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2009 Team Report: Cleveland Browns

Quarterbacks

Starter: Brady Quinn
Backup(s): Derek Anderson, Brett Ratliff

Starting QB: When the Browns had the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL Draft, there was a lot of speculation that they would draft Mark Sanchez. This led to further speculation that the Browns were shopping Brady Quinn to a couple teams before the draft. All of that speculation ended when the Browns traded down multiple times on draft day, landing multiple picks and players and giving Quinn a chance to finally win the starting job. However, his position as the starter is by no means secure. Quinn is going to have to work overtime this summer to impress new head coach Eric Mangini if he is to be the starter for Cleveland on Day 1. Keep a close eye on this over the summer as Quinn could find himself on another team before the season.

Backup QB: Many fantasy owners had high expectations for Derek Anderson last season. Yet back in August, we warned you that Anderson was not worth the late fourth-round pick it was going to take to get him. Anderson flamed out in a few games and finished the season on the bench due to injury. He'll begin the season in a battle for the starting job with Quinn. To further complicate matters, Peter King of SI.com reports that former Jet backup Brett Ratliff was a favorite of Eric Mangini when he was in New York. If Ratliff proves to be a solid backup, it could make Quinn or Anderson expendable.

Running Backs

Starter: Jamal Lewis
Backup(s): Jerome Harrison, Noah Herron, James Davis [R]
Fullback(s): Lawrence Vickers

Starting RB: Jamal Lewis barely cracked the 1,000 yards rushing mark last season. His four TDs tied a career low for him as well. Yet he's still the best RB on the team and the assumed starter for 2009. However, you can expect similar stats out of Lewis as he winds down his career. Mangini was able to get production out of an older guy like Thomas Jones in New York. Perhaps Lewis will have one more solid year left in him. One key stat to be afraid of with Lewis though: 2,400 carries and over 200 receptions. That's a lot of mileage for a guy of his age, and a big obstacle to overcome if he's going to have another solid year. Approach with caution.

Backup RBs: Jerome Harrison has steadily improved over his first three seasons, but not enough to warrant wanting him as a starting fantasy RB. He is a little small to take on an 'every down back' role, and has never touched the ball more than nine times in any one game. Noah Herron is a journeyman back who has never caught on as a back worth having on your team. James Davis was a sixth-round flyer pick out of Clemson. Given the question marks on the other guys, Davis might get the chance to shine, but based on the pre-draft scouting of him, he's a long shot to be successful.

Fullback: Lawrence Vickers has never been more than a one or two touches a game player. In New York, Mangini did not feature a fullback in his offense, using the position more for blocking and opening holes for the RB. Don't expect much of a change for Vickers this year.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Braylon Edwards, Brian Robiskie [R], Mohamed Massaquoi [R]
Backups: Josh Cribbs, David Patten, Syndric Steptoe, Paul Hubbard, Donte Stallworth

Starting WRs: Braylon Edwards came into last year with high hopes. After finishing third among fantasy WRs in 2007, Edwards fell victim to Cleveland's passing woes in 2008 and turned in a sub-par season, barely qualifying as a starter-quality WR in many leagues. This season he has a lot more talent around him and some impressive rookies to take the pressure off. He should bounce back this season, although be careful not to expect a Top 10 finish until the QB controversy is resolved. Opposite of him will be one of the two rookie WRs that the Browns drafted in the second round. The favorite right now has to be Brian Robiskie from Ohio State. He was taken 36th overall and has the talent to be a starter on Day 1. Mohamed Massaquoi was taken 14 slots later, and has potential to be a starter for the Browns as well. However, he was much more inconsistent in college and will have to work on the mental aspect of the game if he hopes to start opposite Edwards this season.

Backup WRs: The Browns brought in Donte' Stallworth last season with the hope that he could provide some experience to a young, talented crew. Instead, Stallworth's off-the-field troubles may have ended his career. Josh Cribbs was a minor spark for the Browns last season, but his value is more on the punt and kick return side than on offense. David Patten returns to Cleveland on the downside of his career. He still has some gas in the tank, but probably won't be worth much unless the rookies flame out or someone goes down to injury. Syndric Steptoe saw action for most of last season, but still caught less than half the balls that were thrown to him. Paul Hubbard is a young prospect who has much to prove before being considered a reasonable fantasy option.

Tight Ends

Starters: Robert Royal
Backups: Steve Heiden, Martin Rucker

Kellen Winslow, Jr. left Cleveland with more bad seasons under his belt than good ones. He is primarily replaced by journeyman Robert Royal, who is coming off one of his best campaigns. Royal didn't see much action his first five seasons, averaging 2-3 targets a game at best. Last year, Royal only reached the end zone once, but proved that he can be a bigger part of the passing attack. Steve Heiden has been a backup-quality TE from a fantasy prospective, but he does see action from time to time. Martin Rucker saw a little action last season due to Winslow's injury, but he won't see much action this season.

Place Kicker

Phil Dawson : Phil Dawson has been Cleveland's kicker since they returned to the league in 1999. Two years ago was their best finish, when they ranked ninth in kicker scoring (120 points) as the offense came to life. The life was short lived, as they dropped to 22nd last year. Dawson did make 30 of 36 (83.3 percent) field goals, however he had only 18 PATs. That was down from 2007 when he made 26 of 30 (86.7 percent) field goals, but had a career high 42 PATs. It was still better than his poor 2006 season when he hit (72.4 percent), and scored only 88 points. Dawson is consistent in an unusual way. Most NFL kickers are nearly automatic on short range field goals and their accuracy decreases as the distance increases. Dawson's kicking percentages are consistent regardless of the distance. Rumors are swirling that Dawson wants more money and that a potential holdout could be looming this year.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Joshua Cribbs, Syndric Steptoe, Gerard Lawson, Coye Francies, Mike Furrey, Noah Herron, Roderick Hood, Jerome Harrison

WR Joshua Cribbs won the KR job as a rookie in preseason in 2005 and has been a top ten returner ever since. In his second year he finished as the 7th ranked fantasy returner (61 returns, 24.5 avg., 1 TD). In 2007 he finished as the 2nd ranked fantasy returner (59 returns, 30.7 avg., 2 TDs). Last year he finished 8th (44 returns, 25.2 avg., 1 TD). The only thing potentially standing in Cribbs's way this year is a contract dispute. When Cribbs missed a game last year, rookie WR Syndric Steptoe handled the return specialist role (3 returns 20.3 avg.). CB Gerard Lawson, an undrafted free agent last year, averaged 22.1 yards on kickoff returns for Oregon State in 2007. He averaged 24.0 yards on three returns for the Browns last year. Sixth round draft pick CB Coye Francies averaged 22.9 yards on kickoffs during his well traveled college career (San Jose State last year). Recent acquisition WR Mike Furrey occasionally returned kickoffs with the Rams and the Lions; however he has more experience on punt returns. RB Noah Herron served as a backup for the Packers in 2006 (5 returns, 16.2 avg.). Free agent acquisition CB Roderick Hood returned kickoffs for Philadelphia in 2004 & 2005. RB Jerome Harrison has been practicing on both kickoff and punt returns this year.

Punt Returners: Joshua Cribbs, Syndric Steptoe, Brandon McDonald, Mike Furrey, Donte Stallworth, Jerome Harrison

Already one of the best kickoff returners, Joshua Cribbs added punt return duties to his resume in 2007. He handled every punt return for the Browns that year and averaged 13.5 yards and scored once. Last year he averaged 8.1 yards on 28 punt returns. Syndric Steptoe had the teams only two other punt returns, on which he averaged 11.5 yards. During his final year in college at Arizona in 2006, Steptoe's 13.1 yard average ranked 13th in the NCAA, plus he scored once. Third year player CB Brandon MacDonald averaged 6.6 yards on 46 returns during his two years at Memphis. Mike Furrey was briefly Detroit's starting punt returner last year (5 returns, 7.2 avg., 5 fair catches). Donte Stallworth periodically returned punts during his years with the Saints. His playing status is in question this year due to his legal issues. After having ranked in the top ten in fantasy return points in five of the prior six years, the Browns dropped to 24th last year.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Joe Thomas, LG Eric Steinbach, C Hank Fraley, RG Floyd Womack, RT John St. Clair
Key Backups: G Rex Hadnot, C Alex Mack [R], T Isaac Sowells, T Ryan Tucker

The Browns have a great cornerstone in Joe Thomas, a dominant third-year left tackle and a solid left guard in Eric Steinbach. Three other positions along the offensive line will involve battles this season. At center, incumbent veteran Hank Fraley will battle first-round pick Alex Mack from California. The right guard position will be a battle between Floyd Womack and Rex Hadnot. Fraley may factor into the right guard battle, as well, if Mack can step in at center. Finally, right tackle will also involve a battle although John St. Clair appears to be a front runner. If this line can gel early, the Browns may get some very strong play from the five starters this season.

Team Defense

Another dismal showing by the Browns defense in 2008 prompted a coaching change. It now falls to former Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to improve a unit that finished 28th versus the rush, recorded just 17 sacks and landed 26th in total defense. Ryan was an interesting selection for the job since he comes from a 4-3 background but will be coaching a 3-4 defense. The lineup will sport several new faces this year. Many of which were brought over with new head coach Eric Mangini from the Jets 3-4. Abram Elam will compete for the SS job, Eric Barton takes over at ILB, Kenyon Coleman steps in at DE and David Bowens will compete with second round pick David Veikune at OLB. All these former Jets know Mangini's defense which will help with the transition, but none of them are true impact players and that's what the Cleveland defense is really lacking. Veikune could prove to be the guy they need to work opposite Kamerion Wimbley and improve the pass rush. It looks like another long season in Cleveland.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Corey Williams, DE Kenyon Coleman, NT Shaun Rogers
Backups: DE Robaire Smith, DE Melila Purcell, DE Santonio Thomas, NT/DE Shaun Smith, NT C.J. Mosley

Starting DL: One place the Brown are set is at NT where Shaun Rogers has the girth and raw power to stand up to double teams while moving well for a big man. Rogers led all interior linemen with 62 solo tackles last season and led the Browns in sacks with 5. He is a perfect fit as an anchor at nose tackle in the 3-4. We often see players who are successful in one scheme but struggle when changing teams. Corey Williams is a poster child for this. He totaled 7 sacks in consecutive seasons while playing tackle for the Packers. On paper he seemed like a great fit but when it came time to play it just didn't work that way. Williams was banged up for much of the season but the Brown sure expected more from him than the 33 tackles and half sack they got. A second year in the scheme could make all the difference. If it doesn't he could find himself on the bench. In Coleman the Browns know that they have, which makes the draft day trade for him all the more puzzling. In his 2 years as a Jet Coleman has been strong versus the run but has just 1.5 sacks. Granted the main job of a 3-4 end is to absorb blockers so the linebackers can make plays, but good 3-4 ends usually put up 3-5 sacks. If this unit is going to turn it around in '09 they will need Coleman and Williams to step up and make some plays.

Backup DL: In C.J. Mosley, Robaire and Shaun Smith the Browns have very solid depth. Mosley is yet another transplanted Jet. He was the backup nose tackle under Mangini in New York and could move past Shaun Smith and assume that same role here. Robair Smith tore his Achilles in week two last season but had a strong '07 totaling 42 solo tackles and 4 sacks. He should be good to go for training camp and could push for his starting job back if he picks up the scheme quickly. Shaun Smith is the backup to Rogers but is versatile enough to play end if called upon. Thomas saw action in 11 games last season and performed well enough to ensure he would still have a job. If Robaire Smith has a setback in his recovery Thomas would likely move up an be the top backup at DE. Melina Purcell is a developmental guy from the previous coaching regime.

Linebackers

Starters: ILB Eric Barton, ILB D'Quell Jackson, OLB Kamerion Wimbley, OLB David Veikune, OLB David Bowens
Backups: ILB Leon Williams, ILB Beau Bell, ILB Kaluka Maiava [R], OLB Alex Hall, OLB Antwan Peek

Starting LBs: Eric Barton followed Mangini from the Jets and will replace long time starter Andra Davis. He is a solid if unspectacular player who can be an every down player and will be a particularly big asset because he knows the scheme. Barton led the Jets with 93 solo tackles in '08 but didn't have much of an impact in the big play columns. He will line up next to D'Quell Jackson who had a breakout season in '08 when he led Cleveland with a career best 96 solo stops, 3 picks and a pair of sacks. The Browns expected Jackson to be an impact player when they drafted him in round two 4 years ago and now that he has finally shown that ability the new regime must decide who will be the centerpiece of this unit. Whatever the final decision, the Browns have a pair of quality starters at the ILB positions. The OLB position however, has more questions than answers. Kamerion Wimbley was the 13th overall pick in '06 and was supposed to be the Browns equivalent to Demarcus Ware. His 11.5 sacks as a rookie were a good start but he's managed just 8 total in the 2 seasons since. Many speculate that Wimbley's struggles are due to team's failure to provide him with a bookend. Mangini was quick to address that problem. First he brought David Bowens over from the Jets and then drafted David Veikune in the second round. Bowens is yet another player who is familiar with the scheme, and he totaled 4 sacks last year in a part time role. Veikune played DE at Hawaii where he totaled 9 sacks last season. He's a versatile player who seems to have the skill set, but there is usually a transition period involved and some guys never pan out. The needs have been addressed but how well the plan works is to be seen.

Backup LBs: Depth at inside linebacker will not be a problem for the Browns. Leon Williams has been replacing Andra Davis in passing situations for the last couple of years and made a good showing in '07 when he started 6 games for the injured Jackson. Bell and Maiava were both 4th round picks in '08 and '09 respectively, and are developmental guys. They will make most of their impact on special teams for now but have the potential to earn larger roles down the road. The OLB position has solid depth as well. In Bowens and Peek the Browns have a pair of serviceable veterans with 3-4 experience who can hold down the fort if called upon but lack much upside. Hall on the other hand, could prove to be a solid player at some point. As a rookie 7th round pick he saw a good deal of action recording 26 solo tackles, 3 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. There are several other names on the LB depth chart but most of them won't make the final roster or will be no more than special team contributors if the do.

Defensive Backs

Starters: CB Eric Wright, CB Brandon McDonald, SS Abram Elam, SS Mike Adams, FS Brodney Pool
Backups: SS Nick Sorensen, S Hamza Abdullah, CB Corey Ivy, CB Daven Holly, CB Don Carey [R], CB Coye Francies [R]

Starting DBs: Cleveland's 14th rated pass defense was one of the few bright spots in a season that started with the loss of starting corner Daven Holly to a knee injury during OTAs. The secondary came together to turn in a solid effort that included 18 of the Browns 23 interceptions. Eric Wright continued to improve on a strong rookie campaign and really stepped it up in the big play columns where he had a hand in 8 takeaways. Brandon McDonald took over for Holly and took advantage of his opportunity by leading the club with 5 picks and 17 passes defended. Neither of these guys are very big by NFL standards but they are fast, athletic and simply get the job done. Abram Elam is another transplanted Jet. He'll battle Mike Adams for the starting job at SS and is the early favorite due to his familiarity with the scheme. Adams is a career backup but made a good showing last season when he started 4 games for an injured Jones. Both players are experienced but either way the Browns go they will have a hard time filling the shoes of Jones who led the club in interceptions over the past 3 years with 14. FS Brodney Pool doesn't show up so brightly in the box scores but is a very solid contributor. Pool is strong in coverage and rarely makes mistakes that lead to big plays. Unfortunately he doesn't contribute a ton of big plays either, averaging just 2 picks and 6 passes defended in his three years as a starter. All in all the Cleveland secondary remains solid but the decision to let Jones leave could come back to bite them.

Backup DBs: Depth in the secondary is a huge concern for the Browns. Particularly at the corner positions. If healthy Daven Holly would be the favorite to handle nickel duties but beyond him and journeyman backup Corey Ivy the Browns have little more than a couple of rookie projects (Don Carey and Coye Francis) and collection of rookies and free agents vying for the last roster spot. The Browns used a third safety in the nickel package much of last year but that was born of necessity rather than preference. Adams gives them a little versatility at the position and could slide over to FS if needed, but behind the top three there is not much to pick from. Abdullah shined for a brief stint in Denver back in '07. Once the adrenalin stopped flowing he came crashing back to reality and was never heard from again. Sorensen is a career backup and special teams contributor. The Browns have a slew of other guys on their training camp roster but unless some unknown steps up this is what they have to work with.

Last modified: 2009-07-04 07:28:16