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Much of the work is done
As they ponder which obscure linebacker or defensive back to take in the fourth round of the draft, the Cleveland Browns — with the possible exception of knucklehead cornerback Kenny Wright, who got arrested — can feel good about how the offseason has gone so far.
A glance at the roster, position by position, actually shows few glaring weaknesses:
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Derek Anderson is the man, but having Brady Quinn on hand is excellent insurance, with the cerebral Ken Dorsey acting as a coach/mentor. Grade: B
Running back: Re-signing Hall of Fame-bound Jamal Lewis was an obvious move executed flawlessly. Jason Wright is a competent backup, but if Lewis stays healthy, there will be little reason to use him or Jerome Harrison much. Grade: A
Receiver: Signing Donte Stallworth in free agency provides someone to work the middle who can run after the catch and also go deep. Another exciting weapon for Anderson, who already had a couple of nice targets in Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. Whatever Joe Jurevicius brings to the table after knee surgery will be a bonus. Grade: B+
Tight end: Winslow is one of the game’s best. Steve Heiden is the backup. Darnell Dinkins is a short-yardage blocker/special teams type. Only question, as always, is Winslow’s health, but he plays through pain better than most. Grade: A
Tackle: Can’t get much better than Joe Thomas on the left side. One season. One Pro Bowl. Kevin Shaffer adapted OK to right tackle last season after being displaced by Thomas. Not a whole lot of depth to speak of, but Ryan Tucker might split time with Shaffer if not needed at right guard. Grade: B+
Guard: What’s not to like about Eric Steinbach? Good player. Great guy. Well worth what they paid to pry him away from the Bengals. Competition at right guard might be interesting between free-agent signee Rex Hadnot, Seth McKinney, Tucker and whoever else. Grade: B
Center: Hank Fraley could be supplanted by a healthy LeCharles Bentley, but Bentley has missed the past two seasons and it seems unlikely. Fraley does a solid job. Grade: B
DEFENSE
Line: Corey Williams (Packers) and Shaun Rogers (Lions) should give this unit a boost, teaming with holdovers Shaun Smith and Robaire Smith. Quality depth might be lacking, but it can’t be worse than it was. Neither can the pass rush. Grade: B
Linebacker: Kamerion Wimbley regressed last season, at least in terms of his sack total, but teams paid more attention to him and there was no pass rusher on the other side to worry anybody. D’Qwell Jackson is solid in the middle, though undersized. Antwan Peek should be healthier and Leon Williams should continue to push Andra Davis. Grade: C
Cornerback: Last season’s emergence of Brandon McDonald allowed for Leigh Bodden to be traded to Detroit in the Rogers deal. Bodden will be missed, though, mainly for his experience. Eric Wright is on the other side, with Daven Holly in reserve. More depth needed here. Grade: C
Safety: Brodney Pool and Sean Jones got it together after a shaky start last season and should only get better. Depth is lacking. It will help if Gary Baxter can make it back, as expected: Grade: B
SPECIAL TEAMS
Returner: Joshua Cribbs made the Pro Bowl and even had his own TV show. That says it all. Grade: A
Placekicker: Phil Dawson enjoyed one of his better years and will be hard to dislodge: Grade: A
Punter: Dave Zastudil: As solid as you’d want. Grade: A
Long snapper: Ryan Pontbriand made the Pro Bowl. Grade: A
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Comments
By Mac
April 10, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Hall of Fame-bound Jamal Lewis? I’m a huge Browns homer, but even I don’t think he’s getting anywhere near the Hall. He’s has some great individual games, but his overall career isn’t close to be Hall-worthy.By Hotdigitydawg
April 10, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Are you NUTS Mac?? He will be in the hall of fame, he has held the league record for rushing during a single game and has had many many huge days.By Mac
April 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Lewis had one monster year - 2003, when he ran for 2,066 yards, set the single game rushing record, and single-handedly killed the Browns both times they played Baltimore. But other than that, his career has been average at best. Take out that one year and there are many other similar RBs over the same time period. And the jail time won’t help his cause with the Hall of Fame voters.By The Big G
April 16, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Enjoyed the grades, McClelland. If I had one quibble it would be the long snapper. I had him at A-. Otherwise, a solid job in a tough spot, pal.