First, Thomas Moore revealed a shocking rumor: If Josh Gordon is retained and starts, Corey Coleman could be used as a slot receiver!
No honest! It's true! Who woulda thunk it?
I mean, I would have thought he'd be too quick, fast, explosive, and dangerous with the ball in his hands to play in the slot! Next thing you know, they'll want to play smaller quicker cornerbacks over the slot guy or something!
Bucky Brooks keeps mock drafting running backs to the Browns at 12, but is otherwise pretty smart. This is another former player who knows what he's talking about, except for that.
And he comes out and says the Browns don't need a quarterback. He's kind of right, and he backs his assertions up with facts and logic.
I won't re-hash what I've said about Osweiler and Kessler, but suffice it so say Bucky says it too.
Only he has more insight than I do: He points out that Brock was essentially a one year college starter, and still has little starting experience. He points to his particular college spread offense, and how it had a lot of West Coast elements to it. That's NOT what O'Brien runs in Houston, but IS something Hue Jackson has and can run.
I hadn't known this before: Bucky considers Osweiler a West Coast type quarterback!
He likes Kessler a lot too, and points out the new and improved offensive line. He views Kessler as a West Coast type too (this I knew), but tossed in his injuries and arm (Brock is tougher and stronger).
I think my virus is spreading, as Bucky expects both quarterbacks to have learned from their respective experiences, and to (believe it or not) be better than they were last season!
(Of course, in Kessler's case (92+ QBR) that could make him pretty damn good!)
Bucky also questions the whole "game manager" thing, as "game managers" win a lot of games with a little help. He mentions Alex Smith: Game managers move the chains at critical moments.
Later in the same article, he expresses his doubts about Patrick Mahomes's ability to succeed in the NFL. He talks about "wow" plays, which the ultra-gifted Mahomes makes, but this former defensive back points to overthrows and unwise throws that NFL defenders could punish...harshly.
Bucky respects game managers. So do all defensive backs. And passrushers. He feels that Kessler and/or Osweiler under Hue Jackson might do just fine. And he is RIGHT.
Where Bucky veers off is his premise/assumption that the Browns are looking at this draft to find a day one starter. That's where his brain went right back inside the box.
I've known for several months that in this particular draft, the Browns quarterback of the future would be exactly that (as in not the quarterback of the PRESENT.)
ALL these guys (except, as I've mentioned, Pitt's Peterson), are projects.
Bucky seems to say that the Browns shouldn't draft a quarterback at all in 2017. He might be thinking inside the box here, too: The mandatory old geezer veteran mentor taking up one active roster spot, right? No room for a third young guy anywhere, right?
For whatever reason Bucky wants the Browns not to draft a quarterback. He's wrong.
Most of you, like most pundits, are utterly befuddled about what Paul DePodesta really does, and where analytics ends and "old school" begins. I told you, when they hired DePodesta, what he does for a living. Nobody heard me.
Paul DePodesta is sort of an efficiency expert. All you hear is "analytics" and "moneyball", but he's been a highly paid business consultant and lecturer for a long time.
You don't get it. Bucky is right about these two young quarterbacks, and how a good team can win a lot with "game managers".
But if you look at the playoffs, let alone Superbowls, you don't see game managers. You see Brady, Rodgers, Big Ben, Ryan, Manning, etc.
These two guys are longshots to become that good (although they shouldn't be counted out). "Analytics", if you need a buzzword, says you have to make the most of what you have, and you NEVER, EVER pass up a quarterback that you think might B E C O M E Brady, Rodgers, etc.
Smart opinions are all over the place on all these quarterbacks, but this class does not lack T A L E N T. In fact, it has a LOT of talent!
With Hue still not responding to my texts and emails for some reason, I don't know what he's thinking, but I do know that he likes some of these quarterbacks.
At 12 overall, or 33 overall, or higher with a comparatively cheap trade-up, it's better than 50/50 he nabs a quarterback high in this draft.
HE, as in HUE. Not Sashi, or Paul, or Jimmy.
Nobody gets this: Hue is the guy who said that a quarterback is as good as the players around him. But he wants to win Superbowls. He/they will keep looking for that E V E N T U A L elite quarterback in every draft class, and taking their shots in every draft, until they have him.
Bucky doesn't get this, for sure: Bucky says they should build the "infrastructure" first, and THEN trade your whole draft and your first-born children to move UP for the latest annual Andrew Luck...
Trust me: To Paul DePodesta, this is insane. He tries to approximate where the Browns will draft next season. He reads reports on the upcoming awesome quarterback class, then looks at Kizer, and Watson's 49 mph velocity, and the heretofore non-existant Trubisky's number one ranking, and finds way, way, way too many variables.
DECIDE to wait for a likely franchise quarterback? Avoid a guy who you (and Hue) figures has all the tools because he needs work? Because he's not a sure thing?
I suppose to really grasp this, you'd need to be a competent poker player. You can't keep folding, and waiting for the perfect hand. You can't let your stack erode down til you have to go all-in with a pair of threes. You can't keep expecting the next deal to be freindlier.
In 2015, the 2016 draft class was expected to be a lot better than that crappy qb class. Remember?
In 2015, Dallas drafted Dak Prescott in the 4th round (as a last resort). Remember?
Paul DePodesta remembers.
And listen to me here: Carson Wentz was NOT a top 20 quarterback. He probably WILL be one, with experience and some more help, but quit calling that trade-down a mistake.
Some of those players haven't even been drafted yet! One is 12th overall! Corey Coleman might be another Antonio Brown! A quarterback drafted this season could be better than Wentz in three years, even if Rodney Kesslerfield isn't (STILL).
Anyway Bucky Brooks was mostly right: Rumors of Brock Osweiler's demise are premature, and Kessler never sucked in the first place. Don't be stupid about Josh Gordon, and the 2017 Browns could get scary with these guys.
And Garrett. Mmm, Garrett...
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Josh Gordon or a Fifth Round Pick hmmmm...
Oh for crying out loud.
Hue Jackson closed the this chapter on Josh Gordon early in 2016. He went on to say that he would focus on the players that were on the team. He was moving on. Stop asking him questions about a guy who's not even here.
I got it. A lot of other people didn't. It's CHAPTER TWO now, ok? Josh will probably BE HERE in this chapter, ok?
Mary Kay, it's not analytical to trade a 26 year old record-breaking wide receiver who is on a dirt-cheap contract for two more years for the maximum fourth round pick another team would be willing to risk on him. It's analytical to PLAY him YOURSELF.
"Sounds like trade talk"?. To YOU, I guess, because you've made up your mind that all the turmoil is just too high a price to pay for the best wide receiver in the NFL, ergo Sashi must just want to get a draft pick (any draft pick) for him.
This can be the only conceivable reason why a smart guy like Sashi would ever consider temporarily allowing this destroyer of teams into his pristine locker room good grief.
That beats this other semi-literate Rhona LaCanfora fan I read last week. Sashi Brown needs to stop firing scouts who disagree with him.
Yes, just as the only possible explanation for the retention of Josh Gordon has to be salvaging a draft pick of some sort, the only reason a scout gets fired here in the first year of a new regime must be because they don't agree with a megalomanic Stalinist dictator about Carson Wentz.
Peter Smith made me feel better about intelligent life in Cleveland with a great article on the 3-tech defensive tackle Gregg Williams needs for his defense.
I love how Peter doesn't generalize, and examines each player on the current roster objectively. He first declares that the Browns need this player, but then, before he starts looking at the draft, he looks at the players already here! And...believe it or not...considers whether or not they could do it!!! He actually considers how new systems and accrued experience might improve them!!!
Isn't that amazing?
But I digress: The guy with the best chance on the current roster is X Cooper. Pete nailed it: He has the talent, but hasn't produced yet. The combination of entering his third season and how Gregg Williams would use him (at 3-tech exclusively) could bring on his emergence.
This, and not 3-4 defensive end, is Cooper's ideal position.
X has an incredible first step, nice lateral movement, and good range. He CAN be a huge pain in the ass, so he has a chance.
Pete also sounded like another humble genius I know as he fooled around with putting the 6'7" Nassib there on passing downs.
Like the same aforementioned humble genius, he lists Des Bryant as capable, but citing his age and salary, doubts he'll be retained.
I love how Pete broke down what happened to Ray Horton last season, as Cooper sputtered, and Bryant went down, and he had to use Jamie Meder at defensive end.
Like me, Peter likes Meder, but he didn't belong at defensive end. Now, he can back up Danny Shelton, play tackle on some running downs, and won't be forced outside by injuries and lack of depth. Nice to have a junk yard dog like Jamie around.
I hope Peter does wide receivers again soon. Is it too much to hope for that he won't assume Josh Gordon is just here to turn into a fifth round pick?
Of course...don't forget I mentioned Lord Insideous and Jimmy Garopollo in that context...just sayin.
I love how Gordon is looking and sounding. Washboard abs. "Who's gonna stop me?" I think he's all grown up now...so let's get rid of him so he can out-do Julio Jones somewhere else, like Cincinnati! Brillyunt!!!
He'd look great next to Mitchell Schwartze and Taylor Gabriel, right?
Ohmmm...Peter Smith ohmmm...ok I forgive you Terry Pluto and Mary Kay. You'll understand what DePodesta really does someday. You have a lot of upside. You just need to be more consistent, and you're pressing.
Hue Jackson closed the this chapter on Josh Gordon early in 2016. He went on to say that he would focus on the players that were on the team. He was moving on. Stop asking him questions about a guy who's not even here.
I got it. A lot of other people didn't. It's CHAPTER TWO now, ok? Josh will probably BE HERE in this chapter, ok?
Mary Kay, it's not analytical to trade a 26 year old record-breaking wide receiver who is on a dirt-cheap contract for two more years for the maximum fourth round pick another team would be willing to risk on him. It's analytical to PLAY him YOURSELF.
"Sounds like trade talk"?. To YOU, I guess, because you've made up your mind that all the turmoil is just too high a price to pay for the best wide receiver in the NFL, ergo Sashi must just want to get a draft pick (any draft pick) for him.
This can be the only conceivable reason why a smart guy like Sashi would ever consider temporarily allowing this destroyer of teams into his pristine locker room good grief.
That beats this other semi-literate Rhona LaCanfora fan I read last week. Sashi Brown needs to stop firing scouts who disagree with him.
Yes, just as the only possible explanation for the retention of Josh Gordon has to be salvaging a draft pick of some sort, the only reason a scout gets fired here in the first year of a new regime must be because they don't agree with a megalomanic Stalinist dictator about Carson Wentz.
Peter Smith made me feel better about intelligent life in Cleveland with a great article on the 3-tech defensive tackle Gregg Williams needs for his defense.
I love how Peter doesn't generalize, and examines each player on the current roster objectively. He first declares that the Browns need this player, but then, before he starts looking at the draft, he looks at the players already here! And...believe it or not...considers whether or not they could do it!!! He actually considers how new systems and accrued experience might improve them!!!
Isn't that amazing?
But I digress: The guy with the best chance on the current roster is X Cooper. Pete nailed it: He has the talent, but hasn't produced yet. The combination of entering his third season and how Gregg Williams would use him (at 3-tech exclusively) could bring on his emergence.
This, and not 3-4 defensive end, is Cooper's ideal position.
X has an incredible first step, nice lateral movement, and good range. He CAN be a huge pain in the ass, so he has a chance.
Pete also sounded like another humble genius I know as he fooled around with putting the 6'7" Nassib there on passing downs.
Like the same aforementioned humble genius, he lists Des Bryant as capable, but citing his age and salary, doubts he'll be retained.
I love how Pete broke down what happened to Ray Horton last season, as Cooper sputtered, and Bryant went down, and he had to use Jamie Meder at defensive end.
Like me, Peter likes Meder, but he didn't belong at defensive end. Now, he can back up Danny Shelton, play tackle on some running downs, and won't be forced outside by injuries and lack of depth. Nice to have a junk yard dog like Jamie around.
I hope Peter does wide receivers again soon. Is it too much to hope for that he won't assume Josh Gordon is just here to turn into a fifth round pick?
Of course...don't forget I mentioned Lord Insideous and Jimmy Garopollo in that context...just sayin.
I love how Gordon is looking and sounding. Washboard abs. "Who's gonna stop me?" I think he's all grown up now...so let's get rid of him so he can out-do Julio Jones somewhere else, like Cincinnati! Brillyunt!!!
He'd look great next to Mitchell Schwartze and Taylor Gabriel, right?
Ohmmm...Peter Smith ohmmm...ok I forgive you Terry Pluto and Mary Kay. You'll understand what DePodesta really does someday. You have a lot of upside. You just need to be more consistent, and you're pressing.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sirius Mock Draft: Browns Trade Garrett INCOMINNG!!!!
The Browns cough up the first overall draft pick (read: Myles Garrett) for Jimmy Garopollo, a 2017 third round pick, and a 2018 first rounder.
I'm not a spazz, so I'm not sure what I think of this yet.
I mean, the Browns need a quarterback a L O T more than they need A N O T H E R edge-rusher, and the consensus among the smartest football people is that Jimmy G has elite talent.
By himself, he might not be worth Myles Garrett, but coupled with the additional first and third, that gets mighty tempting for a person who thinks with his brain.
Don't bother pointing out to me that the third round pick is almost a fourth, and the first is almost a second. In fact stop pointing out obvious things in general, because it makes you sound dumb.
The third rounder might be a special teamer, project, or depth player, but the first rounder is a probable starter, and maybe a star.
It's possible that a lot of very smart people are wrong about how good Garopollo is, in which case the final verdict on this trade would be "guilty". But if the consensus is correct, we have a winner.
The quarterback issue would finally, at long last, be resolved, for no more than a single draft pick. It could move the Browns ahead in their rebuilding by one full season, because Jimmy is ready to rock right tf now. The Browns could possibly even contend in 2017.
Now stop the Chicken Little stuff: Jimmy would step up behind a terrific offensive line with THREE running backs who can also block and catch. He would have Coleman, Britt, Barnidge et al to throw to. These are facts.
So I didn't spazz about trading Myles Garrett for Jimmy G and two draft picks. But I am irked by the trade-up from 12 to 10 (for a second and fifth) to get Malik Hooker.
Ok Hooker is absolutely worth it, and is probably the player I'd want. But look at who remains on the board at this point:
Lattimore, Reddick, Ramczyk, and Wlliams. Add in Hooker, and at least three of those players (maybe Hooker himself) would remain on the board at twelve.
Yes, I include Mike Williams, even though here on Earth wide receiver isn't a real need. But he's really good. And I include Hansen Reddick even though he's a linebacker, because he is just plain awesome.
Reddick was a 230 lb passrushing defensive END who stood up at the Senior Bowl. From the first snap, he excelled in every phase, including in coverage. He would blitze, a LOT, for Gregg Williams. He was all over the place, blowing stuff up. It was like he'd been a linebacker his whole life.
The Browns would be more likely to trade DOWN from 12 than to trade up. These guys worked out this mock trade because they percieve a desperately urgent need at safety.
While a true center-fielder with speed and range is not on the current roster, suitable strong safeties are. That free safety is very important to Gregg Williams. But while Hooker looks like the best one, several other players in this draft have the talent to fill this role.
For Williams, a penetrating defensive tackle and a taller cornerback are also important. For the Browns, a Joe Thomas protege who might match up with Von Miller on the right side immediately is important, too. Trade up? Chuh!
Ok I've decided I like the Garrett for Jimmy (and stuff) trade, and all of you are wrong. I move around. You'll never catch me.
Ok I've decided I like the Garrett for Jimmy (and stuff) trade, and all of you are wrong. I move around. You'll never catch me.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Reluctant Cleveland Browns Pundit Corrections
Terry Pluto is a terrific writer. He's right about giving Osweiler a shot (nothing to lose) but wrong about kicking Josh Gordon to the curb. Same logic: Nothing to lose. Terry has an excellent brain, but isn't using it here.
In the very same article, Terry incorrectly re-states that the Browns need wide receivers. Just not Josh. After all, he might screw up again, which would...uhh...'nt matter. At all...I'm trying real hard to see your logic here, Terry, but...
Terry does expect former Baylor receiver Corey Coleman to be better duh, and gives Britt his props, but was unimpressed by the other three rookie receivers from last season, and apparently doubts that any of them will, like Coleman, be viable in only their second seasons.
Is this a Cleveland thing, or are fans of other teams this spastic? A third, fourth, or fifth round pick doesn't prosper in his rookie season, and it's over for him? And how many wide receivers do you think a team needs? Three front line guys is ideal, but some use a DeValve or a Duke as a receiver as well. So how many? Twelve? Thirteen?
As I've mentioned, of the other three rookies, Ricardo Lewis showed the most promise late in his first, rookie, NFL season. Why can't we expect him to be better, like Coleman?
Despite how wrong Terry was in this article, he still inspired me, as he often does.
Bill Belichick thinks with his brain at all times, and would be very interested in the best wide receiver in the NFL. If Sashi does look to trade Josh, he should offer Gordon as part of a package for Jimmy Garopollo. Lord Insideous's price might come down to a manageable level (note: Shefter is always right. Garopollo might be off the block period. Just speculating here).
And Sashi could also trade Josh for a draft pick. A first round draft pick.
Listen to me here, Terry: If they kick Josh to the curb, Cincinnati is 180 miles away, and they'll be first in line.
But Terry did suggest a wide receiver he feels should go in the second round named Zay Jones.
I think Terry is optimistic about his selection in the second round. His Pro Day workout matched his combine workout, and he could still be available in the third.
As Terry pointed out, he caught 158 passes, in one college season. One hundred and fifty eight. He averaged over 11 receptions per game. And he was a star all week at the Senior Bowl.
Because I know that wide receiver is not a real need except in Hysteria (which I think is south of Oblivia and east of Myopia), I'd target this guy if he makes it to the third round.
I couldn't care less that he only averaged a little over ten yards per catch. He's tall and will get bigger, with nice short-area quickness. He's R E L I A B L E. He gets FIRST DOWNS. Everybody wants five home run hitters, but there is a place in the NFL for guys who just deliver first downs, and they come cheap. They're single covered, all the time.
Some of the writers for Dawg Pound Daily are clueless, but Kirk Binder isn't. He says the Browns should go after safety TJ McDonald, and he's right.
Kirk does a great job of objectively listing the cons as well as the pros. Most writers just take a position and advocate for it. Kirk might have had some training in how to think with his brain.
Anyway, McDonald got busted for DWI, and may well be suspended for two games. Kirk is probably right that this could have a lot to do with why he's still on the market, and should make him pretty CHEAP.
In Kirk's article, there is a link to the next one, which I didn't click on. The title said that Brock Osweiler could be the Browns "bridge" quarterback, and I can take that from here:
He could. I repeat: He sucked in Houston but was good in Denver, and John Elway tried to keep him. Jim Miller isn't the only former quarterback who defends him. The irresponsible tweets about cutting him were not from any of the Browns decision-makers.
While the intent to trade him seems evident (and smart), I doubt the rest of this, however luke-warm Sashi Brown was on Osweiler at his presser.
If a trade can't be worked out, the Browns are more likely to bring him into camp and kick his tires for themselves than to simply discard him.
But he would compete with Cody Kessler. The only REAL issue with Kessler is his two concussions. He is better than Brock Osweiler. But Osweiler is bigger and stronger, with more experience. Contrary to popular conclusion-leaping, Brock Osweiler's book remains open.
I'd still bet on Rodney Kesslerfield. If he resumes getting rid of the damn ball on-time, he shouldn't be getting slammed so often behind this new and improved offensive line. He's more decisive and accurate, with a (normally) quicker release than Brock.
While I'm on Kessler, I know a thing or two about concussions. Late in the season, when Hue Jackson continued to start RG3 instead of the rookie after Cody was cleared to play didn't surprise me at all.
Those games were essentially meaningless, Kessler was, after all, a rookie who had never been meant to play in the first place, and concussions persist:
The brain isn't like a knee or ankle or shoulder. It doesn't heal the same way, and never heals completely. Once the brain has been slammed into the skull and bled, the site of that injury remains more vulnerable to future trauma long after it's healed.
Kessler could have played, but was still vulnerable. If he were a boxer, he'd have no choice but to fight again, and this is why so many boxers end up in such bad shape. But in this case, Hue Jackson protected him.
Cody Kessler, for all his holding the ball and reluctance to take deep shots, WAS the best quarterback. Hue Jackson MEANT IT when he said "You'll have to trust me on this one".
He was NOT "taking one for the team". Sashi Brown did NOT force Kessler on Hue Jackson.
You people! Kessler is under 6'2" ergo Hue wouldn't want him even in the third round? "Well he's accurate and decisive and reads the field and played in four schemes and has a ton of starts oh...what's this? A half inch under 6'2"? Nevermind!"
I'm a geezer, so I remember Brian Sipe. Weak arm. In reality probably 5'10". But accurate, smart, and decisive. Brian spend around 10 years on the bench after being drafted in the 25th round, but when injuries forced Sam Rutigliano to resort to his fifth string quarterback, Sipe siezed the job, and never let it go.
Of course Brian Sipe was sort of a magician. I can't tell you how many times we saw him apparently swarmed under. We'd fall back in our chairs, sighing...and then the little bastard would squirt out of the pileup and fire a long bomb. (A very high, arcing pass in the general vicinity of Dave Logan).
We looked at eachother. How the hell did he not get sacked?
Well, Kessler doesn't have that magic, but does have a stronger arm, and is, believe it or not, bigger and taller. His ability to read the field, quick release (normally), and accuracy are all similar.
IF Cody Kessler can remain healthy, these Browns will be competitive and win some games behind him in 2017.
Those who suggest that the Browns should ignore the quarterback position in the draft, however, remain full of beans.
As I've repeated ad nauseum, this is being called a terrible draft class not for lack of talent, but for lack of prospects who can or should start in 2017. Most analysts have referred to "upside" at length in re many of these prospects.
Joe Thomas likes Trubisky best, because he looks safest. I agree. The hell with his experience: Trubisky's offense was more complex than most "air raid" offenses, he operated out of a real pocket more, etc.
But I really doubt that he'd take him instead of Myles Garrett.
This is where I lose it. I have no idea what Brown and Jackson will do (if they don't land Garopollo). I do believe they like Trubisky best, but don't know how they see the rest of the quarterbacks.
...so I'll step on the third rail again (from my undisclosed location):
Everybody in the universe agrees that Myles Garrett is the only sane pick the Browns could make at first overall. That's because this guy is just that good.
Everybody else envies the Browns, who can get this awesome player. They all wish they could get this player.
Well, this might be a truly historic TRADE-DOWN opportunity.
No wait...I know but...no I'm not it's just...that was uncalled for...bullshit wait a...AHHH, SHADDAP!
Look, I know this is redundant, but since it remains unthinkable, I guess the assholes who raid my blog to make themselves sound intelligent have filtered my outrageous suggestion out in fear of lynching. So I'll say it again:
If the Cleveland Browns could trade Myles Garrett for the quarterback they really want (lower), a third second round pick this year, yet a fourth next year, and maybe even a 2018 first round pick come ON, man!
Mary Kay is wrong. Garrett IS all that so stipulated. I personally would NOT draft Trubisky (or anybody else) instead of Garrett first overall. I'm just saying that I would exploit this obsessive, frenzied Garrettmania to complete the rebuilding of my entire team way ahead of schedule if I could!
Think with your brain: Would you rather have Jadavean Clowney (sp?) Or Kirk Cousins? Russell Wilson? Aaron Rodgers?
What if, instead of just the quarterback, you ALSO get a stud cornerback, a really good 3-tech defensive tackle, a real tight end, and day one and two draft picks to be named?
Think with your BRAIN, dammit! Football is a TEAM sport, and the only exception is QUARTERBACK. So trading down, landing the quarterback Hue wants, and building the T E A M with high draft picks is the way to go...if somebody bids high enough...cuz I'll settle for Garrett if you twist my arm...
In the very same article, Terry incorrectly re-states that the Browns need wide receivers. Just not Josh. After all, he might screw up again, which would...uhh...'nt matter. At all...I'm trying real hard to see your logic here, Terry, but...
Terry does expect former Baylor receiver Corey Coleman to be better duh, and gives Britt his props, but was unimpressed by the other three rookie receivers from last season, and apparently doubts that any of them will, like Coleman, be viable in only their second seasons.
Is this a Cleveland thing, or are fans of other teams this spastic? A third, fourth, or fifth round pick doesn't prosper in his rookie season, and it's over for him? And how many wide receivers do you think a team needs? Three front line guys is ideal, but some use a DeValve or a Duke as a receiver as well. So how many? Twelve? Thirteen?
As I've mentioned, of the other three rookies, Ricardo Lewis showed the most promise late in his first, rookie, NFL season. Why can't we expect him to be better, like Coleman?
Despite how wrong Terry was in this article, he still inspired me, as he often does.
Bill Belichick thinks with his brain at all times, and would be very interested in the best wide receiver in the NFL. If Sashi does look to trade Josh, he should offer Gordon as part of a package for Jimmy Garopollo. Lord Insideous's price might come down to a manageable level (note: Shefter is always right. Garopollo might be off the block period. Just speculating here).
And Sashi could also trade Josh for a draft pick. A first round draft pick.
Listen to me here, Terry: If they kick Josh to the curb, Cincinnati is 180 miles away, and they'll be first in line.
But Terry did suggest a wide receiver he feels should go in the second round named Zay Jones.
I think Terry is optimistic about his selection in the second round. His Pro Day workout matched his combine workout, and he could still be available in the third.
As Terry pointed out, he caught 158 passes, in one college season. One hundred and fifty eight. He averaged over 11 receptions per game. And he was a star all week at the Senior Bowl.
Because I know that wide receiver is not a real need except in Hysteria (which I think is south of Oblivia and east of Myopia), I'd target this guy if he makes it to the third round.
I couldn't care less that he only averaged a little over ten yards per catch. He's tall and will get bigger, with nice short-area quickness. He's R E L I A B L E. He gets FIRST DOWNS. Everybody wants five home run hitters, but there is a place in the NFL for guys who just deliver first downs, and they come cheap. They're single covered, all the time.
Some of the writers for Dawg Pound Daily are clueless, but Kirk Binder isn't. He says the Browns should go after safety TJ McDonald, and he's right.
Kirk does a great job of objectively listing the cons as well as the pros. Most writers just take a position and advocate for it. Kirk might have had some training in how to think with his brain.
Anyway, McDonald got busted for DWI, and may well be suspended for two games. Kirk is probably right that this could have a lot to do with why he's still on the market, and should make him pretty CHEAP.
In Kirk's article, there is a link to the next one, which I didn't click on. The title said that Brock Osweiler could be the Browns "bridge" quarterback, and I can take that from here:
He could. I repeat: He sucked in Houston but was good in Denver, and John Elway tried to keep him. Jim Miller isn't the only former quarterback who defends him. The irresponsible tweets about cutting him were not from any of the Browns decision-makers.
While the intent to trade him seems evident (and smart), I doubt the rest of this, however luke-warm Sashi Brown was on Osweiler at his presser.
If a trade can't be worked out, the Browns are more likely to bring him into camp and kick his tires for themselves than to simply discard him.
But he would compete with Cody Kessler. The only REAL issue with Kessler is his two concussions. He is better than Brock Osweiler. But Osweiler is bigger and stronger, with more experience. Contrary to popular conclusion-leaping, Brock Osweiler's book remains open.
I'd still bet on Rodney Kesslerfield. If he resumes getting rid of the damn ball on-time, he shouldn't be getting slammed so often behind this new and improved offensive line. He's more decisive and accurate, with a (normally) quicker release than Brock.
While I'm on Kessler, I know a thing or two about concussions. Late in the season, when Hue Jackson continued to start RG3 instead of the rookie after Cody was cleared to play didn't surprise me at all.
Those games were essentially meaningless, Kessler was, after all, a rookie who had never been meant to play in the first place, and concussions persist:
The brain isn't like a knee or ankle or shoulder. It doesn't heal the same way, and never heals completely. Once the brain has been slammed into the skull and bled, the site of that injury remains more vulnerable to future trauma long after it's healed.
Kessler could have played, but was still vulnerable. If he were a boxer, he'd have no choice but to fight again, and this is why so many boxers end up in such bad shape. But in this case, Hue Jackson protected him.
Cody Kessler, for all his holding the ball and reluctance to take deep shots, WAS the best quarterback. Hue Jackson MEANT IT when he said "You'll have to trust me on this one".
He was NOT "taking one for the team". Sashi Brown did NOT force Kessler on Hue Jackson.
You people! Kessler is under 6'2" ergo Hue wouldn't want him even in the third round? "Well he's accurate and decisive and reads the field and played in four schemes and has a ton of starts oh...what's this? A half inch under 6'2"? Nevermind!"
I'm a geezer, so I remember Brian Sipe. Weak arm. In reality probably 5'10". But accurate, smart, and decisive. Brian spend around 10 years on the bench after being drafted in the 25th round, but when injuries forced Sam Rutigliano to resort to his fifth string quarterback, Sipe siezed the job, and never let it go.
Of course Brian Sipe was sort of a magician. I can't tell you how many times we saw him apparently swarmed under. We'd fall back in our chairs, sighing...and then the little bastard would squirt out of the pileup and fire a long bomb. (A very high, arcing pass in the general vicinity of Dave Logan).
We looked at eachother. How the hell did he not get sacked?
Well, Kessler doesn't have that magic, but does have a stronger arm, and is, believe it or not, bigger and taller. His ability to read the field, quick release (normally), and accuracy are all similar.
IF Cody Kessler can remain healthy, these Browns will be competitive and win some games behind him in 2017.
Those who suggest that the Browns should ignore the quarterback position in the draft, however, remain full of beans.
As I've repeated ad nauseum, this is being called a terrible draft class not for lack of talent, but for lack of prospects who can or should start in 2017. Most analysts have referred to "upside" at length in re many of these prospects.
Joe Thomas likes Trubisky best, because he looks safest. I agree. The hell with his experience: Trubisky's offense was more complex than most "air raid" offenses, he operated out of a real pocket more, etc.
But I really doubt that he'd take him instead of Myles Garrett.
This is where I lose it. I have no idea what Brown and Jackson will do (if they don't land Garopollo). I do believe they like Trubisky best, but don't know how they see the rest of the quarterbacks.
...so I'll step on the third rail again (from my undisclosed location):
Everybody in the universe agrees that Myles Garrett is the only sane pick the Browns could make at first overall. That's because this guy is just that good.
Everybody else envies the Browns, who can get this awesome player. They all wish they could get this player.
Well, this might be a truly historic TRADE-DOWN opportunity.
No wait...I know but...no I'm not it's just...that was uncalled for...bullshit wait a...AHHH, SHADDAP!
Look, I know this is redundant, but since it remains unthinkable, I guess the assholes who raid my blog to make themselves sound intelligent have filtered my outrageous suggestion out in fear of lynching. So I'll say it again:
If the Cleveland Browns could trade Myles Garrett for the quarterback they really want (lower), a third second round pick this year, yet a fourth next year, and maybe even a 2018 first round pick come ON, man!
Mary Kay is wrong. Garrett IS all that so stipulated. I personally would NOT draft Trubisky (or anybody else) instead of Garrett first overall. I'm just saying that I would exploit this obsessive, frenzied Garrettmania to complete the rebuilding of my entire team way ahead of schedule if I could!
Think with your brain: Would you rather have Jadavean Clowney (sp?) Or Kirk Cousins? Russell Wilson? Aaron Rodgers?
What if, instead of just the quarterback, you ALSO get a stud cornerback, a really good 3-tech defensive tackle, a real tight end, and day one and two draft picks to be named?
Think with your BRAIN, dammit! Football is a TEAM sport, and the only exception is QUARTERBACK. So trading down, landing the quarterback Hue wants, and building the T E A M with high draft picks is the way to go...if somebody bids high enough...cuz I'll settle for Garrett if you twist my arm...
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Changes
Peter Smith's latest Cleveland Browns mock draft was really impressive.
Garrett check, but he has the Browns picking Patrick Mahomes at twelve. He doesn't mention Mitch Trubisky, but that might be because he expects him to be gone at that point.
What he does say about Mahomes is all true: He is accurate, and has great arm talent. Unlike many others I could re-name, Pete stipulates that this 12th overall pick needs to spend his first season on the bench.
Pete gets it, as he writes that the way things are coming together, the Browns are on-track to make their "move" into positive win/loss territory in 2018, and that quarterback is the most important position. (I said quarterback is the most important position. Read that again please.)
Pete calls Mahomes the most talented quarterback in this draft, and he is. He may also be the least disciplined and rawest. He's been compared to Johnny Manziel, who came from the same system at the same school, for a reason.
Please! Do I have to say it? He's around three inches taller, 20 lbs heavier, doesn't have any off the field issues, and is called a hard worker. The comparison refers solely to his arm talent and style of play. Drafting Mahomes would not be repeating a mistake.
I've learned to trust Peter Smith, who does actual film studies on his own, and knows what he's looking at. Clearly, in his opinion, Mahomes can succeed in a somewhat tailored Hue Jackson offense after a year in the nursery.
Atop round two, Pete drafts Chidobi Awuzie, a defensive back. This guy is fully capable of playing free safety, but, like both of the other two defensive backs he drafts later, has played and can play different positions in Gregg Williams' defense. He has decent size, and can cover a lot of ground.
Next up in the second is a penetrating three technique defensive tackle to compete with X Cooper.
Then it's huge Ashland tight end Adam Shaheen (yay). He's another guy who will need some time to develop. Peter is quite high on Seth DeValve, who didn't make much noise until late in his rookie season, but Shaheen can play in line and block. These two would be the future Browns tight ends.
In round four, he picks 5'9.625" corner Jalen Myrick, who he insists can be an outside cornerback despite his height. According to Peter, Myrick actually matches up better with shorter, quicker receivers than Joe Haden does. He certainly is faster. He's weighs 200 lbs., so he's not actually small.
I don't like his height, but defer to Peter here.
After another versatile rotational defensive back, Peter goes for depth players and flawed freaks with astronomical upsides.
One of these is wide receiver Robert Davis, who is almost 6'3", 219 lbs., and tested off the charts in every drill. But he dropped a lot of passes, and per Pete, he doesn't always extend his arms, keep defenders off his body, or use his size to establish leverage (needs a lot of coaching).
A guy like this could be terrific on special teams even if he fails to develop as a receiver and (big surprise) could be tried as a defensive back.
I know I say that a lot, but stop snickering. Probably one third of NFL defensive backs are former wide receivers. Most switched in college, but some did after being drafted. The most common reason is because they were great athletes who dropped passes.
It's not the same as a quarterback switching to wide receiver. These are guys who've been running patterns all their lives, and who know exactly what opposing wide receivers are trying to pull on them. They need good hips, have to learn a lot of techniques, and some can't do it because they can't react quickly enough, but this transition isn't uncommon.
The best example is Richard Sherman. I would try every stone-handed freak athlete out at cornerback and safety before I'd kick him to the curb.
The other mock drafts now all seem to have the Browns going with Trubisky or Watson at twelve (Pat Kirwan says if he needed a guy to play this year he'd take Watson, but if he could wait til 2018, he'd go with Trubisky).
Another note on Trubes: If Wentz had been drafted (maybe in the fifth round haha) after his own first 13 or so starts, could he have done what he did early on with the Eagles?
No. But if he had stayed on the bench for a season with the Eagles before he took the reins, would opposing defenses have shut him down later in his first starting season?
We can't give a definite answer, but probably not, because he'd have been practicing with and against pros, be accustomed to the windows and speed, and more quickly diagnose insideously diabolical trickery and deceit.
Is any of this sinking in yet?
Matt Miller is sticking to his guns. At twelve he has the Browns picking wide receiver Mike Williams because, you know, the Browns don't have enough wide receivers...or something.
A guy like this could be terrific on special teams even if he fails to develop as a receiver and (big surprise) could be tried as a defensive back.
I know I say that a lot, but stop snickering. Probably one third of NFL defensive backs are former wide receivers. Most switched in college, but some did after being drafted. The most common reason is because they were great athletes who dropped passes.
It's not the same as a quarterback switching to wide receiver. These are guys who've been running patterns all their lives, and who know exactly what opposing wide receivers are trying to pull on them. They need good hips, have to learn a lot of techniques, and some can't do it because they can't react quickly enough, but this transition isn't uncommon.
The best example is Richard Sherman. I would try every stone-handed freak athlete out at cornerback and safety before I'd kick him to the curb.
The other mock drafts now all seem to have the Browns going with Trubisky or Watson at twelve (Pat Kirwan says if he needed a guy to play this year he'd take Watson, but if he could wait til 2018, he'd go with Trubisky).
Another note on Trubes: If Wentz had been drafted (maybe in the fifth round haha) after his own first 13 or so starts, could he have done what he did early on with the Eagles?
No. But if he had stayed on the bench for a season with the Eagles before he took the reins, would opposing defenses have shut him down later in his first starting season?
We can't give a definite answer, but probably not, because he'd have been practicing with and against pros, be accustomed to the windows and speed, and more quickly diagnose insideously diabolical trickery and deceit.
Is any of this sinking in yet?
Matt Miller is sticking to his guns. At twelve he has the Browns picking wide receiver Mike Williams because, you know, the Browns don't have enough wide receivers...or something.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Cleveland Browns Poor Punditry Corrections
Mary Kay is not having a good year. A reader asked her if she would prefer Jimmy Garopollo for 12, their top second round pick, and two second round picks next season, or Trubisky at 12, possibly with a trade-up.
MKC would prefer the former. That's fine. As I wrote in my last post, I find that price rediculous, but I can respect those who do not.
But she says that the reason is because the Browns don't have the luxury of the time it would take to groom Mitch Trubisky. Later in her column, she restated the need for at least a second tier veteran quarterback who could start immediately, including AJ McCarron on that list.
First, Hue Jackson keeps repeating (because he knows the people standing right in front of him didn't hear him) that if a quarterback is protected, has reliable targets and a strong running game, and a defense that gets him decent field position and doesn't force him to try to score 36 points, he need not be elite to succeed.
Mary Kay is determined to replace Cody Kessler. Hue Jackson is not.
Second, Jimmy Haslam has repeated to those who don't listen that he does not expect this massive project to succeed overnight, so this regime does have time.
The Browns hideous 2016 season was not all on the quarterbacks. It was mostly on the very inexperienced and injured defense, and the crippled, revolving door offensive line.
The progress this team will make in 2017 and beyond is already built in as Ogbah, Nassib, the Colemans, DeValve, Calhoun, Louis etc make their second year jumps, Haden and Bitonio return healthy, the new center and guard upgrade those two positions and depth, and (probably) Myles Garrett comes right into Gregg Williams new defense and starts wrecking opposing offenses.
If the Browns only won three or four games behind Cody Kessler or a guy named Joe while a Trubisky or somebody else is spritzed and watered on the bench, nobody will get fired. If, in 2018, the new quarterback has growing pains and screws up, the team maturing should insure further progress anyway.
Those THREE second round picks represent a big part of that upgraded supporting cast which will make it much, much easier for any quarterback to succeed.
Look at Dak Prescott. He really is a terrific quarterback, but look at his supporting cast. If he had played for the 2016 Browns, do you think he could have done better than Kessler did? If you compare their statistics, in context, that is unlikely! (In context: Compare the two rosters. Get it?)
Then, when another reader asked if Mary thought the Browns would give Josh Gordon another chance, she definitively said no.
I've addressed this at length. My response is why the hell not?
Analytics are logical and rational. Risk. Reward. Value. Efficiency. The risk is the last practice squad roster spot. The potential reward is the best wide receiver in football. The rest is garbage.
Personally, I would prefer Garopollo over a rookie for a MUCH more reasonable price, but Trubisky, throwing to Josh Gordon, and three more building blocks over the next two seasons works fine too.
Mary Kay, YOU STAND CORRECTED.
MKC would prefer the former. That's fine. As I wrote in my last post, I find that price rediculous, but I can respect those who do not.
But she says that the reason is because the Browns don't have the luxury of the time it would take to groom Mitch Trubisky. Later in her column, she restated the need for at least a second tier veteran quarterback who could start immediately, including AJ McCarron on that list.
First, Hue Jackson keeps repeating (because he knows the people standing right in front of him didn't hear him) that if a quarterback is protected, has reliable targets and a strong running game, and a defense that gets him decent field position and doesn't force him to try to score 36 points, he need not be elite to succeed.
Mary Kay is determined to replace Cody Kessler. Hue Jackson is not.
Second, Jimmy Haslam has repeated to those who don't listen that he does not expect this massive project to succeed overnight, so this regime does have time.
The Browns hideous 2016 season was not all on the quarterbacks. It was mostly on the very inexperienced and injured defense, and the crippled, revolving door offensive line.
The progress this team will make in 2017 and beyond is already built in as Ogbah, Nassib, the Colemans, DeValve, Calhoun, Louis etc make their second year jumps, Haden and Bitonio return healthy, the new center and guard upgrade those two positions and depth, and (probably) Myles Garrett comes right into Gregg Williams new defense and starts wrecking opposing offenses.
If the Browns only won three or four games behind Cody Kessler or a guy named Joe while a Trubisky or somebody else is spritzed and watered on the bench, nobody will get fired. If, in 2018, the new quarterback has growing pains and screws up, the team maturing should insure further progress anyway.
Those THREE second round picks represent a big part of that upgraded supporting cast which will make it much, much easier for any quarterback to succeed.
Look at Dak Prescott. He really is a terrific quarterback, but look at his supporting cast. If he had played for the 2016 Browns, do you think he could have done better than Kessler did? If you compare their statistics, in context, that is unlikely! (In context: Compare the two rosters. Get it?)
Then, when another reader asked if Mary thought the Browns would give Josh Gordon another chance, she definitively said no.
I've addressed this at length. My response is why the hell not?
Analytics are logical and rational. Risk. Reward. Value. Efficiency. The risk is the last practice squad roster spot. The potential reward is the best wide receiver in football. The rest is garbage.
Personally, I would prefer Garopollo over a rookie for a MUCH more reasonable price, but Trubisky, throwing to Josh Gordon, and three more building blocks over the next two seasons works fine too.
Mary Kay, YOU STAND CORRECTED.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Cleveland Browns: Whither 12 Overall
With the first overall pick probably meant for Myles Garrett (or somebody else's whole draft), the biggest two questions are who is the new quarterback, and what to do with 12th overall.
An analyst who probably moonlights as a US Congressman has decided that the Sith Lord could be persuaded to part with Jimmy G for merely that pick, the top second rounder, and all three second round picks in 2018 such a deal!
While the consensus among analysts is that this kid, unlike Ryan Mallett, is for real, I haven't heard a lot of Rodgers or Brady comparisons, and as far as I know he's not the one who won the last Superbowl.
The current draft class makes Jimmy look really good to desperate teams, and of course Lord Belichick probably did leak the first overall and another first rounder and then some rumor in person, but he knows better.
I can't believe none of these guys ever watched "American Pickers" or "Pawn Stars". Or went to a garage sale.
In my previous post, I detailed why and how Bill could retain Jimmy for an extra year (at significant expense), and he could very well have a fairly high bottom line price. In fact, if he's already made up his mind that Brady can't go much longer, Adam Shefter could be right (as usual how does he do it?): Not for sale at any price.
And there could be a bidding war. It could get rediculous, like it did between the Browns and Redskins over RG3 (thank God we lost).
But Sashi Brown isn't Mike Holmgren. He'll know when to quit. He might go up to number twelve, the top fourth round pick, and the first and last second round pick next season, which is a LOT dammit! But if some fool offers more, that's it, and good for you, Bill.
Two things make people irrational about this: One is the fact that Jimmy is NOT a "can't miss" franchise quarterback, and could even end up like, well, Andy Dalton. A lot of people are too starry-eyed to imagine this possibility.
The other is the FACT that Saint Thomas of Patriotus probably won't last over two more years, no matter what he just did, or what he says. I'm frankly amazed that I...and no doubt Bill...might be the only two people on Earth. (That's not a mistake. I wrote what I meant).
This deal is unlikely to happen.
If 12 is used to draft a quarterback, that quarterback should be expected to be better than Rodney Kesslerfield in 2018. Not neccessarily 2017. 2018.
Sashi is in a good place, in a way. Public misconceptions aside, he already has a competent quarterback who can win with a decent offense and average defense, and maybe even do more...if he's not knocked out again.
Also, more public misconceptions aside, nobody here is on the hot seat. Kyle Shanahan takes over another crappy team with an extra-long contract, but virtually everybody else IS on the hot seat.
All the teams at the top (except, in reality, the Browns) have multiple needs. They really DO need immediate impact players to show immediate results and keep their jobs. Nobody (except maybe Kyle) can afford to use their top ten draft pick on a quarterback who will either sit on the bench, or screw up bigtime if forced to play as a rookie.
This gets political, too. Fans are ignorant and impatient. Sometimes, owners are forced by public pressure to make Head Coaches play quarterbacks before they're ready. This happened to Jeff Fisher last year. Goff was even worse than the guys he replaced.
By the way, do you think Goff sucks now? Well, you would if he was a Brown.
Nobody wants to draft a quarterback who the next regime starts and wins with, either.
For these reasons, Trubisky or Watson could slide to twelve, and Mahomes farther. (Note: the teams near the bottom are contenders. They need immediate impact guys too.)
Now that I jumped off the Watson Bandwagon due to his 49 mph muzzle velocity, a bunch of the smart guys have jumped on it. It feels like they sent me on a snipe hunt and ditched me. Watson has overtaken Trubisky, and Trubisky is still sliding.
They cite all the same stuff I did when I was leading the charge: Two National Championship games vs Nick Saben, almost 900 yards, last second rally and win. His record. What he did to Ohio State. His experience, intelligence, and personality.
How can they ignore that PFF analysis of velocity (which, by the way, showed Kessler's at 55 mph)? Was he hurt? Do they think he'll do better with Hans and Franz or better mechanics? Does his film bely the test results?
Jim Miller says a quarterback absolutely can stengthen his throwing arm and throw harder/faster...maybe that's it? But the PFF study was pretty comprehensive and conclusive: None of their quarterbacks who threw softballs succeeded, early or late.
I might be TOO analytical here, because these guys are real experts.
Well...look at Watson's arms. He doesn't pump iron (yet). I do know a few things about torque and drive, but haven't seen the tapes these guys have. He might have an easily fixed lower body flaw they saw that I didn't. I don't know...but at least I admit it.
Ok I can't make myself jump back on the Watson Wagon again just yet. If Hue Jackson likes him that's fine with me. I remain a Trubisky guy, with a side of Mahomes, myself.
But they might not draft any quarterback at twelve.
Nick Dudokovich (Factory of Sadness) lists five quarterbacks the Browns might nab after round one. His top one is Mahomes (check/absolutely if he's still there duh), and I haven't checked out the others yet, but Nick is smart, so I'm sure he got Webb, Peterson, Kelly, and the rocket scientist Dobbs--or maybe Kaaya instead (Kaaya is very solid but not a lot of upside).
If that's the case, Sashi can land a stud non-quarterback of some sort at 12.
Any one of a half dozen players wouldn't bother me here, including an offensive tackle who might not even start in 2017, but would eventually replace Big Joe Thomas.
My current personal favorite, however, is tight end OJ Howard (TE Alabama)...if he's still there.
I'm a huge Gary Barnidge fan, but know how old he is, and a few other things about him his worshippers shouldn't read:
He's maxed out his physical tools as a receiver, and he's an indifferent blocker. That is, he is capable of being a good blocker, but doesn't work on it...or even care much. Because I love underdogs, and admire so much what he's done as a receiver, I still love the guy, but as-is, Hue can't use him the way he needs to use tight ends.
Gary has enabled defenders to blow up runs, and yielded pressures and sacks with false steps and bad reads. That's the truth, and there is no excuse.
OJ Howard is a decent blocker. He's picked at a lot by some analysts for technical flaws and a lack of aggression, but he's actually worked on his blocking, and takes it very seriously.
For whatever reason, in Kiffin's Alabama offense, he was never featured as a receiver, so he blocked a LOT.
I have the strong impression that OJ felt caged in and suppressed at Alabama. At the Senior Bowl, where most high-profile prospects don't even attend, and if they do just practice (for the exposure) but don't play (fearing injury), Howard was all-in, all the way, and was the star of the week and of the game.
Howard is 6'6", around 251, yet he clocked 6.86 in the three-cone and a 4.51 40.
Pat Kirwan compares OJ to Jordan Reed, but a better comparison is Kellen Winslow Jr (if Kellen could block in-line). I'm a geezer. Ozzie Newsome was shorter and smaller, and didn't block well either, but yeah--OJ is like him, too.
Howard is the best tight end in this draft by a significant margin. He's better than Jordan Reed, and Bucky Brooks isn't wrong to compare him to Gronk. He's not LIKE Gronk; he can't block as well, and isn't as huge, but he can be that good!
Some analysts question his love of football. That's important. Rang says he runs sloppy patterns, and isn't as nasty as he should be blocking.
Blocking aside, others (including Bucky Brooks) say he runs precise routes, and sometimes lowers his head and runs people over. He played for Alabama. He knows the whole route tree from Y and H.
Bucky is right: OJ Howard is ready to start immediately, and be a difference-maker.
Seth DeValve has a nice future in the NFL, but he's an H-back, and not a real tight end.
OJ Howard as a 2017 Cleveland Brown would be the centerpiece of the Browns passing attack, even if Josh Gordon does come back. Cody Kessler is at his best between the hashes, and OJ (unlike Barnidge) can take a point-blank dink pass to the house.
If OJ Howard is there at twelve, and it's not a quarterback, Howard is almost a no-brainer.
Garrett mitagates the urgently desperate need for a safety and cornerback, and in this particular draft, those positions can be addressed into the fourth round anyway.
Remember, if you will: The Browns drafted four wide receivers and DeValve in Sashi's first draft. Just now, he nabbed the best guard and center in free agency to elevate an offensive line that didn't suck in the first place.
Even the free agent center he grabbed from San Fransisco has a lot of starts and is versatile; the Browns now have FIVE centers, and almost as many guards and right tackles.
In the draft, beyond quarterback, I would have to guess that Sashi will be throwing defensive backs against the wall and seeing what sticks.
Believe it or not, the 2017 Browns will be releasing (and maybe trading) offensive linemen, edge-rushers, linebackers, and maybe wide receivers that other teams will gobble up like pihrannahs. But you don't see that. All you see is 1-15.
In this draft, Obi Melinfonwu is listed among the STRONG safeties, and as a second or third round pick. Trust me: Gregg Williams WANTS this freak, and doesn't care about the label.
That's the problem: In this scenario, the Browns probably draft a quarterback atop round 2, and Obi is gone before they get another shot at him.
It's ok though: Gregg Williams can scrape by on Myles Garrett and the bunch of losers he inherits, and maybe a low-round tall cornerback (you know sarcasm when you read it, right?)
No seriously: Rodney Kesslerfield is a good quarterback already, and has proven it. His 2.0 version will be better. Hue wanted him to be more aggressive, as he became a checkdown-charlie, but too much is made of this.
I'm telling you now: His arm is adequate. He can hit the out-routes on a rope. He WILL go deep. He did get timid and gun-shy as a rookie, but that is not who he is. He was thrown into the fire way ahead of schedule, and on-balance handled it well. Check out his yards per ATTEMPT.
I love Terrelle Pryor, too, but Kenny Britt will be where he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be there. Give Cody an OJ Howard, this upgraded offensive line, Gregg Williams with Myles Garrett, and just watch what happens.
Williams inherits lots of talent as-is, including at safety. I haven't given up on X Cooper, either: His first step really is exceptional. Myles Garrett next to him might help a little, no?
Oh no! If they draft Garrett, they might have to move Ogbah to the strong side! Waitaminnit...
What if they put Garrett on the strong side instead? You know, like Von Miller? Unthinkable, right?
What about Nassib? Well, he's no longer trying to prove he can be an outside linebacker in order to get drafted higher, and knows Gregg Williams is his new boss, so he's likely to come back at over 293 solid muscle lbs.
This fascinates me: Would a 293 or so Carl Nassib just back up both DE positions, or could he start as the 3-tech under-tackle in Williams's base defense? Or would Williams adapt his defense to keep this extremeley t a l e n t e d player on the field?
Well, Nassib's height is a big leverage disadvantage vs guards and centers, and he's by no means as explosively quick as your ideal under-tackle. He's not an inside penetrator, by any means, nor can he bull-rush...
But then, he does have a big reach advantage, and is much faster than virtually any defensive tackle. Think about him between Shelton and Ogbah or Garrett. Ever see the cartoon with the tall guy's hand on the short guy's forehead, and the short guy swinging and missing? That's Nassib vs a lot of guards and most centers.
He's NEVER double-teamed! He gets his hands on the guard and starts pushing him around immediately. A short slow fat guy can't apply leverage when a tall lean athlete is jacking him up onto his toes, ok? You might outweigh him by 50 lbs, but it doesn't matter on your tippy-toes, see?
Forget about driving him back on a run. Forget about holding your ground in pass-protection. Nassib can sieze and maintain leverage at the snap.
In 2014, I made fun of Mike Pettine talking about using Nassib inside. I take it back. I think I get it now.
But right now, I'm kind of reaching for stuff Gregg Williams might try to make the most of the underrated young inexperienced talent he has inherited.
Coming back out of the weeds here, the 2017 Browns defense should be at least average, and the Kessler-led offense could be explosive and scary, especially if they give Josh Gordon one more chance.
Which they will. Unless they're mentally challenged. Duh.
Just a note on the hypothetical trade for Kirk Cousins: Not without a long-term contract. Stop it!
An analyst who probably moonlights as a US Congressman has decided that the Sith Lord could be persuaded to part with Jimmy G for merely that pick, the top second rounder, and all three second round picks in 2018 such a deal!
While the consensus among analysts is that this kid, unlike Ryan Mallett, is for real, I haven't heard a lot of Rodgers or Brady comparisons, and as far as I know he's not the one who won the last Superbowl.
The current draft class makes Jimmy look really good to desperate teams, and of course Lord Belichick probably did leak the first overall and another first rounder and then some rumor in person, but he knows better.
I can't believe none of these guys ever watched "American Pickers" or "Pawn Stars". Or went to a garage sale.
In my previous post, I detailed why and how Bill could retain Jimmy for an extra year (at significant expense), and he could very well have a fairly high bottom line price. In fact, if he's already made up his mind that Brady can't go much longer, Adam Shefter could be right (as usual how does he do it?): Not for sale at any price.
And there could be a bidding war. It could get rediculous, like it did between the Browns and Redskins over RG3 (thank God we lost).
But Sashi Brown isn't Mike Holmgren. He'll know when to quit. He might go up to number twelve, the top fourth round pick, and the first and last second round pick next season, which is a LOT dammit! But if some fool offers more, that's it, and good for you, Bill.
Two things make people irrational about this: One is the fact that Jimmy is NOT a "can't miss" franchise quarterback, and could even end up like, well, Andy Dalton. A lot of people are too starry-eyed to imagine this possibility.
The other is the FACT that Saint Thomas of Patriotus probably won't last over two more years, no matter what he just did, or what he says. I'm frankly amazed that I...and no doubt Bill...might be the only two people on Earth. (That's not a mistake. I wrote what I meant).
This deal is unlikely to happen.
If 12 is used to draft a quarterback, that quarterback should be expected to be better than Rodney Kesslerfield in 2018. Not neccessarily 2017. 2018.
Sashi is in a good place, in a way. Public misconceptions aside, he already has a competent quarterback who can win with a decent offense and average defense, and maybe even do more...if he's not knocked out again.
Also, more public misconceptions aside, nobody here is on the hot seat. Kyle Shanahan takes over another crappy team with an extra-long contract, but virtually everybody else IS on the hot seat.
All the teams at the top (except, in reality, the Browns) have multiple needs. They really DO need immediate impact players to show immediate results and keep their jobs. Nobody (except maybe Kyle) can afford to use their top ten draft pick on a quarterback who will either sit on the bench, or screw up bigtime if forced to play as a rookie.
This gets political, too. Fans are ignorant and impatient. Sometimes, owners are forced by public pressure to make Head Coaches play quarterbacks before they're ready. This happened to Jeff Fisher last year. Goff was even worse than the guys he replaced.
By the way, do you think Goff sucks now? Well, you would if he was a Brown.
Nobody wants to draft a quarterback who the next regime starts and wins with, either.
For these reasons, Trubisky or Watson could slide to twelve, and Mahomes farther. (Note: the teams near the bottom are contenders. They need immediate impact guys too.)
Now that I jumped off the Watson Bandwagon due to his 49 mph muzzle velocity, a bunch of the smart guys have jumped on it. It feels like they sent me on a snipe hunt and ditched me. Watson has overtaken Trubisky, and Trubisky is still sliding.
They cite all the same stuff I did when I was leading the charge: Two National Championship games vs Nick Saben, almost 900 yards, last second rally and win. His record. What he did to Ohio State. His experience, intelligence, and personality.
How can they ignore that PFF analysis of velocity (which, by the way, showed Kessler's at 55 mph)? Was he hurt? Do they think he'll do better with Hans and Franz or better mechanics? Does his film bely the test results?
Jim Miller says a quarterback absolutely can stengthen his throwing arm and throw harder/faster...maybe that's it? But the PFF study was pretty comprehensive and conclusive: None of their quarterbacks who threw softballs succeeded, early or late.
I might be TOO analytical here, because these guys are real experts.
Well...look at Watson's arms. He doesn't pump iron (yet). I do know a few things about torque and drive, but haven't seen the tapes these guys have. He might have an easily fixed lower body flaw they saw that I didn't. I don't know...but at least I admit it.
Ok I can't make myself jump back on the Watson Wagon again just yet. If Hue Jackson likes him that's fine with me. I remain a Trubisky guy, with a side of Mahomes, myself.
But they might not draft any quarterback at twelve.
Nick Dudokovich (Factory of Sadness) lists five quarterbacks the Browns might nab after round one. His top one is Mahomes (check/absolutely if he's still there duh), and I haven't checked out the others yet, but Nick is smart, so I'm sure he got Webb, Peterson, Kelly, and the rocket scientist Dobbs--or maybe Kaaya instead (Kaaya is very solid but not a lot of upside).
If that's the case, Sashi can land a stud non-quarterback of some sort at 12.
Any one of a half dozen players wouldn't bother me here, including an offensive tackle who might not even start in 2017, but would eventually replace Big Joe Thomas.
My current personal favorite, however, is tight end OJ Howard (TE Alabama)...if he's still there.
I'm a huge Gary Barnidge fan, but know how old he is, and a few other things about him his worshippers shouldn't read:
He's maxed out his physical tools as a receiver, and he's an indifferent blocker. That is, he is capable of being a good blocker, but doesn't work on it...or even care much. Because I love underdogs, and admire so much what he's done as a receiver, I still love the guy, but as-is, Hue can't use him the way he needs to use tight ends.
Gary has enabled defenders to blow up runs, and yielded pressures and sacks with false steps and bad reads. That's the truth, and there is no excuse.
OJ Howard is a decent blocker. He's picked at a lot by some analysts for technical flaws and a lack of aggression, but he's actually worked on his blocking, and takes it very seriously.
For whatever reason, in Kiffin's Alabama offense, he was never featured as a receiver, so he blocked a LOT.
I have the strong impression that OJ felt caged in and suppressed at Alabama. At the Senior Bowl, where most high-profile prospects don't even attend, and if they do just practice (for the exposure) but don't play (fearing injury), Howard was all-in, all the way, and was the star of the week and of the game.
Howard is 6'6", around 251, yet he clocked 6.86 in the three-cone and a 4.51 40.
Pat Kirwan compares OJ to Jordan Reed, but a better comparison is Kellen Winslow Jr (if Kellen could block in-line). I'm a geezer. Ozzie Newsome was shorter and smaller, and didn't block well either, but yeah--OJ is like him, too.
Howard is the best tight end in this draft by a significant margin. He's better than Jordan Reed, and Bucky Brooks isn't wrong to compare him to Gronk. He's not LIKE Gronk; he can't block as well, and isn't as huge, but he can be that good!
Some analysts question his love of football. That's important. Rang says he runs sloppy patterns, and isn't as nasty as he should be blocking.
Blocking aside, others (including Bucky Brooks) say he runs precise routes, and sometimes lowers his head and runs people over. He played for Alabama. He knows the whole route tree from Y and H.
Bucky is right: OJ Howard is ready to start immediately, and be a difference-maker.
Seth DeValve has a nice future in the NFL, but he's an H-back, and not a real tight end.
OJ Howard as a 2017 Cleveland Brown would be the centerpiece of the Browns passing attack, even if Josh Gordon does come back. Cody Kessler is at his best between the hashes, and OJ (unlike Barnidge) can take a point-blank dink pass to the house.
If OJ Howard is there at twelve, and it's not a quarterback, Howard is almost a no-brainer.
Garrett mitagates the urgently desperate need for a safety and cornerback, and in this particular draft, those positions can be addressed into the fourth round anyway.
Remember, if you will: The Browns drafted four wide receivers and DeValve in Sashi's first draft. Just now, he nabbed the best guard and center in free agency to elevate an offensive line that didn't suck in the first place.
Even the free agent center he grabbed from San Fransisco has a lot of starts and is versatile; the Browns now have FIVE centers, and almost as many guards and right tackles.
In the draft, beyond quarterback, I would have to guess that Sashi will be throwing defensive backs against the wall and seeing what sticks.
Believe it or not, the 2017 Browns will be releasing (and maybe trading) offensive linemen, edge-rushers, linebackers, and maybe wide receivers that other teams will gobble up like pihrannahs. But you don't see that. All you see is 1-15.
In this draft, Obi Melinfonwu is listed among the STRONG safeties, and as a second or third round pick. Trust me: Gregg Williams WANTS this freak, and doesn't care about the label.
That's the problem: In this scenario, the Browns probably draft a quarterback atop round 2, and Obi is gone before they get another shot at him.
It's ok though: Gregg Williams can scrape by on Myles Garrett and the bunch of losers he inherits, and maybe a low-round tall cornerback (you know sarcasm when you read it, right?)
No seriously: Rodney Kesslerfield is a good quarterback already, and has proven it. His 2.0 version will be better. Hue wanted him to be more aggressive, as he became a checkdown-charlie, but too much is made of this.
I'm telling you now: His arm is adequate. He can hit the out-routes on a rope. He WILL go deep. He did get timid and gun-shy as a rookie, but that is not who he is. He was thrown into the fire way ahead of schedule, and on-balance handled it well. Check out his yards per ATTEMPT.
I love Terrelle Pryor, too, but Kenny Britt will be where he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be there. Give Cody an OJ Howard, this upgraded offensive line, Gregg Williams with Myles Garrett, and just watch what happens.
Williams inherits lots of talent as-is, including at safety. I haven't given up on X Cooper, either: His first step really is exceptional. Myles Garrett next to him might help a little, no?
Oh no! If they draft Garrett, they might have to move Ogbah to the strong side! Waitaminnit...
What if they put Garrett on the strong side instead? You know, like Von Miller? Unthinkable, right?
What about Nassib? Well, he's no longer trying to prove he can be an outside linebacker in order to get drafted higher, and knows Gregg Williams is his new boss, so he's likely to come back at over 293 solid muscle lbs.
This fascinates me: Would a 293 or so Carl Nassib just back up both DE positions, or could he start as the 3-tech under-tackle in Williams's base defense? Or would Williams adapt his defense to keep this extremeley t a l e n t e d player on the field?
Well, Nassib's height is a big leverage disadvantage vs guards and centers, and he's by no means as explosively quick as your ideal under-tackle. He's not an inside penetrator, by any means, nor can he bull-rush...
But then, he does have a big reach advantage, and is much faster than virtually any defensive tackle. Think about him between Shelton and Ogbah or Garrett. Ever see the cartoon with the tall guy's hand on the short guy's forehead, and the short guy swinging and missing? That's Nassib vs a lot of guards and most centers.
He's NEVER double-teamed! He gets his hands on the guard and starts pushing him around immediately. A short slow fat guy can't apply leverage when a tall lean athlete is jacking him up onto his toes, ok? You might outweigh him by 50 lbs, but it doesn't matter on your tippy-toes, see?
Forget about driving him back on a run. Forget about holding your ground in pass-protection. Nassib can sieze and maintain leverage at the snap.
In 2014, I made fun of Mike Pettine talking about using Nassib inside. I take it back. I think I get it now.
But right now, I'm kind of reaching for stuff Gregg Williams might try to make the most of the underrated young inexperienced talent he has inherited.
Coming back out of the weeds here, the 2017 Browns defense should be at least average, and the Kessler-led offense could be explosive and scary, especially if they give Josh Gordon one more chance.
Which they will. Unless they're mentally challenged. Duh.
Just a note on the hypothetical trade for Kirk Cousins: Not without a long-term contract. Stop it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)