Cleveland Browns: Competition Abounds

The winds of change are wafting over the shores of Lake Erie. The Cleveland Browns’ latest regime change has brought a new prevailing attitude toward the locker room and its overall talent. 

When Eric Mangini was introduced as the team’s fourth head coach in 10 years, he spoke of a vision.  His ideals lay a heavy emphasis on his perceived “core values.”

This notion was reinforced upon the hiring of new general manager George Kokinis.  While these values were not discussed specifically during the initial press conferences, it quickly became abundantly clear the type of talent the new regime was looking to add via free agency and the draft. 

The team has since set about adding smart, versatile, experienced players who can bring a new presence in both the locker room and on the field.

The first step of achieving the team’s new vision was by adding as many pieces to the puzzle as possible to promote competition at every single position. 

Only by looking at the current makeup of the team roster from top to bottom can one understand the depth of change and approach this new hierarchy will attempt to establish.

Often described as the “most important position on the field,” quarterback will once again inspire controversy and copious amounts of fan ire this upcoming season.  Coach Mangini has already declared an open competition under center.

Former Pro Bowler Derek Anderson and one time golden boy Brady Quinn will attempt to throw body shots in efforts to gain a legit foothold on the starting spot. 

At this moment, Quinn would appear to have a natural upper hand because of his former first round status, overall upside, and the fact he is much more in tune both physically and mentally to the new offensive scheme which will be implemented.  

His roots run deep under his tutelage of former Patriot offensive coordinator Charlie Weis while at Notre Dame.  Both Mangini and new Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s game planning are directly attributable to their time under Weis while in New England. 

Anderson will always have an allure because of his natural gifts which includes one of the most dazzling and strongest arms in the National Football League. 

Even the recent addition of Brett Ratliff from the New York Jets has warranted some discussion.  Was he obtained to be more than just depth? 

The right decision on this singular position can set a standard which will finally put the franchise in the proper winning direction. The wrong decision will keep the program teetering towards its established mediocre tendencies.

Running back is somewhat less of a concern, but young players will be champing at the bit to earn their opportunities.   Former 2,000-yard back Jamal Lewis once again received a vote of confidence even when the new staff arrived.

His presence on and off the field, his professional manner, and work ethic instantly make him a favorite of coaches. With that stated, the once-great workhorse clearly lost a step a year ago after his 2007-08 revival and was too often caught by opposing defense for small or no gains.

This aging bell cow was not decisive on hitting the hole with any type of authority.  Fans have clamored to see more of Jerome Harrison the last few seasons.

In his limited playing time, the former Washington State Cougar has displayed explosiveness, home run threat capabilities, as well as great vision.

Harrison is often described as a scat back simply because he does not possess ideal size, but he certainly has the potential to carry the load if given the opportunity. 

James Davis was also thrown into the mix recently after being drafted in the sixth round of the draft.  Davis does not have the same type of explosiveness that a back like Harrison has flashed, but he is very reliable toting the rock and makes solid decisive cuts in and out of the hole. 

It would not be shocking to see this Clemson product warrant some playing time this season as a rookie.  Competition may become a moot word as running back by committee seems the most likely answer to the position.

Wide receiver has been thrown into upheaval for the Browns in recent months.   Weeks of trade speculation involving the team’s leading target Braylon Edwards never came to fruition.  

Donte Stallworth’s future is uncertain with his current legal entanglements.   Veteran Joe Jurevicius was dropped from the roster after not taking a pay cut.  

Special teamer extraordinaire Joshua Cribbs may be moved to the defensive secondary.  So, veterans David Patten and Mike Furrey were added to provide a veteran presence at the position and to compete for the team’s slot receiver role.

Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaqoui were both drafted in the second round in April, and both will be asked to contend for a starting role immediately.  Young veterans DeVale Ellis, Syndric Steptoe, Paul Hubbard, and Lance Leggett will all get their opportunities to prove what they can do as well.  

Even an undrafted free agent like Penn State’s Jordan Norwood has a legitimate shot to make the active roster if he proves he can be a reliable target and be groomed as the team’s future slot receiver.  

All these names, sans Edwards, should come in with the attitude that they can garner plenty of playing time if they battle and earn the right to do so.  

The one position which does not appear to warrant much competition to make the roster will be at tight end.  This is the case even after the trade of former Pro Bowler Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

This overall positional slotting seems set with a combination of Steve Heiden, Robert Royal, and Martin Rucker.   The question which does remain…Who will be named the starter?  

Royal was signed in the off season as the new staff’s first free agent acquisition.  His receiving abilities are somewhat suspect, but the former Buffalo Bill adds a blocking presence.  

Heiden is a reliable veteran who could start on multiple teams throughout the league.   He is getting a bit long in the tooth and coming off injury, but he is a complete tight end.   

Rucker is the top receiving threat of the group.   This young target was more wide receiver than tight end while at Missouri and it shows as the only one who can stretch the field from this position.

Rucker still needs development as an all-around tight end, but he certainly can be a true weapon in the Browns’ new offense.   While no longer possessing the flashy talent at the position, this grouping can be more than effective in multiple areas of the scheme.

Two seasons ago Cleveland’s offensive line was dominant.   Last season…not so much.

The left side of the line is set with perennial Pro Bowler and one of the game’s rising talents Joe Thomas as the blindside protector with the ultra athletic and steadying force of Eric Steinbach by his side at guard.  

Mix in the newly minted first-round pivot prospect Alex Mack at center, and three-fifths of the equation is complete.  It will be the right side of the line which will require the most attention in regards to open competition. 

Four versatile veterans will attempt to man two positions. Rex Hadnot is the incumbent starter at right guard but was clearly the weak link among the unit a year ago.   His best position may even lie at center.

Ryan Tucker is arguably the most dominant of the entire bunch and a true mauler, but he has not been a reliable force on the field the last two seasons, missing plenty of time due to multiple circumstances.  

Both John St. Clair and Floyd “Pork Chop” Womack were signed in the off-season to boost a unit which is transitioning from an athletic makeup to more of a power-based offense.

Both have the ability to play multiple positions along the line and have been dependable starters elsewhere.  Any combination of those four could see starting time once training camp battles hash themselves out. 

Depth is also a concern.  With the addition of Mack at center, stalwart Hank Fraley will likely see his role greatly diminished or sent walking papers.

Isaac Sowells has never found a niche within this roster at either guard or tackle and will frantically fight to stay on the roster.  Dustin Fry and Kurt Quarterman were retained from last year’s practice squad but do not present much upside.

This may be another instance where an undrafted free agent rookie might have an opportunity to stay on the roster.  Two potential talents, Marlon Davis or Branndon Baxter, fit that description. 

One change along an offensive line can have a dramatic effect to the unit as a whole, while the Browns may be staring down the barrel of massive overall turnover. 

Defensively, the most talented player on the roster will return at nose tackle after some off-season melancholy.  

Shaun Rogers is one of the most imposing and impressive defensive players in all of football.   His presence alone makes everyone around him better.  

Ahytba Rubin improved throughout his rookie campaign and provides solid depth. At defensive end is where some questions lie among the defensive line.  

Both Shaun Smith and Louis Leonard will likely lose plenty of playing time from a year ago as the pair formed one starting end.  

The old hand of Robaire Smith may be in jeopardy of making the final cut after suffering an Achilles rupture last season.  

Corey Williams will likely retain one starting role, if he proves fully healthy himself and continues to improve within the 3-4 scheme.  

Experienced talents CJ Mosley and Kenyon Coleman were brought along from the Jets by Mangini.  Coleman is a strong run stuffer and has an upper hand on one starting spot, while Mosley will provide much needed athleticism and depth to the position. 

Santonio Thomas and Melila Purcell will actively participate in the possibility of earning a spot.  Along the defensive front, there is still some uncertainty but the position itself will be much better off than a year ago.

Only one constant remains among the linebacker unit and his name is D’Qwell Jackson.  The Browns undersized yet wily weak inside linebacker lead the entire league in total tackles a year ago.  

Those around him are either new faces or have failed to step up their game.   This may just be the make-or-break season for former rookie standout Kamerion Wimbley.  If he does not produce at a much higher level, his overall contributions will come into question.

More former Jets, Eric Barton and David Bowens were signed to add stability to a lackluster corps.   Barton has the inside track as the team’s strong inside linebacker.   He will look to be more of a physical presence than castoff Andra Davis while mentoring young talents Beau Bell, Leon Williams, and Kaluka Maiava.

The outside linebacking position opposite of Wimbley will have a fierce struggle for starting superiority.   Recent draftee David Veikune appears to have already gained favor with the staff during minicamps for his intellect and versatility. 

Alex Hall has a nice combination of size, frame, and athleticism to improve on his encouraging rookie efforts.

Bowens can start either inside or outside adequately.  The young talent will be allotted the opportunity to improve a lackluster team pass rush, but if they do not step up their contributions expect more of a veteran presence along the entire unit.

A secondary once filled with only unproven and developing talent has been infused with veterans and depth but questions still remain.   Sean Jones left for greener pastures via free agency. 

Brodney Pool remains one starting safety.  Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright still possess plenty of talent, but may see their prominent roles come to somewhat of an end.   Neither will be guaranteed a starting position.

Pushing these two will be recently added veterans Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy, as well the draft selections of Don Carey and Coye Francies.  Poteat and Ivy are not starting caliber at this point in their respective careers, but their knowledge of the system and how to play the position will certainly press those in front of them. 

Carey and Francies have a ton of physical ability and may also goad some playing time if the light bulb flashes on early for these rookies.

The other safety looks to Abram Elam, who was acquired in a trade on draft day.   Elam is a smart and blue collar player who earned Coach Mangini’s favor in New York, eventually working his way onto the starting unit.

Another versatile veteran in Mike Adams was re-signed by the new staff and can start at multiple positions. 

Four undrafted free agents were also signed to add even more opposition in the mix.  How the secondary pans out should be an interesting case study over the life of training camp.  

Two seasons ago, fans of the Cleveland Browns thought they were witnessing resurgence in franchise respectability.   Last year a painful and drawn out disembowelment of a season brought about change.   

With said change at the top came even more change on the roster.   A roster which is now much deeper at multiple positions and will benefit from competition at every single position.

Competition has been uttered many times throughout this piece and it should be obvious for all fans of this particular team that a plan is in place.  

While the Browns likely will not see immediate dividends in the win column, this approach should easily make Cleveland a tougher opponent on the field week in and week out.