Adams brings heart, hustle

07.05.2009

The NFL is filled with athletes who play bigger than they are but still find big obstacles -- and much bigger players -- in their way.

Welcome to the world of the Browns' Mike Adams, a versatile veteran safety and a core special teamer.

At just 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, the sixth-year pro is hardly the most physically intimidating safety around. Consider that Brodney Pool is 6-2 and 210, and the other projected starting safety for the Browns, Abram Elam, checks in at 6-0 and 207.

Mention that to Adams and he just laughs.

"My size doesn't bother me. It never has," he said after one of the full-squad minicamp practices. "It's like the coaches tell us, if you don't have a tough mentality out there, they're going to run right over you. I've got that tough mentality.

"Eric (Wright) and Brodney kid me all the time and tell me I've got little-man syndrome. Maybe I do, because I always go out there trying to prove a point."

And that point is that he can hit you and hurt you. That's been apparent in the two previous seasons he's played with the Browns, and during the spring, no-contact practices this year when he would race toward a receiver, his shoulder dipped, ready to deliver a blow, only to pull up at the last second.

Just getting ready for when the real thing - the hitting - starts Aug. 1 as the full pads go on and training camp opens.

Actually, there's a lot physically about Adams that, at first glance, doesn't wow you. But he points out, "Look, I may not be that fast, but I'm quick. I can get to the play in a hurry. And while I may lack height, I'm a great jumper. I can get up there with the receivers and contend for balls."

Plus he has good hands, and, even more importantly, a nose for the ball. Despite seeing mostly reserve duty -- he started just five games -- he had two interceptions last season, and in 2005 while with the San Francisco 49ers, he had four.

"I think that some players - and I include myself in that group - have a sixth sense that lets us know where the ball is going," Adams said. "You see certain formations or the way a guy is lined up or looking back at the quarterback, and you just get a feel for what the offense is trying to do."

But what may help Adams the most is something that comes not from the head, but rather the soul. He's played multiple positions, multiple roles and always plays as fast as his body will allow him.

"It's right inside here," he said pointing to his heart. "I'm always hustling out there, running to the ball. I'm always trying to make plays. My motor never stops. I can't afford to let it stop."