DL in Draft

A nice roundup of possible DE draft picks for the Browns.

How come the Canton Repository routinely comes up with informative and useful articles like this while the Plain Dealer gives Browns fans somewhat bare-bones insight?

Droughns a Brown Pending Physicals

Sweet -- the Browns trade away two guys who reportedly weren't fitting into the team's plans in Ekuban and Myers, and pick up a RB in Droughns who can fit into a backfield rotation with Suggs. Is this trade likelly to be a huge win? No, but it picks up a guy the team can use. In that sense, it's a great trade.

I like Droughns, especially since he is cheap and signed for two more years. He's 26 and doesn't have a lot of NFL wear and tear on his body. He can run inside, is a good blocker and receiver, and a solid special teams guy. Seems exactly the type of player the Browns are looking for. While his 1200 yards rushing last season might be inflated due to Denver's history on running the ball, you also can't ignore the fact he had some huge games. Remember when Suggs put up big numbers vs the Bengals at the end of 2003? Droughns had the same type of performance 4 or 5 times last season.

The trade does, obviously, make you wonder just who the heck will play on the DL in 2005. One potentially nice aspect of this deal is that one of the free agents the Browns have been pursuing, Marques Douglas, was last trying to decide between Denver and Cleveland. Since Denver now has a whopping four former Browns DL players, the market for him in Denver just might have dried up. So hopefully a Douglas signing will soon follow.

That would mean Roye, Fisk and Douglas would be penciled in as starters. That isn't an ideal DL, but it's not bad considering it is only March and we've had such huge turnover. The DL needs depth now too. But with the draft and June 1 free agents, hopefully the FO can fill those gaps.

Lastly, I've read a few gripes on bulletin boards that trading for Droughns decreases the Brown's "leverage" in the draft since other teams will know we don't want a RB. I guess, but you have to be nuts to be upset that your team was able to fill a need before the draft. The draft isn't about outsmarting everyone -- it's about getting good players that your team can use. I don't think Savage wants to be clever, just competent. We will be fortunate if the Browns are one of those teams who never get an "A" draft grade cause they don't thrill everyone with their competence.

Garmon Gone, Brown Gone, Scott Frost Stays!!!

Man, avert your eyes... the roster turnover continues, and it is a bit painful to recall how optimistic I was about some of these same players one or two years ago.

Courtney has gone to Denver. That sucks -- not cause I wanted the Browns to keep paying him, but because he's a good dude and I am still hopeful he'll be able to stay healthy. Of all the number one draft picks the Browns have had I would say he's been the best player. Unfortunately he didn't play very often.

Garmon has been released. The guy was not a good lineman, and he is just an indictment of Butch. The Browns didn't pay him a ton, but last year Garmon was billed as a big upgrade at RG. He was maybe a little better because he could be a load in the running game, but his pass blocking was atrocious. He will be no big loss to the Browns, just as he was no big loss to the Chargers last season. I worry a bit that Cosey Coleman is a similar player. But Coleman's profile is better and, though prone to lapses, there is every reason to think Coleman will be a significant improvement. We'll see. And Andruzzi, I think we know what we have there and can count on solid, workmanlike performance. The question now is depth -- the Browns don't have it anywhere on the OL except perhaps center. It sure would be nice to develop someone who can plug the holes when injuries occur.

Scott Frost signed a one-year deal too. It's humorous at first glance since Frost ended the season so poorly, but the fact is that all this means is he will be in camp. While Frost has a good leg when he connects, Kyle Richardson appears to be everything Frost is not -- steady and accurate. I expect Crennel will not want to continue the Scott Frost experiment, but you never know. Heck, Frost could be improving by leaps and bounds this offseason and is probably booming them at his high school field somewhere. It's still doubtful he make the team.

Earl Little's agent thinks something is up and maybe he won't be back with the team. This is becoming an annual event for Mr. Little. I've always thought he was borderline competent and seemed to hustle. But he is a below average player, and his place on the team seemed to be due to Butch's strange tendencies. At the moment it would seem like the Browns need a guy like Little since he's their only experienced safety, but then again nothing should be surprising this offseason. Sean Jones and Crocker should be in the mix, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns found a starting safety in the third-or-so round of the draft.

Trade Talk!

The Browns and Broncos are considering a swap of RB Reuben Droughns for DE Ebenezer Ekuban. While I like Ekuban well enough, this would be a great trade for the Browns. Ekuban probably doesn't figure in the team's 3-4 plans anyway, and Droughns would be solid competition/backup for Lee Suggs. And he'd probably be cheap for a year or two.

What is going on in Denver? Andre Patterson must have been a HUGE fan of his guys here in Cleveland to be pushing so hard to acquire them. While I wouldn't say Denver is getting bad players, I do wonder what Broncos fans are thinking.

Clearly, Savage is trying to get another RB in here and he seems to want to do it before the draft. That means, to me, that the team is either going defense, picking a WR (Williams or Edwards) or trading down. A QB will remain a possibility, but I think any interest there is strictly to keep other teams guessing to help facilitate a trade. Getting Droughns (or Chester Taylor) would be a nice addition that would kill any talk of the Browns picking Ronnie Brown or Cedrick Benson, but there hasn't exactly been a lot of buzz about the Browns going RB anyway.

Garmon Gone, Brown Gone, Scott Frost Stays!!!

Man, avert your eyes... the roster turnover continues, and it is a bit painful to recall how optimistic I was about some of these same players one or two years ago.

Courtney has gone to Denver. That sucks -- not cause I wanted the Browns to keep paying him, but because he's a good dude and I am still hopeful he'll be able to stay healthy. Of all the number one draft picks the Browns have had I would say he's been the best player. Unfortunately he didn't play very often.

Garmon has been released. The guy was not a good lineman, and he is just an indictment of Butch. The Browns didn't pay him a ton, but last year Garmon was billed as a big upgrade at RG. He was maybe a little better because he could be a load in the running game, but his pass blocking was atrocious. He will be no big loss to the Browns, just as he was no big loss to the Chargers last season. I worry a bit that Cosey Coleman is a similar player. But Coleman's profile is better and, though prone to lapses, there is every reason to think Coleman will be a significant improvement. We'll see. And Andruzzi, I think we know what we have there and can count on solid, workmanlike performance. The question now is depth -- the Browns don't have it anywhere on the OL except perhaps center. It sure would be nice to develop someone who can plug the holes when injuries occur.

Scott Frost signed a one-year deal too. It's humorous at first glance since Frost ended the season so poorly, but the fact is that all this means is he will be in camp. While Frost has a good leg when he connects, Kyle Richardson appears to be everything Frost is not -- steady and accurate. I expect Crennel will not want to continue the Scott Frost experiment, but you never know. Heck, Frost could be improving by leaps and bounds this offseason and is probably booming them at his high school field somewhere. It's still doubtful he make the team.

Earl Little's agent thinks something is up and maybe he won't be back with the team. This is becoming an annual event for Mr. Little. I've always thought he was borderline competent and seemed to hustle. But he is a below average player, and his place on the team seemed to be due to Butch's strange tendencies. At the moment it would seem like the Browns need a guy like Little since he's their only experienced safety, but then again nothing should be surprising this offseason. Sean Jones and Crocker should be in the mix, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns found a starting safety in the third-or-so round of the draft.

Bygone First Round Picks

Courtney Brown supposedly planned on picking his new team yesterday. But since Brown didn't make a decision yesterday, it's probably safe to assume he not getting a great offer from anyone just yet. The likely places are Denver or Washington. I doubt it will be the Browns. That's too bad, I think. It would sure be cool to see him line up at OLB.

Also, coaches and GMs are apparently wondering whether or not Tim Couch even wants to try and continue his NFL career. Couch has been as much of a presence to NFL teams as he has been in the media lately -- that it, invisible. Maybe he should start a lunch club with Cade McNown and Akili Smith.

Savage Draft Prep

Interesting article on Savage and the team's preparation for the draft. I continue to like how Savage has kept everyone guess what the team is intertested in. I think it's because he genuinely has not made up his mind on much, and he's serious about drafting the best player available. If Aaron Rodgers and Ronnie Brown go 1-2, the Browns will pretty much have the pick of the draft. But unless a couple clear-cut prospects emerge at the top of the draft, it still seems improbably the Browns can trade out of that pick. Braylon Edwards name is floated as a possible pick at #3.

Getting Enjoyment from Getting Billick Annoyed

"There really was not much of a likelihood that we were going to let him go," Billick said. "It's unfortunate that Cleveland put us in that position, and it's great for Chester because he's going to get a nice payday, but it's not going to prevent us from doing anything further in free agency.

"It doesn't carry with it any dead money or constraints for next year. In that sense, it kind of just artificially pushes the cap up, and most teams choose not to do that.

"There are certain things you do to be competitive and improve your team. By the same token, there are things that you don't do, simply because, at the end of the day, it's not healthy for the league, for the cap so to speak. It artificially pushes it up for everybody. We've held true to that philosophy, so [signing other teams' restricted free agents] is not something that we have done nor a lot of other teams do."

Oh waaaaaaaaaaaagh. Suddenly the man who stood by his roster that includes a murdered and a drub-dealer is concerned about the health of the league? Ha!

Bill, THERE ARE INDEED THINGS THAT YOU SHOULDN'T DO -- LIKE STEALING ANOTHER CITY'S F***ING TEAM. Because, you know, simply put, [stealing another city's football team] is not something most cities do.

Silas' Replacement

Pay Phil Jackson. He'll be worth $16 Mil or whatever ungodly sum he wants. He'll be good for LeBron, which is good for the team, which is great for the city. And players will want to play for him, even ones who aren't currently on the Cavs roster.

Ozzie Matches Taylor Sheet

The Ravens opted to pay Chester Taylor 3 million. Reports are that Phil Savage was obviously dissappointed. It think it's fair to say that Savage was really counting on Taylor coming in and really pushing Suggs. And I have to say that, after reading about Taylor for the last 5 days, I'd grow accustomed to the idea of him being on the team and am also dissappointed he won't be joining us. But, as we've all said from the start of this, at least we've forced Baltimore's hand a little bit and helped eat up a bit of their cap space.

The most interesting thing about all that is that Savage has publicly stated the team will pursue another running back. That doesn't mean RB is the way to go in the draft, but I do love the position Savage has manuevered pre-draft. If you are another NFL team, do you have any idea what the Browns would do at #3? If you are, say, the Cardinals and want a RB do you have any confidence one of the top RBs will be there after the Browns pick? Think this sort of uncertainty might motivate teams to try and trade up? Hope so.

In free agency and the trade market, there are a lot of names out there at RB but not many that seem to fit what the Browns want -- which is a young veteran that won't cost too much. Forget about Alexander and James, and probably Henry too. Anthony Thomas might be interesting but probably unlikely. I'd like to see a guy like Najah Davenport if the Browns can wrestle him away for a 5th or 6th round pick (which is, unlikely but could happen closer to camp in this market). Who else? I really can't think of too many guys. I'll let Savage figure that out.

Silas Gone In a Flash

I've done almost no Cavs blogging recently because, once the season got rolling, there just hasn't been much to say -- the team has been improved, LeBron is ridiculous, and they should make the playoffs and maybe even get home-court in the first round. Well, the last few weeks have diminished the chances of home-court, and the Cavs might even be sweating for a playoff spot if this keeps up. Along the way, Paul Silas seems to have been acting stranger and stranger. He's had some curious feuds throughout the year, and then yesterday I was pretty shocked to see that McGinnis, who's been playing very uninspired ball, not only lost his starting spot but _didn't even play_ in a game where Eric Snow wasn't very effective. What gives?

What gives, apparently, is Paul Silas, who was fired today in a rather surprising move by the Cavs. At least, I'm rather shocked if only because it is late in a year which the team will hopefully represent themselves well in the playoffs. But on the other hand, Silas has been acting quite a bit like my 7th-grade basketball coach, with the benchings and all. It's almost like he got the Butch Davis disease or something. I don't think Silas will have left many friends when his plane takes off from Cleveland for the last time.

But now the Cavs are going to be desperate for a solidifying coach. And with LeBron in town, keeping him both happy and developing is a huge concern. With some new questions already surrounding the circus-like new ownership, the franchise could be on the verge of some chaotic episodes. Let's pray that isn't the case. Cause if the team fails to improve and if the story ends with LeBron bolting elsewhere in a couple seasons years, then we might all be better off following him out of town. As much as I love the Browns, such an outcoome would be devastating to this city which is already in shambles, and not just from a sporting perspective.

Lerner Speaks

Very interesting interview with Randy Lerner. It seems that Randy, at least, hasn't drunk the Kool-Aid yet. That seems like a good thing. Best quotes:

"It means that I don't think we're in a position to be self-congratulatory right now. I think we have far more to prove than we do to be proud of."

"while change always breeds optimism, I think that to allow it to make that optimism somehow a crutch is a mistake I'd rather not make again

."

Chester Taylor Offer Sheet

Man, Phil Savage sure is, as they say, moving confidently in the direction of his dreams... Baltimore restricted FA RB Chester Taylor signed a generous offer sheet with the Browns. Basically it's a 3 mil, one year deal. And I'll be surprised if Baltimore wants to match that. There are a few things that seem to be at play here:

• The contract numbers are high for a guy with Taylor's experience. That means one or more things:
  
  • Savage REALLY likes Taylor.
    
  • The contract is artificially high, and Savage and Taylor have an agreement for a longer term deal if the Ravens don't match.
    
  • Savage feels the team has a dire need for another decent RB.
    
  
  
• In any event, the Ravens don't seem to win here. They would net a 6th round pick, but otherwise the Ravens can't be happy about this. They are either going to pay Taylor more than they want, or they are losing a player they don't want to lose. Taylor may or may not be worth 3 mil a year, but we should at least be happy to stick it to the Ravens.
  
• For the Browns, this obviously means William Green will not be a Brown. Green seems to have proven he _might_ become an alright starter, but he really sucked coming off the bench last year. And he wasn't going to start in Cleveland. Green has some talent, but he just isn't there mentally. He'll get another shot somewhere in the NFL but it won't be in Cleveland, and it won't be as a starter.
  
• The fact that the Browns are willing to invest 3 million bones in a RB says that the staff is not sold on Suggs. In fact, I think it should be obvious not that Savage is not the type of GM who is going to reassure players of their starting status. Instead, everything is and will remain an open competition. It's just like saying of McCown "could be a solid #2, and that's not bad." Well, he's telling Suggs that he's got some talent but he's a long way from being a definite starter.
  
• I have to believe that Savage is intent on extending Taylor's contract to a 3 or even 4 year deal. He'll probably give Taylor another million or two in signing bonus and a little over a million in salary. At least I hope so.
  
• This probably means the Browns will not be selecting a halfback in the draft. I'm not sure this makes a trade down more or less likely. But I'm pretty sure it increases the odds the Browns consider a QB or WR at #3. I still think they'd like to go defense if possible and are targeting a linebacker. But this move, along with all the others so far, certainly means the Browns will not be drafting for need and will be taking whoever they feel is the best player available.
  
• Even if the Browns are overpaying Taylor for a year, the contract is just for a year. It just so happens the Browns have enough cap space.
  
• Man, you have to love that Savage is, at the least, messing with the Ravens. And we really don't care what Baltimore does cause either way Savage has kicked a little dirt in their eye.

Matt Stewart signed

The remaking of the defense continues as the Browns pick up LB Matt Stewart from Atlanta. He seems to fit the bill of what we expect from the new Browns regime -- a young guy, not too expensive, not the most physically gifted but solid and a guy who gives full effort. Sounds fine to me. Time will tell if he will become part of the real core of the team, but he should at least be a solid starter for the next couple years.

The team also resigned Ben Taylor who, due to injuries, really hasn't been able to show much more than competency. But, kind of like Stewart, if Savage/Crennel think he deserves a shot that is okay with me. Taylor, if only due to his injury history, has some upside left than we can hope for.

Don't Get Too High

His signing of a couple of veteran offensive guards makes it much easier to accept his early blunders.

That's the conclusion, and there's a bit of valid criticism along the way.

Movement

Savage confirms Courtney Brown will be cut on Monday, and that the team still wants to resign him. Expect Brown to shop around and consider resigning with the Browns only if no other team is very serious about him. I'd have to think that in the entire NFL there will be a couple teams who would sign him to a 2-3 year deal for 7 mil or so. That sucks. 26 mil the last few years, and nothing to show for it except one great sack vs. the Steelers a few years back.

In other news... Barry Gardner and Kevin Bently both signed elsewhere. Not surprising. Gardner wasn't bad. I thought Bentley was generally a non-factor. Still, it's going to be interesting who the Browns get to fill out the LB corp.

Butch-favorite QB Mike McMahon signed with the Eagles. Probably a good signing for them. You could tell early on that Savage/Crennel were not high on the guy.

There are som rumors out there too. 'Cutch being traded for Rod Gardner -- I'd be kind of surprised by this because it would mean giving Gardner a sizable new contract, and the Browns are not deep at corner.

Also, the Vikings supposedly want to trade up in the draft to pick Mike Williams. Maybe the Browns can deal with them. Some people think the Viking will part with their two first round picks, but that seems crazy to me. More likely, the Vikes would offer #7 and a 2nd or 3rd, or maybe next year's pick. I'd probably take any of those deals closer to the draft, but it depends on a lot of factors. Contrary to what a lot of pundits are saying, I think there will be a number or draft-day trades this year precisely because the cost to move up won't be high.

Recent Stuff

I like Lewis Sanders well enough -- he'ss a pretty good cover corner, can play safety, and was cheap. He's never been able to stay healthy though, and that's why he has been a marginal NFL player. It was good when the Browns announced they were retaining him. Apparently the Browns had a change of heart with Sanders after they signed Gary Baxter. That was enough for Lewis to take Houston's generous offer. You can look at this two ways. Like Lewis, who thinks the Browns hosed him by reducing their offer after the Baxter signing. Or like Savage, who thinks that's the way the free agency game is played, and who made a bit of a statement that contract offers have a quick shelf life. Savage's words may not go over so well with players and seem a bit Butch-esque, but they are true.

http://www.cleveland.com/sportsflash/football/index.ssf?/base/sports-8/1110441415175800.xml&storylist=football
It's always nice to hear how close to the cap the Steelers are. In fact, I think the Steelers are not quite as well off as you'd think coming off a 15-1 season. They still have a great defense and are strong on both line, so they will remain a good team. But they will lose an offensive presence in Burress (who, despite sayiing he'd now consider a 1-year offer from the Steelers, seems to be too expensive for the Steelers anyway), they still seem a little weak at corner, they'll still trot out a young QB who looked shaky down the stretch, and it looks like the team will again lose a few starters to free agency. While the Steelers organization remains one to emulate, the actual team seems to have hit a ceiling as far as talent goes.

Dilfer -- I know it's been a couple days, but it is still pretty cool to hear the things Dilfer said coming from a Browns starting QB. The guy might come in and stink up the joint, but for now he comes across as everything you might want -- humble, competitive, aggressive, focused on the team, and he dislikes Baltimore. He's a dude that I have no problem rooting for.

Savage: ""All's fair in love, war and free agency."

Goodbye Lewis Sanders.

Positive Momentum

All right. With Coleman in at OG, the Browns now have some depth on the offensive line. The group may not be great, but it seems safe to say the Browns should be average, which is an improvement. Just imagine -- being able to punch it in from inside the 5 yard line. Or on 4th and short not always calling a pass play. Gosh, that would be nice. Heck, two years ago we were thinking Faine would be the start of an improved o-line. Now, Faine is probably the weak link among the starters, and is not even guaranteed a job.

Obviously I'm quite optimistic about the Browns offseason moves - dropping Warren, and getting a CB, two OGs, and a QB. They are not doing anything fancy, just the fundamental stuff, which is a big improvement over recent history. At this point, I think we just have to hope it keeps up and by the time training camp comes around the Browns have a large influx of football talent. They certainly are well on their way.

Looking at the moves so far, it seems clear that Savage is addressing the team's obvious needs now (OL, CB, QB) so they can pick the BPA in the draft. Who that will be or even who the likely candidates are is still to be determined. But it is all about having options, and being able to choose among a variety of players. Not only will that result in the BPA, but it means other teams don't know what to expect from the Browns, which may facilitate a trade.

I'd have to think right now the Browns would pick a defensive player with the #3 pick. Romeo is going to need the right guys to make the switch to a 3-4, and I fully expect the Browns to pick a couple linebackers/former defensive ends. But in the first round nothing is guaranteed. The good news is if the Browns can't trade down and don't find the defensive player they want at #3, they should have their choice of a couple very good RB and WR prospects and possibly a QB to groom. Not a bad worst-case scenario.

Cosey In Cleveland!!!

Wow, it keeps getting better!!! Coleman signs, and for a reasonable/low dollar amount! More on this tomorrow when I have time.

MMQB Notes

Peter King thinks the Cowboys are the NFL's most improved team this offseason. I don't necessarily disagree, and don't think the Browns would qualify, but, really, what have the Cowboys done so far? They've paid big money to free agents. Are guard Marco Rivera and defensive tackle Jason Ferguson THAT good? I really do like Anthony Henry, but that signing hasn't exactly gotten rave reviews in all quarters. Bledsoe will look good for the first few games before struggling. Ferguson is probably an improvement for their DL but is he worth 5 million a year? All I see is Jerry Jones mortgaging a bit of the future to give Parcells a chance to compete before retiring, and Peter King thinking the glass half full because Parcells is one of his favorites.

Other bits from King:

• He thinks Dilfer is worse than Holcomb. He is right that most statistics favor Holcomb. Except for winning percentage. Both sides of this argument make sense, but I'm strongly in favor of Dilfer just based on what it says about the type of team Savage seems to want to build.
  
  
• He says Matt Leinhart won't call him back to confirm/deny that he will stay in school. If Leinhart enters the supplemental draft, the Browns might have a shot at him, especially if the 49ers and Cardinals take QBs with their first picks. The Cardinals, though, just signed Warner for a year so they may not be thinking of grooming a QB.
  

Dilfer On Board!!!

The Browns have essentially traded Gerard Warren for Trent Dilfer. My opinion: it's awesome!

A week or two ago I didn't even think Dilfer was an option. But the guy is EXACTLY the type of QB I've been hoping the Browns would go after, and I couldn't be happier -- it's 11PM Saturday night, the wife and baby have gone off to bed, and here I am in the basement celebrating the Browns new QB and cracking open another Burning River. Ah, the life of a 30-year old Browns fan in 2005.

Anyway, I think the Dilfer signing makes it official -- the Browns are going to be a real freaking football team in 2005. No more drafting a fancy highly touted rookie that winds up doing nothing. No more BS from the front office. No more expectations that stretch the bounds of reality. Nope, these Browns are being rebuilt from the ground up the way they have desperately needed to be -- signing offensive guards and cornerbacks and veteran quarterbacks. I really could not be happier with the direction things have been going and have more and more faith that Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel are the right guys to lead this team.

One other note -- if you read Savage's press conference from the other day he said something about backup QBs Luke McCown and Josh Harris that was very illuminating. He said something like, "those guys have a great chance to be solid #2 guys in this leauge, and that isn't too bad." THAT is what a GM should say. Compare that with the rhetoric spouted from Butch Davis and Terry Robiskie -- they'd being saying stuff like, "these guys could be great QBs in this league." No, Savage is smarter than that; he knows that 1) having a job in the NFL is "not bad," and 2) the key to any successful organization, even (or respecially) one made up of "professionals," is for everyone to keep striving to be better. Besides, it's the truth that a guy like McCown is not even yet cut out for second string. And if Savage's comments ruffle a few feathers then so be it -- I hope McCown or Harris prove him wrong.

Savage to C Brown: We Like You

Man, there is more happening that I have time to write about. But I like hering this from Phil Savage: "We want him on our team." I second that, and really hope the Browns and Brown can reach an agreement.

Other highlights from the press conference:

On the O-line and other FA priorities: "That certainly is a priority for us. We felt like we're not even going to get the kite off the ground until we get the guard-center-guard situation rectified. That's not saying anything about Jeff Faine. We feel good about him." Angels should be singing over Cleveland at this statement.

On Chaun Thompson in the 3-4, and the 3-4: "He may have some untapped rush potential." Yep, I agree. C Brown is the interesting guy, but Thompson could do some things too. Savage also said they are looking at guys who could play LB in the 3-4, whether that is former DE-types, or big LBs.

UM, I guess that is it. Let the record state I am still pretty excited about inking Gary Baxter. We could probably use an upgrade at the other corner, but even as-is the secondary looks like it will be fine, assuming Sean Jones is decent. Now, let's hope Cosey Coleman signs on -- that's a signing that would transform the offensive line to the point that the Browns will actually have some _depth_ there. If theyh get Coleman, then we'll need a QB and maybe a LB before the draft, and we will all be feeling pretty good.

Baxter a Brown, Holcomb a Bill

CB Gary Baxter is a nice pickup for the Browns. He certainly compares favorably with Anthony Henry, and many (including Phil Savage) think he is better. I've always had a favorable impression of the guy but truthfully haven't seen enough of him to know just how excited we all should be. But I know the Browns desperately needed a veteran corner and it was going to be nearly impossible to find one without breaking the bank. They paid Baxter plenty of money, but it seems like a reasonable deal for both sides.

Holcomb, on the other hand, opted to join the Bills for less money than the Browns were offering. I don't really blame him since the Browns weren't that excited to get him signed, and he'll have a decent shot at starting if JP Losman struggles. The Browns will obviously have to focus on getting a QB. Trent Dilfer has ben mentioned and I think he'd be a fantastic choice. A few other names out there seem attractive, but it's nto clear who the Browns are focusing on.

Also, P Kyle Richardson is on-board and will probably beat out Frost as the punter. But it's not guaranteed as Frost does have a good leg, just lacks consistency.

Shawne Merriman

From Pasquarelli:

He was already projected as a prospect to be chosen in the top half of the first round, but Maryland defensive end/linebacker Shawne Merriman is a physical specimen who might be off the board in the top 10 picks now. Merriman measured 6-feet-4 and 272 pounds on Saturday and looked like his frame could handle another 10-15 pounds with no problem. He is certainly a "cut" player, a guy with a live-looking body and, in a league where so many teams are going to a 3-4 defensive front and seeking hybrid "edge" players, his stock figures to skyrocket. Merriman can play in a two-point stance, then move up to end and put his hand on the ground in "nickel" situations, and some scouts feel he could even play middle linebacker. The defensive coordinator for a team that went deep into the playoffs in 2004 suggested that Merriman is good enough to start for his unit right now.

Frost in March

It makes sense, but this is the first I have heard that the Browns are intent on getting a better punter. So much for Mr. Frost, who actually began the season very impressively before flaming out in grand, grand style in Baltimore on a 9-yard punt that should be remembered as that ended the Browns season and Butch Davis' career. Yesterday Kyle Richardson from Cincinnati visited the Browns. I guess the Browns could draft a punter too, but with all the other team needs it is probably unlikely.

Kennedy to replace Griffith?

Kenoy Kennedy of the Broncos is scheculed to visit the Browns. He'd be an upgrade over Griffith in my book. Brian Russell of the Vikings has also been in. No comment on him though.

There are rumours floating around that the Browns are interested in acquiring Trent Dilfer from the Seahawks. He'd be okay. Lots of people are unhappy with the QBs that are available, but I'm happy the Browns seem to be serious about pursuing only nondescript, competent veterans. I would probably prefer Brad Johnson, Holcomb, Dilfer. And I wouldn't mind taking a look at Mike McMahon if the Browns decide for a younger guy, but he doesn't seem to be what the FO is looking for.

RB Chester Taylor was in for a visit too. He seemed like a 3rd down back in the Ravens games I saw last year, and I wouldn't have pegged him for a backup to Suggs. But if he plays 3rd downs and the Browns can get something positive from Joe Achimedeauxoxo(sp? - sorry no time to look this up) then the Browns might be alright with that kind of trio.

LB Matt Stewart (Falcons) was also in. I don't know much about him other than he fits the hardworking profile the Browns are seeking. That's enough for me at this point. He's visiting other teams however so it may not be likely he signs with the Browns.

For the most part the caliber of FA that the Browns have been talking to has been better than what I expected. Andruzzi is not a cheap signing compared to, say, Kelvin Garmon. Kennedy and Stewart would command significant contracts too. But it says something that the Browns are considering guys like that at those positions -- OG, LB, S -- and not throwing money around at QB, RB or WR. If this keeps up I do like the chances that the 2005 Browns will be a much tougher opponent, with something in the vein of the 2002 and 2003 Carolina Panthers being the model to follow.

Henry Gone

Dude, Dallas paid him a crapload of money. It sucks to lose him, but it most definitely does not suck to refrain from overpaying by a factor of 2. Still, the Browns sure have a lot of wholes to fill...

OG Help, Resignings

Great news -- New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Andruzzi has signed with the Browns. That means guys like DeMar will be backups like they really ought to be at this stage of their career. It means Fowler will probably remain strictly a center, the only position where he as looked good. It means the FO are apparently serious about reworking the interior of the offensive line.

I don't know all the details about Andruzzi other than he is kind of a midlevel FA and an 8-year veteran who has won in NE. He has two Super Bowl rings. And he is known universally as a smart, tough player on the field and a smart, generous man off it. So far it sems like Savage and Crenell has held up their word on this one.

Yesterday was also the day the Browns retained Roye and Ross Verba. Both were assets in 2004. Roye is certainly penciled in on the outside DL, and Verba is either going to stay at LT or move inside to guard. If he moves to guard, Kelvin Garmon would get bumped. Anyway, Roye is a good citizen while Verba seems to be a meathead. I like him as a football player but he appears to have an overinflated sense of self off the field. I can live with and maybe be happy he is one the Browns, but I'm glad I didn't spend half a mil for a house in Strongsville only to have Ross Verba move in next door.

Cosey Coleman

The Tampa Bay OG is in for a visit today, apparently. He would be a great signing if they could get him. In fact, the Browns apparent interest in upgrading the guards is a promising sign. As many people were proposing during the last two offseasons, improving the Browns guard play would be the quickest way to improving the offense.

Len Pasqerelli reports, "Neither the 49ers nor any other team in the top five will have the option of trading down in the first round because no one is anxious to deal up." I am starting reconcile myself with the likeliehood that the Browns will have to pick at #3. But I don't think it is as bad as some people are suggesting. Maybe the Browns won't get a very good offer to trade down, but they should at least get a good player.

Another quote: "As noted here last week, Holcomb isn't going to get a better gig than the one being offered him in Cleveland." I think he's right on that. The Browns have offered Kelly 4 years/8 mil, which isn't too bad considering he is not the sure-think starter (for anyone, including the Browns).

Oh yeah, for the record I still think Fiedler wouldn't be so bad as a stop-gap starter. He's getting ragged on everywhere but people just aren't looking at it right -- Savage and Crennel have stated that the team will win with defense and a conservative offense, at least initially. Fiedler would be a better fit than most guys in that offense. He's also got a little mobility. I guess in some ways getting Fiedler would mean the Browns offense would have much potential for being explosive, and people don't like that. But the Browns just aren't going for offensive explosiveness at this point. They are going for competence and, perhaps, muscle. And that is why the starting QB will not be anyone that will excite the masses.

The Browns should draft Maurice Clarett.

People are freaking out about how Clarett flamed out in the 40 at the combine and, even worse, quit on doing the rest of the drills. It was, no doubt, a disaster for Clarett. People are saying he now may not be drafted at all and the guys stock could not be lower.

I think the Browns should draft him.

• The Browns need a running back. Suggs has a rep for being injury prone. There is no proven backup. Which means the Browns should take a shot on somebody.
  
• The Browns need a short yardage back. You say Clarett is not that type of runner? I disagree -- he is not big but he is powerful enough to run inside and always seemed good at taking the right angle into the defense, which is the biggest factor in picking up 2-3 yards when they are really needed.
  
• The price is right. If the Browns pick Clarett at the start of the 6th round it will be a great gamble. It looks like the Browns will have an extra pick in the 6th anyway. If this price is that low it would be dumb not to take him.
  
• Cleveland is the perfect place for him to play and playing under Crenell would probably be his best shot at becoming a capable NFL RB. Clarett needs a little humility more than anything else, and he ought to get under Crenell. Heck, maybe Jim Brown can help him out, although I'm not as optimistic about that.
  
• I'm not naive about the guy -- he's kind of a jerk, but if he meant half of what he said in his pre-combine news conference then I think he's no more a jerk than your average NFL player. And besides, was he wrong about Ohio State? Consider also that Robert Smith was not exactly popular in Columbus.
  
• He's motivated and wants to succeed. I know ALL prospects are, but most prospects didn't carry their college team to a national championship as a freshman.

Green Gone Too?

Word is the Giants are offering a 6th rounder for William Green. I am not excited about the prospect of letting a former #1 pick go for such a paltry sum, but on the other hand I don't think he has a future in Cleveland beyond maybe another season. If that is the case, make this or another similar deal and be done with it.

I like Willie Green, I really do, but the with substance abuse deal and the fact that he rarely shows the heart to be a good running back means the Browns should trade him for whatever they can get. A 6th round pick would be just fine by me. Every late-round pick Savage stockpiles will increase the chances he can pick up some good football players in those rounds. Sign a guy like Derrick Blaylock as a #2 runner and the Browns are fine at RB, and hopefully between the 4th for Warren and the 6th for Green we wind up with some guys who can contribute.

Somewhere Dwight Clark is still congratulating himself for getting a 4th or 5th rounder for Ty Detmer.

Warren to Denver for a 4th!

Wow, I am surprised a deal came together so quickly. And that Warren only netted a 4th round pick in return. I thought for sure the Browns would get a 3rd or maybe even late 2nd rounder if they made a deal so quickly. Really, couldn't the Browns get a 4th rounder for Warren a month from now?

Hmmm, this is going to take time to digest. I am very happy to get a draft pick. And, really, the Browns were almost in a "trade him or release him" situation were not going to get full market value. But it's tough to enthusiastically give a thumbs up or down.

Clayton "Reports"

John Clayton reports that the Browns are set "at this point" on picking a defensive player at #3. That sounds like Derrick Johnson to me "at this point."

Kevin Bentley free to roam

1/3 of the great Linebacker Draft of 2002 is gone. It probably is not a big loss. I have a hard time remembering Bentley making more than a handlful of good plays. I won't miss him, but am getting interested in who Savage/Crennel will acquire to replace these guys.

Giffith Gone Officially

Griffith was a pro and seemed to have his head screwed on straight. He hustled, he when he got beaten. I have never been a huge fan of his go-for-the-big-hit mentality and don't think he was very good in coverage. But as a personality and leader we could do worse. Anyway, so long Robert, we'll miss your enthusiasm and big hits but not your blown coverages and whiffs.