There are three more Browns voluntary practices left and five mandatory practices at minicamp in two weeks. Until then, these are our thoughts on how things are going:

• The offense doesn't need to be more prolific to be better. It has to be more consistent -- from game to game, but also from quarter to quarter. That rests primarily with the quarterback. It's impossible to judge whether consistency will improve until we get into the season. The preseason is not going to be an accurate barometer. It sure wasn't last year.

• You can't tell anything about the offensive line in offseason practices in shorts, but it appears that Rex Hadnot is fitting in seamlessly at right guard. The injury to Ryan Tucker hurts the team's depth at offensive tackle, which is important. If nothing else, Tucker's injury is giving Isaac Sowells much-needed time at both tackle spots. His days at guard appear over.

• It was good to hear Romeo Crennel give Travis Wilson some praise. You've got to believe that Wilson's confidence eroded during his first two NFL seasons. Crennel throws around plaudits like manhole covers. Wilson should be encouraged by the coach's words.

• Yes, Josh Cribbs is being incorporated more into the offense. Every time I see him out there, though, I lament the fact he wasn't converted into a third-down back instead of receiver. His blocking alone would save a few sacks a year on third downs.

• The Browns will exercise patience with rookie receiver Paul Hubbard because of his size and athletic ability. Their patience may be tested by his -- so far -- unreliable hands.

• I don't understand why the Browns can't specify the extent of Daven Holly's knee injury. "A blown knee" can mean a lot of things.

• Before Holly's injury I said I would feel comfortable with the Browns' cornerback depth only if you could guarantee the starters would stay healthy for 16 games. I repeat the statement even after the addition of Terry Cousin. A team needs four competent cornerbacks, minimum, to compete for the playoffs. Maybe Mil'von James will separate from the pack and be the fourth. I just wouldn't put the team in position of counting on it.

• When The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reported the story of Joe Jurevicius' staph infection, Phil Savage termed it a non-story. Yet Jurevicius has not been seen by or heard from the media since the news. I wonder why?

• When the Browns line up Shaun Smith at left end and Shaun Rogers at nose tackle, that's a lot of beef for opponents to run through on the offense's right side. You've got to figure the Browns' run defense finally will make some strides this year. Andra Davis should be the primary beneficiary of the upgrade up front.

• Every time a down-and-out New England player is looking for work, he brings up the Romeo Crennel connection to drum up interest.