Big moves bolster D-line

03.01.2008

Two big moves, two very big men.

Saturday morning, Romeo Crennel introduced Corey Williams and confirmed that the Browns have agreed to terms with the Lions on a trade that would bring Shaun Rogers to the Browns as well.

Even if you figured the Browns were going to be aggressive in bolstering their defensive front, you probably weren't figuring they'd be this aggressive. The Browns added two proven, quality defensive linemen on the first day of the NFL's player movement period.

"Only time will tell how big of a splash it is," Crennel said. "But I think we got two good players who definitely upgrade our defensive front and will help the team overall. Anytime you get two starting players, that's got to help."

Splash? How about a tidal wave?

The moves bring beef to their defensive line, a much-needed boost to the run defense and probably an upgrade to the pass rush as well. Williams had 7 sacks in each of the last two seasons for the Packers. Rogers also had a career-best 7 sacks last year and has 29 in his seven-year career.

"We've really strengthened our team," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "It is time for us to take another step. The moves we've made put us in position to potentially do that."

Both Williams and Rogers are new to the Browns' 3-4 base defense. Williams (6-foot-4, 313) has said he's anxious and able to play end on both the left and right sides, and while Rogers (6-foot-4, 340) probably fits best on the nose, Crennel said he talked to Rogers about playing both end and nose.

"I can play both sides -- wherever Coach puts me," Williams said. "I'm a hard worker, a high-motor guy. I love the game of football.

"I know Shaun Rogers is a great player, too. He can easily take over a game. He plays hard. He stays in the backfield."

"It's documented that (Rogers) has great ability and can be a disruptive force along the defensive front," Crennel said. "I think we'll be pleased with what comes out of it."

In the Rogers trade, the Lions get Leigh Bodden and the Browns' third-round pick in this year's draft. Savage said the Browns had been involved in trade discussions with the Lions since the NFL Combine but weren't sure how things would play out.

Friday afternoon, the Lions and Bengals worked a deal that would have sent Rogers to Cincinnati. But the NFL league office rescinded the trade, and just about the time the Browns were agreeing to terms with Derek Anderson and finalizing the paperwork for Williams, the Lions called back to say Rogers was still available.

"It was a crazy day (Friday), as crazy as we've had since I've been here," Savage said. "We essentially thought (the Rogers deal) was overwith. But about 5 p.m. Friday the Lions called back and said it had fallen through, and they wanted to know if we would we still be interested. And we were."

The deal is contingent upon both Rogers and Bodden passing physicals with their new teams. Williams is officially signed to a six-year deal with the Browns; Rogers and Anderson are still in the "agreed to terms" phase of their respective deals.

Assuming everything goes through, the Browns have made significant strides.

"As a head coach it's somewhat of a dream weekend," Crennel said. "We've made ourselves better and put ourselves in position to make the playoffs. If we can make it to the playoffs this year, that's improvement."