Browns cuts included a third-round pick – Travis Wilson, Too, a veteran lineman – Lennie Friedman — was placed on injured reserve. LB Kris Griffin and TE Darnell Dinkins made the roster, so their injuries must not be serious. Same with WR Syndric Steptoe. But there are only five receivers – Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth, Joshua Cribbs and Paul Hubbard. How Hubbard made it over Steve Sanders is an interesting question, but clearly after the first two wideouts there is a great drop in experience and proven ability. Seems that Kellen Winslow will be the Browns “third wideout” in passing downs. Either that or the Browns will be scouring the waiver wire for another receiver.
For the final roster, go here.
Some other observations:
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It appears Seth McKinney will start at right guard. GM Phil Savage indicated Rex Hadnot and Ryan Tucker will not be ready to play in the opener. This is a spot where having veteran depth could pay off. If McKinney is hurt, though, there could be trouble in Crooked River City. The backup is Nathan Bennett, who was out of football last year.
- Savage indicated Derek Anderson will be ready to start the opener.
- Savage downplayed the third receiver issue, pointing out how little Tim Carter contributed a year ago. He's got a point. Kellen Winslow pretty much serves as the third wideout. It can work again. It's just that the depth at the spot is paper thin.
- A lot is always said when a high draft pick is released. Clearly Travis Wilson did not live up to the draft spot. But just as clearly it's good to cut your losses and, if he's not working out, let him go. Would the Browns have been better off drafting someone else? Of course. But that can be said about just about every draft pick ever taken. There's always somebody better. At least they recognize the mistake.
- In truth, this is always a good day. It means that the practice stuff is over, the roster is set (for now) and the games mean something.
Here are the final moves:
Reserve-Injured
OL Lennie Friedman
Waived
TE Brad Cieslak
DB A.J. Davis
WR Efrem Hill
TE Kolomona Kapanui
DB Travis Key
OL James Lee
WR Lance Leggett
LB David McMillan
DB Brandon Mitchell
LB Chase Ortiz
OL Jonathan Palmer
DB Jereme Perry
DL Melila Purcell
K Jason Reda
WR Steve Sanders
WR Travis Wilson
Terminated-Vested Veteran
LB Shantee Orr
Waived-Injured
OL Derrick Morse
OL Marvin Philip
DL Chase Pittman
RB Travis Thomas
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The following is pure speculation about Paul Hubbard staying and Sanders being cut: The Browns knew that neither is ready to play in the NFL, but they also knew that other NFL teams passed on Sanders last year. Look for the Browns to sign him to the practice squad again. They couldn't tell if NFL teams would pass on Hubbard, so they kept him. Possibly he showed more in practice than we saw in the games.
I don't get it … what's with Pat's thing with Jewish guys? I demand to file a formal grievance here. I, a Jewish guy himself, mentioned that Cleveland's pro football landscape needs a Jewish guy like Lennie Friedman on its active roster. Beachwood and part of Solon need something to relate to. As do I. But Pat deleted it.
I don't get it. It's OK for Pat, an Irish guy, to joke about the dumpy Irish. But it's not OK for me, a Jewish guy, to joke about a Jewish athlete? "Jewish athlete," I might add, is a contradiction in terms. Which makes the existence of Friedman on a professional NFL roster all the more amazing. I haven't felt this much pride since Danny Schayes and his toupee spent 18 seasons in the NBA.