The list of positions runs from offense to defense and not in a prioritized manner.
The Browns could use a veteran quarterback,but I'd hope that whoever they would sign would be the third stringer behind Brian Hoyer and a high draft pick.
Considering that and a usual weak quarterback bunch in free agency,I don't really have a specific target to fill that role.
Cleveland does need a running back in the worst way,but in the Shanahan system,the system has made unheralded backs into stars.
The Browns might be better suited to drafting two backs and signing a few guys that haven't gotten chances in the league.Think Bobby Rainey,as an example,who the Browns cut and then had some success in Tampa Bay.
Knowshon Moreno of the Broncos and Ben Tate of the Texans are the marquee names and I wouldn't have problems with either back,but both have had injuries and a little wear (Moreno more than Tate).
The runner that I'd like the Browns that is a little less proven,but comes with more value perhaps is James Starks of the Packers.
Starks has had issues with health as well,but should come cheaper and has a huge upside.
The Browns have a huge gap at wideout behind Josh Gordon and need to add both a starter and a third wideout with some slot experience.
I am hoping that the draft will bring one of the those,but I would like to see some veteran presence as well to offset a rookie.
Hakeem Nicks of the Giants would be my target at the right price.
Nicks has had sliding numbers since 2011,but I bet opposite Josh Gordon facing the second and third corners would revitalize Nicks.
I'm not thrilled with any of the other top catchers at the likely price.
I'm not a non-Peyton Manning Eric Decker fan,Golden Tate is a one trick pony and Julian Edelman might be a good fit for the slot,but he makes me think that he was more important to New England than anyone else.
I have interest in Emanuel Sanders of Pittsburgh,cost depending.
I don't think that he is a number one guy and maybe not even a two,but could be a very dangerous three with a desire to beat Pittsburgh-something to think about....
The Browns are unlikely to invest big money in a right tackle with Joe Thomas already on the board and the cash that Alex Mack is about to get,but Eugene Monroe of the Ravens would be a huge addition.
Cleveland was known to be interested in trading for Monroe when the Jaguars traded him to Baltimore and maybe there is still interest from the Browns.
Monroe excels in pass protection,but might be a bit too rich at this time.
Guard is a more pressing need and the best two younger guards are Denver's Zane Beadles or the Chiefs Jon Asamoah.
If the team prefers to draft a guard and is looking for a veteran stopgap,the Jets Willie Colon might be a good fit.
Tight end and defensive line are positions that the Browns are not likely to sign anyone,so I'll skip over players at those spots.
The Browns seem set at outside linebacker with Barkevious Mingo and Paul Kruger,but Craig Robertson was awful in pass coverage as a 3-4 inside man and the D'Qwell Jackson slot is open too.
The Browns will have to add at least two if not three inside linebackers.I'd draft one and sign two or vice versa.
Brandon Spikes of New England would be a top choice as would Jon Beeson of the Giants,but Beeson does come with an injury plagued past.
Wesley Woodyard of Denver is another player that I think could help the Browns.
Two of those three would upgrade the defense over the Jackson/Robertson pair considerably..
The Browns could use another corner to put the improving Buster Skrine as the third corner,where he is a better fit.
There are plenty of good available,but some comes with baggage.
Alterraun Verner of the Titans would be a nice fit,but a high cap number.
I like the improving Sam Shields of the Packers a lot and either of these two and Haden would shut down passing games for a long time.
Aqib Talib of the Patriots is talented,but struggles off the field. Vontae Davis of the Colts has all the tools,but can be unmotivated at times.
Captain Munnerlyn of Carolina is interesting and 33 year old Charles Tillman of the Bears is coming off a bad year and might be had at the right price.
If Tillman simply was nagged by injuries,he could be a real steal.
The safety standout is Jarius Byrd of Buffalo.
Byrd would be a huge grab for the Browns as he would bring the type of ball skills that Cleveland hasn't had since Thom Darden.
If I can't have Byrd,I am certainly not against a T.J. Ward return as he is the second best safety available.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes Donte Whitner or Malcolm Jenkins would each be reasonably nice consolation prizes in the event the Browns lost on Byrd and Ward.
Those are some players that I like,lets see who the Browns bring to town.
Back tomorrow with part 3 of our talk with Danny Rosenbaum....
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