Meadowdale graduation 2012
Middletown graduation 2012
Dunbar H.S. graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2009 > February > 24
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Which free agents should they target?
Here’s the list of the non-franchised free agents. Which of these players, if any, would you like to see the Browns go after?
Assuming they are not going to be in the running for Albert Haynesworth or Ray Lewis, my targets would be Dallas DE Chris Canty, New York Giants RB Derrick Ward, New Orleans LB Jonathan Vilma and Tampa Bay DB Jermaine Phillips.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Kurt Warner, Arizona. Turns 38 in June, but still throws a pretty pass. Not an option for the Browns, who still don’t know what they’re going to do with Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn. Others — Kerry Collins, Tennessee; Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay; Chris Simms, Tennessee; Byron Leftwich, Pittsburgh.
Running back: Derrick Ward, New York Giants. Averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Browns need what he can offer. Jamal Lewis is growing ancient by running back standards and there’s nothing behind him. Others — Deuce McAllister, New Orleans; Fred Taylor, Jacksonville; Cedric Benson, Cincinnati; Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis.
Wide receiver: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati. With 294 catches for 3,128 yards and 25 touchdowns, he should be attracting some interest, and the Browns should investigate. Others — Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Michael Jenkins, Atlanta; Nate Washington, Pittsburgh; Amani Toomer, New York Giants; Mike Furrey, Detroit.
Tight end: L.J. Smith, Philadelphia. Has 231 receptions for 2,525 yards in six seasons but might be fading. Others — Jerramy Stevens, Tampa Bay; Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota; Justin Peelle, Atlanta; Bubba Franks, New York Jets.
Guard: Mike Goff, San Diego. Nine-year vet has toughness and smarts the Browns could use on the right side. It’s considered a weak crop, though. Others — Pete Kendall, Washington; Cooper Carlisle, Oakland; Chris Naeole, Jacksonville.
Tackle: Stacy Andrews, Cincinnati. Coming off December knee surgery. Others — Jon Stinchcomb, New Orleans; Tra Thomas, Philadelphia, Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Khalif Barnes, Jacksonville; Mark Tauscher, Green Bay.
Center: Jason Brown, Baltimore. Hank Fraley probably needs to be replaced. This guy’s only 26. Others — Matt Birk, Minnesota; Jake Grove, Oakland; Jeremy Newberry, San Diego.
DEFENSE
Defensive end: Chris Canty, Dallas. Good in a 3-4. He should be. He’s about 6-foot-7. Not a pass rusher, though. Others — Igor Olshansky, San Diego; Antonio Smith, Arizona; Bertrand Berry, Arizona; Michael Montgomery, Green Bay.
Defensive tackle: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee. Most disruptive force available. Just ask the guy who’s helmetless head he stomped. Others — Jovan Haye, Tampa Bay; Grady Jackson, Atlanta; DeWayne Robertson, Denver; Tank Johnson, Dallas.
Linebacker: Ray Lewis, Baltimore. Future Hall of Famer who turns 34 in May and supposedly wants to play for the Cowboys. How good would Bart Scott look in an orange helmet? Others — Bart Scott, Baltimore; Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans; Keith Brooking, Atlanta; Mike Peterson, Jacksonville; Takeo Spikes, San Francisco.
Cornerback: Bryant McFadden, Pittsburgh. Played well for a championship defense. Or was it just against the Browns that he seemed to excel? Others — Chris McAlister, Baltimore, Leigh Bodden, Detroit; DeAngelo Hall, Washington; Phillip Buchanon, Tampa Bay; Dre’ Bly, Denver.
Safety: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia. Unquestioned toughness and leadership, but Eagles might bring him back, even at 35. Others — Mike Brown, Chicago; Jermaine Phillips, Tampa Bay; Darren Sharper, Minnesota; Renaldo Hill, Miami; Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta; Dwight Smith, Detroit.
SPECIALISTS
Kickers: John Carney, New York Giants. Coming off a 35-for-38 season kicking field goals and a career-high 143 points at age 44. Others — Matt Stover, Baltimore; Jay Feely, New York Jets.
Punters: Sam Koch, Baltimore. Averaged 45 yards per punt with an excellent 39.9 net and 34 kicks inside the 20. Great name. Others — Hunter Smith, Indianapolis; Chris Hanson, New England.
