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AFC NORTH: CLEVELAND BROWNS TEAM NEEDS
 1. Outside Linebacker: After bringing in stop-gap linebackers in recent years, such as 36-year-old Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek, the time has come for Cleveland to consider taking an impact pass rusher to help shoulder the load for premier sack master Kamerion Wimbley. After notching a team-high 11 sacks as a rookie, Wimbley was limited to only five, as defenses planned against him. McGinest is more valuable in the locker room than he is on the field at this stage of his career, while Peek fought through a series of injuries in 2007 and never came close to providing the type of pressure that was expected of him upon being acquired as a free agent last year. Even with the additions of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams to the defensive line, it’s crucial for Cleveland to get more heat on the quarterback from their outside linebackers in their 3-4 scheme. Only five teams had less sacks than the Browns in 2007. 2. Inside Linebacker: The lack of a dominant run stopper was evident last year as Cleveland ranked 27th in defending the run, allowing 129.5 yards per game. The aforementioned additions along the defensive front should help in this area, but the team’s current lot of inside backers (D’Qwell Jackson, Andra Davis, Leon Williams and Shante’ Orr) still lacks a difference-maker.
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3. Safety: Unlike strong safety Sean Jones, who’s developed into a consistent playmaker, free safety Brodney Pool is still prone to getting burned on big plays and making mental errors. Mike Adams and Justin Sandy aren’t starter-caliber options.
4. Running Back: Jamal Lewis was arguably the comeback player of the year in 2007 and ran with the authority of his younger years. However, asking the injury-prone veteran to maintain a completely clean bill of health for a second consecutive season may be pushing it. Backup Jason Wright has neither the proper size nor the quickness to be an every-week starter.
5. Defensive End/Nose Tackle: While this area is a team strength, additional depth may be needed due to Robaire Smith’s inability to sustain a high level of play. Rogers’ tendency to occasionally take his foot off the gas pedal is another reason to seriously look at defensive line help.
2007 AFC NORTH DRAFT REVIEW: CLEVELAND BROWNS
(1-3)- Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin- A major component on a Cleveland Browns offensive line that limited its opposition to 19 sacks, Thomas and guard Eric Steinbach combined to form a dominant right side that allowed Jamal Lewis to experience an unexpected resurgence. Blessed with amazing body control, the 6’6” 313-pound standout uses his cat-like quickness to anticipate oncoming pass rushers to the edge. Thomas has the look of a ten-time All Pro. Grade: A+
(1-22)- Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame- With the exception of a few snaps taken in the last game of the season, the mighty Quinn spent the entire year firmly entrenched as the number two quarterback behind Derek Anderson. The rookie passer looked sharp in practice and during the preseason. Grade: C-
(2-53)- Eric Wright, CB, Nevada-Las Vegas- After a bit of a rough start, the lightening-fast Wright progressively improved as Cleveland’s shutdown corner. Many teams shied away from the defensive back prior to last year’s draft due to some character issues, but there’s no doubt that Wright has enough physical strength and closing speed to be a quality corner for years to come. Grade: B+
(5-140)- Brandon McDonald, CB, Memphis- This backup cornerback turned heads by filling in for an injured Wright in week 12 and keeping star wide out Andre Johnson in check in Cleveland’s 27-17 win over Houston. In that game, McDonald recorded his first interception and defensed four passes. The Mississippi native is also a superior special teams performer. Grade: B
(6-200)- Melila Purcell, DE, Hawaii- The big Samoan (6’5” 266 pounds) spent most of the season on Cleveland’s practice squad. Purcell was drafted for his ability to get to the quarterback. Grade: Incomplete.
(7-213)- Chase Pittman, DE, LSU- Pittman spent the entire season on Cleveland’s practice squad. This fierce competitor has never been much of a playmaker. Grade: Incomplete.
(7- 234)- Syndric Steptoe, WR/RS, Arizona- The smallish receiver (5’8”, 182 pounds) was placed on Cleveland’s practice squad early on in the season. Steptoe is fleet of foot and has impressive change
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