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Fantasy Blitz - FANTASY FOCUS: CLEVELAND BROWNS

Posted On: 5/27/06
Written By:  
Kurt Backert
FANTASY FOCUS: CLEVELAND BROWNS
Since the Browns have returned to the NFL in 1999, they have not had many starters on anyone’s fantasy team. Last year they made the Ravens offense look exciting. The Browns scored only 232 points in 2005 and crossed the goal line only 22 times the entire season. There is some fantasy interest on this team although most of the potential value is not immediately noticeable at first blush.
 
Second year player Charlie Frye was handed the starting quarterback job this off season. With only Ken Dorsey behind him, Frye will play unless he gets hurt. Frye threw 4 touchdowns last year and looked poised in the pocket in their last game against the Ravens.  He may be the Browns starter, but Frye along with Alex Smith will be at the bottom of every publication’s draft board. We think those rankings are justified.  While Frye is still developing the Browns do have some players that can bring you mid to late round value.
 
The Browns leading receiver from last year, Antonio Bryant is now a 49er. He scored 4 touchdowns last year. With Bryant gone and second year player Braylon Edwards still on the mend from last year’s knee injury, the non-productive Dennis Northcutt will start. Keep Northcutt off of your draft board.  He will start only until Edwards returns, possibly as early as week five. Edwards had 32 catches for three scores last year and led the team with 16 yards a catch. He may be headed for future stardom but this year, picture him as no more than a reserve.  His injury will keep him deservedly low on draft day.
 
The one wide receiver I would consider from Cleveland this year is veteran Joe Jurevicius. He had a career year last season coming off the bench to provide the Seattle Seahawks and smart free agent shopping fantasy owners with ten touchdowns. The Browns brought him in to provide Frye with a veteran presence. We see Jurevicius as being a solid second receiver for your roster. Again because he is a Cleveland Brown he will be lower on most draft boards than if he stayed in Seattle, but don’t be surprised if he is Frye’s go to receiver. He may not get to 10 touchdowns again but getting close to that number is a real possibility.
 
The TE position in Cleveland has most fantasy prognosticators intrigued. Kellen Winslow should be back for opening day, but he has had some minor set backs with a staph infection and had to have another minor knee surgery due to his motor cycle accident last year. The Browns will look to use Winslow early and often if he is ready to go. If you are in a league that requires you to use a TE, Winslow could be a classic sleeper. The average starting fantasy TE only scores 5 times a year.  If healthy, Winslow should get you there and possibly more. Keep an eye on training camp.  Returning starter Steve Heiden who had 43 catches and three touchdowns could start again this season if Winslow is not 100%. If you draft Winslow, you have to get Heiden as well.
 
The Browns signed free agent center LeCharles Bentley from the Saints. He was the most sought after free agent lineman this year. Bentley should make running back Reuben Droughns’ job easier this year. Droughns gained over 1200 yards but scored only twice in 2005. Cleveland could not run between the tackles -- Bentley could change that.  Droughns should be in for a much better year. He signed a three year contract extension which will keep him in the starter’s role. William Green and Lee Suggs will battle for the back up position.
 
The problem with Droughns is not on the field.  Off it he cannot stay out of legal trouble. He was just arrested on domestic abuse charges on the heels of a DUI acquittal.  If Droughns stays out of trouble, Jurevicius provides Frye with a true go to receiver, and Winslow plays near to his potential, the running game should open up for the Browns and Droughns’ owners will get some unexpected value.
 
Keep an eye on the Browns come draft day for there is some potential here.

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Posted On: 5/27/06
Written By:  
Kurt Backert

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