Roderick Hood Fits the Cleveland Browns

The Arizona Cardinals have just released running back Edgerrin James!

But really, what's the excitement for? The fact of the matter is that it was an obvious move that needed to be made, as the Cards drafted OSU's running back Chris "Beanie" Wells. Plus, James requested to leave.

Of more interest is that Arizona also cut cornerback Roderick Hood and linebacker/defensive end Travis LaBoy.

All of the roster casualties should find new homes easily, but one in particular should get a hard look from the Cleveland Browns:

Hood.

It's no secret that the Browns need help at the corner position, and the team's activity so far this offseason is proof.

In the Draft, the Browns took Don Carey and Coye Francies, both in the sixth round. They shouldn't look to depend on either of those guys.

Cleveland also signed free agent cornerbacks Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy, and despite their greater experience level, the Browns shouldn't rely on them too heavily, either.

The current starting corners are Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, and while Wright proved himself to be starter-worthy last season, McDonald didn't. He wasn't horrible, but he got beat deep too many times to be on the field right away.

So, enter Rod Hood. If Cleveland were to sign him, he would become an instant starter, pushing McDonald (and others) back on the depth chart. The move would make the position deeper and the starters better, so it makes perfect sense to at least try.

In the past two seasons, Hood has made 97 tackles, 35 pass deflections, and six interceptions. His numbers dropped from 2007 to 2008, but he is still a good player.

He also is a six-year veteran and would fit the organization very well. He has experience but isn't old (he's currently 27) and has been on Playoff teams. He was part of the Cardinals' Super Bowl run last season and played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2003 to 2006.

Leadership would be one more benefit of this potential signing. And a move like this fits what the Browns have been doing lately; Hood isn't a "diva" and would put the team first.

Like I said, he fits the profile for the Browns. Mangini would and Kokinis would look very smart pursuing Hood.