The Cleveland Browns will have the opportunity to experience first hand this season the results of their allowing Peyton Hillis to fall to free agency and their lack of re-signing the fan favorite and Madden Cover running-back. Hillis will once again grace the shores of Lake Erie, stepping into Browns Stadium, however this time not as a friend, this time it will be as "the enemy" as the Kansas City Chiefs come to Cleveland.

Browns fans screamed in excitement as Hillis, sometimes referred to as the "White Rhino" battered his way through the opposing defense, would drag defenders for those extra yards and of course leap over those in his way--and all this without wearing Superman socks. Hillis, who many considered the Browns only true offensive weapon barreled through defenses somewhat like a runaway locomotive punishing those standing in his path and giving Browns fans something to cheer about, however now the Browns find themselves on the receiving end.

There is little doubt that Hillis will come into Cleveland with a "full head of steam", wishing to prove that the Browns Admin made a mistake in not bowing to his contract wishes while also victimizing a Browns defense that showed at numerous times last season their inability to stop the run--especially when facing a powerful running-back. Yes, Hillis will come in "hell bent" to make Cleveland pay while attempting to prove to the Browns brain trust that they dropped the ball (somewhat like Browns receivers) by letting him wander off to K.C. One can only imagine the smiles on the faces of former Browns, now with the Chiefs--Romeo Crennell, Brian Daboll and of course Brady Quinn.

If you were Browns GM Tom Heckert, what would you do?

There has been a great deal of chatter in regards to the Browns remaining somewhat quiet in free agency, with many voicing opinions in support and also against the pick-ups or lack of, that the Browns have made. Heckert has stated that the Browns would not go crazy in free agency and so far they have stuck to the plan.

As the NFL Draft approaches there are numerous needs the Browns need to address--in my opinion the most major being the offense. As it seems pretty clear that the Browns intend on going into this season with quarterback Colt McCoy as the starter it is doubtful that they would spent a high first round pick on a QB--someone like Ryan Tannehill (which I believe would be a mistake).

This leaves two positions that many consider a glaring need, receiver and running-back. Many have weighed in stating that picking a running-back with a high first round pick is counter productive--stating that the value of a running-back has dropped considerably due to the NFL becoming a "pass happy" quarterback friendly league. Given the doubt that the Browns will pursue a QB at the number four pick, and this supposed drop in value of running-backs that would leave the choice of a receiver in the Browns sights.

So whats your opinion--does Hillis run ramp-id on the Browns in Cleveland, and who do the Browns need to target in the first round of the up-coming draft?

A.J. Hunley ( Senior Writer, C.B.R. )