It is way too early for this, but our roster has gone through some serious changes since the Mangini/Kokinis regime took over.  I took this idea from Grossi over at the PD, but I wanted to make one that is more thorough and more thought out.

QB

1. Brady Quinn

2. Derek Anderson

3. Grahm Harrell

First, we have no real clues on who Mangini likes, but to the extent that Anderson doesn't have incriminating photos of him, I don't think a reasonable football mind will pick DA come training camp.  DA had a good year in 2007, sure, but he still wasn't accurate, still had terrible games, and that was a year in which every thing aligned for him (health and productive seasons from every other offensive position, playing against bad defenses with low expectations, etc.)  Quinn has the most upside and all the intangibles.  Mangini seems to love these types of qualities and I think Quinn will grow on Mangini quickly.  I put Harrell over Ratliff as 3rd stringer. Obviously Ratcliff has a leg-up in knowing Mangini and the system, but I think he will be reduced to the practice squad after the other three learn the system.  Looking at Ratliff's mediocre stats at Utah, and the fact that he hasn't seen any action in 2 seasons under Mangini tells me any other discussion about Ratliff is a red herring.  Even if Ratliff makes the team, I can see Harrell making the team too, assuming DA is traded.

RB

1. Jamal Lewis

2. James Davis

3. Jerome Harrison

To me, this is one of the weaker units on the team.  I am way down on Lewis.  I was when we signed him, and I think his contribution to our 07 success was overrated.  And despite him being in such "great shape" last year, he looked like he was nearing the end of his career as a starting RB.  Still, he is going to get carries on this team because of his reputation (however undeserved) and because of a lack of other good options.  I put Davis ahead of Harrison for two reasons.  First, Davis is a more traditional all around RB that will be a more natural replacement for Lewis on 1st and 2nd down.  Harrison, instead can be used in a variety of other roles, including a 3rd down and change of pace back.  Second, Harrison doesn't seem to be all that durable compared to Lewis or Davis. 

FB

1. Lawrence Vickers

2. Charles Ali

Not much to say here.  Solid and young at this position.  Anyone know how much our OC likes to use FB as a blocker vs. 2 TE or 3 WR sets?

TE

1. Robert Royal

2. Steve Heiden

3. Martin Rucker

Again, I wonder how many 2 TE sets we can expect to see in our new system.  Each of these three guys should be able to be a very solid receiving threat and Royal and Heiden are both above average blockers.  I'd like to see Rucker's playing time be consistent and increasing as the season goes on.  He is the future of this position on this roster.

OT

1. Joe Thomas

2. Floyd Womack

3. John St. Clair

4. Ryan Tucker

Ryan Tucker could is the key to the puzzle that is the right side of the OL.  If healthy and able, Tucker is one of our top 4 linemen, and he could compete with Womack and St. Clair for the RT job. Given that Womack and St. Clair are pretty decent options, Tucker may find himself as more of a RG candidate anyway.  Thomas is an elite LT, no worries there. 

OG

1. Eric Steinbach

2. Ryan Tucker

3. Floyd Womack

4. Rex Hadnot

5. Alex Mack

Steinbach had a rocky 08.  Hopefully he can put that behind him and stay healthy and effective in 09.  Again, Tucker has a spot here if he doesn't win the RT job, and we might need him more at RG anyway.  Hadnot could be the odd man out.  I didn't mind him, but he was very average. UPDATE- I added Womack to the Guard picture, I didn't realize he played both G and T in his career.  I guess I just figured he was a T because he was signed right after we let go of Shaffer.  This makes it seem like Hadnot is even more on the outside looking in, but it also makes Womack a good candidate as our 6th lineman.  It also means Mack probably can start at C.

C

1. Alex Mack

2. Hank Fraley

Mack is going to start right away.  I think the only thing that would keep that from being at C is if there is a hole at RG.  Fraley is serviceable at this point and has 2 more years left on his contract, but he is aging and couldn't play Guard.  Mack, on the other hand, could play RG for a year and then take over for Fraley and take over the line calls next season.  Again, Tucker seems to be the key to this puzzle. 

WR

1. Braylon Edwards

2. Brian Robiskie

3. David Patten

4. Mohammed Massaquoi

5. Syndric Steptoe/Paul Hubbard

Both BuckeyeBrad and I have harped on how important it was to get Steptoe out of a position where he would have to be playing significant downs.  This was achieved with the second round picks of Robiskie and Massaquoi.  Robiskie should, at the least, fill the Jurivicious/3rd down/possession/red zone role.  He also has a knack for some outstanding catches and has the size and straight-line speed to become a deep threat of sorts.  I'd love some jump balls thrown his way with defenses' bigger corner covering Edwards.  If Robiskie is as mentally prepared and smart as all the reports say, he could have a big rookie year.  Edwards is an enigma of sorts.  He seems to have all the talent and usually the right intentions.  On the other hand, he has a huge weakness in on the field abilities (his hands- potentially a fatal flaw) and its questionable how much this is related to his major character weakness (lack of focus).  All said, he is a elite talent and hopefully some humility, maturity and work ethic comes from the 2008 struggles and a new coaching staff.  If all goes right, this would result in Edwards prospering as a #1... again. 

Overall thoughts: we are counting on some rookies (at RB, WR, OL) at some key spots and some bouncebacks from bad 2008 campaigns (Edwards, Steinbach, Lewis).  Bottom line, its hard to say Kokinis and Magini haven't greatly improved our depth and talent (especially at WR, OT, C, and QB)  I don't know anything about the offensive system the Browns plan to run, but I do know that the with the talent/depth upgrade and hopefully a healthy year from at least one of our top 3 QBs, we can expect major improvements to an awful 2008 offense.

THIS WAS UPDATED ON 4/29 at 11AM