NFL 2007: Cleveland Browns

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2007 season. Today we look at the Cleveland Browns).

Romeo Crennel is on the hot seat in Cleveland and it's not because of the muggy August weather either. The former New England defensive coordinator has gone 10-22 in his first two seasons and ownership is becoming impatient with the situation. To that extent the Browns were aggressive in the draft and free agency with the hopes of getting a winning record in 2007.

Offense: Cleveland's problems start at the top with the quarterback. Some in the organization believe Charlie Frye is the guy to lead them to the playoffs, some disagree, which is why Notre Dame standout Brady Quinn was drafted in the first round. Quinn is in the midst of a long holdout which significantly hurts his chances to make an impact in 2007. Look for Frye to be the starter with Ken Dorsey the number two. Frye must cut down on his TD-to-interception ratio (10-17) if the Browns want to compete at a high level.

The running game was awful last season so Cleveland went out and signed Jamal Lewis in free agency. Lewis is aging, but is still a better option than what the Browns had last season. His 1,132 yards and nine scores proves he still has mileage left. Cleveland is just happy he's not pounding them anymore. Second-year pro Jerome Harrison will serve as backup with Jason Wright at number three. Lawrence Vickers and Alan Ricard will battle at fullback.

Things are a little better at wide receiver with Braylon Edwards (61-884-6) and Joe Jurevicius (40-495-3) a solid starting duo. Tim Carter was signed away from the Giants in the offseason and will be the slot receiver. Josh Cribbs, Travis Wilson and rookie Syndric Steptoe will fight for the number four role. Kellen Winslow (89-875-3) finally shook off two seasons of injuries and emerged as a top tier tight end. Steve Heiden (36-249-2) is a quality number two.

The big addition in Cleveland was all-world guard Eric Steinbach. The All-Pro went to the other side of town leaving Cincinnati for Cleveland and the big bucks. Steinbach immediately strengthens the running game with his power blocking. The Browns drafted Joe Thomas with their first first round pick and the Wisconsin grad will be plugged into the left tackle slot from the get-go. Nat Dorsey will play on the right side and will be a key, especially with incumbent Ryan Tucker suspended for four games to start the season. Cosey Coleman is at guard, while Hank Fraley is at center. Free agent signee Seth McKinney will battle Fraley for the job in the middle. Kevin Shaffer, Fred Matua, Kelly Butler and Lonnie Freidman provide solid depth. Also be on the lookout for LeCharles Bentley, who missed the last two seasons with a knee injury. The former All-Pro has been cleared to practice and faces an uphill battle to regain his form.

Defense: The Browns run a 3-4 defense and the influence of Crennel had this unit making nice strides in 2006. The additions of rookie Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald will help in the secondary, while Antwan Peek was signed from Texas to provide depth at linebacker.

Ageless one Ted Washington is back for his 17th season plugging the middle at nose tackle. He's not what he once was, but he's still an effective run clogger. Shaun Smith was signed from the Bengals to provide relief. Simon Fraser and Robaire Smith start at defensive end, but look out for rookie Chase Pittman to see plenty of playing time. DE Orien Harris will see action as well.

Kamerion Wimberly proved his first round draft status was no fluke with a solid rookie season that saw him collect 11 sacks and 62 tackles from the outside backer position. OLB Willie McGinest is slowing down some, but his leadership abilities are worth much more than his stats on the field. Andra Davis racked up a 100-tackle season in the middle and he'll be paired with either Leon Williams or Peek in the starting lineup. Chaun Thompson, Matt Stewart and Nick Speegle are the reserves.

The coaching staff wasn't happy with the play of the cornerbacks last season which is why Wright and McDonald were drafted, Daylon McCutcheon was released and Kenny Wright was signed over from the Redskins. Incumbent Leigh Bodden, along with returnees Gary Baxter and Daven Holly will compete for a position that's in a state of flux. Fortunately for the Browns, safety isn't a problem. Brodney Pool, Sean Jones (111 tackles, 5 INT), Mike Adams and Justin Hamilton make up a strong group.

Special Teams: Usually reliable Phil Dawson (21-of-29 FG, 88 points) struggled last season, especially from 40-49 where he was 6-of-12, and needs to find his consistency in 2007. Dave Zastudil (44.0) is a solid punter. Cribbs handles punt returns and Wilson kickoff returns.

Outlook: The Browns had a solid draft and did a nice job in free agency trying to improve the team. That's the good news. The bad is the quarterback position is shaky and the secondary is thin. Combine those two and you have problems. Jamal Lewis will have to stay healthy and run like he did during his 2,000 yard campaign for the Browns to be competitive. He must hold up or all could be lost. The jury is still out on Frye. If he can cut down on the interceptions, the Browns may surprise. That is speculation though. The truth is Cleveland is weak at the most important position on the field and the secondary will get burned quite a bit this season.

Prediction: Cleveland doesn't have the tools to compete with the power brokers in the AFC. Inconsistency at quarterback and the secondary will give Crennel his third straight losing season, but the wins will improve from 2006. Record: 7-9.