Monday, July 25, 2011

Cleveland Browns: Analysis of roster and needs with NFL lockout over

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.

heckert.jpgView full sizeCleveland Browns General Manager Tom Heckert faces a significant to do list with the NFL lockout ending. Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi analyzes the priorities and resets the team's roster.

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.

cribbs.jpgView full sizeOne of the key personnel decisions facing the Browns is whether Josh Cribbs should play in the slot or in the backfield.

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.

taylor.jpgView full sizeDefensive line is a major area the Browns must address immediately, including signing rookie draft pick Phil Taylor.

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.

adams.jpgView full sizeAmong the Browns' chief prioroties is signing a starting free safety, which would enable Mike Adams to swing to corner or safety in sub packages.

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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