The Browns' new management team of coach Eric Mangini and General Manager George Kokinis are breaking down the roster to prioritize "needs" and "musts" in the off-season.

One of the first orders of business is to evaluate the potential free agents the team might try to re-sign. Free Agency begins Feb. 27.

The Browns have 13 potential unrestricted free agents and no restricted free agents. We analyze the defensive players first, then the offensive players. Players are listed alphabetically.

Defense

Safety Mike Adams Age: 27

NFL seasons: five.

Comment: He started Game 1 at free safety for Brodney Pool and the next four at strong safety for Sean Jones. He missed two games with a hamstring injury. When everyone is healthy, Adams is a versatile defensive back who can play as a nickel back covering slot receivers or be used as a deep safety. A spunky player with the perfect temperament for the gunner role on special teams. He has a chip on his shoulder, the right attitude to succeed despite limited physical attributes.

Cornerback Travis Daniels Age: 26

NFL seasons: four.

Comment: When none of the undrafted free-agent cornerbacks stepped forward in training camp, GM Phil Savage traded for Daniels from Miami for a seventh-round draft choice in 2009. It seemed worth it at the time. Daniels played for Nick Saban at LSU and two seasons with the Dolphins. But he was a slow study. While the Browns secondary was being torched at the critical stretch of the season, Daniels remained glued to the bench. Finally, the coaches gave Daniels a start in Buffalo, which proved to be merely ceremonial. He was supposed to play the first series, but the Browns took away the ball on the first play. Brandon McDonald was quickly reinserted and Daniels never played again, languishing the last six games on the inactive list.

Linebacker Andra Davis Age: 30

NFL seasons: seven.

Comment: He might never say it, but he wants out of here. The repeated losing, changing schemes and a big paycut last year took their toll on him. His many critics say he is too slow, doesn't tackle well and gets overpowered at the point of attack. He's obviously a better player in a 4-3 scheme. Davis is a quality person and teammate. Here's hoping he lands in the right situation so he might achieve the team success he so badly wants and deserves.

Linebacker Kris Griffin Age: 27

NFL seasons: four.

Comment: He had such a good season on special teams in 2007 that I thought a closer look on defense at inside linebacker was warranted. Then I found out why that hasn't happened. He keeps getting hurt. There was an elbow in training camp, a calf in the season's first month. The year before, a knee, and an Achilles. His special-teams tackles dropped from 14 to four. He might be one of those unfortunate athletes with the wrong body type for this brutal sport.

Cornerback Daven Holly Age: 26

NFL seasons: four.

Comment: His season-ending knee injury in May cost him the chance to set himself up for a nice payday in Free Agency. It also contributed to the Browns' demise. Before the coaching change, he said he'd be open to a one-year deal to re-establish himself. When healthy, he's a decent cover corner who can compete for a starting job or play outside or inside in the nickel defense.

Safety Sean Jones Age: 26

NFL seasons: five.

Comment: He, too, had a big opportunity taken away by a knee injury. He missed two preseason games and then four in the regular season after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. When he returned, he just didn't look like the same player. He caught the bad-tackling germ and seemed to play tentatively. His four interceptions were second on the team. Two years ago, Jones was close to becoming an elite safety. It still could happen, but there is an element of risk in giving him a big contract.

Linebacker Willie McGinest Age: 37

NFL seasons: 15.

Comment: He gave it his all to save Romeo Crennel's job. Even though he played for Mangini, too, it's doubtful he would return to a team that is not ready to win consistently. He has begun transitioning into the ex-player analyst role on NFL Network. Once that happens, it's almost impossible to recharge the batteries and go through another training camp.

Linebacker Shantee Orr Age: 27.

NFL seasons: five.

Comment: He was signed to take the place of Chaun Thompson primarily on special teams but also as a situational rusher or backup inside linebacker. In 15 games, he had six tackles on special teams and four on defense.

Offense

Tight end Darnell Dinkins Age: 32

NFL seasons: seven.

Comment: He had his finest preseason as a Brown, but then dropped back into the No. 3 role as a situational blocker and core player on special teams. He had as many receptions (five) as tackles. His future with the team might depend on the health of Steve Heiden and the team's attitude toward Kellen Winslow.

Offensive lineman Lennie Friedman Age: 32.

NFL seasons: 10.

Comment: A versatile backup who can fill in at either guard spot and center. He missed the whole year with a shoulder injury. Certainly not a mauler, but he's made rosters because of versatility and smarts.

Offensive lineman Seth McKinney Age: 29

NFL seasons: seven.

Comment: Much like Friedman, only bigger. He started once at right guard and twice at left guard. Also has 31 career starts at center. Last year was the first in four seasons he didn't miss games because of injury.

Running back Jason Wright Age: 26

NFL seasons: four.

Comment: Certainly not as strong as Jamal Lewis nor as fast and shifty as Jerome Harrison. But he was the best back at picking up the blitz and is the best pass-catcher of the three. He's also a dependable player on special teams. But he might suffer from the change in regimes because the last one loved him.

Offensive lineman Scott Young Age: 27.

NFL seasons: four.

Comment: Claimed in September when Philadelphia waived him, and saw action only in the last game. He's 6-4 and 312 pounds. Played in 13 games before coming here, all at guard as a backup. Any young lineman has to be of interest to the Browns.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670