NFL Draft Countdown: Cleveland Browns

Welcome to the NFL Draft Countdown, where each day until the draft on April 25-26, I will look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are. Today, the focus is on the Cleveland Browns.

Cleveland Browns

• Draft Position: 5
• 2008 Season Result: 4-12 (4th in AFC North, Missed Playoffs)
• 2008 Head Coach: Romeo Crennel
• 2009 Head Coach: Eric Mangini (23-25; 0-1)

2009 Player Transactions

Players Lost:

• Kevin Shaffer
• Joe Jurevicius
• Seth McKinney
• Kris Griffin
• Sean Jones (PHI)
• Lennie Friedman
• Willie McGinest
• Jason Wright (ARI)
• Shantee Orr
• Scott Young (DEN)
• Daven Holly
• Travis Daniels (KC)
• Chase Pittman
• Darnell Dinkins
• Andra Davis (DEN)

Players Re-Signed/Acquired:

• David Patten
• Corey Ivy
• Noah Herron
• John St. Clair
• Floyd Womack
• Eric Barton
• Abram Elam
• David Bowens
• Hank Poteat
• C.J. Mosley
• Robert Royal
• Mike Adams

2009 Draft Picks

• 1-5
• 2-4
• 2-18
• 4-4
• 6-4

Analysis & Outlook

The Cleveland Browns sign yet another Bill Belichick disciple. After the failed Romeo Crennel experiment, it’s Eric Mangini’s turn. Much like the other Belichick disciple, Josh McDaniels, Mangini looks to be dismantling the team already with QB Brady Quinn and WR Braylon Edwards reportedly on the trade block. And he’s doing this despite already having a dismal offense that ranked 31st in passing and 26th in rushing last season. Defensively, it’s only mildly better, 14th against the pass and 28th against the run.

On offense, the Browns need pass catchers. TE Kellen Winslow was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and WR Donte Stallworth is all kinds of legal trouble. They signed WR David Patten and TE Robert Royal, but neither one is an impact player. The Browns could also use some youth on the T and G positions.

On defense, the Browns need to fix an anemic pass rush. OLB Kamerion Wimbley has been underwhelming and Willie McGinest might not return. Even i he did, he’s way past his prime. Also the secondary provides plenty of concerns. There’s no starting quality CB playing opposite Eric Wright and S Sean Jones signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In the first round, I expect the Browns to target either a pass rusher or WR. Prime candidates are DE/OLB Brian Orakpo and WR Michael Crabtree. If the trades for Quinn and Edwards fall through and the Browns pick up additional first round picks, this will change the draft strategy. They would even have room to trade down from the fifth pick to gain more picks in the middle rounds.

In the second round, they can complement their first round pick. If they pick Orakpo, they can go for a WR like Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks here. If they go with Crabtree, they can select a DE/OLB like Larry English here. The Browns also have a second pick in round 2. Look for them to target a S like Louis Delmas or Patrick Chung here. Later on, they will look at an O-Lineman and a DB.

Frankly, I don’t understand why Mangini got the job. He is really not the “Man-genius” and right now, the team looks in horrible shape. I expect the Browns to stink it up this season, especially in a division with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. That wraps up my look at the Cleveland Browns, feel free to leave a comment!