Most of the battles on offense are for backup spots and practice squad spots since the Browns are returning with their core young players.
Quarterback- Frye is the unquestioned number one, and Crennel has been encouraged enough with Ken Dorsey’s progress since bringing him over from San Francisco that he hasn’t had Phil Savage go out and sign another veteran. The real battle is at third string between rookie Darrell Hackney out of UAB and second year signal caller Derek Anderson, who was claimed off waivers from Baltimore. Both seemed to be capable passers in their limited action in camp, but Hackney showed off his superior athletic ability by lining up at cornerback in a receivers drill.
Running back- The real question here is will Lee Suggs and Willie Green both make the team again? Neither one has a chance to beat out incumbent Rueben Droughns, and there have been rumors circulating that one of them could be offered up for Denver’s Ashley Lelie. But even if no trade occurs, there are two quality backups pushing them for a roster spot. Rookie Jerome Harrison was showing why he earned the nickname “The Ghost” at Washington State, using his quick feet to make tacklers miss in the open field. Third year player Jason Wright showed he has more than speed in his repertoire, lowering his shoulder and leaving Willie McGinest lying on his back after one play.
Wide receiver- Now that Edwards has been cleared to practice, he should be the team’s number one without question. Northcutt and Jurevicius will have to battle for the number two spot. Northcutt brings speed and elusiveness to the table while Jurevicius brings size and soft hands. Pushing for playing time behind them are Frisman Jackson and converted quarterback Josh Cribbs. Both looked solid during receiver drills, but Jackson might have the leg up after averaging 12 yards per catch on 24 receptions last season. Third round pick Travis Wilson and third year receiver Brandon Rideau also look like roster locks leaving second year player Kendrick Mosley and rookies Carlton Brewster and Brent Little fighting for practice squad spots.
Tight end- Winslow will be the team’s starter opening day. He has the hands of a wide receiver, and he looked good in blocking drills. Last year’s starter Steve Heiden had a couple of drops in Saturday’s earlier practice but should still be a redzone and third down pass catching threat in dual tight end packages. Darnell Dinkins had a couple of nice catches and looks to be leading the competition for third string with veterans John Owens and Paul Irons rounding out the field.
Offensive line-Like most of the offense, the starters on the line had pretty much been decided, but the Browns should be looking hard at their camp veterans in case Ryan Tucker’s knee forces him to miss any games. Kirk Chambers, Nat Dorsey, Dave Yovanovits and Jonathan Dunn look like the top backups right now with the Browns expected to sign another veteran center to backup Hallen. Even with Bentley out, Hallen is still an improvement over Jeff Faine.
