Cleveland Browns: 5 Players Most Affected by NFL Lockout

The Cleveland Browns are a young and upcoming team, poised for a breakout season within the next few years as their young players grow and mature into NFL players.

However, with the NFL lockout looming and a canceled NFL season possible, Browns players are left learning a new system without their coaches.

Along with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns are one of the teams most affected by this season's lockout as the team learns both a new offensive and defensive scheme under head coach Pat Shurmur.

The West Coast offense and 4-3 defense are new to Cleveland following Eric Mangini's departure and a summer of learning for the new players is key to the Browns success in 2011.

Joe Haden

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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns is congratulated after breaking up a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL season opener game at Raymond James Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Ph

Although Joe Haden had a very successful rookie season, including 64 total tackles, six interceptions and a forced fumble, the second-year cornerback would do well with another summer training camp, especially under the Browns' new 4-3 defensive scheme.

The 4-3 scheme generally uses four defensive backs, including two safeties and two cornerbacks. Haden is expected to be opposite Eric Wright as either the No. 1 or No. 2 and will be playing against top receivers from opposing teams.

The more responsibility placed on Haden is important to note when considering the lack of experience he will receive this summer.

Greg Little

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WINSTON SALEM, NC - OCTOBER 27: Wide receiver Greg Little #8 of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC game at the Groves Stadium, on October 27, 2007 in Winston Salem,North Carolina. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Every single Browns wide receiver could be placed on this list because of the timing that is involved in the West Coast offense.

However, rookie Greg Little may be affected most by the lockout because he has not played in two seasons. Little was suspended for the 2010 season at North Carolina after receiving improper benefits.

Little is expected to contribute immediately if he is physically able and he learns the offense. The year away from football may be worrying to some fans, but analysts have said Little would have been a first-round pick if he had not been suspended.

A summer working with quarterback Colt McCoy and a bit of maturing by Little may make him one of the draft's biggest steals.

Montario Hardesty

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BEREA, OH - MAY 01: Montario Hardesty #31 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 1, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Montario Hardesty, much like Little, missed the entire 2010 season. However, Hardesty was out with a torn ACL, which he suffered in the Browns' first preseason game.

Hardesty, a second-round draft pick for the Browns out of Tennessee, will be expected to back up star running back and Madden cover athlete Peyton Hillis when Hillis becomes fatigued. Hillis is the team's biggest offensive threat and any injury to him could be very costly for the Browns.

Hardesty will be expected to step up in Hillis' absence, and a summer working out with the team and an injury-free season could make Hardesty a very solid backup.

Ahtyba Rubin

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 20: Ahtyba Rubin #71 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during their NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Browns defeated the Chiefs 41-34. (Photo by Jami

Another defensive starter affected by the team's move to a 4-3 defense, Ahtyba Rubin was one of the biggest surprises on the Browns defense in 2010.

Rubin, a fourth-year defensive tackle out of Iowa State, recorded 82 tackles, two sacks and an interception in 2010 and out-shined veteran tackle Shaun Rogers, who was released by the Browns this offseason.

Rubin's job on the Cleveland defense will be much different in 2011, as he will not play his most comfortable position of nose tackle.

This summer is crucial to Rubin expanding his game beyond nose tackle and becoming accustomed to the Browns defense.

Colt McCoy

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns leads the team out of the tunnel during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Colt McCoy is easily the No. 1 choice for the Browns player most affected by the potential lockout.

McCoy is the man in Cleveland, as team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert have placed their faith in the young quarterback for his second season in the NFL.

McCoy is holding players' only meetings this summer during the lockout, as he and the rest of the offense try to learn the new offense implemented by head coach Pat Shurmur.

Without his coaches, McCoy will be forced to learn the hardest position in sports on his own and it is hard to imagine the Browns succeeding without an impressive quarterback in McCoy.