NFL Draft Info - Cleveland Browns

by Wayne A. Lett

The 2009 Cleveland Browns went threw a lot of changes this past year.  While they remained in the bottom half of the overall statistical categories for most of the year, they showed a lot of improvements towards the end of the year.  The playoffs may have been a goal for nearly every team, the Browns new coaching staff new it would take some time to transform this team into a longtime winner.  A team the city and its fans could be proud of.

QUARTERBACKS:  D+

Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson did little to stake their claim for the starters position in 2010.  While Brady did provide some stability, his inability to make plays hurt the teams ability to move the ball.  He would finish the season on IR for the second straight year.  Meanwhile, Anderson had the lowest passer rating of any starting QB.  While he tried to get back some resemblance of his 2007 form, it was not happening.

In 2010, I see the Browns trading one or both QB's and going with a proven vet at the position.  Someone like a Donovan McNabb would be a perfect fit, then drafting a younger QB in the 3rd or 4th round to learn the system and eventually take over.  A guy like Tebow, Snead, or even Tony Pike would be a strong addition to this QB squad.

RUNNING BACKS:  C+

While I am rating the whole group as a C+, Jerome Harrison should get an A for his individual performances at the end of the season.  Along with his blockers, he really exploded in the final four games.  Much of this credit actually goes to Eric Mangini.  Harrison and Mangini had a sit down and Mangini told him exactly what he expected from him and Harrison stepped up and gave it to him.

With Jamal Lewis more than likely retiring, the Browns have a young guy in James Davis waiting in the wings to step up and contribute along with Harrison returning.  It remains to be seen how this position will end up, but I would not be surprised to see them go after another young guy if someone of interest fell in their laps.

WIDE RECEIVERS:  C

This group was one of the most maligned groups on the team.  With the trade of Braylon Edwards to the Jets, the Browns filled the spot with a few rookies and journeymen.  Second round pick Mohamed Massaquoi shined in the starters role while the other second round pick Brian Robiskie had a hard time getting on the field.  Mike Furrey would end the season playing more safety than receiver.  Part of the Braylon Edwards trade was getting WR Chansi Stuckey in Cleveland.  He would be a great addition to the offense.  While he is still very young, he provided a spark in some games at the end.

While this group is young, there is no clear cut #1 WR.

TIGHT END:  D+

This position was in flux most of the year.  The only bright spot was that of Evan Moore.  A former wide receiver at Stanford, Moore would come in and be one of Brady Quinn's early targets.  He has great hands and an ability to get open.  He's still learning the position, but could add that lethal threat the Browns have missed since trading away Kellen Winslow.

They could easily add a late round TE in this years coming draft.

OFFENSIVE LINE:  A

While this group held the QB sacks in check, they opened up gapping holes for the running game.  Led by All-Pro LT Joe Thomas and newly drafted Alex Mack, the Browns have the makings of one of the strongest lines in the NFL.  One glaring need is at right tackle, where I would not be surprised to see the Browns draft someone early here.  Might not be the first selection made, but definately in the second or third round.

DEFENSIVE LINE:  B

As hard as it is to realize this team actually got better with All-Pro Shaun Rogers off the field due to injury.  Rubin stepped in and really solidified the run defense and forced teams to pass the ball more.

With a strong rotation and Rogers due back, it would surprise me to see the Browns add any depth here, however with 11 draft picks in the 2010 draft, I can see them adding one.

LINEBACKERS:  C

With all the injuries along the linebackers corp, the Browns really had to get guys up to speed and quickly.  Leading tackler from 2008, D'Qwell Jackson missed most of the season, as well as other inside backer, Eric Barton.  The playing time should serve the young guys well as they look to improve for 2010.  By drafting 3 LB'ers in 2009, the Browns should be set at this position heading into the 2010 draft.

SECONDARY:  C-

Eric Wright proved to grow in his second year.  Brandon McDonald showed some exposure and teams went right after him.  With Brodney Pool suffering from concussions, this part of the team is in dire need of a make-over.  Someone such as CB/S Eric Berry from Tennessee would be a welcoming addition at this position in the draft.  Anytime you have to play a WR at Safety, you are in trouble for depth.  Hank Poteat showed he no longer has what it takes to be an impact player in  the NFL.  I look for big changes in this part of the depth chart.

SPECIAL TEAMS:  A+

Anytime you have the electrifying Joshua Cribbs on your special teams unit, good things will happen.  Not only did Josh reclaim the honor of best return man in the NFL, but he also surpassed all others for the most Kick-Off returns for a TD.  He is now the record holder with no signs of slowing down.

The playoffs showed once again how important a good kicker is to your team.  Thankfully the Browns have Phil Dawson.  Not known for his booming kick-offs, he is as reliable as they come in hitting FG in crunch time.

I love that Eric Mangini makes guys play special teams before making a contribution on offense or defense.  Gets them in the flow of the game.

COACHING:  A

While we didn't make the playoffs and there were mistakes made.  One thing can be said about eric Mangini and company, we were never outcoached.  Sure we may have been out played due to overall lack of talent, buut we were never outcoached.  As guys learned the system on offense and defense, you could see the speed of the team grow as well as their confidence.   Mangini did the best he could with the talent we had.  With a cupboard so bare, he worked miracles.  The biggest change was to the overall attitude of the team.  Nobody quit when the team was 1-11.  Nobody quit when you are getting blown out and there is only 2 minutes to go.  This team fought to the end in every game.  And they were rewarded by winning the last 4 games.  Add a quality QB to the mix and we may talking playoffs in 2010.

Overall, good things are in store for the Cleveland Browns in 2010.  Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert are in charge and with Eric Mangini handling the coaching duties only his time and energy will propel this team to the playoffs.

We'll start with a winning record.