Browns New Additions Providing Much-Needed Leadership

While veteran additions like linebacker Scott Fujita and defensive back Sheldon Brown are not going to turn the Browns around on their own, their presence in Cleveland appears to reach way beyond the field of play.  With a team that is comprised of a relatively young core, Fujita and Brown are providing some much-needed veteran leadership – something that will hopefully carry on with the team even after the two veterans are gone.

Lane Adkins of the Orange and Brown Report has provided subscribers with a very in-depth look at the recent organized team activities.  Closed to the media, these OTAs are a time where the coaching staff can obtain a bit of a feel for what they will have to work with come September 12.  But it is also a time for new teammates to acclimate with one another; and if the recent reports are any indication, the acclimation process is going very well.

“Every indication is that the younger players are listening to veterans such as Fujita and Brown, as well as NT Shaun Rogers and LB David Bowens,” says Adkins.  “Sheldon Brown has been impressive. Other members of the defensive backfield have taken to his personality and desire. Brown is showing a willingness to play technical and aggressive football, but even more impressive has been his demeanor in lending his expertise to both experienced and inexperienced defenders.”

Last season, the Browns starting cornerbacks had a combined four years of experience between them.  While Eric Wright continues to show improvement and his ability to be an everyday starter in the NFL, his counterpart in Brandon McDonald regressed mightily.  Many speculated that this was due to a lack of challenge and leadership early in the season.  With such little depth on the roster, Wright and McDonald were simply handed their positions with little to lose. 

This season, the Browns not only have Brown at cornerback, but the seventh-overall draft pick in Joe Haden will also be competing for considerable playing time.  While many fans may not be thrilled with the addition of Brown due to age and being on the downside of his career, these glowing remarks regarding his role as a teacher as well as a player speak volumes.

The absence of several restricted free agents has also provided ample repetitions for players like David Veikune.  One of last season’s second-round draft picks, Veikune did not transition well to the next level and found himself inactive more often than not.  With D’Qwell Jackson and Matt Roth holding out, the second-year linebacker has been working closely with the veterans to improve his skills inside.  While things could not get much worse for the Hawaii product, all reports on Veikune are that he continues to improve.

There is no way to tell what all of these changes will provide the Browns when it counts.  However, if anything remains definite, this year’s rendition of team-related preseason activities has a considerable different feel to it, and it is a feel for the better.

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(John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)