another reason the Browns should not take a quarterback in the first round, especially since General Manager Phil Savage conceded what Browns fans should have known for years: Quarterbacks in orange helmets are endangered species.

``Given what happened last year, it's difficult to say any quarterback would have had great success here,'' Savage said.

As the Browns evaluate quarterbacks Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, here's what they know: They really don't know.

They won't say that.

As Savage spoke to some members of the media Tuesday, there was a picture of a Browns scout in the room. Written on it was ``The fog of confusion.'' That's a phrase Savage uses for cutting through all the reports, rumors, hype and hyperbole around the draft.

It also can apply to the Browns' quarterbacks.

Since 1999, have any of them really had a chance? Changing coaches, switching coordinators, playing with terrible lines and, generally, ineffective running games have led to concussions, fractures, sprains, strains and incredible mental pains to all who have taken snaps in the past eight seasons.

The Browns are like an airport with a runway full of cracks and potholes. Who knows how high that jet can fly if it can't get off the ground?

That's why the Browns should not be tempted to pick a quarterback with their top pick, which will be No. 3 or 4.

It's believed Savage has high regard for JaMarcus Russell, and it's also expected that the Oakland Raiders will take the Louisiana State junior with the top pick of the draft.

Let's hope so.

Savage needs to keep his eyes on where the team is bleeding the most: both lines and the cornerback positions. Odds are overwhelming against Frye or Anderson becoming an impact quarterback, but it's possible the Browns might become a decent team with one of them, especially if they fix the offensive line.

What is the point of bringing Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn to Cleveland? So he can take a beating, too, while chewing up a massive part of the salary cap?

Savage says it's doubtful center LeCharles Bentley will play in 2007. He might need a third knee surgery. His career is in question.

Linemen, linemen and more linemen should be the chant in the draft room as they check out veteran free agents.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Russell going to the Raiders, left tackle Joe Thomas to the Detroit Lions with the second pick, and the Browns taking... a running back.

That might happen if Thomas is off the board. He's the best offensive lineman in the draft, although some scouts don't believe he should be a top-five pick.

The running back is Adrian Peterson, a junior from Oklahoma with all the physical attributes to be a star except one: durability.

He missed seven games this season with a broken collarbone. The previous year, it was three games with an ankle injury. Savage said running backs have hit in 32 of 69 cases, using the same scale as quarterbacks. He has 69 examples since 1970 rather than the 68 for quarterbacks, but even with backs there are more misses than hits. This leads to another thought: forget the quarterback or the running back and trade down!

Savage said there are more attractive players at the top of this draft than in past years. Perhaps someone wants Quinn, Peterson or Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, considered by some scouts as the best player in the draft.

Great, make a deal. Go for multiple picks. If the Browns' scouting staff is now as strong as Savage believes, then this might be the best route.

 

[Bobcat10]

OK fellas, here we go. Not much we don't know already though.....

Fraley has re-upped. Steinbach is coming to town. Savage, DON"T LET HIM LEAVE WITHOUT A DEAL DONE.

The Browns worked down to the deadline to sign center Hank Fraley and keep him out of the free-agent market.

Fraley and the Browns agreed to a four-year contract. Terms were unavailable.

Earlier in the afternoon, talks broke down and agent Ralph Cindrich said the Browns didn't have a high regard for Fraley.

It appeared the Browns would seek to replace Fraley with former Browns center Shaun O'Hara. But after O'Hara agreed to a five-year deal to stay with the New York Giants later in the evening, the Browns went into desperation mode to keep Fraley.

There were no other comparable centers available in free agency.

Fraley was no superstar, but he did rescue the position for the Browns last season after high-priced free agent LeCharles Bentley went down with a knee injury on the first team drill of training camp and three other centers failed to replace him.

Fraley was acquired eight days before the season opener for a seventh-round pick in 2008 sent to the Philadelphia Eagles. He did not miss an offensive snap through the 16-game season.

"I think the thing that hurts Hank is they got him too cheaply. He was a Pro Bowl alternate [before they got him]," Cindrich said before a deal was reached on Thursday.

Efforts to reach Browns General Manager Phil Savage were unsuccessful.

Re-signing Fraley became a priority after it was disclosed that Bentley would most likely miss the 2007 season after a possible third surgery on his left knee in May or June.

The only other Browns player under contract who has played center is Rob Smith, an undrafted free agent in 2006 who played mostly guard at Tennessee.

Steinbach visit:

Bengals free-agent guard Eric Steinbach is scheduled to visit the Browns today, his first visit in free agency, a source said. Weather permitting in Chicago, he'll fly here today.

Also interested in Steinbach are the Seahawks and another NFC team that wants him to play left tackle.

Steinbach is one of the Browns' top priorities in free agency, and they'd like to sign him before he visits other teams.

Porter interests Browns. Clements will be an early target with Steinbach.

Steelers linebacker Joey Porter has been one of the Browns' biggest enemies, but could become a close personal friend.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel, before an autograph session at the Greater Cleveland Auto Show Thursday night, said the Browns are interested in Porter, who was released by the Steelers on Thursday in a salary-cap move.

Porter, a ninth-year pro and three-time Pro Bowler, was due to make $4 million in 2007 and a $1 million bonus early this month.

"Well, of course [we're interested]," said Crennel. "Everybody should be interested in Joey, particularly 3-4 [defensive] teams. But along with that, you also have to look at what it's going to cost for some of these guys, and Joey's coming out late [in the free-agent sweepstakes]. He's into it late, so we'll have to see how that plays out and see how he would fit with the team."

Crennel, referring to 2006 top pick Kamerion Wimbley, said, "On that right side, we do have a young player that we like quite a bit on our team right now, but we might be able to put him over there [on the left] or put Joey over there."

In the Steelers' Christmas Eve 2005 rout, Porter had three sacks and two forced fumbles in the 41-0 victory over the Browns.

This season, he was fined $10,000 for calling Kellen Winslow Jr. a derogatory gay term and in 2004 he was ejected before a game for fighting with William Green.

Porter's agents could not be reached for comment. Crennel said the Browns are not ruling out anybody right now, even running back Jamal Lewis, who was released by the Ravens.

"Everybody is on the radar screen," said Crennel. "Even though Reuben [Droughns] is on our team, and he's done a good job for us and we're not looking to replace him. We're looking for competition. We're trying to get the best players and put them on the team."

Crennel said the Browns will act quickly and could have a player or two signed by today. Top two targets are guard Eric Steinbach, who is expected to visit today, and cornerback Nate Clements.

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns add well-traveled corner Wright

Monday, March 05, 2007

Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Browns signed Redskins free-agent cornerback Kenny Wright to a three-year deal Sunday night, the club announced.

Wright, a ninth-year pro, was signed by the Redskins as a free agent last season and started nine games. He had 39 tackles with one interception and 11 passes defensed.

"The addition of Kenny Wright to the Browns will add experience and depth to our corner position," Browns General Manager Phil Savage said in a statement. "We feel he'll bring a veteran presence to that group as well."

Wright (6-1, 207) originally was a fourth-round draft choice by Minnesota in the 1999 draft out of Northwestern State (La.). He's played eight seasons in the NFL with Minnesota, Houston, Jacksonville and Washington.

Wright has played in 126 career games, including 56 starts, and has totaled 356 career tackles, 53 passes defensed, three sacks and seven interceptions.

Whether or not he can land a starting job with the Browns remains to be seen. Reports out of Washington described Wright as struggling and inconsistent last season.

The Browns hosted Eagles cornerback Rod Hood on Saturday, but Hood left Cleveland to visit with the Cardinals and has not yet signed a contract.

Quinn impresses:

The Browns attended the pro day of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn on Sunday and came away impressed. Most of the team's top brass made the trip, including Savage, owner Randy Lerner and coach Romeo Crennel.

In a workout conducted by Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, a good friend of Crennel's, Quinn impressed the Browns. He didn't run or interview with teams.

"The fact he could make all his throws, both right and left, he's a polished quarterback," Crennel told the Associated Press.

Quinn is one of the players the Browns are considering with the No. 3 overall pick in the April 28-29 NFL draft.

Link

 

[wadegarrett]

Not exactly thrilled by this...

Jamal Lewis to visit Browns

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ravens free-agent running back Jamal Lewis will visit the Browns soon, the Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday night.

The Ravens have offered Lewis a one-year deal, but he won't accept it, his agent, Mitchell Frankel, told the Sun. As a result, Lewis has begun setting up visits, and Cleveland is expected to be his first stop.

That's significant because the majority of free agents have been signing with the first team they visit. Reuben Droughns is due a $1.75 million bonus next week, and if the Browns find a suitable replacement, there's a chance he could be gone.

Lewis holds the NFL record with a 295-yard rushing performance against the Browns in 2003.

Lewis was cut by the Ravens last week so they didn't have to pay him a $5 million bonus.

Link

 

[wadegarrett]

Browns find some blocks to build line

By Terry Pluto

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Akron Beacon Journal

The first two free agents signed by the Browns were offensive linemen.

The Browns are trying; their priorities seem in order.

Hank Fraley isn't great, but the veteran center played all 16 games and graded as average most of the time, according to the Browns.

He should be a little better this season, simply because he's with the same team -- even if some of the players around him have changed.

Eric Steinbach was the best offensive linemen available, according to most scouting services. ESPN.com's respected Len Pasquarelli ranked the former Cincinnati Bengal as the third-best free agent overall, behind cornerback Nate Clements and linebacker Adalius Thomas.

Scouts Inc. rated him No. 4, the top offensive linemen.

So, the Browns did exactly what they did a year ago. They identified the premier free-agent offensive lineman, and they signed him. Browns fans know center LeCharles Bentley might never play again because of knee problems, but he was healthy and absolutely the right move a year ago.

Just as Steinbach is now.

Some teams, especially some owners, would become nervous after what happened with Bentley. The Browns made him the highest-paid center in NFL history, and he blew out his knee in the first practice.

When they signed him, he was 26, had missed only seven games in four years and was the No. 1 rated free agent by ESPN and other scouting services.

What happened to him was not the fault of Browns General Manager Phil Savage.

Thankfully, Savage and owner Randy Lerner stayed bold, making Steinbach the highest-paid guard in NFL history. He will be 27 in April, missed only two starts in four years and should be in his prime.

Some teams will wince at the $17 million guaranteed in that seven-year, $49 million contract. Better to overpay for quality than try to bargain-hunt, especially for linemen.

The Browns have talked to Sean Mahan, a guard who has started 28 games in the past two seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's only 26 years old, and he's considered solid with a chance to improve.

Sign him.

The idea is to build a line of guys in their mid- to late 20s, guys who have experience but don't have beaten bodies, as was the case with veteran guards Joe Andruzzi and Cosey Coleman.

At the moment, the Browns have three key linemen under contract -- and all are younger than 30. That's tackle Kevin Shaffer, Steinbach and Fraley. If they can add Mahan or another younger veteran, they are starting to assemble a promising line. Let's hope they find a blocker in the upper level of the NFL Draft to add.

Veteran Ryan Tucker believes that he's over the emotional problems that sidelined him last season. The Browns should not count on him, but it is possible he'll return. He has controlled this condition for years and started every game in 2003 and 2005.

As happens every year, the further the Browns are from the season, the hazier the memories of fans become about the problems on both lines. And the hotter the lust for quarterbacks, running backs and receivers.

IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.

That's capital letters, because Browns fans need to say it over and over.

Fans are lobbying for quarterback Brady Quinn, assuming he'll be available after the Oakland Raiders pick LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Others want Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, supposedly the most physically gifted player in the draft.

The Browns might be seriously considering Oklahoma University running back Adrian Peterson with the No. 3 pick.

The Browns are acting interested in Quinn, supposedly wanting a private workout with the Notre Dame star. It probably is to create some thought that they might draft him -- and to add possible value to the No. 3 pick for a team that has its heart set on Quinn.

The Browns added a couple of role players on defense through free agency, but the key was Steinbach at guard. It's a good start; now let's hope they finish the job with another starting lineman through free agency or the draft.

 

[Bobcat10]

Not exactly thrilled by this...

Jamal Lewis to visit Browns

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Ravens free-agent running back Jamal Lewis will visit the Browns soon, the Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday night.

The Ravens have offered Lewis a one-year deal, but he won't accept it, his agent, Mitchell Frankel, told the Sun. As a result, Lewis has begun setting up visits, and Cleveland is expected to be his first stop.

That's significant because the majority of free agents have been signing with the first team they visit. Reuben Droughns is due a $1.75 million bonus next week, and if the Browns find a suitable replacement, there's a chance he could be gone.

Lewis holds the NFL record with a 295-yard rushing performance against the Browns in 2003.

Lewis was cut by the Ravens last week so they didn't have to pay him a $5 million bonus.

Link

If they are going to cut Droughns, I'd sign Lewis if the price was right. Now I'm also hoping we take a RB with the 2nd round pick and do something else with #3 overall. There is no reason/logic to believe all of Bush/Irons/Hunt/Pittman will be gone. Unless only one, maybe two, of these guys stands out over the others is why I'd not risk that player being off the board and take Peterson at #3.

 

[massraider]

Hmm, is Droughns getting cut a legit option?

 

[knobby]

Hmm, is Droughns getting cut a legit option?

It's definitely a possibility.