As for RBs, I think they’re set with Hillis and Hardesty. Unless someone gets injured, I don’t see them adding a big name veteran free agent into the mix. I think they’re more content to sign an undrafted rookie as a change of pace/scatback kind of option. A Darren Sproles type to trio with the two big bruisers.

As for the 4-3 defense, yes we need to add 4-3 guys, but not as many as you made it out to be. Fujita and Chris Gocong were both 4-3 guys when they came in (Saints and Eagles). D’Qwell Jackson has long been talked about as a misfit in the 3-4, and would thrive more in a 4-3 system. So, our LBs are set. And with the first two draft picks this year, we only need to add a free agent DE. We have one of the best nose tackles in the league in Ahtyba Rubin, and I’m excited to see him and Phil Taylor, two big ol run stuffers in the middle of the line. I don’t think we’ll be adding any big name interior linemen, but we definitely do need a bookend to Jabaal Sheard. We definitely need to improve the depth, but we’ve got a good starting core to build around.

I don’t see us adding a big name WR either. I’m not even sure we’ll add any free agents at WR. We have so many young guys, and we really just need to find out if they’ve got what it takes to make it in this league. Little sounds like he could be our #1 receiver and be a great YAC threat. Massaquoi has shown flashes, but still waiting on him to turn the corner; Robiskie has shown even less and has farther to go in my opinion. And we still need to get Carlton Mitchell on the field. Bringing in a veteran will only take snaps away from these young guys, and I’d rather sit through a less stellar offense for a year to figure out who we wanna keep and who’s not gonna work out — and it’s a good year to do it, cuz we’ll be making the same evaluation for McCoy.

Browns should sign T.O to a two year deal, he’d stretch the field and teach Gregg Little how to run good routes

The WCO is built on short, accurate passes to WRs, TEs, and RBs out of the backfield. This system is supposed to confuse defenses by not following a pattern on who will get the ball. This eventually opens up plays for large gains. Seeing as we have the guy that ran the WCO for one of the most successful franchises of the 80s for a team president, I am hopefull the Browns can work out the kinks this year, and be on the path to become a consistant winning team soon.

Lots of the other players had infections AFTER surgeries, or – like Brian Russell’s – had a different strand that wasn’t anywhere near as debilitating.

Hardesty needs to come back and stay health
Receivers need to step up and thrive on YAC
McCoy needs to learn from S. Wallace and thrive
Run the ball early (September); transition to short
passing game & YAC in October and November;
and pound the rock hard in December against
Ravens’ and Steelers’ aging defenses.

8-8 would be a good season. 9-7 would be awesome. Continue to build for 2013.

Hate to tell you oldbrowndog but being a Ram’s fan and Shurmur was our OC last year dont bet on your WR’s thriving. Get used to A LOT of 3-4 yard dump off passes

New Coach (who is also the new OC), new D Coordinator, new Offensive System, new Defensive System, young QB, lots of rookies or 2nd year players at key positions… hard to think of a team that will be hurt more by a lack of an offseason.

Both G positions need strengthening, and the RT spot is up for grabs is the rookie can knock off oft-injured Pashos…the TEs look very very strong and very very athletic if Jordan Cameron is tough enough to play football like a football player who happens to be good at basketball…add FB Marecic to the grouping and you have the strength of the team

McCoy did a fine job leading the offense last season and winning the respect of his team. Benching him now in favor of a seasoned vet like Hasselbeck would only undermine his confidence. And for what? Theoretically, he should continue improving the more he plays. If he needs backup, Wallace can ably provide it. The future is now–why delay it by making McCoy take a step backward?

Unfortuntely, Montario Hardesty only had 1 healthy year in college and things aren’t looking any better. I say the Brownies cut Mike Bell, take a chance on an undrafted rookie, and keep their fingers crossed for Montario.

Hardesty needs to come back and stay health
Receivers need to step up and thrive on YAC
McCoy needs to learn from S. Wallace and thrive
Run the ball early (September); transition to short
passing game & YAC in October and November;
and pound the rock hard in December against
Ravens’ and Steelers’ aging defenses.

8-8 would be a good season. 9-7 would be awesome. Continue to build for 2013.

Yes, the staph infection thing is over.

2nd Round for Pryor? No thank you.

If Hardesty can stay healthy, he’ll be good. He’s got skills and soft hands, so he fits the system. But it’s a big IF on the health. He got injured as a volunteer a couple times too.

Step One: Express a narrow uninformed opinion.
Step Two: Go away.

Bubba – You’re 62. If you think you can make it to 72, I’ll lay money you see the Brown finally go get the ‘ship. (Which would be our 9th national championship)

I’m gonna skip supashug’s nonsense.

Svallen – Biggest one to me is Phil Dawson.

http://www.spotrac.com/free-agents/nfl/cleveland-browns/

playoffs!!!????

I knew that was going to be in here, and I came in to say that Montario Hardesty will be fine.

Did the Browns ever get past what seemed like an epidemic of staph infections?

I may be remembering it wrong but it seemed like a very serious problem they had with it.

Is everything OK now? Did they ever find out what was causing it to be so bad?