Browns Trade Wimbley to Raiders

So….this wasn’t exactly the news I expected to hear on a Sunday night in Mid March.  

On the surface, this is nothing but surprising, considering that it appeared Wimbley was turning a corner in Rob Ryan’s scheme last season.  After two disappointing seasons following his breakout rookie campaign, Wimbley was productive for most of 2009, and appeared to be much improved in terms of his run defense.  In terms of players who I thought would be safe entering into the Holmgren era, Wimbley would be near the top of the list.

Shows what I know.

What I do know is that the move affirms quite a few things….like a bunch of questions.

1. The draft strategy is now blown completely apart – or at least our perception of it.  Instead of merely focusing on secondary help, now players such as Derrick Morgan and Carlos Dunlap have to be included in the first round discussion.  After all, if Wimbley is gone – there is now an outside pass rushing void staring this franchise directly in the face…or, an even bigger one compared to the variety that has been ever present for the last decade.

2.  Does this move signal a bigger defensive shift heading into 2010?  First, from a player perspective, Corey Williams goes, now if Wimbley is gone – who is next?  Should we begin cranking out the Shaun Rogers trade talk again?

3.  From a scheme perspective, how does this move affect the defense going forward?  Are the Browns slowly transitioning away from the 3-4 look of the past several years?  Granted, the defense has never truly been staffed to run such a scheme, but at least Wimbley was a better fit than most.

4.  Speaking of which, who was the driving force behind this deal?  What kind of input did Eric Mangini have in this decision?  Is it possible that Mangini and Ryan didn’t see enough from Wimbley in 2009 to justify keeping him around?  Or, was this move the sole property of Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert?

5.  From the What’s Done is Done Department, is a third-round pick enough value for Wimbley?  Considering that this year’s draft has some solid defensive depth, it just may be.  However, if you take a look at the remaining linebacker depth, maybe this move was a bit of a throwaway.

6.  Is it just me, or you do have more questions than answers?  Bud Shaw just wrote a bit regarding Holmgren’s transparency – but that was a long time ago…meaning this morning, before Quinn and Wimbley were dealt.   Wouldn’t it be a great time for a press conference to explain the rationale behind this weekend’s decisions?

I’m just saying. 

Is Joe Thomas still on the roster?