Cleveland Browns Continue Rebuilding With Undrafted Players

The Cleveland Browns found success last year in discovering undrafted free agent gems who made contributions to the roster in 2009, and might be able to make an impact in the future too.

Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs is probably one of the most famous undrafted free agent stories in the NFL currently, but several Browns players could easily be the next big story.

In 2009, the Browns found undrafted tight end Evan Moore and linebacker Marcus Benard. Both players made some great strides in their rookie years and are looking to make major improvements in Year Two.

This offseason, the Browns found three more undrafted players who could turn into solid performers down the road with offensive lineman Joel Reinders, wide receiver Jonathan Haggerty, and defensive lineman Kawku Danso.

The Browns found Reinders via a YouTube video, and he has a good chance at making the final roster as a backup right tackle, behind Tony Pashos.

Reinders has great size at 6'7" and 320 pounds and can learn from veterans like Pashos and Joe Thomas.

Haggerty could have a tough time making the final roster, unless the Browns keep six receivers. But he could also make the practice squad as well.

At 6'1" and 195 pounds, Haggerty has good size and could see more time on special team in 2010 since their is so much youth at the receiver position. But crazier things have happened and he could surprise during training camp.

Danso is a favorite of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

"Who the hell is that?" said Ryan when he first laid eyes on Danso entering the room at East Carolina.

Danso, a 28-year-old rookie from Africa, is extremely raw. But with Shaun Rogers pending suspension for his gun incident, and if the Browns actually do move Rogers over to defensive end, there will be a void at defensive tackle behind projected starter Ahtyba Rubin.

A monster at 6'5" and 336 pounds, Danso has played football for only a few years and is still learning the game. But his size and strength are his biggest assets, and he can easily take on double—and possibly triple—teams in the line.

Of these three undrafted players, I can easily see Danso being the one player who makes the roster. His position needs more depth than the other two.

In the end, it is very nice to see the Browns can find some undrafted player who can make the squad and hopefully get some playing time if not in 2010, but in the future.

I cannot remember the last time the Browns found so many undrafted players since they came back into the NFL in 1999.

And this is obviously a testament to the coaches and scouting staff for finding these guys and keeping their names quiet in order to not draw any attention from other teams.

(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog )