My Favorite Browns Players: Current Era

Two of my staple questions when I interview Die Hard Browns Fans are: Who is your all-time favorite Browns player, and Who is your favorite current Browns player?

I always enjoy these responses, because sometimes it brings back such good memories.

Also, it's made me think ... Who are my favorite Browns players? It's a difficult question to answer, for sure. Trying to choose from among some of the greatest to ever play the game; players you looked up to as heroes when you were a kid; players who hold hope for the future ... it's tough.

I've thought about it, and thought about it and decided, I can't decide on just one favorite player. I have many favorites from over the years.

I've broken them down into categories and will post a new category of my favorite Browns every Monday for the next few weeks.

This week, I thought I'd start with my favorite Browns players from the current era.

Phil Dawson

This shouldn't even be a debate. Phil Dawson is, without a doubt, the MVP of this team since 1999 (and the only player left from that expansion year).

Some may have thought it foolish for the Browns to slap the franchise tag on a kicker, but I'm not one of them. Dawson has been a consistent bright light for this team that has been in the dark for so long.

Phil Dawson has had a direct impact on more wins since 1999 than any other player. It's not even close.

Don't believe me? Check out this post for more on Dawson.

Peyton Hillis

What Browns fans wasn't excited watching Peyton Hillis play last season. He was a big surprise — and raised our hopes for our long-awaited running game.

Acquired from Denver in the Brady Quinn trade, Hillis took a back seat to Harrison and Hardesty, that is until he got the ball and was able to show what he could do.

I don't know of any Browns fan right now who isn't thrilled with Hillis and glad to have him in our backfield.

I just hope the Browns can give him some support and he can continue to be a dominant force in the NFL.

Joe Haden

Other than Joe Thomas, when was the last time a first round draft pick had an immediate positive impact for the Browns in their rookie season?

Haden contributed from the get-go this season, making a name for himself in the NFL. He became the first Browns player since 1968 to intercept a pass in four straight games. He finished his rookie season with 64 combined tackles, 6 interceptions and one forced fumble.

In addition to a phenomenal rookie season that has earned him respect from many Browns fans, Haden has recently demonstrated his support for Cleveland.

I'm definitely excited to see more of his outstanding talent in Cleveland.

Who are your favorite Browns players?

Go Browns!