So many corrections to make! Jared Mueller addresses what he feels are the Browns needs, and he's really pretty good. The best part of this article is right up front:
Drafting for need, instead of best available player, is never a good idea (my exception: quarterback). He does a good job of breaking down the two types of acceptable quarterbacks, as well.
Naturally, he identifies quarterback as the top need. So far, so good. He refreshingly goes on to list the many weapons which will be available for this quarterback, which is why a "Matt Ryan" type quarterback, who needs a little help, would work out fine.
Then he identifies the second need as free safety. To make sure we read it, he inserts a one-word paragraph: "Desperately" (This guy has to be reading this blog! It feels like he did that just for me!)
Well, I already addressed that in my last post. Reynolds is a decent safety, and bigger cornerbacks are more important here.
Unlike the last guy I demolished, I can't pick on Jared all that much, since he brings up the Williams scheme, in which the free safety might just be THE most important single player.
Reynolds may turn into a very good free safety, but probably not as impactful as Gregg feels he needs. Jared gives Reynolds his due, but stresses the criticality of that position in this defense.
Williams' constant blitzes take people out of coverage, and create short and intermediate vulnerabilities. The safety has to be exceptionally quick to react, and have the wheels to get there, or head them off at the pass (taking smart angles).
Jared also specified free safety, so he's not bashing Kindred or Campbell. And I've got to admit, Jared has reminded me of just how important the free safety will be for Gregg Williams. Maybe even that it's as important as big cornerbacks.
He's also right about the depth at safety in this draft: The Browns shouldn't have a problem getting a very good one here.
But not "desperately".
Center is his third need, and I concur. Jared stipulates the continued existance of Reiter, Fabiano, and Greco THANK YOU I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE, so it's possible if not probable that this hole has a built-in patch.
At four, he's got "3 tech defensive lineman", and he's right again. The two guys who fit this role currently are Des Bryant and X Cooper, but Jared says they shouldn't be counted on. Bryant is over 30 and makes a lot of money, and Cooper had opportunities in a similar role under Ray Horton, and failed to do much with it. Jamie Meder lacks the explosive quickness to fill this role.
The three tech "under" tackle lines up shaded outside the left guard, and seeks penetration and disruption. As Jared says, the other defensive line positions are pretty well covered, with all needles pointing up for a young group.
Jared says on the off chance that Jonathan Allen makes it to twelve, they should grab him, and that's a no-brainer. But he's right about this type of defensive tackle going fast, so they can't be looking for him in the lower rounds.
Jared (damn he's so smart!) lists "strong safety/linebacker" fifth, and he's right there, too. He gives Kindred a shot at this, and I would personally add Campbell as well, but they may be too small for this unique, specialized Gregg Williams role.
By the way, this is another reason why the Browns need outside linebackers like they need a hole in the head: This ss/lb hybrid is integral to nickles and dimes, and could be on the field 70% of the time, sometimes instead of Kirksey.
He mentions Jabrill Peppers and a few others as candidates, and this position could be filled through free agency. Most teams don't set nearly as high a priority on this kind of hybrid player as Gregg Williams will.
He lists cornerback as fifth, and here I've got to quibble with him: Jared is right that an uograde at free safety (not to mention a pass rush) will make the current players look better, but they're still all verticly-challenged. Taylor, Haden, and Calhoun are pretty good, but Calhoun isn't really a press-man guy, and taller receivers will give them hell with bucket passes.
If you have one taller cornerback, you can move him around to match up with the skyscraper.
However, after reading this article, I don't think I can keep listing big cornerback over the other players Mueller listed.
Last but not least is a tight end who can both block and catch (amen). Jared likes Jake Butt, who is injured, and could miss all of 2017. Great way to get a really good player dirt cheap!
Again, there are a bunch of tight ends in this draft, so they might nab two of them.
Damn I thought I was going to correct this article, but I really can't find much fault with it! Jared, I stand corrected!
Ryan Rosco wonders why everybody is ignoring Patrick Mahones, and he has a point. Mahones stepped in and took Davis Webb's job away from him, which is why Webb transferred to Cal.
Many will jump on that, but slow down: Webb is a pocket passer, and Mahones is a dual threat who fits that offensive system better. Still, it's worth noting that Mahones unseated a pretty good, more experienced quarterback.
I've read around five scouting reports on this guy, and Ryan is right about them being all over the map. The consensus is that he lacks touch and accuracy on deep passes, has inconsistent mechanics, and flees the pocket prematurely.
On the other hand, he has a strong arm, makes some amazingly accurate and timely throws, can throw while on the run, and is suffering because of his offensive system.
Rosco himself thinks that if Mahones had run a different offense, he would be in the discussion with the top three.
He compares Mahones's scouting report to Derrick Carr's, and there were indeed similar knocks on Derrick.
Physicly, Mahones is much different. He should be around 6'2", with enough bulk to take NFL punishment. He's much more mobile than Carr as well.
I wouldn't count this guy out (if the Browns don't draft one at 1 or 12, or trade for Jimmy G.)
I'm personally lost on this, and have no idea what they should or will do. I like Jimmy, Mitch, Deshaun (don't know about Kizer), and Myles. Just can't wait to see what Hue decides.
I STAND CORRECTED
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