Believe it or not, the Cleveland Browns once posted a 15-0 season and remain undefeated in the league. Of course, that was in 1948 and in a league called the All-American Football Conference (not the NFL). In recent times, the team has struggled to remain competitive with some freakishly successful teams of the modern era. In 2007, the Browns performed at a fairly consistent level, going 10-6 and finishing second in the AFC North. Under the guidance of head coach Romeo Crennel, will the team continue its midrange success or will it compete for the championship? The answer may well lie in the NFL Draft.
Heading into the draft, the Cleveland Browns did not have a pick in the first three rounds. What was the result of the team’s draft pick? They were able to pick linebacker Beau Bell from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as tight end Martin Rucker from Missouri. Iowa State’s Ahtyba Rubin was chosen as defensive tackle, along with Wisconsin wide receiver Paul Hubbard and St. Augustine’s defensive end Alex Hall.
Since the Browns returned to active competition (they were deactivated by the NFL for three years) more emphasis has been placed on the draft as a harbinger of victory for the season to come. Since 1999, the team has searched for key starters and reserves and in 2008 has made major changes that have led to varying levels of success. However, in 2008 the draft options have been markedly different. How is that? For one thing, this season was the first in nearly 20 years that the team didn’t have a first-round pick. Also, the team had no choice at all on the first day of the draft. Why the lack of change?
It may be because the team has restructured very well and it seems that it is finally doing things right, after three decades of unevenness. Many fans believe the Browns are one of the most improved teams in the NFL and that the lack of major draft acquisitions shows the team’s confidence. Many pundits are still betting on the Browns for 2008, especially considering that the 2007 season ended 10-6. Fans are crediting the managerial skills of Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel as they have shown their ability to evaluate new talent. Consider how successful wide receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow have become in their careers with the Browns. They also retain the talents of quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn.
Overall, and even after a relatively quiet draft, the Cleveland Browns are considered one of the best teams in the NFL, thanks to their young offense. His defense has been questionable and, in fact, she was considered one of the lowest-ranked defensemen in the league last season. In 2008, the Browns hope to improve their defense with Ahtyba Rubin, as well as mainstays like Louis Leonard and Mike Adams.
The Cleveland Browns face a pivotal year: either to be taken seriously as a top 10 NFL team or to remain a perpetual wild card team. One thing is for sure: the team is up and ready.