Draft Dumbassitude Dominates

Any team drafting Braxton Miller must have a creative offensive coordinator who can take advantage of his unique skills.

WRONG. If the wide receivers were ranked according to talent, Miller would be number one.  He has everything it takes to become a premier number one receiver.  Size, speed, hands, athleticism.

I'm frankly stunned to hear him talked about as if he's some gimmick player who needs help to be productive in the NFL.

That's okay with me if it gets him to the second round for the Browns.

For these (Alex Marvez is one) journalists on NFL Radio, Miller is only one rung ahead of Terrelle Pryor on a hundred rung ladder leading to NFL wide receiver competence.  Since Pryor is three or four years away from being able to run correct routes and master the complexities of extending hands, meeting the ball with hands, wrapping fingers around balls, retracting arms to secure balls IM SORRY I CANT EVEN MAKE FUN OF THIS ANYMORE IT'S JUST TOO STUPID TO EVEN BE FUNNY ANYMORE!

I know some idiot was caught talking about the Browns next former quarterback, but that doesn't bother me as much. This was a national guy and the Browns have been a joke for so long that it was just too easy to resist, and I gotta say kinda funny.

Still, it was stupid.  He insulted Hue Jackson and all the new front office people who weren't here last season.  The jerk sounded like a Browns fan, and should have known better.

This draft is especially deep in defensive linemen, and then offensive linemen.  The defensive linemen include a number of potential 3-4 outside linebackers.

Right through the fourth, and even into the fifth round, the Browns should be able to land some quality players at these positions.

In earlier entries, I cited the need for a rotational player on the defensive line, and offensive linemen for the future and insurance.  In this draft, the Browns can get these guys a round or more lower than they could in most other drafts.

It's looking good, because of Farmer's compensatory picks (which now may be tradeable).

The first pick will be a quarterback.  The next two can be best available.  On day three, the Browns can start collecting sliders for the trenches.

Mohammed Sanu: Those who consider his signing by Hue Jackson a given assume too much.  Hue made the most of him, including demoting him, but didn't draft him.  He merely KNOWS him.

Still, the blind squirrel could have found an acorn.  He's stronger and more durable than Hartline, and familiar with Hue's system.

This should not effect Travis Benjamin, who is so different that he might as well play a different position.

The guy who could effect Travis Benjamin is Andrew Hawkins.  One or the other could well be gone.

Browns Old and Young Guys

It is more likely than not that Old Man Whitner is not long for the Browns due to his cap hit and age.  

But another reason is Rodney Campbellfield.  Ibraheim Campbell, partly because he was drafted by Ray Farmer, and partly because he was ill-served by pundit scouts, gets no respect.

He was labelled a "box safety" who lacked the range and hips to play center field.  Then he played extensively in coverage during his Senior Bowl week, and piled up deflected passes and interceptions.

Indeed, he was one of the two or three stars of that event.  In coverage.

In his rookie season last year, he got limited reps, but was one of the reasons Jordan Poyer filled in at cornerback rather than at safety.  He did pretty well.

Campbell's credentials as a strong safety were never questioned.  He hits hard, and tackles like a linebacker.  Entering his second season, he does everything Whitner did, and more.

If I'm right about what Ray Horton has in mind for Barkevious Mingo (and if it succeeds, which it might not), any conventional safety will have a lot of help with tight ends and running backs, as well.

In the linked article, Paul Kruger was put in the same boat as Whitner, and I still don't understand this.  Kruger is still in his prime, and originally came here presumably with the same defensive coordinator's approval.

The twelve sacks he had in 2014 were not a fluke.  Flukes don't last sixteen games.  Verily, his stats to date don't justify his salary, but that doesn't mean you need to get rid of him and the potential double digit sacks he brings with him.

Especially not this particular team.  On the current roster, outside passrushers are Kruger and Orchard, and Orchard isn't etched in stone yet either.  (I have to mention Scott Solomon.  He's a legit dark horse passrusher).

Dansby is another geezer, but he played well last season, and nobody on the current roster is better than he is.  His leadership does have value, as well.  He may not be part of this team's future, but he has much to teach those who are.

Of course, free agency or the draft could change this.

Now I've read Mike Mayock comparing Wentz to Andrew Luck.  I studied the words he used (some of us do that, you know):

Mayock didn't hedge at all.  He said that Luck had a lot more starting experience at a higher level than Wentz, and was much better prepared for the NFL at the time he was drafted, but Wentz has everything Luck had.

No ambiguity there.  Mayock merely said that Wentz should ideally not start as a rookie, and should be allowed to marinate for awhile before being tossed on the grill.

He likes Goff almost as much, and says he's more pro ready, but says Wentz has the upside.

If Mike Mayock is correct, then Wentz has to be the top target, period.

This just in: "Browns Should Take A Flier On Colin Kaepernick".

I just knew somebody would say it!  Oh! Oh!  The Browns tried to trade up for RG III once!  Why not him?  Can we talk Peyton out of retirement?  What about Brian Hoyer?

Jeesh!

Questions For Browns Permabashers

1: How many times have any of the individuals in the current Browns Front office drafted a first round quarterback who was a bust?

2: How many times has Hue Jackson drafted a quarterback who was a bust?

3: How many drafts has anybody in the Browns 2016 Personnel Dept screwed up?

4: How many quarterbacks have the Browns drafted in the top three picks of the NFL Draft?

4a: Does that matter, since none of these people were involved in that decision?

5: Do you think there is something in Cleveland's air or water that makes everybody stupid after they move here?

5a: How long have you lived here?

6 (multiple choice):
Expecting the same results from different people, and constantly talking about it is 
A: Idiotic
B: Irrational
C: A waste of time 
D: Senseless
E: All of the above

Browns Punditry Panicking Prematurely

I'm frustrated that talks between Travis Benjamin and the Browns have broken off.  I trust Tony Grossi in these matters, and believe that the sides were indeed close.

But the fact that Travis will now entertain offers from other teams doesn't mean he's gone.  Nobody is gone yet.  The team has over 42 million in cap space, and can top any offer for every player from any team.

None of the prospective free agents has shown a strong inclination to leave, with the possible exception of Mitchell Schwartze (Tony knows better than me).

I didn't bother reading "Browns on verge of free agent mass exodus", nor should you.

If any of these players leaves, it will be because the Browns find the price simply too high.  (And in the real world, Virginia, this happens: see the Suh contract).

Benjamin, in particular, is far from gone.  Teams will value him as an elite returner and slot receiver only.  He is still a tiny little shrimp with stick legs, and probably won't command a fortune in guaranteed money like he seems to think.

Ozzie Newsome is famous for letting other teams do his negotiating for him.  He allows players to shop around, and then considers whether or not the best offer they get is worth topping.

Of course, historically, players have wanted to stay with the Ravens.  Nobody will want to stay with the Browns, right?

Nah! Not with Hue Jackson, Goff or Wentz, Josh Gordon, etc!  Well that's crap.  Ask the veteran players.  Joe Thomas is only the most outspoken.

Here is another excellent article on the state of the Browns inside linebackers.  Every last word is correct.

I'd just like to add one thing to it: Solomon can play inside, take on blockers, and stop the run.

I'm fuzzy on Ray Horton inside linebackers, but in an earlier article outlined the possibility that Ray plans to use Mingo as a nickel/dime linebacker, and earlier than than pointed out that nickel defenses are really the new base defenses in the modern NFL.

In obvious run situations, Solomon could be in the middle, perhaps even in nickels.

No, you don't want this guy in coverage, but that's what the extra defensive backs are for.  Contrary to popular myth, both inside linebackers don't need to cover.  This is especially true when one of the two is a really good Blitzer.

Solomon is the biggest sleeper in the Browns Front seven.  Stay tuned.

It's Getting Dim Around Here

Some person suggested that the San Diego Chargers should trade for Joe Thomas.  So far so good.  But he proposed that they trade a second round pick for him.

I don't need to go on, do I?

Another person (maybe the same one) suggested that the Browns should swipe Kirk Cousins from the R E D S K I N S.

I'll buy that for a dollar, but I just don't think the Redskins will let him go.  

Another guy wonders if a rookie quarterback can get the Browns to the playoffs in 2016.

No.

But see, this guy starts out with the assumption that any quarterback they draft has to be the day one starter.  He dismisses everything McCown did last season, airily brushing him off as a mentor best off with a clip board.

He's a dumbass.

It's quite true that there is no Andrew Luck in this draft class.  Andrew Luck was the last drafted quarterback who was really ready to start day one.  

Both of the top two quarterbacks here played for small schools; Goff in a spread shotgun.  Wentz has limited experience.

Josh McCown was statistically among the best quarterbacks in the NFL last season, even with an injured shoulder and cracked ribs.  You don't just ignore all that so you can throw a kid in there to get busted up.

And what are we talking about here? Beating out the Steelers and the Bengals.  In the first year of a new regime---how can you even ask this question?  What a waste of time and space.

I'm feeling more optimistic about Alex Mack since PFF listed him sixteenth among centers, and I found out what the top guys make.

Those who link the Jaguars to him base it on two year old news.  He was 28 then.  Mack doesn't rate the top center salary, and is more concerned about guaranteed money than a gross amount.  The Browns can afford to make him happy, and he sounds like he's willing to stay.

Grossi says Schwartze is a different story.  Tony is wrong about some things, but usually not about this.

I think I get it.  Schwartz is talking about how nowadays right tackles often have to take on the opponents best passrushers.  The Implication is that they should get paid as much as left tackles.

There is some merit to this.  Defensive coordinators saw that right tackles tended to be big goons with slow feet, and instead of attacking the best passblocker, sent their ace passrusher against the other guy.

But right tackles more often have a tight end to help outside, right handed quarterbacks can see the passrusher coming from that side, and Mitchell?  You are NOT Joe Thomas.

This guy is pissing me off.  He's also talking about the raised salary cap; drooling over how much more he can get now.

Well, we'll see.  Schwartz has quietly become one of the best right tackles in the NFL.  We'll see what he is offered.  It probably won't be as much as he thinks.  

Hopefully, the guy doesn't hate Cleveland, would prefer to remain with his friends and team mates, and will accept what the market dictates.

Eric Berry isn't close to a deal, and might hit the market.  I hope Gipson is paying attention.  

They Called Him "Mingo"

In a "Hey Mary Kay" column, one guy asked if Ray Horton might turn Barkevious Mingo into a safety.

After getting up from the floor, I stopped laughing.  I remembered this genius talking about Mingo in coverage, right?  And then I remembered Ray Horton saying stuff like "Hopefully, he'll come in and embrace" what the Browns will do with him...and that his role would be different.

Hmm.

The Mary Kay guy compared Mingo to Cam Chancellor.  Mingo is one inch taller, and 6-8 lbs heavier.  That's true, but no...no Barkevious is not a safety.

However, he could be a nickel/dime linebacker.  He could be a safety/linebacker hybrid (who by the way blitzes a lot).

Since Ray Horton regrettably mentioned the phrase "playmaker", the local punditry (MKC aside) can think only of sacks.  The Mingo box is labelled "passrusher".

Fortunately, Ray Horton doesn't use boxes or labels.  As a Blitzer, he can get some sacks.  But as a coverage guy and unblocked run-stopper, he can smash people.

Mingo can man cover tight ends.  Ray wouldn't have him press anybody else, but put him in "off man" or zone, placing him deeper, and letting him see the quarterback.

Seattle uses Chancellor like this.  It sets him up to jump routes, or pulverize receivers and knock balls loose.  He's often ideally positioned on neutral downs to meet ball carriers at the line of scrimmage.

Offenses without a fullback can't aim a blocker at him (unless he's on a tight end).

Yep.  I think Ray is up to something insidious and diabolical here involving Mingo.  This should be fun.

Browns Defensive Line, Tight Ends

Now that Randy Starks has been released, no doubt some knucklehead somewhere will list defensive end as a "need".

But seriously, the defensive line is well-stocked.

Ray Horton sounded pretty high on Danny Shelton, saying that he wants Danny to stay on the field for the majority of the game, and that the second year player will be a "big part" of the defense.

Horton's defense doesn't use a true nose tackle.  The "middle" defensive lineman lines up in the strong side A-gap between center and guard.

While it's possible Ray could use him outside, shaded to one side or the other on the right tackle, it's more likely that Danny will be in the A-gap.

Shelton isn't what you'd call a penetrator, but he does have a surprisingly fast first step.  Shelton a couple weeks ago talked about losing some weight.  Probably, Ray had talked to him about playing more snaps, and the fact that in this scheme he would be attacking.

Here's a point most people don't get: Shelton's biggest technical problem last season was getting "too tall".  He lost his leverage, and got pushed around.

Well, this happens when you get tired.

Assuming Shelton succeeds in dropping a few pounds (note: at his age, and with his genes, he should gain 5-8 lbs in muscle mass from the weight room), he can make a mess.

Depending on blitzes, he will attack the right guard, the center, or (more often) the gap itself with a vertical rush. 

As I've mentioned before, he is the only option for the center to double-team without looping behind left guard, and because the center sets up in front of the other linemen, he has a bad angle.

Danny Shelton humiliated the best seniors in the country in his Senior Bowl, and that was why he shot up the draft boards.  He was unblockable there.  If he stays low, he'll be a huge challenge for NFL centers and guards here.

This is the NFL, so some blockers will do a better job against him than others, but that's okay.  If the center is involved, he can't be blocking linebackers, and the right guard can't help the right tackle block the defensive end.

I don't believe Ray Horton wants to literally keep Shelton on the field for the whole game.  He'll rotate him in and out along with the other guys to keep everybody fresh.  I believe what Ray meant was that Danny would be in on some obvious passing downs.

Jamie Meder is the most likely relief for him there, and I'm sure Ray is happy about that.  John Hughes could fill this role, too.

Desmond Bryant is probably the right defensive end, lining up in the weak side B-gap between left guard and left tackle.  He got five sacks last season.  He can get more in a Horton defense.

Xavier Cooper, entering his second season, has a good chance of overtaking John Hughes at left defensive end.  Cooper is more explosive and quicker, and overmatches a lot of right tackles.  

Cooper has a strong punch, and can often land it before a blocker is ready.  The punch (really palms to pads) upsets the blocker's balance and elevates him.  When Coop lands that first punch, he can dart right by the blocker.

In Horton's scheme, he would sometimes slice inside at an angle, with a clear path to the quarterback, since the right guard is on Shelton.

Hughes is a powerful leverage guy who can win the majority of his matchups, and is perhaps the best run defender in this group.  Who starts here is almost irrelevant, since he'll play a lot; Cooper more vs the pass, and Hughes at multiple spots and more vs the run.

These five guys are a pretty good group.  Cooper and Shelton enter their second seasons, when players typically make their biggest leaps.  Meder is a veteran, but hasn't played that much himself.

The Browns will probably carry six of these guys, and I don't know if there might be somebody already here who could be the sixth.

Jim Dray is also gone.  These two releases freed up more cap space, some of which we hope can re-sign some or all of the Browns' pending free agents.

This should elevate EJ Bibbs.  Bibbs is yet another Ray Farmer undrafted free agent discovery who really impressed in his rookie preseason.

As I've mentioned, Bibbs could spell Malcomb Johnson's doom, because he can play fullback as well as H-back and tight end.

Guys I respect have said that EJ has the size to play tight end, but I can't get past the fact that he's a shade over 6'2".  Am I making too big a deal over a couple inches?

Probably.  He's developing as an in-line blocker, and was always willing.  He can certainly go into the slot.  His future is bright.

Randall Telfer may not make it.  In his favor is the fact that he's a fine in-line blocker.  But some scouts felt he wouldn't hold up in the NFL, and he's not a good receiver.  Farmer drafted Telfer before he knew he could have Bibbs.

As you know, Braxton Miller is my guy atop the second round if he's there, and screw the needs.  But Hunter Henry is the best tight end in this draft, and is the total package.

I don't think he'll get past Denver, but if he does (and Miller isn't there), Hensley is almost a no-brainer.

Tight end isn't really a need, either, but Bibbs might really be a hybrid type Swiss army knife more than a true tight end, and Hensley can most certainly run-block.

Jim Dray is gone because he couldn't.

With Henry, two tight end sets would present big problems for defenses.  Normally, the second tight end is just a blocker, and the defense doesn't have to worry about him as a receiver.  With Barnidge and Hunter, they'd have to worry about both tight ends as receivers.

Ok but Miller first.

Browns Pass Rush, Quarterbacks

Nothing is happening.  Nothing to write about.  Still, I've got to try.

Ray Horton talked about using Barkevious Mingo and Paul Kruger differently.  He spoke more of Kruger, basically saying that he would blitze more and cover less.  Hallelujah!

Coaches have a kind of code which prevents them from criticizing other coaches.  There's only so much Ray can openly say about how he'll use players without sounding like a Pettine basher.

While using Kruger so much in coverage was downright dumb, using Mingo that way wasn't so much.  As I've explained here several times, Mingo has freakish speed and flexibility, and can be very effective in that role.

Still, this is Ray Horton, so you've got to expect more blitzing out of Mingo, as well.  The real most likely Robin to Kruger's Batman, however, is Nate Orchard.

Ray moves people around to get favorable matchups.  Kruger and Orchard are similar players.  Mingo is much different from these two, and a blocker who can handle them might not be able to handle him.  

Unlike most other fans, I remember a guy named Scott Solomon, too.  Ray Horton will have a nice rotation of outside linebackers to use.

As Mary Kay pointed out, Tennessee was sixth in sacks per pass attempt last season without a superstar passrusher.  As I pointed out in one of my own entries, the bulk of these sacks were evenly distributed among four players.

Up until now, I myself have listed "passrusher" as a priority, but think I was wrong now.  In addition to these four passrushers, this team also includes the Bryants and Xavier Cooper.

(Yet another entry: Horton's defense has two or three down linemen one-gapping on every down).

Consensus has the Browns targeting Goff at quarterback.  But I've now heard from some of his fans, who question his leadership.

Look, I always take this stuff with a grain of salt.  A lot of people don't comprehend leadership.  For them, if a guy isn't yelling at people or hopping up and down like a cheerleader, he's not a leader.

And everybody these days is an expert on body language.  Chuh!

However, Hue Jackson listed "leadership" as one of his top three priorities in a quarterback, so he'll be looking hard at this.

I don't know if those fans knew what they were talking about, but I do know that Wentz is a strong leader.

Once again, the single most attractive attribute Goff has is his brain.  Wentz had the chance to answer some questions about that at the Senior Bowl, and closed that gap.

We've got a long way to go before the draft, so who knows what Hue will do?  But I do know that he will choose his quarterback based on the interviews.

I like them both, but physically Wentz is all that.  The guy hasn't even finished growing yet, and he's already big.  He can do a lot of things Goff can't, including throw on the run (all-arm).

It's a close race, but if I was forced to bet on somebody, I'd have to use Mike Mayock as my tie-breaker and go with Wentz.

To use "pro-ready" as a factor is just plain dumb.

The Browns have McCown and Davis, and won't be ready to unseat the Steelers and Bengals for another year.

Hue will choose the quarterback with the most upside, period.  He plans to be here awhile.

Bad Browns Bloviations

I've got to make an exception to my no links to bad articles rule here.  I mean, you've just got to see it.  And count how many times goober says "playmakers".  

The writer's actual assessment wasn't too bad, once you force yourself to look past the cliches and buzzwords.

The guy talks about old guys, and he's right in three spots.  Dansby seems to have some left, but Tramon Williams and Whitner are fading.

The dude is insane to call Kruger washed up.  Whatever the reasons he didn't do much last season, age wasn't it.  He's also a little overboard about Joe Haden's concussion.  It's definitely a concern, but I still think Pettine's scheme caused it...along with tackling big running backs and tight ends he shouldn't have had to.

After dismissing the washed up Kruger and giving Nate Orchard a passing mention, the writer (in between calling for more play maygerzzz) declares an urgent need for a passrusher.

I agree that every team should have a Von Miller, but I think it's pretty ignorant to dismiss Kruger and Orchard so off-handedly.

Waittilnextyear, have I persuaded you?

Ray Horton's hiring changed things somewhat, because his defenses get sacks from everywhere.  Sure, he adapted to not having a Von Miller, and would love to have one, but he can get sacks without that one superstar.

A resurgent Kruger plus a growing Orchard could offer him more than he's had since he left Arizona.  Literally every other player on the defense can get sacks as well.

Elite passrushers are even less common than number one receivers.  That's why all but a few defenses have to cobble a pass rush together out of second tier guys.  Some of those defenses are really good, too...just as many offenses are really good without a JOSH GORDON.

Orchard in particular could be somebody special.  This guy was a sack machine in college, and it's doubly ignorant to disregard his late season explosion.  Just imagine what he might have done if he hadn't spent half his limited reps in coverage!  Like Kruger!

Kruger, who had twelve sacks before Mike Frankentine implemented the rest of the Rubic's Cube defense.

Oh and the defense needs more playmaygerzz.  Did I mention that?

Well, Ikbo whatshisname the injured draft steal cornerback is healthy now, and a couple more guys are going into their second seasons--how about waiting a freaking minute before you put them on the freaking bus to freaking Oblivia?!

Dansby isn't one?  Des Bryant?  Gipson when healthy, Orchard in the last 4 games, Haden until this year...

And while decrying old age, the clown ignores the fact that this defense was loaded with first and second year players!  

This goober was accidentally right more than he was wrong, but is still pretty clueless, superficial, and dismissive of native talent.

I'm tempted to predict Nate Orchard getting double digit sacks right now...no I'd better calm down.  I'll start with 16 between Orchard and Kruger for now.  And maybe 20 for the rest of them.

Des Bryant 4, Shelton (glad he's losing weight) 1.5, Dansby 4, Solomon 3, and like that, see?  That's a Horton defense.

But hey, if Von Miller wants to hop on board, I guess we could make room somehow!

Browns Low Hanging Fruit

1: Ryan Fitzpatrick is a good quarterback who is very old.  The Browns have a good old quarterback already, and need a YOUNG one ok duh?

2: I'm glad somebody else thinks that the Browns will keep Josh Gordon.  You are a master of the obvious.

It's been a tough week finding anything to write about other than the nameless one.  Grossi has now shrunken him by an inch and 25 lbs off his combine measurements, btw.

But the Jim Brown stuff is great.  It's about time he got a statue.

I'm especially glad to hear Hue Jackson reaching out to Big Jim.  Jim has been watching this team, and will have a lot to offer Hue, even if he's not a coach himself.

Tony Grossi will hate this, but with Art Modell's support, Jim Brown knocked down the color barrier in the NFL.  Hue Jackson no doubt knows he owes the man something.

And the statue: Put it right in front of the building, so every player has to walk by it.  This guy didn't run out of bounds.  This guy took a lot of crap and just answered it all on the field.

Let those young players be reminded of that every day.  You want a culture change?  Here's a good start.

Browns Wide Receivers

Joe Gilbert did it again in this article.  He's unreasonably skeptical about Josh Gordon, and Pryor is in junior college on his way to his (required) wide receiver PHD.

Joe says the Browns need a third big, fast wide receiver.  While it's possible that both these guys will fail, it's unlikely.  While it would be good to have a surer thing, it's not among the team's priorities.

Pat McNanoman et al also need to really try hard to understand this: The Browns Draft history to date has absolutely ZERO to do with this year.  I really wish they'd quit pounding that drum.

For that matter, the fact that we've been here before, optimistic about the new regime, only to be disappointed, is irrelevant as well.

A new start is a new start.  New people are new people.  Think with your brain.

Goff, Wentz, and the Browns

Opinion on which quarterback the Browns will draft to replace the unmentionable one are divided between Goff and Wentz.

Before I continue, I need to correct a faulty scouting report on Goff:  Due to the nature of his offense, Goff didn't throw a lot of deep passes.  When he did, he showed off a strong arm.  Stop saying he doesn't have a strong arm simply because he wasn't a mad bomber.  You only needed to see a couple of those passes.  That's his arm, fool.

I have no idea which quarterback they'll choose.  I only know that somebody is probably going to trade up to number one and grab one of the two (or Bosa).

The Browns will prioritize upside.  "Pro-ready" won't matter.  Regardless of the PR spin, they can't expect to overtake the Steelers and Bengals in 2016.  

As I've said, Goff is more pro ready.  He might or might not have the most upside, as well, if he has a Bernie Kosar brain.

But it's also not smart to ignore Wentz's athleticism, or make any assumptions about his brain.

In short, there is a 75% chance that the Browns will draft Goff.

Or Wentz.

Mindless Mantras, Labels, Boxes, and the Browns

Craig Lyndall is a smart guy, which is why I include links to most of his articles, despite the fact that he's wrong about a lot of things.

In this one, about the wisdom of re-signing Travis Benjamin, his logic is irrefutable.  Unlike some alleged analysts, Craig comprehends that the Rabbit isn't a number one receiver.

But he considers Benjamin a number two outside receiver, as well as a slot guy.  He regards the quality of the cornerback as the lone challenge, and ignores the routes and types of coverage.

Travis Benjamin (and Andrew Hawkins) have been forced into playing outside by injuries (and Dwayne Bowe).  Outside receivers are often pressed, and physically leveraged outside.

That puts the cornerback roughly between the quarterback and receiver.  A good cornerback can bump and jostle a small receiver toward the sideline with his body.  It prevents the little guy from getting to full speed as he struggles for balance.  He's not where he's supposed to be, and when the passer does find him, any throw is contested, with the cornerback having the advantage.

This is as true for the Z as for the X.  Outside is outside.

Slot receivers can be munchkins because they have a two-way go, and are very hard to press.  They can't be leveraged outside, because they'll simply go with the leverage, and turn it into a footrace.  They also have more room outside.

Travis Benjamin is a slot receiver.  

Craig thoughtfully mentioned Josh Gordon as a potential number one, but again ignored Pryor, and seems to think Benjamin is a better number two (Z) than Rodney Hartlinefield.

Craig seems to think any receiver who lacks world class speed shouldn't bother showing up, and that speed trumps height and catch radius...and everything else.

He talks about a "complete overhaul", and describes a team all but devoid of playmakers.  
This is common.  There are only eleven players on an offense, and six of them are linemen and a quarterback.  Of the five remaining, is Barnidge a playmaker?  Gordon?  Duke?  Travis?

Okay, that's four.  Why do you keep chanting this mantra?  And what is to rebuild?  I even left out Andrew Hawkins, and Crowell, who's had a number of explosive plays himself.

Craig is smart, but stubborn.  Analysis isn't a series of annual cliches, repeated.

"Playmaker" is a cliche.  A label.  A box.  A good player is a good player.  A tall guy with average speed who is money on third down belongs.  A guy who gets three carries of over ten yards in a game makes a difference.

Ok I'm sorry.  I'm confiscating the phrase "playmaker".  You're overusing it.  It doesn't mean anything any more.  It will be returned to you when you can use it responsibly.

But Craig is right about re-signing Travis Benjamin.  

This article on Jared Goff by Nick Master isn't bad, but he screws up badly on the stats.  He cites Goff's 14-23 w/l record as a reason for concern.

He mentions (as an aside) his first 1-11 season, then a "but still".  No, stop right there.  He was a first year starter, and eleven of his twenty three total losses came in that year.  He got better in his second season, and became elite in his third.  That is what matters.

Nor did he play in a vacuum.  No quarterback can single-handedly win a game (well except maybe Cam Newton).

Real scouts will study how he handled blitzes, checked down, used his eyes, placed the ball; his completion percentage, yards per attempt, third down pass efficiency, etc.

Not wins and losses.  He played for a small school, and it's a team sport.

Besides, he won most of his games and the Armed Forces Bowl last year.

Goff entered one of the worst teams in college football, and three years later left with a championship.  What rational person is concerned?

Free Agent Market: Running Backs Galore

I have defended Isaiah Crowell, even vs some very smart people.  Duke Johnson really needs no defending.  I don't consider running back as a team need.

But holy cow, there are free agent running backs coming out of the woodwork!  The sheer number of them will suppress their contracts.  The Browns have to look at this as an opportunity.

Lamar Miller, Doug Martin, and Chris Ivory are really the top three.  They're all YOUNG ENOUGH to matter to a young and building team a year away from contention DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

I like LeGarrett Blount a lot, but he's 29 and his style got him all beat up.  I know I'll hear his name a lot, because he's a familiar name.  That's a non-starter unless Hue thinks he can be a blocking fullback for the league minimum.  (Fullbacks are the hittERS and not hitees so they can play longer).

Committees work fine.  Talent is talent.  More talent is better.  Let's see what happens.

Browns Tight Ends and Fullbacks

Joe Wilson wrote another great piece as he assesses different Browns position groups.  This one was on tight ends and fullback.

Other than Barnidge and E J Bibbs, Joe isn't high in anybody.  Unlike with the running backs, and as usual, I don't dare argue with Joe.

He really does like Bibbs, though.  Joe says he has all the tools of a real tight end.  But he's between 6'2" and 6'3".  Well Joe knows that and said it anyway so amen.

Bibbs can block in-line, and this is what Joe cited as a big issue last season.  Per Joe, Barnidge was marginal, and Dray maybe even worse.  This is why Cam Erving played tight end in some two tight end sets last season.

The fullbacks couldn't block either.  

This is why, if he is there and Miller isn't at pick 32, the Browns will have to look hard at Hunter, by far the best tight end in this draft.

Joe cites the power running scheme that Hue Jackson likes to run.  This includes a second tight end or a fullback.

But I just have to remind Joe and the rest of you, we don't yet know if Hue will run the same scheme without the same personnel.  And if he is who I think he is, he won't, because that would be stupid.

He's probably already put his order in with Sashi Brown: Tight end who can block, with a side of blocking fullback.  

Nothing is etched in stone, either.  Joe is right that fullback Malcomb Johnson was bad last season, but he was a rookie, and deserves another shot.

What Joe said about Bibbs was really encouraging too.  Bibbs can also play H-Back or even fullback, though he's a long shot at the latter, where shorter is better.

Well, Hunter could be there.  Miller first though.

This is a Manziel-free Zone

Just a quickie here: I didn't read Grossi's article yet, but here are reasons for the Browns to move summer camps to Columbus:

1: Expansion of fan base.  Columbus is the DMZ between the Browns and Bengals (actually closer to Cinci).  Front-running Steelers fans have also imprinted on the first team they saw winning (like baby ducks).

2: Money.

It's not the big deal people make of it.  The media guys don't want to drive down there.  Not much meaningful happens in shorts and drills; rookies vs rookies.

....sorry I fell asleep there.  That's all.

Superbowl Free Agents for Cleveland Browns

For the Broncos, the "beeping" sound you hear is Von Miller backing up the Brinks truck.  

The Broncos have problems, with current cap space of seven million.  Ryan Clady and a couple other guys could renegotiate to increase that, and some players could be cut loose to free up some more, but Denver has a tall order.

For an excellent and comprehensive in depth analysis of Denver's current challenges and what they might do, this article was my main source.  In this writer's opinion, the Broncos could try to simulate the Nick Fole's deal (to retain Osweiler), which (despite the big numbers) would actually count as around five million against their cap.

I think he's underestimating a bit, but close enough.  The Browns could certainly outbid the Broncos, however.

Much is dependant on what Gramps Manning does.  The writer said it would be difficult to keep both quarterbacks.

I've got to say this, however: If I'm Brock Osweiler, I'm angry.  Brock Osweiler is the better quarterback.  Yet his Head Coach yanked him on the eve of the playoffs.  And listen to the talk: If Manning stays, Brock can expect to collect more splinters in his fifth season.

If Peyton retires, he probably wants to stay, but again, if it's me, I explore the market first.  If that happens, the Broncos can't match Cleveland's offer.  That doesn't mean he won't accept less to stay in Denver.

On the surface, he would want to.  The Broncos will lose some talent, but should remain a force to be reckoned with.

But looking deeper, a young team coached by Hue Jackson has some appeal as well.  The cap is the cap, and Denver will inevitably erode in the coming years.  The Browns (you heard me mention Hue Jackson right are you paying attention?) are getting better.

As you can tell, I like Osweiller a lot, and bet Hue does too.  While the top two quarterbacks in this draft could end up being great, they're far from a sure thing.  Osweiler is tested and proven, with remaining upside.  And the number two overall pick could then be.....

More practical Denver targets for the Browns would be DE Malik Jackson, ILB Danny Trevathan, and Ronny Hillman.  Jackson is the big one here.

The Panthers have around 24 million.  They can keep all their top young guys, and unlike the Broncos, they're just getting started.  Nothing to see here.

In an earlier article, I bashed somebody for talking about Osweiler.  In my defense, I had faulty data on the Broncos salary cap number.  I thought they had a lot more ammunition than they do.

Not everybody is that high on Osweiler.  He wasn't spectacular or anything.  The Chargers were giving him a hard time when he got yanked, but Manning was similar.

I leave this to Hue Jackson.  The last Manning understudy I saw, however, was Kelly Holcomb.  Holcomb didn't have Osweiler's pedigree or tools.

Whatever.  Hue will know best, and he sure beats the hell out of drafting a quarterback later in the draft.  (And don't say Osweiler was a second rounder.  We don't have four years here.)

Now we can watch possible future Browns in the Superbowl.

Browns Shallow Analysis Corrections: Shallow Waters Run Deep.

Joe Gilbert is one of my favorite sources, and knows more about football than I do.  But after reading this analyisis of the Browns' running back situation, for the first time I have to disagree.

What he said about Duke Johnson was pretty accurate, except it didn't seem to me that he danced around any more than necessary.

This dovetails into his comments about Isaiah Crowell.  Joe thought he failed to see running lanes.  I, too, failed to see running lanes.  That's because there weren't any.

I'm sure that over the course of all their carries, Joe indeed saw some incidents to prompt his criticisms of both players.  I simply contend that there weren't that many of them.

As I've repeated a thousand times, the Browns didn't have big receivers to help in blocking.  Doug Dieken questioned changes to the blocking scheme, which produced far better results under Kyle Shanahan.  I myself complained loud and long at the predictability of running only to the weak side for most of the season.

Joe himself acknowledged the improvements in the running game (especially Crowell) during the last quarter of the season.  I want to point out that they were now running to both sides of the field (coincidence?  I think not).

Joe suggested getting the ball to Duke more.  Ok.  

He suggested sticking to the run more.  Wrong.  Well okay, as Hue knows better than most, you really need to establish the run and have a balanced attack.  So I guess Joe isn't wrong.

What's wrong is that the Vikings can't keep handing off to Adrian Peterson when they're two touchdowns behind with eight minutes left, and it's bad math to hand off on second or third and eight at any time.

I defer to Joe in matters x and o, but not on statistics.  Joe cited season-long statistics to illustrate the Browns inefficiency running the ball in the same article in which he cited the late season improvement.

The most effective predictor of the future are those four most recent games.  Neither running back improved during that span.  The playcalling and the blocking did.

And now that I've checked it out some more, Terrelle Pryor's blocking helped more than a little.

Joe doesn't hate Crowell, but feels he's too inconsistent.  I contend that Crowell is very consistent at running through holes, and also at getting stopped by human walls.  Joe thinks the Browns could use a bell cow running back.  I contend they have one.

But Joe is really smart, and I've learned a lot from him.  Anybody who wants to learn about football should check him out on WFNY.

I don't include links to really bad articles (you're welcome), but I just read a top 100 dumbest (trust me that's really high).

The article, which shall remain shameless, discussed what the Browns might do about quarterback.  It wasn't really stupid.  Just thoughtless.

Even mentioning Sam Bradford's name in this context is dumb, but listing him as a viable option is worse.  Bradford is a good quarterback who is getting old and is injured more often than not.  He collected tens of millions of dollars for hanging around for most of his career, refusing to renegotiate his massively overinflated contract for the sake of his team mates and team.  He refused to even consider coming to Cleveland.  His agent recently said he expects to get paid TWENTY FOUR MILLION A YEAR by his next team.

The article then lists Brock Osweiler.  Now I'd love that myself.  That is a really good quarterback.

The writer thinks it all depends on Peyton Manning.  If Manning decides not to retire, then John Elway will get rid of Brock.

A Superbowl team with an ancient, banged up quarterback will get rid of his heir apparent?  This is so dumb on so many levels: Even if Elway is the poster boy for the concussion protocol what would he then need most?

A quarterback.  Jeez...

The article lists Kirk Cousins.  I like Cousins too, but so do the REDSKINS.  

Colin Kaepernick.  After all, Hue Jackson wanted to draft him once.

Who just took over the Niners?  Chip Kelly.  What kind of quarterback makes his read-option system viable in the NFL (theme from "Jeapordy" playing...).

Robert Griffin III.  That one isn't really dumb.  The book on this guy shouldn't be closed yet.  All the same, it's a long shot.  He's had his chances, and can't overcome all of his limitations.

Smith, Glennon, Sanchez and Mettenberger?  Of all these guys, Glennon is actually the most interesting.  He has quietly become a pretty good quarterback (83.-something rating).  But he's under 58% completions and best as a vertical passer; not a good fit.

The writer shows a glimmer of intelligence by suggesting that Goff would be the best draft option, then extinguishes it by saying he read somewhere that the Browns like Wentz better.

Well, Goff wasn't at the Senior Bowl.

The article concludes that since drafting a quarterback not named Luck that high is risky, the Browns might take the safer route with one of the aforementioned veteran options.

Jeez.  Aside from Osweiler, none of these guys (except conceivably RG3) can be a franchise quarterback.  The Browns will NOT draft in this rarified air again for the foreseeable future.

How can they not draft a guy with that potential?  Know what poker players call guys like this writer?  ATMs.

Rang lists Goff tenth overall and Wentz fifteenth.  I guess that means the Browns need to trade down to tenth or fifteenth and then draft one of them, right?

Wow. 

A couple more draft targets: ILB Kentrell Brothers led college football in tackles and did well during Senior Bowl week.  He's not a great athlete but has great instincts.  He's 6'1", 245.  A couple interceptions and 14 tackles for losses.  He's a complete linebacker, not unlike DQwell Jackson, except he's a little bigger.  He can stack and shed.

The knock on him is that he has short arms, which I find amusing.  They say that because of his short arms, he sometimes needs help tackling.......

He's projected to go in the second round, but with such a severe handicap (snicker) he could slide to the third.

Leland Miller is a 6', 180 lb. press/man cornerback who Ray Horton would want because he's very willing and able to tackle running backs.  He also did well at the Senior Bowl, and could well last well into the fourth round.

He needs to get bigger, of course, but doesn't need a lot of refinement; could be a fifth cornerback right away, and a special teamer.  They say he gets too aggressive at times, but other than that and his weight, I can't find anything wrong with him.  I guess there's just a lot of cornerbacks in this draft, and nobody wants to wait for a guy to gain ten lousy pounds.