When Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert stated that fans and media should not expect the Browns to "go crazy" in free agency it was understandable that they would not make a "big splash", however it would be nice if they would at least get their feet wet! Sticking to the theory of building through the draft, the most chosen and effective method of building a long term winning organization is admirable, however there are times when one must throw caution to the wind and jump in--feet first or head first--it doesn't matter.
This approach to free agency by the Browns is somewhat shocking for a team that finished with 4 wins and 12 losses last season, an approach that can be summed up simply as boring, lackluster and somewhat irrelevant considering the need to acquire play-makers or at least up-grades at numerous positions--especially on offense.
Yes, successful teams primarily build or replenish through the draft, usually picking up a player or two in free agency to ad depth at needed positions, somewhat a supplement to the draft, this is due to such team already having impact players at key positions, a luxury the Browns due not have.
The Browns have added two defensive ends through free agency, Frostee Rucker (Cincinnati Bengals) and Juqua Parker (Philadelphia Eagles), however have yet to ad anyone to the Browns most glaring problem, the offense. There have been numerous wide receivers and running-backs available in free agency that could have added depth or made an impact on a somewhat dysfunctional offense, the Browns choosing to by-pass them either due to lack of interest or lack of desire to "pay the man".
With Mike Holmgren and Heckert calling the shots, a true offensive minded duo, one would expect them to break out of the gate, hell bent to make improvements to their heralded West Coast Offense, an offense that last season at times was very offensive to say the least, this has not happened. One must wonder why!
If Holmgren and Heckert intend on sticking to the "build through the draft" approach, casting aside the ability to supplement through free agency, Holmgrens five year plan will rapidly resemble more of a ten year plan, which I might ad will be just about time to usher in a new rebuilding program.
Yes, the chosen method is building via the draft, but then a team such as the Browns must use every option available to make much needed improvements even though these options may not fit the "norm". The Browns have missed on several opportunities to make roster improvements via free agency, this could be due to their lack of interest, not wishing to pay the price or merely because as other teams crashed the gate with a full head of steam--the Browns brain trust was
A.J.Hunley ( Senior Writer,C.B.R. )
