The Cleveland Browns Standpoint as of Now

So far, Mangini has impressed me. At first, I, along with most of you Browns fans out there, I was a little skeptical as him as the Browns new coach.

Some have come along to like Mangini, as some still don't see where he is taking the franchise. Here is where they stand (as of now).

As of now, the entire roster is under the microscope, which suites itself because it went under the knife at the beginning of the preseason.

First of all, the offensive line will be a strong point, and even better, it will be stronger than 2007. The signing of George Foster finishes the line. A mix of experience, youth, size, depth, and consistency is how you describe the Browns O-line.

Joe Thomas will be the (Pro Bowl) anchor, Eric Steinach will be the face of consitency, Alex Mack will be the new kid, and the right side will be the competition.

Mangini looks to bring a very strong running game to the AFC North. Jamal Lewis will lead the pack, while Jerome Harrison and James Davis will fit into their roles (nicely). They aren't the best backs in the league but WILL get the job done.

Jamal is a natural leader, and wants redemption from a disappointing post career-saving year. His guidance will strongly influence his new prodigy Davis, and his power will help Jerome's elusiveness thrive.

The receivers are new, even including Braylon Edwards and Josh Cribbs. Edwards won't run deep routes constantly and Cribbs will see an expanded role. The rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi are new found energy, while veterans Mike Furrey and David Patten will show them which direction to channel it.

The receivers are a better group than most realize, and Edwards is in his contract year. They will explode onto the scene before any team knows it.

The quarterback dilemma is deteriorating most fans insides, as well as the quarterbacks themselves. The pits of stomachs are feeling the butterflies, and not the ones you get on the first date.

Whether it be Quinn or Anderson (or Ratliff), the QB will succeed nonetheless. The offensive is on a ball-control basis and all the position needs is leadership along with consistency. Mangini leads towards Quinn...

The defense had the talent last year, but it wasn't utilized well.

Starting corners Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald did exceptionally well considering a passrush was almost nonexistent, especially when Shaun Rogers was gasping for air on the sidelines.

With veterans Roderick Hood and Corey Ivy, along with ExJet Hank Poteat, Wright and McDonald along with the rest of the secondary will see consistency. The rookies, Don Carey and Coye Francies will fight for roster spots, making them more valuable on certain defensive packages.

The competition brewing in the secondary is overlooked due to the QB dispute, but it's there. This will make everyone fight for playing time, and Rod Hood is in a "prove yourself" one year contract. With a pass rush, oh baby...

Speaking of that pass rush, it will be there. Yet another part of the defensive under utilized, look for the sack leader to be in the double digits this year. Kamerion Wimbley and Rogers will be there, but it's up to the others to generate.

Sophomore Alex Hall will starting time, rookie David Veikune will be the "situational" passrusher, and David Bowens will the veteran glue. Eric Barton will strengthen and guide the group, while D'Qwell Jackson racks up 120 plus tackles (closer to the line of scrimmage this year).

With a deep defensive line, Rogers can be at ease. The backup will come when needed, and ready to go head to head (or body to body) will the opposing O-line. Mangini will be sure of that.

New D-lineman Kenyon Coleman knows the defense, while Corey Williams now has a year of 3-4 defense under his belt. Depth will also help them when needed. No Mario Williams on this line, just a mack truck in the center will solid wing men alongside him.

The biggest question on the defense, I believe, is the safeties. Sean Jones is gone, Brodney Pool HAS to prove himself, and Abram Elam is looking to finally have a true starting role.

If Pool can be consistent, and Elam lives up to the potential that Mangini, as well as I believe he has, then look out gunslinger QB's. Pool has improved his numbers each year, and can get the occasional sack. Elam did well in the time he saw, and could thrive in a starting role.

The backups in Mike Adams and Nick Soreson can get it done if needed, so the safeties, in all honesty, could thrive or barely survive.

The special teams unite has always been good, strongly influenced by leaders in Cribbs and Phil Dawson. Despite them both wanting new contacts, they will show up for 2009 with smiles on their faces. They will soon realize that a new contract under new management/coaching isn't right.

Play a year under your new coach and then talk. Other than that, the ST's will be great. Dawson will kick field goals with great accuracy, Cribbs will return with attitude, Dave Zastudil will be a consistent punter...

Some players will step us as great special teamers. Kuluka Maiava being a first to come to mind.

This team will be disciplined, smart, consistent, and fresh. They might even have some of their fellow Clevelander's and have "swag," like the Cavaliers. Either way, the Browns are looking to improve. Do not, and I mean DO NOT underestimate them.