Browns Blog

Making noise

Two years ago Savage mad a big splash in free agency by signing offensive linemen LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Sgffer, along with adding receiver Joe Jurevicius.

Last year Savage spent plenty of cash on guard Eric Steinbach and then landed offensive tackle Joe Thomas and quarterback Brady Quinn in the first round of the draft.

Savage wasted little time on the first day of free agency last Friday to acquire defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers in trades with Green Bay and Detroit, respectively. In the matter of a few hours, the defensive line, which was the weakest part of the team, went from a mess to a possible strength.

The pay off is that the Browns don't have a pick in the first three rounds of the draft. Quinn came for this year's first pick. The Browns sent their second-round pick to the Packers for Williams, and the third-round pick went to the Lions for Rogers.

Savage has been criticized by some for giving up too much in the deals(starting cornerback Leigh Bodden went to the Lions). The trade for Rogers is considered risky because of his weight problems and lack of motivation at times.

When you analyze the Browns' situation prior to last Friday, Savage had no choice. Williams and Rogers are better alternatives than any defensive linemen they could have landed with late second- and third-round draft choices.

The good news for the Browns is that both players are in their late 20s (Williams is 27 and Rogers in 28). This isn't like bringing in 38-year-old Ted Washington to play nsoe tackle, which was the case two years ago.

Savage had to do something to give the defense a more physical presence up front. Williams and a "motivated" Rogers, who has the ability to play to an elite level, should finally give the defense a chance keep teams from running the ball at will.

Williams and Rogers are also good pass rushers, which is difficult to find in 300-plus pound interior linemen. Each has the ability to collapse the pocket and make it easier for the edge pass rushers to get to the quarterback.

Rogers will play nose tackle in the base 3-4, with Williams and Robaire Smith at the ends. On passing downs, Williams will move inside to tackle, and Roges could also stay on the field at the other tackle spot.

The Browns obviously feel that they can win the AFC North Division next season. The moves made last Friday wouldn't have been done by a team that's in a rebuilding frame of mind.

There are risks involved in all trades, but in these cases they were worth taking.