Written by Dave Kolonich

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The great Steve King got me thinking about a development in Berea that is equal parts intriguing and cautiously optimisitic.  Yes, I’m really going out on a limb with this one.

And no, this isn’t a Jake Delhomme post.

Anyway, don’t look now, but there is a large contingent of second-year Browns players – in different varities – lurking on the current roster – some of which who could greatly impact the team’s 2010 fortunes.

Of course, we’ve all heard plenty about this guy.

And yes, I can’t admit I’ve remained above the fray.

Granted, the reports regarding Robiskie are quite preliminary, considering the limited nature of OTA’s.  However, after sitting in rookie purgatory in 2009, any positive evidence of Robiskie’s existence have to be considered a positive development.

However, King’s latest points to the rising of some lesser-profile players.

Steve King – OBR.com

*The Browns appear to have some young, active – and possibly productive – pass rushers. Knocking down passes during the practice were linebackers Marcus Benard and David Veikune. Both look so much surer of themselves, which is what you would expect from second-year players.

That last line is most welcome news, especially considering the still porous depth found throughout the roster.  Going beyond the more high-profile examples, such as Robiskie, Massaqoui, or even Alex Mack – perhaps the most surprising development that may occur in 2010 is the continued progression of a rather large group of second-year talent.

To continue the comparison, I think some more specific categories are in order.  After all, what’s a Saturday morning in late May without a exclusive ranking system of second-year Browns talent?

On a related note, I really need to find some other hobbies.

Tier One - True Second-Year Leaps
Alex Mack
Mohammed Massaquoi
Brian Robiskie
Coye Francies
Kaluka Maiava

Here’s the easy part.  Regardless of Mike Holmgren or Tom Heckert’s presence in Cleveland, these five players are for the most part locks to make the final roster in September.  Whether making the roster contributes to impacting the on-field product is a much different story.  Certainly, the only given to be found here is Mack, who had an outstanding rookie campaign.

However, for the 2010 Browns to continue to progress under Eric Mangini’s Sunday command, last year’s rookie wideouts desperately need to take the second-year leap.

In most respects, Robiskie’s supposed offseason development may ultimately have the greatest effect on Massaquoi.  With the trade of Braylon Edwards last season, Massaquoi became the defacto Number One wideout, and was basically swallowed up by opposing defenses.  With a more viable secondary option playing with him, the pressure on Massaquoi should be lessened.

I would think Francies could get a second-year bounce, similar to the one that Robiskie is currently enjoying.  Of course, given the upgrades found in the secondary, Francies will struggle to find his place among the roster.  After all, this was the same player that watched Hank Poteat for most of 2009.

Finally, Maiava was no doubt the most unsung of the Browns’ 2009 rookies – and perhaps will become the reason why D’Qwell Jackson’s continued contract squabbles will be rendered pointless.

Tier Two – Second Year System Leaps
Ahtyba Rubin
Marcus Benard/Matt Roth
Ray Ventrone
Blake Costanzo/Jason Trusnik
Brian Schafering

Of course, these players aren’t true second-year talents, but there is something to be said for having a full offseason of prep work – especially in the cases of Benard, Roth, Ventrone and Trusnik – all players that were added after the start of last season.

While none of these players are elite talents, the painful 2009 season should prove beneficial for all.

Rubin, in particular, could become the key to the Browns’ 2010 defensive fortunes.  If Rubin solidifies the nose tackle spot, he either serves as great insurance against a potential Shaun Rogers suspension, or creates a wealth of options along an aging D-line.  Although it’s been suggested many times before, a Rubin-Rogers-Smith/Coleman trio could prove dynamic.

Much like the prospects of Maiava having another full camp under his belt, I am seriously intrigued by Marcus Benard.  As raw as he is, he flashes the kind of pass rush potential that is currently not found among the roster.  Throw in Matt Roth’s inexplicable contract impasse and Benard could easily find himself as a major contributor heading into September.

The rest of this group are mainly special teamers, which under no circumstances should be easily dismissed.  For the Browns to remain competitive in 2010, the special teams units – tops in the league last season – will have to again be dominant.  Having the likes of Ventrone, Trusnik and Costanzo from the start of camp should help in this area.

Tier Three – Leaps of Faith
David Veikune
Evan Moore

Although not receiving the same amount of press as Robiskie, last year’s “other-other” second-round pick is reported to be settling into an inside linebacker spot.  Size-wise, Veikune could finally provide the ”thumper” option the defense has lacked inside since transitioning to the 3-4 five seasons ago.

While Veikune’s rookie campaign was basically non-existent, it’s worth noting that he is making a very difficult leap from college defensive end to inside linebacker.  Further complicating matters last season was the initial decision to try him on the outside.

In terms of overall progress – my theme for 2010 – it’s not implausible to suggest that both Maiava and Veikune could begin to form the core of a middle linebacking duo for the future.

I wonder if D’Qwell Jackson got the memo.

Tier Four – Leaps of Fancy
Jerome Harrison

Until Harrison rushes for 2,000 yards in six consecutive seasons, I can’t truly consider him as a constant moving forward.  While Harrison was no doubt spectacular late last season, he still has plenty to prove, mainly in the areas of consistency.  After all, this is the same small back who has had trouble staying healthy.

However, to his credit – he has some amazing skill and instincts.  Hopefully, with a full camp ahead of him, Harrison could take an even bigger leap in 2010.

Tier Five – Take a Leap
Chris Jennings/James Davis

Finally, to end with another nod to overall team progress, at least one of these two second-year backs – Davis being the true Sophomore here – will not be with the Browns come September.  Actually, it’s possible that neither player is a Brown in a few short months.

With the continued progression of Harrison and arrivals of Monterio Hardesty and Peyton Hillis, these two promising talents will likely be playing elsewhere in 2010.

Again - progress is a good thing.

Tier Six – The Pick
So, what can we take from all this?

First, things are always brighter in late May, as compared to September through December.

Until Robiskie, Francies and Veikune can actually get on the field – and if Maiava, Rubin, Roth/Benard, Harrison and Massaquoi can build on their initial production, we’re solidly stuck in the murky depths of speculation.

However, the greater story to be found here lies in the promise of the Browns’ new overall front office direction.  Given that a talented personnel evaluator and a better coach in Mangini has laid out a surprisingly solid foundation for Holmgen and Heckert, the Browns appear poised to begin their slow rise back towards respectability.

While the 2010 draft class appears solid – again, based on a sunny late May speculative glance – any signs of such an overall improvement will largely be first reflected by the above mentioned names.  Any gains made in 2010 – and granted, these may not be reflected in the overall standings – will come in the form of the various collections of 2009 talent.

But, if anyone asks – just mention Delhomme’s name.  This will be our little secret.