Recently, I'd posed the question of what was up Phil Savage's sleeve for ILB. The answer was delivered Saturday, and it quite possibly was the guy referenced when I subsequently wondered if it was time to know DeMeco Ryans.
Turns out Phil explained his motivation for moving up in Round Two---via the exchange of choice 43 and Jeff Faine for the Saints' selection earlier in that round---had something to do with what he'd surmised was about to become a mini-run on ILBs. Phil identified three he was considering at the start of Round Two: Ryans, who went at the very top (33rd) to Houston, Hurricane Rocky McIntosh, for whom Washington jumped up to 35, and Maryland's D'Quell Jackson, whom Savage nabbed in between at 34.
While we cannot be certain---at least without receiving an honest response to the posed question---Ryans was the preference, it is possibly so. At any rate, the Browns suddenly had a viability alongside Andra Davis and further enunciated the enhancement by selecting Miami's Leon Williams with his first choice on Day Two.
Once all the dust had settled, the club found itself at least three deep at each of the eleven defensive positions, if only with names on paper. No longer do gaps yawn back, as if from the mouth of a smiling Appalachian---a vision Savage had grown sufficiently accustomed to and repulsed by during Christmas Eve's 41-0 Steelers' victory and again following the Super Bowl.
It is with those memories in mind he went about reconstructing during this busy period between seasons. Early accounts suggest his work merits applause. How much fruit it bears remains to be seen. It's why they play the games.
The GM executed his off-season game plan systematically, methodically managing to scratch off his need areas as he went: elite interior OL, vet chain-moving WR, stable replacement at OLT, proven run-stuffer for NT, experienced and established pass-rusher/team leader for LOLB, reliable swingman insurance at G/C, a Gumby edge-rusher at ROLB, the much-needed ILB, WR protection should Edwards be unavailable, depth at ILB and OG, a change-of-pace RB, a contender for fourth CB, a flexible FB, a protege to groom at NT, a SS with prototypical size.Only an additional interior OL seemed necessary and he may have landed that with an undrafted free agent from Tennessee.
Should he sign an Ohio State Buckeye to appease the vocal and provincial masses, he'll have satisfied everyone---and, more importantly, every perceivable need. At least on paper, before any snaps are made, prior to any oppositional charge made in anger.
In other words: so far, so good.
There should be job competition at last, not winners by default who transformed, too often, into losers on the field. The additional year's experience by and with the new coaching staff, as well as in the systems, should enable significant improvements in execution, too.
There is stability, familiarity, comraderie, and the articulated mission statement: The Cleveland Browns must be able to go toe-to-toe with the World Champion Steelers. They are the rivals, the measuring stick, the unsightly neighbors, the outfit we hope, amazingly, to approximate/emulate/succeed.
March was the start. April brought additional fortification. May begins the assemblage, the coaching-up, which must perform its immeasurably critical part in the process. The hitting comes later and then the games.
For now, between the early days of this week, when the undrafted free agents are recruited, and the weekend, when the newcomers arrive to take their first steps together, Savage and his lieutenants can rest, breath a bit and momentarily celebrate a productive "off" season. They appear to have earned the break. They identified the needs. They filled the gaps. Soon it will be up to the coaches and the players to justify their efforts.
At the moment, the depth chart appears suitable. That, in itself, represents progress. Still, the potential must be maximized.