Cleveland Browns (4-12)

2006 record: 4-12
Head Coach: Romeo Crennel
Offensive Coordinator: Rob Chudzinski
Defensive Coordinator: Todd Grantham
Pro-Bowl: None

Offense

Their offense does have some weaknesses but it has the potential to be very good with stand-outs such as Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Charlie Frye. Frye did miss the final three games of the season due to a bruised wrist. Before Frye's injury he was off to a nice season, completing almost 65% of his passes, throwing for over 2400 yards and tossing 5 touchdowns. The only downfall of his play was the interceptions(17). There running game was awful this year. Ranking 2nd to last in total rushing yards as a team. Due to Reuben Droughgns down season. Although he did miss 2 games and did miss 4 starts(due to shoulder and ankle injuries) he wasn't very affective anyway, only averaging 3.4 a carry and a total of 758 rushing yards and just 4 touchdowns. Braylon Edwards had a nice season, not great but a good one. He almost doubled his rookie season stats in almost every major receiving category. He caught 61 balls for 884 yards and 6 touchdowns. But the big story on offense was Kellen Winslow. After playing in just 2 games his rookie season before breaking his leg against the Cowboys and then the motorcycle accident that almost ended his career last that caused him to miss the whole season he was border lining the "1st round bust" label. But this year he broke out with 89 receptions, 875 yards and 3 touchdowns. Expect him to continue to progress next year.

Defense

There biggest problem was stopping the run and the lack of causing turnovers. They were average at defending the pass ranking 15th. Like their offense their defense has alot of potential. After missing his whole rookie season and not starting any games last year, Sean Jones busted out this season. He led the Browns in total tackles with 111 and along side of Brodney Pool the Browns could possibly have one of the best, young safety duos in all football. To add to that at the linebacker position, Andra Davis did what he does best and racked up another 100+ tackle season(3rd time). 1st round pick, Kamerion Wimbley had a great year with 62 tackles and a team high of 11 sacks. Probably the most surprising of all the defensive players for the browns was D'Qwell Jackson, 2nd round pick out of Maryland. He had an impressive rookie season with 93 total tackles. But this is the Browns so of course it wasn't all good. Their biggest weakness is the defensive line. Ted Washington did have one of his best seasons since 2000, with 52 tackles but he will soon be 39 and i'm not sure how much longer he will be playing. But they desperately need pass rushers and they need run stoppers in the middle.

Special Teams

Nothing has to change here. Phil Dawson was good this year, again and Dave Zastudil wasn't to bad either with a punting average of 44.0. On kickoff returns, Josh Cribbs was also pretty good, he was able to get almost 1500 yards and had 1 touchdown. On punt returns it stayed the just like it has been like the past 7 years, Dennis Northcutt doing a nice job. Averaging just over 11 yards per return, including an 81 yard return.

Draft Notes

Depending on a coin flip, the Cleveland Browns would either have the 3rd overall pick or the 4th overall pick. With their first pick its pretty much between 1 of 2 players. In my opinion it should be DT Alan Branch of Michigan or RB Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma. They desperately need a run stopper and someone that can improve their pass rush, Branch can do both of those. But then again, they also need help with their running game, with Peterson that could leave Droughns expendable, they could possibly trade him for a later draft pick. Other needs, offensive line, another WR and a corner back.

Positions that need to be addressed are:

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Defensive End
3. Offensive line
4. Running back
5. Wide Receiver


DT:

This is by far one of their biggest needs. Romeo Crennel would love to get Alan Branch to continue to improve their defense. I think that would be their best choice. He would help in their two biggest weakness on the defense, pass rush and stopping the run. If they don't take him then others that they could take in round 2 or 3 are Justin Harrell(TENN), Quinn Pitcock(OSU) and Ryan McBean(OK ST).

DE:

They could surprise alot of people and take Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson with their first round pick. They are desperate to get someone that can up their sack totals and no one in the draft are better than these two. But I doubt it. I think they will wait till the third round to look at a defensive end. Guys that they could pick are Jarvis Moss(FLA), Kaika Alama-Francis(HAW) and Tim Crowder(TEX).

OL:

Like alot of teams, the Browns could use some help on their O-Line. With LeCharles Bentley coming back from a torn ACL, he could easily switch from center to guard to make room for Ryan Kalil(USC). Kalil is the best available center in the draft and possibly the 2nd or 3rd best offensive linemen in the draft. His stock his rising day after day but due to other teams lack of need of a center he is likely to be available for the 36th overall pick.

RB:

There's not a huge need here, but it is something to look at. Some mock drafts have the Browns taking Adrian Peterson with their first round pick. Although I did say I would take Branch with that pick but it wouldn't necessarily be a dumb move by picking Adrian Peterson. Peterson is by far the best running back in the draft and if it wasn't for him breaking his collarbone last season, he would be the best overall player. If they are content on getting another running back and they don't take one in the 1st or 2nd round they could look to get Michael Bush(LOU), Dwayne Wright(Fresno) or Antonio Pittman(OSU).

WR:

They should definitely not look to get one until at least the 4th round. ALl they need is a slot receiver that could potentially turn into a 2nd receiver. I think these guys could really help out, Chansi Stuckey(CLEM), Yamon Figurs(K-State) and David Clowney(VT).

With a good draft, and if they are able to stay healthy. This team could be a 7-9 type team. If they weren't in the AFC. With teams like Cincinnati, Baltimore and Pittsburgh in their division its obvious, Cleveland isn't going to be moving up anytime soon.