Do The Cleveland Browns Have Hope For Next Season ?

It's pretty obvious the Browns 2007 season was a fluke and the team is back to square one after there disappointing 2008 season. Do they have hope for next season or do they need to start rebuilding?

With the addition of a new head coach, it's time to start rebuilding but you never know, the team has potential to win. They have the talent, but do they have the coaching? Only time will tell.

Here are the steps the Browns should follow to be the best team they can be.

Start by signing a big free agent running back. Jamal Lewis ain't going to get the job done. Harisson shows flashes of greatness but it's unlikely he can do it every down and Wright is just a back-up.

Brandon Jacobs would be nice but he got franchised tagged. Another free agent need is at the cornerback position. The Browns don't need a Pro Bowl corner but a solid starter.

Then trade down in the draft. Trade the No. 5 overall for No. 12 - No. 20 overall and later picks. Try to trade down to where you can draft Orakpo because if the Browns defensive line consisted of Orakpo, Rodgers, and Williams, they'd that's one hell of a line.

After your first round pick, draft pass rushing linebackers, a strong safety, a receiver with good hands, and an offensive lineman from the right side. Also, look for a running back and corners.

Even though the Browns have many needs, they can get depth in the draft. If you don't get all these in the draft, look for cheap options in free agency, but whatever they do, they can't trade these players:

Joshua Cribbs, Joe Thomas, Sean Rodgers, Brady Quinn, D'qwell Jackson, Eric Steinbach, Lawrence Vickers, and Kellen Winslow.

Following these steps won't make the Browns contenders, but will get them headed in the right direction. If they are lucky, they will go 8-8.