Written by Dave Kolonich

---

The following is Part Eleven of a near endless series of 2010 Browns’ position previews.

One of the most useful words to come out of Berea over the past decade has been “interchangeable.”

From a carnival of quarterbacks, running backs who tease preseason potential, the police lineup of left tackles pre-dating Joe Thomas, defensive linemen masquerading as nose tackles, Andra Davis being Andra Davis and onto a franchise resurrection which occurs roughly every three years – the past decade of Browns’ football has proven the utter relevance of such a term.

In the case of the Browns’ safeties during this time, “interchangeable” was actually viewed as a positive.  In many ways, it still is.

Once the Romeo Crennel era ushered in the 3-4 defense experiment in Berea, “interchangeable” became a great buzzword to describe the alleged versatility of both Sean Jones and Brodney Pool.  However, considering that “interchangeable” was often a euphemism for “not that good” – finally, the word itself has been altered to take on a more distinct meaning – as in “replaceable.”

Entering 2010, the days of Jones and Pool have thankfully come to an end.  However, the theme of “interchangeable” parts is still intact in Cleveland.

And while the philosophy – and language – is still the same, at least the names have changed.

Abe Elam

Perhaps the most absurd event relating to the Browns’ recent disgruntled restricted free agent summer was the notion that somehow Elam was deserving of a long-term contract.

What made the situation even more irrational – and almost comical – was the fact that the Browns spent two draft picks on players who will eventually replace Elam.

It’s not often when an employee is able to ask for a raise, then train his replacement in the same motion.

However, perhaps I shouldn’t be so harsh on Elam.  By all accounts, he is a hard worker and has displayed a fun, community-oriented slant during his short time in Cleveland.

But then again – this isn’t exactly the place where such sentiments can be easily interchanged with actual on-field production.

To that end, Elam is basically an undersized linebacker.  He’s pretty good when he plays close to line of scrimmage and fairly solid against the run.  However, once Elam drops back into the secondary, he is a huge liability for the Browns’ defense.

For further evidence, just revisit the stretch of 2009 games which began during the first Pittsburgh game and ended in Detroit.

On second thought, don’t do that to yourself.

Mike Adams

In comparison, Adams is nearly an elite safety.  Of course, any “elite” status referring to Adams is limited to his description as one of the best “utility” players in the league.

In other words, there is little that Adams can’t do on the field – that is, except for actually starting.

Of course, this shouldn’t be held against Adams.  If were a little bigger and just a bit faster, he could have been the solution to the team’s long suffering issues at safety.

While Adams is a terrific backup who can fill in at virtually any secondary position, the team’s defense eventually suffers with him on the field.  Because of his limitations, opposing wideouts and bigger tight ends can dominate Adams.  And unlike Elam, Adams is a liability for the Browns’ run defense.

However, having a player like Adams on the roster is a necessity for the Browns.

In the past few seasons, Adams has started at both safety spots and filled in at cornerback last season – where he performed admirably.  Of course, Adams’ biggest contribution to the Browns comes on special teams, where his awareness and range have helped elevate these units to an elite level.

T.J. Ward

So if all of Elam and part of Adams are not the answer, then what?  Or, who?

Again, emphasizing the Brandon McDonald Effect, it was obvious that Browns’ management – which includes Eric Mangini – clearly thought that more physical players – ones who could tackle – were needed to upgrade the secondary.

Enter Ward.

Based on his college resume, Ward is an instinctive, physical player who has shown the ability to hunt down opposing ballcarriers.  Despite not having a huge frame, Ward is a huge hitter who does not shy away from contact.

As for his coverage skills, it’s worth noting that Ward began his college career as a cornerback – and is now a safety.  Something tells me there’s a reason for this.

The book on Ward suggests that he is a bit stiff and not the most mechanically refined defensive back.  Although he has some quickness, the same problems that plague Elam could be the ones that trouble Ward during his NFL career.

Larry Asante

Perhaps one of the more intriguing 2010 draft picks, Asante is a big, vicious hitter who played on a great Nebraska defense for the past few seasons.  Asante instantly becomes the most physically imposing Browns’ safety and one who could challenge for some playing time early on.

However, Asante’s aggressiveness during his college days could be viewed as a matter of perception.  On one hand, the Browns have lacked a true, physical safety presence since the days of Eric Turner.  On the other, Asante is known as a gambler of sorts, preferring to make the knockout blow, as opposed to getting a ballcarrier on the ground.

Of course, such is the risk with most later round draft picks – potential and potential for disaster are often interchangeable.

In Asante’s case, hopefully he can benefit from a couple of seasons with Mangini and Rob Ryan.  As for 2010, Asante could still make an impact – but probably on special teams.

Ray Ventrone/Nick Sorensen

Speaking of which…one of the casualties of the Browns’ offseason revamping of the secondary could prove to be one of the above players – each of whom double as terrific special teams performers.

In Ventrone’s case, he is deceptively fast, but is built a little odd for a safety.  While not tiny, Ventrone is more of a sleek player – almost like a taller cornerback – and is not very physical.  However, on kick coverage, Ventrone’s skills are fully on display.

Much like Ventrone, Sorensen is almost exclusively built to play special teams.  Not the most physical or fastest of players, Sorensen gets by with great awareness and plays with an inspiring sense of fearlessness.

Both players are incredibly gifted and productive special teams players.  However, with the addition of Ward and Asante - both of whom will likely be featured on special teams – it’s improbable that both Ventrone and Sorensen make the final roster.

Of course, this is a shame.  I’ve always viewed special teams play, particularly kick coverage – as a lost art in the league.  Although many view special teams players as simply “guys who can’t start”, there is a huge value in having skilled players who can excel at their given craft.

Unfortunately, there are only so many roster spots on a team.

Ideally

Ward quickly proves that he was a worthy second-round pick and becomes the dynamic presence at safety the team has lacked for years.  Even more ideal is the idea that Ward shows that his coverage skills are conducive to the NFL.  If such a thing occurs, Elam can settle into his normal position for another year, before more help arrives – or until a replacement for the current replacement, Mike Adams, is found.

But Really

It’s very possible that the Browns just drafted two new versions of Abe Elam.  Also likely is the idea that the Browns currently feature three traditional strong safety candidates and Mike Adams as the only competent free safety option.  It’s also worth noting that Ward has the twin challenges of transitioning into the league as a rookie, along with trying to stay healthy.  Much like the current issues at cornerback, it appears that the Browns have upgraded the safety spot in terms of physical play and basic tackling – but there are still some serious concerns regarding the overall pass defense.

The Pick

Based on April’s draft, it’s obvious that the Browns have targeted the entire secondary as an area of weakness.  Drafting Ward and Asante also clearly signals the Browns are determined to find a difference maker at safety.  Such moves should be applauded.

However, progress being what it is – we may not see any radical improvement in 2010.  Because of the steep learning curve that any rookie faces, combined with the still lopsided collection of safeties on the roster, 2010 could be another long year at the safety position.

But, let’s take it for what it is.  We have two young safeties – both who clearly have some terrific upside – and a sense that the overall situation in the secondary is improving.

Of course, this time next year – it’s more than possible that this post will simply be “interchanged” with the 2011 variety.