NC Sports Clients Dawson, Zastudil two of top seven Browns signings

By Tony Grossi

February 26, 2009



1. PK Phil Dawson, 1999: Lone remaining player from the expansion season, he is rewriting the team record book and can arguably be called the franchise's all-time greatest kicker, Lou Groza notwithstanding.

2. DL Orpheus Roye, 2000: In eight seasons, he started at left tackle and right tackle in a 4-3, and left end and right end in a 3-4. Was never the defense's best player, but always its most consistent.

3. OT Ryan Tucker, 2002: A stalwart his first two seasons, he began suffering injuries in '04 and had only one 16-game season since. The former position coach called him "the best we've got," including Joe Thomas.

4. OG Eric Steinbach, 2007: A solid, versatile pro who gets the most out of his lanky frame and is not the conventional mauler most teams look for at the position.

5. RB Jamal Lewis, 2007: In hindsight, maybe the Browns should have been one-and-done with him after his first season and looked for younger legs.

6. (tie) P Dave Zastudil, 2006: His 44.0-yard gross average over three years is a franchise record. His 2008 was one of the best years a Browns punter ever had.

P Chris Gardocki, 1999: In five years, his 486 punts rank second all-time for the Browns, and his gross average is third best. Oh, yeah, never had a punt blocked.