Receivers/Tight Ends
17 Braylon Edwards 6-3 215
18 Donte' Stallworth 6-0 195
16 Joshua Cribbs 6-1 215
81 Travis Wilson 6-1 210
88 Kevin Kasper 6-0 200
80 Kellen Winslow 6-4 250
82 Steve Heiden 6-5 270
86 Martin Rucker 6-4 250
87 Darnell Dinkins 6-4 260
Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow had breakout years in 2007. Edwards ended the season with 80 receptions, 1289 yards and 16 TD's. Winslow added 82 receptions, 1106 yards and 5 TD's. The Browns added Donte' Stallworth in the offseason to add even more big play ability to this elite unit. Stallworth will replace Joe Jurevicius as the nunber two WR. Jurevicius will start the season on the PUP list, and may have played his last game. Look for Travis Wilson to take over the number 3 WR spot.
Grade A
Offensive Line
LT 73 Joe Thomas 6-6 315
LG 65 Eric Steinbach 6-6 295
C 66 Hank Fraley 6-2 320
RG 72 Ryan Tucker 6-6 325
RT 77 Kevin Shaffer 6-5 330
G/C 68 Seth McKinney 6-3 315
C/G 62 Lennie Friedman 6-3 295
G 70 Rex Hadnot 6-2 320
G 61 Isaac Sowells 6-3 330
The key to the Browns turnaround in 2007 was the play of the offensive line. The Browns went from one of the worst offensive lines to one of the top 5 lines in the league. The sudden turnaround started in free agency when the Browns landed Pro Bowl caliber LG Eric Steinbach. The next move was the drafting of LT Joe Thomas. All Joe Thomas did was earn a trip to Hawaii in his rookie season. Hank Fraley is the most underrated player on the line and has been a steal since the day the Browns traded for him. The right side of the line will feature RT Kevin Shaffer and RG Ryan Tucker. Both of these players moved positions in 2007 with great success. The Browns have an elite starting line, but also have solid depth with vets like Seth McKinney,Lennie Friedman, and Rex Hadnot.
Grade A-
Defensive Line
92 Shaun Rogers 6-3 350
99 Corey Williams 6-4 325
91 Shaun Smith 6-2 330
98 Robaire Smith 6-4 320
71 Ahtyba Rubin 6-2 330
97 Chase Pittman 6-5 285
60 Melila Purcell 6-5 287
One of the main areas of concern for the Browns after the 2007 season was the play of the defensive line. The D Line lacked playmakers, so Phil Savage went out and changed the entire complexion of the line. First the Browns traded there second round pick in the 2008 draft to the Packers for Corey Williams. Williams is a versatile lineman who can play inside or outside on the line. He will be the starting right defensive end, but look for him to shift inside on passing downs. The Browns then traded CB Leigh Bodden and there third round pick to the Lions for the incredibly talented Shaun Rogers. Rogers is a beast inside, and at 350 pounds is suprisingly quick and agile. Adding Williams and Rogers, to go along with Robaire Smith, and Shaun Smith give the Browns the best defensive line they have had since returning to the league in 1999.
Grade B
Linebackers
95 Kamerion Wimbley 6-3 250
52 D'Qwell Jackson 6-0 240
54 Andra Davis 6-1 250
55 Willie McGinest 6-5 265
94 Leon Williams 6-3 250
58 Beau Bell 6-1 245
56 Antwan Peek 6-3 255
96 Alex Hall 6-5 250
90 David McMillan 6-3 255
The linebackers had to be thrilled with the Browns offseason. With better play up front from the D line the linebackers will have a much easier time avoiding blocks and making plays near the line of scrimmage. Kamerion Wimbley is the top player in this group. His speed and athletecism are obvious when you watch him. Wimbley is the Browns best pass rusher, but he is also turning into a solid OLB against the run. D'qwell Jackson has had over 100 tackles in each of his seasons and is the best of the inside backers. The Browns will need Andra Davis and Leon Williams to pick up there games as they will most likely split time at the other inside spot next to Jackson. Willie McGinest is in his final year of a great career. He is not a factor as a pass rusher anymore, but he is still solid against the run. Keep and eye on a couple of rookies. Beau Bell and Alex Hall have been impressive and have a chance to contribute at some point.
Grade B-
