Cleveland Browns Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Cornerback
The Browns will look to bolster their cornerback unit further by the end of the off-season. Eric Wright seems primed to become one of the better corners around, and while Brandon McDonald showed that he can be a quality player at times, the unit could use another cornerback that would allow McDonald to be used more as a nickel corner, where he might be most effective and could best develop. Also, Daven Holly isn’t a great player, but he does provide depth at this position that might come in handy down the road. If the Browns can find a veteran starter to come in, it would be a nice move.

Linebacker
Cleveland is deep at linebacker, especially since signing Shantee Orr just days ago, but if they can find another talent that has starter potential in the future, there’s a chance they go after that player. Veteran Willie McGinest will need to be replaced soon, and the depth pool could include more talent, so look for another linebacker to be groomed under him in anticipation for the future of the defensive unit.

Offensive Line
On the offensive line, left tackle Joe Thomas came in and did an outstanding job in his first season as a pro. The position can be upgraded on the other side, though, with Kevin Shaffer holding the starting role at present. The draft could see the team try and find linemen to work with for the future, but Cleveland will have to try and maximize their draft pick values since they won’t be on the board until the fourth round, unless they make a trade.

Running Back
The running back position isn’t one of dire need, but after Jamal Lewis, Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison are young and haven’t shown that they have what it takes to be legitimate NFL backups yet. Cleveland may opt to worry about backs later, but they could be enticed to make a minor move here.