[Notorious C.L.E.]

Roster Overview

Coaching Staff
Romeo Crennel was the target of the majority of the attacks after the conclusion of the season. Some of the criticism was warranted. Some of the criticism was unfair. However, all of the criticism needs to be taken into account. Would I have fired Romeo Crennel? I would lean towars not pulling the trigger, but I didn't feel adamantly one way or another. I honestly can't look at this team through an objective lens and pin the lion's share of blame solely on the shoulders of Crennel. However, you can't ignore his 10-22 record since taking over the Browns. Yes, he inherited a poor team, but his languid attitude and questionable leadership certainly raise valid question marks regarding his future. If I'm at the helm, I give him next year. If improvement is not made, I'd scan the NFL for suitable replacements. If none present themselves, you adapt and ponder whether change for change's sake is worth it in this instance.

Rob Chudzinski is a good hire at offensive coordinator. He has spent the last few years in San Diego, but has experience with this same offensive unit, as he was with the Browns just two years ago. At the time of his departure, I was dissapointed because he was a promising young coach. It may be a significant schematic overhaul, but the New England philosophy is not working. The important thing is setting the vision and establishing the identity of the offense.

Todd Grantham has been very solid as the defensive coordinator. I can't say that I can complain about him, which is a compliment coming from me.

Offense

Quarterback
Charlie Frye has shown signs of promise during his tenure with the Browns and has received myriad fans because of his gritty, hometown attitude. However, his upside is mixed with frustrating moments. He has very good size, athletic ability, and intangibles. His presence is underrated, as he is a natural when it comes to manipulating the pocket. He can keep plays alive with his scrambling ability and throws well on the run. However, he has his drawbacks too. His arm is barely live, his accuracy can get erratic, his decisions aren't the smartest, and his knack for turnovers certainly hurts. The jury is still out on Frye, but replacing him would certainly not be inconceivable. However, I wouldn't terribly mind giving him an extra year with the keys to the car if the West Coast Offense was adopted. Derek Anderson has a rifle arm, but his decision making is worse than that of Frye, relegating him to nothing more than a spot starter. Ken Dorsey has fine intangibles, but his noodle arm shouldn't sniff the field.

Running Back
Reuben Droughns became the first Browns running back in twenty years to eclipse the century mark in 2005. However, he sputtered out of the gate in 2006 and never regained form, finishing the season with just 758 yards. Granted, the offensive line and inconsistent playcalling certainly is a factor in the setback, but Droughns isn't golden. He is a solid but not spectacular back that brings physicality to the roster. A team can live with Reuben Droughns as their running back, but they can never expect an explosive running attack when he is the feature of the backfield. The Browns could chose to add a playmaking, home-run threat and use Droughns as a battery ram. Jerome Harrison was picked up last year in the fifth round, but didn't see the field much. He could be a solid change of pace back, but lacks the upside to be much more. Jason Wright has found a role on the team, though it isn't because of his talent. He is an ideal emergency back that contributes on special teams. Chris Barclay has hung around despite being an undrafted free agent, but I doubt he ever makes a noticeable impact because his size severely limits him. Fullback Terrelle Smith is a monster on the second level.

Wide Receiver
Braylon Edwards is the headliner of the unit. He has the upside that makes a team salivate, as he is bound to emerge as a bonafide star in the NFL. He has the top-notch speed and the ball skills to make him a threat downfield. While he can be a deep threat, he isn't limited to the role, as he has shown that he has the toughness and crisp routes to go over the middle. However, Edwards needs to catch the ball with hands more and keep his head in the game through four quarters. Joe Jurevicius is the consummate professional and possession receiver. He has elite field awareness, sure hands, and a team-first attitude. He does not bring a big play dimension to an offense, but he quietly moves the chains while the playmakers do their thing, making him a valuable commodity. Dennis Northcutt is an average, overpaid slot receiver. The guy frustrates me to no end. The number of drives that he has single-handedly killed is sickening. He is a dangerous punt returner, but he has no business being on a roster for so much cash. Rookie Travis Wilson has impressed when he has seen the field, but I suspect that his pre-season holdout has sent him to the doghouse. He needs to see more field time next season. Joshua Cribbs has some long-term potential at receiver, but his role as a dangerous returner is all that can be counted on in the upcoming years. Frisman Jackson has a high ceiling, but it never translates to on-field production. Kendrick Mosley doesn't even belong on a practice squad.


Tight End
Kellen Winslow II is a top five tight end in the league. The kid has absolutely ridiculous talent, which makes it even more of a crime that he was not involved in the offense last year. He is a matchup nightmare for defenses. He has the potential to be better than his father. Whatever the new offense is, it better feature heavy doses of KWII. Steve Heiden is perhaps the best backup tight end in the league. He is the guy that coaches love to have in the locker room. He is a jack-of-all-trades player whose blue collar attitude is infectious. Darnell Dinkins has proved to be a very good option as a third tight end.


Offensive Tackle
Kevin Shaffer got a monstrous deal from the Browns last off-season following several mediocre years in Atlanta. The move is really the only I can criticize general manager Phil Savage. Shaffer really struggles against explosive rushers, both bull and speed, making him a liability at left tackle. There are times where he just opens the gates right up for opposing teams. However, he is a road-grader that has the skillset to be a very dependable right tackle. Ryan Tucker has anchored the right tackle spot for the last few years in Cleveland with anonymity, but he missed seven games this season due to an undisclosed mental illness that has thrown the future of his playing career into serious jeopardy. Kelly Butler was brought in and played reasonably well considering. While he is by no means a starter, he has enough talent to warrant a roster spot as a third or fourth tackle. The latter can be said for Nat Dorsey as well.


Offensive Guard
The interior of the line was downright awful. Opposing defenses generated oodles of pressure up the gut and got right in the quarterback's face in no time at all or shut down the run before it got started. Left guard Joe Andruzzi is a heady veteran that relies completely on smarts as he enters the twilight of his career. As a result, he got abused by some of the more athletic specimens on the defensive lines. Right guard Cosey Coleman was always out of position and racked up a lot of costly holding calls. Rookies Isaac Sowells, Fred Matua, and Rob Smith saw limited action, but showed limited promise in doing so.


Center
LeCharles Bentley is the second best center in the league when healthy. However, during the very first snap of non-contact drills in the pre-season, Bentley tore his right petaller tendon. Then, he came down with a staph infection that kept him in the hospital for a month and requires another surgery on his knee which may sideline him for 2007 as well. Bob Hallen retired during training camp, Alonzo Ephraim was busted for drug abuse, and Ross Tucker was cut before the Browns finally nabbed veteran Hank Fraley from the Eagles. Fraley was the bright spot of the line and livened a dead offense up with his nasty attitude. Lennie Freidman is a versatile guy that can play several spots along the offensive line if it is absolutely needed.


Defense


Defensive End
Orpheus Roye is a very solid end in the 3-4, but his age was clear as the season and his body broke down, missing seven games this season. He is a sound run stopper that lacks dynamic pass rushing ability, so he was never all-world anyway. However, the decline of Roye puts more pressure to find a replacement on a position that is already looking for options to displace Alvin McKinley. While McKinley wasn't absolutely hideous, he wasn't good either. He is average at stopping the run and below average at getting to the quarterback. Simon Fraser has gotten in the good graces of the coaching staff, but he hasn't impressed when he has graced the field. Nick Eason is a versatile guy that can play end for two downs than switch to the interior for a pass rush, but he has lacked consistency. Orien Harris was picked up late, who has the potential to blossom into a very good 3-4 defensive end for the Browns.


Nose Tackle
Ted Washington was signed to place his mammoth body in the middle and stop anything that came at him. However, he disappointed as he failed to consistently deter the run and occupy blockers, the two keys for being a nose tackle. It became clear during the course of the season that he is nothing more than a two-year stopgap. Ethan Kelley has shown that he can be an average nose tackle when given the chance. Babatunde Oshinowo showed up to camp out of shape and remained on the practice squad until the last game of the season, where his low weight and pedestrian strength at the point of attack allowed him to get pushed around. It baffles me that J'Vonne Parker has a roster spot.


Outside Linebacker
Kamerion Wimbley is a stud. I questioned the pick at the time, but in hindsight, it was perfect. The kid is so explosive off the edge and his ability to turn the corner screams of Derrick Thomas. Once he adds a few more moves to his pass rushing repretoire, we'll talking about this kid as one of the best 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Willie McGinest was signed to mentor our younger linebackers, and while his play was lackluster on the field, his influence in the locker room was supposedly invaluable. I am not ready to give up on David McMillan's potential, but he did not progress as much this year as I thought he would. Nick Speegle proved that his playing style is too upright for the 3-4 in the pre-season and Matt Stewart brought nothing but slightly above average coverage ability.


Inside Linebacker
Andra Davis is one of the most underrated inside linebackers in the NFL. He fits his role perfectly and still gets absolutely zero credit. He is fast and instinctive. He is strong at the point of attack and sure tackler. He flows through traffic beatifully and moves downhill wonderfully. His range within the box is superlative and he can even get to the perimeter better than most in the 3-4. He can play both base and sub packages. Seriously, he is EASILY a top three ILB in the 3-4. Rookies D'Qwell Jackson and Leon Williams have shown incredible promise during their first years. Jackson brings a unique coverage skillset to the unit and Williams has galactic potential. Chaun Thompson is on the outs and Mason Unck is more than suitable depth. I cannot comment on Clifton Smith.


Cornerback
Leigh Bodden is a very underrated corner because he plays in Cleveland. By my count, he held Chad Johnson to 3 catches for 22 yards during their meetings, give or take. He is physical with more than apt coverage ability. He is the one gem of the corners. Gary Baxter could have been hit by a train on Saturady night and still played Sunday when he was in Baltimore, but since arriving in Cleveland he has spent more minutes in the trainers room than on the field. With two torn patellar tendons, Baxter will miss the 2007 season in its entirity. Daylon McCutcheon is a solid nickel corner, but he too fell to a season-ending injury. Davin Holly started out rough when he was thrown into the fray, but once he settled down he played relatively well. Rookie Jereme Perry came into training competing for a job as the fifth cornerback, but saw significant playing time due to the array of injuries to people ahead of him on the depth chart. Rookie DeMario Minter was placed on the physically unable to perform list at the beginning of the season.


Safety
Sean Jones had a breakout year, solidifying him as the strong safety of the future. He has the tenacity of an extra linebacker with above average coverage skills. He made plays when the Browns defense needed them. Brodney Pool saw an increase in playing time as the end of the year neared, and he didn't disappoint. He is an excellent ballhawk that puts himself in position to make plays. He is still developing, but he has the potential to be a very good free safety in the NFL. Brian Russell is like a coach on the field, making all the secondary calls. He is very smart and is an adequate centerfielder, but he does not possess anything more than average athleticism, making him a better swing safety. I honestly cannot comment on Justin Hamilton, Shawn Mayer, Ben Emanuel II, and Jeremy LeSueur because (A) I haven't seen enough and (B) I doubt any of them are more than quality backups.


Special Teams
Phil Dawson may not be a Pro Bowl kicker, but he is still very accurate within forty yards. Problem is, the Browns couldn't consistently get within field goal range. Dave Zastudil was brought in last year to take the reins from Kyle Richardson. He is a serviceable punter as some teams in the NFL are stuck with worse. Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand is one of the best in the business, and he should be, because frankly he is probably the only long snapper to ever be drafted in the fifth round.

[Notorious C.L.E.]

2007 NFL Free Agency

Re-Sign

Priority One - Hank Fraley | C | Cleveland Browns
Hank Fraley was the bright spot of the line last year. With uncertainty rising on the LeCharles Bentley situation, it would be very smart to ink Fraley to a multi-year deal as a center/versatile reserve lineman. Proposed Deal: $1.75 million, 2-years.

Priority Two - Nat Dorsey | LT | Cleveland Browns
Nat Dorsey isn't great, probably only borderline good. However, depth is invaluable along the oofensive line and Dorsey is a young talent along the offensive line that knows the Browns organization. Proposed Deal: $1.8 million, 3-years.

Sign

Priority One - Adalius Thomas | SAM | Baltimore Ravens
Adalius Thomas is a beast. In my opinion, he is one of the most underrated players in the league. He fits the Browns scheme to a tee and would wreak havoc all over the field. If I were the Browns, I would make him the highest paid linebacker without question. Proposed Deal: $32 million, 4-years.

Alternate Option: None.

Priority Two - Eric Steinbach | LG | Cincinnati Bengals
Eric Steinbach is one of the best interior lineman in the NFL today. He is athletic, powerful, and versatile. There is nothing not to like about Steinbach and he would go a long way in shoring the weaknesses in the middle. Proposed Deal: $36 million, 6-years.

Alternate Option: Kris Dielman | LG | San Diego Chargers

Priority Three - Asante Samuel | CB | New England Patriots
Asante Samuel is a very good corner, but he is by no means a true number one like some have been ensuing. He could fly under the radar in free agency, and teams must be aware of his price. Proposed Deal: $16 million, 4-years.

Alternate Option: Nick Harper | CB | Indianapolis Colts

Priority Four - Terdell Sands | NT | Oakland Raiders
Terdell Sands isn't a standout nose tackle, but he is better than what is currently on the Cleveland roster. Don't go crazy with his pricetag, as he is probably nothing more than a good backup. Proposed Deal: #3 million, 2-years.

Alternate Option: Jerry DeLoach | NT | San Francisco 49ers

Priority Five - Cory Redding | SDE | Detroit Lions
Cory Redding is by no means a star, but the 3-4 scheme would go a long way in masking his glaring weakness, which is his marginal ability to pressure the quarterback. However, he is a solid run stopper, and thus could be a very good rotational guy. Proposed Deal: $5 million, 3-years.

Alternate Option: Robaire Smith | DE | Tennessee Titans

2007 NFL Draft

The first thing I would try to do in the Draft is throw up serious smokescreens in order to get the Cardinals to try and bite on a move up. If reports are true, they will do anything to get their guy in Joe Thomas.

**The Cleveland Browns trade the 3rd overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the 5th and 69th overall picks.**

Round 1, Pick 5 - Alan Branch | WDE | Michigan
Alan Branch is an absolute monster. There are only so many athletes on the entire planet with his freakish combination of size, strength, and speed. He is a bull at the point of attack and has the physical tools to develop into a powerful pass rusher as well. Romeo wanted Richard Seymour? Here he is.

Round 2, Pick 35 - Tank Tyler | NT | North Carolina State
Tank Tyler is the prototypical 3-4 nose tackle. He is strong at the point of attack, solid against the run, and has shown the ability to collapse the pocket. His motor hasn't always been consistent, but that improved during his senior campaign, and you simply cannot deny teh talent he brings to the table.

Round 3, Pick 67 - Tony Ugoh | LT | Arkansas
Tony Ugoh has a late day one grade, but he is better than that in my opinion. He has tons of starting experience against top-notch defensive lines from the SEC. Not only did Ugoh protect the blindside, but he was the main cog of Arkansas' lethal ground game save McFadden. It would not surprise me if he rose come April.

Round 3, Pick 69 - Marshal Yanda | RG | Iowa
Marshal Yanda is the type of interior lineman that Cleveland needs. He is athletic, smart, possesses a high motor, and is a sound technician. He is very versatile, spending time both inside and outside in college. Being taught be offensive line guru Kirk Ferentz is a plus. However, he'll need to bulk up at the next level.

Round 4, Pick 99 - Ikaika Alama-Francis | SDE | Hawaii
Ikaika Alama-Francis' stock should really rise during the workout season. He has very attractive measureables, but he needs to translate them into on-the-field playmaking. Regardless, his athleticism for a man of his stature is enough to warrant the selection.

Round 5, Pick 131 - LeRoy Harris | C/OG | North Carolina State
LeRoy Harris gives an organization valuable depth along the offensive line. He has the potential to start someday and brings a blue collar, mean streak to the unit. He does not stand out in any one aspect, but he is solid in all facets of the game.

Round 6, Pick 160 - John Talley | CB | Duke
John Talley plays for a small football program, but I have been impressed with the few games I have seen. He has an attractive blend of size, quickness, instincts, and ball skills. However, I can't comment on his draft stock.

Round 7, Pick 195 - Jacoby Jones | WR | Lane College
Jacoby Jones tore the Shrine Practices up. The lanky receiver showed hands of glue and above average measureables. I never saw a game of his in college, but I liked his tryouts. He is definitely worth a flier in the seventh.

Future Strategy

1.) Draft a feature running back in the deep class of 2008.
2.) Acquire a franchise quarterback.
3.) Continue to resupply the trenches with draft picks.
4.) Find the perfect harmony between building through the draft and supplementing with free agency.

[Notorious C.L.E.]

2007 Depth Chart

Bold indicates new arrival.
Italicized indicates questionable for next year.

Offense

QB - C.Frye / D.Anderson / K.Dorsey
RB - R.Droughns / J.Harrison / J.Wright
WR - B.Edwards / J.Jurevicius / T.Wilson / J.Jones / J.Cribbs
TE - K.Winslow II / S.Heiden / D.Dinkins
LT - T.Ugoh / N.Dorsey
LG - E.Steinbach / J.Andruzzi
C - L.Bentley / H.Fraley
RG - M.Yanda / L.Harris
RT - K.Shaffer / K.Butler

Defense

WDE - A.Branch / A.McKinley / O.Harris
NT - T.Tyler / T.Washington / T.Sands
SDE - O.Roye / C.Redding / I.Alama-Francis
WILL - K.Wimbley / D.McMillan
RIP - L.Williams / D.Jackson
LIZ - A.Davis / M.Unck
SAM - A.Thomas / W.McGinest
CB - L.Bodden / A.Samuel / G.Baxter / D.Holly / J.Talley / D.Minter
FS - B.Pool / B.Russell
SS - S.Jones / J.Hamilton

Special Teams

K - P.Dawson
P - D.Zastudil
KR - J.Cribbs
PR - J.Cribbs
LS - R.Pontbriand
H - D.Zastudil

[ThePundit]

Notorious:

Can you be a little more in-depth in your analysis, please?

But seriously, great post. I'll be back to comment.

[xbuc61]

Notorious C.L.E. = genius