Davis pulled the trigger on draft day and traded up to get a prospect he helped recruit at Miami not too long ago. Kellen Winslow Jr. is a true football player because of his intensity, talent, and drive to win. Although some are worried about his antics that has him rumored to be a troublemaker or a clubhouse cancer, his talent cannot be denied as one of the top TE playmakers to come out of college in recent years. Steve Heiden was the starting TE last year, but will not get much playing time with the pick up of Winslow and lack of two TE sets. Darnell Sanders, Keith Heinrich, and Chad Mustard fill in roster spots.
Offensive Tackle
The team’s arguably weakest position is at left tackle where the projected starter is veteran guard Ross Verba. Verba, who missed the entire 2003 season with a bicep tear, still has questions concerning his ability to contain the elite defenders of the league. Questions with Verba include his quickness to adjust to the rush, his strength to hold off bigger defenders and the agility to pull the line on a sweep or pitch. The rest of the line is unspectacular with spurts of talent. The opposite tackle position is the home to the Browns most consistent lineman Ryan Tucker who was also rewarded with a four year extension in the off-season. Tucker started all 16 games last year and is a cornerstone on the line. Depth at tackle includes Joaquin Gonzalez, Kirk Chambers, and Paul Zukauskas.
Offensive Guard
Cleveland acquired a consistent RG in free agency, picking up Kelvin Garmon from San Diego. Garmon has blocked for LaDainian Tomlinson for the past few seasons and was a contributor to LT’s success. With Ross Verba moving to left tackle, no consistent LG is on the Browns roster. Battling for the spot includes Enoch DeMar, Chad Beasley, or Paul Zukauskas. Other lineman competing for playing time includes Scot Osborne and Craig Osika.
Center
Cleveland’s 2003 first-round choice, Jeff Faine, has the tenacity of a bulldog and will command the snaps, but his biggest concern will be his ability to stay healthy. Back up center Melvin Fowler is a versatile lineman and will get chances to shine at OG as well. Second year player Ryan Pontbriand will be the long-snapper once again.
Defensive End
Although Courtney Brown was the team’s first rounder and No. 1-overall pick in 2000, his performance hasn’t matched up to the hype because of injuries. Brown suffered a ruptured biceps tendon at the end of last season, but will hopefully be ready for the upcoming 2004 campaign. Kenard Lang is another former first rounder who hasn’t lived up to expectations, but has been a consistent pass rusher as he led the team in sacks last season with eight. In the off-season, Cleveland picked up some depth in free agency, signing ex-cowboy Ebenezer Ekuban. Other ends include Mark Word, who led the team in sacks in 2003, and Corey Jackson who was awarded the top defensive award in NFL Europe this past season.
Defensive Tackle
Looking back at the 2001 draft, the Browns regret passing on speedster LaDainian Tomlinson in favor of a DT from Florida Gerrard Warren, however, Warren has evolved into a consistent run stopper. Warren and other starting tackle Orpheus Roye eat a lot of salary through their contracts, but form a good tandem up the middle. The Browns possess good depth at DT, but they need to become more consistent against the run to stop big games from players such as Jamal Lewis who totaled 500 yards between the two games. The back ups are Michael Myers, Antonio Garay, and Alvin McKinley.
Outside Linebacker
Last year Davis experimented with inexperienced and young outside LBs Ben Taylor and Kevin Bentley. Although Taylor and Bentley had somewhat solid seasons, neither are expected to start again in 2004 with the addition of free agent Warrick Holdman and second year player Chaun Thompson. Holdman has battled injuries, but brings experience to the vulnerable Cleveland defense. Thompson was considered a reach when Davis drafted him in the second round last year out of West Texas A&M, but will be given a chance to shine in a starting position. Brant Boyer is the most experienced player on defense entering his tenth season and has been very productive on special teams. Taylor, Bentley, and Boyer will be the primary back ups to Holdman and Thompson.
