Cleveland Browns - Draft needs

Here's a recap of where the Browns stand by position and how they should view the draft


1) Best OL available.
The signing of Steinbach helps, however a true LT would make the line much better. It would allow Shafer to move to ROT, and make ROG a serious battle (Tucker - moving from ROT, Mckinnley and and Andruzzi). In addition, it would create a deep and talented bench (Friedman, Tucker, Andruzzi, Sowells). If LT can't be addressed (e.g. the Browns don't get Thomas at #3 or trade down for Levi), adding a G or even a C helps. Bringing in a guard potentially allows Steinbach to move to LT (less than desirable, but still an improvement - below scenarios assumes Shafer stays at LT in '07), and a C essentially does the same thing (requiring Fraley to move to G). If you take into consideration LeCharles returning at full strength next year, you could be looking at one of the top lines in the league in '08

Scenario 1: Draft Tackle '07 Line-up

LT - Thomas
LG - Steinbach
C - Fraley (Friedman)
RG - McKinnley (Sowells/Andruzzi)
RT - Shafer (Tucker)

Scenario 2: Draft Tackle '08 Line-up

LT - Thomas
LG - Steinbach
C - Bentley (Friedman/Fraley)
RG - McKinnley (Sowells/Fraley)
RT - Shafer (Tucker)

Scenario 3: Draft Guard/C '07 Line-up

LT - Shafer
LG - Steinbach
C - Fraley/Kalil (Friedman)
RG - Grubbs/Fraley (Sowells)
RT - McKinnley (Tucker)

Scenario 4: Draft Guard/C '08 Line-up

LT - Steinbach
LG - Fraley
C - Bentley/Kalil (Friedman)
RG - Grubbs Bently (Sowells)
RT - Shafer (McKinnley)

2) Best 3-4 DL avaialble.

Again, Savage did a great job improving this in the off-season by adding Shaun and Robaire Smith. However, more work needs to be done. In essence this is where the team stands:

DE: Orpheus Roye, Robaire Smith Simon Frasier, Orien Harris
NT: Ted Washington, S. Smith, Oshinwino

As much bad press as people like to attribute to Ted Washington being a bust, it was the DE that were getting run over last year. Big Ted is still an above average run-stopper (and a significant step up from Jason Fisk, who might as well have played S because of how far back he got pushed in 05), however, b/c of lack of depth, was on the field way too often in 2006 on 3rd downs. Frasier, while a good pass rusher, simply wasn't strong enough to hold his ground against the run. Roye had a down year as did Alvin Mckinney (not on team any more). It's important to note that a great 3-4 defense is built around lineman that are specialized, except for one player that plays every down. Lastly, on obvious pass situations, the best rushing OLB (Think McGinnest 4 years ago) puts his hand down. Here's the ideal breakout for DL depth:

2 Nose tackles: The primary needs is at least an above average run stopper (Ted), the backup should be able to hold his own now, and develop into a number 1 (S. Smith). Neither player is typically on the field in passing situations ( the number 2 NT is interchangeable with the 2nd DE) . The 2 NT also (depending on talent) comes in on the run/pass downs (2nd 6, 3rd and 2 etc.)

Browns assessment: The Browns are actually OK, but not great here. First the bad, as stated before, Washington was above average last year, but you can expect him to get worse every year just based on his age. Smith is a perfect 3-4 lineman. He's versatile enough to be the #1 NT or the #2 end and even stay at this position.

4 DE: One starter is an all pro that is an above average run stopping DE who applies good pressure when moved to the nose on 3rd and long (see Richard Seymor). This player lines up on the weakside. (this is what Roye is supposed to be) The other starter is a run stopper. He comes off the field on 3rd down (R. Smith is supposed to be this). The 3rd DE is a pass rush first guy who can play against the run well, but is more of a pass rusher (Frasier fits this mold). The 4th DE is basically a utility guy, and needs to be big enough to play on the strong side and is a project (Harris, Oshwino)

Browns assesment: Roye is average and is on his way down in his career. Smith should be average at his role. (better than Alvin last year) Frasier fits well in his role (played way too much on early downs last year) . The browns are hoping Orien or Oshinwo to develop.


Running Downs

NT - Washington
DE (strong side) - R. Smith
DE (weakside) O. Roye

Middle Downs:
NT: S. Smith (Washington)
DE (strong side) R. Smith (S. Smith)
DE (Weakside): Roye (R. Smith)

Passing Downs:
NT: Roye/S. Smith
DE (strong side): Frasier
DE (weakside): Wimbley/McGinnest/Peak. My guess is that this guy will be Wimbley this year, and McGinnest and Peak playing OLB. However, I could see McGinnest putting his hand down as well (likely replacing Frasier for just this year). Peak was brought in to be McGinnest replacement next year. More about this later, but the Browns have a great linebacking core

There are two guys who could fit the Browns biggest need: the #1 DE (Jamaal Anderson and Adam Carriker) . Adding these guys gives Roye some time off the field, and obviously improves depth.

Drafting a nose tackle like Alan Branch (to eventually replace Washington) would allows S. Smith to move to the 2 DE. My guess is that without trading down, none of these guys are an option.

I'd look to round 2 and hope that Justin Harrell from Tennessee, Demarcus Tyler are available. Either could play the 2nd DE or Nose Tackle. the DE from Hawaii could be available as well, and is more of a reach as the #1 DE (potentially falling to 2nd DE)

3) CB - Bodden deosn't get the credit he deserves as a lockdown corner. He played hurt last year, but should be back to full strength this year. Holly is an above average nickel or average 2nd CB. While this sounds good, there's not a decent CB behind the two starters. Which means if either player gets hurt, you're basically playing a bad nickel at #2. Therefore, assuming Baxter's hurt (which is what the Browns should assume) if you draft a CB in round 2 or 3, you'll get at worst another starter at nickel (ahead of Wright). Best case scenario is that he's a solid #2 and if Baxter comes back you're 4 deep at CB. This allows a lot of flexibility which is needed


A lot has been made about the next two positions, but I firmly believe a strong OL helps improve these two positions greatly.

4) QB - From the how Frye and Anderson played last year, the Browns don't seem to have an answer at QB. However, when your QB is spending most of the time on his back, Winslow playing at 75% more or less all year, and no running game to speak of, neither really got a chance to prove who they are as a QB. Dorsey isn't a factor. If the Browns believe that Quinn or Russel is a franchise QB (better than what may be available next year) then they should take them. I don't believe that either player is flawless and give Frye and Anderson another year to see if they can play at this level

5) RB - I think Jamal Lewis will be an average RB, and a step up from Droughns. A lot has been made of his decline, but I think it's more of a symptom of his time in Jail 2 years ago as opposed to diminishing skills Wright is underated and could actually be a decent #2 running back. The x factor this year will be wether or not Harrison learns how to pass protect. Again, addressing this position before any others I think is a mistake unless you decide that AD's injuries aren't a long term concern (I disagree with this).

6) Wide Receiver - It's a make or break year for Braylon. If he doesn't succeed, look for the browns to address this position next year in free agency or the draft. Jurevicious is a good #2, but is getting older. The hope is that Wilson can develop into a #2 (but is the #4 this year) and Carter is your #3.

That covers where the Browns should draft. I don't see a reason to address the below three positions unless a great value drops in your lap

7) Safety - two young players, both of whom are good. Another depth pick here isn't a bad idea, but I'd rather see another OL or DL get drafted.

8) LB - Probably the Browns deepest position. Between Peak, McGinnist and Wimbley, they're set for this year at OLB. Stewart is a great back-up, and McMillin is your project. On the inside, the Browns are young, talented and deep. D'Qwell and Andra Davs are good starters. Leon Williams impressed against the run in limited action, and should continue to develop. Thompson is a good for depth and an above average rusher.

9) TE - Between Winslow and Heiden, the Browns don't need to adress this position