Former Texan OLB signs 3-year deal to join Grantham's 3-4
The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of Antwan Peek Saturday. Peek struggled in Houston's transition to the 4-3 under new head coach Gary Kubiak, but will be a welcome addition to the linebacker rotation for Cleveland's 3-4. Peek played under Todd Grantham in Houston when they employed the 3-4, and showed promise as an outside edge rusher.
With Willie McGinest aging, and Chaun Thompson struggling to live up to the expectations that come with being a 2nd round draft pick, Peek will certainly get plenty of playing time to prove his value to the team. If he shows an ability to bring a consistent pass rush off of the left edge, he and Kamerion Wimbley could combine to make the Browns defense much better than it has been in the past.
As I stated when the Browns lost out in the Nate Clements Contract Negotiating Drinking Game, a pass rush would go a long way in improving the play of the corners and safeties. With Leigh Bodden and Davin Holly starting at corner, and Brodney Pool and Sean Jones starting at safety, the Browns could have an athletic and exciting defensive backfield in 2007. Linebackers Wimbley, McGinest, Andra Davis, D'Qwell Jackson, and now Peek make up what is now arguably the strongest unit on the team.
The big question now is, can the Browns find someone to solidify their porous defensive line? George Washington's older brother, Ted, is running on fumes (and sides of beef), and, besides Orpheus Roye, the line consists of backups (at best). Signing a free agent lineman like Robaire Smith (solid, not spectacular), and grabbing one in the first three rounds of the draft seem like musts if Romeo Crennel's defense is going to avoid the struggles they experienced last season.
The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of Antwan Peek Saturday. Peek struggled in Houston's transition to the 4-3 under new head coach Gary Kubiak, but will be a welcome addition to the linebacker rotation for Cleveland's 3-4. Peek played under Todd Grantham in Houston when they employed the 3-4, and showed promise as an outside edge rusher.
With Willie McGinest aging, and Chaun Thompson struggling to live up to the expectations that come with being a 2nd round draft pick, Peek will certainly get plenty of playing time to prove his value to the team. If he shows an ability to bring a consistent pass rush off of the left edge, he and Kamerion Wimbley could combine to make the Browns defense much better than it has been in the past.
As I stated when the Browns lost out in the Nate Clements Contract Negotiating Drinking Game, a pass rush would go a long way in improving the play of the corners and safeties. With Leigh Bodden and Davin Holly starting at corner, and Brodney Pool and Sean Jones starting at safety, the Browns could have an athletic and exciting defensive backfield in 2007. Linebackers Wimbley, McGinest, Andra Davis, D'Qwell Jackson, and now Peek make up what is now arguably the strongest unit on the team.
The big question now is, can the Browns find someone to solidify their porous defensive line? George Washington's older brother, Ted, is running on fumes (and sides of beef), and, besides Orpheus Roye, the line consists of backups (at best). Signing a free agent lineman like Robaire Smith (solid, not spectacular), and grabbing one in the first three rounds of the draft seem like musts if Romeo Crennel's defense is going to avoid the struggles they experienced last season.
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