What's New?
Legitimate hope for a brighter future. That’s something Cleveland Browns fans haven’t had much of since the team re-joined the league. But that could change after landing a pair of blue-chip draft prospects in Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Obviously it may take some time for these guys to pay huge dividends, but the hope they represent should restore some interest as the franchise struggles to get back on its feet.
The team also brought in veteran running back Jamal Lewis to help boost one of the weakest rushing attacks in the NFL, but I have my doubts he will make much of a difference. He’s obviously far removed from his prime, and hasn’t shown much vision or ability to shake tackles over the past couple seasons.
Besides Thomas, the Browns offensive line got a bit of a boost from the addition of former Bengals guard Eric Steinbach, assuming he stays healthy, and the Dolphins Seth McKinney.
Defensively, Cleveland added some depth at outside linebacker by signing Antwan Peek, and they added a pair of veteran defensive linemen to the mix in Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith. Robaire is penciled in as the starter at right defensive end, and Shaun will probably used in a rotation with Orpheus Roye on the left.
Rookie cornerback Eric Wright could be a huge boost to the secondary as well if he catches on quickly .
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin
1st Round - Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame
2nd Round - Eric Wright, CB UNLV
5th Round - Brandon McDonald, CB Memphis
6th Round - Melila Purcell, DE Hawaii
7th Round - Chase Pittman, DE LSU
7th Round - Syndric Steptoe, RS Arizona
Who's Gone?
RB Reuben Droughns (to Giants)
FB Terrelle Smith (to Cardinals)
FB Alan Ricard (to Lions)
WR Dennis Northcutt (to Jaguars)
G Joe Andruzzi (released)
DE Alvin McKinley (to Broncos)
DE Nick Eason (to Steelers)
LB Matt Stewart (out for season)
CB Ralph Brown (to Cardinals)
CB Daylon McCutcheon (released)
S Brian Russell (to Seahawks)
What Needs to Change?
If you can’t run the ball, and you can’t stop the run, you’re not going to beat many teams. Therefore, these two areas need to show significant improvement in 2007. Lewis, in my view, is not the answer at running back. His best days, obviously, are behind him, although he should be running behind what looks to be an improving offensive line.
Defensively, the Browns linemen have got to do a better job of closing gaps, and the additions of Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith to flank veteran nose tackle Ted Washington should help somewhat. This is not a particularly impressive unit, however, especially when you consider that Washington, once a Pro Bowl-caliber player, is now 39 years old.
Under Pressure to Perform
Romeo Crennel - The Browns showed some progress in Crennel’s rookie season in ‘05, advancing from four wins the previous season to six. But since that time the team has regressed, winning just four again in ‘06. The head coach gets a little bit of a reprieve this year because the club just drafted what they believe to be their quarterback and left tackle of the future and they will need time to develop. But it’s time the team started showing some progress in other areas, or Romeo may not be around to reap whatever benefits Quinn and Thomas might bring.
Jamal Lewis - Once one of the league’s most feared power backs, Lewis is a shadow of his former self. But he’s being asked to revive a running game that was among the worst in the game last year, and I don’t think he was the right guy for the job.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 31st (264.6)
Rushing Offense - 31st (83.4)
Passing Offense - 23rd (181.1)
Overall Defense - 27th (344.8)
Rushing Defense - 29th (142.2)
Passing Defense - 15th (202.6)
Prediction - The Browns have enough talent on their roster to be a competitive team this year, bu they aren’t anywhere close to being ready to challenge for a playoff spot. They still have a lot of issues on both sides of the ball, and at some point, will likely be breaking in a rookie quarterback. Therefore, I don’t see a lot of improvement in the win column this year. But there is reason for optimism in the coming years.
Record:5-11 and last in the AFC North
