Let's face it; if you're a Browns' fan, you already know that we have many needs. Our new GM, Tom Heckert likes to build through the draft, and we have 11 picks but is that enough? Probably not. We need some free agents to fill some holes, or we could also trade for players.
Offense:
After reading Amari Harris' blog, he's right. We need a solid QB. Keep in mind; I love DA's strong arm, and I want Brady Quinn to succeed but I'm not convinced that either one is the answer. But, what options do we have? We could look to free agency, but did you see that list of free agent QBs? The list includes Jason Campbell, Kyle Orton, Mike Vick, and Chad Pennington. Good luck with all that. Another option is to trade for a QB, but who is available? One option could be Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia. GM Heckert has ties to Philly, so maybe this could be an option....for a steep price of course. Kolb has a nice arm, and he has some experience running a WCO. Now, according to Harris' blog, he likes Sam Bradford...later in the draft, but I'm not so sure. I like Tony Pike from Cincy, Jevan Snead from Ole Miss, and Dan LeFevour from Central Michigan. All three QBs have had some success with less talent around them. Other QBs like Bradford, Tebow, and Clausen were surrounded by talent, and talent should win you games. Winning games equals success; success equals ESPN falling in love with you.
If we re-sign Jerome Harrison, we will have three nice RBs: Harrison, Chris Jennings, and James Davis. If you are not happy with those players, there are some interesting FAs. FA RBs include LenDale White of the Titans, Mike Bell of the Saints, Darren Sproles of the Chargers, and Cadillac Williams of the Bucs. Other RBs appear to be up in age, part-time players, or restricted FAs. Also, the draft offers some interesting talent, such as CJ Spiller of Clemson, Jahvid Best of California, or Toby Gerhart of Stanford. Truthfully, the draft is loaded with great RBs. I just arbitrarily picked these three.
Unfortunately, I am not totally satisfied with the WRs. I like Mohamed Massaquoi, Mike Furrey, Brian Robiskie, and Josh Cribbs, but we need a stud. If you think Chansi Stuckey or Donte Stallworth will be that stud, you might be disappointed. Who knows if Donte will even be back. Furthermore, will the Browns pay Cribbs? He should get paid, even if he isn't one of the better WRs in the league. His return skills are elite.
This year's WR free agent class is nice, especially if you enjoy babysitting. FA include Brandon Marshell, Braylon Edwards, and TO. On the other hand, there are some studs, including Vincent Jackson and Miles Austin. TE Owen Daniels, who is coming off of an injury, is a FA, as well. Even though I like Michael Gaines, Steve Heiden, Greg Estrandia, Robert Royel, and Evan Moore at TE, Daniels would be a nice addition to the Cleveland offense.
Do we need to revamp the right side of the line? In the beginning of the year, I thought so. However, some juggling was done in the second half of the year. I believe that I saw Floyd Womack playing RT and Hank Fraley playing RG. I also saw Rex Hadnot have some success. Unfortunately, these are probably not long-term solutions. There are some quality linemen in the draft, and free agency offers some nice players, as well. FA include Logan Mankins of the Patriots, Marcus McNeill from the Chargers, Willie Colon of the Steelers, and Jahri Evans of the Saints. Other quality linemen appear to be up in age or restricted FA.
With a new infrastructure in the Browns' front office, we need to be patient and hope that they make the right decisions.
Keywords: AFC North, Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns, Dan LeFevour, James Davis, Jerome Harrison, Jevan Snead, Josh Cribbs, Owen Daniels, Philadelphia Eagles, Tom Heckert, Tony Pike
