Browns NFL Draft Preview: Offense - Part 3

We finish looking at the offense today by breaking down the current group of O-Lineman on the team and seeing where more improvements can be made. The Browns have done a good job over the last two off-seasons remodeling the OL by bringing in solid veterans to fill spots on the front lines. However, the depth of this line still needs more young talent to learn behind the starters if they want to truly have a good OL. If one guy goes down again, it could spell trouble for the rest of the offense.

T
Kevin Shaffer – Shaffer worked his way up to being a solid starter at LT for a decent Falcons’ team that made it to the NFC championship the season before. This is a guy who was drafted in the 7th round, so his work ethic can be applauded. However, this is a guy that was playing LT for a left handed QB, Michael Vick, who can avoid sacks anyways. He’ll have the spotlight on him now blocking for Charlie Frye’s blindside. He’s probably the key to this line having success in 2006 (aside from all of them staying healthy). If he can hold his own, we’ll be OK. If he struggles in the new environment, we could have some problems.
Ryan Tucker – When not injured, Ryan has been a solid player on the right side of the line. Starting at RT, you can expect him to bring you some hard nosed effort, which matches his grimey image. While Tucker isn't among the elite at his position, he is certainly a good starter to rely on which makes the Browns OL better when he is on the field.
Nat Dorsey - Nat was an interesting pickup from the Vikings before the beginning of last season in exchange for C Melvin Fowler. Dorsey has a load of skills that could allow him to be a upper echelon Tackle at this level, but his work ethic has been questioned. He may do some good things with the Browns if either Tucker or Shaffer go down, so I'll be keeping my eyes on him. If the Browns can tap his potential (that is a big IF), he'll be a great asset.
Kirk Chambers – Butch Davis drafted the old Senior (26 years old back then) a few years ago as a project pick late in the draft. Chambers is a classic Davis OL acquisiton. He's not super talented, but he can be adequate at best. The Browns re-signed him to a 1 year deal this off-season, but they may be better fit to find a replacement for him as soon as possible.
Jon Dunn - Jon Dunn was Phil Savage's first OL draft pick in the 7th round last year, which made me scratch my head a bit. It looked a lot like a Butchie pick. Dunn barely got a chance to prove himself and he spent the whole season on the injured reserve. You can't count too highly on him when you measure the Browns' depth at Tackle.
Pete McMahon - The 6 foot 8 giant from Iowa found his way onto the Browns at the beginning of the season last year after Oakland cut him. His size is intriguing, but he's not done anything worth mentioning after spending most of hist time on the PS.

G
Joe Andruzzi - A great leader by example in New England, Andruzzi was one of the first players to join Romeo Crennel out in Cleveland. Andruzzi is a tough worker, but not a great talent at the position. This past year, his work ethic and leadership helped the Browns produce their first 1,000 yard rusher since I was knee high to a grasshopper.
Cosey Coleman - Knocked for his work ethic out in Tampa Bay, Coleman showed up and helped solidify the guard play on the OL for most of the season. He did a pretty good job and was a pretty good teammate.
Bob Hallen - The Browns were wise in signing Hallen as great insurance for Andruzzi and Coleman. Hallen has been a backup for the Chargers for the last few years and can certainly start when called upon. He's light years better than pretty much any backup OL Davis had.
Dave Yovanovits – A utility lineman so to speak who can fill in at a lot of spots. Yovanovits will probably stick around this year and round out the depth at guard. He isn't bad, but he isn't that good either.
Atlas Herrion – A start of the season practice squad player to start 2005, Herrion didn't have much of a role with this team and it remains to be seen if he'll have a role on this team to start 2006.

C
LeCharles Bentley - One of the best signings the Browns could have made this off-season, Bentley brings the Browns just about everything they could want in an Offensive Lineman. He's tough, he's a Pro Bowler, he can be a road grater, and he's a local boy. The former Ohio State stud, is back where he wants to be, and he'll certainly assume the Center position. I expect great things from this guy.
Jeff Faine - Jeff is sitting beside himself right now after the Browns upgraded at his position. Faine had a decent season last year thanks to having two solid guards around him in Andruzzi and Coleman, but apparently that wasn't enough. He's on the trading block, so he could be gone before we know it. Faine was a little under-sized at Center (he would get pushed around at times), and he's battled some injury problems. It also doesn't help that he is a liability snapping in the shotgun. If Faine leaves via trade, the Browns may want to think about getting another backup Center.

Tomorrow we'll summarize what exactly the Browns need on offense after looking at all the positions and we'll estimate where in the draft the Browns might be looking for help.