When it was all said and done, the Cleveland Browns did the NFL one better, cutting its roster to 52 players, one below the league mandate for opening day. However, it would not be surprising if some of the survivors from yesterday’s cuts didn’t suit up for game one against the Vikings next Sunday.
There were few shocks in the final transactions. Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison both survived, the latter was more of an eyebrow raiser than the former. Lewis used the pre-season to get ready for the 16 game grind of the regular season, not to make the team, although it will be interesting to see how much he still has in the tank in 2009. James Davis was impressive and deserves to get some time once the games start for real.
The most surprising names to make the roster were DB Bret Lockett and OL Corey Hilliard, who were both kept over more experienced players, Corey Ivy and Isaac Sowells, respectively. I was not stunned to hear that WR David Patten didn’t make the team. Patten missed most of training camp with injuries, and wasn’t a big contributor on special teams.
It appears that when it came down to the final spots on the roster, Eric Mangini went with youth over experience. For a rebuilding team, this is a good move. Why not take a shot that a young guy can become a player over a veteran who likely will not improve. The only surprise in this regard was the cut of last year’s fourth round pick, ILB Beau Bell.
Third string quarterback Brett Ratliff got the benefit of the doubt from being with Mangini for a full season, as he was outplayed in the games by Richard Bartel, who was among those released. Bartel will probably be signed on to the practice squad if he’s not picked up by another team.
Of course, some of those waived will be resigned along with Bartel. Players like WR Paul Hubbard, WR Jordan Norwood, DB Brandon Anderson, and OL Brandon Braxton could wind up back with the Browns in this area.
There is no doubt that Mangini and GM George Kokinis will be scouring the waiver wire for players let go by other teams that could help the brown and orange. My guess is they are looking for a veteran offensive lineman and another defensive back, perhaps a safety because of Brodney Pool’s injury history.
It will be a busy next couple of days for the front office as the final roster is prepared. If a player survived yesterday’s cut down, he still has some nervous days ahead before becoming an official member of the Cleveland Browns.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 