Q: Hey, Tony: What is the value of the three third-round picks that the Browns have? Would two third-round picks be good enough to get a second-round pick? Would a second- and two third-round picks allow the Browns to get another first-round pick? Do you think Holmgren has something already agreed to when he said that we would understand later why they got the third-round pick from Oakland?
-- Rich Smith, Columbus, Ohio
A: Hey, Rich: According to the draft value chart, the Browns' three picks in the third round equal 532 points. That's the equivalent of the fifth pick in the second round (No. 37 overall). My hunch is the Browns would be interested in moving into the middle of the second round and may offer two or more of these picks to accomplish that.
Hey, Tony: In a draft this deep, especially in the secondary and on the offensive line, there probably isn't a reason to trade up, unless it's into the first to nab McCoy ahead of the Rams--depending on what they do with #1.
If Colt is targetted, moving down could do the same thing. Is there any specific reason that came out of your cerebral cortex that made you think they want to get rid of draft picks?
Q: Hey, Tony: With the Browns' acquisition of Sheldon Brown, does that take Joe Haden off the board for the Browns? And if so, and if Eric Berry is already drafted, what is the Browns' fallback option picking No. 7?
-- Paul Thiel, Crescent Springs, Ky.
A: Hey, Paul: I do believe Haden is out of consideration for the Browns' No. 7 overall pick. I suspect the fallback option after Berry is Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick, Texas safety Earl Thomas or an offensive lineman, perhaps Iowa's Bryan Bulaga.
Hey, Paul: No it does not. In today's NFL you need AT LEAST three "starting" cornerbacks, and in Ryan's defense man-coverage skills are very important. Brown can move to safety--Haden is still a good target, although getting him after a move down would be a lot better.
Hey, Tony: Bulaga? And pay him about as much as Joe Thomas? To play right tackle? A 3-4 inside linebacker 7th overall? Stick to writing--you couldn't manage a payroll.
Q: Hey, Tony: This morning I saw Shaun Rogers on ESPN. He really seemed to me to be telling the truth that he didn't intend to bring a loaded gun through the airport. I would like to hear your thoughts on this incident. Also, the average person cannot know what threats these highly paid athletes live under. I think Shaun forgot it was in his bag . . . hope they do cut him a break.
-- Alan Wilson, Fredonia, Wis.
A: Hey, Alan: Rogers is one of the brightest men in the Browns' locker room. I have no idea what was going through his mind. I learned a long time ago that we never really know a player outside the locker room.
Reminds me of that time they found those hand grenades and the C-4 in my foot locker. Boy was that embarrassing!
Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think that Brandon McDonald will accept the nickel back role now that the Browns just acquired a starter in Sheldon Brown, or is he likely to be traded around draft day?
-- Casey Valentine, Dublin, Ohio
A: Hey, Casey: The question is not whether McDonald will accept whatever role the Browns assign him. The question is what will be his role. I believe the draft will dictate that. I suspect the Browns will try to draft a cornerback in the first three rounds, which could push McDonald to the No. 4 spot. I don't see him as the first option at nickel back. Mike Adams is much better there.
Hey, dumbass: McDonald is NOT good in man coverage, and a nickel guy needs that skill. And Adams IS a pretty damn good nickel guy.
Q: Hey, Tony: How about a moratorium on questions concerning the possession rule change in playoff overtimes until it might have some impact on the Browns? Maybe until we finish at .500?
-- Tim Halpern, Orlando, Fla.
A: Hey, Tim: I expect an owners vote in May will make the new overtime format applicable in all games in 2010.
What about the moritorium? I'll second that! Along with the other questions having nothing to do with THIS team!
Q: Hey, Tony: I was thinking about possible late-round sleepers in the quarterback department, and Max Hall from BYU came to mind. I realize that he is a couple of years older, because of his Mormon mission, but his numbers for the Cougars were pretty good. Also, I think that I remember you mentioning Jameson Konz from Kent State putting up crazy numbers at his pro workout, but have not heard anything else other than that. Do you think that he is a possible sleeper that the Browns might go after?
-- Don Jones, Pawcatuck, Conn.
A: Hey, Don: My late-round sleeper quarterback is Tim Hiller of Western Michigan. Konz has received a lot of interest from teams such as New Orleans, Miami, and the Giants. His workout numbers were through the roof. They may get him drafted.
Q: Hey, Tony: I like what Heckert and Holmgren are doing to bring in guys from winning teams through trade and free agency. I was just wondering if bringing in Flozell Adams would make any sense if he could play the other tackle position? And what are your thoughts on Jordan Shipley?
-- Matt Barnes, Bedford
A: Hey, Matt: Even though Adams was released, he will command a big salary. I don't know how he'd feel about moving to right tackle. Washington is supposedly interested in him as its left tackle. Shipley was very productive at Texas. If the Browns take Colt McCoy, why not take a flier on his favorite receiver, too?
Hey, Dimbulb: Gramps Adams was never a very good run-blocker. He was athletic. WAS. He's not even remotely suited to right tackle in a man blocking system. Wish Tony knew this stuff. But good point on Shipley, Tony.
Q: Hey, Tony: Can you think of a player(s) traded or released by the post-move Browns that went on to perform significantly better for his new team? If not, is this an endorsement of the front office/coaching staff's ability to assess its own talent or an indictment of the generally poor talent level of the team?
-- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake
A: Hey, Steve: Going back to the early 2000s, tackles Lomas Brown and Roman Oben come to mind. Of course, Shaun O'Hara might be the best one. Anthony Henry had a few good years in Dallas. Well, Jeff Garcia had a bit of a rebirth in Philadelphia after he left here (and Detroit). Then there was Antonio Bryant. What about Jeff Faine? Have I mentioned Leigh Bodden?
Sorry to disappoint you.
TWO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DAMN BROWNS DELETED DAMMIT.
Q: Hey, Tony: During Jake Delhomme's media session, he stated that coaches should fit the offensive scheme to their players' strengths. He stated (paraphrase), "the best play is worthless if you can't execute it." I believe it's fairly obvious that Mangini's coaching style does not support this position. Can you foresee this being a problem between the coach and his new QB?
-- Dave M., Lawrenceville, Ga.
A: Hey, Dave: Not right now, but a veteran with the equity of Delhomme can, and should, voice concerns about the direction of the offense.
Hey Tony and dumbass: A general statement about strategy is niether a complaint nor a criticism, however much you want it to be or have decided in advance it will be.
All Browns coaches have discussed their willingness--maybe even eagerness--to institute more of Holmgren's West Coast scheme, and this offense will obviously run the ball a lot...which is doing precisely what Delhomme talked about.
Tony--your bias is showing. Better tuck it in.
Q: Hey, Tony: I have not heard anyone ask this question. Is the extra point considered a part of a touchdown? If so, would a team have to kick an extra point in overtime if they get in the end zone? I would guess not but wouldn't that add a great twist?
-- Rich Mowery, Cincinnati
A: Hey, Rich: In overtime, a touchdown wins the game. The PAT is unnecessary.
WHO CARES?
Q: Hey, Tony: Is DT a bigger priority in the upcoming draft, now that Big Baby is facing legal issues? If either Gerald McCoy or Ndamakung Suh are still on the board at No. 7, do the Browns draft one of them?
-- Jimmy Brock, Berkeley, Calif.
A: Hey, Jimmy: I don't think Shaun Rogers' legal issues have made defensive tackle a top priority. However, if McCoy or Suh dropped to them at No. 7, the Browns would have no problem selecting either one.
That's a big ten-four, but quit dreaming.
Q: Hey, Tony: Why did the Browns settle on Jake Delhomme and give up on getting Donovan McNabb? A second-rounder for a much-needed franchise QB is a steal and I can't put into words how much this upsets me.
-- Chris Kingzett, Parma Heights
A: Hey, Chris: Mike Holmgren told me in a story that ran in Friday's Plain Dealer that he did not want to give up a draft pick in the top three rounds for a veteran quarterback. He said that at the time of his discussions about McNabb, the Eagles' price tag was "pretty high." It was reported to be a first-round pick. Ultimately, they accepted a second and a future fourth.
Q: Hey, Tony: I'm predicting Sam Bradford will be there at No. 7. Do the Browns take him?
-- Brian Wheatley, Alliance
A: Hey, Brian: In a heartbeat.
Hey, Brian: I agree with Tony, but would like to know where you get your stuff. Bradford sliding to seven?
Q: Hey, Tony: Anyone outside of Cleveland notices the huge gaps on offense. My question to you is this: If the Browns don't draft defense, who would they possibly pick on offense in the first round besides a quarterback, who most know they won't draft till later?
-- Ashley Sopotnick, Leesburg, Fla.
A: Hey, Ashley: Offensive lineman is a possibility (Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams). Receiver Dez Bryant and running back C.J. Spiller would appear to be considerations, also.
Hey, Nimrod: "huge gaps?" You mean QB and wide reciever? I wish you clowns would quit overstating everything.
Hey Tony: See my payroll comment. Also, please read this 3 times: SCHEME MATTERS! A west coast wide reciever needs to be intelligent. So much for Dez Bryant.
Since Spiller can play wide reciever, that's possible. He's otherwise redundant with Cribbs and Harrison. He's NOT the guy this team needs, but sets up future trades, I guess.
Q: Hey, Tony: Why is it that I seem to be the only Browns fan that is not excited about the Browns surrendering the eighth overall pick of the 4th round, a fifth pick and Alex Hall for Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong? I would have been OK with a fifth-rounder and Hall for Gocong. But I just can't believe we would surrender such an early pick on a player that has had contract issues, high-mileage 31-year-old legs and probably does not want to spend the last of his years wallowing in a rebuilding effort. To me, this trade looks in every way, shape or form like they wasted a pretty good draft pick. One they could very well have used on a decent young corner out of the draft. Please give me a reason to believe that I am wrong about this trade.
-- Fernando Fernandez, Parma
A: Hey, Fernando: I would trade a fourth-rounder for Sheldon Brown. I doubt the Browns could find an immediate starting cornerback in the fourth round.
Hey, Bozo: Gocong was playing a different position on the wrong scheme. He's young, cheap, and in a 3-4 can be awesome. T H I N K.
Q: Hey, Tony: On April 5, you wrote a story suggesting that the Browns could target Penn State's DL Jared Odrick with the team's first draft choice. Let's just presume this is true. Unless Holmgren/Heckert trade down to pick No. 25 or lower in the first round, how can selecting Odrick possibly be justifiable? Odrick is widely regarded as having a second-round grade, is a borderline top-5 prospect at his position, and most likely will not be an opening-day starter and offers little immediate impact on the Browns' D-line. If the Browns remained at the No. 7 pick (and both CB Joe Haden and S Eric Berry were already gone), wouldn't selecting ILB Rolondo McClain, OLB Brandon Graham or S Earl Thomas not only provide more value for that draft slot, but also offer more in terms of immediate and long-term impact at their respective positions? I can't help but think that selecting Odrick at No. 7 would be yet another wasted first-round pick -- especially considering that if the Browns really are in love with him, the team could target Odrick for the second round (when he most likely will still be available). What have you or your source in your April 5 story seen in Odrick lately to suggest a meteoric rise in his draft stock is warranted?
-- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.
A: Hey, Tim: I'll defer to my source, who insists Odrick is the fastest-rising player in the first round among teams who play the 3-4 defense. He will not last beyond New England at No. 22. Some teams are angling to move up for him, but they don't have an idea as to how far they have to go. Denver would take him at No. 11. He is a serious contender for the Browns' pick at No. 7.
Why do you goobers want to kick Jackson to the curb? Why do you want to massively overpay an inside linebacker? Why do you want a third, fourth, or even fifth pass-rushing outside linebacker when we have so many? Oh yeah...Oblivia. If it hasn't already happened for two seasons, it can't. YOUNG PLAYERS GET BETTER.
Tony, I doubt that. Odrick's really good, but there will be better options.
Q: Hey, Tony: Assuming Eric Berry is gone at No. 7, do we now take a chance with Jimmy Clausen? It just seems to me there is a fairly large drop-off in talent at both DB and QB after Berry and Clausen.
-- Jonathan Kirk, St. Louis, Mo.
A: Hey, Jonathan: I'm not a fan of Clausen. Holmgren wasn't either, when I asked about him three weeks ago. Maybe Clausen's pro day workout and visit would change Holmgren's mind. The criticisms about Clausen's leadership ability are valid, from what I've been told.
Q: Hey, Tony: What are your thoughts about bringing in Marc Bulger? Did the Browns jump the gun in signing Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme?
-- Jim Workman, Winfield, W.Va.
A: Hey, Jim: Bulger never did much for me, to be honest. I'm comfortable with Delhomme and Wallace for one year. I'm interested in seeing Wallace play.
I hope he gets a fair chance, and that if Delhomme doesn't EARN the job, Wallace starts. But I heard that Bulger is a wild and crazy guy.
--' Q: Hey, Tony: I agree that David Veikune was probably a reach in the second round. But the front office had to see something. In your opinion, was that as a rush OLB or as the bigger ILB that most everyone seems to agree D'Qwell Jackson would benefit from? Veikune seems like the type of player Mangini was referring to at the Combine that can/should make a big jump between his first and second years in the league. Or is he (George) Kokinis' Beau Bell?
-- Andy Applegate, Chicago.
A: Hey, Andy: Actually, it was Phil Savage who drafted Bell. Very good point made by you, nonetheless. My own opinion on Veikune is I don't see the physical traits that attracted him to Mangini. Mangini has compared him loosely to Tedy Bruschi.
VEIKUNE WAS A DEFENSIVE END AT A SMALL COLLEGE WITH A MUCH LOWER LEVEL OF COMPETITION. IF DEFENSIVE ENDS FROM BIG SCHOOLS TAKE AWHILE TO LEARN A WHOLE NEW POSITION IN THE NFL, WHY DID YOU EXPECT THIS GUY TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING? JEEZ!!!!
Q: Hey, Tony: I just saw that Mel Kiper had the Browns picking Dez Bryant in the first round. Do you actually think that is possible? If so, wouldn't we just be adding another Braylon Edwards type to the locker room?
-- Steve Bohnenkamp, Geneva, Ill.
A: Hey, Steve: Possible? Yeah. Probable no.
He isn't smart enough for the west coast!
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