Most scouts who were working for former general manager Phil Savage were retained, at least for this year's draft. Whereas players are burdened with the task of learning new terminology for plays that might be the same as those used by the previous coach, the transition from Savage to Kokinis was a seamless one because Kokinis worked with Savage when both were in Baltimore; Savage used that same grading system in his four years as G.M.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Browns signed 10 free agents since the signing period began about six weeks ago.

A year ago the consensus was the offensive line was a strength of the Browns. Coach Eric Mangini did not share that assessment, because starting right tackle Kevin Shaffer was released. Tackle John St. Clair (Bears) and guard Floyd Womack (Seahawks) were signed to challenge guard Rex Hadnot and guard/tackle Ryan Tucker for two spots on the right side.

Mangini and Kokinis might not be finished improving two spots. They have interest in California center Alex Mack, who might be available when the Browns pick in the second round.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Outside linebacker: Improved coverage by defensive backs and better execution in game plans can increase a sack total without blowing up the front seven according to Coach Eric Mangini, but the Browns need a starting left outside linebacker because they released Antwan Peek and Willie McGinest won't be returning. Last year the Browns had 17 sacks.

2. Safety: Improving the safety position is one way to improve the pass coverage. The Browns did not sign a starter in free agency, though they lost one when Sean Jones signed with Philadelphia. The Browns brought back Mike Adams with a three-year contract, but he has never started 16 games.

3. Running back: The Browns like Jamal Lewis as a starter, but he showed signs of wearing down last year. Backup Jerome Harrison, entering his fourth year, is not a 200 carries a season back. Like every team they would like to find a Terrell Davis in the sixth round.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--OL Lennie Friedman missed all of 2008 with a shoulder injury, lost weight during his recovery and is unlikely to be re-signed.

--LB Kris Griffin has a long injury history and won't be back.

--CB Daven Holly is worth re-signing if the price is right. He is coming off major knee surgery and doesn't have much bargaining leverage.

--LB Willie McGinest is expected to retire.

--LB Shantee Orr made four tackles from scrimmage and six on special teams. He will not be back.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--TE Brad Cieslak (ERFA rights terminated).

--DE Chase Pittman (not tendered as ERFA).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--S Mike Adams: UFA; $4.1M/3 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--FB Charles Ali: ERFA; terms unknown.

--WR Syndric Steptoe: ERFA; terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--LB Eric Barton: UFA Jets; $11.15M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--LB David Bowens: FA Jets; $7.2M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--RB Noah Herron: FA Jets; terms unknown.

--CB Corey Ivy: UFA Ravens; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--DT C.J. Mosley: UFA Jets; $5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--WR David Patten: FA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--CB Hank Poteat: UFA Jets; $745,000/1 yr.

--TE Robert Royal: FA Bills; $10M/3 yrs, $3M guaranteed.

--T/G John St. Clair: UFA Bears; $9M/3 yrs, $600,000 guaranteed.

--OT Floyd Womack: UFA Seahawks; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--CB Terry Cousin (released).

--CB Travis Daniels: UFA Chiefs; terms unknown.

--LB Andra Davis: UFA Broncos; $5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--TE Darnell Dinkins: UFA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--QB Ken Dorsey (released).

--P Mike Dragosavich (released).

--QB Bruce Gradkowski (released).

--S Sean Jones: UFA Eagles; $3M/1 yr, guarantees unknown.

--WR Joe Jurevicius (released).

--C/G Seth McKinney: UFA Bills; terms unknown.

--LB Antwan Peek (released/failed physical).

--PK Jason Reda (released).

--OT Kevin Shaffer (released).

--TE Kellen Winslow (traded Buccaneers).

--RB Jason Wright: UFA Cardinals; $2M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.

--OT Eric Young (failed physical).

--OG Scott Young: UFA Broncos; terms unknown.