Written by Dave Kolonich

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If you like such universal adages as “strength in numbers”, while preferring to ignore basic addition, I have some position profiles that you just might love.  Beginning today with the Browns’ wildly diverse mix of defensive linemen and ending tomorrow with the expansive glut of linebacker bodies, there is some work to be done.

From my bloody stumps pounding away at a keyboard to some late-night hours turned in by Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan, it’s obvious that there far more questions at the moment than answers.  Eventually, our team’s front seven will be have to be carved out of a rock the size of Cold Mountain.

Or, at least from one the size of Derek Anderson’s head.

In other words, “strength in numbers” may be a bit of a misnomer….that is, until we find the right combinations. 

Ahtyba Rubin

It appears that for the first time during the 3-4 defense experiment, the Browns may have found the type of ideal nose tackle to actually make the current defense work.  Seven years Shaun Rogers’ junior and about forty million dollars cheaper, Rubin florished during the last month of the 2009 season.

While lacking Rogers’ uniquely explosive skill set, Rubin proved to be the prototypical 3-4 nose tackle, as his large base allowed him to effectively take on opposing linemen.  Rubin showed some solid strength, but more importantly, displayed the type of quiet discipline required of the position. 

Because Rubin simply played the position as it was meant to be played, meaning he did not engage in the type of “freelancing” that Rogers could be accused of in the past, the Browns’ front seven took on a different look during the last month of 2009.  For the first time since 2009, the Browns’ defense was solid at the nose tackle spot, which allowed the rest of the front seven to naturally flow upfield.

Entering 2010, it appears that the coaching staff has more than realized what they have in Rubin – as Rogers has become sort of an afterthought in the team’s overall vision for the coming season. 

But then again, when looking at the rest of the depth found along the defensive line, such statements border on the absurd.

Shaun Rogers

While nose tackle appears to be set with the progression of Rubin, the question now becomes what to do with Rogers.  Certainly, athletic 360 lb. defensive linemen aren’t found everyday and considering the lack of talent among the defense, Rogers can still be a major contributor for the Browns moving forward.

Just the mere fact that Rogers is still a member of the Browns and wasn’t considered trade bait over the past few months speaks volumes of the multi-talented lineman. 

However, the question now becomes – where exactly does Rogers line up in 2010?

If we’re convinced that Rubin can play nose tackle for an entire season, then Rogers’ destiny appears to be found at defensive end.  However, given the traditional duties of a 3-4 defensive end, it would seem that Rogers’ penchant for freelancing would again become a problem.

Because the basic design of a 3-4 defensive line is to “squeeze in” an opposing offensive line, it would seem that Rogers’ duties at defensive end would be similar to those he found at nose tackle.  Again, Rogers would be forced to “stay home” and take on multiple blockers.  While there’s little doubt that Rogers “could” perform these duties, that certainly is not the proper question to ask.

But then again, it may prove most difficult for Rogers to perform any on-field duties, given the likelihood that he may face a short suspension thanks to his recent airport gun charges.

Robaire Smith

Speaking of guns – and airports – why is it that the largest human beings are always the ones who are packing the most heat?

Anyway, going beyond Smith’s recent legal entanglements, it’s worth noting that the veteran lineman is effective when healthy.  In 2009, Smith managed to avoid injury and turned in a fairly solid performance.  Unlike Rogers, Smith’s game is mostly stationary, as he doesn’t have anywhere near the explosion of younger linemen.

However, Smith does bring great size to the position and is rarely overwhelmed by opposing linemen.  Smith’s tree-like legs give him a great base to take on blockers and he performs adequately against the run.  In terms of the basic design of the defense, Smith is a serviceable linemen, but never extraordinary.

Kenyon Coleman

Much like Rogers, Coleman never stands out, but does a decent job at defensive end.  Although a bit misshaped for the position he plays, Coleman does offers some nice size.  However, in terms of overall roster progress, it appears that Coleman could be easily replaced after 2010. 

Given that his upright playing style occasionally forces him out of position, and due to his lingering injury history – Coleman’s days in Cleveland are numbered. 

But of course, this is assuming that replacements are on the way.

CJ Mosley

Another of Mangini’s ex-Jet arrivals, Mosely played sparingly for most of 2009, but contributed late in the season.  Like Smith, Mosley’s body is better suited to playing inside on a four-man line.  Perhaps the least athletic of all the Browns’ linemen, Mosley can fit within a rotation, but doesn’t offer much in the way of dynamic play.

However, considering the alarming injury history of Smith, Coleman and Rogers, Mosley could prove to be a valuable piece of depth in 2010.

Brian Schaefering

I remember Schaefering as one of my favorite training camp players of 2009, simply due to his Hank Fraley-esque body.  Looking like some of the fans in attendance, Schaefering was often pushed around during camp drills, yet somehow survived into the season and saw some playing time late in the year.

Against Pittsburgh, Schaefering made some plays and displayed some surprising quickness at times.  However, like Rogers, Schaefering doesn’t exactly fit into the team’s 3-4 vision.  His best role with the Browns would seem to come on obvious passing downs, as he certainly is not a fit as a run-stopping lineman.

Clifton Geathers

I’m torn on how to view Geathers.  On the surface, I’m more than grateful that the Browns actually drafted some much needed D-line help.  However, Geathers is perhaps the most raw prospect to be found on the entire roster.  He brings some devastating size and what has been described as “freakish athletic ability.”

While it’s beyond foolish to expect anything out of a late-round draft pick – especially given the wealth of veteran bodies ahead of him – with some fundamental coaching, Geathers could prove to be a future contributor.

Or an early roster cut.

Kwaku Danso

Speaking of projects, Danso and Geathers appear to be joined at the hip during offseason practices.  Like Geathers, Danso has some amazing size and athletic gifts, but brings virtually no actual football experience.  Of course, given Mangini’s appreciation for projects, Danso could prove to be the beneficiary of some extra training camp attention and could even make the final roster. 

As for what type of contribution he makes in 2010, perhaps the ceiling for Danso is a spot on the team’s practice squad.

Titus Adams/Swanson Miller/Brian Sanford

Again, I don’t know these guys and neither do you.  However, come training camp, we should all take a closer look.  Considering that the likelihood of Smith, Rogers and Coleman surviving an entire season is slim, one of these three could be playing a role come December.

Ideally

There are some undeniable truths involving the Browns’ current collection of defensive linemen. 

First, the same group that was largely ineffective against the run in 2009 returns intact for 2010.  Second, given the veteran nature of the above names, there are some serious injury concerns inherent throughout the lineup.

However, in the most ideal terms possible – meaning that all of the above players stay healthy – there is some hope to be found.

Ideally, Rubin is entrenched at nose tackle and Rogers moves to end, giving the Browns’ defense a solid wall along the right side of the line.  Smith and Coleman rotate along the left side, giving the team a strong front, which allows the team’s linebackers to become roaming playmakers.  Mosley and Schaefering add depth, while Geathers and Danso make the difficult transition into the league.

But Really

I may be the only Cleveland “media” outlet to have suggested this in the past, but the likelihood for defensive line disaster in 2010 is alarming. 

Considering that Smith and Coleman are high-mileage risks and because Rogers has never really found a fit among the team’s defense, the 2010 defensive line could end up featuring some very raw players as the season progresses.  Because of the team’s incredibly limited depth across the unit, whatever small gains the defense made in 2009 could be quickly erased. 

Add in Rogers and Smith’s recent gun issues and this lack of depth could be exposed early in the season – leaving the Browns to rely on projects and underwhelming backups.

The Pick

I’ll admit – I’m worried about the defensive line. 

Rubin was a terrific addition to the starting lineup last season and Rogers can be amazing at times, but the health of Smith and Coleman is a serious concern.  While the likes of Danso and Geathers make for great offseason stories, it is more than obvious that this entire unit will have to be revamped in 2011.

Given the veteran bodies of Coleman and Smith, some much needed youth will need to be injected into the lineup and soon.  Hopefully, another year of Mangini involved in the talent evaluation will produce another scrapheap find.  Also, the impact of Rob Ryan’s defensive creativity could help to mask the limitations of the current unit.

However, in terms of overall progress – while the current lineup has its limitations, let’s just hope for some basic health and goodwill in 2010.

Oh…also – let’s hope that Mike Holmgren has finally hired that airport gun checking intern.