ESPN NFL

The Cleveland Browns have to prove that last year's 10-6 season was not a fluke, and the team appears to be taking that challenge seriously.

Fantasy Update
Christopher Harris breaks down the fantasy prospects for the Browns. Story

Browns general manager Phil Savage created momentum early this year with aggressive signings in free agency. The Browns retained two key players in starting quarterback Derek Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis, and added receiver Donte Stallworth and defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers.

Those moves, coupled with solid camps this spring, have the team generally excited, despite a tough schedule.

What we learned from minicamp

The Browns are deep.

This year, Cleveland has more talent and depth flying around the practice field than at any previous point during the nine years since returning to the NFL in 1999. Whether that can translate into victories remains to be seen.

So far, the offense under second-year offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski seems more cohesive.

As the starting quarterback entering the season, Anderson is more comfortable than he was a year ago when he was competing for the job with former Brown Charlie Frye. Anderson is working on his decision making. After throwing 19 interceptions, coaches have been drilling Anderson to throw the ball out of bounds when nothing is there, and he's doing so more often in practice.

Backup Brady Quinn also looks in command of the offense in what is shaping up to be a Drew Brees-Philip Rivers scenario. The Browns are going to let it play out and make a decision only when it's necessary.

The defense with Rogers and Williams is showing improvement. There is some concern about Rogers' motivation after an inconsistent career with the Detroit Lions. But Rogers showed up for workouts this spring in great shape and looks motivated to have a big season.

Overall, new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is simplifying Cleveland's defense by expecting the team to master a few defensive packages. Last year the Browns had an abundance of packages under former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, and not many of them worked. Cleveland finished 30th in the NFL in total defense in 2007.

Still unresolved

For all of its depth, Cleveland still looks shaky at cornerback.

A season-ending knee injury for Daven Holly and the trading of last year's starter Leigh Bodden, have forced previous No. 2 cornerback Eric Wright into the top spot and former reserve Brandon McDonald into a starting role.

Wright and McDonald flourished in their old roles, but it unknown if both players can make that kind of jump simultaneously. It is quite a risk playing in a division that includes Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in Cincinnati, Derrick Mason in Baltimore, and Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes in Pittsburgh.

Wright didn't stand out much during veteran minicamp and McDonald missed all three days for personal reasons. Cleveland picked up 12-year veteran Terry Cousin to play the nickel. There are also several other young players such as Jereme Perry and cornerback/safety Mike Adams who might have to step up as well.

The Browns haven't ruled out getting another cornerback via trade or free agency. But don't expect any major moves such as trading for Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard or signing free agent Ty Law.

Injury analysis

Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., who didn't participate in OTAs, joined the team for minicamp in great shape after offseason knee surgery.

At times the Pro Bowl tight end was the best player on the practice field, displaying great hands, solid routes and some explosiveness that wasn't in Winslow's game late in the season.

Winslow's surgery this year was a cleanout procedure, which is the most minor surgery he's had in the past three years. Coming off a career year (82 catches, 1,106 yards) in 2007, Winslow could have an even bigger season if he's able to stay healthy.

Loss of Bentley

Center LeCharles Bentley asking for release certainly was a surprise, but it didn't have much impact on the team.

Bentley's return to the Browns was viewed only as an insurance policy. Cleveland waited two years for Bentley to take his first snap and has since moved on to build one of the better offensive lines in the NFL.

That didn't sit well with Bentley, a former All-Pro. The situation he signed up for in 2006, to be a leader of the offensive line, completely changed once he was healthy enough to return. So Bentley asked for his release a day after passing his physical, and the team had no problem granting it.

In Bentley's mind, he can be an NFL starter. To the brass of the Browns, he was the team's sixth or seventh lineman at best. In addition, considering all the history from multiple surgeries and the staph infection that nearly killed Bentley, there was too much negativity in the past, and a fresh start was what he needed and might get somewhere else.

Training camp start date: July 25

James Walker covers the NFL for ESPN.com.