Browns Blog

First impressions

At first glance, UNLV linebacker Beau Bell looks the part. He appears to be strong in the upper body and moves well from sideline to sideline.

What caught my attention was how well he interviewed. He seemed in command and sure of himself, which is always a good sign to a coach.

The Browns think they have a promising talent in Bell, who was known for his hard-hitting style in college. There's no question that coach Romeo Crennel wants the defense to get stronger up the middle, which isn't a good sign for Andra Davi. If Bell is the real deal, Davis could be out of a starting job.

Then again, Davis' playing time was curtailed significantly last year. Leon Williams, who was in his second season in 2007, was on the field more and more as the season progressed. Williams and D'Qwell Jackson will probably be the starting inside linebackers.

What stands out immediately about tight end Martin Rucker is his size. He's listed at 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds. The 251-pound figure might be accurate, but he appears taller than 6-4.

Rucker has a strong family background. His father is a Missouri state representative, and his older brother Mike playd nine seasons as a defensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers.

Rucker comes across as being very confident. Being in the same locker room with Kellen Winslow Jr. doesn't seem to be of concern to him.

From what I've seen and heard, Bell will be on the active roster for the season opener and will play on special teams. Rucker is a lock to make the 53-man roster and a better than 50-50 bet to be on the active roster.

As Crennel says, all players look good in shorts. When the pads are on and hitting begins is when talent separates frm the pack.

The Browns appear to have two talented players in Bell and Rucker.