2008 Cleveland Browns Team Needs

Defensive End: The Browns need an impact 3-4 defensive end. Orpheus Roye and Robaire Smith are aging veterans that are nearing the end of their respective careers.  Look for Cleveland to address the need early in the draft.

Linebacker: Cleveland could use a left outside linebacker to complement the versitile Kamerion Wimbley.  The club did sign Kris Griffin and Shantee Orr, but considering they only inked one year deals, it is clear that the Browns don’t exactly expect them to be in their long terms plans. 

Wide Receiver: Braylon Edwards has become a star at wideout.  However, with Joe Jurevicius nearing the end of his career, the Browns could afford to bring in some younger talent at the position.  To Cleveland’s credit, they did sign Donte’ Stallworth, and if he can stay healthy, he will help Edwards stretch the field.  That being said, it might be a good idea for the Browns to draft some insurance at wideout.

Running back: Jamal Lewis has re-signed with the Browns for a few more seasons.  Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison add depth to the position, but none of the aforementioned trio appear to be a long term answer.  Cleveland doesn’t have to panic and select a running back early in the draft, but it wouldn’t be out of the question for them to look to add more athleticism to their backfield.

Draft Candidates: DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State, DE Calais Campbell, Miami, LB Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest, LB Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech, WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina, WR Will Franklin, Missouri, RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia, RB Cory Boyd, South Carolina