The New England Patriots are yesterday’s news. The Dallas Cowboys? Spare me the soap opera. The Green Bay Packers suddenly became much less interesting and this year’s draft class, at least at this point, lacks a true can’t-miss superstar.

So, what’s THE story for the 2008 NFL season?

Look no further than the Dog Pound.

That’s right, the Cleveland Browns, those long-suffering lovable losers mired in NFL limbo for much of the past 20 years, could be the league’s Next Big Thing.

Last year, the Browns were one of the surprises of the league, finishing 10-6 and narrowly missing the playoffs. Not only were they good, they were exciting, ranking in the top 10 in points per game (25.1) and yards per game (351.3). After heading into 2007 on thin ice, head coach Romeo Crennel can look forward to the future with optimism – and a new contract.

Derek Anderson practically came out of nowhere to throw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns in the same season the Browns traded away their first round pick in this year’s draft to take their quarterback of the future in Brady Quinn.

While that decision doesn’t look so hot in retrospect, especially since the Browns gave their breakout Pro Bowl quarterback a new three-year deal, the situation mirrors the embarrassment of riches the San Diego Chargers enjoyed having Drew Brees and Philip Rivers on the same roster.

And now this year, the Browns have gone gangbusters in the free agency and trade market. First, the Browns lured wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth away from the Patriots and signed him to a multi-year deal, giving Anderson a legitimate number two receiver to complement Braylon Edwards.

Next, the team traded their second round pick in this year’s draft to sign Packers’ defensive tackle Corey Williams, who will move to left end in Cleveland. And finally, the Browns dealt away their third round pick in this year’s draft to Detroit for another defensive tackle, two-time Pro Bowler Shaun Rogers. The Browns then promptly signed him to a multi-year deal, as well.

The most significant thing about the deals for Williams and Rogers, save for the fact that it leaves the Browns with just one draft pick in the first three rounds, is that they significantly upgrade a defense that was atrocious in 2007.

The Browns ranked near the bottom of the league in points allowed, total yards allowed, and rushing and passing yards allowed.

The good news is, there is nowhere to go but up. The bad news is, there are a ton of holes to fill defensively and losing draft picks is not the way to fill them. So, while the Browns may be able to outscore most opponents, they’re still going to have trouble stopping them.

Still, the Browns will play nearly a third of their games against teams in what may be the weakest division in football next year. The Ravens may be starting a rookie quarterback, or at least developing one, the Bengals are a mess and the Steelers have questions on offense.

2008 could be a banner year for the Browns, but this time, they won’t sneak up on anyone.