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