Talk about being ahead of the curve.  In hopefully a harbinger of things to come, the Browns have ushered in the annual summer rite of passage - opening their team’s rookie camp a few days before every other team in the league.  Or, in other words – at least for the time being – the Browns have finished first in something NFL-related.

Perhaps we should just stop while we’re ahead.

Anyway, with the dawning of rookie camp comes both an intriguing set of possibilities, as well as more than a few questions. 

Let’s take a look….  

1.  Who’s Missing?

Everyone is present and accounted for – except of course for the team’s top three draft picks, Joe Haden, T.J. Ward and Monterio Hardesty. 

In the cases of Hardesty and Ward, there isn’t a lot of mystery involved in their contract talks.  Traditionally, second-round draft picks are basically slotted into predetermined contracts – usually involving three to four year deals, not totaling more than five million dollars overall.

However, in the cases of both players – since Ward and Hardesty may find themselves starting at some point during the season, perhaps these contracts will reflect a bit of a jump over what has been paid in the past.

Also, there’s a very good chance that by the end of the day, both players will have signed.

As for Haden, the situation may be a bit more complex.

2.  Does it Really Matter?

Probably not – at least for the next couple days.  Ideally, all the rookie draft picks will benefit from some individual attention over the next several days, which will give them some nice momentum heading into the full-team camp starting next week.

In the case of Hardesty, it appears that he has already established some credibility heading into camp – and will likely challenge for playing time.  As for Ward, his situation comes down to the lack of available options found at safety….which is similar to the current state of the team’s overall secondary – as it relates to Joe Haden.

3.  Why Does Oakland Screw Everything Up?

Because they’re Oakland. 

While the non-conformist in me celebrates Al Davis’ independent streak and general disdain for the contemporary NFL, his 2009 signing of Darrius Heyward-Bey to an inflated rookie deal will likely cause havoc for the Browns.  Since Heyward-Bey was drafted at the exact spot in 2009 that Haden was taken in 2010, comparing the two deals will prove to be a major hurdle – and headache – in the coming days and weeks.

4.  Is Mike Lombardi Onto Something?

Lombardi – the NFL Network “insider” and former league front office man – claims that “sources” tell him that Joe Haden appeared slow during the team’s recent OTA practices.  Should we be concerned?

Probably not.  After all, we already went over this during the run-up to April’s draft, as Haden’s NFL Combine 40-yard dash time was slower than originally projected.  Plus, Lombardi’s story is full of holes, including just who these “sources” are, combined with Lombardi’s not so thinly veiled attempts to get back into the league.

But if you’re still concerned – take the following to heart.  First, Haden is faster than any other corner on the current roster and in case you haven’t been paying attention, it takes a while for a rookie to compete at full speed in the NFL.

5.  Will the Monterio Hardesty Crush Continue?

Usually, it’s the members of Browns Nation who fall for a talented running back.  However, this year – both the coaching staff and members of the media are struck by Hardesty’s combination of size, smarts and speed. 

Not to take anything away from Hardesty, who at least based on his college days has definitely flashed some NFL potential – but perhaps his offseason buildup could be more accurately defined as yet another way to motivate Jerome Harrison.

Either way, competition is good.

6.  Is This Colt McCoy’s Super Bowl?

Probably.  With Jake Delhomme entrenched as the starting QB heading into camp, along with Seneca Wallace certain to receive his share of reps, McCoy’s first NFL experience will likely be a very developmental one. 

However, rookie camp should be McCoy’s time to shine.  While he is no doubt an NFL project at this point in time – more so than most people will ever realize – it will be interesting to see how or if his college talents translate to the NFL.

7.  Is a There a Starting Safety in Camp?

With or without T.J. Ward’s current inclusion, the answer could be yes.  Although it seems unlikely at the moment, it’s possible that sometime during the 2010 season, Larry Asante could be a starter. 

In some ways, Asante is the more physical of the Browns’ two rookie safeties.  Considering the lack of talent currently found at safety, it’s not improbable to think that Asante could replace Abe Elam sometime during 2010.  Perhaps the clearest sign of this eventually occurring will be shown by where Mike Adams lines up during camp.  If Adams plays more corner – which he did during OTA’s – then the writing is on the wall.

8.  Beyond the Big Names, Who Else is in Camp?

There are some intriguing stories to be found at rookie camp, if not some interesting names. 

Kwaku Danso is a huge project – literally – on the defensive line, along with late-round draft choice Clifton Geathers.  While both players are incredibly raw, the depth along the defensive line is very thin. 

Speaking of more linemen, Casey Benders and Joel Reinders could compete for the roster’s final offensive line spot.  Much like the Mike Adams/Larry Asante situation, the future status of John St. Clair could prove a factor here.

Other rookies who have received some early buzz include wideout Johnathan Haggerty and defensive back Chris Chancellor.  Again, the idea of a numbers game will prove a factor – but along with fellow rookie Carlton Mitchell, Haggerty could be a surprise throughout camp.

9.  How Do This Year’s Rookies Compare to the 2009 Group?

The rational part of me would ignore this question – at least for another year or so.  The conventional wisdom states that one must wait three years before analyzing a group of rookies.  However, considering the way the Browns burn through general managers, coaches and players – this would mean that we would have only Joe Thomas and Eric Wright to talk about.

Therefore, an early comparison is pretty unfair.  However, merely looking at potential starters, it appears that the 2010 class is a bit more advanced than the 2009 variety.

Although 2009 produced Alex Mack and Mohammed Massaquoi, it’s possible that 3-4 starters have been found from this year’s draft.  Perhaps another way to compare the two drafts is by focusing on the “NFL ready” attributes of players such as Hardesty, Asante and Lauvao – compared to Brian Robiskie, David Veikune and Kaluka Maiava.  In many ways, the 2009 draft featured a bigger group of developmental talents, while the 2010 draft “appears” to have unearthed more immediate solutions.

10.  Are There Any Week One Starters Currently in Camp?

It’s possible that in a few years, we’ll look back at the 2010 draft as the moment when the Browns finally began to turn the corner.  Or, we’ll just lament the fact that we suffered through yet another in a series of endless regime changes.  Either way.

However, it’s possible that the Browns may have found a starting right guard in Lauvao and a contributor at running back in Hardesty.  Further down the road, Haden and either Ward or Asante – or both – will eventually start.  As for the projects, Carlton Mitchell is an intriguing wide receiver prospect.

But of course – small steps first.