The Observer, September 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
NFL Guru: Lack of depth causes concern for Browns
Depth, depth, depth. The concern echoes over and over again on the Cleveland Browns' roster. Quarterback. Running back. Center. Defensive line. The Browns are about as deep as low tide in the kiddie pool.
The Browns spent last season finding a core group of players to anchor the team for years to come. They pried bruising running back Ruben Droughns away from the Denver Broncos and saw decent production from rookies Charlie Frye and Braylon Edwards. The challenge this year will be keeping the front-liners healthy.
Frye did a competent job leading the Browns in the seven games he played last year, with a QB rating of 72.8 and an average of 143.1 yards per game, both very respectable numbers for a rookie. But he'll have to make drastic strides this season if he wants to pull his team out of the cellar.
Of course, it is also certainly feasible for Frye to take a step back this year, which would mean coach Romeo Crennel would have to consider putting in his backup QB. That man is Ken Dorsey, a seventh round pick with two fewer career starts than Frye. At that point, Crennel might as well just have Droughns take direct snaps from center every down.
Speaking of centers, the Browns have been through four of them this preseason, for a rainbow of reasons: one was injured (LeCharles Bentley), one retired (Bob Hallen), one was suspended by the NFL for violating the substance abuse policy (Alonzo Ephraim), and one was just let go (Ross Tucker). This leaves them with newly acquired (naturally) center Hank Fraley, and little else.
The Browns obviously think very highly of Droughns' talents as a rusher because they have eliminated his competition. Crennel attempted to trade Lee Suggs to the Jets and, when the trade was nullified because Suggs failed his physical, simply cut the man. The Browns also placed William Green on IR and will likely move him if they get the chance.
Lack of depth follows the Browns to the other side of the ball as well. The starting defensive line looks like it will be solid this season, but the trio of Orpheus Roye, Ted Washington, and Alvin McKinley is backed up by a rookie and three guys who have two career starts among them. If the D-line was any thinner it would be two-dimensional.
Not all the news is doom and gloom, however. Cleveland has a good set of linebackers who should create a good amount of havoc playing in the 3-4. Star outside linebacker Willie McGinest comes via free agency to improve an already solid corps featuring Andra Davis. Two rookies (first-rounder Kamerion Wimbley and second-round choice D'Qwell Jackson) will be called upon early and often to showcase their talents as well.
The Browns also find themselves with talent to spare at WR. Crennel supplemented regulars Edwards and Dennis Northcutt with the free-agent signing of Joe Jurevicius. These three should combine to give Frye a plethora of targets: Jurevicius over the middle, Northcutt down the sidelines, and Edwards causing mismatches from the slot.
Lastly, there is Kellen Winslow. Winslow can create mismatches with his size or his athleticism, à la Jeremy Shockey, creating headaches for defenses and opening up the field for his teammates. Or he could injure himself again. He has huge potential to help his team, but the Browns are now used to not having him around, so they will be prepared in case of emergency.
The Browns are not a playoff-bound team, but they could be better than expected if they aren't bitten by the injury bug. Unfortunately, they have a tough schedule, featuring games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs. With that said, a repeat of last year's 6-10 record is a safe bet.
