A Fantasy read on the Cleveland Browns

Just about everyone who's drafting a Fantasy roster this season is sold on the Browns at running back, wide receiver and tight end (and kicker, too!). And why not? All of them have a nice track record to go with obvious ability.

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The only Brown Fantasy folks aren't sure of is quarterback Derek Anderson.

A year ago at this time, Anderson was dueling for the starting job with Charlie Frye, with rookie Brady Quinn looming large on the depth chart. Frye won but was pulled after one-half of play in Week 1. Anderson took over and never let up, tossing five touchdowns in Week 2 and ending the year with 10 games with at least two passing scores with another three end-zone visits on the ground.

Not a bad job for a player in a contract year. Accordingly, the Browns gave him a long-term contract this offseason. But while Anderson got paid, the pressure remains. Anderson hasn't exactly boasted a track record of success (2007 was his only year with regular playing time), and if he were to slip and cost the Browns big wins much like he did late last season when he and the Browns choked at Cincinnati, the Dawg Pound will be barking for Brady Quinn faster than you can say "Brian Sipe."

It'll be interesting to see how well Derek Anderson follows up his remarkable 2007 season. (US Presswire)

Positives: The good-sized Anderson is the unquestioned starter of the Browns' potent offense, which is good news, obviously. Additionally, he's comfortable with the offense, which will now feature Donte Stallworth as his No. 2 receiver, an upgrade over veteran target Joe Jurevicius. In fact, Stallworth's presence might push Anderson's yardage higher than it was in 2007 (3,787 yards). Anderson will also run with the football, giving some additional numbers to a Fantasy owner's bottom line.

Negatives: Is Anderson the by-product of a talented offense -- and O-line -- around him, or is he the real deal? And if he is the real deal, then why was he hiding out on practice squads for years before surfacing with Cleveland? Anderson may be a touchdown machine, but he'll also toss some wayward passes -- he had 19 interceptions last year and has 27 (and three lost fumbles) in 21 career games.

Outlook: Anderson not only has shown the ability to be a solid NFL passer, but he's surrounded by so much talent that he's bound to post some big numbers. Consistency isn't even the issue here -- turnovers are. If your league deducts points for interceptions and fumbles lost, Anderson could cost you some points over the long run. However, Cleveland's pass-happy ways should continue in 2008, and Anderson will benefit so long as he is under center. Grab him as a No. 1 Fantasy QB between Rounds 4 and 6, and don't think about Brady Quinn until December unless you have a spare roster spot.

Position battle: No. 3 wide receiver

Joe Jurevicius Pro: The consummate veteran, Jurevicius has averaged close to 50 receptions over the last three years at a consistent pace of just over 12 yards per catch with 18 total touchdowns, including seven last year with the Browns. Con: Jurevicius' offseason knee procedures have sidelined his offseason regimen, and he even told the club this summer to bring in another receiver. That should speak volumes. Additionally, the Ohio native will be 34 this summer.

Josh Cribbs Pro: Cribbs has just 14 catches to his name in three seasons with the Browns, but his impact has been mainly felt on special teams (three TDs last year, five over his career). He has excellent speed, and he has surprisingly good size for a kick returner. Cribbs even took first-team reps in a June minicamp. Con: For all of his good traits, he has one of the worst traits a receiver could have: Average hands. Cribbs has dropped passes in practices and games alike and has three fumbles over the past two seasons. So while Cribbs has lots of talent, don't expect to see him in on third downs when the Browns need to move the chains. Prediction: Both will play, and it will likely depend on the package offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski calls that determines who plays when. Neither receiver will be any better than a longshot one-week replacement, though it's clear that Cribbs has the long-term upside.

Position battle: No. 2 tight end

Martin Rucker Pro: Rucker is a receiving tight end from Missouri who can also work as an H-back and has the family bloodlines for football (brother Mike was a D-lineman). Con: Is considered undersized and a detriment in the blocking game. Furthermore, his speed is average.

Steve Heiden Pro: A Browns staple since 2002, Heiden has previously been involved in the offense, catching as many as 43 passes in '05. Con: Heiden had back surgery this offseason, will be 32 this September and has a career-high of 401 yards in a single season.