Dawgs By Nature

We've made it -- it's time for the final position preview before training camp begins. Let's not waste any time with taking a look at Part II of our Cleveland Browns Offensive Line Preview.

Teams typically carry about nine offensive lineman, so that means three of the seven players in today's preview have a legitimate chance at making the team.

7. SHAWN LAUVAO - BACKUP ROOKIE GUARD

Drafted in the third round of this year's draft, Shawn Lauvao should be in the mix for the starting right guard position. I don't think we should expect Lauvao to win the job over Floyd Womack, but if he looks like the superior player in camp, there's no reason to keep him on the bench. After all -- Alex Mack started last year despite veteran Hank Fraley being on the roster.

Lauvao played tackle during the 2009 season at Arizona State, but his lack of movement required him to be moved to the guard position at the NFL level. Mocking the Draft credits Lauvao for having good strength in one-on-one situations, stating he should be ready to handle opposing teams' defensive tackles. He has the tools to be a power run blocker, which fits in with what the Browns are trying to achieve.

Final Roster Odds: 100%

8. BILLY  YATES - VETERAN BACKUP GUARD

I'm guilty of forgetting that Billy Yates was a member of the Browns during the 2009 campaign, playing in a total of seven games.

Yates has been in the league since 2003. He spent his first year with the Miami Dolphins, but played for the Patriots from 2004-2008. Yates ended up starting a few games during his span with New England, filling in for injured players, and also won a Super Bowl ring.

I see Yates being this year's Rex Hadnot since he can fill in at guard or center. The scouting report on Yates says that he's a better run blocker than he is a pass protector; isn't that common for all of our non-elite linemen?

Final Roster Odds: 80%

9. SCOTT KOOISTRA - VETERAN BACKUP TACKLE

Originally a seventh-round draft choice for the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2003, Scott Kooistra had a nice little seven-year stint with the Bengals before being released by the team last season.

Kooistra differs from Yates a bit in the sense that he's listed as a tackle or guard. Given the fact that Lauvao and Yates will already be competing at guard, I expect Kooistra to see more action at tackle in camp. I'd have to imagine that Kooistra would have a decent chance at taking a roster spot away from John St. Clair; then again, it might be best for the team to keep two backup tackles.

Final Roster Odds: 50%

10. PAT MURRAY - BACKUP GUARD

Murray first entered the NFL back in the 2007 season, joining the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in camp.

During the 2008 season, Murray signed on to the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks, which gives him a slight tie to team president Mike Holmgren. Seattle couldn't keep Murray after the Denver Broncos signed him to their active roster late in the 2008 season.

After Denver release him before the 2009 season, the Browns signed him and eventually placed him on the practice squad, where he spent most of last season. Murray is listed as a guard.

Final Roster Odds: 10%
Practice Squad Odds: 40% (if eligible)

11. PAUL FANAIKA - BACKUP GUARD

The Browns are overwhelmed with backup guards in camp. Paul Fanaika was selected in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles in last year's draft.

Fanaika made the Eagles' practice squad, but was signed to the active roster of the Washington Redskins in late November. The Browns picked him up off waivers after the Redskins released back in June.

His scouting report coming out of college touted him as having great bulk and power but being limited in his range and not being able to get as good of a push in the run game as he should.

Final Roster Odds: 10%
Practice Squad Odds: 30%

12. JOEL REINDERS - BACKUP ROOKIE TACKLE

If you haven't heard of Joel Reinders, then think of him as the offensive version of Kwaku Danso this year. In short, there's one word to describe him: project.

To read the full story on Reinders, click here. Here's the brief summary: Reinders posted some footage of his work on YouTube, in hopes to be picked up by a CFL team. A Browns scout noticed him on YouTube and signed him as an undrafted free agent. He's made it all the way to training camp.

Reinders has only played in eight career football games, but his size and ability during that span was enough for the team to take a flier. I'm interested to see how he and Danso do in camp.

Final Roster Odds: 0%
Practice Squad Odds: 20%

12. CASEY BENDER - BACKUP ROOKIE GUARD

The Browns signed Bender as an undrafted free agent a few months ago. Bender might have a tough time transitioning to the NFL. He came to South Dakota State as a tight end and converted to the guard position. He might be considered undersized, but on the same note he's not much different from Eric Steinbach.

Bender can move quickly at his position, but he's still a long shot to make the active roster due to the number of people ahead of him on the depth chart.

Final Roster Odds: <1%
Practice Squad Odds: 5%

Offensive Line Position Quality (Starters): B
Offensive Line Position Quality (Backups): C-

The countdown to training camp is now at just three days!