George Foster and The Cleveland Browns Could Find the Right Fit

It is well known that new Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini likes any help he can get on the offensive line. He has already made additions such as Floyd Womack, John St. Clair, and first-round pick Alex Mack.

The Browns have plenty in the middle but could use an experienced tackle on the outside. Immediately (considering I stay on top of the NFL headlines), George Foster comes to mind.

Foster was the first-round draft choice (20th overall) of the Denver Broncos in the 2003 draft. He only played in one game in his rookie season but earned the starting role at right tackle the next season, starting in every game.

He was the Bronco’s starter the next two seasons from 2004, missing no games and only three starts. In his time with Denver, Foster helped the team accomplish some franchise marks.

In 2004, his first season as a starter, Foster helped the team set a franchise low in sacks allowed with 15. In 2005, he helped the team rush for a total of 2,539 yards, the second highest in franchise history. Also in the 2005 season, they set a team record for most rushing first downs.

After the 2006 season, the Lions acquired Foster in a trade that sent Dre’ Bly to Denver. In his first season with Detroit, Foster started nine games while playing in 15 total.

Last season, Foster only saw four games (three starts) due to his injury followed by being inactive. He hurt his knee in Week Four, sat out Week Five, and then was placed on the inactive list for the rest of the season.

Foster was cut in order for the Lions to sign offensive tackle Jon Jansen. Now that he is a free agent, he is looking for his new team. Why not the Cleveland Browns?

Although the line looks much improved, the Browns could use a little more. As of now, presumed starters are Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach (at LT and LG). The right side will be a mix, coming from two of either Womack, St. Clair, Ryan Tucker, or Rex Hadnot.

The center will be either Mack or Hank Fraley.

This team is deep, but, the Browns don’t seem to have enough tackles. Joe Thomas has the edge to be the starter on the left side and St. Clair on the right, while Tucker could be a backup. Tucker though, missed practically the entire season last year.

The good thing about Foster is he is capable of playing both sides of the line. If St. Clair/Tucker become the starter on the right side, Foster could be Thomas’s backup on the left side.

Even with St. Clair and Tucker on the roster, Foster could become the starter, moving everyone else back on the depth chart.

If the Browns could improve their already revamped O-line, they could be a team to watch. Plus, a veteran O-lineman is something any team can use.

Players can get hurt or not play as well as expected, so Foster is insurance as well as experience. I’m not say the Browns need or should spend money on Foster, but they could. It makes some sense, but it all depends on Mangini.

A Star in the Waiting: D’Qwell Jackson

Although the Cleveland Browns had an absolutely abysmal 2008 season, there were some bright things within the disappointment. One of those things being middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson.

Jackson was drafted by the Browns 34th overall in the second-round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The pick was acquired by the New Orleans Saints in a trade.

In his rookie season, Jackson started in all of the 13 games he played in, racking 93 tackles. Nothing flashy, but Jackson got the job done when the ball carrier came near him.

In his followup sophomore season, Jackson started 13 out of the 14 games he played in, leading the team with 101 tackles, and collecting one sack and one interception. Again, nothing flashy, just good football.

In his third season, the season where he started every game, Jackson thrived. He lead not only the Browns, but the entire NFL in tackles with 154. Also last season, he had an impressive three interceptions and two sacks. Nothing flashy again, just improved numbers.

If Jackson reminded me of anybody, I would have to say Aaron Curry. They are both tackle machines who play consistent hard-nose football. They aren’t sack machines, but more of a coverage type linebacker.

One other thing that I agree on them be similar on is that they will get more sacks given the opportunity. Jackson didn’t rack up sacks because he was never asked to. The Same goes for Curry.

Either way, with a new and more aggressive defensive coordinator, Jackson could see more sacks. Shaun Rogers, Kamerion Wimbley, and Alex Hall (maybe David Veikune, too) are the Browns biggest sack threats. Blitz all of them including Jackson, and Jackson may be forgotten.

This new system is perfect for Jackson, and with another tackling machine in Eric Barton playing opposite him, Jackson will see more success. He should look for his first Pro Bowl next season.

The Josh Cribbs Holdout: What the Browns Can Do if No One Gives In

The latest from Bureau is that Josh Cribbs is holding out for a new contract. This is just one more thing Eric Mangini has to deal with this offseason.

First, it was Shaun Rogers complaining about Mangini not “noticing” him (apparently twice). Then it was (some) fans being upset that Kellen Winslow Jr. was traded. From there, it was the Brady Quinn and Braylon Edwards trade rumors.

Mangini kept both of the players, despite some very nice trade offers.

Now Cribbs is holding out, and possibly even kicker Phil Dawson.

Mangini never gave in when Rogers complained, never second-guessed himself in trading K2, and stuck to his guns by trying to maximize offers for Quinn/Edwards before considering. I don’t see him giving into Cribbs’ demands.

So it is on Cribbs to make a decision. He can either continue to hold out or return to the team. If he returns, he could look for a new contract after one season under Mangini.

If Cribbs returns, everything in this drama is over, but if he doesn’t, Mangini could look to trade Cribbs. What exactly could the Browns get for Cribbs?

Before I get into that, take this into consideration: Cribbs is very versatile and would bring a lot to any team.

He is probably the best special teams player out there, could play the wildcat formation very well, and, of course, is a receiver. His role is very underrated, but any team would love to have him.

So with that in mind, what could Cribbs get?

A first-round pick seems too much, but a second-round pick isn’t out of the question. The Browns might even be able to get a player in a trade, say a cornerback or linebacker.

It’s hard to evaluate what Cribbs is worth, considering he isn’t a one-position player or a pure starter, besides special teams, so there isn’t really much else to say.

If Cribbs was traded, what would the Browns look like? Who would return kicks for the team? Could the Browns still manage some wildcat plays?

Without Cribbs, the favorite to return kicks could have to be Syndric Steptoe. Last season he had three kick returns for 61 yards, two of which were over 20 yards. He also had two punt returns for 23 yards (his long being 14 yards). 

On the defensive side of special teams, there are many players who could make tackles instead of Cribbs. The rookies Kaluka Maiava, Don Carey, and Coye Francies are very capable.

One very good thing Cribbs brought to the Browns was wildcat plays. If Cribbs wasn’t handling them, the Browns have some players that could—Steptoe, rookie Jordan Norwood, etc. Of course, none of them are (ex-)quarterbacks, but they could work.

Mangini intended to use Cribbs on the defensive side of the ball, but, since Cribbs has never played there is the NFL, there isn’t anything to replace. They have their starters and their depth.

To be honest, the Browns aren’t losing a whole lot if Cribbs left. The biggest thing lost in him is his dynamic special teams play.

So should Mangini trade Cribbs or should he wait for Cribbs to make a decision? That is Mangini to decide. Let’s all just hope it works out in the Browns’ favor.

New Cleveland Browns’ Offense Doesn’t Call for Braylon Edwards

Alright, before you read this article, I would recommend you read the article written by B/R’s Kim Lakner.

His article explains my standpoint on the Browns’ offensive plans for 2009.

It was a very good article as well, and I don’t think I could have said it any better.

The link is right below:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/178405-browns-new-offense-fitting-the-mold-of-the-smash-mouth-afc-north

Assuming you read the article Kim wrote, you should understand my viewpoint on the Browns’ 2009 offense. Concentrating on running the ball, setting up the run with short passes, and clock management.

Kim compared the Browns’ “new look” offense to the New England Patriots when Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown were around. The receiving leader that season was Caldwell with 760 yards.

If the Browns spread their offense to many receivers, then what is the point in keeping Braylon Edwards?

He is a good redzone target, but a prima-donna who is at the end of his contract and worth something at the moment.

If the Browns kept Edwards, and he had a year similar to Caldwells—racking up at most 800 yards, then he isn’t worth a whole lot. Not only that, but franchising him would make no sense.

Without him franchised, he will leave via free agency.

I say the Browns pull a Cleveland Indians and trade the guy while they can (anybody remember CC Sabathia?).

Here is a look at an offense without Braylon Edwards:

Without Edwards, the Browns will most likely (but don’t hold me to it) start Mike Furrey and Brian Robiskie—the possession receivers, while having Mohammed Massaquoi and David Patten playing behind them.

None of the players are flashy, except for maybe Massaquoi, but all are solid receivers. If the Browns run the ball and use short passes, they won’t need Edwards!!! Hence why they should trade him now.

I know there has been a lot of speculation on Edwards being traded and a lot of talk about how much he is worth, but I just have to go over it again. Edwards could command a first and third-round pick, or a packaged deal with a player and picks.

I heard on NFL Live today that the Oakland Raiders are reportedly interested in Plaxico Burress. Burress isn’t a given to be able to play, and the fact that he won’t go for a plea bargain makes it more unlikely that he will play.

I firmly believe that a deal could be made with the two teams.

I haven’t had too much luck with speculated trades in the past, usually they favor the Browns too much, but I believe I may have gotten this one right this time.

In exchange for Edwards, the Raiders give up running back Michael Bush and their first-round pick in 2009. Then you add in a fifth-rounder—it’s a little steep both ways but works out for both teams.

Al Davis loves a good receiver, and the Browns will be a run-first team next year.

Line up Edwards across from Darrius Heyward-Bey, or possibly Javon Walker if he returns to form, and the Raiders (meaning JaMarcus Russell) have themselves a great mix of receivers.

The deep threats mixed with JaMarcus’s cannon arm and the solid running game in Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas could be dynamic.

The trade would benefit the Browns highly as well. They get a first-round pick, and Michael Bush is better than basically any third-round pick the Browns are going to get. The fifth-round pick just sweetens the deal.

Sure their receivers would have to prove themselves, but with a solid running game, it would be a lot easier.

Now, I expect Brady Quinn to be the starter considering the offense I expect to see the Browns operate.

A running game like this would help out Quinn so much.

Start Jamal Lewis, use James Davis as his “breather-back” (as I like to call them), make Michael Bush the third-down back, and Jerome Harrison will be the multi-purpose back.

Add in Lawrence Vickers’ catching ability and Charles Ali’s solid blocking, and the Browns have themselves a very talented backfield, something that would really benefit the Browns in the AFC North.

Now comes the draft pick(s).

I, along with just about anyone else out there, should expect the Raiders to be in at least the top 15 in the 2009 NFL Draft. Assuming the Browns are in the top 15 as well, they would then have two early draft picks.

This is a great situation for rebuilding the Browns. If they can manage to trade down again like they did in the recent draft, the Browns would have a strong core of players.

The fifth-round pick could be used on a player like James Davis or Kaluka Maiava, both of whom expect to have certain roles for the Browns in the upcoming season.

I know many of you Browns fans out there are against trading Edwards, but he should be gone before the Browns intend to really compete. A trade may soon prove to be inevitable.

Jerome Harrison Is Eric Mangini’s New Leon Washington

Although their running games had their differences in previous 2008 season, the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets had very similar players.

Their starters were the Brown’s Jamal Lewis and the Jet’s Thomas Jones. Lewis is a big, powerful, bruising back. Though Jones has his power, he is more of a speedy elusive back.

These two are obviously dissimilar, so that leaves the backups. The Browns’ Jerome Harrison and the Jets’ Leon Washington.

Jerome Harrison: 5’9″, 205 pounds, 26 years old, three years of NFL experience

2008 stats: 34 rushing attempts for 246 yards (7.2 average ypc), one Touchdown, 12 receptions for 116 yards (9.7 average ypc), one TD

Leon Washington: 5’8″, 202 lbs, 26 years old, three years of NFL experience

2008 stats:76 rushing attempts for 448 yards (5.9 ypc), six TDs, 47 receptions for 355 yards (7.6 ypc), two TDs

Washington’s stats are impressive, and he has compiled a higher amount of yardage, but he also saw a significant amount of playing time. The Jets’ running game was more so balanced between their backs, than anything.

Harrison’s stats are impressive as well, but he didn’t see the ball nearly as much as Washington. Jamal Lewis was the workhorse for the Browns last season, and former Brown Jason Wright also got his touches.

Wright had 23 carries for 85 yards (3.7 ypc), and 22 receptions for 156 yards (7.1 ypc). Wright had to Touchdowns. Add his and Harrison’s stats together and you get this: 57 carries for 331 yards (5.81 ypc) and 34 receptions for 272 yards (8 ypc).

These stats are much more similar to Washington’s, and without Wright, Harrison could have such stats in 2009. Mangini obviously likes using two to multiple ‘backs, and could lead to Harrison having a breakout season.

A darkhorse that could prevent Harrison from having a breakout season, but could help the running game, is James Davis. He was a sixth-round pick, but has great potential.

Either way, look for Harrison to be utilized to his full advantage next season under Eric Mangini. GO BROWNIES!

 

Braylon Edwards: New York Jets, Cleveland Browns Could Have a Deal

Okay, I will own up to it. My last article (which I deleted) was a too high on Braylon Edwards. I honestly didn’t know that Chris Williams was a 2008 first-round pick, just thought he was a big, young offensive lineman.

It was my mistake, and I will do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

This article is more to straighten myself out. Despite writing my last article, I can’t ever see the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears making a trade that involves Edwards.

I see the New York Jets as the only team that fits a possible trade with the Browns. Here is why.

There are a few teams interested in acquiring Edwards: The Jets, the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago Bears.

Count out the Giants. The Browns and Giants talked and talked, but a deal was never consistent. It was reported that deals were proposed, but one team always wanted to make changes that the opposing team didn’t like.

Talks between these two teams are dead.

Scratch the Eagles as well. They would like to have Edwards but would rather pass. They would have to give up a good amount for him, and that is not something they want to do. They are satisfied with their roster.

The Eagles can do without him.

Another team to forget is the Bears. They traded their 2009 and 2010 first-round draft picks for Jay Cutler and won’t look to get rid of their next in 2011. They should be okay with the big group of young receivers they have now.

One of the many receivers has to blossom, right?

The Jets look to be the only team capable. They have something that the other teams don’t have. A good, expendable, and experienced receiver. His name is Jerricho Cotchery.

The Jets would love to have Edwards, a receiver who would thrive in the spotlight New York. Cotchery is a good receiver but doesn’t have the same potential as Braylon. It would be a swap of starting receivers.

Mangini might love to have Crotchery, in whom he coached the last three seasons. He has a lot of upside.

He has only missed one game in the last four years and had a really good year in 2007. He had 82 receptions for 1,130 yards. His touchdown’s were a low at two, but it was a good year none the less.

Of course the Browns would get more than just Jerricho. He, a second-round pick, and a fifth-round pick sound fair. It isn’t a huge loss on the Jets part, nor are the Browns not getting enough.

They are rebuilding, so picks are very welcome. Adding picks and getting rid of a diva who’s constantly having rumors go around about him could be good, too.

With Braylon gone, the Browns’ receivers depth chart could look something like this:

Wide Receiver No. 1:
Jerricho Cotchery
Mohammed Massaquoi
David Patten

Wide Receiver No. 2:
Brian Robiskie
Mike Furrey
Syndric Steptoe

Although everybody on this DC is new, with the exception of Steptoe, this is a strong group of receivers who could only get better.

If a trade like this, that involved Cotchery, were made, he would join the long list of ex-Jets that have joined the Browns.

Ex-Jets that are now Browns (as of this offseason) are:
DL C.J. MOsley
DB Hank Poteat
DL/LB David Bowens
LB Eric Barton
DB Abram Elam
DL Kenyon Coleman
QB Bret Ratliff

This would put the Browns in a great situation. They have no superstars. They have many players that already know the Mangini’s system, making other players catch on quicker. They have more draft picks.

All of this is great for a rebuilding team. This might be something Mangini wants.

But before you comment on this article (if you do), remember this. My opinion on Edwards being traded is neutral. He may remain a Brown, or he may not. If the deal is right, then the trigger may be pulled.

Edwards is a risk, but then again so was Bret Favre. The Jets and Browns both might like this deal.

Chicago Bears And Cleveland Browns: A Better Trade for Braylon Edwards

This article is in response to B/R’s Tab Bradford’s article “How Braylon Edwards Can Become a Chicago Bear: A Deal Jerry Angelo Should Offer.”

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/168141-chicago-bears-a-deal-jerry-angelo-should-offer

In Tab’s article, his proposal was that the Browns trade Braylon Edwards to the Chicago Bears for the following Players/picks:

Corner Back Nathan Vasher
Defensive End Alex Brown
Fifth-round draft pick

To be honest Tab, that is nowhere near enough for Braylon. The Bears will need to give up more than that.

First off, Nathan Vasher isn’t anything of worth to the Browns. The man signed a huge contract and hasn’t done much since. In the last three years, the man has only appeared in 26 games, starting 22 of them.

It is more likely the Browns would ask for CB Corey Graham. He has two years of NFL experience under his belt and became a starter last season. Despite only having one interception, he had 91 tackles.

He is currently 23 years old and would be a good pickup for the team. He could become a starter opposite Eric Wright, moving Brandon McDonald back in the depth chart.

Secondly, Alex Browns is a good player but not what the Browns are looking for. They have already added defensive lineman CJ Mosley, David Bowens, and Kenyon Coleman. They are fine on D-lineman. They will certainly pass up on an average 29-year-old lineman in Brown.

A defensive player they should look at is Mark Anderson. He is a 25 year old who would be a linebacker in the Browns 3-4 defensive scheme. In his rookie season, Anderson had 12.0 sacks. His production has dropped since but would be a nice pickup for Cleveland.

He would compete will David Veikune and Alex Hall for the left outside linebacker position that was previously held by Willi McGinest.

A position Mangini loves to upgrade is the offensive line. In the offseason, Mangini cut inconsistent OT Kevin Shaffer, while adding experienced lineman in Floyd Womack and John St. Clair.

A “Throw-In,” player more than anything would be offensive lineman Chris Williams. He was a rookie last season and played in nine games. No starts but he saw playing time. He is young at 23 and would add much appreciated help.

When Womack and St. Clair leave (or other veterans), he could take their roles. He could even be molded into a starter down the road.

And last but not least, a draft pick. Tab added a fifth-round pick to his proposal, but I believe that they would have to give up a third or fourth-round pick. This would give them yet another pick to help the team rebuild for the future. They could even throw in another pick.

My offer for Edwards:

Corner Back Corey Graham (23 years old)
Linebacker Mark Anderson (25 years old)
Offensive Lineman Chris Williams (23 years old)
Third-round pick
Fifth-round pick

If anyone thinks that this is too much, which it is honestly barely enough, think again.

How much did the Bears give up for Jay Cutler? They gave up three draft picks (2 first-round picks) and QB Kyle Orton.

The Bears desperately need a receiver and with Cutler and RB Matt Forte, a Pro Bowl caliber receiver would be great for Chicago’s offense. This could throw them over the top.

With the Browns stocking up on receivers (veteran Mike Furrey most recently), a trade for Edwards seems more possible. I still don’t see them trading him but anything is possible, especially with Mangini.

I’m not saying this trade will be made, I’m just stating what I think the Bears would have to give up for him. All in comparison to Tab’s article.

Cleveland Browns: Who Will Improve Under Head Coach Eric Mangini’s Regime?

So far in the offseason, I give Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini and GM George Kokinis an “A-” grade, without question. Although their moves haven’t been high-profile, they have done great for a rebuilding team.

That being said, if they hadn’t cut Joe Jurevicious, they would have received an “A+” from me.

With a whole new look for the team, many players could benefit. So which current Browns will improve this upcoming season?

 

Braylon Edwards

Braylon went from elite in 2007 to disappointing in 2008, and nobody knows this more than he does. Now, with his (rookie) contract expiring at the end of this season, Edwards will be looking for a payoff.

With the additions of Brain Robiskie and Mohammed Massaquoi, Edwards should be well aware that the Browns are preparing to field a team that does not include him. But whether or not he wants to remain a Brown, it doesn’t matter; he will try his hardest in 2009.

Projected Stats: 65 receptions for 1,000 yards; nine touchdowns and 14 dropped passes.

 

Kamerion Wimbley

Despite his great rookie year in which he had 11.0 sacks, Wimbley hasn’t been as productive since (at least not in that department). Still, his tackle count has increased every year, and he has played in each game since joining the team.

With a younger linebacker core and David Veikune’s pass-rushing ability possibly starting opposite him, Wimbley’s performance could improve this year. Mangini’s strict coaching should help as well.

Projected Stats: 70 tackles, eight sacks, zero interceptions. 

 

Brodney Pool

Many do not believe that Pool has the ability to be great. I disagree with this majority.

Sean Jones was obviously the better safety between the two, and the corners were never great. But with four years of experience (making for the longest tenure on the Browns among deepbacks), I believe he will have a breakout season.

Projected Stats: 75 tackles, one sack, five interceptions.

 

Jerome Harrison/Lawrence Vickers

Last season, Harrison proved himself to be a valuable playmaker. In 2007, Vickers proved himself to be one of the NFL’s best fullbacks. Meanwhile, Jamal Lewis is aging, and James Davis is a rookie.

Mangini never thought twice about splitting carries between Thomas Jones and Leon Washington back in N.Y. With these two’s talent and Mangini’s mindset, the two should see more opportunity to help their team.

Projected Stats (for Harrison): 50 carries for 250 yards, 15 receptions for 200 yards, three TD. 

Projected Stats (for Vickers): 20 carries for 60 yards, 15 receptions for 120 yards, two TD.

Marvin Harrison Would Make the Philadelphia Eagles Great

The offseason started a while ago, the draft has passed, and team workouts have already begun. Looking back, I would have to give the Philadelphia Eagles the best offseason grade so far.

The funny thing is that their offseason isn’t even over. Or at least it shouldn’t be.

Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews replace Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas.

Sean Jones replaces Brian Dawkins, and Ellis Hobbs strengthens their secondary even more.

Rookies LeSean McCoy and Cornelius Ingram will find roles on this team in no time. McCoy looks to play behind Brian Westbrook, and Ingram could very well fill the hole that L.J. Smith left.

The Eagles have improved their defense as well as their offense—yet there is still one more move to put this team over the top.

The Eagles got a great receiver in the draft in Jeremy Maclin. He will work out fine in the West Coast offense.

But can the Eagles really depend on rookie Maclin and sophomore DeSean Jackson?

Their receivers are good but don’t have either the experience or skill to be proven players for the contending Eagles. Philadelphia needs a receiver who has been reliable in the past.

In comes Marvin Harrison.

Harrison would top off the Eagles’ offseason. In the past, I’ve heard a lot about “Donovan’s receiver,” but how about receivers?

Imagine Harrison lining up opposite Jackson, with Maclin and company right behind them. They wouldn’t have just an incredible receiver—they would have a great mix of receivers.

Yes, I know Harrison is past his prime, but the Eagles aren’t looking for an elite receiver. If he draws attention, look for someone else, and if he doesn’t draw attention, then look for him.

With an improved O-line, added depth behind Westbrook, and a great mix of receivers, the Eagles offense could be unstoppable.

Head coach Andy Reid loves to pass; everybody knows this. If he had a four-receiver set with Harrison, Jackson, Maclin, and Kevin Curtis with McCoy in the backfield, who do you cover?

You can’t double-cover everybody. Somebody is bound to get separation in single coverage.

Also, with McCoy second on the depth chart, Westbrook can be at ease and get more touches.

With Harrison, the Eagles offense would be perfectly balanced like no other team.

This is the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting offensive depth chart with Marvin Harrison:

QB—Donovan McNabb
RB—Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy
FB—Leonard Weaver
WR—Marvin Harrison, Jeremy Maclin
WR—DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis
TE—Brent Celek, Matt Schobel, Cornelius Ingram (any could be the starter)
LT—Jason Peters
LG—Todd Herremans
C—Jamaal Jackson
RG—Shawn Andrews
RT—Stacy Andrews

Other receivers who could see playing time are Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Shaheer McBride, and rookie Brandon Gibson. Look for them to make differences as well.

Their offense with Marvin Harrison sounds pretty good to me.

Roderick Hood Fits the Cleveland Browns

The Arizona Cardinals have just released running back Edgerrin James!

But really, what’s the excitement for? The fact of the matter is that it was an obvious move that needed to be made, as the Cards drafted OSU’s running back Chris “Beanie” Wells. Plus, James requested to leave.

Of more interest is that Arizona also cut cornerback Roderick Hood and linebacker/defensive end Travis LaBoy.

All of the roster casualties should find new homes easily, but one in particular should get a hard look from the Cleveland Browns:

Hood.

 

It’s no secret that the Browns need help at the corner position, and the team’s activity so far this offseason is proof.

In the Draft, the Browns took Don Carey and Coye Francies, both in the sixth round. They shouldn’t look to depend on either of those guys.

Cleveland also signed free agent cornerbacks Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy, and despite their greater experience level, the Browns shouldn’t rely on them too heavily, either.

The current starting corners are Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, and while Wright proved himself to be starter-worthy last season, McDonald didn’t. He wasn’t horrible, but he got beat deep too many times to be on the field right away.

So, enter Rod Hood. If Cleveland were to sign him, he would become an instant starter, pushing McDonald (and others) back on the depth chart. The move would make the position deeper and the starters better, so it makes perfect sense to at least try.

 

In the past two seasons, Hood has made 97 tackles, 35 pass deflections, and six interceptions. His numbers dropped from 2007 to 2008, but he is still a good player.

He also is a six-year veteran and would fit the organization very well. He has experience but isn’t old (he’s currently 27) and has been on Playoff teams. He was part of the Cardinals’ Super Bowl run last season and played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2003 to 2006.

Leadership would be one more benefit of this potential signing. And a move like this fits what the Browns have been doing lately; Hood isn’t a “diva” and would put the team first.

Like I said, he fits the profile for the Browns. Mangini would and Kokinis would look very smart pursuing Hood.

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