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Quarterback still unsettled, no clear third wide receiver, some offensive line concerns
By Patrick McManamonBeacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Friday, Aug 24, 2007
The Browns got positive answers on some of their questions in training camp but have large ones still unresolved.
Camp broke Thursday with the quarterback position unsettled, no clear third wide receiver and some offensive line concerns.
There were positives in the play of rookie cornerback Eric Wright, rookie left tackle Joe Thomas, linebacker Antwan Peek and running back Jamal Lewis.
The Browns' hope: That the struggles of the quarterbacks do not negate the gains that are present in the running game.
Their other hope: That the defense shores up against the run.
Running down the positions . . .
Quarterback It seems odd that the two players most certain of a roster spot will not be starting: Brady Quinn and Ken Dorsey. Quinn is guaranteed a spot as the quarterback of the future, and Dorsey seems assured of one as Quinn's mentor and teacher of the offense.
That leaves the Browns to decide between Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson for the third spot or, in an extreme case, to keep four quarterbacks. Frye would seem to have, as Browns coach Romeo Crennel often says, the ''leg up'' for the spot.
Running back Lawrence Vickers and Lewis will start, with Jason Wright pretty much set as the backup. The third back could be Jerome Harrison or Chris Barclay, and Barclay's special teams play could give him an edge. Releasing Harrison would be a tough move; the team's scouts and front office thought highly of him when he was drafted.
Receiver/tight end Tight ends Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden and wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius have spots. Edwards has had a quiet and effective camp, but there is no clear third receiver.
Tim Carter has been hurt but will make the team. So will Joshua Cribbs, because of his special-teams ability. Travis Wilson's drops could open the door for Steve Sanders.
At tight end, Ryan Krause could be pushing Darnell Dinkins for the third spot.
Offensive line Guard Eric Steinbach's sprained knee and tackle Ryan Tucker's suspension have not slowed the running game. Lennie Friedman seems well suited for the versatile backup role coaches like, and Kevin Shaffer has blocked well for the run but struggled against the pass at right tackle.
Kelly Butler seems like the backup at tackle, where the Nat Dorsey experiment finally might end. Rob Smith and Isaac Sowells seem to have the lead for remaining spots.
Defensive line Orpheus Roye missed much of camp after knee surgery, and that time off might help him during the season. Roye, Ted Washington, Shaun Smith and Robaire Smith must come through if the Browns are ever going to stop the run.
Simon Fraser seems set at one backup end spot, with several other players competing to back up.
Linebacker Andra Davis' ankle sprain has given Leon Williams a chance to earn more playing time, and it seems he has taken advantage. Williams, Davis and D'Qwell Jackson could rotate inside, with Kris Griffin pushing for a roster spot.
Outside, Peek's strong play has been a highlight of camp. Peek rushes the passer and plays the run, giving the Browns a solid tandem with Peek and Kamerion Wimbley.
A spot will be held for Willie McGinest coming off back surgery, and Chaun Thompson also should have a spot. Jason Short, Mason Unck and Clifton Smith will try to fight their way on the team via special teams.
Secondary The impressive play of Eric Wright has calmed concerns about the corner position opposite Leigh Bodden. But the absence of Kenny Wright to injury has not helped the depth.
Daven Holly looks like a solid nickel back, and Sean Jones and Brodney Pool have been a strong safety tandem in camp.
Brandon McDonald and Mike Adams should make the roster as backups.
Specialists With kicker Phil Dawson, punter Dave Zastudil and long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, the Browns have three of the most dependable specialists in the league.
There has been little progress in the attempted comebacks of offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley and cornerback Gary Baxter.
Bentley's status will be updated this week, and Baxter has been slowed lately by soreness in his knees.
It seems very possible that both will spend the season on injured reserve.
All told, a team that went 4-12 a year ago appears to have as many as 50 roster positions set 51 if the Browns keep four quarterbacks.
Things can change, of course, and there are always surprises, but training camp produced no great sea of change in the team's roster or plans. noweb
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com.
The Browns got positive answers on some of their questions in training camp but have large ones still unresolved.
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