Cleveland Browns Improve Defense!

(This article will appear in the new Rust Belt Chronicles- Browns Town Section).

The Cleveland Browns improved their defense significantly at the beginning of free agency.  Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger and Quinton Groves should have opponents and (hopefully) quarterbacks reeling. Where they actually go from here is anyone’s guess. Browns fans must be excited to see the recent edition of players acquired to help bolster the new 3-4 defense of Ray Horton. The front seven of the defense is loaded with aggression and speed.

Stopping the run and applying quarterback pressure is a key factor in the AFC North. The Brown’s have been in many close games over the last few years and maybe we will finally win those games. Last season, a lot of the rookies received playing time due to injuries and that has to reap dividends this year. It was exciting to see the youth of the Browns excel at many of the defensive line and linebackers positions.

Perhaps, the factory of sadness is about to turn a corner?

The one major weakness is who will play opposite Joe Haden in 2013? So far in FA, the Browns haven’t signed a cornerback and many of the players approaching their prime have been signed. I believe the Browns will sign at least someone in free agency to cover in nickelback situations.

Does this mean the Browns are going for Dee Milliner in the 2013 Draft or have good reason to believe he will still be available at No. 6?  Perhaps the coaching staff has someone in mind from one of their former teams that could be negotiated through a trade?

Cornerback, Brent Grimes was in town to listen to the Browns and is waiting several days to make a decision. Grimes is recovering from last year’s season ending injury (Achilles) and may never be the player he was before the injury. Some believe he is just using other teams to up the ante with Atlanta. When healthy, Brent was a very good player, but; is he damaged goods?

Another position of need is free safety. Few players “in their prime” are available at this point of free agency.  It would be nice to get a player at the right price through FA. The Browns may draft a youngster and work with the kids on the current roster.

Personally, I believe they will choose a linebacker/pass rusher at No. 6, if the player the front office wants is on the board. If not, expect a trade down to get back the No. 2 pick we lost with Josh Gordon.

That’s what I love about this time of year- lot’s of speculation, hearsay, hype and rumors.

Right now we’ve got a solid, young front seven defensive unit. We are only one or two players from having a top 5 NFL defense. The Browns still have money to spend. Throw in Ray Horton’s aggressive style and for the first time in a long time, the game is going to be exciting on the lakefront!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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