TC Week One Roster Knowables

Everyone is watching the QB position obviously but it is too early to judge based on the on-the-field performances. I'm most encouraged by reports that Anderson has been mentally on top of his game, which, more than anything, has been what has held him back IMO. Quinn, on the other hand, seems like a guy who can't be judged until he is in some real games. So everyone has to wait on that.

 

Looks like Steinbech is definitely slated to start at LG. That's good; for a bit there I was worried the constant rotation in training camp was an indication he was either not preferred by the new staff or he suddenly wasn't performing. The safe assumption is that the coaches want to see what else he can do on the line, playing left tackle in particular.

 

Alex Mack on the other hand hasn't gotten good reviews. Sounds like he is doing everything he can just to hold his own. While he seems to have a great attitude, it might be a year before he is really ready to be a starter. On the other hand, as I read reports of defensive linemen eagerly awaiting their turn to punk the rookie, perhaps in a few weeks Mack will be like a hardened veteran.

 

The whole right side seems like a crapshoot and likely to continue to be shuffled throughout the regular season.

 

Three cheers for Abe Elam's tweets. Well, actually, they are not very interesting. But as a clear starting safety Elam won't have to do much to be a fan favorite. I'm happy to have a guy named Abe.

 

Early report of how awesome the cornerbacks have looked are beyond meaningless. Those guys are of course great athletes and at this point the guys playing man coverage have a big advantage against a roster of WRs who are new to the team. Wait a few weeks at least before declaring CB as position of strength for the defense.

 

Linebackers... DQ and Barton do sound like real pieces to the puzzle. I don't know another anyone else, and I don't see how people can yet speculate that the Browns have turned the corner at the linebacker position. I suspect this will be a work in progress all season.

 

I'm far more optimistic about the defensive line though. Rogers is a franchise-maker. And the guys around him all appear primed for a good year. Except maybe Shaun Smith, who fans seem to want to see cut.