Cleveland Browns Preview: What To Watch During Training Camp

There are several teams in the NFL that have many questions surrounding them. One of those teams has got to be the Cleveland Browns.

After the last game of the 2008 season, owner Randy Lerner pretty much fired everyone on the coaching staff including his general manger.

Rebuilding for the fourth time since their illustrious return 10 years ago, the Browns have many question marks heading into training camp.

Quarterback Competition—Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson

Probably the most well known topic of the Browns going into training camp, Quinn and Anderson have to battle it out for the starting quarterback position.

With Mangini installing a more ball control, short passing offensive scheme, it looks like Quinn will be the appropriate choice to lead the team.

Pass Rush—Will There Be One?

New Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan will be introducing a more aggressive style of defense that Browns fans have not seen in a while.

The key will be outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. If Mangini and Ryan can fully utilize his potential (he had 11 sacks in his rookie year) the team should have a better pass rush.

In 2008, the Browns only had 17 sacks.

Josh Cribbs—Where Will He Play?

Many rumored positions have been thrown about regarding where Cribbs will be playing.

So far in the practices that Cribbs has been at, he's only seen time on special teams and wide receiver.

Look for Cribbs to get more exposure than ever at receiver and except a few game breaking plays with his talent.

Mangini may use Cribbs in some defensive packages, but as of right now it looks like that probably won't happen.

Is Abram Elam An Upgrade Over Sean Jones?

Former safety Sean Jones was not re-signed and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles via free agency.

Mangini tried to sign Elam back in March, but the Jets matched the offer.

Then Draft Day came along and Elam became a Brown via the blockbuster trade with the Jets that landed them Mark Sanchez.

Elam has been labeled a future Pro Bowler by many experts who say the sky is the limit once he becomes a starter.

Now is his chance to prove the experts right.

With More Depth At Cornerback, This Group is Much Stronger Than In 2008.

In 2008, Wright and McDonald were very streaky and were both ball hawks creating turnovers. However, a lack of a pass rush didn't help the ups and downs at the cornerback position.

With the additions of Rod Hood, Corey Ivy and Hank Poteat, what was once a position of need has now become a position of strength.

Look for this group to pick off even more passes than the 23 interceptions they made last year.

Will Jerome Harrison Finally Be Able to Show His Talent?

Last year former head coach Romeo Crennell promised week after week that Harrison would be touching the ball more. As it turned out, that meant maybe one extra touch per game.

Where Crennell failed to getting Harrison more involved, Mangini will succeed.

Harrison is very similar to Jets running back Leon Washington, and Mangini made sure he fully utilized Washington's talents.

He will do the same for Harrison in 2009, so look for more excited plays from him!

Once Again, Does Jamal Lewis Have Enough Left in His Tank?

After a very mediocre 2008, where Lewis played in pain, he finally got his ankles cleaned out with surgery in the off season.

A bigger offensive line will also help Lewis regain his form.

Mangini better watch him closely though, andhe will need to keep Lewis fresh with backups Jerome Harrison and rookie James Davis. This will be especially important since the Browns do not have a true replacement for Lewis yet.

Shaun Rogers...'nuf Said.

Rogers dominated offensive lines in 2008, but did not get much help from the rest of his defensive teammates.

Look for Rogers to continue to make an big impact regardless of the double and triple teams he gets.

Is This D'Qwell Jackson's Year to be Noticed?

Leading the league in total tackles in 2008, Jackson still is rather unknown in the NFL.

With new inside linebacker and former Jets player Eric Barton taking Jackson under his wing, look for Jackson to finally get his name called when Pro Bowlers are announced.

Who Will Step Up Now That Kellen Winslow is Gone?

When Winslow was traded, the Browns lost an amazing pass catcher.

Now the question is who will step up in his absence?

The Browns went and drafted two wide receivers in the second round and have also added some veterans via free agency.

Braylon Edwards will likely get the most help from Josh Cribbs and rookie Brian Robiskie.