CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey, Mary Kay!
Hey, Mary Kay: Will Jamie Collins make the Pro Bowl this season now that he's surrounded by better talent? -- Kevin Young, Seattle, Washington
Hey, Kevin: I do think Collins has a good chance of returning to the Pro Bowl now that he'll have Myles Garrett attracting a lot of attention and Emmanuel Ogbah presumably taking a step up in his second season. Desmond Bryant is also returning from his torn pectoral muscle. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will also showcase Collins' strengths, which will lead to impact plays.
With the Browns not on prime-time TV this year and not expected to win many games, Collins will need to make big plays to earn a trip back to the Pro Bowl. When he made it in 2015, he led the Patriots with 90 tackles and had career highs with 51/2 sacks and five forced fumbles, which tied the team single-season record. He also picked off a pass, and returned a fumble for his first career TD. It will take another monster season like that make the Pro Bowl, but he's capable.
Garrett still limited in OTAs with sore foot
Hey, Mary Kay: Do you see the Browns adding Eric Decker or Jeremy Maclin at wide receiver? They're low on depth at this position. Also do you see them adding Colin Kaepernick at quarterback? I really think he could help out the Browns a lot! Thanks a lot! Go Browns! -- Gaylord Barnes III, Phoenix, Arizona
Hey, Gaylord: The Browns inquired about Maclin when he was let go by the Chiefs last week, but so far they haven't set up a visit. He spent part of two days with the Bills and then a day with the Ravens before taking some time to think about it. It seems as though he's deciding between those two teams as of now. If those opportunities fall through, the Browns might get involved. As for Decker, I'm sure they'll at least consider him too, as they're doing with all of the quality veteran receivers hitting the street right now. Some of their interest will depend on how Corey Coleman bounces back from his sore hamstring and other undisclosed injury from OTAs, and how quickly the second-year wideouts come along. It will be tough to get a good read on the quarterbacks in minicamp this week if Coleman doesn't practice and Kenny Britt is still limited.
Hey, Mary Kay: If you had to say how many games the Browns will win in 2017 what would your answer be? I believe that with so many young guys learning, no sure QB decided on yet, and questions at wide receiver, and defensive back that they will win 6. -- Ray, Cleveland, Ohio
Hey, Ray: If I had to guess right now, I'd say about five, but I'll have a better feel for it once the Browns decide who their starting QB is and once we see what first-rounders Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers and David Njoku do in preseason. Some of it will also depend on Corey Coleman's health this season. The Browns are counting on him to step up and catch TD passes this year, and need him on the field. If they stay healthy and get some decent quarterback play, their improved defense and running game should be good for a few victories.
Hey, Mary Kay: Duke Johnson is a good receiver out of the backfield. Could he not also be a good wide receiver? -- Carl Archdeacon, Ashland, Ohio
Hey, Carl: Johnson does have excellent hands, and in addition to catching the ball out of the backfield, he's sometimes split out wide. But he's also an elusive and shifty runner, and the fact he can line up in multiple ways makes him a dangerous weapon. Hue Jackson can get creative with Johnson, especially with a renewed commitment to the running game. Wide receiver is too limited a role for him.
Hey, Mary Kay: The big question now that Demario Davis is gone, given defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' preference for pulling his middle linebacker on third down is, who is going to be the middle linebacker on first and second downs? -- Charlie Cole, Sheridan, Wyoming
Hey, Charlie: Tank Carder has been manning the middle since Davis was traded to the Jets, but there are other candidates for the spot in Gregg Williams' 4-3, front. I believe Williams will put his best 11 players on the field regardless of their previous roles, and I think he's still learning his new players and how they fit in his scheme. I think it's possible that Chris Kirksey, who's moved outside to the Will (or weakside) in the base defense, could see some time inside, and that perhaps one of the current defensive linemen could end up playing some outside 'backer. Jabrill Peppers can also play some linebacker. But for now, it's Carder, with Joe Schobert and Dominique Alexander getting backup reps there.