When we last left the Browns, they needed lots of help at defensive line, linebacker and the secondary. A breakdown of their roster shows lots of work for GM Tom Heckert to do in short order.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As we were saying before being rudely interrupted by the NFL labor dispute, yes, the Browns have a lot of work to do on their roster.
General Manager Tom Heckert has to: 1. re-sign the team's free agents he wants to keep; 2. sign at least a dozen undrafted free agents; 3. execute some trades; 4. sign the team's eight rookie draft picks; and 5. sign some starting-caliber veteran free agents.
The NFL is expected to release the official lists of unrestricted and restricted free agents after 6 p.m. Monday.
Some big names who could help the Browns undoubtedly will sign new deals with their former teams and be removed from the market.
The first three tasks take on more immediate priority. To sort things out, here's a recap of where the Browns' roster stands and what needs to be done.
Quarterbacks
Projected starter: Colt McCoy.
Others under contract: Seneca Wallace, Jake Delhomme, Jarrett Brown.
To do: Delhomme's scheduled $5.4 million 2011 salary might make it hard to trade him unless he agrees to rework his contract. Ideally, a young, developmental quarterback would be found to fill the No. 3 role.
Running backs
Projected starters: Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty.
Others under contract: Tyler Clutts, Quinn Porter.
Unsigned: Owen Marecic (r), Mike Bell, Lawrence Vickers.
To do: Any back has to be an accomplished pass catcher. They could seek a third-down back who specializes in the passing game.
Wide receivers
Projected starters: Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie.
Others under contract: Johnathan Haggerty, Carlton Mitchell, Jordan Norwood, Demetrius Williams, Rod Windsor.
Unsigned: Greg Little (r), Chansi Stuckey.
To do: If they add one in free agency, he should be a true No. 1 and not a player just to join the mix. Examine whether Cribbs should play in the slot or in the backfield.
Tight ends
Projected starter: Ben Watson.
Others under contract: Tyson DeVree.
Unsigned: Jordan Cameron (r), Evan Moore, Alex Smith, Greg Estandia.
To do: Moore is a restricted free agent and must be re-signed.
Offensive line
Projected starters: Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Alex Mack, Shawn Lauvao, Tony Pashos.
Others under contract: Branndon Braxton, Pat Murray, Phil Trautwein, Steve Vallos.
Unsigned: Jason Pinkston (r), Floyd Womack, Billy Yates.
To do: If Pashos reports to camp fully recovered from his season-ending ankle injury, don't expect a starting-caliber new player to be added. Re-signing Womack and/or Yates seems prudent, since both can swing to two positions.
Defensive line
Projected starter: Ahtyba Rubin.
Others under contract: Travis Ivey, Scott Paxson, Ko Quaye, Brian Sanford, Brian Schaefering.
Unsigned: Titus Adams, Jayme Mitchell, Derreck Robinson, Jabaal Sheard (r), Robaire Smith, Phil Taylor (r).
To do: Much. They want to re-sign Mitchell to man the left end spot. When signed, Taylor (left tackle) and Sheard (right end) have to be force-fed immediately. There are more bodies under contract at the tackle position, so at least two ends have to be signed.
Linebackers
Projected starters: Scott Fujita, D'Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong.
Others under contract: Eric Alexander, Marcus Benard, Titus Brown, Auston English, Kaluka Maiava, Steve Octavien.
Unsigned: Blake Costanzo, Matt Roth, Jason Trusnik.
To do: Jackson's torn pectoral muscles are said to be back to normal, but team has to protect itself with a middle linebacker to compete as a starter. Benard's role has to be defined early. Is he a full-time linebacker, a full-time end or just a situational rusher?
Cornerbacks
Projected starters: Sheldon Brown, Joe Haden.
Others under contract: Coye Francies, Ramzee Robinson.
Unsigned: Buster Skrine (r), Eric Wright.
To do: Wright must be re-signed and another veteran acquired. If Wright leaves in free agency, they have to sign two cornerbacks.
Safeties
Projected starter: T.J. Ward.
Others under contract: Mike Adams, Sabby Piscitelli, DeAngelo Smith.
Unsigned: Abram Elam, Eric Hagg (r), Nick Sorensen, Ray Ventrone.
To do: Sign a starting free safety, enabling Adams to swing to corner or safety in sub packages.
Specialists
Projected starters: Reggie Hodges, Ryan Pontbriand.
Unsigned: Phil Dawson.
To do: Mend differences with Dawson on a new contract. He never signed his franchise tender and had mentally and emotionally counted on leaving in free agency.
On Twitter: @tonygrossi
Source: http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cleveland_browns_analysis_of_r.html
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