Why not? I'm not a browns fan, actually can't stand them, but what I long for is the Browns to return to respectability. I would for once like to see this team make some good moves in free agency. I wan't to see the AFC North return to it's rightful place as the most difficult division in the NFL.

This trade would swap some similar contracts, though Marshal will be needing a restructuring of his deal, but provide Denver at least an equal QB to Orton, and give them a 2nd round pick. It's not like Cleveland doesn't have 11 picks in the draft this year. Marshal is certainly worth that kind of deal, and though I could see Marshal possibly having a problem with Mangini, I think Holmgren would put him in his place.

I'm not trolling here, just wanted to hear what you guys think about this trade idea. And Yes, I know that yinz hate Denver more than anyone cept the Steelers and Ravens, but I'd be happy if my Steelers made a trade with you guys for Joe Thomas. 

Jake Delhomme makes sense to me under one set of circumstances and one set only. Mike Holmgren as resolved himself to find a developmental quarterback this year. He has a guy in mind that he thinks could be a very good quarterback in the NFL but probably needs to sit out at least one if not two full seasons before he is ready to start.

Now I am not campaigning for this. I don't even know if it's a good idea, but the guy that I am betting Holmgren has targeted is....

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The Browns have to find some good value in the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds this year if they want to compete in the AFC North next year. Here are a few names you might want to get to know:

3rd Round:

• Andre Roberts       WR     The Citadel

This guy had an amazing senior bowl week. He is pretty small (5'11, 195) but displays good speed (4.46). He has shown fantastic hands and body control. Scouts I've read rave about his route running and ability to create separation. Very good in the open field running after the catch.

• Gene Atkins         DT       Georgia

A little undersized ( 6'1 293) for the 3-4 but his measurables at the combine were great (4.75 40, 34 reps in the bench). Add in a teriffic senior bowl week that included a beatdown of Mike Iupati and you have a guy who's stock is up. The downside is that he will definitely be gone early in the third, and might sneak into the second.

• Ben Tate             RB        Auburn

His prototypical size (5'11 220) and good 40 time (4.45) have quietly moved Tate up draft boards. He reportedly looked good in drills at the Auburn pro day, and would fit in nicely as the Brown's between the tackles bruiser. Potentially could be there pretty late in the third round.

4th Round

• Tony Washington      OL    Abilene Christian

Ok so we all have heard the story about how this guy became a sex offender, but its not every day you can get a 2nd round talent in the 4th round. The incident with his biological sister happened 7 years ago, people can change a lot between ages 16 and 23.

• Kyle Calloway        OL        Iowa

Perhaps a less risque 4th round sleeper. Kid has good size and projects to be a solid right tackle prospect.

5th Round

• Ed Dickson      TE      Oregon

With the acquisition of Ben Watson, this position is no longer the glaring need that it was. Dickson might be a really nice pickup down here. His measureables are very good (6'5, 250, 4.61 40) and he has been a really consistent target for Oregon the last two seasons.

• Eric Olson       OL      Notre Dame

This versatile offensive lineman can play center or guard. He has shown a good combination of size, speed and strength. A very disciplined player who could be a big plus for our offensive line depth.

• Jeff Byars        OL      Southern Cal

USC's version of Eric Olson. Solid athlete who could play center or guard and as good physical tools. Injury history has dropped his stock a bit.

Maybe because the Eagles want a first round pick for McNabb and two first round picks for Kolb.  Neither QB is worth a top ten pick.  And if, as the article states, the Seahawks are interested in Kolb, I think we can kiss any chance of landing Berry goodbye.  Given the lack of a stand-out sure-fire top ten running back in this year's class, I think the Eagles use Seattle's pick to replace Brian Dawkins.

I was wondering to myself recently whether or not the Steelers would punish Roethlisberger even if he were to escape legal trouble after his most recent "incident." 

Suddenly, I recalled a similar incident with former Steelers WR Cedrick Wilson.  Wilson was cut for this indiscretion and Steelers team Chairman Dan Rooney said of the release, "The Steelers do not condone violence of any kind, especially against women."

Ben and Cedrick, though, were not the only Steelers that have been violent against women. Steelers Pro Bowl LB, James Harrison, had a little incident of his own. Was he cut from the Steelers? Actually, Harrison was not cut, but rather given a $51 million contract extension.

So my question to the Pittsburgh Steelers is, do you tolerate violence against women or not? Or is it one of those things where it's okay if you are a Pro Bowler?

Dear Mike Holmgren,

So far I think its safe to say that the fans are on board with your leadership. The moves you have made this offseason seem to be well thought out football decisions. Firstly, I love that you have shown a sense of urgency in this offseason. This team needs to become respectable, and fast. Despite this, you haven't taken any significant risks in free agency and seem content to get good players at a good value. For this, you should be applauded. These fans have been starved for a "credible" leader at the helm of the Browns since the team returned. I think you might be it.

You paid Josh Cribbs, and we love it. While Cribbs now makes a huge amount of money for a kick returner, this guy is the heart and soul of this team. He singlehandedly took over that Steelers game last year. Aside from his fantastic leadership in the locker room, this guy is an elite talent. We fans love Josh Cribbs, pleasing him was the right move.

Bringing in Tony Pashos was a good call. We love our offensive lineman here in Cleveland as much as any fans. If you think this guy can replace the awful play of John St. Clair at right tackle, by all means go right ahead.

Ditto for the Scott Fujita acquisation. He seems like a guy who gives you great effort on the field and a great guy in the locker room. With the departure of Derek Anderson, having another classy guy on the team is a great move.

The Seneca Wallace trade didn't exactly knock our socks off, but we know you just want a capable backup who doesn't need a whole lot of reps in practice to be ready in a pinch. We know you aren't going to start this guy. I like that you gave up practically nothing to get him, and that he could contribute sporadically as a Wideout or Wildcat back.

Given Derek Anderson's comments, I'm pretty sure even the most star-eyed DA supporters now feel that cutting him was the right move, both for the roster and the wallet.

I can't say that we are too thrilled that you are showing interest in Jake Delhomme. I know he has experience. I know he went to the Pro Bowl. I don't think the Panthers would have cut their most successful quarterback in franchise history in favor of Matt Moore if they thought Delhomme could get it done. You saw the press conference. The team clearly hated to let him go. Teams don't make a decision like that if they think he just had a bad year.

It seems clear to me that you have no love for Brady Quinn. I hope it is something you saw on film and not just a desire to put "your stamp" on this team by bringing in "your guy." I trust you will do what is ultimately in the best interests of the team, but the wise man once said "trust, but verify."

I think the fans as a whole would prefer that the team find a quarterback with some youth and upside. If you are convinced that Brady Quinn isn't the guy, go ahead and trade him. The fans will back you, but you had better deliver. Derek Anderson is right: We are ruthless.

I am just a regular old fan of the Cleveland Browns, Mike. Do you want to know what I want you to do? We'll let me lay it down for you:

Since you have no interest in Brady, trade him to the Bills. The are willing to hear offers for Donte Whitner. With the likely departure of Brodney Pool this team has a need at Strong Safety and Whitner is an excellent one. He is young, talented and a local kid who wants to come home. If you could get the Bills to throw in a 3rd round pick, it would be gravy in my book.

Second, Sign Troy Smith to be your quarterback. He is a talented athletic quarterback who has a strong arm and I believe good decision making skills. He was a star at Cleveland Glenville High School and Ohio State. He would be an instant fan favorite and I think is the kind of guy who can handle the pressure of being the Cleveland Browns' quarterback. He recently expressed several times that he wants to come home to Cleveland and play. Not to mention he could be had for just a 5th round pick. Better than Spending a 3rd rounder on Dan LeFevour or someone else.

Third: Draft Eric Berry in the first round. I don't care if you have to trade up with the Chiefs. This guy looks like money in the bank and could instantly help our secondary at Free Safety or Cornerback. Since the draft is deep at cornerback, I think we could get great value at the 2nd round spot. One of the second tier CBs will most definitely be there, especially if Joe Haden falls down a little bit. If Jerry Hughes is there though, hes a great option from what I've seen.

Use the rest of the draft to find us depth in the trenches, a TE and if there's a sleeper you like at Wide Receiver. This team has plenty of needs. So we need to find two or three early contributors in the third round or later.

Anyway, just a concerned fan's perspective. Thanks for (never) reading this.

Sincerely,

Jaws, Concerned Browns Fan.

The only way the Bucs (#3) pass on Eric Berry is if McCoy or Suh is available. If the Rams take a QB first overall (and they should), then one of the DTs will be available at #3. If Suh or McCoy falls to the Bucs, they will be the pick. The chiefs at #5 are pretty sure to look Offensive tackle.

The big question mark is Mike Shanahan in Washington. A lot of mocks have the 'skins drafting a QB at #4, but with the retirement of Chris Samuels the Redskins now have a glaring need at LT. Pete Carroll is certainly hoping that the Redskins take either Russell Okung or Anthony Davis (the Chiefs will get the other tackle, but not necessarily at #5) Which leaves the Seahawks at #6.

If one of the Quarterbacks slips by the Redskins and lands in Pete Carroll's lap, he would be hard pressed to pass on them, especially if he could add a Brian Bulaga  or Trent Williams with his other first round pick (#14) and still have a chance to add his guy Taylor Mays in the second round.

If the Rams take a QB and the Redskins take an OT, then Berry probably falls to #7.

However, should the Redskins take the other QB at #4, then The Seahawks are stuck a little bit at #6. They could use a playmaker in the secondary but their biggest needs are QB and OT. They can get a good OT at #14 but if neither Clausen nor Bradford gets to them at #6, they probably take Berry.

If the Browns brass really like Eric Berry, they could probably swing a trade with the Chiefs, since the chiefs would likely be able to get either Okung or Davis at #7 and could save some money giving them a #7 contract instead of a #5.

So, In the likely event that the Rams and Redskins both take QBs, The Browns should be on the phone to the Chiefs looking to send one of their third round picks to Kansas City in order to leapfrog the Seahawks for Eric Berry. I think the Chiefs would be willing to deal, considering that they are almost certain to get Okung anyway (or at the very least Anthony Davis, if Pete Carroll were to take Okung) and they could save some money on their first round pick, moving down a few slots.

What do you think? Is Eric Berry the guy? Is he worth eshewing the Joe Haden backup plan in order to trade up for him?

I am aware that this is a very speculative post and this could go in a trillion different directions, however I'm just curious what people think now that a legite and proven front office is in place.

I personally believe that we go somewhere in the 8-8 range next season and the front office gets to know our needs and strengths even better.  Then (considering there is a season in 2011) I see us making a legitimate run for the playoffs. 

what do you think?

When Randy Lerner named Mike Holmgren as the football czar - it created unbridled optimism through the Dawg Pound.  A few months later, and no one is disappointed, as he has named solid leaders, opened up communication, and Mangini has responded with a class that many people thought he did not possess.

Still, there is one burning issue that bothers me.   How is it possible that Brian Daboll is an offensive coordinator that deserves to be retained, and BQ is a quarterback that has potential to lead this team?  I love Brady, hell - I even liked the picture of him in his Bernie Kosar football jersey when he was 5.   But either he has showed absolutely nothing, and we seriously need a QB - or Daboll is so bad as a coordinator that he deserved to be axed.

I tend to believe Daboll was a serious downer and perhaps Quinn has some potential in the tank.  What is key - is that the Browns get a solid backup plan at QB - just in case Daboll was not the problem.

Here are a few ways I would like the Browns to handle the QB situation. Post any ways you would like to see it handled.

Note all of these assumptions are under the premise that Derek Anderson will be cut.

1.) Acquire Jason Campbell like player.

            Using the Redskins as the example for this, the Browns’ acquire Jason Campbell from the Redskins. They name Brady Quinn the starter for the 2010 season. This benefits Quinn in that he is finally given the reins of the team for a FULL year from day 1. Giving him all summer and training camp to develop chemistry with his receivers. I’m not a Quinn fan at all, but I also do feel he hasn’t been given a chance to show what he can do. Meanwhile, Campbell is given an entire season to learn a system and if Quinn doesn’t improver, Campbell will for the first time will be given a chance to show what he can do in 2011, while using the same playbook from the previous season. But this scenario also holds true that Mike Holmgrem gets evaluate both players, and if he doesn’t like what he see’s, will have a better chance at McNabb/Kolb (assuming they both stay with the Eagles in 2010), and/or he can go get a Quarterback in the 2011 draft (Jake Locker, Ryan Mallet, and Terrelle Pryor)

2) Keep Quinn, Acquire Kerry Collins like player.

            In this scenario, again Quinn is give a full season to prove himself, but this time he has a veteran leader to guide him. Again this leaves the door open to draft a QB in the much deeper QB draft of 2011.

3) Start from scratch.

            In this scenario, again the Browns get a Kerry Collins like player, but just give up on Quinn, and get any kind of trade value out of him that we can. The Browns draft a Bradford, Clausen, or McCoy in the draft, and have them sit for a year behind the veteran.

4) Go get Favre

            Because why the hell not. Has history with both Holmgrem and Mangini, and maybe he’ll hold a grudge against the Steelers for giving him his first loss last year. In which case I will go against my general assumption of cutting Anderson, and maybe Favre will teach Anderson how to put some touch on the ball. Or maybe Favre will teach Quinn how to not get injured. BTW, just joking on this scenario.

All in all the most important thing will be to know who the Browns’ starting Quarterback is by April 26th (the Monday after the Draft).