by Tony Grossi, Plain Dealer Reporter , Plain Dealer

Romeo Crennel had two defensive coordinators in his four seasons as Browns coach, and neither had held the job in the NFL before. A major difference under new coach Eric Mangini is he picked an experienced assistant to oversee the defense, Rob Ryan.

Ryan has coached 11 years in the NFL. The past five he was defensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders. While the Raiders compiled an abysmal record of 20-60 over that period, their defense ranked better than their offense the past three years, rising as high as third overall in 2006.

"In Oakland, we had a rough time," Ryan said. "Not just on defense, I can assure you. We had some issues there and I'm not going to point fingers at anybody. My record speaks for itself.

"We know how to coach some Football. I know one thing, what we're going to have here in Cleveland is an attacking defense. It's going to be an exciting defense and we are going to play great Football."

Ryan intends to incorporate elements of the Chicago Bears' "46" defense devised by his father, Buddy, in the 1980s. Those elements might not be so apparent until Ryan defines the fundamental style he wants the Browns to play.

Defensive linemen

"Multiple fronts" is a phrase Mangini and Ryan have used a lot. It means that while the coaches favor the three-man front as a base alignment, the Browns most likely will use more four-man fronts than were seen under Crennel. The new additions to this position are two former Jets that Mangini is comfortable with, Kenyon Coleman and C.J. Mosley.

Kenyon Coleman: Stout against the run, he led NFL linemen in tackles in '07.

Adam Hoppel: Former Cincinnati Bearcat survived this far as an undrafted free agent.

Louis Leonard: Started four games last year and had 31 tackles overall.

C.J. Mosley: Mangini used him inside and outside in three seasons with Jets.

Melila Purcell: Has languished two seasons on the Browns' practice squad.

Shaun Rogers: Last year was as dominant as a player can be on a 4-12 team.

Ahtyba Rubin: Sixth-round pick in '08 had 21 tackles in 12 games.

Robaire Smith: Missed 14 games last year with a blown Achilles tendon.

Shaun Smith: Critical year for him to impress new coaches.

Santonio Thomas: Spent his first season in '05 under Mangini with New England.

Corey Williams: Transition to 3-4 and shoulder injury impaired his '08 season.

Linebackers

It would not be hard to argue that the biggest downfall of the Browns' defense in their expansion era has been the failure to field playmakers at linebacker. Other than Jamir Miller in 2001, no Browns linebacker has come close to Pro Bowl recognition. The twin draft selections in 2006 of Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson were supposed to set a foundation at the position. Both should be entering their prime this year. Mangini bolstered this unit with the acquisition of two former Jets, Eric Barton and David Bowens.

Eric Barton: He knows Mangini's defense better than any player.

Beau Bell: Former regime was high on him; this one hasn't seen him play.

Marcus Benard: Undrafted free agent has some speed off the edge.

David Bowens: Played anywhere for Mangini in New York; designated pass rusher here.

Titus Brown: Played in four games in '08; looked active in minicamps.

Blake Costanzo: Mangini signed him as undrafted free agent in '06 and brought him here off waivers.

Alex Hall: Pass-rush potential of '08 rookie surprise tantalizes coaches.

Phillip Hunt: Inside hopeful signed as undrafted free agent.

D'Qwell Jackson: New coaches see him as a future star.

Kaluka Maiava: The unsung USC linebacker who won Rose Bowl defensive MVP award.

Bo Ruud: Browns picked him up off waivers from New England in April.

David Veikune: A pass-rush specialist at Hawaii must learn the 3-4 here.

Leon Williams: Had 12 starts in first two seasons, none in '08.

Kamerion Wimbley: Will be moved around in effort to unlock his potential.

Defensive backs

While 2008 starting cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald are still penciled in for those roles this year, Mangini made sure not to leave the position bare behind them. He signed veterans Rod Hood, Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy in Free Agency and used two picks in the sixth round on Don Carey and Coye Francies. Ex-Jet Abram Elam is the new strong safety and Brodney Pool and Mike Adams should compete for the free safety spot. Depth at safety appears to be an issue heading into camp.

Hamza Abdullah: Played in one game after signing with Browns in October.

Mike Adams: The only Browns' free agent in '09 the new regime retained.

Don Carey: A spunky, and smart, cornerback prospect from Norfolk State.

Abram Elam: Mangini tried to sign him in Free Agency, and then traded for him.

Coye Francies: Played at a junior college, Oregon State and San Jose State.

Rod Hood: Made 30 starts past two seasons with Arizona Cardinals.

Corey Ivy: Well-traveled backup corner spent 2000 training camp with Browns .

Gerard Lawson: '08 undrafted free agent trying to stick a second season.

Bret Lockett: A big safety who played strong and free for UCLA.

Brandon McDonald: Survived a roller-coaster year in '08.

Brodney Pool: Two-year starter at safety entering final year of his contract.

Hank Poteat: Browns are his sixth team in eight years.

Nick Sorensen: Played more defense last year than in seven previous seasons.

Eric Wright: Has started 29 of possible 32 games in two seasons.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

BOX:

Browns 2009 training camp

Day 1, Saturday, 76 Lou Groza Blvd., Berea, 8:45-10:45 a.m. and 5:45-7:45 p.m.

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