Walt Michaels was one of the best players that small Washington & Lee College ever produced, and the Browns took him in the Seventh Round in 1951.  Cleveland didn't use him that year, not because he wasn't good enough, but because they traded him to Green Bay before the season started.  After one year in Green Bay, Paul Brown saw something special in Michaels and traded three players to get him back.  It was a steal.

Michaels emerged as a starting Linebacker for the Browns and became one of their leaders on the defensive side of the ball.  He helped Cleveland win back-to-back NFL Championships (1954 & 1955) while stringing off five straight Pro Bowls (1955-59).  Michaels, who acted as the defensive signal-caller, was an expert tackler, and it is believed that if Tackles were recorded in the 1950s, he would be amongst the top in that statistic.  

He retired after the 1961 season, though he would play one more year in the AFL a year later with the New York Jets.  The Browns honored Michaels as one of their Legends in 2006.

Brian Sipe had a slow journey from San Diego State to NFL stardom, as the 13^th Round Pick needed two years on the taxi squad before making the Browns team.

Sipe was a backup in his first two years, starting seven times, and while he was believed to be talented, there was no reason to think he was going to be a Pro Bowler.  He was elevated to the team's starting Quarterback in 1976, and after a few years of the team treading water, Sipe had a breakout at age 30 (1979), leading the NFL in Touchdown Passes (28), though also in Interceptions (26), with 3,793 Yards.  The Browns were now contenders and known for their comebacks, earning them the "Kardiac Kids" nickname for their heart-stopping moments.

Sipe had his best year in 1980, taking the team to AFC Conference Finals.  In the regular season, he had 30 Touchdown Passes but reduced his picks to 14.  He also had a career-high 4,132 Passing Yards, and he led the NFL in Passer Rating (91.4).  Sipe was awarded the AP and UPI MVP Award for his efforts.

The Browns struggled afterward, but Sipe was still considered a good QB, though he was benched during 1982.  Following the 1983 Season, Sipe bolted for New Jersey of the USFL, which was the league where he ended his career.

Sipe threw for 23,713 Yards and 154 Touchdowns, and was named a Cleveland Browns Legend in 2002.

After establishing himself as one of the top Guards of the 1970s with the Buffalo Bills, Joe DeLamielleure was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1980.  

DeLamielleure, who had five Pro Bowls with the Bills and was a blocker for O.J. Simpson star turns, made history in his first season with the Browns.  Not only did DeLamielleure earn his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl, but he also became the first lineman to block a 2,000-yard rusher (Simpson) and protect a 4000-yard passer (Brian Sipe).  Sipe won the MVP, and arguably, it would not have happened without DeLamielleure.

A Second Team All-Pro in 1980, DeLamielleure was so again in 1983, though his Pro Bowls were behind him.  He was still a solid veteran in the locker room, and his blue-collar style of play was perfect for the rust belt franchises he played for.  After being released before the 1985 season, he rejoined the Bills for one last year.

DeLamielleure was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and is a member of both the Browns Ring of Honor and Bills Wall of Fame.

Frank Ryan played his first four NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, and while he was never a primary starter, he was considered a Quarterback with potential.  When the Rams drafted Roman Gabriel, Ryan was traded to Cleveland, where he would have the best run of his career.

Ryan was pegged to be the backup to Jim Ninowski, but an injury to the incumbent elevated Ryan to the role of starting Quarterback, and he would become one of the most underappreciated pivots of the game.  Ryan flourished in the role, leading the NFL in Touchdown Passes twice (1964 & 1966), and he led Cleveland to the NFL Championship in '64.  

Ryan went to three Pro Bowls, and as a Brown, had a TD-INT record of 134-88, which does not seem impressive but was remarkable for his era.  He is the second Quarterback and last after Otto Graham, to win a title as a Brown.  The Browns named Ryan as one of their Legends in 2005.