When Andrew Berry said he's be "aggressive", that didn't mean reckless and stupid.
Randy Gurzi and Peter Smith have the best handles (other than mine, of course blush-blush) on what the new brain crust is libel to do.
Gurzi has them trading down in his latest mock draft, and still getting a starting offensive tackle, and that's DePodestian in this OT-laden draft class.
I think Gurzi only has them moving down 2 slots and picking up another 3rd round pick for his trouble. If that Offensive Tackle can start as a rookie and is an upgrade, this is a no-brainer, since every Pro Bowl is full of former third round picks, and in this draft class, that could be another Offensive Tackle.
That's being aggressive without being stupid.
The OT Randy mocks at 12, by the way, is Josh Jones, who excelled during Senior Bowl week (and in the game).
Obviously, the combine and Pro Days will change things a lot, so these early mocks are just guessing, but the idea of trading down in this one is smart (no offense Tony Grossi).
I'm the only guy in Cleveland who ignores all the happy talk and expects the Browns to trade OBJ. Naturally, Gurzi doesn't account for this in his mock draft.
Rodney Ratleyfield somehow survived John Dorsey's "not real football players" purge, and enters his third season after looking good in 2019 (with extremely limited opportunities).
Damion is 6'1" tall, at least 200 lbs by now, with terrific long speed and explosiveness, and (bs aside) good hands. Mayfield practiced with him, and can find him.
Unlike OBJ, Ratley is a vertical outside deep threat. Expecting him to match OBJ isn't realistic, but for Baker Mayfield, he should work out fine, and for a lot longer.
...you get this, right? Ratley is a "guy named Joe" who happens to also be a home-run hitter? Mayfield will only hit him when he's open? He won't focus on him, and screw himself up like he did with OBJ?
...and Baker won't get sacked as often or throw as many interceptions is any of this sinking in?
Why is everybody bailing out on David Njoku? At the same time as you're burning Freddie Kitchens in effigy, you're writing off everybody in his dog-house.
David Njoku came on strong in 2018, and was partly why a lot of people projected the Browns to win the AFC North in 2019.
Then he gets hurt and is benched afterwards, and you people are writing him off already!?!
And quit manufacturing/hallucinating about this: David Njoku's "hands" should be more consistent, but are pretty damn good. He's improved dramaticly as an in-line blocker, too.
He might not get up to the Ertz, Kittle, or Kelce level, but get your head out of those clouds, dammit! David Njoku could be a top 5 TE in 2020, and when exactly did that become not good enough for this team?
Berry (and DePodesta) drafted David Njoku, and will figure out what happened to him in 2019.
Kevin Stefanski had Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith in 2019, and should figure out where Njoku fits.
In 2019, Stefanski's Vikings didn't throw to Tight Ends a whole lot. The two WRs and Dalvin Cook monopolized the receptions, except in the red zone; this despite the fact that Kyle Rudolph was still a lethal receiver.
Berry, DePodesta, and Stefanski will retain Kareem Hunt (*I would try to sign him cheap long-term, but the "football guys" will probably override me and DePodesta with a one year gimmick*):
This will be a 2-back offense, technically, but Kareem Hunt will line up at WR at least 40% of the time.
Why doesn't anybody else outside the organization see this stuff? Why is everybody else looking to replace Njoku (and/or desperately seeking depth at TE!?)
DUH! I HAVE SPOKEN
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