From John McClain in the Houston Chronicle today -



Here's the thing. Peterson is probably more talented than any of the running backs who have come out the last few years. And the Browns desperately need one. And there is virtually no chance the Raiders, or Lions will draft Peterson. Reuben Droughns has backup talent and that's what I suspect he'll be next year.

dead on analysis rosenthal

Are the Browns really comfortable going with Charlie Frye for the forseeable future?

If Brady Quinn is there at 3/4, depending on the coin flip, can the Browns afford not to take him?

you sign eric steinbach, give frye a competent (and possibly terrific with peterson) running game, braylon edwards a full year and a half removed from ACL surgery, kellen winslow rested, and see what he can do. i dont like frye much cuz he plays outta control at times but he deserves one more year. is he really any worse than grossman? frye has flashed, give him one more year then you bring in serious competition.

I see the issue of the Browns running game as more than Droughs. Do not get me wrong, Droughns should not be a starting NFL RB. But, having a team yards per carry average of 3.59 and only 7 rush TDs is indicative of a larger issue. In fact, the Browns were 28, or worse, in every rushing category.
Also, losing Davidson (OC), who actually improved the running game (increase the yps y 10% after replacing Carthon), will be a big loss.

I am a huge Peterson fan, but this situation will be difficult for even AD to flourish. The Browns have a below average starting QB, a poor OLine, a good TE, and a low-tier WR1. I have to hand it to Romeo. He has done a lot with so little, but the cupboard is more bare than most realize.

The browns have question marks at RB and QB this year.

Peterson may be the best back to have come out in a while. There will be good QBs in the draft next year, but no RBs, and let's face it, Cleveland is probably going to be in this situation again next year WITH a new HC.

Makes sense, and let's Houston draft Brady Quinn where he'll rot, thank god.

I've heard Peterson compared to Dickerson, with regard to running style and build. Would you all say that seems accurate? That is not to say that Peterson will post similar numbers, just making a general comparison.

he'll be a fine pro, but he aint no savior. reminds me careerwise of cedben - amazing freshman breakout, didnt continue promise, ended up making folks wonder if he wasnt just a good system back. another very talented runner who doesnt appear to love it all enuff to be great.

Good analysis Gregg, the Browns really struggled with the running game last year, as did the Texans...Peterson should be drafted as the first RB off the board, definitely to either the Browns or Texans.

Don't both the Browns and Texans have problems with their o-line? Could their unproductive running attack be a symptom of that more so than subpar RBs?

I'm not totally sold that Peterson could go to either of those teams and set the world on fire right out of the gate. I guess I like his odds better in CLE though. No denying Peterson is extremely talented, but most RBs need a good line to be productive at the NFL level (very few Barry Sanders type RBs ever come along that can create for themself).

I think they will take Quinn if he is there. Plenty of RB's will be available via FA, and I suspect even more will become available as we see the salary cap casualties start to fall out. Frye is garbage, and they will likely be able to snag some talent on the O-line in the second round. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a move to go up and get Arron Sears, if he falls close enough to them @ 2.4

Peterson is by no means a lock to be a stud at the next level. Personally I think Lynch may even be a more complete back when it comes right down to it.

It'll be a major surprise and upset if Arron Sears is not available at 2.4/2.3.

Also, the Browns rarely select first-day linemen, although you gotta do what you gotta do and I think there's a chance they'll take one this year, but I wouldn't count on it.

Brady apparently wants to play for Cleveland, but to me this is a poor fit. These guys the Browns have brought in to run the offense are less than impressive. Obviously no one knows for sure how Rob Chudzinski will do and Rip Scherer will fare in his first NFL stint, but for Quinn's sake, I hope he lands elsewhere.

I think if you have a chance at an Adrian Peterson, there's no question you take him, especially if you have the need. He'll also be the best player on the board, him or Cal Johnson. You don't pass up his kind of ability. You can get another Droughns in free agency, fine, but you can't get someone special like this.

Lynch is soft and played in a soft college conference. You never know what ur gonna get from a Pac 10 RB. Much more of a risk there. I've seen him vanish from a game after a big hit.

Where did you see that Quinn want to play for CLE? You think it's due to any relations b/w 3rd pick and 9th pick money or does he have ties there? Just never thought I would hear "I would like to play for CLE" come out of anyones mouth.

"In the press box before the game, a source well-connected to the Notre Dame football program said Irish quarterback Brady Quinn hopes to play for the Browns. The source said Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has informed Crennel of Quinn's feelings. "

Cleveland Plain Dealer

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindeale...&thispage=2

Obviously it didn't come out of his mouth, but he's from Dublin, OH. Hometown guys love the Browns. Have you ever met a Browns fan? They're insane.

Thanks for the info.

Never met a Browns fan, but know their reputation. Thought I would have got some backlash from my last post.