Jerry S. Mendoza / AP file

President Matt Millen has led the Lions to a 21-59 record over his five seasons, none of which have ended in a winning record.

Cleveland looking rocky
Give the Browns credit for honoring quarterback Trent Dilfer’s request for a trade to the West Coast the week after the draft. Dilfer wanted to be closer to home and didn’t really like the idea of backing up second-year quarterback Charlie Frye.

But by being gracious to Dilfer, the Browns put themselves in a bad situation. They have the most inexperienced quarterback situation in the NFL and perhaps the worst situation overall.

The Browns have six quarterbacks on their roster with a combined four years of experience. That includes three years for No. 2 Ken Dorsey. Baltimore is close behind with only five years of combined experience between Kyle Boller and backup Brian St. Pierre. The good news for Baltimore is that it intends to make a serious run at Tennessee’s Steve McNair if and when he’s available.

For Cleveland, which took its run at Harrington for obvious reasons, the situation could be disastrous. Sure, the Browns have had a nice offseason by improving the offensive line and receiving corps. The return of tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. could be a huge boost as well.

But if Frye hits some bumps in the road, Cleveland doesn’t have a good alternative. Dorsey is a walking interception machine. Worse yet, there is no veteran to counsel Frye through the hard times. Dilfer was perfect for that.

Finally, the coaching staff isn't loaded with much help. Quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer has one year of NFL coaching experience and not NFL playing experience. Offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon is a considered a fine up-and-coming coach, but he was a fullback as a pro.

In short, it might be wise for the Browns to find a veteran such as Kerry Collins, Ty Detmer, Jay Fiedler or Tommy Maddox for a little insurance for Frye. Mental insurance, if nothing else.

This and that

• St. Louis might have problems getting a high-caliber replacement for general manager Charlie Armey, who went through serious health problems during the draft. The Rams are planning to dilute the power of the job, meaning that they will have problems hiring high-caliber people away from other teams because the job is technically not a promotion. Speculation has centered on former Pittsburgh and Buffalo GM Tom Donahoe coming back to the NFL after being fired by Buffalo after last season. That’s not exactly an overwhelming hire.
• Numerous Dolphins fans were amused by the work of Spielman, who was essentially fired after one year as the team’s GM, on ESPN during the lead-up to the draft. Many fans said they were stunned with Spielman’s inane commentary and conversation-stopping pronouncement. In short, many simply wondered: How could owner Wayne Huizenga have decided to hire this guy?
• Finally, good luck to former Houston GM Charley Casserly, a classy guy who helped reporters by returning calls and answering questions whenever he could. Casserly might not be the best judge of talent, but he can certainly help a team or the NFL in some capacity.

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