Wimbley Sets Browns Rookie Sack Record

BEREA, Ohio (AP) _ Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley is unlike any top draft pick the Browns have selected over the last eight years. <br/><br/>From showing up at training camp on time to staying healthy and

Thursday, December 28th 2006, 6:17 am

By: News On 6

BEREA, Ohio (AP) _ Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley is unlike any top draft pick the Browns have selected over the last eight years.

From showing up at training camp on time to staying healthy and humble, Wimbley has done everything right in his rookie year, providing Cleveland a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal season.

He's produced on the field as well. His 10 sacks lead the Browns, are a franchise rookie record and the most since Jamir Miller had 13 in 2001. However, the soft-spoken Kansas native has gotten far less attention than blustery teammates Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, who are both former first-round picks as well.

``It's kind of hard to blow your horn when you're not doing as well as you'd like as a team,'' Wimbley said Wednesday. ``That's the main focus. Even if I'm doing good from an individual standpoint, if we're not winning, I'm not doing enough.''

Wimbley probably wouldn't brag even if Cleveland was headed for the Super Bowl. The 13th overall pick has shown an exemplary attitude off the field since signing before training camp opened, saying he wanted to show he's ``ready to be a Brown.''

``He's a quiet and low-key guy,'' coach Romeo Crennel said. ``I think that's the way he was in college and that's the way he's continued to be here. He doesn't say a lot and he lets his actions speak for him. You can do that and still speak volumes.''

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Wimbley has made his mark while switching from defensive end at Florida State to outside linebacker in the Browns' 3-4 defensive scheme.

His speed and pass rushing ability have never been in doubt. But Crennel said he's improved at dropping into coverage and reading routes and should continue to get better against the run next season.

``He's been a solid performer and I think he's worthy of the draft pick,'' Crennel said. ``I would like to have a lot more of him.''

It's not something that can be said of many of Cleveland's former top draft picks.

Many, like quarterback Tim Couch, defensive end Courtney Brown and running back William Green were plagued by injuries and failed to live up to expectations.

Some have caused distractions, including Edwards, who declined to comment Wednesday after the wide receiver didn't start against Tampa Bay on Sunday as discipline for an undisclosed matter.

Crennel was noncommittal on whether Edwards will start the Browns' final game at Houston on Sunday.

``We'll see what happens this week,'' Crennel said.

Edwards and Wimbley couldn't have more contrasting styles.

Edwards, who was Cleveland's No. 3 overall draft pick in 2005, has created problems all season by criticizing teammates, coaches and opponents, showing up late for meetings and throwing a tirade on the sideline.

Then there's Wimbley, whose name only comes up when he's making a play, like in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay when he had two sacks, one that forced a fumble and was returned by cornerback Daven Holly for the Browns' lone touchdown.

``I just try to stay out of the media spotlight,'' Wimbley said. ``If it's something negative, I don't want to draw that type of attention to myself.''

Wimbley also has broken the Browns' recent jinx of top picks getting injured in their rookie season, something that befell their last three first-rounders _ Edwards, Winslow and former center Jeff Faine.

He still has a game to go, though, and wouldn't mind a couple more sacks.

Wimbley leads all AFC rookies in the category, far ahead of No. 1 overall draft pick Mario Williams of the Texans, who has 4 1/2. He trails only Chicago's Mark Anderson (12) for the league lead among rookies.

``Looking back, I have a lot that I can be proud of,'' he said. ``I definitely know that I have a lot I can build on for next year.''