Boulware And/Or Law?

Peter Boulware is in for a visit today. Maybe the Browns will even ink him today, if all goes very well. But he's not the only big name FA being talked up -- former NE CB Ty Law was a favorite of Crennel and is also shopping his services. I've been reading opinions that are all over the map with regard to the Browns signing Law. There are some definite pros and cons, but is he is healthy I am in favor of it, though I'd choose Boulware over Law if it came down to it.

• Crennel loves defensive backs. There were times last season that NE used up to 7 DBs at the same time.
  
• CB is not the Browns biggest need with 'Cutch and Baxter around. But it definitely still is a need.
  
• Why spend big money on Law when the Browns are not gunning for the playoffs in 2005? This sentiment I sort of agree with. But the team will be thinking playoffs in 2006 and it's realistic to think Law would be around for 2-3 years. It would be unwise to break the bank on the guy, but if Law's price is not too high and he would prefer to play for Crennel, then it's a gamble worth taking.
  
• If you can't be good at everything, be really good at something. If Law gives the Browns one of the better starting CB tandems and can really neutralize opposing WRs, then it's a big point in the Browns favor. And it gives Crennel somethiing to work with. And maybe it makes life a little easier for a less-than-ideal front 7. It won't be "the answer," but, really, how could it hurt?
  
• The Browns have no significant young CB talent on the roster. Lehan is okay, but not likely to be starting caliber anytime soon. Crocker shows some promise, but he may wind up strickly a safety and wouldn't be projected to be much more than a nickel-back or barely-competent starter at CB anyway. And after that there is nothing. So it's not like Law would be holding back a promising player's development.

If Law goes elsewhere, that's okay. But if he signs on here then the Browns have added a fine, possibly great, defensive presence. I fully believe Crennel can do very good things with "fine" players (see the Browns 2000 defense if those NE Super Bowls weren't enough). And I'm certain he can do it with great players. Boulware and Law are both guys that could make a big difference if they can perform. And the Browns would be foolish not to seriously investigate and make a run at both. They're already doing it with Boulware, and hopefully Law is next.