Perched 10 feet away from the coach, I watched him closely as he surveyed the field and evaluated the talent. The look on Crennel's face never changed the entire practice even when a player made a big play. It was as if Crennel knew that he was being watched and didn't want to show any emotions or tip his hand as to the prospect he was eyeing. Just watching him you knew that Crennel was in his element.

After practice on Wednesday the coach shared his knowledge on evaluating prospects and the importance of performing.

"Anytime that they are being evaluated, which is all the time, it's important that they perform well," Crennel said.

"Now everybody doesn't always perform as well as they want to," he said. "But if they put their best foot forward generally somebody will notice that they have the ability that is needed to play in this league or to fit in on a particular team. That's the thing that these guys want to do. They want to impress somebody. So as this draft process goes on, somebody will look further and do a little more research and then hopefully call their name on draft day."

The Browns finished the season ranked No. 30 in total defense and will be looking to improve their overall defense this offseason. The club will likely address major areas of need via the draft rather than free agency. Crennel was forthcoming about the talent in Mobile playing a big part in filling those gaps on defense.

"A lot of it depends on what's out here," he said. "I think overall we need to improve our defense so we have to look at some defensive players and it all starts here at the Senior Bowl. The players are practicing in pads and being coached by pro coaches.

"They know that all the NFL is here. So how they compete, how they work during this week in practice, and how they play in the game on Saturday is key. It's the start of a process. We have to work through Pro Days, Combine, and then we'll get to the draft and see how guys fall out. This is the starting point for everybody, and everybody is starting over on the 2008 season right here."

The Browns were much improved from the '06 season and had a phenomenal year. Although Crennel acknowledges the team's accomplishments in '07, he's not content nor is he basking in the glow of the newfound success. In fact, he has his sights set on something bigger in '08.

"It was a really good season to win 10 games, something that hasn't been done since the team came back to Cleveland, so that's a plus. To win seven home games, that was also a plus.

"The thing we didn't do is make the playoffs. So now that gives us something to shoot for and we will shoot for trying to get to the playoffs. That's how you're able to get to the Super Bowl. You have to get to the playoffs and win in order to get there. If you can't make it to the playoffs you can never make it to the Super Bowl. We want to get to the Super Bowl," Crennel said.

Crennel said that not making the playoffs left a bad taste in the players' mouths and will make them hungrier when the season starts.

So far, the Browns have been busier than a grocery store on Golden Buckeye Day. Now let's see if they can deliver in '08.

Side note: The Browns have entered contract negotiations with QB Derek Anderson and RB Jamal Lewis and are waiting to hear from representatives for both players. Crennel said that he would like to have Anderson and Lewis in Browns' uniforms next season. On the flip side, contract talks to extend Crennel are believed to be progressing well with the two sides talking, which is a good sign that a deal can get done.