BROWNS FANTASY NEWS

February 16, 2006 8:00 PM ET

The Browns didn't expect Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage to turn the franchise around overnight, and the 41-0 loss to the World Champion Steelers in week 16 indicates there's still a ways to go in Cleveland.

But the news is not all bad on the shores of Lake Erie. Crennel closed the season with his first AFC North victory, a 20-16 decision over the Ravens, and the club's last two first-round picks should return from injuries in 2006.

The team also appears to have its quarterback in Charlie Frye and got its first 1,000-yard rushing season in 20 years from Reuben Droughns. And with more money under the cap than any other NFL team—and the Savage/Crennel braintrust clearly in control—the Browns are certainly headed in the right direction.

Needs
While you might expect a team that has had just one Pro Bowl representative since rejoining the NFL in 1999 to have serious talent deficiencies, there are few areas on the Cleveland roster in need of a talent upgrade.

The Browns appear relatively set at the skill positions, with Frye slated to take over at quarterback and Droughns at least a serviceable option at running back. Trent Dilfer is a viable backup plan for Frye in case the sophomore slump hits, and the two will likely engage in an open competition for the starting job though the club would be much better served to have Frye get as much on-the-job training as possible.

With the Browns operating with more cap flexibility than any other NFL team, the free agent market flush with backs, and Droughns already making noise about having his contract reworked, Crennel could certainly seek an upgrade at running back. However, odds are the Browns will use some of that cap room to give Droughns a bump in pay.

Playmaking needs in the passing game will hopefully be addressed by the return of the Browns' past two first-round picks—tight end Kellen Winslow and wide receiver Braylon Edwards—returning from their respective knee surgeries. However, with Antonio Bryant not likely to return there remains a need for receiver help—especially when you consider that Edwards may not be at 100 percent by the time training camp opens.

The offensive line, which has been the team's weak link since returning to the NFL in 1999, took positive steps last season thanks to the addition of veterans Cosey Coleman, Joe Andruzzi, and L.J. Shelton. Shelton is set to become a free agent, but the Browns have already made retaining their left tackle a priority. The team also hopes that Nat Dorsey, acquired via trade from the Vikings, can move into the starting lineup at the other tackle position.

Defensively, the Browns have already begun attempts to retain defensive end Orpheus Roye, an unrestricted free agent, and they'll certainly attempt to do the same with linebacker Andra Davis. Again, with plenty of room under the salary cap, you can expect Crennel and Savage to make the Browns significant players in the bidding for any and all free agents—especially on the defensive side of the ball, Crennel's specialty.

Salary Cap Situation
The Browns are approximately $31 million under the projected $92 million salary cap for 2006, according to NFL.com.

Unrestricted Free Agents
WR Antonio Bryant, TE Aaron Shea, G Mike Pucillo, T L.J. Shelton, DE Orpheus Roye, LB Andra Davis, LB Ben Taylor, LB Orlando Ruff, CB Ray Mickens, CB Antwan Haris, P Kyle Richardson

Restricted Free Agents
CB Leigh Bodden

Free Agent Signings
None.

The Draft
The Browns plucked playmaking pass-catchers in the first round of their last two drafts, though bad luck on the injury front has limited Winslow and Edwards to just 37 NFL catches between them. But assuming both return from injury, and with Frye and Droughns in place in the backfield, expect Cleveland's 2006 draft to take a decidedly defensive tone.

One area where the Browns found themselves consistently overmatched last season—and an area that has been a sore spot since Cleveland rejoined the league in 1999—is stopping the run. Crennel and Savage would love to see a hole-plugger like Haloti Ngata slip to them with the 12th overall selection, but that may be hoping for too much. Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway should be on the board at that spot, however, and that position is another area of need for the Browns.

Depending on whether or not the Browns retain Shelton, the team may also seek to provide depth on the offensive line, and the second and third rounds should be flush with helpers such as Eric Winston, Ryan O'Callaghan, Taitusi Lutui, and Max Jean-Gilles. Don't be surprised if the Browns keep it local should either Buckeye lineman Nick Mangold or linebacker Bobby Carpenter slide down the draft board as well.

Injury Watch
Winslow didn't play at all last year after ruining his knee while doing his Super Dave Osborn impersonation on a motorcycle last May. After ACL surgery and a subsequent staff infection, Savage indicated in mid-February that the team expects Winslow to be ready for the start of training camp—unless, of course, he hooks up with Johnny Knoxville for some more stunts. Edwards, who underwent surgery in January after shredding his knee December 4, won't be back at the start of camp. Savage told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that "September would be a conservative guess" for Braylon's return to the field, though the possibility exists that Edwards would be kept on the PUP list until October. Either way, Savage has stressed that fans shouldn't expect Edwards to be at 100 percent when he returns, so proceed with caution. Lee Suggs, who has missed 24 games over his first three NFL seasons with a variety of injuries, will have had ample time to recover from his broken thumb by the time minicamp starts. Frye reported a sore throwing arm at the end of his rookie season and has been working out with noted strength coach Warren Anderson in hopes of adding 10-20 pounds to his frame in order to withstand the rigors of playing quarterback in the NFL.

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