Neither Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson Will Be on Browns’ Roster in 2010

So much for the whole quarterback secret.

 

When head coach Eric Mangini is fired, either at the end of the year or next year, the secrecy that surrounded the Browns quarterback position will follow him for the rest of his career.

 

Which leads me to this: If Mangini is indeed still the coach at the end of the season, both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will be looking for new homes in the off-season.

 

Mangini can at least defend himself by saying that neither quarterback was handpicked by him and general manager George Kokinis.

 

Maybe Mangini thought he would be able to catch lightning in a bottle and find something in either of these guys. So far, it doesn’t look like it.

 

I hate to even bring up this topic, but if the Browns have the No. 1 pick in the draft, they should be looking at three players: safety Eric Berry and quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy.

 

Berry could be the best defensive player in the draft, if not the best player on either side of the ball.

 

The Browns have not had a star safety since they have come back and he could become the quarterback of this weak secondary. Right now, Berry would be an instant upgrade over both Abram Elam and Brodney Pool.

 

Look at how much the Pittsburgh Steelers miss Troy Polamalu. The team is 0-2 without it’s maniac playmaker in the defensive backfield.

 

The Ravens’ Ed Reed was all over the field and picked off Anderson once, while Elam and Pool had as many picks or big plays as you and me. Berry would be a solid choice and would bring a feared presence to a pathetic secondary.

 

Then there is Bradford and McCoy, the two top prospects at the quarterback position. Mangini may have no choice but to select either player under the current situation.

 

Quinn is proving that he was way overhyped coming out of Notre Dame. I am starting to see why 21 teams, including the Browns, passed on him. Anderson is a backup at best and too erratic with the football.

 

If both Quinn and Anderson are dumped after the season, do not be surprised if Mangini picks up Chad Pennington, whose relationship with the Miami Dolphins could be coming to an end.

 

Bill Parcells has already stated that Chad Henne will take over in 2010. I know, another ex-Jet who won’t contribute to this team. He would be a one-year stopgap at most before either McCoy or Bradford is ready. He is in his early 30’s and would not be a threat to either Bradford or McCoy.

 

Again, this team has problems everywhere. I don’t mean to pick on the safeties and quarterbacks only, but it starts with the quarterback. I knew Elam would be a disappointment, and Pool can’t be depended on a regular basis with his injury history.

 

LeBron, Shaq and the Cavaliers open training camp tomorrow. Maybe the Browns should shadow Dan Gilbert, Danny Ferry, and Mike Brown to see how a real professional sports franchise is operated.

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Eric Mangini, Brady Quinn to Blame For Season-Opening Loss

The NFL might as well just leave the Cleveland Browns off the Week One schedule.

 

Yesterday, the Browns dropped their 10th opening season game in 11 years to the Minnesota Vikings.

 

Following a surprising 13-10 halftime lead, highlighted by a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown from Josh Cribbs, the Browns reformed to their 2008 ways in the second half.

 

They allowed 25 yards on the ground to Adrian Peterson and their run defense looked as though it was turning the corner. However, due to offensive turnovers and a tiring defense, the Browns imploded and allowed Peterson to run wild to clinch a Vikings’ win.

 

Most of these second half problems could have been avoided if Head Coach Eric Mangini would have named a starting quarterback in training camp and stuck with him. This is what happens when you split reps between quarterbacks and the rest of the offense has to adjust their games around two different throwing styles.

 

Don’t believe me? Ask San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. He named Shaun Hill the starting quarterback during preseason and his team upset the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals, 20-16.

 

I’m not letting Brady Quinn off the hook because he deserves as much blame for this loss as Mangini.

 

Quinn and wide receiver Braylon Edwards seemed to be on two different wavelengths all afternoon and the quarterback looked undecisive at times. Even on Edwards’ lone reception, the ball didn’t appear to placed in the right spot as it was deflected by a defender and caught by the fifth-year pro.

 

Edwards and Derek Anderson seemed to have much better chemistry and now he and Quinn will have to get on the same page quickly.

 

On the touchdown pass that was negated by a penalty, the ball was thrown in a difficult place to be caught, but Edwards made a saving-grab.

 

Quinn also had difficulties with handling some snaps and that can be attributed to rotating centers. Alex Mack will improve, but this was a stiff first test going up against one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL.

 

The Browns still have to play against some of the top defenses like Baltimore and Pittsburgh, so Quinn will hopefully learn from this opening game.

 

If anyone thought either quarterback was going to light up the Vikings defense, I would recommend you check into an insane asylum. My opening game prediction was right on the spot and I expect the Browns to perform much better against Denver next Sunday.

 

Browns fans don’t need to panic yet. Everyone knew this was a difficult matchup and the Vikings are expected to make a deep playoff run this season. If the same problems continue against the Broncos, then there may be reason for concern.

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2009 Cleveland Browns Season Preview

Following June minicamps and a month of training camp practices and exhibition games, the NFL season is officially here.

 

The Cleveland Browns and head coach Eric Mangini will take the field next Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings on the lakefront to find out how far they have come in the past three months.

 

The overly-scrutinized quarterback battle appears to be over, but Mangini has yet to name a starter. All indications point to Brady Quinn, as he threw the lone touchdown pass between him and Derek Anderson and limited his mistakes in preseason.

 

I will predict the Browns’ 2009 win-loss record along with statistics for the anticipated starting offense. My surprise players and disappointments will follow.

 

Week 1 vs. Minnesota Vikings: Loss—Adrian Peterson will prove to be too much for the Browns’ defense to handle. Brett Favre also throws a touchdown pass.

 

Week 2 at Denver Broncos: Win—The Denver Broncos are a mess at quarterback, and have a defense that looks to be in worse shape than the Browns’ unit. It is also yet to be seen how star wide receiver Brandon Marshall will respond to the team’s suspension.

 

Week 3 at Baltimore Ravens: Loss—The Ravens’ defense and quarterback Joe Flacco look ready to threaten the Steelers for AFC North supremacy and conference bragging rights. Give home field advantage to Baltimore.

 

Week 4 vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Win—Quarterback Carson Palmer is already having injury problems, and first round pick Andre Smith could be out until November. Brady Quinn will find Braylon Edwards for multiple touchdowns in this contest.

 

Week 5 at Buffalo Bills: Win—The Browns have had Buffalo’s number the past couple years, but they have been close games. This one will be another nail-biter, especially with Terrell Owens on the opposite side, but the Browns’ defense under Rob Ryan will begin to show flashes of big play ability.

 

Week 6 at Pittsburgh Steelers: Loss—The defending Super Bowl Champions against a team that is under its fourth head coach in 11 years. No explanation needed.

 

Week 7 vs. Green Bay Packers: Loss—Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is an up-and-coming player in this league and will prove it on this afternoon. Wide receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver could both have 100-yard games.

 

Week 8 at Chicago Bears: Win—This game is a toss-up, but the Browns will steal one in Chi-town. The Bears are a bit overhyped with the acquisition of quarterback Jay Cutler, and this game will prove it. Rookie running back James Davis begins his supplanting of Jamal Lewis as the starter.

 

Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens: Win—The Browns had last year’s home game in the bag against this squad, squandering a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Mangini and Ryan will make sure that doesn’t happen this time around.

 

Week 11: at Detroit Lions: Win—Shaun Rogers and Kamerion Wimbley will confuse rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford all afternoon. Braylon Edwards will put on a show for his hometown fans with a two-touchdown, 100-yard performance.

 

Week 12 at Cincinnati Bengals: Loss—For some reason, the Browns have trouble sweeping the season series against their intrastate rival.

 

Week 13 vs. San Diego Chargers: Loss—The Chargers are among the AFC’s elite and will blow the Browns out in this game. Quarterback Philip Rivers is one of the most underrated players at his position.

 

Week 14 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Loss—This game will be slightly more competitive than the first contest between these two rivals; however, the losing streak will continue.

 

Week 15 at Kansas City Chiefs: Win—The Chiefs’ front office will regret giving quarterback Matt Cassel a lucrative contract. James Davis rushes for over 100 yards and two scores.

 

Week 16 vs. Oakland Raiders: Win—The Raiders will be preparing for another top-five draft pick and have to start looking at another quarterback. JaMarcus Russell’s time is running out in Oakland.

 

Week 17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Win—The snow and sleet will make David Garrard and the Jaguars wish they were back in the sunshine state.

 

 

Overall prediction: At first, I had the Browns at 7-9, but I believe with an improved coaching staff and a smart, accurate quarterback in Quinn, the Browns will win some games they would have lost last year and show major improvement on defense.

 

9-7, third in AFC North.

 

Predicted Statistics:

 

QB—Brady Quinn: 2,750 yards 18 TD, 9 INT

 

RB—Jamal Lewis: 700 yards rushing, 4 TD; James Davis: 450 yards rushing, 5 TD

 

WR—Braylon Edwards: 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, 8 TD; Mike Furrey: 55 receptions, 575 yards, 4 TD; Mohamed Massaquoi: 25 receptions, 355 yards, 2 TD

 

TE—Robert Royal: 35 receptions, 300 yards, TD; Martin Rucker: 20 receptions, 420 yards, TD

 

Surprise Players: Mohamed Massaquoi, Kaluka Maiava, Martin Rucker

 

—Massaquoi has performed well in preseason and has earned a chance to see a lot of action early. Don’t be surprised if he’s starting sometime down the road this season.

 

—Maiava showed some toughness and big-hit ability in preseason and will be involved in the linebacker rotation in November.

 

—Rucker didn’t get a lot of opportunities in preseason, but will be used as the primary receiving target at tight end. He’s not Kellen Winslow, but his pass-catching abilities will be welcomed.

 

Disappointments: Jamal Lewis, Brian Robiskie, Abram Elam

 

—After this season, Lewis will never have a starting position again. The end is near.

 

—Robiskie fell behind in training camp and it’s too little too late with Edwards, Furrey, Cribbs and Massaquoi all ahead of him.

 

—Elam will prove to be average at best, and the Browns will be keeping a close eye on USC star Taylor Mays in the 2010 draft.

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Offensive Line Depth, Running Back Among Concerns for Browns This Season

The Cleveland Browns had better hope Joe Thomas and Jamal Lewis don’t get hurt this season.

 

Although based on three preseason games, fans may not lose much sleep on an injured Lewis. Thomas, though, is another story.

 

Today, the Browns placed offensive lineman Ryan Tucker on injured reserve after cutting tackle George Foster last week.

 

Tucker and the Browns came to an injury settlement, which could allow him to return to the team.

 

That leaves the loser of the Alex Mack/Hank Fraley battle and Rex Hadnot, who is coming off of an MCL injury, as the primary backups.

 

Head coach Eric Mangini and general manager George Kokinis recently picked up long-time Texans guard Fred Weary, although it remains to be seen if he will make the final cut.

 

Assuming the starting offensive line is Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Alex Mack, Floyd Womack and John St. Clair, that leaves Fraley, Hadnot and either Weary, Isaac Sowells or Kurt Quarterman as the reserves.

 

There is also the possibility that if Thomas goes down, that Steinbach could slide over to tackle, with Hadnot filling in at left guard.

 

The point is, the lack of quality depth behind the starters is a bit concerning, and in the AFC North, teams need as many linemen as possible.

 

Then there is Jamal Lewis.

 

It’s only preseason, but Lewis is running like his age (30) and backup Jerome Harrison hasn’t seem game action since the Green Bay game.

 

There was a report from the News Herald that Harrison could be in danger of losing his roster spot to Noah Herron. While I doubt this is possible, nothing should be considered out of the question with Mangini. He hasn’t seen a lot of action out of Harrison and Noah Herron is one of his guys.

 

Rookie James Davis has looked impressive thus far during preseason, but it’s been mostly against third stringers. It’s unknown how Davis would perform against first-team defenses.

 

Another area that has me concerned is in the secondary.

 

After releasing Rod Hood yesterday, that leaves Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald as the starters, with Hank Poteat, Corey Ivy, and Coye Francies battling for the nickel and dime spots.

 

While Wright and McDonald have come up with big plays in preseason, the others have left much to be desired.

 

Francies has probably been the most impressive, but again, it’s against third stringers.

 

Poteat and Ivy are journeymen defensive backs and not the type of guys you want to depend on to cover team’s third receivers.

 

Francies’ play during preseason could be a reason the Browns decided to part ways with Hood, but throwing a sixth round pick into game action that quickly is risky.

 

The safety position is even shakier with the injury to starter Brodney Pool.

 

The Browns won’t disclose Pool’s injury, but there has been speculation that it is a concussion. He spent the last few practices inside away from the team and media, but did return to action yesterday.

 

Backup Mike Adams is a solid veteran, but not the type of player that should be playing eight or nine games a season.

 

Undrafted free agent Bret Lockett has shown some skill in preseason and could make the roster on special teams.

 

With about a week and a half to go until the season opener, it’s doubtful that the Browns will find any street free agents to come in and help, so players on the current roster will have to step up.

 

As Browns fans know, if you don’t have depth in the NFL, you’re in for a long season.

Why Derek Anderson Has No Chance to Win Browns QB Job

Throughout offseason training activities, minicamps and training camp, I have tried to avoid addressing the Browns’ quarterback situation as best I can.

 

Head coach Eric Mangini has stated numerous times that “no quarterback has stood out” and that he doesn’t plan on naming a starter until perhaps the morning of the season opener.

 

Today, however, I am going to make a bold statement by saying that Derek Anderson has absolutely zero chance of being named the Browns starting quarterback for 2009.

 

I believe this for a number of reasons.

 

First and foremost, there were reports that the Browns had a first round pick on the table for Brady Quinn and Mangini turned it down.

 

Now think for a moment—Mangini didn’t draft Quinn and he reportedly was offered a first round pick for him, and didn’t think it was worth it.

 

Had someone offered a first round pick for Derek Anderson, do you think Mangini would have jumped all over that? I believe so, but we will never know.

 

Second, the Browns were in position to take USC quarterback Mark Sanchez with the fifth pick in the draft and Mangini opted to trade the pick to his FORMER team, the New York Jets.

 

I don’t know what Mangini’s thoughts were on Sanchez, but when you take over a new team and have an opportunity to draft a potential franchise quarterback and opt not to, that says something.

 

Third, Mangini and former head coach Romeo Crennel have a long history with each other. They worked together for five seasons in New England and when Crennel accepted the Browns head coaching position in 2005, Mangini was his first choice as defensive coordinator. Mangini opted to stay with the Patriots under the same title.

 

Mangini also inquired Crennel about staying on with the Browns in an unspecified role, which speaks volumes about their relationship.

 

I’m sure Mangini tried to find out as much information about the players he could through Crennel. He obviously watched film from the past two seasons on top of consulting the former Browns head coach.

 

Then there is Notre Dame head coach, Charlie Weis, who was the Patriots offensive coordinator when Mangini was the secondary coach. As we all know, Weis coached Quinn for two seasons at Notre Dame and probably had a major impact on the Browns’ decision to trade for him. I would not be shocked if Mangini and Weis have had a number of conversations about the former football star from Dublin, Ohio.

 

Now I don’t know if all, or any of these conversations even occurred, but it’s ignorant to think that there was no chance of them transpiring, with the history that these coaches have with one another.

 

Possibly the biggest reason Anderson is a long shot to be the starting quarterback is due to his inconsistency. Mangini saw it in 2007, when the Browns had a chance to lock up a playoff birth against the Bengals and Anderson folded. He saw film from the Oakland and Arizona games. He watched film from 2008 as well and is probably aware that Anderson has defeated two, yes that’s two, opponents (Seahawks of 2007, Giants of 2008) that finished with a winning record in two seasons.

 

He wasn’t born yesterday folks.

 

He’s stated that once he picks a quarterback, he’s sticking with him. He tested Anderson in the Brown and White scrimmage when he turned the radio off in his helmet to see if he could improvise and call a play on his own. Anderson threw an interception on the next play.

 

Test failed.

 

In the first preseason game, Anderson threw two passes in two series and one of them was a pick, the other one was incomplete. The next game against a team that didn’t win a single contest last season, he moved the ball down the field and led them to two scores.

 

Mangini put Anderson in for the last series in the first half to see him in the two-minute offense. Instead of taking a sack to end the series and punt, Anderson threw a high pass that tipped off the hands of James Davis and right to a Detroit defender. The Lions kicked a field goal to end the half.

 

Inconsistency. Even though it is preseason, Mangini takes note of things like this; attention to detail.

 

In Quinn’s first game, he was seven of 11 for 68 yards and an interception. Braylon Edwards dropped a would-be touchdown the play before Quinn’s interception, which Packers safety Anthony Smith said he “stole away from Edwards.”

 

In the second preseason game, Quinn was three of five for 29 yards, with two completions that were negated by penalties. Without the penalties, Quinn is five of seven, making him 12 of 18 (66%) with an interception in two games, and Anderson eight of 15 (53%), with two interceptions.

 

Accuracy goes to Quinn, another characteristic to go along with consistency that Mangini is seeking.

 

So even though Mangini has not named a starter yet, he must know in the back of his mind who he’s leaning towards and who he can count on for consistency every week.

 

If the first two games are any indication, Mangini’s answer is Brady Quinn.

Eric Mangini’s Decision To Part Ways With Kellen Winslow Paying Off Already

Former Browns tight end Kellen Winslow is already making headlines for the wrong reasons down in Tampa, Florida.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-year head coach Raheem Morris told the USA Today that Winslow needs to learn to “control his emotions.”

 

Morris acknowledged that Winslow is “definitely talented, but he is starting to get an idea of the problems he’s had.”

 

When Browns head coach Eric Mangini and general manager George Kokinis decided to deal Winslow this past offseason, they did so with the anticipation that he would be a distraction to the team in regards to his wanting a new contract.

 

After Tampa Bay acquired Winslow, their new front office rewarded him with the richest contract for a tight end in NFL history.

 

Winslow has stated that he is a “changed man” since he came into the NFL in 2004, but might already be on his new boss’ bad side.

 

The Browns received the 50th selection in the second round of this year’s draft and a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft for Winslow.

 

Kokinis and Mangini used this year’s pick on wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who has reportedly impressed the coaching staff through two weeks of training camp.

 

Massaquoi could very well challenge fellow rookie Brian Robiskie and veteran Mike Furrey for a starting spot if he performs well in preseason.

 

I bring this topic up because I find it hard to believe that Winslow’s temperament would have been tolerated by this new regime. So far, Mangini has instilled discipline and a “no nonsense” culture in Berea, and Winslow would probably still be begging for a new contract.

 

Reports have been positive on new acquisition Robert Royal and second-year player Martin Rucker. With Steve Heiden slowly making it back onto the field, it appears that Royal will be the starter and Rucker will be the primary receiving threat from the tight end position.

 

For once, it’s good to see the Browns dump a headache to another team instead of inheriting one.

Trading Braylon Edwards Would Be Foolish

With Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards making his 2009 training camp debut today, the Browns officially have all their players active in Berea.

 

Edwards missed the first four days of training camp and all of minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but was seen running sprints across the practice field. Many were scratching their heads as to why Edwards was still riding a stationary bike on the sidelines.

 

Was he faking his injury to avoid practicing in the heat? Was he making a statement to the coaching staff in regards to his contract situation? Maybe head coach Eric Mangini was protecting Edwards from re-aggravating his injury so that the Browns could trade him?

 

All the speculation can now come to an end and it would be in the Browns’ best interest to hang onto the former Michigan Wolverine.

 

Why you ask?

 

Do you really want to go into this season with two rookies starting in Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi with possibly an unproven Brady Quinn throwing them the ball?

 

But wait, the Browns have Mike Furrey and David Patten.

 

Oh, the same Mike Furrey and David Patten who combined for 29 catches for 343 yards and a touchdown last season?

 

I understand Edwards led the NFL in dropped passes last season with 16 and caught only three touchdowns, but his overall numbers more than doubled both Furrey and Patten’s statistics from 2008.

 

He is in a contract year and will be looking for a big payday in the offseason. He is also the only receiver on the team who can stretch the field and keep opposing safeties honest.

 

So do you still want the Browns to trade Edwards for future draft picks?

 

I mean come on, give Cleveland fans a break, they already have a professional sports team that trades proven all-stars for unproven prospects. Do you really want to go through that again?

 

You can make the case that Edwards was not focused last season, but seriously, who on that team was? If that’s the case, Derek Anderson, Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, and Kamerion Wimbley should have all been traded this offseason, because the team gave up on Romeo Crennel.

 

The way I look at the Edwards situation is this: If he puts up numbers similar to 2007, the Browns can franchise him and force teams to give them a first and a third round draft pick. If he plays like he did last season, they can just let him go for nothing and let Robiskie and Massaquoi become the full-time starters next season.

 

Seriously, spare me and the rest of the Cleveland sports fans and don’t trade Edwards for draft picks. It’s bad enough already the city is stuck with Larry Dolan and the Cleveland Indians.

Mangini Handling Quarterback Situation Correctly

If there’s one message that Browns head coach Eric Mangini is sending his players, it’s this: No one will be handed a starting job, even at quarterback.

 

Mangini and general manager George Kokinis have improved the depth at a number of positions, including the offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line. 

 

This new regime is hoping that more competition for starting positions in training camp will make the players hungrier to prove that they belong on an NFL team.

 

The competition topic brings me to the Browns’ quarterback position.

 

Derek Anderson struggled last season due to a number of factors, including a preseason concussion and injuries to the offensive line and skill-position players. He also made a number of mental errors himself, resulting in a forgettable 4-12 season.

 

Brady Quinn stepped in midway through the season and started three games before being pulled out of the Houston game due to a broken right index finger.  He did not put up staggering numbers, completing 50 percent of his passes and throwing only two touchdowns.

 

Now put yourself in Mangini’s shoes.  You inherit a football team with two quarterbacks who have failed to prove that they can perform at a high level on a consistent basis.

 

Granted, Quinn was never given an adequate chance to start until last year, but he never gave coaches a reason to put him in ahead of Anderson. 

 

Mangini didn’t tell Kokinis to pick Anderson off the waiver wire, and he didn’t draft Quinn in 2007, so why would he just hand the position to either player?  He has no favorites and is not emotionally attached to either Quinn or Anderson like the fans are.

 

In 2006, do you remember when the Browns had Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson on the roster, and Romeo Crennel named Frye the starter before training camp even began?

 

I’m not saying that Quinn or Anderson will perform as poorly as Frye did that season, but he had no reason to look over his shoulder and knew he would only be replaced because of injury.

 

Mangini’s decision to declare an open competition at quarterback will also increase the trade value of either quarterback.

 

Any team can lose a quarterback for an extended period of time during training camp and preseason. 

 

Michael Vick was injured in a preseason game in 2003. He missed the first 11 games to a fractured right fibula, and their season was virtually lost. 

 

If a team loses a quarterback and is searching for a possible replacement, the Browns could be one of the first teams they call. 

 

If Mangini named Quinn the starter, teams will know that they have no intention of starting Anderson, and the Browns won’t be able to get a mid-round draft pick in return for him. 

 

By giving each quarterback a chance to claim the starting job, it gives the Browns more leverage in trade talks if another team comes knocking on their door.

 

I will say this: Whoever wins the quarterback job will have earned it because you can count on Mangini to scrutinize every decision that each quarterback makes. 

 

I’m not saying Quinn will be the starter, but the new offense is going to feature short, intermediate passes with the ability to manage longer drives.  It may be an easier transition for Quinn to make and could be more difficult for Anderson because he’s better suited for Rob Chudzkinski’s offense. 

 

I also believe Mangini is going to utilize running backs Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison, with James Davis possibly contributing as well.

 

As much as Browns fans would like Quinn to be named the starter right now, Mangini is going to make Quinn prove that he can indeed handle the offense, which will make the team better off when the season begins.

Cleveland Browns Hoping They Finally Have Proper Linebackers for 3-4

Since 2005, the Cleveland Browns have been in search for the appropriate personnel for their 3-4 defensive alignment.

 

The Romeo Crennel/Phil Savage regime went through players such as Kenard Lang, Ben Taylor, Chaun Thompson, Andra Davis, Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek.

 

They drafted Kamerion Wimbley and D’Qwell Jackson in 2006. Wimbley was a defensive end at Florida State whom they converted to outside linebacker.

 

Four years and one regime later, only Wimbley and Jackson remain. Jackson proved last year that he could excel in the system, while this could be a make-or-break year for Wimbley.

 

Jackson, however, may be a bit undersized at 6-0-foot and 240 pounds, but head coach Eric Mangini seems to like Jackson’s aggressiveness and involvement during plays.

 

Mangini and general manager George Kokinis then drafted defensive end David Veikune out of Hawaii and were reportedly impressed by his “motor and ability to get to the quarterback.”

 

They also signed a couple of Mangini’s former New York Jets in Eric Barton and David Bowens.

 

Last season, Barton led the Jets in tackles with 119.

 

Bowens was brought to Cleveland to help guide the younger linebackers such as second-year player Alex Hall and Veikune. He is a guy who knows Mangini’s defensive system and what the coach expects out of his players.

 

Jackson and Barton appear to be locks to start inside, with Wimbley manning one outside linebacker spot.

 

The final outside linebacker spot could be a 3-man race between Bowens, Hall and Veikune. Veikune is a rookie who will be adjusting to life in the NFL while Hall could be the one who could surprise. He showed his ability to get to the quarterback last year in limited playing time, but was never given a fair opportunity to show what he could do on running plays. If he shows he can defend the run during preseason, he could claim the opposite linebacker spot.

 

Going into training camp in about two and a half weeks, the starters appear to be Wimbley, Jackson, Barton and Bowens.

 

However, come opening day on September 13, that lineup may have an adjustment or two, and would prove that competition does indeed bring the best out of everyone.

Browns fans should be happy Mangini is in Cleveland

To all the fans who are already second-guessing Browns head coach Eric Mangini, consider this: Kyle Orton or Matt Cassel could be quarterbacking your team and not Brady Quinn.

How do you like Mangini now?

When owner Randy Lerner began the process of hiring a new coach and general manager, some of the more talked-about names were Rex Ryan of the Baltimore Ravens, Josh McDaniels of the New England Patriots, and Eric Mangini of the New York Jets.

Lerner (for some reason) has an infatuation with the Bill Belichick coaching tree and was very impressed with Mangini during the interview process. The Browns owner also preferred someone who had previous NFL head coaching experience, and Mangini had that on his resume.

The Browns were reportedly in serious talks with former Patriots front office executive Scott Pioli, but Pioli supposedly found the Kansas City Chiefs situation more enticing than the one in Cleveland. In my opinion, I think Lerner told Pioli he wanted Quinn to be the starting quarterback and Pioli preferred Cassel.

When the Browns were in discussions with both Pioli and Mangini for positions, there was uncertainty as to whether both could co-exist in the organization. In 2007, Mangini accused the Patriots of videotaping the Jets’ signals, and it left many officials in the Patriots organization bitter towards him.

Had Lerner hired Pioli to become the general manager, Lerner would not have had any say in who the head coach would be. Pioli may have chosen McDaniels to take over the head coaching position, but no one will ever know.

McDaniels, on the other hand, has upset the Denver Broncos’ fan base by trading their Pro Bowl quarterback, Jay Cutler, to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton.

In 2007, Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall was stopped by Denver police for suspicion of DUI. He told the police, “I hate Denver. I hope I get traded. I hate this f—ing city.” If Marshall didn’t like Denver when Mike Shanahan was there, the hiring of McDaniels could be the nail in the coffin for him.

Reports have indicated that Marshall demanded a trade from the Broncos but was not granted one. There could be a very good chance that if things don’t get better this season, he will leave in free agency at the end of the season.

Browns fans may not like Mangini because he’s bringing in all of his ex-Jets players and won’t name fan-favorite Quinn the starter, but things could be much worse. We could be talking about a quarterback battle between Kyle Orton and Derek Anderson.

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