by Conrad Luznar

Created on: May 13, 2010   Last Updated: May 15, 2010

2010 is going to be an interesting season for the Cleveland Browns.  They are in the process of rebuilding with second year head coach Eric Mangini and his staff.  Along with this, they have a new front office run by Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert. 

Tom Heckert, who came to Cleveland from the Eagles, seems to have orchestrated a good 2010 draft for the Browns.  He has added three defensive backs, which was the weakest point of the Browns last season.  Along with them he has also made a trade to bring cornerback Sheldon Brown here from the Eagles.  

Heckert has also added free agents to the line backing, tight ends, and offensive line, fullback and the quarterback position.  These all seem to be good deals which have strengthened the team. 

My prediction for the offense is that they will be more stable with better veteran quarterbacking and an improved offensive line.  Their running game should be even better than last year when they won four games at the end of the season with their running game.  The reason for this is because they added an excellent fullback who can run, block, and catch passes; and they have also drafted a tough young running back to compliment Jerome Harrison.  Added to this is the running of Josh Cribbs, and a healthy James Davis.  Defenses should be worried about the Browns running game.

The Browns passing game remains to be seen.  They have definitely upgraded the tight end position, but their wide receivers are all young and basically inexperienced.  However, the thing that will help the WRs are an improved offensive line, better tight ends to keep the defense busy and Jake Delhomme, a QB with superbowl experience.  The young WRs should all continue to improve and maybe even shine.

My prediction for the Browns defense is a definite overall improvement in their playing.  Moving Shaun Rodgers from nose tackle to end will greatly improve the defensive line.  They have a plethora of very good linebackers, who can stop the run and are getting better at pass rushing.  The defensive backs, as I said, are vastly improved over last season, with some really good hitting, hard tackling players.  Look for a few more interceptions, or maybe even a lot more. 

Final prediction:  Browns go 8 and 8

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