Cleveland Browns Preview: Position Battles During Training Camp

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

WR 1 - Braylon Edwards, WR 2 - Brian Robiskie, WR 3 - Mike Furrey, WR 4 - David Patten, WR 5 - Mohamed Massaquoi

CENTER BATTLE

Major Battle Participants: Alex Mack vs. Hank Fraley

Position Battle Analysis:

The new Browns regime surprised a lot of experts and fans by trading down in the first round three times. Unfortunately, by trading down so many times, the Browns also missed a chance on many future superstars in the league.

After the smoke cleared, the Browns were sitting at number 21 in the first round and they finally pulled the trigger to select.........Alex Mack. Alex Mack?! Yes, Alex Mack.

Not the sexiest first pick of the Browns new regime, but after a few weeks of really thinking about what Coach Mangini wants to accomplish in Cleveland, this pick makes complete sense.

The selection of Mack makes sense because the offensive line in 2008 was horrible (with the exception of Joe Thomas). No offensive points scored in the last six games of the season, three quarterbacks injured in the last half of the schedule, a running back (Jamal Lewis) that could barely break 1,000 yards rushing and a former 2007 offensive team powerhouse that had become the worst in the league in 2008.

Now Mack is in Cleveland and he hit the playbook the day after the draft. Fraley has been a good center the past few seasons, but last year he was overpowered with all the big, strong defensive tackles that reside in the AFC North. Mack will not shy away from this challenge and his physical size will most likely make a huge statement to all opposing defensive lineman not only in the AFC North, but in the entire NFL.

Note: Mack and Fraley can both play either center or guard which makes them both valuable due to their versatility.

Predicted Depth Chart Outcome:

Alex Mack starter, Hank Fraley backup

SAFETY BATTLE

Major Battle Participants: Abram Elam vs. Mike Adams

Position Battle Analysis:

Prior to the 2009 NFL Draft, it looked the the Browns were going to spend one of their second round picks on a safety prospect and groom him into the position while the re-signed Mike Adams kept the position warm for the youngster. Once that blockbuster trade with the Jets occurred, the Browns immediately took care of the safety position with the addition of Abram Elam.

Adams started several games last season when former starter Sean Jones (now with the Eagles

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