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!