After Earl Holmes was released, Andra Davis was given a chance to make some noise as a starter and he didn’t disappoint. Davis, a fifth rounder from Florida, will once again start at MLB and will look to top his team-high 114 tackles he piled up in 2003. Barry Gardner was originally brought in last year through free agency to be the starter, but saw limited action because of the success of Davis. Gardner and second year linebacker Mason Unck will be special team players and back up the MLB spot.
Cornerback
In 2003, Cleveland’s corners contributed for just 20% of the teams 15 interceptions. Daylon McCutcheon, a third rounder, remains one of two original players from when Cleveland returned to league in 1999. Although Anthony Henry has failed to play up to his 10 interceptions he had as a rookie, the tandem of Henry and McCutcheon has proved to be very effective against opposing wide receivers. Torry Holt, Anquan Boldin, and Hines Ward combined for only 11 catches and 185 yards. Michael Lehan, Leigh Bodden, and Roosevelt Williams will battle for nickelback position with the departure of Lewis Sanders.
Free Safety
Earl Little led the team in interceptions in 2003 with six, but was unhappy with team management and asked to seek a trade. Although given permission, no trade could be reached and Little will return as the Browns starting FS. Chris Crocker and Michael Jameson are behind Little on the depth chart.
Strong Safety
After compiling Pro-Bowl-like seasons while in Minnesota, Robert Griffith has failed to match the expectations with lack of quickness and speed. Griffith waits too long to adapt to the ball through the air but can be very effective against the run. Coach Davis noticed Griffith’s declining performance and looked to address the problem during the draft as he traded back into the second round to select S Sean Jones from Georgia, however, Jones tore his ACL during practice and is expected to miss the season.
Kicker
Phil Dawson returns to perform the kicking duties in 2004. Last year, Dawson hit 18/21 FG’s and missed only one extra point before heading to the injured reserve late in the season after breaking his arm.
Punter
The Browns were faced with a tough decision this off-season as they let arguably their most consistent player test free agency. Chris Gardocki ended up signing with the Browns main rival the Pittsburgh Steelers. To replace the record-setting Gardocki is undrafted player with a powerful leg, Derrick Frost. Frost has been used as a kicker and punter and will try and fill the shoes of one of the best punters of the last decade.
