1 - I can not remember a Browns team being as focused, prepared and as willing to help other teammates on technique, etc. as I viewed the past couple months.
2 - Veteran OLB Willie McGinest spent time working with OLB's and DE's with their hand-fighting and moves at the point of attack. It is quite interesting watching a veteran of this caliber working with the talent in camp settings, McGinest leads by example.
I'm glad they signed and kept him. I don't think he was ever here to be more than a hold-the-fort guy as a player, but he sure knows all the dirty tricks, and is willing to share them. He's able to coach both OLB and DE, and teach the pass-rush stuff to everybody else. I hope when he retires, they can keep him around as a position coach.
3 - OLB Antwan Peek has been a man on a mission in these sessions. I anxiously wait for the training camp sessions to begin to see if his dominating presence remains intact when the pads go on.
Well, he's about 270 lbs., has done this before, and has recovered from his injuries.
Also, OLB Shantee Orr showed me that he is a player wgi knows how to get to the QB. His role is rising within the defensive scheme, as well as being a solid specials player.
Like I said, he was brought here as a utility inside/outside linebacker, and he will get a good share of playing time. He helps make this corps very deep, and will help keep it healthy.
4 - NT/DE Shaun Rogers is physically imposing, and has talent and quickness. I haven't seen a player like this in camp in a long time. His presence on the field in non-contact drills has been impressive and I believe he is going to be a huge acquisition for this team.
They should rotate heavily, and Rogers can be kept fresh. He'll play both DE and on the nose. Offensive lines won't know who they're blocking until they come to the line. There can be a lot of shifting and stunting with these guys--a center's nightmare. If he plays to his potential, he's been called by some the best defensive tackle in the NFL.
5 - While CB Eric Wright has been impressive in press coverage, I would be remiss in not acknowledging the presence undrafted rookies Mil'von James and Damon Jenkins have played in the defensive backfield. Each player possesses speed and quickness. James is more of the flashy player, while Jenkins is more consistent.
I didn't know about Jenkins! That makes TWO UFA's who showed promise. But in re Mil'von--the fact that he got his hands on so many balls indicates an understanding of this zone scheme. That's critical, and the main reason why a number of experts are still mindlessly repeating the need for a veteran third cornerback. Zone is complex, and the corner must read all the recievers, and make the correct moves. If one of them errs, the QB spots it instantly and he's toast. So a veteran is much, much safer.
However, as I said--while by design most 3-4's are 2 deep zones, it's not etched in stone. Man is mixed in, and with the right athletes you can man-up on both sides for a whole game. From what I've read, both these guys can man cover.
Let's keep the YOUNG guys.
6 - The linebackers appear quicker and are lighter than a season ago. Much rides on the play of the defensive line, but quickness in general at linebacker is improved. It will be interesting to see rookie LB Beau Bell when the pads go on. I am one of many curious to see whether the lights come on for the young man when the hitting starts.
Gimme a break! That's a foregone conclusion. They'll have to keep a leash on him tom keep him from creaming everybody.
7 - WR Travis Wilson looks much like the player this organization anticipated when selecting him out of Oklahoma. Interestingly, Wilson is running solid routes, making catches and most importantly has knowledge of what the expectations are. For the first time, Wilson is consistent in getting his head around in receiving drills. This may seem to fall into 'who cares ' type category, but to succeed at this level a receiver needs to get his head around, find the ball in-flight and fight for the reception. Wilson has been on the mark.
I TOLD you, don't give up on this guy YET. He was reliable and sure-handed in college. Stallworth has a dubious history, and the team needs insurance. Hubbard is too raw for this season. This is great news. IF he stays on the track he's on, Wilson can help a lot. He's another big target who can run after the catch.
8 - Remember it is very early, but I did not see 'real' improvement in the short-passing game of Derek Anderson, nor in the long / down-field vertical game of Brady Quinn.
I did not want to hear that. Therefore, you must be wrong.
9 - Patiently waiting for RB Jerome Harrison to get a legitimate chance on game-day. We all know of his blocking issues (which he has worked on) and being a player on specials, but this young man works as hard as any player in camp in drills and remains on the field after sessions working on ball-handling and receiving drills. I see a player with great vision, an instinctive runner with power and quickness and much improved ball handling/securing skills.
His blocking issues are long since resolved. Having analyzed more stuff between the lines, I believe the most important single issue was his route-running and discipline as a reciever.
Power? Well of that's true, there goes the dude's only weakness. Power would make him a stud. Not unlikely, either. He came into his second camp at 217, all muscle. Last off-season he worked out with Jamal Lewis and his trainers. He'll never be a battering ram like Lewis, but if he can break arm-tackles and muscle through small holes, he's the total package.
I read this idiot post "I'm on record as saying that the two biggest needs are cornerback and running back." This bigshot goes on to dis Wright and Harrison, saying that niether can carry the load for extended periods. Two factors at work here: 1: This guy thinks Harrison still weighs 190 lbs. In New York, he would have written off Tiki Barber, who likewise gained a bunch of muscle, and in his last two seasons led the league in yards-after-contact. 2: He thinks that because he couldn't beat out Jamal Lewis, that's all he'll ever be.
Idiot.
10 - Watching starting safety Brodney Pool deep in the defensive backfield discussing the sets and scheme with defensive backs coach Cory Undlin when other players are in drills. The play of the safeties were an issue last season and seeing Pool spending the time with the coach is promising, as the safety is a talented and athletic back.
Pool can man-cover tight ends and some bigger recievers. In his second year as a starter, he should approach his peak, and be a real stud.
Baxter has a great chance of making it as a safety. He started 8-9 games there for the Ravens. He has all the skills and knowlege to rotate in, including in a three-safety set.
Also, Grossi recently wrote that Baxter's injuries limitted his mobility. That is an assumption. The patellar ligaments have nothing whatsoever to do with turning or driving. While he may be labelled a safety, if I'm right HE could be the veteran cornerback in a zone scheme.
Head that anywhere else? I thought not.
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