Cleveland Browns Offense Overview

Quarterback

1. Derek Anderson
2. Brady Quinn
3. Ken Dorsey

• This is by far the strongest our quarterback position has been since returning to the NFL in 1999. Derek Anderson broke on the scene last year after overtaking the starter's role from Charlie Frye in Game 1 of the season. Anderson, the former 6th round pick out of Oregon State and picked up off Waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, had a season to remember, going 10-5 as the starter and receiving the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. Anderson finished the year with 29 TDs and over 3,700 yards passing. Anderson, who signed a 3 year contract in the offseason, is expected to build on last season and hopefully push the Browns into the Playoffs. Despite some concerns about his decision making, Anderson is without a doubt the starter heading into Training Camp.

• Behind Anderson is a former 1st round pick in Brady Quinn. Everyone knows the story on Quinn - he's a very gifted passer who fell in the NFL Draft until the Browns traded up to select him. Quinn received spotty playing time last year, however, is expected to have a much increased role by taking a lot more reps in Training Camp. Quinn is expected to push hard for the starting role, however, Quinn's Browns friendly contract gives us the ability to keep both him and Anderson on the roster without a concern of how much money is being spent at the position. Behind Quinn is Ken Dorsey, who is basically a coach on the sidelines. Despite poor performances in the past for the 49ers, Dorsey has been very valuable to the Browns as a backup and as a mentor to Quinn. If something were to happen to both Anderson and Quinn, we'd be in safe hands with Dorsey, as he knows Offensive Coordinator Rod Chudzinski's playbook in and out.

Backfield

Running Back

1. Jamal Lewis
2. Jason Wright
3. Jerome Harrison

Fullback

1. Lawrence Vickers

• Another position of strength for the Browns is running back. Jamal Lewis, a former 2,000 yard rusher, was able to re-establish his career after signing an incentives based contract with the Browns last offseason. Lewis ran for 1,304 yards last year and 9 TD's, both are which season highs since the Browns returned to Cleveland. Despite being a very physical runner, Lewis was able to stay healthy last season and shows no signs of breaking down anytime soon. Lewis is known for his performance against the Browns, however, he's changing his profile to be known for his performance as a Brown.

• Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison, albeit inexperienced, provide good depth for the Browns. General Manager Phil Savaged was quoted this offseason in saying he wouldn't bring in another running back to compete for the back up position because he has faith in both players. I've learned under Savage's reign to trust him, as he's brought the Browns out of the cellar. Harrison, who was a Heisman candidate at Washington State, is considered as of now to be our 3rd down back, however, Wright is also a strong runner and could emerge out of Training Camp in that role. Either way, at running back, we are safe, unless an injury to Jamal Lewis occurs.

• By far the best late round selection since Savage has taken over the Browns is of full back Lawrence Vickers, a 5th round selection out of Colorado. Sort of a perfect storm, Vickers and the offensive line allowed for Lewis to run free all season. Vickers, who was a Pro Bowl alternate, has emerged as one of the best full backs in the league. Vickers isn't much of a runner, however, is a pass receiving threat out of the backfield
  

Wide Receiver

1. Braylon Edwards
2. Donte Stallworth
3. Joe Jurevicius
4. Joshua Cribbs
5. Travis Wilson
6. Paul Hubbard

Tight End

1. Kellen Winslow II
2. Steve Heiden
3. Martin Rucker

• What can you say about Braylon Edwards that the numbers don't say for themselves? 80 receptions, 1,289 yards receiving (franchise record), and 16 TD's (also a franchise record), as the former #3 pick out of Michigan broke out onto the scene while becoming a Pro Bowler. In just his 3rd season, Edwards became one of the best receivers in the entire AFC. Edwards has it all, big play potential, yards after the catch, and is a threat over the middle. The only knock on Edwards is that he does drop some balls, but the 16 TD receptions outweigh any drops. Edwards makes Anderson's job a lot easier, as he can easily use his size to make acrobatic catches. A big part of our success this will bank on Edwards repeating his '07 campaign.

• Donte Stallworth signed a $35 million deal with the Browns in the offseason after a strong showing with the New England Patriots. Stallworth has bounced around the league but is a perfect complement to both Edwards and Joe Jurevicius. Stallworth will start beside Edwards. Stallworth is a quick receiver who will almost be impossible to contain in 3 receiver sets, as he will line up in the slot. I expect a Wes Welker type impact out of Stallworth this year - obviously, the numbers won't be there because of such other great threats on the roster, but his impact on 3rd downs and short 2nd downs will show. Jurevicius is a former Lake Catholic HS standout who will reportedly be ready for Training Camp, despite knee injuries and a staph infection that kept him out of OTAs. Behind these 3 is the dynamic Josh Cribbs. Cribbs, who was a Pro Bowl kick returner, will be used sparingly on offense to keep him fresh for Special Teams. However, Cribbs is a former quarterback who is very versatile on the offense. His presence on the field alone will confuse teams. Behind Cribbs are projects Paul Hubbard and Travis Wilson; Hubbard is a 6th round pick from this year's draft who might need some seasoning before making an impact and Travis Wilson was a former 3rd round pick who has impressed in OTAs. Hopefully he'll make an impact this season.

• Along with Edwards, numbers speak for themselves for Winslow. 82 receptions, 1,106 yards, and 5 TD's for the former Miami, Fl. standout. Despite past knee injuries, Winslow is expected to be healthy for this upcoming season. A holdout may occur but it is unlikely. Winslow has the ability with his speed and size to cause mismatch problems with both linebackers and corners. Winslow is gifted with soft hands as he's able to come down with almost any catch. Steve Heiden and Martin Rucker will battle for backup duties at TE, however, I expect Heiden to win the position early on. Whereas Rucker excels as a receiving tight end, Heiden excels at blocking. As long as he's healthy, Heiden should win the role.

Offensive Line
LT - Joe Thomas
LG - Eric Steinbach
C - Hank Fraley
RG - Seth McKinney
RT - Kevin Shaffer

Key Reserves - Rex Hadnot, Lonnie Friedman, Ryan Tucker

• There's nothing but good things to say about the Browns offensive line. Joe Thomas, the Browns 3rd overall pick out of Wisconsin in the 2007 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact. In years past, the Browns offense has been disappointing, mainly because of an underachieving offensive line. Last year, the Browns offensive line excelled, led by Thomas. Earning a Pro Bowl selection, Thomas was on the field for every offensive play. The Browns were able to run behind Thomas, as Jamal Lewis picked up the majority of his yardage running behind the left side of the line. Beside Thomas is another talented lineman in Eric Steinbach. Steinbach, who could play guard or tackle on either side of the line, was on the field for all put 3 plays last year. Steinbach signed a 7 year, $49 million contract last offseason, and he certainly earned every penny he was paid in year 1. Stealing Steinbach from the Bengals was a great move, as he's only entering his 6th season as a pro. Thomas and Steinbach will be spearheading the attack from the left side for years to come.

• On the right side, there's a few more questions, however, the talent is definitely there. Kevin Shaffer, despite requesting a trade early on, found his niche at right tackle and was able to play consistently throughout the season to abide time for Anderson to make plays. At right guard, there's a few questions, however, with Seth McKinney (8 starts last year), Rex Hadnot (16 starts for Miami), and Ryan Tucker (the other 8 starts for the Browns), those questions will be trumped by this trio of veterans. I predict that McKinney will start, however, with a good Training Camp, Hadnot or Tucker could easily start.

• I save Hank Fraley for last because he's the most underrated part of this offense. Fraley was acquired for a 4th round pick after it was obvious that LeCharles Bentley was going to miss the season in 06. Since then, Fraley has been a team leader, earning the respect of his teammates as one of the Browns captains. He was successful and consistent in Philadelphia and he brought that over to Cleveland. Fraley helps stabilize the left side of the line to make it one of the best in the game. Behind Fraley is Lonnie Friedman, a very, very versatile lineman who played in all 16 games last season. Isaac Sowells has dealt with injuries over the years, however, as our team's 8th lineman gives us solid depth and has a chance to be a contributor in case anyone is bitten by the injury bug.

In overview, the Browns have been blessed with the best offense they've had in as long as I can remember. With Anderson, Lewis, Vickers, Edwards, Winslow, Thomas, and Steinbach, we have 7 starters on our offense that have garnered serious Pro Bowl consideration over the past season, and nothing should change this year. I believe that we will see repeat Pro Bowl performances from Edwards and Thomas, and they will be joined by Winslow and Steinbach. Hopefully, DA will be able to bring back some magic from last season and keep this team as one of the most explosive in the entire NFL.