PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 29

CLEVELAND BROWNS

We love Cleveland Browns fans.  Despite having a litany of reasons to turn their backs permanently on the team, the denizens of the Dawg Pound remain fiercely loyal to the franchise.

And yet, every year, their hopes seem to be shattered even earlier in this year.

This time around, the Brady Quinn holdout put a damper on the latest "maybe this year" feelings, and the Ryan Tucker suspension and the Orpheus Roye knee surgery and the Willie McGinest back surgery have prompted the annual head shake, semi-frown, and mutterings of "maybe next year."

But, remember, this list is only about where a franchise ranks among all others right now.  There's still hope.  Running back Jamal Lewis might be better than expected, and tight end Kellen Winslow's knee is holding up nicely so far.  Rookie Joe Thomas looks to be ready to perform at a high level at left tackle and Eric Steinbach will provide some quality in the interior line, despite a mini-scare this week when he banged his knee against the ground.

Receiver Braylon Edwards enters his third year, which has become widely known as the season in which talented receivers break out.

We're not supposed to root for any teams, but we think it's only fair for the Browns and their long-suffering fans to get a chance to shine.  Hopefully, the team will climb the power ladder quickly this year.

Key departures:  WR Dennis Northcutt, S Brian Russell, DT Alvin McKinley.

Key arrivals:  RB Jamal Lewis, C Seth McKinney, DT Shaun Smith, DL Robaire Smith, OL Eric Steinbach, CB Kenny Wright.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  LT Joe Thomas.

Coach's current job security:  One year, possibly two.