1: Winn will play DT here; possibly DE on running downs only. He is a one-gap penetrator with an exceptional first step. He is athletic, he does make big plays, and he is almost diametricly opposed to John Hughes.
Hughes is bigger and stronger. Hughes can stalemate double-teams, stand his ground, and could play nose tackle for a 3-4 team. Hughes can tie up DeCastro and deflect him from D'Qwell Jackson. He can overpower Pouncey. Hughes is not athletic.
Winn is athletic, with a quick first step and unusual change-of direction abilities for his size. The two are almost diametricly opposite, which is why, together, they are THE ideal rotational DT's for Rubin and Taylor.
The Browns just might have one of the best overall DT corps' in the NFL now. But who said that Winn, like Hughes, lacked athleticism? I don't care, but I can tell you that they're either lazy or mentally challenged.
2: (pre-emptive correction): CB Trevin Wade slid partly because of his wierd pattern of excellence, then putrifaction, then damn goodness on a season-by-season basis. If you were a GM, what would you suspect?
Drugs. Yeah.
Did Tom do his homework? (Say "yes", ok? ...or shut up, and quit pretending you know better.)
OK--let's see what happens, but for now I color Wade a steal and figure he'll be fighting for number two from day one. He has the skills and ability. If he ends up as the FOURTH cornerback, but does a good job in 2012, that's STILL a steal. I expect more.
3: BOTH LB's James Micheal-Johnson and Emmanuel Acho are underrated (especially Acho). These are total-package 4-3 linebackers.
You were told that the Browns needed depth at linebacker, but in reality they needed to replace the venerable Saint Fujita as a starter, and if possible get Gocong back to the strong side, or ideally make him a utility guy who plays all 3 positions. (Gocong never covered well himself).
Both of these draftees will push to start, and even if one doesn't, the corps is upgraded, both in coverage and vs. the run. It's also much deeper.
4: 5th round pick, Ryan Miller, is a project. You take projects in the fifth round. You don't call 5th round picks who don't start "busts" half way through their rookie seasons. I just needed to get that correction out of the way in advance.
5: Smelley is a calculated risk. The West Coast offense turns obscure college players into stars sometimes. Smelley probably couldn't find a place in a conventional offense, but could surprise us here.
He's a longshot, with special teams potential. If he gets cut, don't reach. Don't try to set the bar that high, you nut. And quit exploiting his last name. You're embarrassing me.
It's already clear to me that Tom prioritized the trenches again, which was smart. This Division includes the Ratbirds and the Stoolers. I've also got to admit that the Ben-Gals have become pretty scary. Games up here are won and lost in the trenches, and the Browns are REBUILDING.
Jauron's defense just got even better.
The offense just got better.
The offensive line and defensive front seven better and deeper...in the AFC North.
DEAL WITH IT.
Grading the Browns 2012 draft:
Incomplete duuuuhhhhh
Saturday, April 28, 2012
What Are they Doing?
Drafting the players THEY believe are the best available.
Not the players YOU think fill a need, or are better.
Go ahead, throw your tantrum. When you're done, submit your resume to Al Lerner.
Jeez.
Not the players YOU think fill a need, or are better.
Go ahead, throw your tantrum. When you're done, submit your resume to Al Lerner.
Jeez.
Weeden, Richardson
First off, Heckert and Shurmer fooled me. I sincerely thought that they liked Colt McCoy enough to give him a shot with a better line, recievers, etc. Clearly, they were lying.
No-no, no problem there. I'd lie too. They sort of had to, didn't they? If they'd said "We feel we need to replace Colt McCoy", then you can forget about Weeden at 22. Somebody would have jumped up and headed him off at the pass.
I'll stick with my own opinions, that he's still a possible Montana or Garcia. That yeah his arm is on the weak side, making low-trajectory "stick"-throws difficult, but that with a decent team around him, he can excel. Maybe the Coach and GM think that too, but regardless, they obviously liked Weeden a lot better.
Even after the pick last night, I was expecting them to pretend to have an open competition, which I expected McCoy to win because he enters his third season, and his second in the West Coast.
But I'm glad they're out of the closet now, pretty much naming Weeden the new starter. It's pretty clear that all the BS was for tactical reasons, and I respect that. I bet even Colt McCoy gets it, too--it's business, period.
I would have traded down for more picks, and went with Colt for now, unless Weeden slid a little further. But Tom Heckert is better at this than I am, and I admit it. (You know the Bleacher Report was grading the draft picks as they occured? Unbelievable! Yeah Tom can add that "A" he got for the Richardson pick to his resume...)
Anyway, I really like everything about Weeden except his age. Never said different. His physical skills/tools are certainly NFL-ready, and look at how he outgunned all the other Super-quarterbacks!
But he'll have some problems here. This is a West Coast offense, which is complicated, and for all his maturity, and the intelligence he showed Tom Gruden, he only has a few more games under his belt than Tannehill, and is still a rookie.
We can expect his learning curve to be a little accellerated because of his maturity and work habits, but he's still going to make some mistakes, and will--like Colt--get blamed for blown routes and drops. Too many frustrated fans here will now expect/demand that the Browns win 9 or more games in 2012, and demand firings and hangings and beatings and stuff if it doesn't happen.
Richardson will help immensely. At first the trade-up ticked me off, but I believe Heckert: Speilman was up front about his offers and he would otherwise have lost him. (I know I lobbied for a trade-down but he's Tom and I'm just me and I don't need your vote so call me a flip-flopper big deal).
Update: 2 days later
Colt McCoy is getting a raw deal. Teams may be asking about him, but why would they trade him to Green Bay to be a backup there...instead of having him back up here?
One possible answer is politics. If Colt is here, I'm telling you he probably outshines Weeden in preseason. Then, when they start Weeden anyway--well I'm getting my pitchfork and rope out, ya know?
I understand: they know that the Browns won't be ready to make the playoffs this season. They believe Weeden has more upside, and want to develop him on the field ASAP, even if McCoy is initially better. But this is unfair, and it ticks me off.
This is the only reason, other than at least a high third round draft pick, that the Browns would trade maybe the best West Coast backup quarterback in the NFL DUHHHHHHHHH. Maybe Green Bay would trade a pizza and a 40 for Wallace.
But it is what it is. They get paid for this, so I'll shut up...for now.
Schwartze surprised me, but I'm used to it now. It's Tom. Schwartze was the most experienced right tackle with proven durability, and is ready to step in and start. The pundits, from whom I get much of my info, rated him lower, so I was stunned. Like the season before last, when he picked TJ Ward, and last season when he picked Sheard.
I have almost zero doubt that Schwartz will likewise be a stud.
Wide reciever and right tackle were both needs, and he took who he thought was the best player, period. And again, between Tom and you, I'll bet on Tom being right, until I see different.
Hughes was for sure a shock, but I do get it. Ignore the ratings--they're for commercial consumption and don't involve the research (and knowlege) the real professionals use. Tom made the pick based on HIS best information.
Hughes is a run-stuffer who can relieve both defensive tackles. There's no question that he's not like Rubin ot Taylor, but on run downs he plugs holes and makes tackles--while somebody else is sucking oxygen and not getting beat up.
Depth is a key component to a strong defensive line. If they can't rotate, they wear out, and get hurt.
Travis Benjamin sounds like a Joe Adams clone, and I reckon Heckert liked him better. This guy is strictly a slot reciever with world-class speed. He played for a run-oriented, pro-style, Miami team vs. top level competition, and (unlike Adams) didn't turn the ball over. The key thing is that he most likely can be used in the slot right away, whereas Adams and the rest all needed work.
I can't get much info on him, but I strongly suspect that he runs more disciplined routes, and runs ALL the routes, as well. He can make big plays, and maybe Tom prioritized that over a big target like Toon.
James Micheal-Johnson is a very solid prospect who can back up Jackson and may be tried outside--despite the commercial scouting report that says he can't. He's probably not a starter yet, but a good special teamer and backup.
Or I could be wrong and he might start...I mean on this planet Fujita can't cover anymore, because he's slowed down (sorry--I know he's good-looking and all that but you got to think with your brain ok?)
I'm a little confused, because I can't find Jordan Norwood on the roster, but I'm sure he's still on the team. Anyway, Norwood was a bright spot from the slot last season, but he can play outside. You don't HAVE to be 6'2", 210 lbs. to play outside, ok? You have to be able to beat the bump and get open.
The Browns needed an outside reciever, but they got Benjamin. Norwood, along with Rodney Mitchellfield and others, will be tried outside opposite Little. I'm not sure how effective Norwood would be out there on the edge, but as a slot guy he did get open, did show great hands, and he is very fast.
Just spit-ballin' now, but, mixing in a little Cribbs, the Browns could already have their WR crew right now--especially if Mitchell, (entering his third season after being drafted as a raw project), emerges. (And by the way, that's 50-50---not 9:1 against like everybody seems to ass ume.)
Either Norwood or Mitchell can make big plays. Benjamin is the fastest guy on the field. Stand by for Cameron and Moore and...RICHARDSON, and yeah--WR might just be looking pretty good!
Maybe. I hope. Possibly.....
No-no, no problem there. I'd lie too. They sort of had to, didn't they? If they'd said "We feel we need to replace Colt McCoy", then you can forget about Weeden at 22. Somebody would have jumped up and headed him off at the pass.
I'll stick with my own opinions, that he's still a possible Montana or Garcia. That yeah his arm is on the weak side, making low-trajectory "stick"-throws difficult, but that with a decent team around him, he can excel. Maybe the Coach and GM think that too, but regardless, they obviously liked Weeden a lot better.
Even after the pick last night, I was expecting them to pretend to have an open competition, which I expected McCoy to win because he enters his third season, and his second in the West Coast.
But I'm glad they're out of the closet now, pretty much naming Weeden the new starter. It's pretty clear that all the BS was for tactical reasons, and I respect that. I bet even Colt McCoy gets it, too--it's business, period.
I would have traded down for more picks, and went with Colt for now, unless Weeden slid a little further. But Tom Heckert is better at this than I am, and I admit it. (You know the Bleacher Report was grading the draft picks as they occured? Unbelievable! Yeah Tom can add that "A" he got for the Richardson pick to his resume...)
Anyway, I really like everything about Weeden except his age. Never said different. His physical skills/tools are certainly NFL-ready, and look at how he outgunned all the other Super-quarterbacks!
But he'll have some problems here. This is a West Coast offense, which is complicated, and for all his maturity, and the intelligence he showed Tom Gruden, he only has a few more games under his belt than Tannehill, and is still a rookie.
We can expect his learning curve to be a little accellerated because of his maturity and work habits, but he's still going to make some mistakes, and will--like Colt--get blamed for blown routes and drops. Too many frustrated fans here will now expect/demand that the Browns win 9 or more games in 2012, and demand firings and hangings and beatings and stuff if it doesn't happen.
Richardson will help immensely. At first the trade-up ticked me off, but I believe Heckert: Speilman was up front about his offers and he would otherwise have lost him. (I know I lobbied for a trade-down but he's Tom and I'm just me and I don't need your vote so call me a flip-flopper big deal).
Update: 2 days later
Colt McCoy is getting a raw deal. Teams may be asking about him, but why would they trade him to Green Bay to be a backup there...instead of having him back up here?
One possible answer is politics. If Colt is here, I'm telling you he probably outshines Weeden in preseason. Then, when they start Weeden anyway--well I'm getting my pitchfork and rope out, ya know?
I understand: they know that the Browns won't be ready to make the playoffs this season. They believe Weeden has more upside, and want to develop him on the field ASAP, even if McCoy is initially better. But this is unfair, and it ticks me off.
This is the only reason, other than at least a high third round draft pick, that the Browns would trade maybe the best West Coast backup quarterback in the NFL DUHHHHHHHHH. Maybe Green Bay would trade a pizza and a 40 for Wallace.
But it is what it is. They get paid for this, so I'll shut up...for now.
Schwartze surprised me, but I'm used to it now. It's Tom. Schwartze was the most experienced right tackle with proven durability, and is ready to step in and start. The pundits, from whom I get much of my info, rated him lower, so I was stunned. Like the season before last, when he picked TJ Ward, and last season when he picked Sheard.
I have almost zero doubt that Schwartz will likewise be a stud.
Wide reciever and right tackle were both needs, and he took who he thought was the best player, period. And again, between Tom and you, I'll bet on Tom being right, until I see different.
Hughes was for sure a shock, but I do get it. Ignore the ratings--they're for commercial consumption and don't involve the research (and knowlege) the real professionals use. Tom made the pick based on HIS best information.
Hughes is a run-stuffer who can relieve both defensive tackles. There's no question that he's not like Rubin ot Taylor, but on run downs he plugs holes and makes tackles--while somebody else is sucking oxygen and not getting beat up.
Depth is a key component to a strong defensive line. If they can't rotate, they wear out, and get hurt.
Travis Benjamin sounds like a Joe Adams clone, and I reckon Heckert liked him better. This guy is strictly a slot reciever with world-class speed. He played for a run-oriented, pro-style, Miami team vs. top level competition, and (unlike Adams) didn't turn the ball over. The key thing is that he most likely can be used in the slot right away, whereas Adams and the rest all needed work.
I can't get much info on him, but I strongly suspect that he runs more disciplined routes, and runs ALL the routes, as well. He can make big plays, and maybe Tom prioritized that over a big target like Toon.
James Micheal-Johnson is a very solid prospect who can back up Jackson and may be tried outside--despite the commercial scouting report that says he can't. He's probably not a starter yet, but a good special teamer and backup.
Or I could be wrong and he might start...I mean on this planet Fujita can't cover anymore, because he's slowed down (sorry--I know he's good-looking and all that but you got to think with your brain ok?)
I'm a little confused, because I can't find Jordan Norwood on the roster, but I'm sure he's still on the team. Anyway, Norwood was a bright spot from the slot last season, but he can play outside. You don't HAVE to be 6'2", 210 lbs. to play outside, ok? You have to be able to beat the bump and get open.
The Browns needed an outside reciever, but they got Benjamin. Norwood, along with Rodney Mitchellfield and others, will be tried outside opposite Little. I'm not sure how effective Norwood would be out there on the edge, but as a slot guy he did get open, did show great hands, and he is very fast.
Just spit-ballin' now, but, mixing in a little Cribbs, the Browns could already have their WR crew right now--especially if Mitchell, (entering his third season after being drafted as a raw project), emerges. (And by the way, that's 50-50---not 9:1 against like everybody seems to ass ume.)
Either Norwood or Mitchell can make big plays. Benjamin is the fastest guy on the field. Stand by for Cameron and Moore and...RICHARDSON, and yeah--WR might just be looking pretty good!
Maybe. I hope. Possibly.....
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
What if?
What if somebody trades to 3 and drafts Trent Richardson?
The Browns auction Claiborne, Kalil, and probably Blackmon.
What if teams call the Browns bluff on Kalil?
Then they know Tampa Bay will draft him.
What if nobody makes a good enough offer?
Then the Browns are stuck with Blackmon or Claiborne.
Don't you hate Blackmon?
Of course not. He's really good and will help somebody immediately. He's even extra-smart so he'd acclimate to the WCO. I just know he's not like the top two guys last season, and think Floyd has more upside.
What if Richardson is there after all?
Trade first, draft him sans a good offer.
What's a good offer?
See the value chart. Add 200 to the 1800. That's called extortion.
What if they draft Richardson and he gets injured?
Take him to the hospital.
Seriously, people have run out of things to write about. I'm about ready to delete the Bleacher Report from my favorites list, and some of the pros are also pretty weak.
Can't blame them much, since I've become a broken record myself.
But at least I listen, and can be persuaded by logic and evidence. That's why I like Terry Pluto so much. I wouldn't make a great politician because I do shift positions a lot. Good politicians can't care about being correct or incorrect. They have to stick to their guns long after they've been proven wrong.
And that's right--I'd consider Blackmon at number four if Richardson were gone and I couldn't trade the pick. Even though Claiborne is super-elite and Blackmon is just real good. Not sure what I'd do there...
That's why trading down is my first option. You can get guys like Blackmon almost throughout the first round, and I'd rather have two or three than one. This linebacker Kuechle, Boston College. Broke the record for total tackles in only three years, with a lot of them at or behind the line of scrimmage. He's a Claiborne-like superstud, and he'll be there maybe below 15.
DeCastro: Not a position of need for the Browns, but he's to guards and Claiborne is to corners, and he'll be there maybe below 15.
The "second-tier" running backs in this draft are all potential All-Pros, and are out-glittered by Richardson. Some will slide into the second or even the third round!
Cordy Glenn, Johnathan Martin, Bobby Massie all ready to play right tackle and there after 15 or 22. All with that potential.
Ok only a couple corrections here:
1: The Browns have depth at linebacker. They need a new starter.
2: The Jauron defense does not need a linebacker who can blitze. It needs a linebacker who can cover, and stop the run. If the Jauron defense has to blitze more than occasionally, it is in trouble.
3: The Browns are not "all set" at weakside defensive end. Jauron and Heckert need a fast passrusher there for it to work right. They should get one in this draft. One of the best wasn't even invited to the combine. Adrian Hamilton.
4: The only time in Heckert's carreer that a super-running back was drafted, it was Adrian Peterson, and the Eagles had no chance. In fact, the Eagles always drafted low. The fact that Heckert never drafted a running back high in the first round is utterly meaningless.
YOU STAND CORRECTED
The Browns auction Claiborne, Kalil, and probably Blackmon.
What if teams call the Browns bluff on Kalil?
Then they know Tampa Bay will draft him.
What if nobody makes a good enough offer?
Then the Browns are stuck with Blackmon or Claiborne.
Don't you hate Blackmon?
Of course not. He's really good and will help somebody immediately. He's even extra-smart so he'd acclimate to the WCO. I just know he's not like the top two guys last season, and think Floyd has more upside.
What if Richardson is there after all?
Trade first, draft him sans a good offer.
What's a good offer?
See the value chart. Add 200 to the 1800. That's called extortion.
What if they draft Richardson and he gets injured?
Take him to the hospital.
Seriously, people have run out of things to write about. I'm about ready to delete the Bleacher Report from my favorites list, and some of the pros are also pretty weak.
Can't blame them much, since I've become a broken record myself.
But at least I listen, and can be persuaded by logic and evidence. That's why I like Terry Pluto so much. I wouldn't make a great politician because I do shift positions a lot. Good politicians can't care about being correct or incorrect. They have to stick to their guns long after they've been proven wrong.
And that's right--I'd consider Blackmon at number four if Richardson were gone and I couldn't trade the pick. Even though Claiborne is super-elite and Blackmon is just real good. Not sure what I'd do there...
That's why trading down is my first option. You can get guys like Blackmon almost throughout the first round, and I'd rather have two or three than one. This linebacker Kuechle, Boston College. Broke the record for total tackles in only three years, with a lot of them at or behind the line of scrimmage. He's a Claiborne-like superstud, and he'll be there maybe below 15.
DeCastro: Not a position of need for the Browns, but he's to guards and Claiborne is to corners, and he'll be there maybe below 15.
The "second-tier" running backs in this draft are all potential All-Pros, and are out-glittered by Richardson. Some will slide into the second or even the third round!
Cordy Glenn, Johnathan Martin, Bobby Massie all ready to play right tackle and there after 15 or 22. All with that potential.
Ok only a couple corrections here:
1: The Browns have depth at linebacker. They need a new starter.
2: The Jauron defense does not need a linebacker who can blitze. It needs a linebacker who can cover, and stop the run. If the Jauron defense has to blitze more than occasionally, it is in trouble.
3: The Browns are not "all set" at weakside defensive end. Jauron and Heckert need a fast passrusher there for it to work right. They should get one in this draft. One of the best wasn't even invited to the combine. Adrian Hamilton.
4: The only time in Heckert's carreer that a super-running back was drafted, it was Adrian Peterson, and the Eagles had no chance. In fact, the Eagles always drafted low. The fact that Heckert never drafted a running back high in the first round is utterly meaningless.
YOU STAND CORRECTED
Monday, April 23, 2012
QB
Last year, management made the mistake of saying that they meant to bring a quarterback in to compete with Colt McCoy.
They hadn't been in Cleveland very long.
It took about four days to turn into: They didn't like McCoy, felt and urgent need to replace him as soon as possible, etc.
No, they just intended to bring in another quarterback to compete with McCoy. That's all.
And it was a plan, and not a make-or-break proposition. They took their shot at RG3 and whoa! Now we're back to the urgent need to replace dismal failure McCoy.
I get so sick of this. If you've got Chad Pennington and Peyton Manning is coming out in the draft, does chasing Manning mean you hate Pennington? I mean, would you people just stop it?
Heckert said he likes Weeden a lot, and now commentators are speculating that they'll have to use #22 to get him. Since they're so desperate to replace McCoy and all.
No. Heckert likes Weeden. But maybe not in the first round.
Bill Belichick said that Mallet and Hoyer are up for sale. Everybody is ranting about Mallet. He had the best arm, was smart and accurate. Just immobile and arrogant.
Hoyer went undrafted, therefore is a bumb.
The bumb made the roster, became number two, and got a new contract. He backed up Tom Brady, and has been with one of the best organizations in football for two years.
He is mobile, accurate, anticipates well, and very athletic. He's a better fit for the Browns offense than to the Patriots vertical spread scheme...in which he understudies a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
This is a better option than Weeden. Wake up, Myopia!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Irrelevant
Every draft the Browns made before Heckert and Holmgren is irrelevant.
Please stop writing about it.
How Belickick built and maintains a perennial contender is relevant. Keep writing about how he trades down almost every year.
Please stop writing about it.
How Belickick built and maintains a perennial contender is relevant. Keep writing about how he trades down almost every year.
Trades, Kalil, Hoyer, and Business 101
The above chart speaks for itself-especially when you compare number four with number fifteen. Don't be alarmed by the zero at twenty-two--it's a fluke, but Tom can trade out to make sure.You may well have seen this in the Plain Dealer already (thanks guys), along with the article which also listed second and third-round all-pros. There are fewer of these, of course duh.
Let me point out that the real downtrend in the above chart doesn't really start until number twenty eight, and more all-pros came from twenty six and twenty seven than from four.
True analysis requires more depth. I'd like to see a by-position analysis, but I can tell you that there will be more left tackles and quarterbacks near the top, and more RIGHT TACKLES, RUNNING BACKS, WIDE RECIEVERS, DEFENSIVE ENDS, CORNERBACKS, AND LINEBACKERS near the bottom.
I know Richardson is awesome, but I think with my brain.
Now: Jim Miller is a former NFL Quarterback who is now a commentator and analyst on NFL Radio.
After Stephen Hill's atrocious short-shuttle and other non-40 drills at the combine, Pat Kirwin and others pretty much wrote him off as a track-star who wouldn't be able to get open short or intermediate in the NFL.
That's bad in general, but I need to point out to you in Oblivia that it's especially bad in a West Coast reciever. You see, the West Coast offense is different from other offenses DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
However, yesterday Jim Miller took off on Stephen Hill. He said that he gets open, he cuts, and that when he compares him to Floyd, he kind of thinks that Hill is actually the second best wide reciever in this draft.
Miller played in both vertical passing and West Coast offenses. He doesn't pay as much attention to combine numbers as he does to game films.
His further comments were enlightening to me (since my mind wasn't closed). Hill has two inches in height on most of the tallest NFL wide recievers, giving him an exponentially higher reach advantage to go with his superior leaping ability.
Miller described a "go" route, as an example. In a go route, the wide reciever goes vertical along or a little outside the hash marks. The cornerback tries to run with him and muscle him toward the sideline.
First, few, if any, NFL corners can keep up with Hill in a footrace. Second, who's going to muscle this guy anywhere? Finally, how accurate does the quarterback even have to be to drop a ball in that huge a window? (Anywhere between the reciever and the sideline).
Jim didn't address the West Coast, but this fits. Hill probably can't consistantly shake man coverage on crosses and slants, but can defeat bumps and push people around. He can out-leap, out-reach, and wall defenders off.
Think about it: A cornerback HAS to stay behind him on these patterns, keeping him between himself and the quarterback. If Hill gets deep leverage, his job is to turn vertical, and he can't be caught. If the safety isn't there to keep a lid on him, it's over.
I am now a Stephen Hill fan.
Now, back to the chart: Tom Heckert is a good judge of talent. If the Browns were to trade down to fifteen for two more second round picks, he could get Hill, Wright, and/or Floyd-then maybe Cordy Glenn, Wilson, Levonte David...I could go on, with six picks on the top 70.
The plan before was to add some parts and pieces this season and contend in '13, but, IF Heckert trades, he can fill every hole on this team NOW. The Browns could get right in Cinci/Baltimore/Pitt's grills.
If there aren't any great offers, then I'll be happy to get that stud Richardson. But if somebody else wants him or Kalil bad enough to cough up some high picks, trading down is just common sense.
One last note: Kalil is a left tackle. If the Browns were to draft him, he'd be angry. He'd simmer and bubble throughout his rookie contract, and in the final year of it start making noise about left tackle money. Who could blame him?
And then he'd be gone, for zero compensation. That's the main reason why you don't draft another Joe Thomas and make him play right tackle.
On quarterback: Hoyer is the New England backup who fits the (sigh) WEST COAST system, ok? Forget the other immobile guy with the huge arm that will require at least a third round pick.
Hoyer is quick, athletic, and ACCURATE. He was described as a West Coast quarterback at his combine.
No, Belichick doesn't hate him. That's why he said he's ready to trade EITHER of his backup quarterbacks! He'll just take the best deal and keep whichever one is left.
T H I N K!
YOU STAND CORRECTED.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A Browns Draft SANITY Injection
1: Kalil and Thomas would undeniably be awesome. Until the end of Kalil's rookie contract (if not sooner), at which time he would demand LEFT tackle money. Rightfully so. Who do you cut so you can afford two left tackles?
2: The Cleveland Browns need: A right tackle, wide reciever, and outside linebacker.
They should upgrade: Right defensive end, running back, left guard, cornerback.
They could use: Everything.
3: The Browns were 4-12 last season. They are young and rebuilding. Teams in contention with well-established systems and talent need one or two exceptional players to put them over the top. Rebuilding teams need five or more good players, and projects with potential, so that they can BECOME contenders.
4: If Richardson were a quarterback, I'd say don't trade down. Since he's not, trading down (for the right deal(s) is COMMON SENSE.
5: Backfield-by-comittee means you don't have one guy to carry the ball 25 times. MOST teams, including the playoff teams, use several running backs. It is irrational to wonder if Heckert and company are over-estimating their running backs because you can't point to one who can carry the ball 25 times.
A: Converted wide reciever Oboneyya is 6', 225, and emerged last season to kick some butt. It is irrational to suggest that a former wide reciever can't catch. It is irrational to pretend that he didn't do what he did. He enters his fourth season in the NFL at his new position, and could be a major sleeper right here on this roster. Did I say he could be as good as Richardson? No, I did not, so stop right there.
B: Second-year fireplug Armond Smith tore everybody up in preseason last year, but fumbled. He is a huge big-play threat who can catch, but may also lack the stature to ever become a really good blocker...I don't know. I do know that if he can prove to the staff that he can be trusted not to turn the ball over, he will play. He could also be a huge sleeper.
C: Brandon Jackson is a journeyman who can catch. He's okay--but overrated.
D: Owen Marecic was a R O O K I E last season, and will improve this season. I just don't know how much. I do know that he's more effective catching and running the ball than Vickers, and late last season started blowing people up like him, too.
The front office and coaches have a better bead on the prospects for these players than you or I do. If they think they're better than you think they are, I'll bet on them, Einstein.
In a trade-down, I'll skip right to YOUR worst nightmare, and say it's the Eagles at 15. Yep, after more research, they could squeeze the Eagles for both second rounders. Richardson could very well put the Eagles in the Superbowl, so he could be worth it to them.
Could he put the Browns in the Superbowl in 2013? Could any one or two players even buy the the AFC North?
Let's see what crappy no-account bumb the Browns would have to hold their nose and pick at 15:
That bumb Micheal Floyd, maybe, who is vastly inferior to the much-better Blackmon? Nah!
David deCastro the Fannika/Hutchinson-like left guard? Why would we want him? We need a right tackle! He wouldn't help at all! What would we do with Pinkston...oh yeah...
Would that be too high for that monster Cordy Glenn? He's a PROJECT! I mean, he only played right tackle a little. He was a LEFT tackle! Might be there at 22 anyway.
Obviously, none of these guys would help the Browns nearly as much as the god-like Richardson! Buncha bums! Yeah Perry and Curry the quarterback-killing defensive ends, too---bums!
As putrid as THAT is, what about Eagles pick 46? Now you got Joe Adams, the wiry little kick-returning slot reciever with the world-class speed who tore everybody up in the Senior Bowl. Or the other Adams the right tackle from Ohio State. David Wilson? Whitney Mercelus, the other quarterback-killing defensive end. Bobby Massie the underrated right tackle. Alshon Jefferey? Stephen Hill? How bout at 51? Ditto--at least one and more likely two or three of those guys.
I can't pretend to know. I mean, who ever heard of Jabaal Sheard? Answer: Tom Heckert.
So let's go nuts. Excuse me while I affix my blindfold. I got my dart boards all set up. Here goes...#15. I hit something? Oh. Sorry. Just sort of point me...ok? There! Okay now for the second round...Good. Now let's see what I got instead of Trent Richardson:
Micheal Floyd? Wait--let me make that work...okay let's say I coughed up a fourth and fifth-rounder to move up some--very iffy but I'll say we had to. Okay, Floyd. Boy, that sucks!
Okay David Wilson. Aw, now he doesn't even know how to block yet, and Richardson is huge compared to him! All he can do is catch and make big plays! Damn that sucks. And we could have had Richardson instead of him and Floyd!
Oh no--Bobby Massie. Shoot. He can't even play left tackle for awhile yet. He's a huge project who would have to start at right tackle instead. Boy that sucks.
Oh yeah, I'd much rather have Trent Richardson than probably the best West Coast wide reciever in the draft, a big-play part-time (for now) running back, and a young starting right tackle with left tackle athleticism.
Yeah, we really blew it by trading down, but don't forget at least we had #22...but we no doubt got some bum there. You can't find any good players that low in the draft.
Gimme a break.
2: The Cleveland Browns need: A right tackle, wide reciever, and outside linebacker.
They should upgrade: Right defensive end, running back, left guard, cornerback.
They could use: Everything.
3: The Browns were 4-12 last season. They are young and rebuilding. Teams in contention with well-established systems and talent need one or two exceptional players to put them over the top. Rebuilding teams need five or more good players, and projects with potential, so that they can BECOME contenders.
4: If Richardson were a quarterback, I'd say don't trade down. Since he's not, trading down (for the right deal(s) is COMMON SENSE.
5: Backfield-by-comittee means you don't have one guy to carry the ball 25 times. MOST teams, including the playoff teams, use several running backs. It is irrational to wonder if Heckert and company are over-estimating their running backs because you can't point to one who can carry the ball 25 times.
A: Converted wide reciever Oboneyya is 6', 225, and emerged last season to kick some butt. It is irrational to suggest that a former wide reciever can't catch. It is irrational to pretend that he didn't do what he did. He enters his fourth season in the NFL at his new position, and could be a major sleeper right here on this roster. Did I say he could be as good as Richardson? No, I did not, so stop right there.
B: Second-year fireplug Armond Smith tore everybody up in preseason last year, but fumbled. He is a huge big-play threat who can catch, but may also lack the stature to ever become a really good blocker...I don't know. I do know that if he can prove to the staff that he can be trusted not to turn the ball over, he will play. He could also be a huge sleeper.
C: Brandon Jackson is a journeyman who can catch. He's okay--but overrated.
D: Owen Marecic was a R O O K I E last season, and will improve this season. I just don't know how much. I do know that he's more effective catching and running the ball than Vickers, and late last season started blowing people up like him, too.
The front office and coaches have a better bead on the prospects for these players than you or I do. If they think they're better than you think they are, I'll bet on them, Einstein.
In a trade-down, I'll skip right to YOUR worst nightmare, and say it's the Eagles at 15. Yep, after more research, they could squeeze the Eagles for both second rounders. Richardson could very well put the Eagles in the Superbowl, so he could be worth it to them.
Could he put the Browns in the Superbowl in 2013? Could any one or two players even buy the the AFC North?
Let's see what crappy no-account bumb the Browns would have to hold their nose and pick at 15:
That bumb Micheal Floyd, maybe, who is vastly inferior to the much-better Blackmon? Nah!
David deCastro the Fannika/Hutchinson-like left guard? Why would we want him? We need a right tackle! He wouldn't help at all! What would we do with Pinkston...oh yeah...
Would that be too high for that monster Cordy Glenn? He's a PROJECT! I mean, he only played right tackle a little. He was a LEFT tackle! Might be there at 22 anyway.
Obviously, none of these guys would help the Browns nearly as much as the god-like Richardson! Buncha bums! Yeah Perry and Curry the quarterback-killing defensive ends, too---bums!
As putrid as THAT is, what about Eagles pick 46? Now you got Joe Adams, the wiry little kick-returning slot reciever with the world-class speed who tore everybody up in the Senior Bowl. Or the other Adams the right tackle from Ohio State. David Wilson? Whitney Mercelus, the other quarterback-killing defensive end. Bobby Massie the underrated right tackle. Alshon Jefferey? Stephen Hill? How bout at 51? Ditto--at least one and more likely two or three of those guys.
I can't pretend to know. I mean, who ever heard of Jabaal Sheard? Answer: Tom Heckert.
So let's go nuts. Excuse me while I affix my blindfold. I got my dart boards all set up. Here goes...#15. I hit something? Oh. Sorry. Just sort of point me...ok? There! Okay now for the second round...Good. Now let's see what I got instead of Trent Richardson:
Micheal Floyd? Wait--let me make that work...okay let's say I coughed up a fourth and fifth-rounder to move up some--very iffy but I'll say we had to. Okay, Floyd. Boy, that sucks!
Okay David Wilson. Aw, now he doesn't even know how to block yet, and Richardson is huge compared to him! All he can do is catch and make big plays! Damn that sucks. And we could have had Richardson instead of him and Floyd!
Oh no--Bobby Massie. Shoot. He can't even play left tackle for awhile yet. He's a huge project who would have to start at right tackle instead. Boy that sucks.
Oh yeah, I'd much rather have Trent Richardson than probably the best West Coast wide reciever in the draft, a big-play part-time (for now) running back, and a young starting right tackle with left tackle athleticism.
Yeah, we really blew it by trading down, but don't forget at least we had #22...but we no doubt got some bum there. You can't find any good players that low in the draft.
Gimme a break.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Err Duhhh...
If the Cleveland Browns trade the No. 4 pick in the 2012 NFL draft they would be hurting their franchise for years to come and doing a major disservice to their fans, many of whom are already fed up with the team's poor draft management over the past few years.
"FEW"? WHO?
With several teams reportedly interested in acquiring the Browns' top-five pick, the team may consider trading out of the top 10 for the third time since 2009.
Via NFL.com:
The Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams are among at least four teams that have expressed interest in acquiring the Browns' No. 4 overall pick, league sources told The Plain Dealer. The newspaper said there was "a decent chance" the Browns would move down in the draft.
The Browns need to draft an impact offensive player that will sell tickets, create matchup problems for defenses and help the team win games and attract top-tier free agents.
There are several players the Browns could take at No. 4 that would make a significant upgrade to their offense's ability to score points and be more competitive.
Trent Richardson: The Alabama running back is a true playmaker and has tremendous quickness and field vision. He was a Heisman finalist with the Crimson Tide last season and projects to be a star rusher at the pro level. MIGHT WELL LAST TO 5 OR 6.
Justin Blackmon: The Oklahoma State wide receiver is a game-changing player who can dominate games with his speed and great catching ability. He destroyed the Stanford defense in the Fiesta Bowl despite playing with a thigh injury. FLOYD GOES NEXT AND IS BETTER FOR THIS SCHEME.
Michael Floyd: No. 4 might be a bit high to take the Notre Dame receiver, but there's a possibility that he could end up being the top WR to come out of this draft. He makes really tough catches and is very reliable since he's durable and has good hands. THAT'S RIGHT. A LITTLE HIGH.
Will the Browns trade the No. 4 pick?
Yes No Submit Vote vote to see results
Will the Browns trade the No. 4 pick?
Yes
37.0%
No
63.0%
Total votes: 300
Since the 2005 draft, the Browns have done a poor job selecting players at the skill positions on offense with their first-round picks. In that time, they have selected Phil Taylor (DT, 2011), Joe Haden (CB, 2010), Alex Mack (C, 2009), Joe Thomas (OT, 2007), Brady Quinn (QB, 2007) and Kamerion Wimbley (DE, 2006) with first-round picks. HECKERT/HOLMGREN HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LAST TWO. THEY ARE HERE NOW.
Outside of Haden, Mack and Thomas, the Browns have made some poor first-round selections recently, which means the need to draft a big-time offensive player who can score touchdowns must be addressed. Sure, Mack is a good player, but the team won't win unless they find a big-time offensive player in the draft. You cannot ignore the skilled positions. OK. FLOYD, WILSON, WRIGHT, ADAMS, JEFFERY, JONES, PEAD ETC.
Quarterback Colt McCoy is a good player, but the Browns cannot expect him to be successful next season with a lackluster receiving corps and a weak running game. It would be unfair to give up on McCoy without seeing what he can do with some real talent around him.
The Browns need to come into this draft with an offense-first strategy. Cleveland ranked 24th in passing and 28th in rushing last year, so there's no question that this draft needs to be about improving the offense. AS IN ONE PLAYER INSTEAD OF THREE?
If the Browns trade pick No. 4 it would be a slap in the face to their fans. UHH...WHAT? With picks No. 4 and 22 in the first round, the team has a real chance to draft two quality offensive players for now and the future. MUCH BETTER THAN FIVE. YES LET'S JUST SKIP RIGHT TACKLE AND MAKE SURE NOT TO GET MORE THAN ONE RECIEVER. LET'S MAKE SURE NOT TO GET ANY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS AT ALL. WE'VE GOT THREE FLAT TIRES SO LET'S GET THE BEST NEW TIRE WE CAN...WITH A FANCY RIM.
It's an opportunity the Browns cannot pass on or the team will struggle for years to come.
This is a top ten dumbest article I've ever read. We are all dumber for having read it. At no point did you approach logic or rationality. May God have mercy on your soul.
"FEW"? WHO?
With several teams reportedly interested in acquiring the Browns' top-five pick, the team may consider trading out of the top 10 for the third time since 2009.
Via NFL.com:
The Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams are among at least four teams that have expressed interest in acquiring the Browns' No. 4 overall pick, league sources told The Plain Dealer. The newspaper said there was "a decent chance" the Browns would move down in the draft.
The Browns need to draft an impact offensive player that will sell tickets, create matchup problems for defenses and help the team win games and attract top-tier free agents.
There are several players the Browns could take at No. 4 that would make a significant upgrade to their offense's ability to score points and be more competitive.
Trent Richardson: The Alabama running back is a true playmaker and has tremendous quickness and field vision. He was a Heisman finalist with the Crimson Tide last season and projects to be a star rusher at the pro level. MIGHT WELL LAST TO 5 OR 6.
Justin Blackmon: The Oklahoma State wide receiver is a game-changing player who can dominate games with his speed and great catching ability. He destroyed the Stanford defense in the Fiesta Bowl despite playing with a thigh injury. FLOYD GOES NEXT AND IS BETTER FOR THIS SCHEME.
Michael Floyd: No. 4 might be a bit high to take the Notre Dame receiver, but there's a possibility that he could end up being the top WR to come out of this draft. He makes really tough catches and is very reliable since he's durable and has good hands. THAT'S RIGHT. A LITTLE HIGH.
Will the Browns trade the No. 4 pick?
Yes No Submit Vote vote to see results
Will the Browns trade the No. 4 pick?
Yes
37.0%
No
63.0%
Total votes: 300
Since the 2005 draft, the Browns have done a poor job selecting players at the skill positions on offense with their first-round picks. In that time, they have selected Phil Taylor (DT, 2011), Joe Haden (CB, 2010), Alex Mack (C, 2009), Joe Thomas (OT, 2007), Brady Quinn (QB, 2007) and Kamerion Wimbley (DE, 2006) with first-round picks. HECKERT/HOLMGREN HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LAST TWO. THEY ARE HERE NOW.
Outside of Haden, Mack and Thomas, the Browns have made some poor first-round selections recently, which means the need to draft a big-time offensive player who can score touchdowns must be addressed. Sure, Mack is a good player, but the team won't win unless they find a big-time offensive player in the draft. You cannot ignore the skilled positions. OK. FLOYD, WILSON, WRIGHT, ADAMS, JEFFERY, JONES, PEAD ETC.
Quarterback Colt McCoy is a good player, but the Browns cannot expect him to be successful next season with a lackluster receiving corps and a weak running game. It would be unfair to give up on McCoy without seeing what he can do with some real talent around him.
The Browns need to come into this draft with an offense-first strategy. Cleveland ranked 24th in passing and 28th in rushing last year, so there's no question that this draft needs to be about improving the offense. AS IN ONE PLAYER INSTEAD OF THREE?
If the Browns trade pick No. 4 it would be a slap in the face to their fans. UHH...WHAT? With picks No. 4 and 22 in the first round, the team has a real chance to draft two quality offensive players for now and the future. MUCH BETTER THAN FIVE. YES LET'S JUST SKIP RIGHT TACKLE AND MAKE SURE NOT TO GET MORE THAN ONE RECIEVER. LET'S MAKE SURE NOT TO GET ANY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS AT ALL. WE'VE GOT THREE FLAT TIRES SO LET'S GET THE BEST NEW TIRE WE CAN...WITH A FANCY RIM.
It's an opportunity the Browns cannot pass on or the team will struggle for years to come.
This is a top ten dumbest article I've ever read. We are all dumber for having read it. At no point did you approach logic or rationality. May God have mercy on your soul.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Tom's Phone on Draft Day
The Browns are in an awesome position in this year's draft. Since the top two slots are already spoken for, the Browns now essentially own the second overall pick.
The Vikings are now saying that they are open to trading their third overall pick, and I believe they're sincere. But there's enough to go around, and the number of star players plus the Browns position one slot lower/cheaper undermines them somewhat.
Those stars are the overrated Blackmon, Kalil, Richardson, the overvalued Tannehill, and Claiborne.
A note on Claiborne's rediculous Wonderlick score: This guy has a well-documented learning disability, and everyone who knows him regards him as pretty intelligent. When I was in junior high, I knew a guy who was in the "retarded" home-room, but was smart. In fact, he was a smart-ass. But he couldn't read, or learn to read, and he didn't see numbers right either.
Claiborne is similar. As I understand it, he correctly interprets the diagrams in playbooks, and learns orally better than most of the rest of us. I don't believe that his Wonderlick will cause him to slide even one slot.
After all, he projects as a press/man cornerback, and even if he WAS a dumbass, it wouldn't make much of a difference. See the man, cover the man.
But I digress.
The Browns could use a running back, but it's not a desperate need, as some clowns are saying. Former wide reciever Chris O.'s hundred yard performances are regarded as flukes. Why? He's been referred to as slow. That's crap. And now a converted wide reciever can't CATCH? The guy from Green Bay is nothing special, except as a reciever. Armond Smith is by far the fastest of the group, and is only entering his second season.
This guy is a certified hom-run hitter with borderline world-class speed. His biggest problem was fumbling, and then he's also pretty small and may have trouble blocking. Certainly not an every-down back, but certainly not a bumb, and I get sick of everybody writing these guys off after their rookie seasons. If Smith stops fumbling, he can be one of the scariest guys in the NFL.
Hardesty...well maybe...let's not talk about it. Dumb move by Tom.
Would Richardson make a big difference? Hell yes! Is running back a huge need? Hell no.
So Richardson isn't critical, plus could still be available after a trade-down. Further, there are several really good West Coast backs who will fall much lower: Especially Wilson. Add him to the committee and there's a big upgrade.
Wide reciever IS a glaring need. That's as in X or Y--not slot. The Browns could use Wes Welker, but have decent slot guys, okay?
Blackmon? Not at four. Regardless of his clock-times, his game-speed isn't comparable to either of last season's top two wide recievers. His hands are good, but not great, and there are questions about his ability to separate at this level. He's unquestionably an excellent reciever, but not at fourth overall.
Micheal Floyd, in fact, shows better potential for a West Coast scheme, and he, too, will be available after a trade-down. Kendall Wright, despite his smaller size, might still be able to play outside here.
Matt Kalil is awesome, but to draft him at four to play right tackle would be idiotic. The second-best left tackle would be there after a trade-down, and the FIFTH-best is ready to step in and start at right tackle. Might even be better there than the more athletic dancing bears who will have to protect blind sides.
Note: David DeCastro is awesome, and can play right tackle as well as guard. Randy Cross called him maybe the best offensive line prospect in this draft, including Kalil.
Claiborne? Definitely WORTH number four, but that's not much of a NEED in Cleveland.
Ok well, the rare objective observer sees Brown not losing, but having lost, a step. If he starts at cornerback next season, it's going to be a problem. Sheldon Brown, like Scott Fujita, is fading fast. Get used to it.
So there is a need at cornerback. However, with Buster Skrine and Dimitri Patterson, it's not at all urgent. Skrine is hugely underrated, and Patterson has emerged as a solid, if unspectacular player. A better pass rush made everybody look better.
Further, there are several ALMOST-Claibornes in this draft. This draft is pretty deep in cover corners. While it's nice to dream about Hanford and Minnie revisitted, and the domination that would enable, offense is far more critical in 2012.
After reading and listening to more expert analysis (and the ignorant kind too), I now sincerely doubt that the Browns would draft Tannehill fourth overall.
The "urgency" at quarterback is non-existant. McCoy did as well as he was allowed to do. He did look shaky sometimes--he did make mistakes and was innacurate throwing on the run. But Gannon, Miller, and Brandt have tried to tell everybody that this will happen to ANY quarterback who is constantly getting the snot knocked out of him.
While due to his stature and arm, the odds are against Colt emerging as a true franchise quarterback are fairly long, the odds of him becoming a very good system quarterback given an average running game, decent recievers, and average protection are very good.
The Browns could easily net a third round choice, and perhaps a fourth next season, to move down just two slots in a trade with the Rams. They could get a second and more from Miami to move down to 8.
Even at 8, they could for sure land David deCastro, Cordy Glenn, Micheal Floyd...they'd have a shot at Richardson, and maybe even Claiborne! How can anybody say that ANY of these guys wouldn't be huge difference-makers? How could anybody in their right minds be upset with that, when with that high second round pick they could get:
RB David Wilson, Cordy Glenn (his projections are all over the map), OT Jonathan Martin (will be awesome at right tackle), well-named DE Whitney Merciluss (an EVERY-DOWN certified quarterback-killer), or some other stud that we can't see (but Tom can)?
This second round is full of instant impact players and starters. The best WEST COAST wide reciever in this draft is rated number two. The best RIGHT tackle might just be the top GUARD, and they have Pro-Bowl potential all the way to six. The most promising running back behind Richardson is ranked by most number four or even number five! The FIFTH-rated cornerback will probably start immediately and be pretty damn good.
Trading down isn't just smart. It's common sense. They'll get an instant impact player at number 22, and they could trade down TEN slots and STILL get a major stud at 14!
If the Browns can trade down, maybe a lot, and maybe more than once, Tom Heckert can fix this team for a long time to come, all in this one draft.
TRADE DOWN.
I HAVE SPOKEN.
The Vikings are now saying that they are open to trading their third overall pick, and I believe they're sincere. But there's enough to go around, and the number of star players plus the Browns position one slot lower/cheaper undermines them somewhat.
Those stars are the overrated Blackmon, Kalil, Richardson, the overvalued Tannehill, and Claiborne.
A note on Claiborne's rediculous Wonderlick score: This guy has a well-documented learning disability, and everyone who knows him regards him as pretty intelligent. When I was in junior high, I knew a guy who was in the "retarded" home-room, but was smart. In fact, he was a smart-ass. But he couldn't read, or learn to read, and he didn't see numbers right either.
Claiborne is similar. As I understand it, he correctly interprets the diagrams in playbooks, and learns orally better than most of the rest of us. I don't believe that his Wonderlick will cause him to slide even one slot.
After all, he projects as a press/man cornerback, and even if he WAS a dumbass, it wouldn't make much of a difference. See the man, cover the man.
But I digress.
The Browns could use a running back, but it's not a desperate need, as some clowns are saying. Former wide reciever Chris O.'s hundred yard performances are regarded as flukes. Why? He's been referred to as slow. That's crap. And now a converted wide reciever can't CATCH? The guy from Green Bay is nothing special, except as a reciever. Armond Smith is by far the fastest of the group, and is only entering his second season.
This guy is a certified hom-run hitter with borderline world-class speed. His biggest problem was fumbling, and then he's also pretty small and may have trouble blocking. Certainly not an every-down back, but certainly not a bumb, and I get sick of everybody writing these guys off after their rookie seasons. If Smith stops fumbling, he can be one of the scariest guys in the NFL.
Hardesty...well maybe...let's not talk about it. Dumb move by Tom.
Would Richardson make a big difference? Hell yes! Is running back a huge need? Hell no.
So Richardson isn't critical, plus could still be available after a trade-down. Further, there are several really good West Coast backs who will fall much lower: Especially Wilson. Add him to the committee and there's a big upgrade.
Wide reciever IS a glaring need. That's as in X or Y--not slot. The Browns could use Wes Welker, but have decent slot guys, okay?
Blackmon? Not at four. Regardless of his clock-times, his game-speed isn't comparable to either of last season's top two wide recievers. His hands are good, but not great, and there are questions about his ability to separate at this level. He's unquestionably an excellent reciever, but not at fourth overall.
Micheal Floyd, in fact, shows better potential for a West Coast scheme, and he, too, will be available after a trade-down. Kendall Wright, despite his smaller size, might still be able to play outside here.
Matt Kalil is awesome, but to draft him at four to play right tackle would be idiotic. The second-best left tackle would be there after a trade-down, and the FIFTH-best is ready to step in and start at right tackle. Might even be better there than the more athletic dancing bears who will have to protect blind sides.
Note: David DeCastro is awesome, and can play right tackle as well as guard. Randy Cross called him maybe the best offensive line prospect in this draft, including Kalil.
Claiborne? Definitely WORTH number four, but that's not much of a NEED in Cleveland.
Ok well, the rare objective observer sees Brown not losing, but having lost, a step. If he starts at cornerback next season, it's going to be a problem. Sheldon Brown, like Scott Fujita, is fading fast. Get used to it.
So there is a need at cornerback. However, with Buster Skrine and Dimitri Patterson, it's not at all urgent. Skrine is hugely underrated, and Patterson has emerged as a solid, if unspectacular player. A better pass rush made everybody look better.
Further, there are several ALMOST-Claibornes in this draft. This draft is pretty deep in cover corners. While it's nice to dream about Hanford and Minnie revisitted, and the domination that would enable, offense is far more critical in 2012.
After reading and listening to more expert analysis (and the ignorant kind too), I now sincerely doubt that the Browns would draft Tannehill fourth overall.
The "urgency" at quarterback is non-existant. McCoy did as well as he was allowed to do. He did look shaky sometimes--he did make mistakes and was innacurate throwing on the run. But Gannon, Miller, and Brandt have tried to tell everybody that this will happen to ANY quarterback who is constantly getting the snot knocked out of him.
While due to his stature and arm, the odds are against Colt emerging as a true franchise quarterback are fairly long, the odds of him becoming a very good system quarterback given an average running game, decent recievers, and average protection are very good.
The Browns could easily net a third round choice, and perhaps a fourth next season, to move down just two slots in a trade with the Rams. They could get a second and more from Miami to move down to 8.
Even at 8, they could for sure land David deCastro, Cordy Glenn, Micheal Floyd...they'd have a shot at Richardson, and maybe even Claiborne! How can anybody say that ANY of these guys wouldn't be huge difference-makers? How could anybody in their right minds be upset with that, when with that high second round pick they could get:
RB David Wilson, Cordy Glenn (his projections are all over the map), OT Jonathan Martin (will be awesome at right tackle), well-named DE Whitney Merciluss (an EVERY-DOWN certified quarterback-killer), or some other stud that we can't see (but Tom can)?
This second round is full of instant impact players and starters. The best WEST COAST wide reciever in this draft is rated number two. The best RIGHT tackle might just be the top GUARD, and they have Pro-Bowl potential all the way to six. The most promising running back behind Richardson is ranked by most number four or even number five! The FIFTH-rated cornerback will probably start immediately and be pretty damn good.
Trading down isn't just smart. It's common sense. They'll get an instant impact player at number 22, and they could trade down TEN slots and STILL get a major stud at 14!
If the Browns can trade down, maybe a lot, and maybe more than once, Tom Heckert can fix this team for a long time to come, all in this one draft.
TRADE DOWN.
I HAVE SPOKEN.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Underrated Guys the Browns Might Get Cheap
1: WIL backer Danny Trevathan, Kentucky. He's 6'1", 231, which partly explains his lowly status among the linebackers in this class. Level of competition is another reason. I haven't found his combine numbers yet, but can safely assume that they weren't impressive enough to overcome these issues. So stipulated.
But he had 144 tackles, including 16 for losses, with 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 4 pass break-ups. Despite his light weight, he was an excellent run-stopper and a hard hitter. He can cover and blitze as well. He has the frame to gain a good ten pounds without sacrificing his irrefutable G A M E speed.
Other OLB's do look more promising here, but the Browns do now have a ton of day 3 picks, and this guy could even go undrafted!
2: OT/G Bobby Massie, Mississippi. I can't seem to get a scouting report on this guy, but what made me take another look at him were the two photgraphs I saw. This guy can't have more than 12% body fat. I mean he's just BIG, from top-to-bottom, without a big pot-belly or huge butt.
He has the feet and quickness to play right tackle, and is a road-grading run blocker. He's 6'6", and (per scout.com) 325, although I've seen him called 340 and 317. His 5.26 40 time aint that hot, but isn't uncommon for R R RIGHT tackles. I said R I G H T tackles, which are not left tackles.
Because he's not a left tackle prospect, he automaticly ranks behind those who are, and better-known guys like Mike Adams or even Zebrie Sanders could go ahead of him too. Massie could go as high as the third round, but could well slide into the fourth, where he'd be a great deal.
3: Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas . This is a repeat--already talked about this little big man who gets no repect.
Contrary to polular ignoramity, SLOT reciever is NOT an area of "deperate", "glaring" need on the Browns, as Jordan Norwood was one of the few bright spots last season. And Mike Adams is a probably slot reciever in the NFL. Still, it's like having a McCoy and wanting an RG3--only this time Adams has a chance to make it all the way into the fourth round.
Again, Adams OWNED the Senior Bowl, making more than one quarterback look good and embarrassing several cornerbacks. Outside, inside, short or deep didn't matter. He gets open, catches, breaks tackles at 178 lbs. believe it or not, and can usually outrun everybody else on the field. Just would need a lot of work on the precise reads and routes he'd face in this offense.
I can't speak to Adams' ability to learn this--not all recievers can--but IF he can, Norwood can also play outside in this offense.
He might not slide that far, though, since he's also an awesome returner who could instantly take some of that stuff off Cribbs.
4: Another repeat: DE Adrian Hamilton, Prairie View A&M. Coached and recommended by former second round pick/Buffalo Bill DE Gabe Northern, who says he's better than he was. Small school, 6'2", 245 all make him slide despite his record TWENTY and a half sacks.
Incredibly, Scout.com doesn't even LIST him at either OLB or DE, and I'm not sure he was even invited to the combine. The report I had projected him to go in the sixth round, and oh boy do the Browns have a shot at a steal here!
Comment about WR Micheal Floyd: He's better than Blackmon, especially for this offense. He's not a real burner who can take the top off a defense, but makes big plays anyway. His routes, wingspan, and quickness make him IDEAL for a West Coast offense. If the Browns traded down or got lucky enough to nab him at 22, I'd be happier than most other fans, because I comprehend how the West Coast works.
Listen to me again: Jerry Rice clocked over 4.6 in the 40. He caught the vast majority of big-play and touchdown catches within fifteen yards of the line of scrimmage. By your definition, the San Fransisco 49ers NEVER had a real "burner" for the duration of it's dynasty.
They had wide recievers like Gregg Little and Floyd, who do their damage after the catch.
But oh yeah...they still tried to double-cover Jerry Rice as he crossed and slanted...imagine that!!!
Finally I read a presumably amateur column about why the Browns should draft Tannehill. It was mostly pretty good/persuasive, but I got a problem with this:
The writer first described colt McCoy as "not too quick on his feet". McCoy is highly mobile. THEN, he says the same thing about Tannehill, two sentences before he mentioned the fact that he played wide reciever.
This is a problem: It seems that in the wake of the RG3 swing-and-miss, HIS mobility has become STANDARD for quarterbacks!!!
If you can outrun most defensive ends and linebackers, you're more mobile than most quarterbacks. Please beam back down and stop calling former wide recievers immobile.
But he had 144 tackles, including 16 for losses, with 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 4 pass break-ups. Despite his light weight, he was an excellent run-stopper and a hard hitter. He can cover and blitze as well. He has the frame to gain a good ten pounds without sacrificing his irrefutable G A M E speed.
Other OLB's do look more promising here, but the Browns do now have a ton of day 3 picks, and this guy could even go undrafted!
2: OT/G Bobby Massie, Mississippi. I can't seem to get a scouting report on this guy, but what made me take another look at him were the two photgraphs I saw. This guy can't have more than 12% body fat. I mean he's just BIG, from top-to-bottom, without a big pot-belly or huge butt.
He has the feet and quickness to play right tackle, and is a road-grading run blocker. He's 6'6", and (per scout.com) 325, although I've seen him called 340 and 317. His 5.26 40 time aint that hot, but isn't uncommon for R R RIGHT tackles. I said R I G H T tackles, which are not left tackles.
Because he's not a left tackle prospect, he automaticly ranks behind those who are, and better-known guys like Mike Adams or even Zebrie Sanders could go ahead of him too. Massie could go as high as the third round, but could well slide into the fourth, where he'd be a great deal.
3: Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas . This is a repeat--already talked about this little big man who gets no repect.
Contrary to polular ignoramity, SLOT reciever is NOT an area of "deperate", "glaring" need on the Browns, as Jordan Norwood was one of the few bright spots last season. And Mike Adams is a probably slot reciever in the NFL. Still, it's like having a McCoy and wanting an RG3--only this time Adams has a chance to make it all the way into the fourth round.
Again, Adams OWNED the Senior Bowl, making more than one quarterback look good and embarrassing several cornerbacks. Outside, inside, short or deep didn't matter. He gets open, catches, breaks tackles at 178 lbs. believe it or not, and can usually outrun everybody else on the field. Just would need a lot of work on the precise reads and routes he'd face in this offense.
I can't speak to Adams' ability to learn this--not all recievers can--but IF he can, Norwood can also play outside in this offense.
He might not slide that far, though, since he's also an awesome returner who could instantly take some of that stuff off Cribbs.
4: Another repeat: DE Adrian Hamilton, Prairie View A&M. Coached and recommended by former second round pick/Buffalo Bill DE Gabe Northern, who says he's better than he was. Small school, 6'2", 245 all make him slide despite his record TWENTY and a half sacks.
Incredibly, Scout.com doesn't even LIST him at either OLB or DE, and I'm not sure he was even invited to the combine. The report I had projected him to go in the sixth round, and oh boy do the Browns have a shot at a steal here!
Comment about WR Micheal Floyd: He's better than Blackmon, especially for this offense. He's not a real burner who can take the top off a defense, but makes big plays anyway. His routes, wingspan, and quickness make him IDEAL for a West Coast offense. If the Browns traded down or got lucky enough to nab him at 22, I'd be happier than most other fans, because I comprehend how the West Coast works.
Listen to me again: Jerry Rice clocked over 4.6 in the 40. He caught the vast majority of big-play and touchdown catches within fifteen yards of the line of scrimmage. By your definition, the San Fransisco 49ers NEVER had a real "burner" for the duration of it's dynasty.
They had wide recievers like Gregg Little and Floyd, who do their damage after the catch.
But oh yeah...they still tried to double-cover Jerry Rice as he crossed and slanted...imagine that!!!
Finally I read a presumably amateur column about why the Browns should draft Tannehill. It was mostly pretty good/persuasive, but I got a problem with this:
The writer first described colt McCoy as "not too quick on his feet". McCoy is highly mobile. THEN, he says the same thing about Tannehill, two sentences before he mentioned the fact that he played wide reciever.
This is a problem: It seems that in the wake of the RG3 swing-and-miss, HIS mobility has become STANDARD for quarterbacks!!!
If you can outrun most defensive ends and linebackers, you're more mobile than most quarterbacks. Please beam back down and stop calling former wide recievers immobile.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
West Coast Offense 101, Logic 101
West Coast wide recievers run predominantly slants and crossing patterns. Bigger, taller recievers are preferable because they can use their bodies and reach to secure the ball in traffic against safeties as well as cornerbacks, can break a tackle or two, and can block.
ALSO important is the ability to S E P A R A T E from defenders. This is why Brian Robiskie couldn't hack it here-he couldn't make a cut and gain a step or two on a man cornerback.
The three-cone, short shuttle, and other drills are used at the NFL combine for a reason. They measure quickness; suddenness-in stops and starts and changing directions. Changing directions, as in making cuts in pass patterns. Are you with me so far?
Stephen Hill was atrocious in all of these drills at the combine. He has indisputably unreal straight-line speed, but lacks the hips and athleticism to separate on bread-and-butter West Coast patterns. He will have a hard time running anything but post patterns in any NFL offense, but might be able to function in a few as an extra reciever.
Don't ignore these other drills. They're intended to measure "football" speed and separate the track athletes from the football players. Stephen Hill is NOT a prospect for this team.
(Sigh)...the Browns don't expect to contend in 2012. Quit saying they can't afford a project at number four, citing 2012's win/loss record as the reason. And quit assuming that taking Tannehill would mean a 3-13 season or something!
This is idiotic. This team is loaded with starters and heavy contributors who were rookies last season, just learning the ropes. Last season was the first in a 4-3 defense and a West Coast offense. Running back Rodney Obeneyafield did run for 100 yards a couple times, and I'm not sure why everybody keeps pretending he and Carlton Mitchell don't exist, and that players entering their second and third seasons won't improve. I repeat: Idiotic.
Keep asking "how has the team been improved?" It's improved simply because there are a TON of young players naturally, and almost inevittably IMPROVING. D U H.
Former college left tackle/prematurely starting left guard Todd Pinkston? He's being trained by LeCharles Bentley at his highly-regarded offensive line school. Dude means business. Le Charles will give him quicker feet, among other things, and I will not be surprised if he doesn't come back ready to play right tackle. At least, he'll be a much-improved guard.
Tannehill only took shotgun snaps? Who makes this stuff up? His head coach was the Philbin who is the Dolphins new offensive coordinator, and there were a lot of West Coast principles in the offense he ran. He is more prepared for the West Coast than RG or Luck! He took shotgun snaps and snaps from under center--about like the freaking new England Patriots, ok?
Who told you that Tannehill would be a day one starter? The same goober that wrote this article I read said in one line that the Browns can't afford a project, and in the next defended McCoy as the incumbent starter. Projects don't start. It's why they're called "projects". Where's the "disruption" this guy refers to? In the baseball cap, holding the clip-board?
McCoy will start, whether Tannehill is here or not. And if he tears up the league, one of the two can be traded in 2014 or so!
Please, for Pete's sake, try to grasp that this team is rebuilding, and not aiming at the Superbowl in 2012! The models are obvious: New England, Green Bay, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, the Giants. Built through the draft, for the long term. Most of their starters were drafted by them, and many didn't start until their second or third seasons.
This team is obviously not on a par with them yet, but are rebuilding following their model.
The immediate needs for the Cleveland Browns offens are one offensive lineman (maybe a right tackle), one wide reciever, and maybe one running back...and you don't think they can find them at 22, high in the second, third, and fourth? You think one draft pick is "wasted" on a future franchise quarterback? That is screws up the whole draft?
Illogical. Irrational. Stop it.
ALSO important is the ability to S E P A R A T E from defenders. This is why Brian Robiskie couldn't hack it here-he couldn't make a cut and gain a step or two on a man cornerback.
The three-cone, short shuttle, and other drills are used at the NFL combine for a reason. They measure quickness; suddenness-in stops and starts and changing directions. Changing directions, as in making cuts in pass patterns. Are you with me so far?
Stephen Hill was atrocious in all of these drills at the combine. He has indisputably unreal straight-line speed, but lacks the hips and athleticism to separate on bread-and-butter West Coast patterns. He will have a hard time running anything but post patterns in any NFL offense, but might be able to function in a few as an extra reciever.
Don't ignore these other drills. They're intended to measure "football" speed and separate the track athletes from the football players. Stephen Hill is NOT a prospect for this team.
(Sigh)...the Browns don't expect to contend in 2012. Quit saying they can't afford a project at number four, citing 2012's win/loss record as the reason. And quit assuming that taking Tannehill would mean a 3-13 season or something!
This is idiotic. This team is loaded with starters and heavy contributors who were rookies last season, just learning the ropes. Last season was the first in a 4-3 defense and a West Coast offense. Running back Rodney Obeneyafield did run for 100 yards a couple times, and I'm not sure why everybody keeps pretending he and Carlton Mitchell don't exist, and that players entering their second and third seasons won't improve. I repeat: Idiotic.
Keep asking "how has the team been improved?" It's improved simply because there are a TON of young players naturally, and almost inevittably IMPROVING. D U H.
Former college left tackle/prematurely starting left guard Todd Pinkston? He's being trained by LeCharles Bentley at his highly-regarded offensive line school. Dude means business. Le Charles will give him quicker feet, among other things, and I will not be surprised if he doesn't come back ready to play right tackle. At least, he'll be a much-improved guard.
Tannehill only took shotgun snaps? Who makes this stuff up? His head coach was the Philbin who is the Dolphins new offensive coordinator, and there were a lot of West Coast principles in the offense he ran. He is more prepared for the West Coast than RG or Luck! He took shotgun snaps and snaps from under center--about like the freaking new England Patriots, ok?
Who told you that Tannehill would be a day one starter? The same goober that wrote this article I read said in one line that the Browns can't afford a project, and in the next defended McCoy as the incumbent starter. Projects don't start. It's why they're called "projects". Where's the "disruption" this guy refers to? In the baseball cap, holding the clip-board?
McCoy will start, whether Tannehill is here or not. And if he tears up the league, one of the two can be traded in 2014 or so!
Please, for Pete's sake, try to grasp that this team is rebuilding, and not aiming at the Superbowl in 2012! The models are obvious: New England, Green Bay, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, the Giants. Built through the draft, for the long term. Most of their starters were drafted by them, and many didn't start until their second or third seasons.
This team is obviously not on a par with them yet, but are rebuilding following their model.
The immediate needs for the Cleveland Browns offens are one offensive lineman (maybe a right tackle), one wide reciever, and maybe one running back...and you don't think they can find them at 22, high in the second, third, and fourth? You think one draft pick is "wasted" on a future franchise quarterback? That is screws up the whole draft?
Illogical. Irrational. Stop it.
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