Dennis Northcutt was described as a poor-man's Peter Warrick when the Browns drafted him in the second round of the 2000 draft. And based on Warrick's dismal production to date, the description seems to fit. Despite an early injury to JuJuan Dawson that made Northcutt the unchallenged #2 receiver his rookie season, Northcutt caught just 39 passes for 422 yards. The next year, Northcutt broke a collarbone before training camp and then injured his shoulder upon his return during the regular season. When Northcutt did play, he was inconsistent, often dropping passes and making a mess of kick returns.

Former Browns guard Jim Pyne can tell you that good players have been cut for less than what Northcutt has put the Browns through. But the 5-11, 175-pound receiver could play himself back into the lineup. An offseason examination showed that Northcutt suffers from an eye condition that makes it difficult for him to track moving objects close to his body. Northcutt has been performing a series of eye exercises that coaches say are helping Northcutt become much more effective in pass catching.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Northcutt has something that coach Butch Davis craves. Speed, and lots of it. Northcutt runs a 4.40 40-yard dash and can run circles around pursuing safeties and cornerbacks. With whip-fast moves and a light frame that can change direction on a dime, Northcutt is a threat to break short passes long on almost every play.

The Browns would like to see Northcutt occupy the slot in three-receiver sets, offering him a chance to get free of bump-and-run coverage and operate in space, where he's most effective. Of course, Northcutt needs to prove that he can become a consistent threat and that he can stay healthy.