Top 5 Position Battles for Cleveland Browns

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 12, 2011 8:59 PM EDT in General News

The Cleveland Browns have already been through training camp for a couple of weeks not, but the team's position battles could really start heating up once you see what certain players can do on gameday when full-blown contact is allowed. Here are the top five position battles to watch out for, ranked in order of prominence.

1. STARTING SAFETY - Usama Young vs. Mike Adams

After deciding not to re-sign safety Abram Elam, the team never pursued a safety in the draft. They also chose not to sign a "big-name" free agent safety, such as Eric Weddle, Quintin Mikell, Michael Huff, or Donte Whitner. They did sign Young, a guy who has been a role player the past several years with the New Orleans Saints. It reminds me of a redux of when Elam came here. By that, I mean it is a situation where a safety with minimal starting experience has basically been brought to Cleveland to start. He is in a competition with veteran Mike Adams, and while Young has received positive reviews in training camp, if he looks lost in pass coverage during the preseason, I don't think Dick Jauron will hesitate to go with Adams instead.

2. PUNTER TO REPLACE HODGES - Richmond McGee vs. Free Agent Market

The injury to Reggie Hodges in camp was a downer, and that put the punter position as one of the most important position battles. There is not another punter on the roster to directly oppose McGee, but let's not kid ourselves: this guy is battling with every backup punter on other teams who might get cut, and any veterans who might be waiting in the wings. It might be easy to punt in practice when the pressure is less, but when teams are trying to block you full force during a regular season game, can you handle the pressure and not shank the ball? Can you pin teams inside the 20 or the 10 when you have good field position? If McGee can't, it'll be easy to find a replacement.

3. NICKELBACK / THIRD CORNERBACK - Buster Skrine vs. Dimitri Patterson

I originally thought that this position battle would be between Skrine and Coye Francies, but Francies has sort of faded from the news after the Browns signed former Eagles cornerback Dimitri Patterson. Patterson should have the edge here since he played with defensive coordinator Dick Jauron last season in various roles, including as a starter. He has looked good in camp so far, but Skrine has been holding his own. His combination of speed and the ability to defend passes in camp makes him an intriguing choice to be the team's cornerback.

4. WIDE RECEIVER (NON-STARTER) - Jordan Norwood vs. Carlton Mitchell

I thought to myself, "how should I classify this position battle?" It looks like both players are contenders to contribute on offense, but that could very well be temporary until Mohamed Massaquoi comes back. With Norwood, it seems like he could be the team's slot receiver. With Mitchell, he seems to have grown and is a guy the front office also likes. I think if he makes the roster though, it would be in a lesser role than Norwood. Would the team really want to play Norwood in the slot over a Greg Little or Joshua Cribbs though? I don't know.

5. STARTING RIGHT TACKLE - Tony Pashos vs. Branndon Braxton

This is the position battle that is definitely a stretch. The coaches have given no indication that the right tackle position is open for competition. On the same note, Braxton has received a lot of praise for his work at both tackle positions in camp so far. He isn't going to start at left tackle, but given Pashos' injury history and the team's willingness to play their youngsters, I would say there is an outside chance that Braxton could replace Pashos as the team's starter.

Who do you think will win each of these position battles?

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Comments

Really hoping Usama wins the safety job over Adams. Mike is a battler, but he is getting long in the tooth and really is not that talented. I still believe there are many, many battles of players vs. the free agent market – I would wager there will be 10 players on the final roster that are not yet in camp.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Aug 12, 2011 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

I would wager there will be 10 players on the final roster that are not yet in camp.

I think you’re way overestimating that figure. 10 players? I could maybe 1 defensive lineman, 2 linebackers, and maybe 1 other player elsewhere, at most. I know our roster isn’t “flashy,” but when you get through the players who are guaranteed roster spots, whether it be due to being a veteran already or being a Holmgren/Heckert draft pick, I really don’t see too many open spots.

If you’re including the practice squad, then that is a different story.

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 12, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Problem is we have exactly 2 DL that have played NFL snaps at their projected position. I figure we will have 2 DL to add. We will need at least 2 other LB for depth and a free safety, and a CB better than Coye should be available. Offense a little more stable, but will need a RB for Hardesty if he can’t get on the field, an OL, a punter, and a FB behind Owen. May be high – but maybe not that high.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Aug 13, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

if we needed another FB we would’ve kept Vickers. unless our CBs get dominated in all four preseason games, there shouldn’t be any need to sign any others. i agree we could use more LB depth, and maybe another D-lineman or two, but i doubt we’ll be going after any starters at these positions. it’s more likely we would try to find serviceable backups if our current backups don’t suffice. same goes for OL. if Hardesty goes down again i’m sure we’ll look for another RB, but more likely one that can play behind Jackson. the only position that has a real chance to have a new starter is the punter. all of this is assuming we don’t have any major injuries throughout the preseason also.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 13, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I am really concerned about Hardesty. I may be reading way too much into his absence, but I am skeptical he will contribute. The story that they needed to see him for awhile has used up all of its shelf life, and it is now odd he is not partcipating.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Aug 13, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope we’ll be keeping an eye out for right tackles. Seems like we’re still on somewhat shaky ground with Pashos and Braxton.

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Aug 13, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

No to the another fullback, the only way i would have liked 2 FBs is if we kept vickers, which we didn’t no use in using a up a roster spot now for another FB rather use it on DL or LB depth

by lightninmcqueen on Aug 13, 2011 2:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

The team already solved there offensive line I think with getting Greco and Yates. Guard is set. At backup tackle, they’ll probably live with Pinkston and Braxton. We might not need a CB better than Francies, because I don’t know if there’s a guarantee that we’ll keep five corners with our surplus of safeties projected to make it (Adams can play corner too). I could see a RB if Hardesty stays out, probably not a FB though.

We’ll see though — that’s the fun of watching your team during the preseason. If we knew what was going to happen for certain, what fun would that be?

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 13, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

fun, as well as intense. NFL is the leading cause of strokes and heart attacks in men 25-55.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 13, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I forgot to mention — honorable mention for position battles goes to Montario Hardesty vs. Brandon Jackson. I didn’t list it because the expectations for Hardesty are still unclear, and I think both backs, if healthy, will not “compete” with each other, but rather have their own, clearly-defined role.

Dawgs By Nature - Covering the Cleveland Browns on SB Nation.

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 12, 2011 10:25 PM EDT reply actions

1. Young better be really good because i like Adams more at this point. maybe that’s just a biased comment from a homer, but i can’t help the way i feel about that position battle.

2. i know nothing about McGee other than the little information Chris has already posted on this site about him. i have a feeling that there should be better available punters around the league we could pick up, but on the other hand if someone gets cut from another team is it that likely that they’ll be better than McGee? it’s a hard decision, but i also have the feeling that unless McGee screws up big time we’ll probably stick with him for chemistry with Dawson as our place holder.

3. my intuition always goes with the veteran, so i would assume Patterson will win this position battle. Skrine sounds like he’ll be good some day with everything some of you have posted about him, but if it takes a guy like Joe Haden half a season to prove himself as our #1 CB, then i don’t expect Skrine to make a huge impact on our team this season aside from special teams.

4. if we’re only off of his size i would go with Mitchell. but Norwood’s versatility at the slot is better suited for our WCO i think. and although i don’t expect Little to play right away during the regular season, if he shows enough improvement i think eventually he could beat out Massaqoui or Robiskie pushing one of those two into our 4th WR spot meaning Mitchell’s size isn’t needed. i honestly don’t know much about Norwood’s ability, but i have a feeling he’s better off as a slot than any other WR on our team, so at some point it could be Little, MoMass/Robo, and Norwood.

5. Pashos will certainly win this battle, but it’s great to see a guy like Braxton pushing himself and Pashos for the starting job because it will only make the both of them better. if Braxton keeps it up we could see a change come next season (or until Pashos gets injured) assuming we don’t draft a RT high in next years draft which could very well happen.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 10:52 PM EDT reply actions

Young went to Kent State and said his life really improved after moving to Ohio so you can root for him and still be a homer. Adams always gets plenty of playing time because of his versatility and his is solid but probably not a huge playmaker. Young seems to have potential to be one.

by HenryDawg on Aug 13, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I actually think Young wins the safety position, but Adams becomes our nickel back, which I am cool with.

by Bernie19Kosar on Aug 12, 2011 11:40 PM EDT reply actions

KICK OFF/PUNT RETURN Cribbs vs Skrine

My dog is a badass. His name is Kosar.

by Brownie's Year on Aug 13, 2011 12:12 AM EDT reply actions

damn DBN. #6

My dog is a badass. His name is Kosar.

by Brownie's Year on Aug 13, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree with Chris. Ten new players on the roster by Opening Day is way too high of an estimate. Unless there is a rash of freakish season ending injuries (5-6) during the preseason — there is no way that number will be anywhere close to being met. Perhaps cut that number in half — 4 new faces likely, maybe 5 at the most. And it will probably be entirely defense — lb depth (2), dl depth (1-2), and maybe safety depth (1).

What other position groups do you think we’ll see turnover? On offense, I don’t see where we would add anyone for depth at this point (barring a season ending injury on that side of the ball). Let’s run through the position groups: QBs? I think we are set especially with the emergence of Jarrett Brown. RBs/FBs? We have three RBs and one FB who aren’t going anywhere and a TE (Alex Smith) who can backup the FB position. TEs? We have an abundance at that position. WRs? No sign from the FO that they are discontent with the competition in that position group as the last spot will most likely be between Haggerty and D. Williams. The only position group on offense where movement may occur is OL…but with Pinkston, Greco, Yates, and Braxton our depth appears to be set.

I think one of the strategies behind Heckert not going on a frenzy during the recent unprecedented free agency period was to preserve some semblance of continuity for a team that has entirely new schemes to learn on both sides of the ball. So while the philosophy is radically shifting for both offense and defense — the personnel that runs these schemes, for the most part, has been constant. In fact, I predict the recent free agent frenzy imbibed of late will actually hurt many of these teams early on (even the good ones) as they will be out of sync due to underdeveloped chemistry that comes with taking on new teammates (even very talented ones) without sufficient time to get comfortable with one another.

This is why I don’t foresee Heckert signing a whole slew of new faces prior to opening day. He has been disciplined enough to this point to not sign attractive free agent WRs on the market throughout training camp (e.g., Cotchery, Lee Evans) so that some chemistry can actually develop within that position group. After being this disciplined and selective throughout training camp, he is then going to go on a frenzy and snag a whole slew of fresh faces prior to the season opener — only to undermine the continuity he was seeking to establish? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

by Noël Pretila on Aug 13, 2011 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

That point on chemistry is a good one- and a heartening one because it does strike me that the great teams are characterised by that sort of personnel continuity too.

The Pats are, of course, something else.

This Space available for Rent!!!

by LondonBrown on Aug 13, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Young
McGee
Patterson
Norwood
Pashos

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 3:07 AM EDT reply actions

once again, coach Shurmur don’t buy this watered down offering from the Browns player politics drawer. I think it’s insulting what you’ve been given. once again I suspect the door to rap on here is the suit Holmgren’s.

by mooncamping on Aug 13, 2011 5:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

do you really think Shurmur would’ve agreed to be our head coach if he really didn’t like our team? he obviously saw enough potential here with what we have that he wanted the opportunity to prove himself able to help us win football games.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 13, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Most coordinators don’t turn down HC job offers. As long as Shurmur wants to be here, I’m cool with that.

My dog is a badass. His name is Kosar.

by Brownie's Year on Aug 13, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I would really be patient with Shurmur – moon is right – the depth he has been given is laughable. The backup DTs are a joke. The backup LBs are a joke, and it hurts to see us planning on starting DQ. We switched to 4-3 and only picked up a couple of rookies to aid the transition. The offense at least has some depth.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Aug 13, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

How do you know those guys are jokes? obviously they are not the cream since they’re backups and mostly UDFA’s but unless you’ve been going to practice there is no way you can say they are a joke.

by HenryDawg on Aug 13, 2011 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Very few serious comments contain this phrase:

moon is right

cautiously realistic

by North Coast Flea on Aug 13, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Starting DQ is a great move, I don’t know why you would say it isn’t.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I think 10 is way too high too. It probably will be like 1-2, tops 4. I really think they should sign a LB or 2. I know there are quite a few LBs on the market right now that would definitely help us if nothing else as key back-ups, special sub-formations. I’m not too keen on our back-ups right now. I see every one of them being nothing more than special teams player and if any of our starting LBs go down especially for a long time, we will be in huge trouble. I don’t see why some of the better free-agent LBs would not come here, they probably have a better opportunity to perform here rather than a good team that probably already has depth at that position.

by FreddieC on Aug 13, 2011 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

I see us signing one or two LBs before the season starts.

My dog is a badass. His name is Kosar.

by Brownie's Year on Aug 13, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the Browns will have rolling roster spots all year. I think all teams do that.

by FreddieC on Aug 13, 2011 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

I love the team they have put together more than anyone since the expansion. Don’t care if they aren’t superstars, I think they’ll play great, even if it takes them half a season to learn and gel more. Watching them interact of Training Camp Daily and in interviews they all seem to have a ton of energy and cohesion.

by HenryDawg on Aug 13, 2011 5:43 PM EDT reply actions