Browns, Mangini make final decisions
By MIKE McLAIN Tribune ChronicleBEREA - There were no earth-shattering moves made by the Browns Saturday as coach Eric Mangini reduced the roster to 52 players Saturday, one below the regular-season limit.
Eighteen players were waived and the contracts of five others were terminated. There were rumors that running back Jamal Lewis might be let go, but he was among three players kept at the position.
Lewis is joined by James Davis, who's been the most impressive rookie on the roster, and Jerome Harrison.
"One thing that happens in a transitional time is that there's always speculation," Mangini said. "Jamal has a lot to contribute, and I'm looking forward to seeing him go through the season. He's a physical guy and a good pro, and he's a mentor to our younger backs. All those things are important."
Two players in last year's draft class - linebacker Beau Bell and receiver Paul Hubbard - were waived. Each of the seven members of this year's draft class survived the final cut, and two rookie free agents - linebacker Marcus Benard and safety Bret Lockett - made the cut.
Players waived were fullback Charles Ali; defensive backs Brandon Anderson and Tra Battle; quarterback Richard Bartel; linebackers Titus Brown and Bell; offensive linemen Branndon Braxton, Dustin Fry, Pat Murray, Kurt Quarterman and Isaac Sowells; defensive linemen Adam Hoppel, Brian Schaefering and Santonio Thomas; receivers Jordan Norwood, Lance Leggett and Hubbard, and running back Chris Jennings.
The contracts of defensive back Hamza Abdullah, running back Noah Herron, defensive back Corey Ivy, receiver David Patten and tight end Aaron Walker were terminated.
The make up of the roster includes three quarterbacks, three running backs, one fullback, five receivers, three tight ends and eight linemen on offense. Six linemen, 10 linebackers and 10 backs remained on the defensive side. Three specialists - kicker Phil Dawson, punter Dave Zastudil and long snapper Ryan Pontbriand - complete the roster.
Cutting ties with Patten, a 12-year veteran, wasn't easy for Mangini, who was with the New England Patriots when Patten played for the team. Mangini hinted that Patten, who missed three preseason games with an injury, could be brought back in the right situation.
"David is a special guy," Mangini said. "When you look at the things he's done in the league and the way he came up and built the career he's built, it's impressive. More impressive is that he's as humble today as he was when he first started. For a lot of guys the opportunity isn't now but it could be re-visited, and it could be sooner rather than later."
The inclusion of 10 linebackers and 10 defensive backs is out of the ordinary, but coaches running a 3-4 defense often keep extra linebackers. Linebackers Leon Williams, Blake Costanzo and Benard stayed because of their abilities on special teams. Costanzo, who played at Lafayette College, was with the New York Jets in 2006 when Mangini was the coach. Benard played last season at Jackson State, where he had 16 sacks.
"With defensive backs and receivers, sometimes you keep more because of special teams and the value they have there," Mangini said. "It flows a little bit year to year."
Lockett and Lawson add depth in the secondary. Lawson was the only rookie free agent to make the roster last season. He helped his cause as a productive punt and kick returner.
With one spot to fill and the release of players throughout the league, it's expected that the Browns will make more moves to solidify the roster for the opener Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Coaches in the first season with a team are more likely to pick up players cast off by other teams.
The Browns are fifth in the claim process based on last season's record. Teams can put in multiple claims but can be awarded only one based solely on their slot in the process.
"It depends on your needs and where you are in claiming players," Mangini said. "There were times in the past (with the Jets) when we had a high spot and put in claims on players, but we didn't get them. We're committed to developing the guys we have and keep getting them better and then looking outside the organization to see if there are possibilities to acquire guys that also could help us."
The rebuilding project has just begun.
