It's another season of change as Cleveland Browns approach opening of training camp: Analysis

Plain Dealer beat writer Tony Grossi tells you what to expect as the opening of training camp rapidly approaches.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In 14 days, the Browns will walk onto the field in Berea for their first practice of training camp. It's the official beginning of another new era. In a strange twist, the only major component remaining from last season is the coaching staff.

There's a new president (Mike Holmgren), a new general manager (Tom Heckert), three new quarterbacks, new running backs and a new tight end, plus potentially a totally revamped defensive secondary.

When the Browns were last on the field completing coach Eric Mangini's off- season program with a minicamp in June, the team was brimming with optimism about building off the four-game winning streak that ended last season.

Hello, my name is . . .

For the first time in memory, the Browns are breaking in three new quarterbacks at the same time. Former Carolina Panthers folk hero Jake Delhomme ($7 million in guarantees in 2010) is the starter. Seneca Wallace, Holmgren's quarterback insurance blanket for seven seasons in Seattle, is the backup and potential trigger of a new gimmick package with Josh Cribbs. The young hope is Texas farm boy and Longhorns record-holder Colt McCoy, who, remember, was not drafted in the third round to play in 2010, according to Holmgren. The lone holdover at the position is Brett Ratliff, a Mangini prodigy from the Jets who disappointed his coach with a poor preseason in 2009. Whoever is introduced on opening day -- barring something unforeseen, bank on Delhomme -- will be the team's ninth different Game 1 starter in 12 seasons.

Running back by committee . . .

Despite smashing two franchise records, posting the third-highest rushing game in NFL history and totaling 561 yards in his last three games last season, Jerome Harrison probably begins camp as the No. 2 back behind rookie Montario Hardesty. The second-round pick from Tennessee took advantage of Harrison's absence from most of the off-season practices and impressed coaches with his running ability, instincts and knowledge of the position. Newcomer Peyton Hillis, acquired in the Brady Quinn trade with Denver, also figures in the mix. Considering Hardesty's well-chronicled knee problems, the Browns are likely to follow the NFL trend of using multiple backs. But somebody has to be the feature back and Hardesty and Harrison should battle for the role.

Receivers who are 3s and 4s . . .

No position on the Browns gets less respect externally than wide receiver. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has used it as motivation, referring to the receiving corps of Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, Josh Cribbs and Chansi Stuckey as a bunch of "3s and 4s," meaning, nobody regards them as No. 1 or No. 2 receivers on a contending team. Daboll was on the New England staff when similarly regarded Deion Branch, David Givens and Troy Brown helped take the Patriots to a Super Bowl championship. After months of perusing the list of unsigned veterans, the team recently added Bobby Engram, 37, who started on Holmgren's Super Bowl team in Seattle.

Righting the offensive line . . .

The quest to form a solid offensive front from left to right seemingly is endless. After doling out big bucks in free agency in 2009 to veterans Floyd Womack and John St. Clair, the Browns made two more additions this year. They signed ex-Raven Tony Pashos in free agency and drafted Arizona State's Shawn Lauvao in the third round. Pashos was signed to start at right tackle. Lauvao will compete with Womack to start at right guard. Left guard Eric Steinbach, one of a handful of NFL starting offensive linemen under 300 pounds and thought to be a potential casualty because of a $5.75 million salary, would appear to be safe another year. The absence of a salary cap certainly helps Steinbach.

Suspensions on defensive line looming . . .

In the span of five months, end Robaire Smith and nose tackle Shaun Rogers were arrested in separate incidents for having a loaded gun in a bag in an airport. Each could face NFL suspensions under terms of the league personal conduct policy. The league is reviewing the cases. One or both could miss a game or two. If both are suspended, depth in the early games can be a problem -- unless rookie behemoths Clifton Geathers and Kwaku Danso defy the odds and develop quickly in training camp.

Shakeup at linebacker . . .

Last year's starters in Game 1 were Kamerion Wimbley, Eric Barton, D'Qwell Jackson and David Bowens. A year later, who would have guessed Bowens would be the only one to retain his status on the team? Wimbley was traded to Oakland, Barton's playing future is uncertain after a neck injury and Jackson's playing time could be in danger. With an emphasis on "position versatility," the names to watch are Matt Roth, Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong and Jason Trusnik. There are also three developmental LBs entering their second season -- David Veikune, Kaluka Maiava and Marcus Benard. This position forms the nucleus of the linebacker-centric defensive system of Mangini and coordinator Rob Ryan.

More than a secondary concern . . .

In 2009, the Browns were a respectable seventh in sacks per pass play and 29th in interceptions. Translation: The secondary was unbearably bad. Whoosh! In came Heckert-favorite Sheldon Brown from Philadelphia and three picks in the draft -- cornerback Joe Haden in the first round and safeties T.J. Ward and Larry Asante in the second and fifth rounds. Actions speak loudly. All the newcomers are being counted on to contribute immediately. Returning safeties Abram Elam and Mike Adams will warm their seats until Ward and Asante are ready. Haden -- if he's as good as Heckert believes -- could challenge Eric Wright for a starting job fairly soon. Forget about seeing Brown, 30, converted full time to safety. That's not going to happen.

Stop the drama . . .

Rookie contract holdouts are always a possibility, but they seem woefully out of date in these tough economic times, especially with the league embroiled in a global labor dispute that could prompt an owners' lockout in 2011. No doubt, Haden will be the last Browns' draft pick to sign. No matter how much time in camp he may miss, he's not going to hold up the team's development. Kicker Phil Dawson, who has been unhappy with his contract situation, elected not to boycott the mandatory minicamp in June, so it's doubtful he would do so at training camp -- where team fines can be greater. The absence of a quarterback "competition" should be a refreshing change.

Keep the dates . . .

First team practice open to the public: July 31, 8:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Practices closed to public: Aug. 3, Aug. 8, Aug. 11, Aug. 18.

First look in simulated game: Aug. 7, Family Day Scrimmage at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Parking is $5 in Port Authority Lots, but no ticket is needed to get inside.

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