The Cleveland Browns have been very quiet in the NFL’s free agency period. They have not followed Phil Savage’s method of making a big splash by signing a big name free agent veteran, and instead have followed a more conservative path. Not that I’m sold on Coach Eric Mangini and GM George Kokinis being the new hot management team in the league, I do understand what they are doing.
They are using the model of the division’s preeminent teams of the last ten years, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Neither of those teams delves heavily into the free agent pool. They build their teams through the draft, using very good talent evaluation for the most part. Quite frankly, it’s a system the Browns should have been using all along.
So far, the Browns have taken a very conservative approach inking a tight end that will compete for a starting job in Robert Royal, a defensive end who will compete for a starting position in C. J. Mosley, an inside linebacker to replace Andra Davis in David Bowens, and a special teamer/nickel back in Hank Poteat. No one on this list is a flashy name, just solid players who won’t embarrass themselves.
In trading Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay, Kokinis tipped his hand as to where his emphasis will lay. He got two draft picks for the former All Pro tight end, one a second round pick this year. There have been rumors that one of the quarterbacks, quite possibly Derek Anderson, will also be moved for more picks prior to next month’s selection meeting. The Browns are trying to accumulate as many choices as they can in the draft.
That’s a smart move because there is no question this team needs an infusion of talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. I’ve gone on record, as saying the only offensive player I would take in the draft is a running back to replace Jamal Lewis. In fact, it would not be a surprise if Lewis were dealt on draft day for another pick. Browns’ fans saw the best they will see of Lewis during the 2007 season.
This is not to say Savage’s forays in the process were wrong. He needed to get people excited about the Browns, and his first signings included Joe Jurevicius and LeCharles Bentley, who injected some pride in the organization. Remember, this was following a game in which Cleveland was embarrassed on Christmas Eve against Pittsburgh at home. He needed guys who could start immediately, and he got players like Eric Steinbach and Lewis, who could play major roles right away.
However, now is the time to use the draft to get better. It won’t make fans happy, because generally it makes for a longer rebuilding process, but the other way didn’t work. Of course, this means that Kokinis and Mangini have to make the correct choices. They cannot afford to make many mistakes. Getting more picks though, gives the tandem more room for mistakes.
The new Browns’ management team wants to build a foundation before they add the bells and whistles. After watching the Steelers blow down the Cleveland house of straw year after year, it probably is the correct thing to do.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 