A Whole Lot o' Roosevelt
Posted May 29th, 2008 by Luke Chandler
Rumors are kicking into gear about the Browns interest in free agent outside linebacker Roosevelt Colvin. Colvin was on Sirius NFL Radio on Tuesday and said that the Browns and Jets are both interested in his services. Colvin spent two years in New England with head coach Romeo Crennel, in 2003 & 2004 where the Pats won back to back Super Bowls. Colvin ended the 2007 season on IR after a foot injury on Nov. 27.
Colvin has already failed a physical with the Patriots, but that was nearly four months ago. Is this really that great of a move? The Pats were thin at linebacker and had money under the cap to pay his $5.5 million base salary for 2008. Colvin, when healthy, is a great speed rusher and fits the 3-4 defense perfectly, but the problem is you can't count on him to be healthy. The Patriots pass rush fell apart after his injury, but counting on him to produce on the latter end of his productive years is a bit silly.
Plus the Browns have made this exact same move two times previously in free agency. Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek were brought on board to boost the pass rush in 2006 and 2007, respectively, but neither has produced and their injury problems remained. Much like the logic behind replacing Holly, why bring on an injury riddled veteran to replace a thin position with injury concerns already?
Whatever the case may be, the Browns pass rush needs to improve this year. Sending Wimbley on every play obviously didn't work last year, and the lack of creativity cost Todd Grantham his job. Adding another washed up Patriots re-tread won't do the trick. Let the Jets have him.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I don't totally see Colvin as a need. Antwan Peek should play better this year because his knee is all healed. If he can start and split time with McGinest, that should be good enough with Orr backing up Wimbley.
Besides, I don't know if the Browns have enough money for Colvin.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I loved Peek heading into last year, and still think he could be a part of the LB rotation, but he has to be healthy.
As long as their blitz packages aren't always Wimbley speed rushing around the edge, they'll be fine.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I'd rather have Jason Taylor than Colvin, but neither is the most likely outcome. Corner is too big of a need right now to be considering high-priced veteran pass rushers, especially with what they would cost to bring in.
May 30th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
while we are sorely lacking in CB depth, an intensified pass rush *would* benefit the secondary.
now, if he's only a speed rusher, that's what we've got peek for. if we stuff the run on first down, we're going to be playing our long yardage packages on 2nd & 3rd down anyway.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Nevermind on Taylor… the dude wants to retire after the coming season to focus on his acting career. He already has one foot out the door, meaning he lacks motivation, wont play through an injury, etc.
NO thanks…
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I'll admit to being a bit biased, but Darnell Terrell could be a big surprise for Cleveland. There were times this past season when he was the best player for Missouri on defense.
June 4th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
even though we did diddly last year on defense, I think it had more to do with the schemes than the players. This has been a great off season ( as far as personel goes, letsnot blow it now on a mabey) I think we will be alright if we just play as a team and stop blowing tackles trying to make a highlight reel