As the 2009 NFL combine runs through the weekend, most fans will be following players times and reps through internet reports and setting their DVR to record the NFL Network’s broadcast. As the Combine gets set to kick off, the National Football Post has issued its list of the top ten players at each position. Not surprisingly, they list Aaron Curry as the top 4-3 outside linebacker. Everette Brown is listed as the top 3-4 outside linebacker and Rey Maualuga as the top inside linebacker. Click here for the link.

Here is a list of players to keep an eye on as they could fill one of the Browns’ needs.

Round One

• Upside: Was a sack specialist playing defensive end at FSU. Is thickly built through the lower body and is more than just a speed rusher. He recorded 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.
• Negative: Can he adjust to dropping into coverage? He only had 36 total tackles. The Browns already have a former FSU defensive end in Kamerion Wimbley and that hasn’t panned out too well.

• Upside: Pass rusher with remarkable workout strength. He has decent speed and athleticism.
• Negative: Went highly unnoticed in his bowl game going up against Alex Boone. Battled minor injuries all season long.

• Upside: Feared hitter and run stuffer with perfect size to play in the 3-4.
• Negative: Can play too aggressive and undisciplined.

Knowshon Moreno – 5’-11", 208 lbs, Georgia, RB

• Upside: Made outstanding plays and would make the Browns running attack a dangerous combination.
• Negative: He may not be worthy of the fifth overall pick, as his may not have the top end breakaway speed.

Aaron Maybin – 6’-4", 238 lbs., Penn State, OLB

• Upside: He recorded 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss. He is an athletic player and excellent pass rusher.  He could be the target if the Browns trade back.
• Negative: He currently is undersized and relatively inexperienced.

Andre Smith – 6'-4", 340 lbs., Alabama, T

• Upside: He could step in as a starter at right tackle from day one.  He is the road grader that could give the Browns a pair of young talented tackles.  Improving the offensive line could spark improvement in the rest of the offense.
• Negative: He has issues controlling his weight which can balloon up and he was suspended for Alabama's bowl game.

Michael Crabtree – 6'-3", 214 lbs., Texas Tech, WR

• Upside: He would provide the Browns with two dangerous wide outs.  He makes clutch plays and is a reliable set of hands.  He is elusive in the open field and has great acceleration.
• Negative: Having two top five picks at wide receiver makes the position consume a lot of salary cap.  Most rookie wide receivers do not make a big impact.  His top end speed is questionable as well.

Aaron Curry – 6'-3", 247 lbs., Wake Forest, OLB

• Upside:  He is an athletic marvel and is versatile enough to play several linebacker positions.  He is excellent in coverage and has the speed to make plays all over the field.  He may not be available when the Browns make their selection.
• Negative: He has never been a pass rusher and could add some weight.  He is more suited to the 4-3 than the 3-4, which the Browns run.

Please click "Read More" to view additional prospects. 

Round Two 

• Upside: Has played defensive end and outside linebacker. Would be an excellent selection if he fell to the 2^nd round.
• Negative: Was overshadowed by the surrounding cast at USC. Only one yer of significant production. He isn’t the athlete some other prospects are.

• Upside: His tremendous size and athleticism make him an excellent pass rusher. He would be a nice 2^nd round or great 3^rd round selection.
• Negative: He is not strong against the run. His production does not match his athleticism which may get him drafted higher than he should be.

• Upside: He is a versatile player that has played defensive end and outside linebacker. He had 73 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss last season. He would make an excellent selection if he fell to the second round or the Browns traded back.
• Negative: He has battled injuries throughout his career. He also may not be the athlete that his workout numbers would suggest.

Larry English – 6’-2", 254, lbs., Northern Illinois, OLB

• Upside: Has been compared to Lamarr Woodley. He is a stocky pass rusher with 30.5 sacks over the last 3 seasons.
• Negative: He needs to improve his pass drop and play in space. He did not play against top competition.

• Upside: He was productive as a pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme with 70 tackles and 11 sacks. He was a four year starter in the 3-4 system.
• Negative: He needs to work on his coverage and getting lower for better leverage.

 Shonn Greene – 5’-11", 235 lbs., Iowa, RB

• Upside: He has the size to make a power running game thrive with a Jamal Lewis tag team. He ran for 1850 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
• Negative: He was out of football in 2007 and had academic issues. He may not have the burst to make it in the pros. His times at the combine may make or break his draft.

• Upside: He is a tough inside runner that may be too much to pass up if he slides into the second round. He ran for 2800 yards in his 2 seasons as a starter.
• Negative: He may not have the breakaway speed to become an elite back.

 Sean Smith – 6’-3", 215 lbs., Utah, CB

• Upside: He has the size to cover bigger receivers that Wright and McDonald lack. He could be a second round selection that would make the Browns secondary more versatile. He also is very athletic.
• Negative: Some question his short area quickness and his ability to cover quicker receivers.

• Upside: He is a versatile and athletic player who is used to return kicks and has played a little offense.
• Negative: His diminutive size may prevent him from being effective against bigger receivers.

• Upside: His stock is rising and he can deliver the big hit.
• Negative: He is more of a free safety and could add some weight. He didn’t play against top competition.

• Upside: He has the size and athletic ability to become an elite safety. He could be a steal if he slid into the second round. He was a 2^nd team All American in 2007.
• Negative: His stock is dropping after an injury plagued senior season.

• Upside: He is a physical player that looks for the big hit.
• Negative: He can be too aggressive and may not have the speed to cover receivers deep.

Middle Rounds

• Upside: Excellent size to play in the 3-4. Could be a mid round steal. He could be a special teamer and develop into a run stopper. He had 107 tackles in 2006.
• Negative: His intelligence has been questioned. He missed most of 2007 with a severe knee injury and wasn’t the same player last season.

Donald Brown – 5’-10", 210 lbs., Connecticut, RB

• Upside: He led the nation with 2083 yards last season and added18 touchdowns. He hits the hole hard.
• Negative: He may not have the frame to be an every down back and may not have the speed to be an elite player.

• Upside: He could also help provide the Browns with a physical power running game as a mid round draft selection. He also has proven to be an excellent blocker.
• Negative: He played small school competition and doesn’t have breakaway speed.

• Upside: He may be the most polished college receiver and could provide the Browns with a sure handed target.
• Negative: He lacks the top end speed and hasn't had much production.

• Upside: He has tremendous size and leaping ability. He could become a mid round, red zone target.
• Negative: He does not have great speed and did not play against top competition.

• Upside: He could provide the Browns with a tough, athletic receiver who is not afraid to go over the middle.
• Negative: He lacks ideal size and has not had much production.

• Upside: If the Browns move Winslow, they could acquire this similar talent in the middle rounds.
• Negative: He is on the lighter side for a tight end and is coming off a serious knee injury.

Emmanuel Cook – 5’-10", 205 lbs., South Carolina, S

• Upside: He is another hard hitting safety that could help the Browns out against the run.
• Negative: He doesn’t always wrap up and may miss some tackles.

• Upside: He has terrific size to step in at strong safety. He was part of a top safety combination with Taylor Mays. He is a tough physical player in the box. He could be a steal in the middle rounds.
• Negative: He is coming off a knee injury. He may lack top end speed.

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

It's not easy being a Browns fan nowadays. After a promising 2007 season, the Browns went 4-12, fired a coach, a GM and, now with a new coach and GM in place, they have no idea who will play quarterback in 2009.

Kicking us while were down, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers played for the AFC Championship and the Steelers went on to win Super Bowl XLIII.

Oh, we're down. But we're not out.

Take, for instance, the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions. Both teams have been embarrassments to their fans and the NFL. Just when you think it can't get any worse, the Bengals and Lions make these following moves.

Cincinnati placed its franchise tag on wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh kicker Shayne Graham. When it comes to that Houshmandzadeh cat, you know, the wide out with at least 73 catches and 904 yards each season since 2004, the Bengals said, "No thanks." Yeah, I'm sure Carson Palmer would rather be guaranteed three points than a first down in the red zone. Houshmandzadeh told the Cincinnati Enquirer that there is less than a 10 percent chance he'll return to Cincinnati. I don't blame him.

The best part? Head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement, "Shayne has consistently performed at a high level for us, and we expect
that same performance in 2009 and hopefully beyond.”

I'm guess it wasn't Marvin Lewis that wrote the statement. Hi, Mike Brown.

In Detroit, the Lions are coming off the infamous 0-16 season. So, to ensure some wins in 2009 the team looked at its possible free agents and decided the only thing to do was franchise tag kicker Jason Hanson. If the team and Hanson don't reach a deal by Feb. 19, the deadline to use franchise tags, Detroit will place it on the kicker.

This following sentence has sadness and humor intertwined:

"The Detroit Lions, coming off the first 0-16 season, has placed its franchise tag on kicker Jason Hanson."

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

One of the coolest things to come out of the 2008 presidential election was CNN's magic map. Newsman John King would touch this map and zoom in and out states, counties and cities showing things like voting trends.

Well, ESPN took this technology and is using for the draft. I have to say, I'm pretty excited. I could play with this thing for hours.

Here is the link to Todd McShay using magic screen technology to predict the top 10. More important to Browns fans, he has Cleveland taking Florida State defensive end Everett Brown. Browns' highlight video is here. Yes, it's impressive.

But taking this with a grain of salt. A few weeks ago, McShay had the Browns taking Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. At least McShay has come around and saw the error of his ways with that choice.

As far as Everett Brown? I'm all for this guy if he can play outside linebacker in a 3-4.

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

As the NFL Combine prepares to get underway this weekend, most Browns fans will have their eyes on defensive players (see: linebackers). The same goes for the NFL Draft in April.

No one is doubting the Browns need to focus on defense.

When talk swirls around the offense, it centers on what the Browns are going to do at quarterback. A fair question, no doubt, but it's the one that is the easy go-to question for fringe fans and the media.

Plain-Dealer beat writer Tony Grossi posted a story yesterday regarding Derek Anderson's trade value increasing as the draft nears. Here at NoLogoNeeded.com, we would be more than happy to see Anderson shipped to another team in exchange for more draft picks and/or players.

But I have been thinking about the running back position for the last few weeks. Jamal Lewis has two years left on his contract, but regaining his 2007 form is a long shot. He would be a perfect complement back in short yardage and change of pace with 12 to 15 carries a game.

The Browns need a feature back and soon. Eric Mangini's love for the running game will not be denied. In his first year in New York he beefed up the offensive line and in 2008 Thomas Jones became a Pro Bowl running back. So what are the Browns options?

First, say good-bye to Jason Wright. He is a free agent. The last regime loved him because he could pick up a blitz.

Second, Jerome Harrison also needs to become more involved in the offense. He's a playmaker, but he's too small to be a feature back.

Third, if anyone, ever, hints at taking Chris Wells from Ohio State fifth in the 2009 draft, strike him.

Fourth, look to the free agent market.

Fifth, have some patience and wait until NoLogoNeeded.com's own scout/draft guru Brandon Rastok dives into possible scenarios for the Browns' 2009 feature back.

Finally, click "Read More" to see the list of restricted and unrestriced running back free agents compiled by ProFootballTalk via the NFL Players Association.

RESTRICTED:

P.J. Daniels, Ravens.

De De Dorsey, Bengals.

John Kuhn, Packers.

Naufahu Tahi, Vikings.

Zak Keasey, 49ers.

UNRESTRICTED:

J.J. Arrington, Cardinals.

Terrelle Smith, Cardinals.

Corey McIntyre, Bills.

Lorenzo Neal, Ravens.

Kevin Jones, Bears.

Jason Wright, Browns.

Cedric Benson, Bengals.

Tatum Bel, lBroncos.

Michael Pittman, Broncos.

Aveion Cason, Lions.

Rudi Johnson, Lions.

Moran Norris, Lions.

Cecil Sapp, Texans.

Dominic Rhodes, Colts.

Alvin Pearman, Jaguars.

Heath Evans, Patriots.

LaMont Jordan, Patriots.

Aaron Stecker, Saints.

Brandon Jacobs, Giants.

Derrick Ward, Giants.

Jesse Chatman, Jets.

Tony Richardson, Jets.

Correll Buckhalter, Eagles.

Darren Sproles, Chargers.

DeShaun Foster, 49ers.

Travis Minor, Rams.

Maurice Morris, Seahawks.

Leonard Weaver, Seahawks.

Status: In need of a Strong Safety

Draft Probability: 60%

Free Agent Probability: High

Free Agents the Browns may consider: Gerald Sensabaugh, Yeremiah Bell, Jermaine Phillips, Oshiomogho Atogwe, Jim Leonhard, Dawan Landry, James Butler, James Sanders, Atari Bigby

Brodney Pool may never be an elite free safety, but he has improved enough to become a solid player. The Browns missed him in the secondary more than any other player when he was injured. He came away with a few key interceptions this past season.

Sean Jones is a free agent and will be looking to cash in. With his injuries last year though, a big offer may or may not be waiting for him. He is still young and has flashed game changing abilities with his play in 2006. His play has fallen off though with his injuries, and he has shown he is vulnerable on deep routes. He can make the big hit but also missed too many tackles last season. The best option for both him and the Browns may be to sign a one year prove it deal. Then again, a large offer may be waiting from another team.

Mike Adams filled in at both safety spots this season when Jones and Pool were injured. He played well for a back up. He was supposed to be the nickelback as well but injuries at safety kept him from being able to play this role. He also is a free agent. The Browns would be wise to bring him back as he has also stated he would like to continue playing in Cleveland. They need to be careful not to over pay for his services though.

The draft has plenty of talent at safety this year. The top safety, William Moore, could conceivably slide to the Browns in the second round. If he is not there, then they could select a player like Patrick Chung or Louis Delmas. Both of these players should become solid players in the NFL. I am not convinced though that the Browns want to rely on a rookie at safety. This also gives credence to resigning Jones to a one year deal while allowing a rookie to develop.

There are plenty of options in free agency as well. Dawan Landry would be the best option if it weren’t for him being a restricted free agent. George Kokinis is credited with discovering Jim Leonhard, who came on as a punt returner and safety while filling in for Dawan Landry. That connection could bring him to Cleveland. The best option other than resigning Jones may be Sensabaugh, Bell, or Phillips. None of these options would come cheaply though.

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

With the retirement of Brett Farve causing ESPN to go into full crisis mode, the speculation began on who will be the new Jets quarterback.

Chris Mortenson reported that the Jets and new coach Rex Ryan could go with a strong-armed rookie QB (i.e. Ravens Joe Flacco). Or, the Jets could look for a trade. Among the names he mentioned was Derek Anderson.

As we've mentioned before, Anderson is expected to receive a $5 million roster bonus in March. Mangini has not committed to Anderson or Quinn. But Adam Schefter of NFL.com wrote that the Jets most logical choice is to trade for Anderson.

Beyond the contract are the relationships. Browns coach Eric Mangini and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum have enough of a relationship that the two men could work out a deal. Also, Jets coach Rex Ryan worked with Anderson in Baltimore before the Ravens released the QB.

If the Jets were to trade for a quarterback, the most logical
candidate is Anderson. But (Kellen) Clemens and (Brett) Ratliff cannot be dismissed from
the competition, either."

If Mangini's past history in New York is any indication, he wants a type of quarterback that is not flash, but can manage a game by making accurate and smart decisions. Quinn seems to be that type of quarterback, not Anderson.

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Status: Need a cornerback that can play nickelback and push Brandon McDonald for a starting spot

Draft Probability: 30%

Free Agent Probability: High

Here is a list of soon to be free agents that could be attractive to the Browns: Nnamdi Asomugha, Kelvin Hayden, Ronald Bartell, Dunta Robinson, Domonique Foxworth, Bryant McFadden, Jabari Greer, Eric Green,

The Browns are young and talented but inconsistent at cornerback. Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald are serviceable at corner. They should also improve as the front seven improves and puts more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their biggest issue is that they try too hard to bait quarterbacks and are too aggressive in jumping short routes. This makes them vulnerable to getting beat deep on fakes. The other issue at the position is that with more teams using 3 and 4 wide receiver sets, they need one to two more starting caliber players.

Daven Holly fit this role perfectly. He was young, inexpensive, and had some starting experience. He could have played nickelback or started. He went down before the season with a knee injury though. He is also a free agent. Depending on how he has recovered, the Browns would be wise to resign him to a one year prove it type of deal. Terry Cousin and Travis Daniels were brought in to fill this role after Holly went down. Neither player though played well enough to make an impact. The new front office has already released Cousin.  Don’t expect Daniels to be back next season either as he is a free agent.

The Browns are more likely to sign a cornerback than they are to draft one. They already have two young corners that would benefit from playing with a veteran. Drafting a player would only add more youth and inexperience. Look for the Browns to sign a young, less expensive free agent that could compete for a starting role. This player should also be an improvement in run support as neither Wright or McDonald seem to like much contact. Players that fit this need include Bryant McFadden, Jabari Greer, or Domonique Foxworth. Many will clamor for an elite player like Nnamdi Asomugha, but he will likely be Franchised by the Raiders and would kill the salary cap space that is needed to bring in linebackers and a safety.

When I heard the news yesterday that the Browns cut Dorsey and Gradkowski my reaction was "good riddance." Upon further review though this could mean that Mangini and Co. are simply not sold on who our quarterback moving forward will be. This is a terrible thing for the Browns and the fans. If this is the case we will have a divided team and fan base and whoever is starting at quarterback will constantly be looking over their shoulder.

So we are moving into free agency and the draft with 2 quarterbacks on our roster. Logic tells you that we will bring in one more so someone can hold the clipboard on the sidelines. For arguments sake, lets just say we get a lowly free agent at the end of his career to be a mentor to our young qb's.  That means there is a competition for the starting job. That means we will be paying DA his $5 million dollar roster bonus.  It also means we will yet again pass on trading DA for draft pick(s). I have to believe that the new regime knows that this is not the best way to handle things.

The other option is that we are going to trade DA and that is the reason we did not cut him.  But that leaves us with one quarterback on the squad.  So unless they are planning on bringing in two guys that know they won't be starting and are ok with that, this is not the route they will be taking.  I honestly can't see Mangini and Co. pinning their hopes on basically a rookie quarterback in Brady Quinn and no viable back up, which brings us back to the fact that it looks like DA and Quinn will both be on our roster come training camp.  We are going to be doing the same dance we did with Frye and DA and then again with DA and Quinn.  This is not the best way to instill confidence in your potential franchise quarterback. 

Hopefully they saw what everyone else saw last year and know that DA is not an NFL quarterback.  Our best chance at building and moving forward is to name Quinn the starter and let him take this team as far as he can. Based on the cuts though, I guess we all better hope Quinn doesn't get hurt again or it is right back to playing a receiver at quarterback

Status: Need as many as they can aqcuire

Draft Probability: High

Free Agent Probability: 95%

Here is a list of soon to be free agents that could be attractive to the Browns: Terrell Suggs, Julius Peppers, Jason Babin, Karlos Dansby, Channing Crowder, Bart Scott, Leroy Hill, Kevin Burnett, Eric Barton, Angelo Crowell

This is the Browns biggest area of need as they lack the athletic players to rush the passer and make plays. D’Qwell Jackson was the best linebacker on the Browns’ roster last season. He led the league with 154 tackles. The problem though was that of these 154 tackles, only 2 of them were behind the line of scrimmage. Jackson lacks the size to take on guards and would excel in a 4-3 defense. The Browns are sticking with the 3-4 though. Jackson would benefit from being able to keep Shaun Rogers fresh and from acquiring a big, physical run stuffer to play inside linebacker next to him. This would allow him to run sideline to sideline.

Andra Davis had his contract restructured last season so that he became a free agent this year. The Browns will let him walk away. This leaves a hole the team will need to fill.

Willie McGinest is also a free agent, and the Browns will let him walk away as well. This leaves a second hole to fill.

Kamerion Wimbley has improved against the run, but his pass rushing has fallen off. He is still a serviceable player and would greatly benefit from bringing in two impact players at linebacker. His pass rushing would improve if the team could actually field another player that was a threat to get to the quarterback.

Julius Peppers has been a defensive end that has expressed a desire to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4. The Panthers could very well place the Franchise Tag on him though. The Browns best chance to improve the defense this season would be to bring in either Suggs or Peppers and to draft a run stuffing inside linebacker. This would upgrade two positions and also improve the play of Jackson and Wimbley. The salary cap restraints may not let the Browns open the checkbook for one of these two players though. Suggs is a strong candidate for the Franchise Tag as well.

The Browns have some depth at linebacker as it’s the starting talent they lack. Alex Hall should improve with another year to develop behind Wimbley and a new outside linebacker. Antwaan Peek could easily be replaced with a young player that has had some success in the 3-4 like Kevin Burnett or Jason Babin. Leon Williams excels in coverage and has the ability to play several positions. The Browns don’t really know what they have in Beau Bell. He was advertised as a hard hitter that could come in as a run stuffer. He failed to catch on to the 3-4 last season though and was injured for most of the season. That coupled with Crennel’s decision to stick with veterans kept Bell off the field. Throw in rumors that the new regime didn't think he had the ability to be an NFL player at draft time last year, and Bell won’t be inserted into the starting line up any time soon.

The Browns have three options to fill these two positions. One option is that they can bring in an impact free agent to play outside linebacker and draft Rey Maualuga to play inside linebacker. The second option is to sign an inside linebacker like Channing Crowder or Bart Scott and draft an outside linebacker like Aaron Curry or Everette Brown. The third option is that they could improve the rest of the team through free agency and use the depth of the talent pool in the draft to fill these positions in the first two rounds of the draft. They could select Rey Maualuga in the first round. Then with Brian Cushing, Everette Brown, Brian Orakpo, Micahel Johnson, Aaron Curry, Aaron Maybin, Larry English, Clint Sintim, and Clay Matthews Jr., at least one of them will fall to the second round where the Browns could select them. Many would favor bringing in a top tier free agent at each position and using the draft to help elsewhere, but the salary cap may not allow for this.

Today was the first day that NFL teams could start releasing players to set their 2009 roster.  The Plain Dealer is reporting that the Browns have released 7 players.  Atop the list are Antwaan Peek, Terry Cousin, Ken Dorsey, and Bruce Gradkowski.  This leaves the Browns with only two quarterbacks on the roster.  Neither Dorsey or Gradkowski showed anything at all though when filling in this season.  Peek showed some ability when he found the field, but injuries forced him to the sidelines more often than not.  Cousin was signed to fill the void at cornerback this past season but was far from serviceable.  Also released were developmental players Eric Young, Jason Reda, and Mike Dragosavich.

As Mangini and Kokinis continue to evaluate the roster, expect more names to be on the chopping block.  Donte Stallworth should have his bags packed as his roster bonus is too much to keep him on the roster.  I was surprised that he was not included in this group.  If they are cutting players that have been injured and have not been able to find the field, Ryan Tucker may also want to pack his things.