Davis' final cuts continue youth movement

There were few surprises among the players released by the Browns.
BEREA (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns didn't release any big names. They were already gone.
Browns coach Butch Davis continued a youth movement on his team, keeping 10 rookies on Cleveland's 53-man roster after making final cuts Sunday.
"I've never been hesitant about playing young guys," Davis said.
There were few surprises among the final cuts because Davis had dropped several high-salaried players, including his three starting linebackers, in an offseason purge.
The only unexpected news was that Davis chose Melvin Fowler as his starting left guard for Sunday's season opener against Indianapolis. Fowler dressed for just three games last season.
"I've got confidence and faith in him," Davis said.
Of the 14 players released on Sunday, there were no notable names and only two players -- defensive back Kalvin Pearson and defensive lineman Cedric Scott -- played in any regular-season games for Cleveland last season.
Kept on the roster
Davis retained six of his seven 2003 draft picks, the lone exception being running back Lee Suggs, who was placed on the reserve non-football injury list. Suggs underwent shoulder surgery in May and will not be available for six weeks.
Four undrafted free agents made Cleveland's roster. Davis kept wide receiver C.J. Jones, fullback Kevin McLeod, linebacker Sherrod Coates and offensive lineman Enoch Demar.
Jones, who played at Iowa, had an impressive training camp and preseason. He averaged 28.8 yards on 11 kickoff returns, busting off a 78-yarder at Detroit. Jones also caught nine passes for 132 yards.
"There was rarely a day in practice or rarely a drill when you didn't say, 'There he goes again,' " Davis said.
As expected, Davis announced that starting left guard Barry Stokes will move to tackle and replace Ross Verba, who tore his biceps in the preseason finale and will be out for the year.
Fowler hasn't played particularly well this summer, but Davis is confident enough to go with him against the Colts. Fowler, drafted in the third round last year, has made just one previous NFL start.