Browns waive Akron's Williams

Bryan Williams' dream of playing for his hometown Browns lasted only 45 days.

The defensive back from Buchtel High School and the University of Akron was waived Monday, a day after the conclusion of the Browns' final minicamp. He said general manager George Kokinis didn't offer much insight when he told him the news.
A running back, defensive back and kick returner for the Zips, Williams was signed on May 1.

"I was surprised, I thought I was doing well," Williams said. "Mr. Kokinis really didn't give me an exact reason. He said they had to open up the roster. I was practicing my butt off. I guess it's all a numbers game."

The Browns' roster was loaded with young defensive backs, including 2009 draft picks Don Carey and Coye Francies. Besides the four projected starters, also bidding for roster spots are Mike Adams, Hank Poteat, Nick Sorensen, Corey Ivy, Gerard Lawson, Nate Ness, Bret Lockett, Rod Hood and Hamza Abdullah.

"If they were going to let me go, they let me go early so I could get hooked up with another team," Williams said.

While Williams sounded like he was never comfortable with the Browns, he said he "appreciated the chance."

"I think I only had one penalty through the whole camp," he said. "Some of the draft picks had more penalties. But I'm an undrafted free agent, they're looking at me closer.

"It's not over for me. It was a really good opportunity to play for the hometown team. I got to wear the brown uniform. I respect Mr. Kokinis and coach (Eric) Mangini and the staff. I don't hold any grudges."