1: The offseason was free agency and the draft. The combination of the two delivered two starting and one rotational outside linebacker, making this a deep position. That depth could enable Horton to use any of these guys inside (sometimes).
They got and are looking at a bunch of cornerbacks (some of whom can play safety), but McFadden is the frontrunner for the number two slot. No such thing as a sure thing, but educated consensus says he's pretty damn good.
Bademosi will challenge at free safety, and the new coaches and I seem to like Gipson a lot more than many fans.
These guys will have the same opportunity as Slaughter, who might be pretty good (?)
The defensive line started out strong, and is now incredibly deep. Even if one or two of these guys makes the practice squad, they'll be forced to release good players.
The Browns seem to have gone a little nuts with offensive linemen, and most of those they brought in won't make it. While none of these candidates is a big upgrade athleticly (pulling guard), most of them are talented with upside. Two or even three incumbants could be released. The offensive line was already pretty good.
They went nuts on running backs, as well. Hardesty is not guaranteed to make the final cut.
They now have too many wide recievers. That's ok with me.
Barnridge is really underrated. While they believe that Cameron will emerge in his third season (duh!), Barnridge can still be effective in his role should he get injured.
2: Based on the current offensive personnel, Turner/Chud shouldn't be expected to duplicate their offenses of the past. It could be a Mack/Byner style two-back (Byner was a tad over 200 lbs., yet a very effective lead-blocker). Cameron/Barnridge might not split out as often, and may be in motion more often, and block more.
These coaches are adaptable and creative, and it's a mistake to expect Turner to insist on a blocking fullback if he doesn't happen to have one (or even to try very hard to get one).
3: After seeing Mingo running through his drills, it was easy to see why they wanted him so much. Dion Jordan can't move like that. He uses his hands like a kung fu master, and changes directions like a cornerback.
I'm glad to hear Chud hedge about the guy's weight, because he's plenty strong at 240.
4: Gilkey is kind of a freak. Most offensive linemen have spare tires. Gilkey is as big as these guys WITHOUT the bodyfat. He said he was "pear-shaped" as a teenager, so he's clearly added a LOT of muscle to his upper body. I've seen him listed at 308 and 320, and don't know which is current/accurate.
He does have those gator-arms. Those who say that doesn't matter are clueless, because reach means a lot to an offensive lineman. If he can get his hands on a defender, he can control him. If the defender gets his hands on Gilkey's pads first, that makes it hard.
However, many don't get that guys with shorter arms have faster hands, and can generate more power more quickly. Gilkey is also 6'5", so while his arms might be too short to play tackle vs. 6'5"-6'6" DE's, or those who can bend outside beyond his range, he probably has enough reach to be effective inside at guard.
This guy could surprise a lot of people, and I mean right now. He plays mean and nasty, and he's very smart.
5: One commenter said that the division rivals had a superior draft to the Browns, and on the surface that seems to be true. But this is an oversimplification. Gordon was part of this draft (and I don't care who gets the credit.)
None of the rivals got anybody like Mingo.
And the draft was one part of the offseason. Along with the veteran free agents signed, the Brown beat out several teams to get several "hot" UFA's who were expected to be drafted.
Overall, the Cleveland Browns upgraded themselves more than the Ravens, Steelers, or Bengals. Net-net, the Steelers may not have even stayed even, and the Ravens about broke even.
The sky isn't falling.
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