Before turning their attention to a mediocre crop of free-agent wide receivers, the Browns decided to fix their defensive line. Trades for Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers immediately made the Browns better, although Rogers is one of those great talents who will end up breaking your heart.
We spent combine week listening to general managers talk about how important it was to build through the draft. Then Browns GM Phil Savage introduced us to a completely different philosophy.
After all, it's not like this franchise has a good track record for hitting on defensive linemen in the draft. Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer was completely on board with GM Phil Savage's moves:
"In the same way Phil Savage relentlessly spent, traded and drafted to fix the Browns' offensive line, the general manager has made the same commitment to the defensive line," writes Pluto. "And I say amen to that. If you believe the Browns' 10-6 season in 2007 was not a fluke, and most of the core players are under 30 ...
If you know down deep the Browns will never be a factor in the postseason until they stop the run and pressure the quarterback ...
If you have been longing for the Browns to stop acting like an expansion team ...
Then you have to be impressed by them trading veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden and second and third-round picks for defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers. Both of them are in their late 20s and should be in the prime of their careers."
