With this post I’m beginning a new off-season diversion. I’m on a mission to scour the all-time Browns roster and rank the best players at each position. Today, I’ll start with the tight ends, since I already did my research in coming up with this post. On an irregular basis over the coming weeks, I’ll tackle the tackles, stack up the backs, lay the ends end to end, line up the linebackers, and so on.
A word about my criteria: I’m not a talent scout or a statistical analyst. I won’t speculate how an old-timer might fare in today’s NFL. I will consider the demands of the position and determine who best met them while wearing Browns’ colors. Who made the strongest, deepest positive impact, during his own time, in helping the team succeed and in approaching my ideal vision of a Cleveland Brown?
The number of players I list will vary with each position. I’m sure I’ll want to recognize more running backs than punters. My brief commentary on each player is not meant to provide my full reasoning for his ranking. In the comments section, you can debate my findings and/or add your own player appreciations. I may change my mind or elaborate further.
ALL-TIME BROWNS TIGHT ENDS
1. Ozzie Newsome (1978-90) — Easy choice. A Hall of Fame combination of talent, durability, and character.
2. Milt Morin (1966-75) — Three-time Pro Bowler. 250-pounder averaged more than 15 yards per catch.
3. Johnny Brewer (1961-67) — Helped pioneer the position. Moved to LB upon Morin’s arrival and made the Pro Bowl.
4. Oscar Roan (1975-78) — Never improved on 41-catch rookie season.
5. Chip Glass (1969-73) — Solid back-up on some very good teams. 78-yard TD against Oilers helped break three-game losing streak in 1970.
6. Harry Holt (1983-86) — With Ozzie in 1983, Browns TEs had more catches than their top four WRs combined. His 48-yard TD beat the Chargers in overtime that year.
7. Brian Kinchen (1991-1995) — 73 catches, 795 yards and a long-snapper extraordinaire.
Sorry, not quite: Ralph Smith, Gary Parris, Scott Galbraith, Mark Bavaro, Aaron Shea.
Obviously, Kellen Winslow Jr. brings with him the promise of excitement and productivity that has not been seen from Browns tight ends since the young Ozzie graced the Stadium two decades ago. If he can start his career without missing a hitch, it’s possible Winslow could vault as high as #3 on this list after his rookie year.
