Mark Leonard

While it may well be unfair to the incoming bunch of undrafted free agents signed yesterday by the Cleveland Browns, especially since I cannot claim to have seen most of them play, it is a group lacking in glamour names and reputations.

Could it be the coaching staff's reluctance to utilize its young and first-year players is coming back to bite it in the behind?

There surely seemed to be a bountiful crop of candidates who'd well-fit the Browns' depth chart, several of whom admitted to being long-time fans of the club, who instead signed elsewhere.

Just a brief thought.

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.    

It seems sufficiently evident Browns' GM Phil Savage has a plan in mind for ILB. What exactly that is, one cannot pretend to know. But it doesn't take a genius (fortunately) to recognize it is not only the thinnest position on the roster---Can anyone even venture an intelligent guess as to whom the current starter is next to Andra Davis?---but one which has escaped transaction attention thusfar this busy off-season.

Therefore, it seems reasonable to assume something is in the works at the spot. Whether the solution will be a Day One draft selection, a last-minute RFA tender, a vet now more inclined to consent to a club-friendly FA contract or a good, old-fashioned NFL football trade, it is clear the remedy does not exist in-house. And he is not likely to come from NFL Europe, either. 

Even if Chaun Thompson were to surprisingly become that guy, as some have speculated and written, the organization could not leave itself otherwise barren behind him. A viable alternative, a fallback option would be required and advised.

This upcoming paragraph is intented to be neither inflammatory nor gratiutous, but maybe a trade-up will occur, if the targetted commodity slips, as is being recently rumored, to Detroit at 8. That athlete, of course, would be OSU's stellar producer AJ Hawk, considered by most as the safest selection in the upcoming process. His ceiling is high, but so is his floor---meaning he'd minimally become a starting-caliber performer.

Anyone with even a casual familiarity with this site realizes Hawk's addition would be celebrated wildly by Browns' fans. But, more relevantly, Hawk is the draft's top LB prospect, a throw-back type and a born tackler. Instinctive, intelligent, physical, athletic, hungry, relentless, alert---the list of desired attributes is extensive. Hawk would be a superb fit and a valued asset wherever he were to land, which is why Green Bay would be questioned heavily for passing on him at five. SF is reportedly also fond of Hawk's capacities, as is Oakland, right behind them at seven.

Nonetheless, current conjecture has GB opting for NC State's DE Mario Williams, SF for Maryland TE Vernon Davis and the Raiders for Texas QB Vince Young---all assuming it will be Reggie Bush to Houston, D'Brickashaw Ferguson to NO, Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler--- the USC and Vanderbilt passers, respectively---going to Tennessee and the Jets in some order at three and four.

That is a dubious scenario. Even were Young to be preferred over one of those two QBs in the top five, it is not easily foreseeable that Hawk falls out of the top five.

However, for the sake of conversation, and giving some credence to those who maintain no LB deserves to be tabbed that highly, were Hawk to fall to eight, Savage might have to jump. 

Savage is known to justifiably cherish his draft picks, choices are likely necessary to finance his move up from 12. Yet Savage may agree with many who contribute to chat room discussions on the OBR that Hawk is one rare talent worth mortgaging to secure. The departed picks, after all, might be replaced by subsequently dealing off expendables like Faine and Suggs, among others.

As for the Lions and what is in it for them, they'd be expected, otherwise at 8, to have interest in a secondary leader such as Texas' Michael Huff or Va Tech's Jimmy Williams, probably in that order. Were Dan Wilkinson to follow through on his tentative decision to retire, one of the top-rated DTs---Haloti Ngata or Brodrick Bunkley---might entice. At least two from this list could be expected to remain for them at 12, with the acquired additional selections satisfactory inducements to grant Savage his preferred drafting position.

The makings of a more extensive exchange package exists between the two teams, in fact.

While it would require some suspect decision-making in the early stages of Draft Day 2006 to become remotely feasible, it is nonetheless possible the opportunity to deal up for a draft shot at AJ Hawk exists for Phil Savage and the Cleveland Browns. Should that opportunity manifest, it would not at all be surprising were Savage, Head Coach Romeo Crennel and D-Coor Todd Grantham to leap at the prospect.

It is just another of the many possible scenarios to anticipate as April 29 approaches.

At the very least, what ultimately is done to address and satisfy the vacant ILB position bears close attention, as it will greatly influence the completeness of the club's renovated roster. Savage and his lieutenants are not sleeping on the spot, either. Something is up their sleeves. 

Earlier this week, I authored an entry espousing the acquisition of Green Bay's passing combination of Brett Favre and Javon Walker, recognizing it as an uncommon opportunity to exploit another team's distress so as to secure bonafide playmakers for an outfit in need of them.

Surprisingly, I've experienced no commentary on the proposal, but will debate it here myself.

Such acquisitions as these, especially coming in tandem as they would, could significantly jeopardize team chemistry and solidarity, such as it is.

Among the advantages the team's new free-agent class brings are the contributions toward unity and veteran leadership. In fact, two of the more accomplished additions played as championship teammates in NE under Head Coach Romeo Crennel when he was D-Coor there. Not only does this mean they are familiar with the man and his system, but their smooth assimilation is virtually assured. They can be expected to function as spearheads in guiding the youngsters who abound on the roster in the direction of winning, showing how it is done, what it takes, what cannot be tolerated, and precisely when the moment of "winning time" arrives, as it does at some point each and every Sunday.

Some competitors know how to respond appropriately to its arrival and some never do. 

This is not to say Favre and Walker are foreign to such concepts, only that two more strong-minded individuals with sizeable egos cannot haphazardly be added to the mix as if this were fantasy football. The clubhouse is full not of athletic commodities so much as it is of human beings with distinct personalities, personal agendas, motivations and styles---among other disparite parts. Determining those who will fit and excluding those who might not is no small part of a GM's job description.

One must deliberate before one can ascertain the potential ramifications of adding an outsider, particularly one with resume' and profile---not to mention two with history between them.

What is more, there seems to be a delicate balance present between the team's current primary quarterbacks, veteran Trent Dilfer and upstart Charlie Frye. The proposal to deal for Favre not only divides that union but relegates Frye to a clearly subservient role, which is not the one the youngster has in mind for himself nor the one for which he has prepared since assuming the snaps in late November. The Akron product and Williard native has done much to establish himself among his teammates and offensive partners.

How would Charlie, who seems to be the future for the organization at the position, react to Dilfer's subtraction? How might he respond to Favre? How will the team react to Charlie's placement behind the Hall-of-Famer? How might the demotion, however long it lasts, affect the team's eventual acceptance of Frye as successor?

These are not simplistic considerations, nor are they commonly followed by easy and comfortable solutions. The creation of a team, especially one that can focus and win together---which has to be the objective very soon and for seasons to come---is a sensitive process, not one which just happens by assembling athletes with requisite skill sets. Evidence of this is quite common, with Tice's Vikings and Snyder's Redskins recent examples to the contrary.

Does this mean the Browns would be foolish to entertain the proposal? Should they ignore investigating its viability? Not necessarily.

It simply means they would need to be careful and proceed with thought, care, concern and a clear plan for successful assimiliation, should it become necessary or recommended. Is there enough in-house leadership to permit it to occur smoothly, completely, successfully?

There is also the matter of respecting continuity and minimizing disruption. While adding such a gifted duo might raise the league's awareness of Cleveland's Browns as legitimate, if only on paper, it also risks inviting dysfunctionality and can distract from the cohesion many associated with the club have worked hard to create, nurture and maximize.

So, while an exchange such as was described earlier this week may inspire adjectives such as plausible, equitable, reasonable and do-able, it is nonetheless not without its pratfalls and apprehensions.

There is more to a wise and astute team trade, regardless of the sport, than simply swapping talents as if they were playing cards.

This writer remains intrigued. And perhaps the ballclubs are as well. But this is by far not a "no-brainer" nor a sure thing destined for unparalled success. There are reasons those deals that may appear to be "too good not to do" are somehow allowed to pass. Perhaps I've touched upon a few with this writing.    

The tradition employed by the Trojans of the University of Southern California, by which the team's top defensive prospect is recognized by bestowing upon him the legendary double-five, was reminded by the arrival of former NE Patriot/USC Trojan Willie McGinest, who was given the number shortly after the departure of Junior Seau.

Since Willie left SoCal, he's been followed by into that jersey by a few relative obscurities,  though Chris Claiborne was a number-one choice of the Lions and Bedford Chanel's Marcus Steele was expected to do much when the Cowboys selected him. Zeke Moreno is another who seemed to peak while wearing the numeral as a collegian.

This is ironic inasmuch as the Cleveland Browns are searching high and low for an ILB suitable to align next to Andra Davis and both Claiborne and Steele are young enough and available. Neither is likely to ever don the Orange and Brown, however much was once expected of them.

Steele had an amazingly brief career while Claiborne has become a chronic disappointer, underachiever and overpaid journeyman, though one perpetually invited (thusfar) to help rectify distressed LB units: Minn and StL being two of his more recent sites of mediocrity. Only for name recognition do Claiborne and Jaime Sharper appear atop some fans' wish lists at the position. Both are now poised on the brink of oblivion, aside Steele, Moreno, maybe Earl Holmes and, alas, Seau himself.

However, one does wonder what an instinctive, passionate vet like Junior might do protected by Ted Washington and surrounded by what might well be an impressively improved Cleveland defensive unit. There was a time he was as active and feared a defender as the modern era has known, regardless of from whence it was he chose to attack. But that was before injuries began to mount and age took its toll, as it inevitably will from all of us.

And, since a rookie is not likely to be entrusted with so significant a role in Romeo Crennel and Todd Grantham's front seven, it remains a nettlesome curiousity as to whom it will be who ultimately fills that Browns' vacancy come autumn.

The guess remains it will be a vet young enough to bridge beyond the duration of either Washington or McGinest. This points to a trade more than a draftee or a free agent, though someone affected by June 1 salcap cuts---an increasingly less necessary manuever, by the way---could manifest. It does not seem likely the club's braintrust would wait that long to correct so blatant and critical a deficiency, however.

Perhaps the solution will come in the presence of an outside backer converting inside, such as Keith Newman or Na'il Diggs. At any rate, his identity does not seem evident or predictable. In a month of so much conjecture and so many uncertainties relative to personnel, should it be any other way? By May, vision is so much clearer, not unlike the skies of NE Ohio.

While it is true the month of April has just begun, an arrival celebrated with spoofs, gags, jokes, and mis-leading teases, this is, amazingly, not intended to be one.

The last April Fool's joke in which I participated, in fact, was my1989 wedding; but even that produced two incredibly wonderful daughters of whom I am most proud.

This year, the thought is, why not secure the two remaining offensive pieces this 2006 Cleveland Browns' lineup demands: a deep-threat WR and a proven QB leader?

It is well-documented in a variety of locations that Green Bay passer Brett Favre is debating whether to return to the club for another season. Supposed deadlines have been adjusted to buy the reluctant Hall of Famer more time to deliberate. The Pack is the only professional team he has known, save a wasted rookie year under Jerry Glanville in Atl. In fact, Brett wears the number of the man for whom the stadium is named, Curly Lambeau.

But Brett saw rampant decay in what had been an annual winner in Wisconsin and he endured his first losing campaign. He is not eager to return to another dismal outfit and he has to be particularly disturbed to note how his front office is sitting on about $25 mil of available cap space, doing seemingly nothing about correcting the flaws which undermined the 2005 edition.

All three of his interior OL have departed in the past two free agent classes, off to Sunbelt cities armed with fortified contracts: Marco Rivera to Dallas, Mike Wahle to Carolina and Mike Flanagan this year to Houston. Clevelanders well know the pratfalls associated with an inadequate interior front wall.

In another location---www.xanga.com/maleonard----I've detailed a proposal whereby the Browns acquire Packer wideout Javon Walker for an equitable return of current Browns. Today I wish to expand the proposition to include Favre's acquisition from the Packers for veteran passer Trent Dilfer.

Yes, it is outrageous. Yes, it is fanciful. But, yes, it is plausible, do-able, reasonable and equitable.

Here's how it would work: Brett is now stating this will be his last season professionally, if he returns at all. That does not put the Pack in an enviable position. It postpones the passing of the torch to last year's number one pick, Cal's Aaron Rodgers. It marries the organization to the same offensive system Favre has enjoyed during his tenure there. It may even discourage available vet free agents from signing on to play in one of the worst climates in America, especially inasmuch as the franchise may be about to decline precipitously once Favre steps aside. Longtime fans will recall a number of lean Packer seasons between Bart Starr and Brett Favre. It could happen again easily, especially without a Reggie White around to Pied-Piper a new generation of Packer volunteers.

Green Bay would get Dennis Northcutt, Jeff Faine, Matt Stewart and Dilfer for Walker and the Packers' agreement to permit Favre to sign a new contract with Cleveland.

While there is no comparison between Favre and Dilfer, Trent at least can be counted upon to be around awhile longer, mentoring Rodgers, if not holding the fort until the kid is game-ready. Were Favre to retire, as he still might, the Pack would be scrambling to secure a vet passer to assume the described role Dilfer would assume. As the xanga piece informs, the others would all fill voids in the current GB roster.

What is in it for Brett? He clearly is coming to a club which seems headed in the right direction and one whose fans are as rabid about football as the place he's leaving behind. While he has said he does not relish the idea of going to a new town, learning a new system, uprooting his family and having to deal with the lofty expectations associated with being perceived as a franchise savior, he might also realize he and Javon would be virtually the final pieces, at least offensively, in what could realistically be a surprising upstart in the upcoming season. It should be remembered, however, that 10 wins in the AFC North would've been good for only third place in 2005.

What is more, he may come to realize one season with weapons like Kellen Winslow, Jr., Braylon Edwards, Walker, Joe Jurevicius, Reuben Droughns and the front line GM Phil Savage is still assembling may not be enough to satisfy an acquired taste. A downfield TE has always been a staple of Favre's best teams and one he optimizes like few others.

Favre's arrival would also permit Savage to focus almost exclusively upon his improving defense come Draft Day. With seven choices in the first five rounds, it is believable that side of the ball might approximate completeness by training camp.

There are not many situations as inviting for a competitor such as Favre, particularly if he only has 1-2 more years of top-shelf ability remaining. Most about-to-win organizations are set at his position. His stance about  starting over probably discouraged Miami and NO  from pursuing him this spring; perhaps he's had ample opportunity to re-think the wisdom of that attitude.

Even if Cleveland gets a single season out of Favre and fails to make the post-season---both of which are worst-case scenarios---the team benefits by having an experienced hand with all the requisite skills conducting its still-emerging offense. And youngster Charlie Frye gets to observe a  master at work, a privilege regrettably denied him heretofore. Lastly, a trade such as this one would demonstratively confirm ownership's desire to win as soon and as entertainingly as possible.

It would surely put the club back into the national consciousness.

The cost would be affordable, reasonable, equitable, and mutually-accomodating, with the last description the premise for the arrangement. It allows GB a graceful end to the prolonged sagas involving both Walker and Favre and gives Cleveland outstanding liquidation on expendable assets, while addressing existant needs on the Packer roster.

However out-there such a proposition  may seem, I think it is worth investigating. A rare opportunity exists for the Cleveland Browns' franchise to make a quantum leap forward offensively. Here's hoping the front office looks seriously into making that giant step.  

There are a few topics which keep recurring among fans and commentators concerned with the Browns' personnel, its needs and utilization.

Who will the team draft? Will Matt Wilhelm be coming to the Browns? Will Braylon and Kellen be at full strength by camp or is an additional target needed? Can Chaun Thompson play inside? etc.

Much has been written and said about the others, but not much about the last. Therefore, it shall be the focus of this entry.

Last year about this time, I, too, thought Romeo Crennel might test Chaun inside. I wrote as much in speculation. I'd seen the size, the speed, the physique, the long arms, requisite desire, as well as the conspicuous need.

Ben Taylor and Matt Stewart appeared as adequate alternatives outside to assume Chaun's role, sacrificing some quickness for savvy, instinct, familiarity with the role, coverage, among other less tangible qualities.

One significant doubt remained. Does Chaun have the instincts for the post?

Can he diagnose quickly enough? How would he handle mis-direction, filling, hand-to-hand combat, shedding inside, where the traffic is heavy and the confines intense? Can he get off blocks? Outside it is often sufficient to string out a play, turn it inside, simply control the block long enough for assistance to arrive. Realities are different inside.

Thompson remained outside throughout camp and a largely-dismal losing season during which some personnel experimentation seemed advised. It seemed apparent the braintrust similarly doubted the fit inside.

Among the factors possibly influencing that conclusion are Chaun's explosiveness off the edge, absent in all other OLB candidates, and his still-healing (we hope!) wrist. The first of these is self-explanatory, but the second is relevant because one must be able to grab and pull and yank and throw off a blocker as a regular event inside. One must often stuff a blocker and plug the hole, with one's hands a critical part of executing that assignment.

Outside, where one's positioning, speed, quickness, anticipation, elusiveness and body control can assist one's capacity to slip and escape blocking attempts, one can get by with an impaired hand, wrist or arm. This is less true if one's duties involve combating the TE, however, as Carl Banks did so well during his brief tenure here under Belichick.

Unless and until Chaun's wrist is fully available to him, he has no future inside. Even if it should rebound, there remains the question of his football instincts.

Fans should remember it is not necessary to audition an athlete in an actual game to determine whether he has promise or potential at a given position. That is what practices are for. This fundamental truism is lost on too many fans each season, when clamoring for more playing time for a given favorite.

It should be assumed Thompson's utility inside has been fully contemplated by the coaching staff. If the temptation was strong, he was probably tested in the role. He was likely found wanting, for any number of reasons, foreseeable or otherwise.

It could be the staff has given Chaun an off-season of drills and positional assignments/prescriptions upon which to work so as to enhance his viability inside, while they chase his replacement outside, someone able to bring approximate or superior speed and quickness. There has been considerable analysis and discussion regarding draft prospects for the edge-rushing duties. In other words, it could yet be that Chaun Thompson will factor inside in the Crennel-Grantham 3-4.

All things considered, however, it is not likely, except possibly on a situational basis when an interior blitz is desired, whereby the athlete is moving forward without regard to other responsibilities.

The instincts, the innate sense for the linebacker position---whether inside or out---seem to be lacking in Chaun thusfar as a pro. Perhaps film study, the influence/mentoring of McGinest, another season of familiarity with the system and the pro game will enable Thompson to demonstrate the polish and anticipation necessary to impact anywhere on the second level.

At this point, however, such developments would surprise and cannot be relied upon. More likely, Chaun seems destined for situational use. One could be wrong and may even hope to be. But at this time, that would be the assessment.

Just as I was contemplating whether Jeff Faine---invited to find himself a trade partner---could bring back Bills' WR Eric Moulds---also invited to find himself a trade partner---Melvin Fowler signs with the Buffalo club.

That's what I get for forgetting where the former Browns' OL coach landed. Larry Zierlein is now responsible for coaching up the Bills' OL talent, such as it is. Browns' fans will recall it was Zierlein who expressed feeling Melvin was the superior of the two centers when Fowler and Faine coexisted in Cleveland.

I'm anticipating many readers would scoff at the idea Faine, deemed expendable in Cleveland, could bring back a heralded talent like Moulds. We'll never know in any event. But it is not inconceivable, dependent certainly upon Buffalo's assessment of Jeff.

Faine's contract is affordable, runs for years to come and is carried by a still-young, improving and dedicated professional player. What is more, the Bills are moving away from center Trey Teague, creating what had been a void in their maligned OL. Fowler has been invited to fill it.

It is rather well documented Moulds is unhappy in Buffalo and emphasized it by refusing to consider any renegotiating concerning his $7.1 mil contract. This to force his way out of western NY despite the removal of the coaching staff with which he differed last season. This does not mean he would not re-do his pact for another organization, however. And there would not likely be many teams willing and able to temporarily absorb the Moulds' existing contract while simultaneously offering an inexpensive young starter like Faine.

Nonetheless, an offer of Faine for Moulds would not likely have been Buffalo's only opportunity to get return on a player certain to depart and potentially released after June 1, by which time much of the available salcap monies from around the league would've been exhausted. It might also have not been Buffalo's best offer.

Then again, it might have been. We'll never know now.

At any rate, if Zierlein remains true to form, he'll have some obscure Indiana Hoosier OL in camp with him this summer. He'd brought Enoch DeMar, Craig Osika and Anthony Oakley (who transferred to Western Kentucky, Crennel's old school) to Cleveland as undrafted free agents---a rather peculiar tendency given the Hoosier's modest football successes. Vikes' Chris Liwienski is a deposed starter/free agent from that university who might somehow find his way to Zierlein's side.

As for Moulds, interest in him would be explained by the uncertainties relative to Braylon Edwards' availability. Even if he does not open on the PUP, which seems plausible, he cannot be expected to approximate his full or former self for another calendar year. That is characteristic of an athlete coming off an ACL injury. Until he proves otherwise, Edwards should be considered typical.

With that the case, a starting target opposite Jurevicius is needed. There is no reason to anticipate Northcutt could be that guy, unless the presence of Antonio Bryant held mystical powers over Dennis' play. Northcutt was unable to establish himself as starter-worthy when invited to last season and should be expected to revert to his situational role unless liquidated.

Bruce Ariens in Pittsburgh, who maximized Dennis so well when the two were together in Cleveland, may campaign to secure Northcutt as Randle-El's replacement. Those others who envisioned Randle-El possibly joining them---the Bears, for example---might also have interest in the former Arizona Wildcat second-round selection. With Tim Dwight having joined the Jets yesterday, one less multi-dimensional quickster WR/KR is on the market. Dennis' value and appeal may resultantly escalate.

Ideally, the Jurevicius counterpart would provide deep speed, to keep defenses honest and from crowding the line of scrimmage to better negate Droughns and Jurevicius. Hence the reported interest in Ozzie's nephew Tim Carter.

Moulds is not a burner, but he has demonstrated an ability to get behind defenses, make big plays, score and carry the mantel of a team's number-one wideout. That is no minor consideration. Such individuals are not often made available.

Yet it is unlikely Eric Moulds would elect to come to Cleveland, given the market that is likely to materialize if ever he hits the market unencumbered.

The fact remains the Browns cannot consider their work done at the wide receiver position. A trade and contract renegotiation involving Eric Moulds might be a route worth investigating. If the infusion of and dependence upon veteran newcomers was not sufficiently evident last summer, the continuation of that trend should amply communicate that winning now is an objective of the Browns' braintrust. For that to occur, a top-shelf contributor at wide-receiver seems prescribed.

But what has been done to rectify the opposition's tendency to exploit the defensive right side by running to its left?

We've been told each year all holes can't be filled in a single off-season. (Frankly, that has always struck me as a self-serving bit of excusifying.) However, at the rate things are progressing thusfar in Free Agency 2006, it shouldn't require the full weekend to complete the fortifications: a run-stuffing ILB, a prototypically physical enforcer for SS, an all-purpose RDE and an athletic edge-rusher at ROLB. I suppose one can wait to be filled by the choice at 12; after all, why render meaningless a perfectly good April 29th Saturday?

It has been a marvelously stimulating several days for excitement-starved Browns' loyalists. Conspicuous areas of profound need have not only been acknowledged but addressed, and done so with genuinely quality entities. What is more, many come with local ties, winning pedigrees, championship attitudes, demonstrated football intelligence and an appreciation for what it means to don the Brown and Orange. Not a bad week by any means.

While it is not meant to seem ungrateful, hard-to-please or overly-demanding, it is nonetheless true the defensive right side---so often gashed by the many left-handed running games in the AFC North---appears thusfar to be unattended. What will be done to make games more difficult for Alan Faneca-Marvel Smith, Edward Mulitalo-Jonathan Ogden and Eric Steinback-Levi Jones, as well as the RBs they represent?

The available cap space and monies must be running low by now. The market for headliners---except among the population of over-inflated CBs, perhaps---is drying up. Another round of musical chairs is drawing to a close.  Alvin McKinley and Chaun Thompson remain unchallenged thusfar as Cleveland starters in the preferred areas of oppositional focus.

As long as they do, the reconstruction job cannot be considered completed. It may not come this weekend. It may not come this month. It may not come with trumpets and headlines. But competition for both will come before summer. If only via in-house emergences.

Having strengthened itself in the middle with Washington and on the strongside with McGinest, the Browns' D is virtually inviting opponents to continue to look left for ground yardage. That may be part of the plan, of course, a means to dictate to an opponent, in a somewhat perverse sort of strategy. More likely it is evident to the brain trust those enhancements will be significantly negated if something isn't also done to fortify what can be done on the defensive right side.

Therefore, expect it.

A potential reason for the Browns' reported decision to pay the soon-due roster bonus to wr/kr Dennis Northcutt may be related to the league-wide interest in now-Redskin Antwaan Randle-El. Certainly, there was going to be but one winner for his services, with several others left exasperated and searching. Perhaps GM Phil Savage anticipates he may get a call or two for his versatile and shifty trick-play artist, thereby getting some compensation for an athlete who believably could be subtracted before camp opens.

Detroit's re-signing of Eddie Drummond, similarly, removes another wr/kr from the market. Until that announcement, coupled with the surprising addition of Texans' wr Corey Bradford, there was some thought Northcutt might factor with the Lions, who could use a slot receiver and may be ready to part with one of their recently-drafted, disappointing wideouts.

One I'd like to see Northcutt exchanged for is Vikings' RFA Nate Burleson, though his hometown Seahawks may be a likelier destination, if he goes anywhere at all, since Jurevicius must be replaced.

Edgerrin James' landing in Phoenix is an understandably heralded event, not only because he balances an offense which featured two receivers with more than 100 catches for more than 1,000 yards (Imagine catching 100 balls for 1,000 yards and not leading your team!), but also because James helps the Cardinals inaugurate a  new stadium this fall. Baltimore had seemed like a good place for his skills and he might well have gone there had not Jamal Lewis reconsidered and the Cards not overwhelmed. SF was a sleeper for James. An elite runner might've jump-started the Niners' reconstruction.

As it is, SF seems to have followed the Rams' lead, if only coincidentally. StL reunited collegiate teammates Marshall Faulk and La'roi Glover (San Diego State), while SF has a pair of Pitt Panthers to lead its ground and air games, respectively. Antonio Bryant, the former Brown, is now in the Bay Area, again huddling next to Kevan Barlow. Bryant's agent admits the likelihood his client will be the focus of the passing game---if only by default, as was the case last season in Cleveland---was "a compelling reason" for their joint decision. Bryant and former ND QB Arnaz Battle lead the depth chart at this point, with former number one pick Rashaun Woods---a record-breaker out of Oklahoma State I felt certain would excel as a pro---facing his last chance to prove he can get off the line and separate.

With that thusfar apparent mistake in judgment already out there, I wish to admit I am not a believer in Kalimba Edwards. I focused on him during his first Cleveland appearance in the Great Lakes Classic Joey Harrington's rookie year and found the South Carolina product to be situational at best. He appeared to be one-dimensional and without instincts, flexibility, ballast or repertoire. I came away better understanding why the Lions did  not go 3-4 themselves at the time and pair him outside with Boss Bailey. Perhaps the former second-round choice has made marked strides and will surprise, but I'd pass on him, based upon what little he showed that August evening.

A legitimate alternative is off the market, however, with the announcement Dallas has signed a former ballboy and Purdue Boilermaker, Jax's Akin Ayodele. On the other hand, it fills the Cowboy hole Willie McGinest might have filled, thereby increasing the potential he follows Romeo Crennel and Ted Washington to the Northcoast. More likely, he'll be back in NE, especially with today's release of former Steeler and Seahawk Chad Brown. Even the aged and declining Brown is preferred to Edwards, by the way.

That LaVar Arrington is not a front-runner does not disappoint. His bone-on-bone knee condition is a turnoff, as was the back trouble afflicting Trevor Pryce, now with the Ravens.

With that former Bronco unavailable, a beneath-the-radar RDE to watch for is Gary Walker, familiar to D-Coor Todd Grantham from their days together in the Houston Texans' 3-4. Walker is a community and clubhouse asset and a two-time Pro Bowl selection who has impacted against both the run and the pass. He began his career with that Texas city's first NFL entrant, the Oilers, before going onto Jacksonville prior to expansion. He was released by Houston last week but  might complete an exemplary triumverate alongside Washington and Orpheus Roye. Though all three are less than they had been, each is a savvy professional who brings consistency, intensity, leadership and the capacity to mentor anticipated protoges. Savage and Crennel may fill with vets but they'll draft behind them future starters who'll learn from the old heads.

In a similar vein, Bart Scott's decision to remain in Balt could create an invitation for NFL graybeard Sam Cowart (31), a longtime 3-4 advocate who learned under and played for Wade Phillips (Marty Schottenheimer's Charger D-Coor) and Ted Cottrell, who Cowart followed from Buffalo to NYJ to Minnesota. The Vikes' resurgence last autumn coincided with the team's decision to spontaneously convert from the 4-3 to the 3-4. Strongside backer Keith Newman, another free agent, was similarly responsible for the improved defensive performances. Both are physical, active, tough and can range. Prior to an Achilles injury when still in western NY, Cowart was a premier up-and-comer at the LB position, excelling both inside and out. Neither Cowart nor Newman is a notorious blitzer.

As I prepare to close, allow me to apologize for an earlier entry containing a superfluous prefix syllable in "unconscionable." (This was in the context of discussing Steve Hutchinson's offer sheet.) There is no excuse for not proof-reading. We'll have no more of such nonsense.  

As Day Three of NFL Free Agency 2006 passes into afternoon here on the West Coast, time has come to comment on some of the occurences thusfar.

A very under-rated transaction but one of the very best of the weekend was SF's excellent exchange of stingbean acrobat Brandon Lloyd for a pair of Washington draft selections. Receiving a three and a four (in 2007) for Lloyd constitutes maximum return on one with disdain for appearing within the hashes. It is therefore realistically possibly the Niners will secure two commodities of equal or greater value.

Easily the worst move regards the sport's premier OG, Seahawks' Steve Hutchinson. Why the 'Hawks merely transition-tagged him when franchising him brought greater protection is inunconscionable, and something for which they'll be answering for years. No way such a talent is permitted to leave without compensation. The transition tag allowed right to match, but a "poison pill" could preclude that option. Minn has included one and can expect to position the Mich star between its two best returning OL: center Matt Birk and tackle Bryant McKinnie. These three will ultimately achieve more for that club than did the tandem of Moss and Culpepper. It was foolish for Sea to lock up RB Shaun Alexander if it meant losing Hutch. Steve could make another back approximate Shaun sooner and surer than Shaun will make another guard approximate Steve. Furthermore, Steve's work benefits every offensive Hawk; Shaun does little without a lot of assistance.

StL is doing things right. Reconfiguring its defense with intelligent, astute, instinctive, cerebral leaders like La'Roi Glover, Will Witherspoon and Corey Chavous is a means to improving every defensive position. The Rams will actually have something worth identifying as a defense, particularly with Jim Haslett coordinating. Look for Clemson CB Tye Hill to be the club's choice at 11. A shutdown corner such as he will solidify a re-done secondary and assist a formidable pass rush. 

A thusfar under-reported explanation for the Saints' interest in Charger QB Drew Brees may concern his background. Should the franchise relocate to San Antonio or LA, Brees helps sell tickets by providing a familiar face.  He was born in the Texas town and has played most recently just south of the latter location.

The parade of OLTs Kevin Shaffer has now joined obscures one of the more remarkable personnel statistics in pro football history. From 1946-1984, only three men handled the post for the Cleveland Browns: Lou Groza, Dick Schafrath and Doug Dieken. Since 1999, however, the cast has been ever-changing, from Lomas Brown through Roman Oben, Ross Verba, Barry Stokes, LJ Shelton to Shaffer. The spot might've been stabilized and solidified had not Butch Davis alienated Tony Jones when the latter was unable to commit to regular practice sessions, due in combination to a personal loss and chronic knee aches. But that is just another of the hidden costs associated with hiring hubris. Jones did most of the starting at the position between Dieken and the move.

That 1995 relocation itself obscured one of Bill Belichick's greatest professional errors. Much was made of the tantrum the former Cleveland coach pitched upon learning the Jets had beaten him to Penn State TE Kyle Brady. But so profound was the loss of composure, Belichick overlooked the availabilities of Warren Sapp, Ruben Brown and Derrick Brooks---each a subsequent perennial Pro-Bowler---to deal his tenth-overall selection to SF, so that Bill Walsh could draft UCLA WR JJ Stokes. Belichick ended up with the SF pick at 25, used on forgettable OSU OLB Craig Powell, and a pair of later choices which turned out to become Georgia QB Eric Zeier and Virginia DE Mike Frederick. Bill also received the Niners' top choice in the following spring's draft. Unfortunately, that one was spent on behalf of the relocated Browns in Baltimore. It became MLB Ray Lewis. In the aftermath of Belichick's fit, the '95 Browns finished badly enough that its own top selection became OLT Jonathon Ogden. As badly as Modell typically drafted in Cleveland (He would not entrust a fully-empowered GM until Ozzie got the job in Baltimore), 1996 was actually the third draft in which his club chose a pair of future Hall of Famers. In the championship season of 1964, Art nabbed both Paul Warfield and Leroy Kelly. In '78, it was Clay Matthews and Ozzie Newsome. Yes, it is true that Clay has yet to be elected; but neither has guard Gene Hickerson and we all know they are both deserving.

Now that LeCharles Bentley has been added to the Browns' roster, it should be remembered the man for whom the franchise is named, Paul Brown, was such an advocate of the center position, he made Tenn pivot Bob Johnson the Bengals' first-ever draft selection. That was not too surprising to those who knew how he felt about the late Frank "Gunner" Gatski, a Hall of Famer who never missed as much as a practice and was there to help Otto Graham to ten championship game appearances in as many career seasons, seven which ended favorably for the Brown and Orange. What has gone under-acknowledged is Brown's influence on two of his primary disciples, Chuck Noll and Don Shula. Both copied the master and launched their own Hall of Fame coaching careers by featuring premier centers on their physically-dominant offensive lines. Shula began winning once he installed Browns' castoff Jim Langer between Larry Little and Bob Kuechenberg. Langer was succeeded by Dwight Stephenson, who also followed him into the Hall. Stephenson was succeeded by frequent Pro-Bowler Tim Ruddy, who the club has yet to adequately replace, losing seasons resulting. Pitt's run also began once Noll installed a system which eventually featured Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, Dermonti Dawson and now converted OG Jeff Hartings. Many are the championships won by this assemblage. Another of PB's disciples, Bill Walsh---who learned under the master innovator when the pair was together in Cincinnati---joins Noll and Shula in dominating the titles in the modern era of professional football. Walsh, in turn, gave root to Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, Andy Reid, Steve Mariucci, John Gruden, et al. It is great to see the Cleveland Browns remembering what is was they understood so well at the very beginning.  

Nothing is official regarding the Cleveland Browns' progress in free agency 2006, but the initial reports are encouraging. That the team is aggressively pursuing and possibly snatching from the talons of the Eagles the services of the best-available UFA OL, LeCharles Bentley, is suggestive of a front office that gets it, an organization intent on improvement and a team perhaps ready to move assertively in the correct direction.

It's what's up front that counts, after all.

This writer has long advocated for the St. Ignatius/Ohio State product, back to the error-filled (not that the adjective does much to distinguish it from other such processes) 2002 draft, when a reported deal-down from 16 was forsaken and RB William Green was selected over what might have become a package of Ed Reed and the top interior OL prospect in that class. The top nine went between 29 and 45 that year, Bentley among them.

LeCharles was outstanding as a consensus All-American center at OSU the prior fall and has since established himself as one of the sport's elite interior performers, having already been named to two Pro Bowls. Frankly, it is inexplicable that NO is allowing him to leave.

Young, still crossing the threshold of his prime, fiery, combative, physically aggressive, a pile-mover in the run game and able to reinforce a needy roster at either center or guard, Bentley is precisely the type of talent the Cleveland offense needs to inject into its huddle, interior and OL in general. To have passed on an opportunity to secure such an asset would've been negligent on the part of the club.

In fact, such an attitude was expressed by this writer last autumn when the club, through the words of Head Coach Romeo Crennel, articulated a disturbing position of stand-pat complacency relative to its roster/personnel. This writer ripped that non-approach and challenged the organization to instead become proactive, display requisite daring, creativity, resourcefulness and ingenuity---hell, whatever it takes!---to promote its supposed commitment to reconstruction.

With such league allowances as raiding oppositions' DEVs (practice squads) available to it, as well as a yet-to-arrive trade deadline and the potential to exercise its presence near the top of the waiver-claim list, it seemed imperative the team got busy enhancing its defective and deficient talent pool.

By that time, it was already known certain teams would be making certain players available once free agency arrived. The Saints duo of Bentley and DE Darren Howard were two such commodities. What is more, the unfortunate Saints' organization was justifiably concerned it would have difficulties retaining its own free agents, much less enticing anyone else's. Its braintrust felt it would be, due to the uncertainties relative to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, at a competitive disadvantage when it came to securing the talent necessary for viability as an NFL franchise.

It seemed reasonable that someone should approach that team with an offer of compensation for players it was otherwise going to lose/sacrifice for nothing. Not only could both Bentley and Howard contribute significantly here, but acquiring them in October might preclude an expensive and risky bidding war for them. A trade would also bring the additional benefit of having the Franchise tag available to encourage negotiations on longterm extensions. It would send the proper message, too, to both the clubhouse and the fan base, that the organizations was intent upon fulfilling its expressed commitment to winning again as soon as possible.

It seemed to be a no-brainer---a description too literally true of too many of the New Browns' decisions. It would be win-win-win for all involved: the teams and players. Plus, the manuever might have salvaged what was again shaping up as another moribund campaign.

But the Browns did nothing, of course, extending its string of ignoring the DEV loophole as well, though all it requires is the promise of a varsity roster spot to another team's prospect. With all the injured-reserve occassions of recent seasons, we had no spots to offer? With 31 other NFL organizations---most of whom are far more successful than Cleveland's---employing from 5-8 developmental prospects, are we to believe NONE would be good enough to assist this unit? Are we to conclude the 2005 Cleveland Browns controlled so fabulous an assemblage of talent that none could be pushed  aside, challenged or motivated by an infusion of  additional positional competition?

For those who buy the company line that gems among the DEVs are rarely found, consider starting OTs Anthony Davis (TB) and Jason Peters (Buffalo) are DEV graduates recent Browns' teams could've stolen during seasons replete with IR designations, mentioned because each player lost opened a varsity roster spot. It is well-known Cleveland has, in fact, been among the NFL leaders in IR incidences.

That was then and this is now.

As far as Free Agency 2006 is concerned, the early indicators are encouraging. Nothing more can be said. Nothing is, after all, confirmed or official. But the supposed negotiations relative to Bentley and NE WR David Givens perhaps indicate a more progressive posture will be employed to reestablish one of pro football's legendary franchises among the elite.

What has happened heretofore---by that is meant the procedings since its rebirth in 1999---has been demonstratively uninspiring, unsuccessful, inadequate, defective, deficient, revolting and, in many instances, inexplicably negligent, irresponsible, unprofessional, unconscionable and inept.

Word just came in: Bentley is a Brown. Hooray. Happy Days are here again?