BEREA - Linebacker Peter Boulware remains an option if coach Romeo Crennel doesn't like what he sees from the pass rush.
Crennel said Monday that the ex-Baltimore Raven is on the Browns' back burner. Boulware had a tryout recently, but the Browns didn't offer him a contract.
Boulware missed last season after recovering from knee surgery. He was waived by the Baltimore Ravens in a cost-cutting move.
Crennel noted Sunday that the pass rush hasn't tested offensive tackle L.J. Shelton. Crennel said he's anxious for Shelton to face the world-class pass rushers he'll see on Sundays.
Asked Monday if he's seen improvement in the pass rush, Crennel said he's still looking.
Boulware's failure to sign with a team surprised Gary Baxter, who played with the linebacker in Baltimore.
'He's too good,' Baxter said. 'It's a sad situation to see an injury like
that has kept him from being one of the top-paid guys.'
EDWARDS WATCH: Crennel admits that holdout rookie Braylon Edwards could be costing himself a chance to start if he doesn't sign soon.
'It's a problem for Braylon to miss (time),' Crennel said. 'He's going to be behind everyone else. This is valuable time for any player. Once the season starts and you begin game-planning, you cut back on the individual stuff and do more group and team work. He's missing a lot of individual time.
'When he gets here we'll have to try to catch him up. That means he and
coaches will have to spend extra time.'
Edwards has missed six practices since camp opened last Friday. He also missed the four days of practice last week that were set up for rookies and selected veterans.
OFFENSE VS. DEFENSE: The offense had a productive morning practice. Crennel thinks that the defense is still struggling to pick up the 3-4 concept.
Asked if there's any particular area of defense that's more uncomfortable, he said,
'No, they're all uncomfortable.'
PRACTICE NOTES:
- Chris Crocker worked with the first-team defense at free safety in place of Brian Russell. Crennel plans to rotate the safeties before deciding on the starting duo.
- Baxter was on the field Monday after sitting out Sunday's practice with a stiff neck. Also returning to practice was long snapper Ryan Pontbriand.
- Cornerback Daylon McCutcheon (headache) and offensive lineman Craig Osika (knee) missed another day of work.
- The offense scored on all four plays during goal-line drills in the morning. Trent Dilfer threw to tight end Aaron Shea for a score on the first play. Fullback Corey McIntyre dove in for a score on the next play, which was followed by a touchdown plunge by fullback Terrelle Smith. Charley Frye threw to Paul Irons for a score on the last play.
- Trent Dilfer connected with a wide-open Dennis Northcutt for a long gainer. There was a breakdown in coverage.
- Chaun Thompson doesn't think he's assured of a starting job at weakside linebacker. He points out that rookies David McMillan and Nick Speegle are impressive athletes.