Browns Fantasy free agency....

I try to take a look at players that I would like to see the Cleveland Browns go after and usually my advice is disregarded.
Look at last year when the Browns spending was used on two defensive ends that one year later are no longer on the team for an example.

Here is a look at some additions that I would like to see the Browns consider when free agency opens today.

Quarterback

The Browns want competition for Brandon Weeden as do I,but looking at a crop that lacks a real challenger,the Browns will likely instead look for a passer that fits the Rob Chudzinski plan more than Colt McCoy.
Bet on the Browns going after a Derek Anderson type,although I am in the minority of Browns fans-I would love to see a trade with New England for Ryan Mallett.
Mallett is the one thing that Mike Lombardi and I agree as we both had Mallett as the best QB in the 2010 draft.
The Browns lack a 2013 second round pick (used for Josh Gordon) so would be unlikely to swap a third rounder (the reported asking price) ,but I would not be against a 2014 third rounder for Mallett.
A possible surprise signing might be Vince Young,who Joe Banner has liked in the past.


Running Back
The drafting of Trent Richardson means the Browns have no need at running back,but could use a fullback after the failure of Owen Marecic.
Two fullbacks I would take a close look at is San Diego's Jacob Hester,who closed last season very well and Brian Leonard from the Bengals.

Wide Reciever
The name most hear about is Mike Wallace of the Steelers.
I must admit I would not mind the speedy Wallace,but I bet he prices himself out of the Browns range.
Wallace would be a great addition,but I kinda doubt Cleveland lands him.
Greg Jennings has number one receiver ability,but will likely look for a contender.
The player that I would look for is Danario Alexander of the Chargers,who was downright dominant in the second half of last season.
Alexander is a restricted free agent,but the Chargers put an original round tender on him,which means that since Alexander was signed after his release from the Rams,if the Chargers do not match an offer,the Browns would not have to give compensation.
This is the way I would go....

Tight End
The Browns have allowed Ben Watson to leave and Jordan Cameron has shown flashes of ability,but not enough to feel comfortable to go into the season with Cameron as the starter.
Jared Cook has loads of physical talent,but struggled with Tennessee passers getting him the football.
Cook would be the ideal fit,but might be too expensive.
Fortunately,this is a solid market at tight end with three other players that would be solid starters.
Dustin Keller of the Jets would be dependable,Fred Davis of the Redskins comes off an injury and has baggage,but has big play ability and Brandon Myers of the Raiders had the best season of his career in 2012.
Any of these players would be solid signings.

Offensive line
The Browns are solid at center and at tackles,but guard could be addressed.
Shaun Lauvao has been a disappointment,Jason Pinkston suffered blood clots in his lungs last season and John Greco is more of a depth player.
The guard crop is not as deep this season with the best available being Andy Levitre of the Bills and Louis Vasquez of the Chargers.
Adding either would bolster the line..

Defensive end
The move to the 3-4 changed things already,but the Browns are reported to go after perhaps the best available player in Cliff Avril of the Lions.
Avril might have to stand up in the 3-4 and the jury might be out on that,but Avril did that at Purdue and I think he is capable of that.
Osi Umenyiora can rush the passer,but the sleeper would be former Brown Matt Roth,who was productive with the Eric Mangini 3-4 and I would not be against a return...

Defensive Tackle
The Browns might be overstocked at the position with the switch to the 3-4 with Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor,but if the Browns did add a player,two stand out at the right cost.
Ricky Jean-Francois of the 49ers was productive and I also like the Chiefs Glenn Dorsey.Dorsey was a disappointment after being a high first rounder and might be improved with the weight off his shoulders from those expectations..

Linebackers
The Browns are going to need at least one linebacker and two would be better to start in the 3-4.
Chris Gogong missed all last season and D'Qwell Jackson was much better in the Dick Jauron 4-3 than he was in the 3-4,so the Browns would be far better suited if they signed two.
I like players in the division to improve the Browns and hurt their rivals.
Paul Kruger had a huge year with Baltimore,but I have questions about him being a top level pass rusher. Not to the point of not signing him,but some concerns.
I have no such concern on Dannell Ellerbe,who was excellent in replacing Murderin' Ray Lewis,who might be a tougher sign.
Ellerbe would be a great inside backer fit.
Rey Maualuga turned his career around last year with his best season and would be a nice addition.
I know how this sounds,but I would not be against James Harrison coming on board.
I have been critical of Harrison in the past and his play moves from borderline to thug like,but Harrison might be motivated by a return to his hometown and revenge against the Steelers for letting him go.
Considering his injury issues,I would hope for an incentive based deal,but I would not scream about a Harrison signing....
Other interesting names to me include Nick Barnett of the Bills,Bradie James of the Texans,Will Witherspoon of the Titans,Keith Rivers of the Giants and I would like to see a last chance for former Raider Aaron Curry as well....

Cornerback
The Browns are desperate in need of a starter opposite Joe Haden and there are a few that fit the bill.
Brent Grimes would likely not even be on the market,had he not missed last season with injury.
If Grimes is healthy,he is the best corner available.
Aqib Talib is tremendous-when he is on his game.
Talib has had off the field issues and is somewhat of a risk.
Keenan Lewis of the Steelers and Greg Toler of the Cardinals both have worked with Ray Horton in the past and could be pursued by the Browns.
Captain Munnerlyn might be another target after his time with the Panthers,where Rob Chudzinski knew him...

Safety
Cleveland needs a safety to pair with T.J. Ward.
Deshon Goldston would be the ball hawker that Cleveland has not had for years,but he will cost them.
Ed Reed will want to play with a contender,but if the Browns want a true veteran,Adrian Wilson of the Cardinals is available as a short term plug in.
The Lions Louis Delmas is talented but injury prone.
Patrick Chung of the Patriots and Jim Leonard of the Broncos could come in and start for a year or two.

Kicker
I'd just keep Phil Dawson,but the Browns might be going another way.
Assuming Dawson will not return,I'd be looking at Ryan Longwell,who has cold weather kicking experience or the accurate Nate Kaeding as replacements...

Punter
The Browns have parted ways with Reggie Hodges,so they will be looking for a new booter.
I would be interested in the Raiders Shane Lechler to slot in,but they might be looking at a cheap free agent from the college ranks....

Depending on the source,the Browns are either first or second in cap space,so the money to spend is available-lets see how the Browns spend it.....