SB Nation - Leon Williams

Transactions: LB Leon Williams Waived, Two Additions to Roster

Chris Pokorny — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:27:29 -0000

More photos » by M. Spencer Green - AP

Say goodbye to Leon Williams.

The Cleveland Browns made several transactions Tuesday, releasing two players and signing two players to fill their spots.

Players Released

LB Leon Williams: Phil Savage now has two fourth-round linebackers that didn't end up amounting to much in Williams and Beau Bell. When Williams, a "veteran", was inactive in Week 1 instead of rookies Kaluka Maiava and David Veikune, it was a sign of things to come. Looking back, you wish the Browns could've kept Bret Lockett over Williams.
DB DeAngelo Smith: Here's another player who ended up being of no use to the Browns. We hardly knew you, Mr. Smith.

Players Signed

WR/S Ray Ventrone: Ventrone has been in the league since 2005, having ties to two teams. If you guessed that those teams would be the Patriots and the Jets, then you are correct. Ventrone is primarily a safety, but the Patriots worked him out as a backup receiver last year in the preseason. Ventrone is mainly a contributor on special teams.
OT Billy Yates: We now have another veteran offensive lineman in Yates, who has been in the league since 2003. He spent his first year with the Miami Dolphins, but played for the Patriots from 2004-2008. Yates ended up starting a few games during his span with New England, filling in for injured players.

Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs 2009 Schedule: Week 15

Chris Thorman — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:12:05 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

3 months ago: Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn (10) passes the ball to Josh Cribbs for a first down under pressure from Tennessee Titans defensive end Dave Ball (98) during a preseason NFL football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Browse more photos »

Week 15 brings the Cleveland Browns to Arrowhead Stadium. At this point in the season, and at this point in our predictions, we have the Kansas City Chiefs sitting on a record of 7-6.

Crazy? Yeah, it is a little crazy. But we are after all Chiefs fans, no?

If you're a casual follower of the Browns like I am, you know about Dante Stallworth and his legal issues. You've heard about the Brady Quinn v. Derek Anderson debate. And I'm assuming you know that Eric Mangini is now the head coach.

But beyond that I don't know that much. After the jump, SB Nation's Browns blogger Chris answers some of our questions about the Browns. I've also added the Browns' depth chart as of now for more reference.

Make sure you check out Dawgs by Nature for all things Cleveland Browns.

Pos	1st String (Starter)	2nd String (Backup)	3rd String
QB
RB	Jamal Lewis	Jerome Harrison	James Davis Cedric Peerman
FB	Lawrence Vickers
WR1	Braylon Edwards	Mohamed Massaquoi
WR2	Joshua Cribbs	Mike Furrey	Brian Robiskie
TE	Robert Royal	Steve Heiden	Martin Rucker
LT	Joe Thomas
LG	Eric Steinbach
C	Hank Fraley	Alex Mack
RG	Floyd Womack	Rex Hadnot
RT	John St. Clair	Phil Trautwein
Pos	1st String (Starter)	2nd String (Backup)	3ird String
DE	Kenyon Coleman	C.J. Mosley
NT	Shaun Rogers	Ahtyba Rubin
DE	Robaire Smith	Corey Williams
LOLB	Kamerion Wimbley
ILB	D'Qwell Jackson	David Veikune
ILB	Eric Barton	Kaluka Maiava	Blake Costanzo
ROLB	David Bowens	Alex Hall	Leon Williams
LCB	Eric Wright	Hank Poteat	Marquis Floyd
RCB	Brandon McDonald	Coye Francies	Gerard Lawson
FS	Brodney Pool	Mike Adams	DeAngelo Smith
SS	Abram Elam	Nick Sorensen
Pos	1st String (Starter)	2nd String (Backup)	3rd String
K	Phil Dawson
P	Dave Zastudil
H	Dave Zastudil
LS	Ryan Pontbriand
KR	Joshua Cribbs	Gerard Lawson	Jerome Harrison
PR	Joshua Cribbs	Gerard Lawson	Jerome Harrison

What do the Chiefs have to worry the most about...Jamal Lewis and the running game or Braylon Edwards and the passing game?

This question is tough to answer since our game isn't until Week 15, so I'll try to base my answer as if the Chiefs were facing the Browns earlier in the year. I'd definitely pick Braylon Edwards and the passing game. The media has automatically written off the Browns, but there is still some potency on the offensive side of the ball. Just two years ago, Derek Anderson and Edwards were Pro Bowlers. Sure, last season's struggles "might" have shown their true colors, but how can anyone guarantee that Edwards won't go back to having the same type of season he had in 2007? Brady Quinn will probably be the starting quarterback. Although he doesn't sling it as much as Anderson, Brian Daboll (the Browns offensive coordinator) would be foolish to leave out the deep patterns to Edwards.

On the other hand, the running game appears bound to struggle as long as Jamal Lewis is in the lineup. He had a down season last year and has not shown the same power he used to have throughout this year's training camp. Lewis claims he's just "holding back" for the regular season, but I think it comes down to him not having very much left in the tank anymore. Fans in Cleveland like our sixth-round draft pick James Davis at running back, but I'm not going to sit here and say that he's going to be awesome. He was great in the preseason, but the real evaluation will come when he's against first stringers in the regular season. This lack of assurance in the running game almost makes Edwards and the passing game more of a threat by default.

Will the Browns use Josh Cribbs as a WR more often? The Chiefs did that with Dante Hall and it seemed to ruin him in the return game. Any thoughts/concerns on that?

Not only should the Browns use Cribbs as a receiver more often, he should and will be starting opposite Edwards (according to our depth chart). He started in the preseason and did very well. I don't think you can compare Cribbs to Dante Hall or Devin Hester in their transitions to wide receiver because they have different styles. Hall and Hester rely more on elusiveness, whereas Cribbs finds the hole, powers through it and keeps on going. During the preseason, we saw several plays against first-stringers in which Cribbs caught the ball on a quick pattern towards the sideline and then stiff-armed the first cornerback he met before being taken down a little bit later by another defender. I know the Browns took Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi in round two this year, but if it were up to me, I'd shelve their growth and give Cribbs the starting opportunity -- I'm that intrigued by him.

The Chiefs are just transitioning to the 3-4 defense. Can you talk a little bit about what the Browns transition to the 3-4 was like a few years ago and how it stands now?

The transition was exciting at first. All we could think about is how our defense was going to be nasty like the Ravens defense. And then, something bad happened -- we saw Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense in action. Ever since then, it's been a nightmare. We never generated any pressure. We never stopped the run. We never stood out from any other defense in the NFL. Most importantly, we barely had any of the type of players we needed for the system. Last year we acquired Shaun Rogers, but one man can only do so much. I think Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan have done a better job finding players that are comfortable with the 3-4 alignment, but we're several years into the defense and aren't even half as good as the Ravens' defense.

Many thanks to Chris for stopping by and giving us his answers! Read more about the Browns at Dawgs by Nature.

My prediction for this game is, let's say....17 to 13 in favor of our Chiefs. I don't think we'll have faith in this offense very often this year. Current record at this point: 8-6.

Check out all of our season game previews at this link.

Browns Training Camp Report: Day 3 (Evening) - Hubbard's Rebound

Chris Pokorny — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:34:46 -0000

After a rough start to camp, WR Paul Hubbard got things going during the evening session of Day 3. Photo via photos.theobr.com

View full size photo »

If you missed the morning report on Day 3 of Cleveland Browns training camp, then click here. In the evening session of Day 3, things turned around for one player in particular -- wide receiver Paul Hubbard. After looking like camp fodder over the first several practices, something set him on fire for the PM practice.

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 3 [EVENING] (8/3/09)

The Paul Hubbard Show: In total, Hubbard recorded five catches and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was a deep ball from QB Richard Bartel, a play in which Hubbard dodged the double coverage of S Nick Sorensen and CB Gerard Lawson. You might be thinking, "hey, does one good practice really garner that much attention for a player?" Well, in almost all of the media outlet reports for the evening, Hubbard was praised like you wouldn't believe.

Maria Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal went so far as to say that Hubbard might be looking to contend for the No. 2 receiver role. I wouldn't go that far, but if Hubbard can string together a few more practices like this, it raises the question of whether Mangini would choose a more consistent player like Lance Leggett, or a potential big-playmaker in Hubbard for a surprise roster spot. I'd still prefer the likes of Leggett.
Steptoe Your Way Down: To contrast Hubbard's great practice was WR Syndric Steptoe, who reportedly dropped four passes in the evening session, with three of them occurring within close proximity of each other. According to the OBR Twitter feed, one of those drops was a perfect 35-yard corner pass from QB Brady Quinn.
Extra Note on Hubbard: One thing to consider about Hubbard's excellent practice -- for the evening session, the team was not in pads. Just something to ponder about.
Safety Updates At Last! This morning I begged for some updates on our starting safeties, and coincidentally, the positive reports came in for S Abram Elam. Elam had two interceptions; one on a failed trick play, and the other when he jumped in front of a Quinn pass intended for TE Aaron Walker.
Rough Evening for Quinn: Besides getting picked off by Elam, Quinn was also intercepted by LB Eric Barton. The early portion of the practice saw the quarterbacks working on fade routes to the corner of the end zone.
Wait...What? This one stood out from Steve Doerschuk's report regarding OG Eric Steinbach. I'll quote it entirely to best serve its purpose:

Something Joe Thomas said today caught me off guard. Big Joe said it would be strange playing without Eric Steinbach after they spent two seasons side by side, but he added, "Whoever ends up at left guard I’m sure will do very well." I had begun to think Steinbach was locking down the position. Maybe he is, but …
Injury Updates: I'm pleased to report that CB Eric Wright returned to practice after leaving this morning's session. LB David Bowens was on the stationary bike for the night though. All other injured players reportedly retained their same status.
Take a Seat: Doerschuk also reports that LB Leon Williams lit up RB James Davis big time during a live blocking drill.
Not as Unpleasant as We Thought: The news regarding DL Shaun Smith seemed a little more upbeat today. He has lost some weight and is down to a reported 315 pounds and was having fun with his teammates earlier. On the OBR's Twitter feed, it was stated that he was giving C Hank Fraley a difficult time in blocking drills.

Tomorrow's practice is closed to the public. However, the media should be able to attend, so there should still be manageable report to put together here. Be sure to check out Abram Elam's blog post (check the links below) for his thoughts on which players are standing out in training camp thus far.

Sunday's Evening Link Collection / Camp Sources

A New Paul Hubbard Appears (Canton Repository, Doerschuk)
Monday PM Aug. 3: Hubbard's Day (Akron Beacon Journal, Ridenour)
Abram Elam's Training Camp Blog (AbeElam.com, Elam)

Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2009: Outside Linebacker Preview

Chris Pokorny — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:21:00 -0000

After covering the inside linebackers a few days ago, it's time to look at the outside linebackers. Again, many of these players are interchangeable at the positions, but with fifteen players in camp and considering players' size and experience, it made sense to have the eight linebackers at inside linebacker and the seven today at outside linebacker.

Today's preview presents the most interesting training camp battles this season, as you'll see later on down. For now, let's start with our former first-rounder...

1. KAMERION WIMBLEY - STARTING OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Kamerion Wimbley (#95)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 255
College: Florida State
Experience: 4 years
Stats: 13th overall in 2006

One player can be the difference between an average defense and an above average defense, and for the Browns that player is Kamerion Wimbley. Wimbley was drafted for his pass-rushing abilities and showed a lot of promise in his rookie season, registering 11 sacks. Then, something happened -- the opposition realized Wimbley only had one move.

Over the past two years, time after time, we have watched Wimbley try to race around an offensive tackle. It's too predictable, and therefore has become easy to defend. Wimbley has a total of nine sacks over the past two years, and from memory most of those came on plays where it was the quarterbacks fault for holding onto the ball too long, almost like a coverage sack.

In our dreams, we can only hope that Wimbley being one-dimensional was a result of horrible coaching from the previous regime. Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan have already made it known that they believe in Wimbley's abilities, but then again, you'll rarely hear a coach say that improving a player's arsenal is hopeless. Wimbley needs to develop better counter and second moves, and it'd be nice to see him somewhere else on the field too -- either at the other outside linebacker position, or at inside linebacker on certain downs. By the end of this season, we might be able to make the official "boom vs. bust" ruling on Wimbley.

Last November, rufio analyzed how the Browns can effectively use Wimbley.

Job Security: A+
Player Quality: C (potential to skyrocket to the A range)
Final Roster Odds: 100%

A little over two months ago, this was a comment I made on this site:

Bowens vs. Hall vs. Veikune should be one of the best training camp battles to watch, as I believe any one of them can win the job. Experience vs. Last Year’s Hype vs. Second Rounder This Year.

That comment still stands, and unless someone wants to convince me otherwise, heading into training camp I am giving each of them an equal (33%) chance at winning the starting role opposite Wimbley. In truth the "starter" title might not hold much relevance in the end, as it could end up being a consistent rotation of two or all three players. While not a concrete one, my personal prediction of who will win the job is listed at No. 2 below...

2. ALEX HALL - COMPETING FOR STARTING OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Alex Hall (#51)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 250
College: St. Augustine
Experience: 2 years
Stats: 3 sacks in 2008

If I'm going under the assumption that this will be a fair three-way competition, then the fact that Alex Hall was a former seventh-round pick shouldn't apply much into the equation (meaning he should be given a fair chance). In limited action last season, Hall registered three sacks, proving that his "shining moments" from training camp weren't flukes.

Much of Hall's abilities may still be raw, but he has great body length at 6'5 (our tallest linebacker) and seems has that knack our team needs in getting to the quarterback. What I liked most about him is that unlike Wimbley, he didn't seem to rely solely on sprinting around the opposing team's offensive tackle for his production.

Bowens has proven that he's an average player. Veikune is a rookie and might not see work at both inside and outside linebacker to see where he fits best. Hall has reportedly intrigued the coaches already, and I'd rather see Mangini start a player with more potential. Better put, I'd rather see Mangini almost do everything opposite of how Crennel did them.

Job Security: F
Player Quality: TBD
Final Roster Odds: 95% (outside chance if Hall does look like a seventh-rounder to Mangini)

3. DAVID BOWENS - COMPETING FOR STARTING OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

David Bowens (#96)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 265
College: Western Illinois
Experience: 11 years
Stats: 40 tkl, 4 sacks (08)

In the offseason, Mangini added two former New York Jet linebackers with experience -- Eric Barton and David Bowens. The way I am looking at it is that Barton is the starter who was brought over, while Bowens is the insurance policy. That is similar to the defensive line, where Kenyon Coleman is the starter brought over, while C.J. Mosley is the insurance policy.

Bowens was a solid contributor for the Jets last season, registering 40 tackles and 4 sacks. Looking at Bowens' history, that is exactly the type of production that should be expected from Bowens each year, showing a sign of consistency. Mangini stated that Bowens would come to camp as an outside linebacker, but could always move to inside linebacker if needed. In New York, Bowens made five starts at inside linebacker for Mangini.

Bowens has been in the league for 11 years, and while he might still be an upgrade over Willie McGinest, I'd rather see the veteran slip into a reserve role and act as a mentor for the up-and-coming Hall and Veikune.

Player Quality: C
Final Roster Odds: 98%

4. DAVID VEIKUNE - COMPETING FOR STARTING OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

David Veikune (#57)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 257
College: Hawaii
Experience: Rookie
Note: 2nd round draft pick

On paper, there's a way you could spin it where you're asking, "shouldn't Veikune be the favorite to win the competition?" Second-round picks aren't a longshot to start, and he's competing against a veteran who isn't elite and an unproven player in Hall, right?

Here is how I look at it -- outside linebacker or a defensive end/linebacker hybrid was a position many of us felt the Browns were in desperate need of when the draft came around. And yet, with several big-name linebackers on the board in several instances, the Browns just passed right by them until their fourth pick in the draft. If Mangini felt he needed a starting linebacker for this season in the draft, wouldn't that have been our No. 1 priority? Based on where Veikune was selected, I smell a one-two year developmental process before he becomes a starter.

"I love the guy's motor," said Mangini. "This guy's got toughness, aggressiveness and a smoothness to the way that he changes directions and run games. I think he could play both outside and inside for us moving forward."

Ideally, it'd be nice to see him progress quickly and split time with Hall at outside linebacker while also seeing some reps on the inside.

Player Quality: TBD
Final Roster Odds: 100%

5. LEON WILLIAMS - BACKUP OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Leon Williams (#94)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 250
College: Miami
Experience: 4 years
Stats: 38 tkls in 2008

Usually it was the utilization of rookies by Crennel that I complained about, but Leon Williams is somewhat of a veteran now. A fourth-round pick in 2006, Williams had a solid 2007 campaign, recording 85 tackles and four sacks. Heading into last year, I thought Beau Bell might cut into his playing time at inside linebacker a little bit, but not too much. Bell was never used, and despite the frustration of watching Andra Davis, Williams' reps only went down.

After seeing reps at outside linebacker last season and the team's youth on the inside (Bell/Maiava), Williams' roster spot might be in jeopardy. His best chance at making an impression is by proving he can come in during spot situations and rush the passer. The aspect I favor most about Williams though is his experience covering tight ends, something I believe he's done more effectively than any of our other linebackers over the past several years.

Player Quality: C+
Final Roster Odds: 75%

6. TITUS BROWN - BACKUP OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Titus Brown (#59)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 245
College: Mississippi State
Experience: 2 years
Stats: 1 tackle in 2008

You might not remember, but when the Browns announced the seven players who had made their practice squad on September 1 last year, Titus Brown was on that list. He spent camp with the Miami Dolphins, and after he was waived, the Browns signed him. Brown was a four-year letterman at Mississippi State with 170 career tackles and 18.5 sacks.

Late in the season, Brown was added to the 53-man roster, playing in a total of four games (I assume mostly on special teams). He recorded one tackle in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. While in camp with the Dolphins last season, head coach Tony Sparano had this to say:

"I think when you're watching the tape, or really when you're out here in practice, sometimes practice can go on and on and on and at times kind of feels like you're just running plays, where all of a sudden somebody jumps out at you and does something different," Sparano said when asked what he means by getting a "feel" for a player.

"Then you start to feel him once and then he jumps out again and you feel him again. Then you go back to the film and you really watch this guy and you see that he's been playing pretty consistent. That's happened to me in the last couple weeks, really this week with a few guys. There's a young kid out there right now that I'm starting to feel and it's Titus Brown. I've seen him kind of do some things in the last couple days that have piqued my interest that way."

Link

Unfortunately for Brown, it wasn't enough of a "feel" in the end. Could Mangini get that same type of feeling from Brown in camp this season though?

Final Roster Odds: <5%
Practice Squad Odds: 50%

7. PHILLIP HUNT - UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Phillip Hunt (#53)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 260
College: Houston
Experience: Rookie
Note: Not in the hunt

I guarantee you there is one person out there rooting for Phillip Hunt, and that is Dawgs By Nature member P.HUNTS#1FAN. I don't kid.

Mocking Dan from Mocking the Draft had a scouting report on Hunt from before the draft, where he projected Hunt to be selected in the fifth round. Here it is for your convenience:

Strengths: Hunt played a variety of positions at Houston, lining up at defensive end, tackle and linebacker. He was best at end where he could use his quickness to beat offensive linemen off the ball. Hunt does a good job of dipping his shoulder to get under linemen and gain leverage. He's a strong player throughout his frame and probably won't need to get much bigger in the pros. Has long arms, which helps him make open-field tackles. Very productive behind the line of scrimmage. Hustles on every play. No known character problems.

Weaknesses: The biggest question about Hunt is whether or not he has the agility to play linebacker. He's too small for end, unless a Tampa-2 team drafts him. He doesn't appear to have the best change-of-direction ability and could struggle to make plays down the line. At the beginning of his career, he could be a liability in pass coverage. Needs to work harder getting off blocks by tackles. He can use his strength against tight ends and running backs, but can get overpowered by tackles.

Final word: Hunt finished an impressive career at Houston with a 53.5 tackles for a loss and 34.5 sacks. However, he doesn't have the size to stay at his main college position of defensive end is likely an outside linebacker at the next level. To be more than a pass rush specialist, he'll have to demonstrate more agility and change of direction skill than he did in college.

If you feel like you might become a die-hard Phillip Hunt fan too, then head on over to Buffalo Rumblings to see a detailed scouting report they did on Hunt prior to the draft as well.

Final Roster Odds: <5%
Practice Squad Odds: 50%

OLB Position Quality (Overall): C-

If Wimbley remains the same player from the past two seasons and none of the other three competing linebackers can emerge as a frontrunner, this could be the weakest position on the team. I have faith that new coaching staff will change Wimbley's game for the better, and that the rest of the players fill in well enough to bring the Browns back to being a respectable pass rushing team.

Poll

Who do you think will start at OLB opposite Kamerion Wimbley?

David Bowens

228 votes

Alex Hall

448 votes

David Veikune

166 votes

842 votes | Poll has closed

Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2009: Inside Linebacker Preview (Maiava or Bell?)

Chris Pokorny — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:21:24 -0000

After covering the quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, defensive linemen, offensive linemen, wide receivers, and tight ends, it's time for the defense to start getting some more attention as we approach training camp. Although the order of this training camp preview was done randomly, it's fitting that the linebackers and the secondary will be covered over the next two weeks, as they will yield some of the most interesting and competitive training camp battles.

This week is officially titled "Hard Hits and Klutch Kicks"; the linebackers will be discussed until Thursday, and then the special teams unit will be the topic of discussion heading into the weekend. Today, specifically, is dedicated to the players competing for a spot as an inside linebacker.

Also, if you didn't catch it last week, don't forget to look back at Part 1 of rufio's explanation of the 46 defense as it pertains to the Cleveland Browns.

1. D'QWELL JACKSON - STARTING INSIDE LINEBACKER

D'Qwell Jackson (#52)
Height: 6-0
Weight: 240
College: Maryland
Experience: 4 years
Stats: 154 tackles in 2008

It didn't take long for head coach Eric Mangini to announce D'Qwell Jackson as a favorite of his. Earlier in the offseason, reports were indicating that Mangini would consider listening to a trade for anybody on the roster except for two players: Joe Thomas, and then Jackson.

I can't tell if I've been blind or if Mangini is trying to set it in stone that he wants Jackson to step up as the new leader of the defense with Andra Davis gone, but Jackson has not played like the type of player that you put on an "untouchable list". When you think of the top AFC linebackers the past several years, Jackson fails to come close to his counterparts on the Baltimore Ravens or the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, Jackson has been a good, but not great, player. He doesn't have that dominant presence of meeting a running back head on at the line of scrimmage for no gain all by himself. He also wasn't making tackles six yards down the field as often as Davis was.

It's not saying much, but last year, Jackson was our best linebacker. He looks like a decent linebacker for a 3-4 system, but not the Ray Lewis that sets the tone defensively. Perhaps that will change with the new regime, different schemes, and a higher level of responsibility this season. Jackson's job is as safe as you can get; he won't have anyone fighting for his job.

Job Security: A+
Player Quality: B
Final Roster Odds: 100%

2. ERIC BARTON - STARTING INSIDE LINEBACKER

Eric Barton (#50)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245
College: Maryland
Experience: 11 years
Stats: 119 tackles in 2008

They might not be from the same era, but Eric Barton has something from the past in common with Jackson -- they both played at Maryland. Now, they'll both have something in common -- being a starting linebacker for the Browns.

Barton has been an established, well-respected linebacker in the league for awhile with the New York Jets and should be considered an immediate upgrade over Andra Davis. Barton isn't among the elite linebackers either, but he is a better tackler than Davis and also does not appear to be running like a turtle on every play that isn't in the snow.

The most important thing about the Browns adding Barton is his intelligence factor. Mangini has praised Barton for his intelligence and his ability to call signals. While I don't believe it has been confirmed, that should mean that Barton, who will be partially familiar with the defensive system to be put into place, will be wearing the headset in his helmet this season. Last year, Davis and Leon Williams shared that responsibility.

Overall, it was disappointing that the Browns couldn't add a Pro Bowl caliber player to the inside linebacker position. Nonetheless, while inside linebacker might not be a strength for the Browns this season, the addition of Barton prevents it from being too much of a weakness.

Job Security: A-
Player Quality: B-
Final Roster Odds: 100%

3. KALUKA MAIAVA - BACKUP INSIDE LINEBACKER

Kaluka Maiava (#56)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 229
College: USC
Experience: Rookie
Note: 4th round pick

This is where things get thin really fast, although Leon Williams could play on the inside still (for training camp, he will be in the OLB preview).

In one corner, you have 2009 fourth-round rookie draft pick Kaluka Maiava from USC. In the other corner, you have 2008 fourth-round rookie draft pick Beau Bell from UNLV. Thanks again to Romeo Crennel's poor utilization of young players, Bell does not have the experience factor on his side, making this almost like a rookie on rookie competition.

If you're looking for a reason why Maiava could be a steal, then here it is: he was USC's "unknown" in a way, because he was overshadowed by the likes of Clay Matthews, Rey Maualuga, and Brian Cushing, who were all starters and were all taken on Day 1. He is used to coming in as a rotational player and is known for his toughness, but the fact that he wasn't a starter behind a trio of future NFL starting linebackers leads to the question -- if Maiava could've been given a starting opportunity instead, would he have played just as well?

Maiava is also the nephew of actor and former WWE wrestler The Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson).

Final Roster Odds: 98%

4. BEAU BELL - BACKUP INSIDE LINEBACKER

Beau Bell (#58)
Height: 6-1
Weight: 250
College: UNLV
Experience: 2 years
Note: 4th round pick in '08

Ok, so let's try to evaluate Beau Bell on all of the plays he registered tackles on last season. Hmmm...maybe that's not a good idea, since there were only three of them. And, while I can't recall for certain, I believe some of those came on special teams; I don't know if we ever even saw him in the linebacker rotation during the regular season.

Bell did have nagging knee problems throughout the season, but I don't buy that as an excuse for not playing him. Here's a quote from Crennel late last season that should have brought out the monkey-scratcher:

[Crennel] added that rookie linebacker Beau Bell has been making good progress, "but just finding the chance to get him up and active is an issue."

In response to that, DBN member Roger Dorn conveyed what most of the fans were thinking:

Another moment of brilliance from Romeo. Our linebackers might be the worst in the league and Crennel acts like Bell is being blocked? Either tell us that Bell is worse than our bad linebackers straight up or give him a chance to play.

The fans have not given up on Bell yet, and I think many of us are still very intrigued by the potential he showed in college. I put him behind Maiava though because he was Mangini's choice, and thus has a potential leg up in terms of favoritism. With our lack of depth at ILB, even if Bell doesn't shine, he should stick on the roster as a special teams contributor, where he forced a fumble last season on a hit that seemed harder than Andra Davis ever delivered.

Another option is that Bell could still fit on a practice squad, but before that, another team would probably snatch him up.

Player Quality: TBD
Final Roster Odds: 70%

5. BO RUUD - BACKUP INSIDE LINEBACKER

Bo Ruud (#43)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 235
College: Nebraska
Experience: 2 years
Note: Former 6th rounder

Bo Ruud was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 6th round of the 2008 draft, but missed most of the season with an ankle injury. If you're familiar with Tampa Bay Buccaneers ILB Barrett Ruud, Bo is his brother. If [Bo] Rudd ended up anything like his brother, fans would be ecstatic.

When Ruud was drafted by the Patriots, their team website had a nice article that mentioned Ruud's desire to look at film:

"I'm kind of obsessed about it," Ruud said shortly after the Patriots took him in the sixth round (197 overall). "I will tell people there is not one linebacker in the country that spends more time watching film than me. It's one thing I actually enjoy doing and it helps. I think football is really important."

Not surprisingly, Ruud said he's been doing it since high school with his brother and continued the practice ever since. When Barrett made it to the NFL, Bo stepped it up a level.

"I was actually trying to do what he was doing at the pros while at the college level. You hear about all the great football players doing that and you just try to replicate that work ethic and study habits and see what that does for you."

Link

Ruud's size makes him a likely candidate to play inside linebacker for the Browns, where he'll try to be the "surprise" player to overtake either Bell's or Maiava's backup position.

Final Roster Odds: 30%
Practice Squad Odds: 75% (at least I would like to see him there)

6. BLAKE COSTANZO - SPECIAL TEAMS LINEBACKER

Blake Costanzo (#--)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 235
College: Lafayette
Experience: 3 years
Note: ST demon?

I don't know whether Blake Costanzo really stands out as an inside or outside linebacker specifically, but for this preview, he's getting the "inside" billing. He wasn't signed for that though; he was signed for his ability to contribute on special teams.

Last season with the Buffalo Bills, he led the team with 26 special teams tackles. He was waived in June due to an influx of young talent coming in at the linebacker position, and fans were somewhat disappointed to see him go. He could be this year's Kris Griffin. I couldn't find a jersey number for him yet, so if anyone has it, let me know.

Final Roster Odds: 60%

7. DAVID HOLLOWAY - PRACTICE SQUAD INSIDE LINEBACKER

David Holloway (#54)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 234
College: Maryland
Experience: 3 years
Note: More Maryland ties

Holloway has some experience at both inside and outside linebacker positions, so this is again a loose process when I list him as an inside linebacker. He was an undrafted free agent two years ago for the Arizona Cardinals. The Browns signed him to their practice squad late last season, as he returns now to compete for that spot again.

Here is an assessment Revenge of the Birds, our Arizona Cardinals affiliate, gave on Holloway heading into training camp last season:

Hollaway was an undrafted free agent out of Maryland last year and he spent nearly the entire season on the practice squad (activated for last game but didn't play). He's undersized (6'2 230) but athletic (4.72 forty, 32 bench reps) and could push for a roster spot this year. He's got experience playing on the inside and outside but his pass rush skills are best suited for the outside. He's had a full season to learn Pendergast's system and could have a leg up on Harrington in camp.

Link

Another interesting note is that Holloway was in the same starting lineup as D'Qwell Jackson during their Maryland days. While Jackson operated at middle linebacker, Holloway played strongside linebacker.

Final Roster Odds: <2%
Practice Squad Odds: 20%

8. JONATHAN FOSTER - UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT INSIDE LINEBACKER

Jonathan Foster (#48)
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
College: Central State
Experience: Rookie
Note: UDFA

There's not a lot to go by on Jonathan Foster, who played for Central State (Ohio) in college. He is from Ann Arbor, Michigan and played outside linebacker at college; so, again, this is another player who could really be trying out for outside linebacker.

Unfortunately, beyond that, I can find literally nothing on Foster. For him not being out there as a "name" in the first place, I guess a positive would be the fact that Mangini is giving him another look in training camp. I'm grasping for straws here folks. In the picture to the right, he's one of the player's stretching on the ground.

*EDIT (7/21/09): Foster was waived prior to the start of training camp.

Final Roster Odds: <0.1%
Practice Squad Odds: I literally have no idea

ILB Position Quality (Overall): C

There is nothing spectacular at the position yet, but we are in a little better shape than last year with Davis gone. The backup middle linebacker is a question mark, but Bell and Maiava both have potential. It would be outstanding if both of them pan out with one of them cutting into Barton's playing time at some point in the season.

Feel free to discuss a variety of issues at linebacker in the comments section, such as whether Leon Williams/David Veikune should be inside or outside, if DQ is the real deal, or players listed on this who you believe should've been listed at outside linebacker (or vice-versa).

Poll

Which player would you rather see worked into the ILB rotation more this season?

Beau Bell

452 votes

Kaluka Maiava

546 votes

Bo Ruud

115 votes

1113 votes | Poll has closed

Primer: Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1) at Cleveland Browns (4-10)

Kirkendall — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:57:52 -0000

All-time glory of Staty goodness.

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1) at Cleveland Browns (4-10)
Series Leader: Series is tied at 35
Streak: Browns have won two of the past three
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 7-4. Crennel: 2-5.
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon. SIRIUS: 153 (Cin.), 127 (Cle.). XM: 104 (Cle.).
SB Nation: Dawgs by Nature
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: 60% chance of snow showers, strong 30+ MPH winds, high of 32 [Weather.com]
Uniform: White
Television Coverage: The state of Ohio and portions of Eastern Kentucky [The 506]

If you combine the average points scored by the Bengals and Browns, you'd only average two points more than the average scoring by the New Orleans Saints. When the Cincinnati Bengals head to Cleveland, the game will sport two of the league's worst total offenses; Bengals ranked 32nd, Browns 30th. In the past four games, the Browns haven't scored an offensive touchdown (Brandon McDonald returned a 24-yard interception for a touchdown breaking their string of no touchdowns as a team against the Eagles on Monday Night Football). With Ken Dorsey expected to make his first start at Cleveland, Jamal Lewis has failed to rush for more than 100 yards in any game. Even though Braylon Edwards has five touchdowns, 19 receptions and 220 yards receiving in his past three games against the Bengals, this week he's expressed frustration, which could overwhelmingly add to the drama/distraction of an already rapid following to let head coach Romeo Crennel. Distraction played a large part of the Bengals surprising victory over the Redskins. If that's not enough, Dorsey may be without Kellen Winslow and (definitely without) backup tight end, Steve Heiden.

During their four-game losing streak, the Browns have been outscored 84-31 (-53) while the Bengals, during that same stretch, have been outscored 109-36 (-73). Combined, the Bengals and Browns are 1-7 in their past four games, and the Browns have only scored three more touchdowns than the Bengals all season. Even worse, the Browns are 1-6 at home while the Bengals are 0-7 in away games for a combined 1-13 in respective records based on home/away records for the season. This weekend's broadcast (CBS, 1:00 pm) of Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon are thrilled.

We can spin a quarterback's troubled season; in three of his past four games against AFC North teams, Ryan Fitzpatrick has recorded a touchdown. Even though he recorded a season-high passer rating of 89.6, the Bengals offense struggled against Washington after scoring two quick touchdowns in the first quarter last week. In 10 starts this season, Fitzpatrick has recorded 200-yard passing performances only twice, and has one game with multiple touchdown passes. In the first Bengals/Browns go-around, Fitzpatrick recorded three interceptions barely getting work in that week because it was determined on the weekend that Carson Palmer would his first game this season. To make matters worse, Fitzpatrick has been sacked 18 times in the past five games, fumbled four times (lost one) and thrown three picks.

In the same game against, Cedric Benson ran 21 times, giving him a personal record of 5-0-1 when he carries the ball 20 times or more. On the other hand, Cleveland is 5-0 when Jamal Lewis rushes 25 times more in a game -- done only once this season, against the Bengals. As a team, the Bengals have rushed for 100 yards or more in only four games (Giants, Texans, Jaguars, Redskins). Of the past five games, the Bengals have rushed for 56, 43, 57, 82 and 106 respectively; in none of those games did the Bengals have higher than a 3.6 yards-per-rush average. A really stagnant running game, with a boring passing game, the Bengals have failed to eclipse 300 yards of total offense in 11 of 14 games this season; below 200 yards total offense in three.

Where the Bengals lack, the Browns make up for. Based on turnover differentials, the Bengals are six in the hole while the Browns have taken the ball away nine times more than given up (bucking the trend that a positive turnover differential wins you games). Their 22 team interceptions is tied for first in the NFL. Based on yardage, the Bengals defense edges the Browns. Based on scoring, the Browns have allowed fewer points and touchdowns.

Will the Bengals offense sustain consistent drives to allow an aggressive Bengals defense to smoother a clearly struggling Browns offense? Or will the Browns find some rhythm against the Bengals, score a few points, and be the less-struggling offense (which I believe is the key to this game)? However, based off the way the Bengals held against the Redskins, and how badly the Browns have struggled recently, I would be comfortable enough to say that the Bengals win Sunday in Cleveland.

Team Rankings

Offense	Bengals	Browns
Total	239.4 (32nd)	262.6 (30th)
Passing	159.0 (30th)	165.6 (29th)
Passing TDs	10 (30th)	11 (29th)
Rushing	80.4 (29th)	97.0 (26th)
Rushing TDs	5 (32nd)	6 (30th)
Scoring	12.4 (32nd)	16.6 (28th)

Defense	Bengals	Browns
Total	343.3 (22nd)	363.5 (27th)
Passing	218.4 (18th)	216.1 (17th)
Passing TDs	22 (28th)	18 (t-17th)
Rushing	124.9 (23rd)	147.4 (28th)
Rushing TDs	15 (t-22nd)	13 (19th)
Scoring	25.6 (t-27th)	21.8 (17th)
Sacks	13 (31st)	17 (30th)
QB Rating	93.1 (24th)	79.7 (12th)
20-Yard Passes Allowed	32 (t-4th)	42 (t-24th)
Interceptions	8 (t-27th)	22 (t-1st)

Special Teams	Bengals	Browns
Kickoff Return	23.8 (t-9th)	23.6 (11th)
Punt Return	8.2 (25th)	9.0 (19th)
Punting (Net)	34.3 (30th)	38.3 (9th)

Carson Palmer (FYI, since he's not likely to play)

Date	Result	Comp.	Att.	Yards	TDs	Int
12.23.07	W, 19-14	11	21	115	1	2
9.16.07	L, 45-51	33	50	401	6	2
11.26.06	W, 30-0	25	32	275	3	1
9.17.06	W, 34-17	24	40	352	2	2
12.11.05	W, 23-20	13	27	93	1	1
9.11.05	W, 27-13	26	34	280	2	1
11.28.04	W, 58-48	22	29	251	4	3
10.17.04	L, 17-34	20	36	148	1	1

Chad Johnson

Date	Result	Rec	Yards	TDs
9.28.08	L, 12-20	3	28	1
12.23.07	W, 19-14	4	44	0
9.16.07	L, 45-51	11	209	2
11.26.06	W, 30-0	7	123	0
9.17.06	W, 34-17	6	78	1
12.11.05	W, 23-20	2	22	0
9.11.05	W, 27-13	9	91	0
11.28.04	W, 58-48	10	117	1
10.17.04	L, 17-34	3	37	0
12.28.03	L, 14-22	4	29	0
9.28.03	L, 16-22	3	67	2
11.17.02	L, 20-27	4	103	1
9.15.02	L, 7-20	4	58	1
11.25.01	L, 0-18	1	7	0
10.14.01	W, 24-14	5	68	0

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Date	Result	Rec	Yards	TDs
9.28.08	L, 12-20	6	50	0
12.23.07	W, 19-14	2	25	1
9.16.07	L, 45-51	9	69	2
11.26.06	W, 30-0	7	79	1
9.17.06	W, 34-17	--	--	--
12.11.05	W, 23-20	6	53	1
9.11.05	W, 27-13	6	75	0
11.28.04	W, 58-48	4	79	2
10.17.04	L, 17-34	--	--	--
12.28.03	L, 14-22	--	--	--
9.28.03	L, 16-22	--	--	--
11.17.02	L, 20-27	3	59	0
9.15.02	L, 7-20	5	58	0
11.25.01	L, 0-18	--	--	--
10.14.01	W, 24-14	--	--	--

Practice Report

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)	OUT	OUT
T Anthony Collins (knee)	DNP	FP
C Eric Ghiaciuc (illness)	DNP	FP
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hand)	DNP	FP
LB Rashad Jeanty (shin)	DNP	LP
T Levi Jones (hamstring)	DNP	DNP
RB Kenny Watson (hamstring)	DNP	LP
G Bobbie Williams (toe)	DNP	FP
T Stacy Andrews (illness)	--	DNP
CB David Jones (knee)		DNP
S Chinedum Ndukwe (foot)	LP	FP
TE Ben Utecht (foot)	LP	LP
RB Chris Perry (groin)	FP	FP

BROWNS	WED	THUR	FRI
WR Joshua Cribbs (back)	DNP	LP
DT Shaun Rogers (neck)	DNP	LP
DT Shaun Smith (calf)	DNP	DNP
DE Corey Williams (shoulder)	DNP	LP
LB Leon Williams (knee)	DNP	DNP
TE Kellen Winslow (ankle)	DNP	DNP
P Dave Zastudil (right knee)	DNP	DNP
RB Jerome Harrison (ribs)	LP	LP
G Eric Steinbach (back)	LP	LP
RB Lawrence Vickers (ankle)	LP	LP

Travis Daniels Could Replace Brandon McDonald

Chris Pokorny — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:04:32 -0000

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported this morning that cornerback Travis Daniels could replace struggling starter Brandon McDonald this Monday against the Buffalo Bills. While Daniels has seen minimal playing time this season, the move might not be a bad one.

I am still intrigued with giving McDonald more starting opportunities this season. However, he is coming off two of the worst games in his career. After being burned that much, opposing teams will continue to attack. Putting McDonald as the nickel back this Monday could take away some of the pressure facing him, allowing him to regain any confidence he has lost.

Either way, whether Daniels starts or not, he will at least split reps with McDonald.

"[Coach Romeo Crennel] made a decision and I support it," McDonald said. "I'm not going to be angry about it. I love T. Daniels. I love what he brings to the game. I know he can come in and help us, so I'm not really aggravated about it. But I am aggravated at myself and how I've been playing the last couple of weeks."

Daniels has started 25 games during his NFL career, including five last season with the Miami Dolphins. Since joining the Browns this season, he has been shelved behind veteran Terry Cousin, forcing him to play exclusively on special teams.

Crennel also reports that there will be more linebacker and safety rotation on the defensive side of the ball. Hopefully that means more Leon Williams and less Andra Davis. What about rookie linebacker Beau Bell?

He added that rookie linebacker Beau Bell has been making good progress, "but just finding the chance to get him up and active is an issue."

Ummm...what?

Poll

Would you agree with starting Travis Daniels to give Brandon McDonald some time to build his confidence again?

Yes, starting Daniels is good

81 votes

No, let McDonald continue to learn on the job

42 votes

123 votes | Poll has closed

Cleveland Browns 2008-2009 Season Preview

Chris Pokorny — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:28:28 -0000

The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2008-2009 with high expectations. With a successful offense returning, a much-improved defensive line, and the fans more excited than ever about the team, anything short of a playoff berth will be a disappointment.

Now, let's take a look at this year's official season preview, brought to you exclusively by Dawgs By Nature.

Note: Due to page-width issues, click the link below to read the full preview. Also, please use the "Yahoo Buzz" feature in the top-right corner to help promote this piece!

Cleveland Browns Season Preview - 2008-2009 Edition

Offensive Depth Chart

Defensive Depth Chart

Pos	1st String	2nd String	3rd String
QB	Derek Anderson	Brady Quinn	Ken Dorsey
RB	Jamal Lewis	Jerome Harrison	Jason Wright
FB	Lawrence Vickers	Charles Ali
WR	Braylon Edwards	Joshua Cribbs	Steve Sanders
WR	Donte Stallworth	Syndric Steptoe	Martin Rucker (TE)
TE	Kellen Winslow	Steve Heiden	Darnell Dinkins
LT	Joe Thomas	Isaac Sowells
LG	Eric Steinbach	Scott Young
C	Hank Fraley
RG	Seth McKinney	Rex Hadnot
RT	Kevin Shaffer	Ryan Tucker

Pos	1st String	2nd String	3rd String
LDE	Corey Williams	Shaun Smith
NT	Shaun Rogers	Ahtyba Rubin
RDE	Robaire Smith	Louis Leonard
LOLB	Willie McGinest	Alex Hall	Shantee Orr
ILB	D'Qwell Jackson	Kris Griffin	Beau Bell
ILB	Andra Davis	Leon Williams
ROLB	Kamerion Wimbley
LCB	Eric Wright	Terry Cousin	Gerard Lawson
RCB	Brandon McDonald	Travis Daniels
FS	Brodney Pool	Mike Adams
SS	Sean Jones	Nick Sorensen

Positional Summaries

Quarterbacks

Defensive Line

Quarterback controversy? For the first time since returning to the NFL, the fans, the coaching staff, and all of the other players on the team have confidence in the starting quarterback. Derek Anderson is coming off of an unprecedented year, throwing for nearly 30 touchdowns. After leading the Browns to a 10-5 record as a starter last year, he'll have to improve his game this season though. With expectations higher, a tougher schedule ahead of him, and a decision needing to be made about backup quarterback Brady Quinn, Anderson now needs to show that he can enter the ranks of the Peyton Manning's, Tom Brady's, and Tony Romo's.

Meanwhile, Quinn can't feel too good about his situation in Cleveland right now. No matter what a quarterback says, they want to play right away. When he looks around the league, all of the other young quarterbacks -- Matt Leinart, Vince Young, JaMarcus Russell, Alex Smith, Joe Flacco, and Matt Ryan -- have received starting opportunities in their first or second years. Quinn has shown the ability to manage the Browns offense if needed though, and third-stringer Ken Dorsey will continue to remain a mentor for him.

Grade: A

I graded the defensive line a D+ last season. Looking back, that was probably being too optimistic. Robaire Smith was a welcome addition to the Browns at the time, but I can't say I'm too upset about seeing guys like Ethan Kelley and Simon Fraser replaced by two potential Pro Bowlers.

When free agency first hit, the Browns didn't make a single move involving the defensive line. Fans were outraged and confused as more and more of the "higher-rated" free agents were being signed by other teams. Then, out of no where, Phil Savage pulled out his bag of magic tricks with two trades. First, he somehow worked a deal to acquire Packers defensive end Corey Williams in exchange for just a third-round draft pick. Then, he paid a lot for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, giving up top cornerback Leigh Bodden and a second-round draft pick. We wanted improvement, and we got it.

The optimism for the defensive line is extremely high now. Some fans are dying to see a pass rush, but the thing I'm looking forward to is Rogers' ability to stop the run. I can definitively remember teams like the Houston Texans running their third-string running back against us for 100+ yards with ease. With the versatile Shaun Smith becoming depth as opposed to a starter, the talent of rotation should improve too to ensure everybody stays fresh for four quarters.

Grade: B+

Running Backs

Linebackers

There were a lot of questions surrounding Jamal Lewis prior to last season. He was coming over from a Baltimore Ravens team where he had looked injury-plagued and on the downside of his career. He answered all of his critics by having a tremendous season overall last year, especially by establishing his role as a "closer" against teams like the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills. There is still room for improvement though, and that'll have come against the stiffer competition he'll face this year in the NFC East, the AFC South, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

No matter what he does though, there will always be a concern in the back of everyone's mind if Lewis suffers an injury. Phil Savage decided to stick with Jerome Harrison and Jason Wright as the backups for the second year in a row, but their roles have become a little more defined. If Lewis suffers an injury, Harrison will be the starting running back. Whether Lewis is healthy or not, Wright will be the third-down running back. That boils down to Harrison still being a poor blocker -- something you can't afford in third-down passing situations.

Part of the reason I graded the Browns' backs a C+ last season was due to the question marks at the fullback position. In his first season as a starter though, Lawrence Vickers was more than impressive. And, in training camp and throughout the preseason, Charles Ali has looked like one of the best No. 2 fullbacks in the league.

Grade: B

So, what has changed at the linebacker position this year? Absolutely nothing.

Our starters are still Kamerion Wimbley, Andra Davis, D'Qwell Jackson, and Willie McGinest. Leon Williams is still the backup middle linebacker. Antwan Peek still has the injury asterisk next to his name. The lone differences are the rookie draft picks -- Beau Bell and Alex Hall. While there is a lot of excitement surrounding Hall, until he shows what he's capable of on gameday, it's impossible to evaluate his true value.

I've always been negative towards Andra Davis, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he is going to have a break out year. I have criticized him for always making his tackles five yards down the field as opposed to in the backfield or closer to the line of scrimmage. Considering that he's had to suffer through running backs getting through the defensive line so quickly though, a change in talent up front can only be beneficial to him. Wearing the defensive headset this year, he'll also be counted on more than ever to be the leader of the defense.

Wimbley's expectations are also high, but I'm still not sold on him. It's frustrating to see that he has yet to develop a solid inside move -- the better left tackles have had no problem defending him if they know he's one-dimensional. I overrated our linebackers last year with a B+; this year I'm setting my sights a little lower (not because we got worse).

Grade: C+

Receivers

Secondary

Clearly, Dennis Northcutt was a better third wide receiver than Tim Carter (last year's candidate) and Travis Wilson (this year's original candidate). Thankfully, due to the talent at the top two receiver positions and at tight end, the third wide receiver shouldn't be an issue for the second year in a row.

Braylon Edwards is coming off of a career year, and now enters this season as one of the most respected receivers talent-wise in all of football. The impact he has on opposing defenses is greater than anybody else on our team -- just look how sorry the offense looked in the preseason when Wilson was starting as opposed to Edwards. Veteran receiver Joe Jurevicius is still with the team, but unfortunately the soonest he'll be able to come back is after Week 6 as he tries to return from offseason surgery. Replacing Jurevicius in the starting lineup is former Patriots receiver Donte Stallworth, who was one of the top free agent receivers on the market this year. Stallworth adds a different dimension than Jurevicius did -- more catch-and-run, with the deep ball sprinkled in.

Without Jurevicius though, the Browns will be in search of a new go-to-guy on third downs. That man has to be tight end Kellen Winslow. While he's had two consecutive solid seasons, you still get the feeling that he's yet to reach his fullest potential. Around Week 6, the Browns also hope to have rookie tight end Martin Rucker available to open up the offensive playbook even further by being able to shift Winslow to receiver more often while still having a pass-catching threat at tight end.

Grade: A

This is the problem area heading into the season, but with a lot of luck, things don't have to turn out so bad.

When you look up and down the NFL, how many teams actually have a dominant secondary? I can probably count them on only two hands, meaning far less than half of the league. The Browns are receiving so much attention because we're playing young players and we traded away our best cornerback in Leigh Bodden. Since when do two young players, paired with two safeties who are in command of their positions, warrant an automatic notation for failure? The risks are certainly high, but until we see what happens over the first several weeks of the season, it's not time to write the unit off just yet.

Sean Jones had his ups and downs last season, but he really seemed to get things going towards the latter part of the season, as did Brodney Pool. Pool's coverage abilities are still questionable, but he knows how to lay the big hit at the right time. Now, we just have to hope he'll be able to deliver those hits still after sustaining several concussions over the span of his career.

At cornerback, Brandon McDonald's starting role is the our only new dimension in reality. When the team traded Bodden, they envisioned cornerback Daven Holly filling one of the starting role, allowing McDonald to become the nickel back. Holly's injury is what triggered the chain of concerns -- and with Terry Cousin and Travis Daniels being the only depth behind the starters, I am concerned if one of them has to start. The signing of a free agent cornerback like Ty Law isn't completely out of the question still if the unit is unbearably bad to start the season. For depth reasons, the secondary suffers a low grade here.

Grade: D+

Offensive Line

Special Teams

I gave the Browns' offensive line a "B" at the start of last season. Again, I completely underestimated our line's capabilities. Rookie left tackle Joe Thomas exceeded expectations, becoming one of the few rookie tackles to actually live up to his potential. Free agent pickup Eric Steinbach anchored the left side with Thomas very well all season long. Meanwhile, Kevin Shaffer was better at right tackle than he was at left tackle, Hank Fraley held his own at center, and the right guard position was held down by either Seth McKinney or Ryan Tucker.

This year, nothing has changed with the exception of a few backups on the offensive line. Considering that the line only allowed Derek Anderson to be sacked 14 times all season and that Jamal Lewis ran for over 1,300 yards, I think it's safe to say that this unit warrants a higher grade.

Grade: A-

Take a look at this quote from last year's special teams preview I wrote, regarding Browns kicker Phil Dawson:

"Phil Dawson is back for another year, but if he's not able to produce some more "clutch" kicks this year, some of the once loyal fans could finally be giving up on him."

Boy, did I unknowingly foreshadow something at the time? Not only did Dawson have several game-winning field gals last season, he improved his leg strength in the offseason and could be in line to attempt more 50-yarders this season. At punter, Dave Zastudil is healthy again after having somewhat of a down year last season.

The X-factor remains Joshua Cribbs. Sorry Deven Hester, but Cribbs by far has you beat as the best all-around special teams contributor in all of football. Any time he touches the ball, he's a threat to take it the distance. Any time he's a gunner, he'll mow down the opposing returner in a flash.

Grade: A+

How The Season Will Go

Schedule

Divisional Finish

REGULAR SEASON

Date	Opponent	Time
9/7	Dallas - Win	4:15 pm
9/14	Pittsburgh - Win	8:15 pm
9/21	at Baltimore - Win	4:15 pm
9/28	at Cincinnati - Loss	1:00 pm
10/5	BYE WEEK	------
10/13	New York Giants - Loss	8:30 pm
10/19	at Washington - Win	4:15 pm
10/26	at Jacksonville - Loss	4:05 pm
11/2	Baltimore - Win	1:00 pm
11/6	Denver - Win	8:15 pm
11/17	at Buffalo - Win	8:30 pm
11/23	Houston - Win	1:00 pm
11/30	Indianapolis - Loss	1:00 pm
12/7	at Tennessee - Win	1:00 pm
12/15	at Philadelphia - Loss	8:30 pm
12/21	Cincinnati - Win	1:00 pm
12/28	at Pittsburgh - Loss	1:00 pm

REGULAR SEASON

AFC North 2008-2009
Place	Team	Record
1	Cleveland Browns	10-6
2	Pittsburgh Steelers	10-6
3	Cincinnati Bengals	7-9
4	Baltimore Ravens	3-13

I predicted that the Browns would win seven games last season, and at the time, that was a high prediction. After winning ten games, look at the respect we earned on the schedule to the left: five nationally televised prime time games. Forget those typical Ian Eagle/Soloman Wilcots- announced games that we became accustomed to the past several seasons: in our first ten games, only two of them will be played at 1:00 pm.

This season, I expect the Browns to rise to the occasion of a tough schedule. It's time for the Browns to become one of the elite teams in the NFL again rather than always being the underdogs. More important than anything else though, it's time to dethrone the Pittsburgh Steelers from atop the AFC North.