Browns Add Depth On The Offensive Line
A busy offseason means no rest for the weary. Phil Savage appears to be on a steady diet of protein bars and Red Bull, as he continues in what has been the busiest free agency period in recent Browns history. Tonight, Savage addressed the issue of depth on the offensive line by bringing in former Dolphin center/guard Rex Hadnot.
Offensive line may not be the most glaring need for the Browns, as starters Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley, Ryan Tucker, and Kevin Shaffer are all returning. The problem is a lack of any real depth behind the starters. LeCharles Bentley will try to be back, but it’s hard to guess what he has to offer. Other than that, the Browns don’t really have any legit backups. That’s where Hadnot can step up and make a difference.
But don’t think for a second that he’s coming in here to be a backup. Hadnot is a former 6th round draft pick (2004), but he has started in each of the last three seasons for the Dolphins at both guard and center. He chose to come to Cleveland over the Texans, Titans, and Steelers, and he didn’t do so to sit on the bench. Hadnot will challenge incumbent right guard Ryan Tucker for the starting spot. He can also move over and step in at center. This could free up Ryan Tucker to sub in at tackle to keep the line fresh. Any way you slice it, this is a solid move by the Browns as it gives them depth and flexibility across the entire line.
So just how good/bad is Rex Hadnot? According to his 2007 scouting report on ESPN.com.
“Hadnot is a three-year veteran with good athletic ability for his size and position. He is a short, thickly-built player that has above average functional strength. He has enough power to stalemate larger interior defenders at the line of scrimmage. He can bend well but is inconsistent to anchor effectively versus explosive bull rushers. He is a steady effort player that can punch and wall off defenders but is not physically imposing. He uses his hands well and works his feet and body to gain leverage inside. Hadnot can snap and step well to make effective combo blocks but is not a dominant player. He has a good feel for the game as he is aware and reacts well to stunts and twists. He can slam and chip up to linebackers effectively and can make blocks on the second level. He is effective to mirror in a confined area in pass protection. He can pull and get on track to make blocks on the perimeter. Hadnot is a solid football player who is valuable because he is intelligent and versatile. He can be a productive player at guard or center.”
This is precisely the kind of player who can fit right in with the Browns’ offensive line system with his athleticism and versatility, which are fundamental elements of what the Browns do on the O-Line.
Will the Browns keep the signings coming, or are they done now? Well, we don’t know how much money the Browns gave Hadnot yet, so it’s unclear how much Savage has left to spend, so it’s hard to guess. I think Savage may be able to bring in another role player type to keep building on the theme of experience and flexibility, but that’s probably about it. Either way, this Hadnot signing is a very good signing, in my opinion, and it will only help as it shows that whereas in past years the Browns were trying to sign starters on the offensive line, this year they’re just looking to add depth. When you reach that point, where you’re just trying to fill in some gaps rather than trying to bring in superstars, you know you’re on your way to being a very good team.
