Simon

Fraser

Fraser’s versatility, size (6'6/300), and age (26) are pluses, and he can rush the passer. A 3-4 ballclub needs to give him a shot as a defensive end.

Interesting that both have extensive experience in 3-4 systems. While coach Mike Smith and GM Thomas Dimitroff have indicated that Atlanta will use a 4-3 this year, Dimitroff’s background is in New England. Fraser, 24, can play end and tackle and posted five sacks in 2006. Moore is a nose tackle.

A small surprise. The Browns’ line is thin behind the starters and Fraser had five sacks in 2006. He was seemingly weeded out of the rotation last year.

The exclusive rights free agent was mostly a special teams player as a rookie.

Nick Eason, the would-be top backup, has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Fraser went undrafted in 2005 and has next to no experience.

Free agent Alvin McKinley, who had just 45 tackles and one sack in 2006, might return but not to start. Cleveland also faces decisions on the future of Orpheus Roye, 34, and Simon Fraser, a young player they like.

Smith, who played tackle in Tennessee last season, will kick outside in Cleveland’s 3-4, where he’ll likely be part of a rotation with Orpheus Roye, Simon Fraser, and possibly Orien Harris. Smith accumulated 77 stops and four sacks at end in Dom Capers’ 3-4 from 2004-2005 for Houston.

Fraser recorded 4.5 sacks, 36 tackles, and forced a fumble in mostly reserve duty last season. The Browns are high on him and feel he could compete to start down the road. Unck is a special teams performer.