Do you know why I like Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto? Any time I read one of his columns, I come away completely satisfied (and not only does he discuss the Browns, he discusses the Indians and Cavs too). Where as other media outlets have been reporting the following...

-Browns need help at cornerback
-Browns could trade for Lito or Law
-Why isn't Kellen Winslow in camp?

...Pluto covers a breadth of topics, ensuring that other players do exist in Berea at these practice sessions. Here is a recap of Pluto's latest editorial, with some added notes by me:

PLUTO ON BILLS CB ASHTON YOUBOTY

"He's traded draft picks for players, players for draft picks -- and even made a few player-for-player trades, which aren't that common in the NFL. That means he'll take a risk, and it's safe to assume he will make some sort of trade to get a cornerback. Yes, Buffalo's Ashton Youboty is a possibility. Buffalo has soured on the former Ohio State star, and the Bills have brought in veteran corner Will James and drafted three cornerbacks (including Akron's Reggie Corner). So he is available.

Can Youboty help? He's played in only 14 games in two pro seasons, and has not made much of an impact. He had the dreaded high-ankle sprain last season. In 2006, he had a rough rookie season as his mother died. He is only 23 and was a third-round pick in 2006. There was a feeling at OSU that he left school a year too early. He played for Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker at OSU, so Tucker will have a major say in how hard the Browns pursue him. Not speaking directly about Youboty, Savage said: 'There is another Daven Holly out there, a guy another team has given up on him and can help us. We just have to find him.'"

-Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer

I know I said this would be a recap, but I was compelled to quote Pluto's entire section on Youboty because of it's importance (and, it's a unique perspective deriving away from Lito and Law).

Can Youboty help? Maybe I'm being a little biased because I'm somewhat of an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, but I agree with Pluto's assessment that Youboty is exactly the type of player that Savage is looking for. Rotoworld.com picked up on Pluto's assessment as well, and are reporting that it'd probably only take a sixth-round draft pick to acquire him.

CB Ashton Youboty intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles.

I know the logic exists out there to trade Travis Wilson to a team that's thin at the receiver position, but player-for-player deals are less attractive than acquiring another draft pick. Rotoworld also suggests that we trade away one of our inside linebackers (Andra Davis) to the Bills in exchange for Youboty. That might be an attractive proposal, but then again it would put us in a predicament at linebacker if Leon Williams or Beau Bell were to go down.

Speaking of Bell, Pluto thought he looked good in practice, and has already stated that it wouldn't be a surprise if he pushed Davis for playing time early on in the season. When someone makes that impression in the first couple of OTA sessions, Davis' chances don't sound too good. D'Qwell Jackson was reportedly the best of our inside linebackers, to no surprise.

ON GARY BAXTER'S STATUS

"Then there is Gary Baxter. As Savage said, if he makes a full comeback after tearing both ACLs, "it will be a miracle." But it is possible that Baxter might be able to come back enough to help as a backup safety and/or nickel back. He has stayed close to the team, and is making progress. More will be known when the Browns wear pads and begin to hit during veterans camp this summer."

ON LECHARLES BENTLEY'S STATUS

"Here's the latest with LeCharles Bentley. He needs to have his surgeon clear him to play, then he needs to pass the Browns' physical. He skipped the voluntary OTAs to continue to work on his knee with his personal trainer. From a practical view: Until Bentley is on the field taking part in practices with blocking and tackling, there's really not much to say about him."

-Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer

In other words, it's hard to project if either of these guys can make a contribution to the Browns this season (and, it's now or never). Until they are in practice or on the field though, it's best not to set any expectations for them. After all -- if we wouldn't have been so excited about the "potential" of Baxter and Bentley coming back last season, we would've been less disappointed when they were placed on the shelf.

Other quickies:

-Jamal Lewis was in excellent physical condition.
-Donte Stallworth struggled a bit, but nothing worthy of concern at this point.
-Re-trying Brodney Pool at the cornerback position may become an alternative.

Browns WR Donte Stallworth (picture credited to OBR's Jeff Wills)

While I'm at it, here is Sunday's link collection:

Youboty to Browns? (Buffalo Rumblings, SB Nation)

OTA photo gallery from the OBR (Orange & Brown Report)

A 17th game is not as easy as it seems (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Browns not showing interesting in Lito Sheppard (Bleeding Green Nation, SB Nation)

13 new things I can't wait to see in NFL '08 (Sporting News)

Hey, Tony! Your Browns questions answered (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Denver Broncos CB Domonique Foxworth could be one of the players on the Browns' radar in the coming days. Browns GM Phil Savage has already stated that the team will be investigating trade opportunities, but that top-tier corners, such as Lito Sheppard and Ty Law, are out of their price range.

Broncos CB Domonique Foxworth, left, stretches with CB Champ Bailey, right, during a practice session. Picture credited via d.yimg.com.

On paper, Foxworth would be the right addition at the right time. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Broncos, and is not in the running for a starting role. However, it's pretty hard to be a starter when Champ Bailey and Dre Bly are ahead of you on the depth chart. Besides the fact that Foxworth has three years worth of experience on the Broncos, he was once clocked running a stunning 4.22 in the 40-yard dash. I can run probably a 4.4 on my best day, so I know a 4.22 has to be blazing molten hot fast (I've listened to Randy Jackson talk too much).

Foxworth has 174 tackles and 3 interceptions during his three-year stay with the Broncos. His playing time has been limited to a nickel back role the past few years -- however, that's the type of player that Savage is going to be looking for. Here's the catch, of course: Denver probably isn't exactly with a "surplus" of defensive backs either; they're just better off than the Browns are right now. The Broncos would love to have another stud receive after losing WR Javon Walker. The only receiver the Browns would probably be willing to part with is Travis Wilson. However, if something were to develop, I'd bank on the Browns having to give up Wilson and a draft pick next season (note: we've already sacrificed our 2009 third- and fifth-round choices).

I asked for a blurb from our Denver Broncos correspondent, John Bena, over at Mile High Report. I got a lot more than a blurb, and if I enjoyed the read, I'm sure all of you will too, especially since Bena knows what he's talking about (he's very familiar with the Cleveland area)...

"When dissecting the Domonique Foxworth rumors, let's start with the source. Bill Williamson covered the Broncos the past 4 years as the beat writer for the Denver Post.  Needless to say he wasn't very popular in town.  He wasn't a Denver guy and really didn't get Broncos Football(kinda like Bill Livingston in Cleveland).  He knows the Broncos floated Foxy's name before the draft and that Foxy wants to be a starter.  Those days were part of the Ted Sundquist era, however, and most Foxworth trade rumors ended when Sundquist and the Broncos parted ways.

As for this specific rumor, Williamson has no fact to base it on other than his bit knowledge of the Broncos and their supposed "depth" at corner.  They do have depth, with Champ Bailey and Dre Bly manning the starting jobs and Karl Paymah slotted as the "Big Nickel".  The Broncos also drafted Kent St. alum Jack Williams in the 4th Round.  Foxworth will see plenty of action as well, and will be the first in line should someone go down.  The Broncos like that depth and plan on going into the season with it.  Can the Browns do something to get their attention?  Sure.  A 2nd Round pick would do it, but that would be crazy, especially considering the Browns have already moved 2 of their '09 picks already. A combination of players and picks?  The Browns really don't have a surplus at a position the Broncos need.  Wide Receiver may come to mind, but the Broncos have plenty of depth, and the Browns really couldn't offer anything the Broncos don't already have(we would be happy to take Josh Cribbs off your hands!)

But Foxworth is a Free Agent after this season, right?  He sure is.  In days past, those words meant the Broncos would try and make a move.  The idea now is to build through the draft.  Sure, Foxworth could walk away after 2008, but the Broncos would surely receive draft pick compensation.  A 4th rounder
for Foxy, after getting production from him all year would be better than trading him for that same 4th rounder now.

In the end, I just don't think there is much substance to the rumor, knowing the source (Williamson) and the teams involved.  I'm sure Tony Grossi will post it front and center tomorrow morning, insinuating the deal is forthcoming. I put the chances at 20%."

Major props to Mr. Bena for taking the time to vent there, and again, check out more of his fine work at Mile High Report. (Note: Cribbs is off the table ;))

Relatedly, the Browns signed CB Daven Holly and will move him to the injured reserve, the club announced today. If you guys have further candidates you believe the Browns might seriously consider, whether they be a free agent or trade possibility, post them here and I'll try to do a write-up on them.