Where is the Running Game?
September 1, 2009Tonight’s the Night: Carrasco’s Debut
September 1, 2009Recent cuts include defensive back Rod Hood, tight end Nate Jackson and linebacker Robert McCune. Preceding the Tucker injury/surgery announcement, the team re-signed offensive lineman (and Ohioan) Branndon Braxton. Given this, the Browns roster currently stands at 78 players players – 77 with Ryan Tucker heading to the IR.
Assuming that Tucker’s IR slot frees up his roster spot – given that Tucker has one year left on his contract and would likely take an injury settlement – this leaves us with (at least) two other players who will get their pink slip by 4PM today. But who will they be? There are several positions that are still rostering more players that tend to be featured on most teams at this stage. Let’s take a look at what they are and which players may be the casualties of said depth.
Tight End
Since the departure of Kellen Winslow, the team has been looking to find the next starting tight end. Robert Royal and Steve Heiden are currently atop the depth chart. Martin Rucker, he of the most recent Phil Savage draft, is slotted at third and is rumored to be one of the tight ends used more often on passing downs.
But with those three likely to make the team, there is also another TE looking for a job in five-year pro Aaron Walker. Assuming that Steve Heiden’s knee is ready to handle a full season, I do not anticipate the Browns keeping four tight ends at the expense of another position.
Quarterback
Pending a trade, and regardless of who starts, it appears that Richard “The Model” Bartel’s days in Cleveland may be numbered. Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson continue to be muddled into the starter debate, and Eric Mangini traded for Brett Ratliff. The writing has been on the wall, and unless Anderson or Quinn get moved, Bartel will likely look to be playing elsewhere.
Inside Linebacker
Leon Williams has been moved to outside linebacker on the current Browns depth chart. If he stays here, the release of Bo Ruud almost guarantees him a spot on the team’s roster. The area where things get dicey are inside. With rookie Kaluka Maiava looking to be cemented as the back-up behind Eric Barton, this leaves Beau Bell, Marcus Benard, Phillip Hunt and Blake Costanzo to pick up the back end.
Bell is currently behind D’Qwell Jackson on the depth chart, and is only in his second season, but there is a very good chance that he is not with this team at this point tomorrow. As a Crennel/Savage draft selection, Mangini has no allegiance. And if it comes down to a special teams slot, Bell will have to deal with Costanzo who led the Bills last season with 26 ST tackles and was loved by the fans.
Of course, if we purley look at the depth chart, Benard and Hunt could be on thin ice as well.
Cornerback
With the Rod Hood release, Coye Francies appears to officially be the back-up to Brandon McDonald opposite of Eric Wright. Wright will have Hank Poteat (former NY Jet) spelling him on occasion. This leaves Corey Ivy, Brandon Anderson and Gerard Lawson bringing up the back end of the corners.
A lot of fans thought that Ivy could get the axe instead of Hood. Baltimore fans were not all that sad to see him go, and his tendency to get flagged for dumb penalties could grow tiring with fans and front office alike. What maykeep him in Cleveland is the fact that there are still three other CBs behind him on the depth chart.
Running Back
There has to be a lot of frustration in Berea regarding Jerome Harrison. Thought to be the next Leon Washington, Harrison has been more Lance Armstrong as he has been on the stationary bike more than his feet over the last few weeks. Thankfully, the electric back returned to practice yesterday sporting a knee brace.
Fans may not be sold on Jamal Lewis as a starting back, but there is no denying that he will be getting the first carry on opening day. James Davis has to have passed Harrison on the depth chart, but the casualty here could be Noah Herron if the Browns choose to go with only three running backs. Harrison is penciled in to have a big role in the return game – a move that was only amplified with the loss of Syndric Steptoe (shoulder). Given his multiple hats, Herron could get the axe despite practicing very well in Harrison’s absence.
Given all of this, feel free to make your predictions in the comments. Will there be any surprises? Any players we haven’t mentioned above?
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(image via ChadMoran/Flickr)
9 Comments
Browns trade Louis Leonard.
[Edit: Linked above within Tucker notes]
Did someone say Lance Armstrong?
I think it has to be Bartel and Aaron Walker. There is NO WAY they are going to keep 4 QB’s and 4 TE’s. the other positions, you need as much depth as possible.
I would like to see Gerard Lawson find a way to stick on this team. He has caught my eye a few times on special teams.
I THINK WE ARE GOING TO CUT NOAH TO MAKE ROOM FOR BEANIE WELLS
The browns wont be cutting Bartel just yet. They need his arm for practice reps.
[…] mentioned yesterday that Noah Herron may be the odd man out, but would the team consider releasing both backs and going the FA route combined with the rookie […]
Linebacker Phillip Hunt was released a couple weeks ago.
Corey Ivy is garbage….If we keep this guy we are hurting…….his brief stint reminds of some other pathetic DB’s we have had the misfortune of watching aka Terry Cousin, Ray Mickens