As is likely the case for many fans of the Seal Brown and Orange, this Cleveland Browns' observer has his thoughts on what the club might do once free agency commences Friday.
It has often been written here and elsewhere that the defensive front seven should be the focus of GM Phil Savage's attention, with first-day additions expected. An edge-rusher to complement ROLB Kamerion Wimbley, a physical run-stuffer for strongside ILB, at least two immediate-impact DEs and possibly a NT constitute a must-have list for Savage, his scouts and personnel department. This does not account for youngsters, anticipated in the April 26-27 draft, to groom at a few of the spots.
The organization was remarkaby successful in rectifying its long-standing ineffectiveness offensively last season. It now must perform as profoundly in support of its needy defense. Relying solely upon first-year prospects---and let's remember the draft is full of nothing but unproven prospects---is not the recommended means toward that desired end.
Therefore, the groundwork that has been executed leading up to Friday's start and the fruit it generates figures to constitute the essence of whatever improvements can be achieved in this off-season. The Browns came within one blown official's call in Arizona of being a playoff team in 2007, a ten-win achievement enabled mightily by an extremely favorable schedule and the benefit of sneaking up on a few opponents.
As much will not be the case in 2008. The club will face much stiffer competition and those opponents will have had months to prepare for what Cleveland has shown a tendency to favor. Much more than smoke and mirrors will be required to approach last season's record, particularly defensively, where legitimacy must be earned in the trenches.
Because the sport's decision-makers have had so many years to adjust to the realities of free agency, it is uncommon that star performers populate the market. Most clubs find the means to protect their core contributors, if only via franchise tags. Hence, the successes in the process are often predicated upon organizations being able to distinguish the up-and-coming, under-the-radar pieces, supplemented with one or two genuine high-dollar bids--- and maybe a fringe vet with the promise of a remaining strong season or two.
Last year's Cleveland class, for example, brought big-ticket OLG Eric Steinbach, sleeper NT Shaun Smith and veteran discards Jamal Lewis (RB), Robaire Smith (DE) and Antwan Peek (OLB) amid a collection of lesser lights: CB Kenny Wright, OG Seth McKinney, S Michael Adams, ILB Kris Griffin, to name a few.
Similarly, this year's additions could be highlighted by one sizeable investment, one retread vet reach and an assortment of low-profile bit parts discriminantly assembled, with the draft subsequently providing succession behind them.
Arizona Cardinal Calvin Pace might be Savage's primary acquisition. The former Wake Forest DE, selected surprisingly high at 18 three years ago, successfully transitioned to LOLB in the desert for new head coach Ken Whisenhunt, demonstrating the requisite abilities to claim a fit there for a 3-4 unit. Just beginning, therefore, to tap his potential, Pace would provide Cleveland a long-term solution opposite Wimbley and the prospect of a consistent pass-rush, long absent along the North Coast. Because others will bid on Pace, he could be that characteristic Day One splash Savage has shown the inclination to utilize. Center LeCharles Bentley was Phil's first free agent, nabbed immediately in 2006, followed by the Steinbach signing last March.
Graybeard Jeremiah Trotter could be the defensive leader Savage claims to covet, someone able to bring to that side of the ball what Lewis brought to the offense. At 6-1 262, the 31-year-old Trotter seems ideal for the role, having a legacy of impact, both on and off the field, in Philadelphia, Washington and, most recently, in Tampa, though he did so there in a reserve capacity.
Trotter no longer has the speed and range that once made him special and, consequently, his coverage is not what it once was, but he's a prototype of what is needed inside among the Cleveland LBs. Tough, physical, inspiring, relentless, alert, heady, instinctive, hungry and ferocious, Trotter would bring what has too long been lacking and should be good for a year or two, until a Savage draftee can be groomed. And mentored by Trotter.
A proven winner and leader, Jeremiah would be able, also, to replace Willie McGinest's on-field guidance should the latter, in fact, slip into a less-prominent role than he so ably filled down the stretch for last season's surging defense. Furthermore, he'd nicely complement the sideline-to-sideline skills of interior running mate D'Qwell Jackson and encourage development from two other third-year men, ILB Leon Williams and Wimbley.
Arguably even more important than these two aforementioned alternatives for the LB corp could be what is imported at DE. Here the pickings are understandably slim, primarily for reasons already stated, but also because so few NFL teams play the 3-4. Those that do aren't eager to part with up-front personnel.
Here is where the lesser-known athletes must be uncovered. These may well be talents who've only performed in a 4-3 and must be projected into the Cleveland schemes.
SF's Marques Douglass, signed by Savage when both were formerly affiliated with the Ravens, is one vet familiar with the 3-4, both in Baltimore and with the Niners, whose head coach Mike Nolan ran the defense under Brian Billick. He's a quality pro and a clubhouse asset, but is nearly 32 and slowing.
Instead, a pair of Vikings might be considered, as they are still emerging and possess longer shelf life. Spencer Johnson and Darrion Scott, both 26 and in the 6-3 285 range, joined Minn in 2004, Scott as a third-round choice out of Ohio State and Johnson undrafted out of Auburn. Both have unique combo skills versus the run and the pass. Scott led the Vikes in sacks in 2006, while Johnson was among the sport's better interior sack-artists last year. Therefore, this duo would help in both the base and the pass-down sets. What is more, they'd figure to come affordably enough to preserve payroll flexibility.
Aligned beside Robaire and Shaun Smith, either of these two would complete a competent front wall, with the other assuring wave depth, particularly in the event of injury---a contingency for which Savage and his lieutenants so evidently were unprepared in 2007.
Given the uncertainties associated with UFA Ethan Kelley, depth is also needed at NT, which figures to finally become Shaun Smith's sole domain after his being forced into service at LDE for too much of last year. Kelley's knee was operated upon recently, a condition necessitating micro-fracture surgery. Not only would this figure to hurt Kelley's marketability, but also delay his availability and compromise his reliability.
Therefore, this position figures to receive considerable consideration on Draft Day. In the meantime, it should be acknowledged that Tim Anderson, formerly of OSU and Buffalo, and Ian Scott, who played for Florida, the Bears and the Eagles, have been on the street and available for several months. The players might be holding out for superior opportunities or they might not be perceived by the Browns as viabilities.
Louis Leonard could factor here or at end; so the urgency may be mitigated somewhat. Darwin Walker is another former Eagle and Bear who could figure for Cleveland in free agency, either for NT or DE.
Though Simon Fraser is not expected back at DE, he is a restricted free agent who could be dealt for another with that designation who plays the nose.
At any rate, a FA NT can be anticipated among the Savage signings of 2008.
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