Chat Corrections

The following is an Adam Caplan chat transcript. He had a bad week.

Did the front office know that McGinest was calling it quits after this year?Adam Caplan: BR: Everyone one knew about it, not a surprise, was totally expected
Adam, Ahtyba Rubin, can he be the sixth defensive lineman this year?
Adam Caplan: RAM: He will be expected to be in the mix for a spot on the active roster
Is this one of the reasons the front office was trying so hard to get an OLB?
...huh?
Adam Caplan: BR: One doesn't have to do with the otherAdam Caplan: since McGinest is playing this season
Adam, is Shaun Rogers going to start at nose tackle or end, how will the starting d line look??Adam Caplan: CD: As for Rogers, RAC said he will play bothAdam Caplan: the decision where he will start out each game will probably have something to do with gameplan, how he looks in practice, and opponentAdam Caplan: each week
Adam, do you see the opening defensive front three as Williams, Smith and Rogers?Adam Caplan: RAM: I would say that's a pretty good betAdam Caplan: and a pretty good look for the front three
Could be! If they had S SMITH at DE, then Rogers can probably do it. He has better height, and is faster. Meanwhile, S Smith's best position is nose tackle. Even if Rogers is better than Smith at NT, this is how to make the most of your talent.
Adam might also mean Robaire Smith. That would work too--with Rogers at the nose and S Smith a rotational player. Bottom line is 4 good linemen rotating in 3 slots.
Adam, as of now who would you keep on the roster, Wilson or Hubbard
Adam Caplan: DA: Way too early to say either wayAdam Caplan: team has no ideaAdam Caplan: and won't for some timeAdam Caplan: but I will say this, they might keep Hubbard on the active roster just so they don't lose him through waiversAdam Caplan: so that means Wilson could be out of a job either way
5 active WR's: Edwards, Jurevicious, Stallworth...
Adam, what is going to be a position the Browns will be looking to draft in 2009, they seem pretty set everywhere besides secondary and outside linebacker
Adam Caplan: CD: Time will tell through the season but obviously they have to address CBAdam Caplan: that's one need that is worse than it was at the start of free agency
CORRECTION: They have three, plus a safety who can be a situational corner. They recruited young talent who can play situationally and could quickly grow into a zone scheme. Adam continues to greatly exhaggerate the need for one depth-player who is ready to cover for injuries.
Any of the UDFA's impress you?
Adam Caplan: AM: I'm never impressed with anyone in the post-draft campAdam Caplan: what you're looking for is the players to understand what they are being asked to do so farAdam Caplan: how fluid they lookAdam Caplan: Don't be fooled by anything you read about the rookies nowAdam Caplan: what I want to see is how they do when the pads go on
Adam, is Austin Scott someone that could develop into something??
What's with the extra question marks?
Adam Caplan: CD: If he's not cut before training camp he could push HarrisonAdam Caplan: understand UDFAs are literally in a week to week situation
why hasn't holly signed his contract?
Adam Caplan: TJM: The Browns now hold his rightsAdam Caplan: he will sign it before mandatory work
Adam, do you think Peek will perform as well as you thought he would last year now that he is healthy?
Adam Caplan: PAGE: The team apparently saw what I saw on tape before last season so if healthy, he should be a solid rotational player
CORRECTION: Peek was a rotational passrusher in a 4-3. He is a starting OLB in a 3-4 DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Lets say DA has another fine year and BQ gets little playing time. What kind of draft pick would he bring in trade?
How retarded! They'd trade DA for like a jillion draft picks.
Adam Caplan: AM: conditional 3-4th rounderAdam Caplan: based on PT time that he got with the new teamAdam
Dumb and dumber! Under contract, first round pick, probably better than anyone in this year's draft, 2 years in the NFL? Get a clue!!!
Caplan: but I can tell you the team doesn't want to trade QuinnAdam Caplan: They see Quinn as a decently paid backup QBAdam
HE WAS NOT DRAFTED TO RIDE THE BENCH. HE IS PAID TOO MUCH TO BACK UP. HE MAY EVEN NOW BE BETTER THAN ANDERSON WITH THIS MOST EXCELLENT SUPPORTING CAST.
Caplan: why sign someone else who hasn't been there
But won't BQ's agent demand a trade if things are status quo after this year?
Adam Caplan: AM: That's what I said last year and that could happen, problem is the Browns hold all the leverage
Adam, how do you see the ILB position playing out. I see Davis and Jackson starting, but I can see a nice rotation of our LB's as well
Adam Caplan: DA: Training camp will settle that, it's not a lock that Davis starts, in fact, I think Williams will win that
Correct, except that Williams may well be tried at OLB. Furthermore, the massively-underrated Beau Bell and the other vet FA who can play inside could make this move easy. Bell starts by mid-season. Stand by.
Adam, can Ahtyba Rubin play defensive end and play at the same level as he could at nose or is he strictly a nose tackle??
Adam Caplan: CD: They haven't said if he can or can't play DE yetAdam Caplan: I believe he has the movement skills to do soAdam Caplan: though
I didn't know that! COOL!
Adam, any shot Beau Bell could crack the starting lineup week 1??
Adam Caplan: CD: Yes because they aren't happy with the other three totallyAdam Caplan: wouldn't be surprise at all if he won a stating job
Yeah and stop with all the question marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
is Shaun Smith anything more than an average NT?
Adam Caplan: TJ: Check he amount of snaps he had to play at DEAdam Caplan: then you'll see why he got worn down last seasonAdam Caplan: it got to be a jokeAdam Caplan: this season will be differentAdam Caplan: they will have a great rotation
If more teams played the 34 Defense what round would Rubin have been taken?Adam Caplan: PGE: No way to knowAdam Caplan: I can tell you though he had a 5th-6th round grade from most teams
Adam, how much do they like D'Qwell Jackson because next years ILB crop with Maualuga and Laurinaitus looks strong and Ray Lewis may hit the open market in free agency??
You want Gramps Lewis???? Think you can get the cap raised by then???? Sign him til he's 50, right????
Adam Caplan: CD: They want to see Jackson step up his playAdam Caplan: then make a decision after 2008Adam Caplan: on the ILBsAdam Caplan: that position, if they all play well plus Bell won't be a priority
If I can chime in, Smith was bad at DE last year. But at NT, our defense was changed, we played much better with him in there. Problem is, Roye was hurt and Smith had to play DE, not to mention many 3 and outs on occasion fatigued our defense, and Smith was one of the few that could actually play DE also.
THERE IS INTELLIGENT LIFE IN CLEVELAND!
Adam Caplan: DA: You should have seen practice, they had a hard time getting three healthy DLs some weeksAdam Caplan: RAC said he will play DE and NTAdam Caplan: which kind of surprised me
Me too. But he probably meant situationally.
DQ seems small for the kind of LB's Romeo likes to use (ala New England) - agree?Adam Caplan: AM: NE's ILBs are smallAdam Caplan: 240 lbs rangeAdam Caplan: Bruschi smallerAdam Caplan: in fact
Correct. Speed is a priority for ILB's in a properly-manned 3-4. The whole foundation of the scheme is to occupy 5 blockers with 3 linemen so the backers can run around and stop people. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Adam, any idea how Melila Purcell has developed? has he gained much weight to play in our defense?
Adam Caplan: LIL: I expect him to beat out Pittman, he has more upside
Adam, any shot they look to add a safety next year if Sean Jones and Brodney Pool don't step up their game
Adam Caplan: CD: sureAdam Caplan: they also need depth there
Adam, who does Alexander go to and does he have any left in the tank?Adam Caplan: BR: He can't playAdam Caplan: Seattle said so by releasing himAdam Caplan: when a player is released just a few years into an extension they are telling you what they think of himAdam Caplan: and he's not the kind of RB that can come off the bench
Adam, what is going on with Antonio Pittman now a days, is he still with the Rams??
Why are you wasting everybody's time???? Who cares???? Let somebody else ask questions????
Adam Caplan: CD: YesAdam Caplan: Pittman is still with STL
Honestly, Adam, I only see Smith at DE if somebody is injured. I mean, he may take a drive or so a game, but that's it.
Adam Caplan: DA: They will see who does well in each and plan accordinglyAdam Caplan: they need one more DE to set the rotationAdam Caplan: it could be Purcell
Adam, June 1st cuts?
Adam Caplan: BR: Most overrated and non issue dateAdam Caplan: new CBA gives teams more flexibilityAdam Caplan: so you rarely see any big namesAdam Caplan: go post 6/1Adam Caplan: most moves were done prior to the draft
Adam, do you know Purcell's weight as of now? Does he look bigger and stronger? If so, he'll make this team, IMO.
Adam Caplan: DA: 270 range, maybe a little more
Bummer
Adam, are their many teams heavy in CB talent, so that they will have some late preseason trades?
Adam Caplan: RAM: We could see the Eagles do something
I think Rubin could contribute at DE. he's best suited at NT, but he's strong enough to rush as a DE, IMO.
IMO? IMO? You guys are a PIA. LOL.
Adam Caplan: DA: Understand DEs usually in 3-4 are run defendersAdam Caplan: Williams will be the exception
If the Browns offense continues to excel this year - will Chud get Head Coaching opportunities?
Adam Caplan: AM: Yes, he has a lot of interest out there
...dammit.
Adam, we need to sign some players long term. How does a potential lock out affect that?
Adam Caplan: BR: It's really a cap issue now
What happens with signing bonuses after 2009?
Adam Caplan: BR: Nothing ,they are paidAdam Caplan: without a cap though free agents aren't UFAs until 6 years
Was that in reference to my Rubin comment? Because he's a run stopper, which is another reason I feel he could play
Adam Caplan: DA: Yes, he really wouldn't be expected to rush the passer
They start out 2-gapping, but in attack-mode. They try to drive the guard back off-balance, and once they read pass, to shed and penetrate to the QB.
When you say Williams will be the exception, what do you mean?
Adam Caplan: RAM: usually DEs in 3-4 scheme aren't pass rushersAdam Caplan: Williams will be the exception because he will be asked to get to the passer
Sometimes. He'll split the guard-tackle gap rather than engaging the guard, or might cross the guard's face and go over center--or something else. Sometimes. But he's also great at shedding off a 2-gap.
Adam, on paper does our defense move up to the mid range?
Adam Caplan: BR: Only issue is the back 4 nowAdam Caplan: front seven should be decent
Do you see Hubbard making the active roster?
Adam Caplan: TOP: I addressed that earlier, they could choose to keep him on active rosterAdam Caplan: so he wouldn't get signed off of waiversAdam Caplan: which means Wilson is out
Not unless another WR is better, THIS season.
<64superfan> So, what's the story with the back four? We've got to add corners. I still would like to know which UDFAs show the most promise.
Adam Caplan: 64: Ask me in AugustAdam Caplan: there's no contactAdam Caplan: nowAdam Caplan: no way to have any ideaAdam Caplan: But what you want to see out of them is how well they move and understandAdam Caplan: what they are being asked to do
Adam, whats going on with Ty Law, any shot we take a chance??
YOU again???? Gramps Law, too???? How bout Hanford Dixon????
Adam Caplan: CD: He wants a little more cashAdam Caplan: CLE doesn't have anything left to give himAdam Caplan: other than one-year minimum
<64superfan> Adam, Pittman was working with the rookies last weekend. What seems to be the plan for him?
Adam Caplan: 64: They'd like him to win a job on the active rosterAdam Caplan: I'm interested to see if he can beat out PurcellAdam Caplan: The one UDFA who has a chance to make the team is Austin ScottAdam Caplan: AJ Davis was an interesting prospectAdam Caplan: I want to see how he does once the pads go onAdam Caplan: he could actually contribute
Does Kevin Kasper really have a shot at making the team?
Adam Caplan: TOP: UnlikelyAdam Caplan: I'd be surprised
Are the Browns getting capped out - will they be able to sign any significant free agent next year?
Adam Caplan: AM: They will be ok next year
Adam, you mention Austin Scott, I'm assuming Harrison would be the odd man out in this situation, as Wright hasshown to be an effective #2. Problem is, Harrison has potential to step up as a #2. What are your thoughts? And sorry every question of mine is about 2 paragraphs long. haha
Adam Caplan: DA: For sure, Harrison would have to be outAdam Caplan: they really want to push himAdam Caplan: Scott has the talentAdam Caplan: at this point, Harrison and Wilson are less than 50-50 to make itAdam Caplan: based on the past two seasons of non-contributionsAdam Caplan: especially Wilson who has been a big zeroAdam Caplan: that's why they offered him to the Vikings
Harrison averages over 5 YPC and has learned to block. His issue is attitudinal--Romeo will not play people who don't work hard in practice.
Do you see the Browns keeping Shaffer at RT beyond 08?
Adam Caplan: TOP: Yep, that's his best position and he knows itAdam Caplan: on tape it shows tooAdam Caplan: he wasn't a natural LT
Adam, would you say Harrison has a better chance than Wilson to make the roster??
STOP IT YOU'RE KILLING US????
Adam Caplan: CD: Yes
DOYEEEEEE????
Were the Browns really shopping Braylon Edwards during last year's draft?Adam Caplan: AM: They wanted to see what he would yield and no one gave anything significant
Adam, What is with David McMillan, LB, ST player. Can he make it?
Adam Caplan: RAM: Peek and Orr will be expected to be ahead of him
Orr? Orr will be a utility guy--he's a versdatile 3-4 journeyman. And Williams may well be in that mix.
Adam, in the media is seems like Edwards has really matured. Is there the same perception in the lockerroom?
Adam Caplan: BR: Yes and yes. In fact, was talking to a pro personnel director from an NFC team today about thatAdam Caplan: Just about how Edwards could be even better this season
WILL be. He was not fully recovered from his surgery. He will be faster, and cut better.
Adam, will Rucker take Heiden's spot on goal line passing? I've always seen Heiden as a strong reliable target in theshort field
Adam Caplan: DA: Depends on down, distance, and situationAdam Caplan: and play callAdam Caplan: Rucker will give them a chance formationally to do different thingsAdam Caplan: against each opponent
Rucker is more a Winslow-type than a Heiden type. Regardless of how well Rucker actually blocks in-line, Heiden will remain the main blocker, to usually be used in these situations--which could be passes or runs.The defense can't key on a pass with Heiden there--they might be able to with Rucker instead.

However, this could set up a three-TE set! Rucker and Winslow are prototype H-backs, and Heiden is sometimes lined up at fullback. (Rucker also insists he can block, takes pride in it, and is anxious to prove it. With that attitude and the fact that he can add weight, I'll bet on it.)

Jumbo: Vickers/Lewis/3 TE's.

Wow.
Adam Caplan: all, see you next week
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UFA Sighting

Darnell Terrell, CB MO: Scouts disagreed a lot on this guy, except that he is a size/speed physical specimen. With an intelligent agent, who had him sign with a team lacking depth at cornerback. Too bad more agents don't have brains.

Anyway, Marino was pretty down on him, describing stiff hips. Some people don't really understand that: DB's in coverage often start in a backpedal, and then need to change directions or rotate into a foreward sprint. Between the lower-trunk and hips, if you're not flexible, you have a balance issue, and have to take extra steps to complete this maneuver. "Good hips" are critical for man coverage--this is why many bigger cornerbacks become safeties in the NFL.

But this guy: Other scouts described good hips and fluid change-of-direction, indicating man ability. So what do we make of it?

Well, regardless of who is right, Savage knows how to dig up free rookie cornerbacks.

Then:

1: This defense, like Pitt's, used mostly zone coverage. It's still predominantly two-deep zone. This often goes with a 3-4, as it has much to do with zone-blitzing. That effects coverage, and the zone scheme is important for protecting against underneath passes and runs. While now that we have Wright and safeties who can man-up on some of the bigger recievers and most tight ends, some man coverage can be mixed in, so long as the QB and recievers don't read it pre-snap. (Or they can read it and be WRONG, which is also cool).

2: The worst-case scenario with Terrell is that he indeed becomes a safety. He's more a free-safety than strong, but does have the size to be effective as a twin safety in a two-deep.

3: Forget about Marino or anyone else who ever predicts "He'll need at least two years to develop" about any DB ever. Nickel and dime packages vary widely depending on what personnel an opposing offense deploys on passing downs. For example, if the slot guy is an Eric Metcalf type, you need a jitterbug speedster. If he's Jurevicious, you need...Terrell. See how it works? The cornerback need not be all refined and polished to be used situationally. You start him out in one specific role, and any player can become proficient in a matter of weeks, or even days, provided he has the physical tools.

Terrell should make the team based on his potential and special teams ability. He has a shot to become the fourth safety or fifth cornerback--or even the fourth.

Marino is pretty good, though (in my opinion Steuber and Mayock are better). I just hope he's wrong, and that Terrell is a big-time sleeper at cornerback. Even of he can't do man, though--he could still become a starting zone cornerback.

Chase Ortiz is a defensive end who here would try to be an OLB. This guy is a LOCK to remain in the NFL regardless of where he plays, because he gets sacks and tackles for loss out the yinyang. Immediately here, he could be a situational pass-rusher/big-time special teamer.

There's a question about his ability to play outside linebacker. Marino says his hips are too stiff, but Steuber says he has great lateral movement and smooth change-of-direction, indicating that Marino is wrong.

As an intelligent analyst, I note this repetition of Marino's comment, and seem to recall a pre-existing pattern about Marino and hips. He also has a thing about "ball skills", which means that if a defensive back doesn't intercept everything he touches, he sucks.

This guy should make the team, and might MIGHT MIGHT be an OLB sleeper. One thing he does is make plays in the backfield, and on obvious passing downs, he could be used immediately.

Tough to say, with mediocre clock-times. I mean, the guy could gain 20 lbs. and be an outside 4-3 DE. Playing speed might be a lot faster--sure seems that way with his stats. Shows great insticts, which is a big part of it.

McMillan hasn't worked out, but maybe this guy will. He's under 6'3" as well, and could be tried at inside linebacker.

Why doesn't anybody else think about this stuff? Used to shedding, instinctive, tackles-for-losses, 6'2 1/2 255? Huh?

The Big Pitcher

The sum of the offseason is the draft and free agency. The Browns needs, in order, were (in reality) DL, OLB (in view of Peek's health), CB DEPTH, more WR's (since Wilson isn't acting like one), a young TE to augment and eventually replace the human MASH unit and Gramps Heiden, and--more a want than a need--ILB. (Remember I said in reality).

Savage got two stud defensive linemen who are still relatively young and healthy; indeed who have UPSIDE, right out of the gate. Then he added Daunte Stallworth, who is a very capable (and dangerous) #2 when healthy.

In this draft, he nailed down an underrated linebacker. Beau Bell's clock times have little to do with his playing speed. He is most likely here to play inside, because he's nice and short and can get off blocks. He can stop a much bigger man in his tracks and then run around or away from him. His instincts are great.

For all this, he's been picked on for being top-heavy and "stiff" in coverage. He just gets lucky with all the interceptions and deflections! What the hell, pump his ass and legs up--blow him up to 255 see if I care!

Phil said "depth". Yeah ok. He'll work into the rotation quickly. None of the other guys can be the force player on the strong side; who can take on a pulling guard.

And this guy is a body-rocker. He SLAMS people. Diagonosing quickly, he attacks at full speed and meets things in the backfield. He doesn't WANT to play outside, he likes it "in there". AndrA Davis has seen his best days, Jackson is fine on the weak side, and Williams has to play.

I believe that Williams will now be worked outside, and become something like a utility guy. Ashante Orr was indeed a college DE, but has played all linebacker positions. As an outside passrusher, he's just "ok", and it's quite possible that he'll be another utility guy. Orr is basicly a journeyman...but if he makes Davis look bad, well...

Williams is now the fastest of the linebackers, has learned at light-speed, and performed admirably. Even coming out of college, people weren't certain where he should play. He fell inside here due to the personnel we had. Now, the inside is pretty stacked, and the need remains for a passrushing outside backer to offset Wimbley, and he might be it.

A conventional 3-4 would place Williams on the weak side and Wimbley strong, but of course they all move people all over the place. Let's see what happens--if Peek gets healthy and Williams proves he has 8-plus sack potential. This is a ripple effect thing: Williams is a complete linebacker who can intercept the run as well as any, so--if his speed can translate into QB pressures as well, you have a much-upgraded overall defense.

Rubin is not here for the practice squad. He was cocked in the center in college, and that's what nose tackles do. He's quick and has some range, in addition to being stronger than dirt. While he isn't polished and has much to learn, he can be worked into the rotation from day one. To be sure, the top four are established. Three young players (two drafted DE's and a bigger FA DL) are already here, and will have something to say about this.

Four players will now be competing for two positions BEHIND three starters and a swing-man, and they all have much upside. It can't get better than this. The 3-4 will now work as it was designed to work against the run. The line won't wear down, will command double-teams, and will make some tackles and QB pressures of it's own. The linebackers will slice in and make plays.

Alex Hall will probably go on the practice squad and get his shot in '09 as Phil said. He's not really such a gamble, as he has the speed, frame, and stats to become a dominating outside passrushing linebacker. He will go into the nursery where he will learn dirty tricks and get pumped up. He will re-appear next season at at least 250 lbs., and much stronger.

It is PROBABLE that Phil Frankestein will have created a monster. This is not David McMillan, who was a good passrushing DE but seems not to be a very good linebacker (so far). Hall is more athletic, and was astronomicly more productive. All those sacks and 52 tackles-for-losses from a DE position told Phil a lot about this guy, Division II or not.

CB was not addressed, but I repeat that Davin Holly IS an experienced veteran, as if a veteran rather than a young, talented player is critical at all. More second and third and shorts plus an upgraded pass-rush will make this secondary look a lot better. Aside from Brandon McDonald, Holly, and Wright, we have a reserve safety who can play nickel and gets interceptions. We DO need more depth, and could use another Wright--don't get me wrong---but you can't always fix everything all at once, even if you're Phil Savage.

Quit bitching.

Now, this Rucker--202 receptions, over 10 yards per, are you kidding me?!? This guy will contribute out of the gate! He's not as fast as Wnslow WAS, but could well grow into what Wnslow is.

No, he never blocked anybody in-line and was sort of a glorified wide reciever. But I like how he talks: "I can block. I'll prove it."

Not that important for now. In this offense, Heiden is the in-line blocker. The wing TE (Winslow) is a decoy and blocks in space, same as what this kid did in college. Chud right now is concocting a bunch of insideously diabolical groupings to put him and Winslow on the field at the same time (with Edwards--at least--and then Harrison or Stallworth).

That IS a nightmare to defend. Do they go to a nickel with a six-man front? We know who covers Stallworth, but now can they rotate coverage to Edwards--and what of they do? Winslow and Rucker are both too tall for safeties and too quick for linebackers--and how can you stack up against Lewis with TWO of those guys slanting in behind you, huh?

DA (and BQ) are already drooling.

Hubbard IS a bit of a gamble. We've seen what Wilson has turned into, and Hubbard already has a rep for making stupid drops. He runs sloppy patterns too.

But he went to college on a track scholarship, and only came to football later. He was also injured as a senior, and missed five games worth of stats. He has--in streaks--been reliable as hell, and made circus catches. Explosive as hell--a long-jump champ and stuff, who routinely clocks in the little 4.4's. How could Phil refuse that dice-roll?

This guy can probably contribute on special teams immediately. He's a willing blocker (a big plus here) and you can't teach size or speed.

This is a factor: Wilson enters his third season, and Phil said he wouldn't draft anybody who wasn't better than what he had. This guy is here to knock Wilson off the roster, and Wilson has to know it.

What is it, with drops? Well, with these guys who have SOMETIMES made outstanding catches, it's always mental, which is very correctable.

But the issue with Wilson is deeper: Like Harrison (apparantly), he practices poorly. Not just drops, but running sloppy and incorrect patterns. I wouldn't judge this guy like Wilson. All he has to do is come in with the right attitude and work hard. If he does, we have a winner.

The draft gurus think he can be a number three and work up to number two. Maybe they're right, but that's an ignorant statement. He's big, very fast, and explosive. He has it ALL--so why is the sky not the limit?

So, Phil has addressed everything except cornerback.

Not bad.

Corrections and Minutia. And Minute Corrections. And Stuff.

"The last thing the Browns will do is sign a tight end."

Yeah, real deep thoughts, there. This is wrong on several levels. To begin with, Steve Heiden is getting very old, and these clowns seem to think he'll play into his 40s. Second, Kellen Winslow's knees will dramaticly shorten his carreer. His situation is being re-evaluated annually, by both the team and his doctors.

If these clowns were running the team, one of these two goes down and so does a whole bunch of the playbook, and they could enter 2009 with NOBODY at TE. And let's be accurate: Behind these two are adequate players who are good special teamers.

Second, attempt to comprehend the nature of this offense. It very often deploys two tight ends. If Chud had the people, they'd go with three more often. This team as it stands has Edwards, Stallworth, Jurevicous, and question marks at wide reciever. This is the three-wide set, and if one is injured, that part of the playbook is in doubt.

They do have a GOOD fullback, and the people to run specialized two-backs, but even here, Chud will sometimes use two tight ends and only one wide reciever. These are mainly short-yardage power sets for situational use. It's very effective because Winslow remains a major threat, Edwards is the single wide-out, Vickers can get downfield, and Chud WILL sometimes pass out of this set.

Scratch Winslow, and forget most of that.

The Browns need a young tight end to groom as a replacement for Winslow or, at least, Heiden. This guy may not be available in this draft, which is light on tight ends--but trust me Phil is trying to upgrade. Phil looks beyond THIS season, and wants to build a dynasty...not a shooting star.

Adam Caplan is obviously the only person who ever reads this. It has recently dawned on him that here is no critical need at inside backer.

Per Adam, the number one need is at cornerback, and #2 is outside linebacker. I don't have a big problem with this, but Adam is too vague. We have two viable starters and a nickel on the current roster. Another starter like Wright would be sweet, but the realistic goal for now is a fourth corner capable of playing in the nickel or dime/stepping in for an injured player (like Bodden was literally half the time, by the way.)

This need could well be addressed in this draft without trading up. Caplan cites three players, one of which could well slide into the fourth. The more reliable Steve Sobol is more optimistic. One might be available anywhere. One or more might even go undrafted.

Several guys have one knock on them: "ball skills". They cover and stop the run, but they don't get interceptions. I'll take that guy--we keep forgetting that the main thing is to prevent receptions--duh. And you can work on their hands. Besides, some of these guys played in man schemes. Zones are sneaky and set up picks. Dixon/Minnifield never got many picks, either.

Further, some of these guys weren't challenged. QB's avoided them. Oh yeah, they can pick up a corner without the fourth rounder or trading up. If they do either of those to get a cornerback, he won't be coming here to collect splinters for more than one season.

Everyone is talking about how Phil just can't wait to trade up. Baloney. He might, but not unless a STARTER gets in range. And it's not likely.

In this draft are SEVERAL 3-4 outside backers (not to mention inside backers) who should slide to the fourth and maybe even fifth rounds.

The reasons are myriad. The one guy who only played DE for two years, at Toledo--wasn't invited to the combine. Only he's just merely 6'5" 257 4.57 40 and beat them all in the three-cone drill and short shuttle...AND benched 220 more often than most of the offensive linemen.

Another guy...might be a trade-up candidate: Faster than all of them, super-productive with lots of TFL's, inside or outside--only he'd max out at about 245 and is only 6 feet tall. Big program, big post-season--he might well go in the third, or even higher, but there's a chance. But there are at least four more who could go in the fourth or fifth.

Hell, I can even predict, here and now, that whether it's Antwan Peek or not, Wimbley WILL have help from the other side this season. This draft is full of DE's who project well, and OLB's who are ready to go.

In re that, on third and long, the Browns will go to a 4-3 with McGinest, one of the two second-year passrushing DE's, or McMillan at DE, Rogers and Sith inside, and Williams at the other DE spot. That's a lot of penetration, and it'll be hard to focus on Wimbley. AND, third and longs should happen more often.

A lot of the reasons for Wimbley's decline last season were hidden in the stats. Because offenses so often got decent yardage on first and second downs, the defense couldn't afford to be too aggressive with their front.

Also, Wimbley has exceeded expectations in coverage and mirroring--proving to be a REAL linebacker. He wasn't SENT as often as he was in his rookie season, when he was trasitioning from DE. Once it was clear that offenses had learned how to stop him (and could, because of little pressure from the other side), they backed him off, and he made a lot of tackles instead.

Don't get me wrong: Wimbley is wasted being used this way, and they know it. But now that Rogers and Williams are here, he'll be a-comin a-lot. WHEN Phil finds or adds his bookend--that's IT, man! Stoolers eat your hearts out!!

YOU STAND CORRECTED

Stop the Inanity!

I'm up to my eyeballs with dumb assumptions and reads on the current state of the Browns and have to correct some small portion of it.

1: "The Browns need a big inside linebacker who can take on guards."

A well-manned and executed 3-4 2-gap defense is designed to keep the offensive linemen off the linebackers. DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D?

The nose tackle forces one of the guards to help the center. The ends set up just outside both guards' shoulders (more often than not) to force engagement. One guard has to help with the nose, so the tackle on that side has to try to handle the end on that side, and the other guard has to take on the other end. Even if this can be done without a double-team, this leaves just one offensive tackle with a lot of space to lumber through at a steep angle to try to block an ILB.

Big ILB's are always nice to have, if there isn't a trade-off depriving them of sideline-to-sideline range or the ability to blitze and drop into coverage.

The 3-4 defensive line trades the speed of passrushing DE's for the bulk and power of hybrid DT's and a giant single nose tackle. That speed is...are you listening? That reduced speed is, by design, compensated for by the inside linebackers!!!

The Browns did sign Shante Orr, who will be tried inside as well as outside and is a 6" ball of muscles. It might work, or not. Could be a rotation including Leon Williams and Jackson (with Davis a backup or off the team--no offense, but he was never fast and is slower than ever now).

Williams could be moved outside, as he has at least the speed to rush from the edge, and the athleticism to cover well...or could be Orr...I dunno...

What I DO know is that a bigger ILB WHO CAN RUN is a low priority. Because the Browns can't draft until the fourth round and this position is always deep, they might take an ILB, but it won't be because this is a position of "need".

The reason that offenses were able to run over this defense was the defensive LINE, do you hear me? Jackson and co. should never have been blocked, except perhaps by a fullback or a TE out of motion. Savage has acquired a (hopefully) premier nose tackle and a top-flight DE, and along with the Smiths, these guys WILL command consistant double-teams so that this 3-4 can works AS IT WAS INTENDED TO WORK.

The ILB's diagnose quickly and attack, unblocked, while the D-linemen fight to shed blocks and get a piece. The ILB's are, first and foremost, quick and fast so that you can't run around them, and they meet you in your backfield if you go inside. The cover-two scheme has the safeties coming up immediately to support.

I do need to stipulate: Poor tackling was also part of it. Many times a they got their hands on the RB, and he broke loose. Hell, MOST of the time they got any real yardage! That has to be fixed. Maybe Mel Tucker won't tolerate it. None of US would...

2: "The Browns need for an edge-rusher to take pressure off Wimbley is critical"

This is distorted in numerous ways. It is true that for this defense to be 100% effective, you need a serious edge-threat on both sides. Most defenses can scheme to stop the single threat coming from one side.

But A): Antoine Peek, when HEALTHY, IS that player. This statement ass umes that Peek will never be healthy again, or will always be the guy he was last season when playing hurt. That's just plain stupid.

B): The two defensive linemen just signed had seven sacks each from defensive tackle positions. They can penetrate and shed blocks, even as 2-gappers. If a tackle goes wide to ride Wimbley around the back of the pocket, he's leaving a guard one-on-one with a DE. A guard can't rotate out to pick him up without likewise abandoning one of these guys. If they try sliding, these guys will cross their faces and get in behind them.

Also, every player on this defense can and will blitze.

It's pretty optimistic to think that Shante Orr can be Wimbley's bookend, but that's not the case with Peek. And then, why am I the only one who seems to remember that Leon Williams can play outside and blitze? I mean, ideally you want a bigger guy than him for the role, as HE needs to defeat pass-blocks, but many very good 3-4's have used the average-sized, fast guys successfully.

On and off, NE and Pitt both have deployed one converted DE opposite one true linebacker and sacked the living hell out of people.

But of course, I do want perfection, which is why in previous blogs I have pointed out potential OLB sleepers for the 4th or 5th round.

3;) "The Browns need a veteran cornerback to start opposite Wright."

WHY?

As it stands, the starter will be McDonald or Holly. Holly IS now a seasoned vet...as if that matters more than a little, and McDonald did a surprisingly good job last season. The loser of that training camp battle will be the nickel CB.

The Browns need DEPTH at cornerback, behind the top three.

An improved pass-rush and more third-and-longs will vastly improve this secondary's "performance".

4:) "The Browns lack depth at safety".

Wel,l they got Baxter returning. Baxter has no doubt lost some mobility and it's doubtful that he can return as a cornerback, but his odds of returning as a good cover-two safety are better than even. He can handle big backs and TE's in coverage, can stiil run verticly, and has always been very effective against the run.

Then the guy we got from Detroit...or someplace...is a long-time starter who's not washed-up yet. He's more of a free safety, and doesn't fit the scheme that well, but can definitely cover and make interceptions.

And by the way, both he and Baxter can be used as dime backs vs. some teams, whose 4th reciever is a big possession guy.

But they should still draft that sleeper CB/S hybrid with the size and blistering speed in the 6th or 7th. There's some depth!

Now: YOU STAND CORRECTED.

OLB SLEEPER!!!

Marcus Howard, 6', 231, 27 benches, 34" vertical, Georgia is liste as TWELTH among the defensive ENDS. He is routinely clocked at at around 4.43. He is projected to go below the fourth round because of his size and only 2 years at DE. His combine 40 was faster than that of any of the linebackers, (not to mention than many of the cornerbacks and wide recievers).

At the Hula Bowl, Haward played only three snaps. He got one sack as an OLB, and another as a DE. He was the Sugar Bowl MVP--he delivers in big games.

10.5 sacks and 12 tackles-for-loss.

DAMMIT I just read that he's rising fast and might go in the third dammit. Well, a lot of people are dumbasses so he might still be there as of the Borwns pick in the 4th, or at least in range.

I'm hoping that dumbasses will "deduct points" from him based on his height, which gives him LEVERAGE. (I mentioned 27 benches at 225, right?) And then, there's his weight, which is a legit concern. 231 is pretty light for a 3-4 OLB, and with his frame, he hasn't got a whole lot of room to get bigger. His upside might be only around 240.

He might also lose points for pulling his quadriceps and missing some of the combine drills. I see nothing on his short shuttle and 3-cone--but those who saw him play don't care--he's showed the quickness and mobility to play OLB.

In my previous post, I told Phil about that Trevor guy, who physicly actually projects better than Howard as an OLB. But Howard played at a higher level of competition, came through big in big games, and topped his overall production.

The thing with Howard is versatility. He also has the measurables to play ILB here--though it seems I'm the only one who's seen it.

Everybody keeps talking about big bodies who can throw guards around like rag dolls. At least Pat Kirwin was sane enough to point out that with the new defensive line, offenses will have trouble getting to the linebackers. DDUUUUHHHHH. I mean...DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

And there's even an axiom in football: "The low man wins." If you get under the other guy's pads, he can't move you. All he can do is try to fall on you like a building, or make you stay where you are so you can't tackle anybody. (That's what they mean by "engulfed")

Some short guys can beat that. They can escape engulfment. It helps if you're very strong and have quick hands. But anyway, the obsession with hugeness at ILB is irrational and misguided. Trevor could be a sleeper OLB and Howard can play anywhere. One or both will be there in the 4th round.

Oh yeah. Very deep draft in tweeners. Phil will get somebody good in the 4th. You'll see.

Dear Phil:

First of all, apparantly your secretary has accidentally blocked me from your email box, which is why I've got to get several freinds to foreward it to you. Considering how critical my advice is to you, you'd better get that straightened out.

Anyway, in my never-ending search of sleepers for you to draft in the last four rounds, I found a LOOLOO, boyee! This Chris Steuber guy on the Orange and Brown report had him on his all-defensive sleeper team. Of course, I investigated before passing anything along, since Steuber's expertise couldn't possibly approximate my own.

TREVOR SCOTT, DE, Buffalo (OLB here). This kid wasn't even invited to the combine, nor is he even listed--even for Buffalo--by Scout.com. The reasons are: Small college, only two years at position, size (FOR DE). Steuber projects him to go in the 4th or 5th round (and I get the feeling he isn't one of these guys who has 72 guys projected as first round picks.)

Scott was recruited as a tight end, and converted to DE in 2006. Obviously, this transition had to be tough, but he immediately got 45 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and 9 sacks. As you know, 45 tackles is more like an OLB number than a DE number.

Of course, you can't say much for his level of competition-big fish, little pond. Last season he got 46 tackles, 15 for loss, and 10 sacks, so we see patterns of consistancy and improvement. As you know, numbers will often decline for a prominant player on any team, as rival teams find ways to avoid or neutralize them. It's very likely that as a senior, Scott was being targetted and avoided, but he still wrought havoc.

Bonus: Scott looks like a movie star. Like that taller dad in "My Two Dads". Maybe he can sing, too!

But I digress. Despite getting dissed by the combine, he worked out at Buffalo's Pro Day (and I bet you were there in person!)

6'5", 256 lbs. Lanky, with room for growth. Won't matter a whole lot, because he benched 225 lbs. 32 times. Offensive linemen and DT's do those numbers, and this guy's arms are as long as theirs! How strong will he be at 265-270?

But wait, there's MORE! 4.57 40. 4.19 shirt shuttle. You're reading that right. 6.84 3-cone drill, and 33" vertical jump. No, there isn't a cornerback or safety with the same name--it was Scott who did all this.

Scott is projected as a DE only because he has such good height and room for growth into a 4-3 passrushing DE, but he'll be much BETTER as a 3-4 OLB. In a year or 2, he could easily weigh near 270 without losing speed or mobility. He obviously has the strength, quickness, and speed already.

Scott is intelligent and adaptable, as evidenced by his transition fron TE. He clearly has good natural instincts, as evidenced by the number of his tackles. And 25 negative plays in 12 games? Gimme a break!

Obviously, you can't expect to find an instant starter that low in the draft (although you might). Scott did play at a small school with crappy competition, and no doubt needs a lot of work on hand techniques and other stuff. By NFL standards, he's no doubt very raw and mistake-prone, so he might be one to three years away from making a full-time impact. Still, based on his potential alone, this is a worthy investment to insure continuity and depth.

However, think about this: Situational passrushing is not rocket science. He could be used in spots there fairly soon. Then, he was a tight end, and you saw his numbers, which show a very explosive, sudden player. He could man-up on most NFL TE's quickly, as well. This aint rocket science either. You just cover the guy, right? Raw talent. He's already there.

In fact...the more I think about it...I mean, if he can already man-cover, why couldn't he zone-cover? He IS pretty smart...if he got 46 tackles as a DE...can't he handle the run?

Maybe that's optimistic. But obviously, he could make an impact on any or all of the special teams units immediately.

Well, there's your 4th round pick, Phil! Well..of course there's some other guys from bigger schools you might lean towards if they're there, and I won't pick on you. But in terms of pure athleticism, none of these compares to Scott. He's quicker, faster, and stronger than all of them right now, and he has more upside as well.

Yeah...third and eight--put him in there and turn him loose. Let's see a tackle chase him around, or a 225 lb. RB play speedbump with him! 4.57/4.19 HA!!

Steuber also found Akron CB Brandon Carr, who it 6', 207, and clocked 4.34. He has all the tools, but was a gambler who both made and gave up big plays. He's projected in the 7th because of his small school and the fact that he only got 2 picks last season after 6 in 2006.

In the NFL he could play safety as well as CB. Maybe a nickel guy and special teamer as a rookie, here's another depth guy who in a year or three could emerge as one hell of a playa. Given your current CB situation, with Holly and McDonald so far competing for the second cornerback spot, you're thin behind these two, and for that matter could use more talent behind the safeties.

Given the prevalence of 3 and 4 WR sets in the NFL, Carr could immediately fit in well vs. the bigger recievers, situationally...

I like your safeties, including the third one which you got from Detroit. He's an old vet free safety best in coverage. Carr could learn from him, and is physicly much more a cover-2 safety who fits the scheme better.

I like Holly and McDonald, but who else have you got? Carr might well be better than anybody else you could have--might be of immediate help, and does have that upside. I mean, this kid actually has the raw talent to learn on the job this season, and return next season as a stong contender for a starting spot.

OK I've covered the 4th and 7th rounds for you. I'll get back to you with some other sleepers.