Commander of Awesome;761259 wrote:Hard to win when you're NFL talent is suspended by the NCAA for the season. Also its not like the ACC is a powerhouse conference like the Big Ten as well. Hmmm, maybe the coach isn't as good as he thinks he is.

In many peoples eyes the Big Ten is a "powerhouse conference" but not in mine. For the most part you usually have two good teams, OSU and <insert hot team for that year...Penn State, Iowa or Wisconsin>, and the rest are "filler." They are a powerhouse compared to the ACC though.

Well in usualy Butch Davis style his strength in recruiting and talent development are not at QB hence another reason why UNC has not ran through ACC. His defense is his biggest strength but yeah it doesn't help when they are suspsended.

He still is the last coach to take the Browns to the playoffs.
smh

like_that;761296 wrote:He still is the last coach to take the Browns to the playoffs.
smh

Sad but true. Still think he was a great coach but a piss poor GM. He fucked the team over in that playoff game by firing Foge Fazio at halftime, taking over the defense and going into prevent mode. If he lets Fazio continue to attack on defense, Cleveland beats the Steelers in that game.

BR1986FB;761299 wrote:Sad but true. Still think he was a great coach but a piss poor GM. He fucked the team over in that playoff game by firing Foge Fazio at halftime, taking over the defense and going into prevent mode. If he lets Fazio continue to attack on defense, Cleveland beats the Steelers in that game.

He then further fucked us the next season by getting rid of all of our LBers and then drafting a rookies who couldn't play. (see Chaun Thompson, Ben Taylor, Etc..)

Ahhh....Ben Taylor. I think only Moon Pie Peralta has incurred my wrath more than that stiff on roller skates. Is he even still in the league?

After us I think he played in Green Bay for a season, where he continued to rack up the most 10 yds down field tackles in the league. Not sure after that.

Commander of Awesome;761343 wrote:After us I think he played in Green Bay for a season, where he continued to rack up the most 10 yds down field tackles in the league. Not sure after that.

He learned from the best in Andra Davis.

like_that;761413 wrote:He learned from the best in Andra Davis.

Haha...you may have hit a nerve there.

like_that;761413 wrote:He learned from the best in Andra Davis.

Fiction. One's still in the league, one isn't.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81fa9321/article/unofficial-list-of-potential-2011-free-agents?module=HP_headlines&module=HP_headlines

Free agents who do you want? How many do you think the Browns get?

Offense
Quarterbacks
Player Team Accrued
Todd Bouman Jaguars 11
Marc Bulger Ravens 10
Kerry Collins Titans 16
Todd Collins Bears 16
Brett Favre Vikings 20
Charlie Frye Raiders 6
Rex Grossman Redskins 8
Matt Hasselbeck Seahawks 12
J.P. Losman Seahawks 6
*Peyton Manning Colts 13
J.T. O'Sullivan Raiders 8
Chad Pennington Dolphins 11
Patrick Ramsey Vikings 8
Chris Simms Titans 8
Alex Smith 49ers 6
Jim Sorgi Giants 7
Brian St. Pierre Panthers 7
*Michael Vick Eagles 8
Billy Volek Chargers 11



Running backs
Player Team Accrued
Michael Bennett Raiders 10
Cedric Benson Bengals 6
Ladell Betts Saints 9
Ronnie Brown Dolphins 6
Kevin Faulk Patriots 12
Julius Jones Saints 7
Mewelde Moore Steelers 7
Sammy Morris Patriots 11
Dominic Rhodes Colts 8
Darren Sproles Chargers 6
Fred Taylor Patriots 13
Brian Westbrook 49ers 9
Cadillac Williams Buccaneers 6
Ricky Williams Dolphins 10
Jason Wright Cardinals 6



Fullbacks
Player Team Accrued
Heath Evans Saints 10
Vonta Leach Texans 7
Tony Richardson Jets 16
Tight ends
Player Team Accrued
Desmond Clark Bears 12
John Gilmore Buccaneers 9
Reggie Kelly Bengals 12
Randy McMichael Chargers 9
Bo Scaife Titans 6



Wide receivers
Player Team Accrued
Mark Clayton Rams 6
Michael Clayton Giants 7
Terrance Copper Chiefs 7
Kevin Curtis Chiefs 7
Rashied Davis Bears 6
Braylon Edwards Jets 6
Brian Finneran Falcons 11
Mike Furrey Redskins 8
T.J. Houshmandzadeh Ravens 10
*Vincent Jackson Chargers 6
Greg Lewis Vikings 8
Randy Moss Titans 13
Santana Moss Redskins 10
Terrell Owens Bengals 15
Donte' Stallworth Ravens 8
Brandon Stokley Seahawks 12
Kelley Washington Chargers 8


Offensive tackles
Player Team Accrued
Khalif Barnes Raiders 6
Alex Barron Cowboys 6
Jammal Brown Redskins 6
Kirk Chambers Bengals 6
Wayne Hunter Jets 6
Matt Light Patriots 10
Sean Locklear Seahawks 7
Chester Pitts Seahawks 9
Barry Sims 49ers 12
Langston Walker Raiders 9
Ray Willis Seahawks 6


Guards
Player Team Accrued
Trai Essex Steelers 6
Alan Faneca Cardinals 13
Robert Gallery Raiders 7
Adam Goldberg Rams 7
Kyle Kosier Cowboys 9
Daniel Loper Raiders 6
*Logan Mankins Patriots 6
Evan Mathis Bengals 6
Reggie Wells Eagles 8
Floyd Womack Browns 10
Billy Yates Browns 7


Centers
Player Team Accrued
David Baas 49ers 6
Jonathan Goodwin Saints 9
Olin Kreutz Bears 13
Scott Mruczkowski Chargers 6
Chris Spencer Seahawks 6
Casey Wiegmann Chiefs 15
Tony Wragge 49ers 6


Kickers
Player Team Accrued
David Akers Eagles 12
Matt Bryant Falcons 8
*Phil Dawson Browns 12
Shayne Graham Patriots 10
Ryan Longwell Vikings 14
Olindo Mare Seahawks 14
Jeff Reed 49ers 9
Adam Vinatieri Colts 15
Long snappers
Player Team Accrued
James Dearth Chargers 10
Kevin Houser Ravens 10
Greg Warren Steelers 6


Defense
Defensive ends
Player Team Accrued
Jason Babin Titans 7
Dave Ball Titans 6
Raheem Brock Seahawks 9
Jacques Cesaire Chargers 8
Jared DeVries Lions 12
Nick Eason Steelers 8
Shaun Ellis Jets 11
Demetric Evans 49ers 9
Jonathan Fanene Bengals 6
Jarvis Green Texans 8
Cullen Jenkins Packers 7
Travis Johnson Chargers 6
Bobby McCray Eagles 6
Trevor Pryce Jets 14
Robaire Smith Browns 11
Shaun Smith Chiefs 6
Marcus Spears Cowboys 6
Gerard Warren Patriots 10


Defensive tackles
Player Team Accrued
Anthony Adams Bears 8
Marques Douglas Titans 10
Ron Edwards Chiefs 10
Ronald Fields Broncos 6
Aubrayo Franklin 49ers 8
Anthony Hargrove Saints 6
Chris Hoke Steelers 10
Chris Hovan Rams 11
Damione Lewis Texans 10
Bryan Robinson Cardinals 14
Craig Terrill Seahawks 7
Jimmy Wilkerson Saints 8
Pat Williams Vikings 14


Middle linebackers
Player Team Accrued
Akin Ayodele Bills 9
Kevin Bentley Texans 9
Chase Blackburn Giants 6
Kevin Burnett Chargers 6
Stephen Cooper Chargers 8
Keyaron Fox Steelers 7
Dhani Jones Bengals 11
Niko Koutouvides Buccaneers 7
Brandon Moore Chargers 6
Kirk Morrison Jaguars 6
Barrett Ruud Buccaneers 6
Takeo Spikes 49ers 13
Tracy White Patriots 8
Matt Wilhelm Packers 8
Rod Wilson Bears 6


Outside linebackers
Player Team Accrued
Charlie Anderson Chiefs 7
Keith Bulluck Giants 11
Vinny Ciuciu Lions 8
Danny Clark Saints 11
Thomas Davis Panthers 6
Tyjuan Hagler Colts 6
LeRoy Hill Seahawks 6
Landon Johnson Lions 7
Travis LaBoy 49ers 6
Ben Leber Vikings 9
Matt McCoy Seahawks 6
Kawika Mitchell Saints 8
Mike Peterson Falcons 12
Matt Roth Browns 6
Scott Shanle Saints 8
David Thornton Titans 9
Pisa Tinoisamoa Bears 8
Mike Vrabel Chiefs 14
Sam Williams Raiders 8
Jamie Winborn Titans 9


Cornerbacks
Player Team Accrued
Nnamdi Asomugha Raiders 8
Phillip Buchanon Redskins 9
Chris Carr Ravens 6
Travis Daniels Chiefs 6
Drayton Florence Bills 8
Ellis Hobbs Eagles 6
Roderick Hood Titans 8
William James 49ers 10
Karl Paymah Texans 6
Keiwan Ratliff Bengals 6
Carlos Rogers Redskins 6
Lito Sheppard Vikings 9
Ike Taylor Steelers 8
Frank Walker Vikings 8
Fabian Washington Ravens 6
Brian Williams Falcons 9


Free safeties
Player Team Accrued
Jordan Babineaux Seahawks 7
Sean Considine Jaguars 6
Aaron Francisco Colts 6
Ken Hamlin Colts 8
Brandon McGowan Patriots 6
Jon McGraw Chiefs 9
Darren Sharper Saints 14
Gibril Wilson Bengals 7


Strong safeties
Player Team Accrued
C.C. Brown Lions 6
Josh Bullocks Bears 6
Tyrone Carter Chargers 11
Matt Giordano Saints 6
Deon Grant Giants 11
Michael Lewis Rams 9
Quintin Mikell Eagles 8
Lawyer Milloy Seahawks 15
Donnie Nickey Titans 8
Brodney Pool Jets 6
Pierson Prioleau Saints 12
Gerald Sensabaugh Cowboys 6
Nick Sorensen Browns 10
Matt Ware Cardinals 7
Roy Williams Bengals 9


Punters
Player Team Accrued
Ben Graham Cardinals 6
Michael Koenen Falcons 6
Brad Maynard Bears 14
Matt Turk Texans 16

Ray Edwards
Tyson Clabo

I honestly only see them going after 3 to 4 FA's and not making a big splash. Most likely rotational types and not "marquee/name" type guy.

I wouldn't mind seeing Kirk Morrison (MLB), Barry Coefield (DT-rotate with Rubin & Taylor and is from Cleveland) not on the list but he should be a FA, along with a vet WR. I could see them target Mark Clayton (Rams) and, possibly, Sean Locklear because of the familiarity with Shurmur & Holmgren. Darren Sproles as a change of pace back would be nice too.

I think we NEED to get a true veteran NFL WR.....I say that because we have 3 young guys and yes I still say MoMass and Robo are still young, but they need someone who has been in the league 8-10 years to show them how to be successful in this league. I really think that is a big need that we need to address in free agency.

Lance Moore would fit that bill

Assembling the Defense


By Don Delco
OBR Reporter
Posted May 6, 2011



The Browns have collected defensive pieces in the last two drafts. Were they the right call?

It appears as if the Cleveland Browns run defense received a major upgrade last week. The selection of Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor gives the Browns two solid tackles and a defense that appears strong up the middle.

In the last two seasons, the Browns have shown their ability to run the ball. Now they just may be able to stop the run. How many times have you heard that the ability to run the ball and stop the run is the key to winning games in the NFL?

Since 1999, the Browns have simply not stopped the run. In terms of yards allowed per game, the Browns have not ranked better than 23rd since 1999 and their average slot is 28th out of 32 teams. Here is how it breaks down:

1999: 31st (171.0)

2000: 29th (156.6)

2001: 29th (138.0)

2002: 27th (129.9)

2003: 23rd (132.1)

2004: 32nd (144.6)

2005: 30th (137.6)

2006: 29th (142.2)

2007: 27th (129.5)

2008: 28th (151.9)

2009: 28th (144.6)

2010: 27th (129.4)

So the Browns have not been able to stop the run. The Browns also have not been able to win many games. Is developing a strong run defense the answer to more consistent winning in Cleveland?

Yes and no.

The Browns can&#8217;t stop the pass either. In the current NFL, throwing the football rules the air (pun intended, sorry). Nowhere was this more evident than on the game&#8217;s greatest stage, Super Bowl XLV. Green Bay and Pittsburgh combined for 36 rushing attempts and 79 passing attempts.

Here is what the Browns&#8217; three AFC North opponents did through the air last season. Pittsburgh&#8217;s Ben Roethlisberger, Baltimore&#8217;s Joe Flacco and Cincinnati&#8217;s Carson Palmer combined to finish 104-for-158 passing (65.8 percent complete) for 1,481 yards with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Individually, Flacco was 34-for-50 for 364 with five touchdowns and one interception, Palmer was 39-for-59 for 580 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions and Roethlisberger was 31-for-49 for 537 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.

Yet if the Browns can&#8217;t stop the run or stop the pass, guess what?

The team gets beat week in and week out.

The last two years of Browns first- and second-round draft picks have addressed their weaknesses in run and pass defense. Since 1999, only two Super Bowl winners have had a run defense ranked above 20th with the average ranking is 10th.

So, yes a stronger run defense will help. So, too, will a stronger pass defense.

In general, they just need a good overall defense. How&#8217;s that for hard-hitting analysis?

Yes, having a strong pass defense is critical in this era of the NFL, but stopping the run will go a long way. Since 1999, the Steelers have ranked first in the league in rushing yards allowed per game four times, second once and third once. The latter two seasons were the team&#8217;s Super Bowl winning seasons. Sorry to bring up those bad memories.

Pittsburgh employs a 3-4 defense. The Browns had attempted to do the same, much to the chagrin of most fans. Now the Browns and new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron will use the 4-3 scheme.

Slowly, the Browns are assembling pieces to create a strong defense that can stop the run. Last year&#8217;s first two picks &#8211; Joe Haden and T.J. Ward &#8211; have shown to be strong tackling defensive backs. The defensive line added a big, talented player to clog up the middle in this year&#8217;s draft and finally, the 4-3 scheme helps the Browns traditionally weak linebacking corps by, well, removing one linebacker.

This is why we love the game of football. The key to winning games may sound simple, &#8220;Stop the run and run the ball.&#8221; Yet, especially here in Cleveland, we know things can be very complex.

http://cle.scout.com/2/1070309.html

National Football Posts "projects" it's 2011 All-Rookie Team. Browns got one of them...

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2011-NFP-AllRookie-team-projections.html

The fact that this kid is now a Tribe fan and hates the Miami Heat is enough to love him, Pittsburgh native or not....

Browns' Pinkston contributes versatility as lineman

By Nate Ulrich
Beacon Journal sports writer

POSTED: 07:06 p.m. EDT, May 07, 2011

The Browns' third-and-final trade of the 2011 NFL Draft has been overshadowed by their first two deals. Nevertheless, it proves General Manager Tom Heckert and Co. have faith in offensive lineman Jason Pinkston.

The Browns sent their two sixth-round selections (Nos. 168 and 170) to the Minnesota Vikings, so they could move up and select the 6-foot-3, 317-pound Pinkston in the fifth round (No. 150).

''We were looking at the teams that were picking ahead of us,'' Browns coach Pat Shurmur said. ''We had projected teams that we thought were going to go offensive line. He was a guy we had targeted, and we just didn't want to risk losing him.''

Whether the Browns' gamble pays off obviously remains to be seen. This, however, is already clear: Pinkston, who served as the University of Pittsburgh's starting left tackle during the past three seasons, has fully embraced Northeast Ohio and its sports scene.

The day he was drafted, Pinkston, a Pittsburgh native, told local reporters he was going to donate his Steelers apparel to Goodwill. Since then, he has used Twitter to announce his new allegiance to the Indians and his lack of support for the Miami Heat. He even claimed to have a dream about meeting his future wife in Cleveland.

Fans might learn to love Pinkston because of his attitude. As for the Browns, they're attracted to his versatility. Although Pinkston played tackle in college, the Browns will first experiment with him at guard, Shurmur said.

''I think anytime you can draft an offensive lineman that has that versatility, you're in good shape,'' Heckert said. ''[Pinkston] was another guy that we liked. We obviously traded both our [sixth-round picks] to get up and get him. Hopefully he comes in and plays well for us.''

Despite Tony Pashos suffering season-ending injuries in consecutive years, the Browns view him as their starting right tackle. Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach and Alex Mack are entrenched as the starters at left tackle, left guard and center, respectively.

The starting job at right guard, though, could be up for grabs.

Last season, Floyd Womack started 12 games at right guard, but he's unsigned. So is fellow veteran Billy Yates, who started at right guard when the Browns played the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets in 2010. Shawn Lauvao made one start at right guard last year as a rookie, and he'll probably become the favorite to fill the spot, especially if Womack and Yates don't return.

Then there's Pinkston. At the very least, he should receive a chance to push for playing time.

''I'm going to just come in and do my part and do it the best I can, playing offensive line, learning the playbook and getting things done like that,'' Pinkston said last week during a conference call. ''I'll try to follow the lead of the older veterans on the team, and if I can get in and play right away, I'm definitely up for it.''

Pinkston has reasons to believe he can excel as a professional football player. For one, he has pedigree. His cousin, Todd Pinkston, played wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles while Heckert and Shurmur worked for the team.

But perhaps the tutelage Pinkston received from former Pitt offensive line coach Tony Wise will prove to be more valuable than his bloodlines. In his 37-year coaching career, Wise has spent 18 seasons guiding offensive lines in the NFL.

''I've been in a pro-style offense with coach Tony Wise, who's been my offensive line coach for a long time,'' Pinkston said. ''We ran a lot of power football. Some of our blocking schemes are very similar to the [those of the] Cleveland Browns.''

Pinkston has suffered from shoulder injuries in the past, and he did not bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, he still managed to impress Browns offensive line coach George Warhop. (Pinkston said his meeting with Warhop was his only contact with the Browns during the predraft process.) Proving he was healthy during Pitt's pro day helped his cause, too.

''Both of my shoulders were cleared,'' Pinkston said. ''I did not have to go back out to the combine for another evaluation. I benched at pro day, and I did 22 reps. So my shoulders are fine and cool.''

If Pinkston can stay healthy and develop into a reliable starter, the trade used to nab him won't be forgotten. It will be applauded.
















http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/121445164.html

I like him already.

2012 video mock draft. WATCH it...definitely worth sitting through....Who did the Browns pick again?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPJjRb6qoVA

Cleveland Browns' draft displays a vision for the long term: Terry's Talkin'

Published: Saturday, May 07, 2011, 6:03 PM Updated: Sunday, May 08, 2011, 12:12 AM
Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

ABOUT THE BROWNS' DRAFT . . .

1. I talked to a top executive at another AFC team about the Browns' draft and heard the following: "They are being practical. They're not kidding themselves about being Julio Jones or some other great player away from being a good team. They recognized that they lack depth and talent to compete right now in the AFC North."

2. The Browns would never say that openly, but this draft screamed long term. This is a team that has only once ranked higher than No. 27 against the run since the franchise returned in 1999. So that led to the team trading down with Atlanta, adding what amounted to three new picks.

3. That led to the drafting of Phil Taylor at No. 21. Will the defensive tackle from Baylor make a major difference on the line? The AFC executive said: "What you really notice is when you don't have those big guys who can stop the run. Cleveland hasn't [had them]. With [Ahtyba] Rubin and now Taylor, they at least admit there is a problem and are willing to address it."

4. ESPN's Todd McShay believed trading the No. 70 pick to Kansas City to move up from No. 27 to No. 21 to draft Taylor was the Browns' "most questionable move . . . It's not a terrible reach to take Taylor, but they might not have had to give up a third-round pick to get him."

5. The Browns believed someone (Philadelphia?) planned to take Taylor before No. 27, so they made the deal. They put a higher value on Taylor than on Muhammad Wilkerson, the defensive lineman from Temple who the Jets took at No. 30. It will be worth checking back in a few years to see which player has made more of an impact. The Browns also saw the 310-pound Wilkerson as more of a defensive end in a 3-4 formation, rather than a pure run-stopper. The Browns are switching from the 3-4 to a 4-3.

6. ESPN's Mel Kiper wrote, "Taylor may have been a bit of a reach, but he's the best clogger in the draft -- and those guys are hard to find." Kiper gave the Browns a B+ for the draft.

7. After it was all over, the Browns traded their No. 6 pick (Jones, to Atlanta) and No. 70 (Georgia defensive end Justin Houston, to K.C.) for Taylor, second-rounder Greg Little and fourth-rounder Owen Marecic. The deal continues next season, with the Browns having Atlanta's first- and fourth-round picks.

8. I believe the Browns' best pick and the one most likely to show immediate results is Jabaal Sheard, the defensive end from Pittsburgh. He was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Sheard had 14.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, batted down four passes and forced four fumbles. He seems like a guy who makes big plays, and his speed is obvious when watching him on tape.

9. McShay and Kiper both praised taking Little in the second round. I consider him the biggest risk because he didn't play last season -- for accepting money from an agent and lying to the NCAA -- and has played only one full season as a wide receiver. He was a star running back in high school. The Browns say Little is an elite athlete, and he did have enough talent to make North Carolina's basketball team one season. This is the boom or bust pick, depending upon how Little approaches the pros.

10. The Browns are confident about Little adjusting to his new team because North Carolina played the same type of West Coast offense the Browns will use.

11. The Browns like football players with basketball experience because high-level college basketball demands tremendous athleticism. It's why they took Jordan Cameron, a tight end from USC who played some basketball there and at Brigham Young. ESPN wrote: "He is tough because of his pass-catching ability. He should be effective on third down and in the red zone."

12. Marecic also played in the West Coast offense at Stanford, and the Browns project him as a fullback with major power-blocking ability, but enough skill to catch passes out of the backfield. He also started at linebacker (yes, he played both ways). ESPN wrote, "Marecic should contribute immediately in short yardage and goal-line situations, and be a terror on special teams."

13. I really liked the idea of trading the two sixth-rounders for Pitt left tackle Jason Pinkston. He can fill in at right guard and tackle, where the Browns are desperately thin.

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/05/browns_draft_screams_long_term.html

BR1986FB;762382 wrote:2012 video mock draft. WATCH it...definitely worth sitting through....Who did the Browns pick again?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPJjRb6qoVA

lol couldn't tell you they took

Free agency is next for Cleveland Browns, whenever the NFL opens for business again: NFL Insider

Published: Sunday, May 08, 2011, 1:30 AM Updated: Sunday, May 08, 2011, 1:51 AM
Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer

The Browns didn't expect to fill all their holes in this season's draft. But they did expect to fill more through free agency.

Now that the draft is over, free agency would be the next order of business when the NFL gives teams the green light. Everything depends on a ruling from the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is considering the NFL's argument to stay Judge Susan Richard Nelson's decision to lift the owners' lockout.

At some point, temporary rules will be set to resume business. These are expected to be similar to the 2010 rules -- no salary cap, unrestricted free agency for players with six or more NFL seasons, restricted free agency for players with three, four or five seasons.

Only about 220 players qualify for unrestricted free agency. Another 300 or so fall in the restricted group, but some of those may have been tendered offers by their clubs. The NFL does not intend to release the list of restricted free agents tendered until free agency starts.

We have confirmed the Browns have tendered contracts to cornerback Eric Wright and tight end Evan Moore. They also re-signed linebacker D'Qwell Jackson for one year and quarterback Seneca Wallace for three years. They won't comment on the status of other RFAs, such as fullback Lawrence Vickers.

The RFAs are attractive because they are younger and just hitting their prime. But without confirmation of the pool of RFAs, we can only speculate on potential restricted free agents such as Buffalo safety Donte Whitner.

The Bills say they might not bring him back; Whitner says he'd like to return to Buffalo. Whitner figures to be attractive to the Browns because of their need to replace unrestricted free agent Abe Elam and because Whitner played four years under Dick Jauron, the current Browns defensive coordinator, in Buffalo. Whitner, in fact, was the first draft pick made by Jauron as Bills head coach.

So when trying to match up Browns' needs with free agents, it's very speculative to consider restricted free agents until the official leaguewide list is revealed.

Let's take a look at the Browns' most apparent major needs and possible free agents at those positions.

DEFENSIVE END

On the Browns: Second-round draft choice Jabaal Sheard has to be penciled in as one starter. He's the only true 4-3 end on the roster. GM Tom Heckert said he wants to re-sign Jayme Mitchell, the mystery man acquired last year who did not get on the field for a single play. Another possibility is trying to convert linebacker Marcus Benard to a full-time end.

Unrestricted possibilities: Jason Babin, Tennessee; Dave Ball, Tennessee; Anthony Hargrove, New Orleans; Travis LaBoy, San Francisco.

Restricted possibilities: Jacob Ford, Tennessee; Mathias Kiwanuka, N.Y. Giants; Victor Abiamiri, Philadelphia; Cliff Avril, Detroit; Turk McBride, Detroit; Ray Edwards, Minnesota; Charles Johnson, Carolina; Tim Crowder, Tampa Bay; Stylez White, Tampa Bay.

Summary: Lots of intriguing players here, especially in the restricted group.

SAFETY

On the Browns: T.J. Ward is the in-the-box safety, the hammer, the enforcer. Mike Adams is a solid backup, capable of playing some nickel back, also. The need is for a free safety to replace Abe Elam. Seventh-round draft pick Eric Hagg is a long-shot contender.

Unrestricted: Brandon McGowan, New England; Sean Considine, Jacksonville; Aaron Francisco, Indianapolis; Ken Hamlin, Indianapolis; Jordan Babineaux, Seattle.

Restricted: Donte Whitner, Buffalo; Jarrad Page, New England; Chinedum Ndukwe, Cincinnati; Michael Huff, Oakland; Eric Weddle, San Diego; Atari Bigby, Green Bay; Charlie Peprah, Green Bay.

Summary: Whitner, a native Clevelander from Glenville and Ohio State, makes the most sense.

RUNNING BACK

On the Browns: There's nobody behind Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty. The team worked out two players prior to the draft but was unable to get one. The preference here is for a change-of-pace scatback with catching ability.

Unrestricted: Brian Westbrook, San Francisco; Julius Jones, Seattle; Darren Sproles, San Diego; Mewelde Moore, Pittsburgh; Jason Wright, Arizona;

Restricted: Patrick Cobbs, Miami; Jerome Harrison, Philadelphia; Brandon Jackson, Green Bay; Jerious Norwood, Atlanta.

Summary: Teams generally don't go the restricted route for role players. Westbrook would be a natural to rejoin Heckert, but several names here would qualify as good fits.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/05/post_79.html

They aren't going to take a shot at FA wrs?

like_that;762808 wrote:They aren't going to take a shot at FA wrs?

I'd hope so.