Cleveland Browns' Sweeping Changes Looking Good

COMMENTARY | The NFL lockout is over, so let the feeding frenzy begin. As a Cleveland Browns fan, I am especially focused on watching who will be hitting the Berea training facilities this week after all the dust settles.

No Delhomme

We know who will not be joining. The Browns released QB Jake Delhomme Thursday. Delhomme was a highly anticipated addition who suffered a high ankle sprain in the first half of the game in the season opener against Tampa Bay. He never got the opportunity to shine in Cleveland, and that is unfortunate. I wish the best for the guy, but am glad we are moving forward.

From Rookie to Starting QB

Colt McCoy took Delhomme's place temporarily, along with QB Senaca Wallace, and now, permanently. With all the sweeping changes in the league, I am glad management is sticking with McCoy. While he is awfully young for a leading quarterback, he has the skills and leadership possibility. He led practices throughout the lockout and hopefully gained the confidence, which was really the only thing he was lacking.

New Coach, New Plan

New head coach Pat Shurmur has stepped in and is implementing a West Coast offense, something McCoy is familiar with from his college years in Texas. A few others on the team are also comfortable with this style, but they will have to step it up and get those who are unfamiliar up to speed quickly.

Steer Clear

The only thing that might toss a wrench in the works, in my opinion, is if the Browns decide to sign Terrelle Pyror. That would be a big mistake. McCoy needs the space to lead without someone breathing down his neck, which is what I think Pyror would do.

Although he is physically impressive and performed well at the college level, Pryor would be a distraction and a hindrance. His connection to both the OSU scandal and LeBron James would simply not be good for the city of Cleveland.

Strong Backup

Keeping Wallace in place is another good choice in my opinion. Seneca was signed to a three-year, $9 million deal. I hope McCoy is left to lead the team as starting quarterback with Wallace there to back him up. McCoy, coupled with the acquisition of Greg Little, a wide receiver out of North Carolina, and returning Montario Hardesty may really surprise fans this season.

And More

Twelve-year veteran Phil Dawson will also be staying. He signed his franchise tender and will be signing a one-year deal in the range of $3.25 million. The Browns also signed Green Bay Packer running back Brandon Jackson to join Hillis and Hardesty. The early rumors were right, as the Browns also added Usama Young, a free agent from the New Orleans Saints.

The team is coming together nicely. You can see for yourself at any one of the 15 training practices that are open to the public this fall.