The best way for the [Cleveland Browns] to improve is for them to use the sixth pick in the draft to take [Chance Warmack], offensive guard from [Alabama] and begin to complete the best offensive line in the NFL.
When that happens, with a healthy [Trent Richardson] running behind that line, [Brandon Weeden] can be great. Or [Colt McCoy]. Or your grandmother, if she has a decent arm and half a brain.
If you give any NFL quarterback a great running game and a great offensive line, he will be successful. I am so confident in this that I will add this clause; even if he wears an orange helmet Lots of mediocre quarterbacks have had great seasons. It's a sweet formula, and if the quarterback has some success, he may actually become confident. Then, look out.. Heck, [Derek Anderson] did it.
You want an identity? How about, “Kick everyone's butt.” You want touchdowns? Put Trent Richardson behind a mashing athletic left guard who is playing between a Pro Bowl Center and a Pro Bowl left tackle.
I say this formula begins finally to teach children how to be Cleveland Browns fans. Take a chance on Chance. He will most likely be available, as no one takes offensive guards that high. But the best ones are paid huge cash for a reason. If you build an offensive line, wins will come.
The jigsaw puzzle is almost complete. I know how tempting it is to give Ray Horton whatever he wants to build his attacking defense, but the Cleveland Browns need three things – a quarterback, an identity, and points. A dominating offensive line does all that.
In fact, I am sure that offensive lines make quarterbacks more than the other way around, except for [Drew Brees], [Tom Brady] and [Peyton Manning], and they are vulnerable too.
I want the Cleveland Browns to spend their free agent money on defense, and take a Chance in the draft. It's unconventional thinking given how every expert has them going for defense. But they are finally close to building a team with a power identity on the shores of Lake Erie.
This is the blueprint I remember from when things were rosy and the Cleveland Browns were always a good-to-great team. It's time to abandon the clown car version of football we have been watching for the past past decade and a half. To paraphrase Sam Wyche, Cleveland is not Cincinnati.
I don't care what the Browns do as long as they win every game next year. But until they make a decision, which then by default becomes my heartfelt opinion too, I believe the guy some call the most athletic guard to come out in years.
Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly are in the Hall of Fame. So in Gene Hickerson, who blocked for both of them. I love great coincidences. Take a Chance on another.
And if the team finishes 5-11 again next year because a knucklehead like me forgets that a dominating defense also helps, at least the next new coach and new quarterback will have an almost completed offensive line to work with until they get fired. So that's progress.
Brian Tarcy is the creator of [whatzgonnahappen.com]
The Morning Kickoff …
Entering the draft homestretch: The entire process leading to a draft might be broken down into five phases.
Phase 1 is the [college] regular season, Phase 2 is the post-season bowl and all-star games, and Phase 3 is the NFL combine. Those are done.
Now NFL teams head into the homestretch. Phase 4 begins this week – the pro day workouts. The pro days lead teams into Phase 5 just before the April 25-27 draft – the individual visits to team facilities.
Phase 4 can be problematic because NFL teams are at the mercy of the [colleges] when it comes to scheduling pro days. Often, teams are stretched from coast to coast on the same day, forced to divide executives, coaches and scouts to view multiple players at different locations. And you dare not miss a pro day.
Pro days are ultra-important for players who either timed poorly at the combine or elected not to work out there because of nagging injuries or personal preference. At times, these can be the single-most important day of a team’s draft process.
In 2010, the Browns finalized their decision on cornerback Joe Haden when he bettered his combine 40 time by .09 (yes, it makes a difference) at his pro day, confirming their knowledge that Haden ran at the combine with [lower back] spasms.
In 2012, the Browns came to a consensus on running back Trent Richardson when GM Tom Heckert and coach Pat Shurmur saw him run 4.48 at his pro day. The team’s draft leanings were telegraphed when it dispatched only offensive coordinator Brad Childress to Texas A&M’s pro day to witness quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who was a prime consideration.
Listed below are some pro days of note and players that may be of particular interest to the Browns.
March 7
Arizona: QB Matt Scott. A “sleeper” prospect in the middle rounds who has the skills to execute the zone read option.
Clemson: WR DeAndre Hopkins. A first-round possibility whose stock tumbled a bit after a 4.57 at the combine.
Nebraska: PK Brett Maher. If the Browns decide to find Phil Dawson’s successor in the draft, he will be a consideration.
Syracuse: QB Ryan Nassib. Some see him as the No. 3 quarterback; he could be the target of his former college coach, Doug Marrone, now with Buffalo.
March 8
Ohio State: Urban Meyer’s first pro day with a year as Ohio State coach under his belt. The front-liners are DT Johnathan Hankins and DE John Simon. The Browns might want to take a look at TE Jake Stoneburner for late-round consideration.
Texas A&M: OT Luke Joekel, DE Damontre Moore, WR Ryan Swope. Moore needs to redeem himself from a poor combine, or a draft free-fall will ensue. Swope’s 4.34 at the combine could move him into the second round.
March 12
Florida: S Matt Elam, FS Josh Evans, DT Shariff Floyd, TE Jordan Reed, PK Caleb Sturgis. Reed, the sixth-rated tight end, and Sturgis, the second-rated kicker, could be of interest to the Browns.
Kansas State: LB Arthur Brown, PK Anthony Cantele. Brown is an under-sized inside linebacker. Cantele is considered draftable.
March 13
Alabama: OT D.J. Fluker, RB Eddie Lacy, CB Dee Milliner, OG Chance Warmack. Alabama’s pro day is always an event unto itself.
Cincinnati: TE Travis Kelce. A big day for the Cleveland Heights HS product, who did not work out at the combine due to an abdominal injury.
Colorado: TE Nick Kasa. A late-round consideration of the Browns because he was coached by Jon Embree, the new Browns tight ends coach.
Oklahoma: OT Lane Johnson, QB Landry Jones. Johnson could be a top five pick. Jones is a four-year starter with a big arm whose stock dived the past two seasons.
Washington: CB Desmond Trufant. A good showing at combine secured his stock as a late first-round talent.
March 14
California: WR Keenan Allen. A knee injury in October will limit him to running routes only. His stock as the No. 3 receiver hinges on showing some progress.
Oregon: RB Kenjon Barner, LB Dion Jordan. Jordan did everything at the combine but the bench press and now embarks on a three- to four-month rehab from torn labrum surgery. He could be picked as high as No. 2 and is a consideration for the Jaguars, Eagles, Lions and Browns.
West Virginia: WR Tavon Austin, QB Geno Smith. It’s a critical workout for Smith, who is the No. 1 QB but has a lot to prove yet.
March 15
Arkansas: QB Tyler Wilson, P Dylan Breeding, TE Chris Gragg. Wilson has the big arm the Browns’ coaches like.
March 19
Florida State: PK Dustin Hopkins, QB EJ Manuel, CB Xavier Rhodes, DE Bjoern Werner. Hopkins is the draft’s No. 1 kicker. Manuel and Rhodes are intriguing prospects. Werner is not a fit for a 3-4 defense.
March 20
North Carolina State: QB Mike Glennon. A towering passer who might have the biggest arm in the draft.
Tennesse: QB Tyler Bray, WR Justin Hunter, WR Cordarrelle Patterson. You’ve got to figure this is the one pro day that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, a Knoxville native and famous benefactor of the Volunteers, will attend.
March 21
Georgia: LB Jarvis Jones, LB Alex Ogletree. A crucial day for Jones, who didn’t work out at the combine and has to prove that reports of a shortened career due to spinal stenosis are exaggerated. Ogletree is a first-round talent who had a failed drug test at Georgia and a recent DUI.
Miami (Ohio): QB Zac Dysert.
Stanford: TE Zach Ertz. He’s pressing to be the No. 1 tight end after an impressive combine.
March 26
Notre Dame: TE Tyler Eifert, LB Manti Te’o. Poor Eifert. The top tight end will be dwarfed by the latest installment of the Cirque de Te’o.
March 27
LSU: CB Tyrann Mathieu, DE-LB Barkevious Mingo, LB Kevin Minter, DE Sam Montgomery, S Eric Reid, P Brad Wing. Mingo is all over the map in the first round. A good showing could return him to the top 10 and consideration for the Browns.
USC: QB Matt Barkley, WR Robert Woods. Barkley elected not to throw at the combine.
March 28
Brigham Young: DE Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah. Ran a 4.63 40 at the combine, at 271 pounds, reportedly without training for it. Some mock drafts are now pegging him at No. 5 with Detroit, whose coaching staff coached him at the Senior Bowl.
Ex-Browns coach Pat Shurmur and his staff were reportedly "not thrilled" with Josh Gordon's approach in 2012 training camp.
Gordon "seemed to believe his immense natural talent was enough." The coaches eventually got through to Gordon, but new Browns brass is aware of his history and has attempted to send messages through the media. "I think he still has improvements [he] could make and there's hope that he can do that," new CEO Joe Banner stated recently. "Josh has to keep working hard and improving."The new Browns coaching staff has been "very impressed" by Greg Little's improvement on tape as the 2012 season progressed.
He reportedly "seems to be a significant part" of the new regime's plan. Little had six drops and only 11 receptions in the first five games, before catching 42 balls with just three drops over the final 11. We've yet to see many glimpses of Little's supposedly explosive run-after-catch ability, but he's definitely getting better and will be just 24 in May. He's on the back-end WR3 radar for 2013.
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Crazy Crex’s Monday musings.
Officially the 2013 season is about to get into full swing. Prepare thyselves for the Cleveland Browns reboot version 13.1…Billion
. Once again we fans find ourselves looking at another major overhaul. New faces in the main positions from owner to front office to the coaching staff.
Thoughts for Free Agency;
Common belief is that Phil Dawson will not be re-signed to be the kicker. This will come back to haunt the front office and coaching staff as we will likely lose a key game to a division rival because the “new” kicker whiffs what would be an automatic kick for Phil. So long Phil we will miss you.
Lombardi/Banner will overpay for a WR, OLB, and/or DB. There are some solid FA’s available, but whomever they sign will likely underperform their signed contract value. They will find a road grader at FB, but may come at the cost of not being able to replace Watson as a pass catching possession TE.
Free agency moves will dictate how they draft in rounds 3 and later.
Thoughts for the Draft;
Hopefully the Browns brain trust use the #6 pick to select the BPA, and we all know IT IS NOT any of the QB's available.
1-6: Jarvis Jones, OLB Georgia; This is a no-brainer.
While I agree that a stud rusher is needed for the defensive side of the ball Jones is NOT a no brainer IMHO. I question whether or not he may or may not be the “Best Player Available” when the Browns draft at #6. Despite the claim/reports he cleared medical, I sincerely question how long of a career he will have. Spinal injuries are no laughing matter. Plus he will be a liability versus the run, and as we all know the Browns have had trouble with stopping the Run. IMHO he lacks the size and frame to be a 3-4 down player at OLB.
Yes a pass rusher is needed, and whomever that is he is going to have to be a solid player versus the run in order for the Browns to have success defensively.
While Ansah is an interesting prospect who had a stellar combine. IMHO he is the biggest boom/bust prospect in this draft, which is probably why Lombardi will want him. I’m not sure Browns fans will have enough patience for him to develop (I'm thinking 2-3 years).
I can’t honestly say who I’d take at #6 definitely as no pass rushing OLB/DE truly stands out above the rest. Plus Milliner is also an option here. My real hope is that Geno Smith is available and there is a team willing to move up to take him.
While I have my reservations about some of the new faces in the FO and coaching staff, I am still optimistic that the Browns will be a much improved team in 2013.
Despite all of SAS’s sadistical analysis of why Weeden will never be an NFL caliber QB, I think he will make dramatic improvement from year one to year two.
A) He’s as much as admitted what things he needs to improve. He fits the type of offense that Norv is known for.
B) Norv and Chud’s style of offense should fit Weeden’s skill set better than Shurmur’s outdated WCO.
C) I don’t see Chud as the type of coach who will publically throw his QB under the bus every other week undermining his confidence, just make himself look better.
I personally look for Weedens stats to improve to about a 65% completion percentage 3,900 yds, 25-30 TD’s and 10 Int.
T-rich to be a top overall 5 RB next year, 1,300 yds rushing, 10 TDs, 650yds rec 5 TDs.
Gordon will get 70-80 catches 1,000 yds and 10 TDs.
Little will get 50 or so catches 750-900 yds and 6-8 TDs.
Depending on how well the Defense comes around I’m holding out for a 10-6 or better season.
Of course, things could go in the opposite direction and the Browns again have another sub .500 season.
OK, so I took a pull of of Bluez's hookah, so sue me
One more round before I go.
Lombardi/Banner will overpay for a WR, OLB, and/or DB.
I'm not so sure they will overpay...IMHO, the Browns will take the second tier road in free agency and I will fill in your blanks here as free agents begin to see their true value
My prediction:
WR - Brian Hartline
OLB - Connor Barwin
DB - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
There are some solid FA’s available, but whomever they sign will likely underperform their signed contract value. They will find a road grader at FB, but may come at the cost of not being able to replace Watson as a pass catching possession TE.
Free agency moves will dictate how they draft in rounds 3 and later.
This could be the Browns big splash free agent...Jared Cook TE
Also, need to find a - FB James Casey
Other options on offense are G Louis Vasquez or FB Jerome Felton
Now, obviously I don't expect the Browns to sign 5 free agents from this tier...
I would be ecstatic if they ended with:
Rodgers-Cromartie, which would be a nice stop gap at CB, Jared Cook and either of the FBs along with Louis Vasquez...This would be a non-starlit free agency that imho would make a big impact in the roster...
At #6, move down if Geno Smith falls, or take your best available pass rusher based on Lombardi's film room critique...I don't think Milliner will be available, so you need to get a starting CB in free agency...PERIOD!
At #6, move down if Geno Smith falls, or take your best available pass rusher based on Lombardi's film room critique.In theory, that sounds great....I'm just afraid our leverage is gone since Lombardi went on record saying he didn't think there was a QB worth taking in the first round.
In theory, that sounds great....I'm just afraid our leverage is gone since Lombardi went on record saying he didn't think there was a QB worth taking in the first round.What leverage? All that matters is that someone else things the Cardinals want him...which I in fact think they do, so it shouldn't be too difficult..Then others(like the Bills) would want to trade up with the Browns to get ahead of the Cards.
The Morning Kickoff …
Buckle your seat belts: A rolling start to free agency begins on Saturday, when teams are permitted to initiate talks with agents of prospective free agents. The actual signing of players can’t start until one week from today at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
The latest published figures report the Browns have the most available money to spend. Their reported room under the salary cap (this week; it changes) is $46 million.
There have been mixed reports of the Browns’ intentions in free agency. Owner Jimmy Haslam warned not to expect “big splash” signings. National [football Websites], however, have reported Haslam and CEO Joe Banner want to do exactly the opposite.
Starting today, we examine the major needs on the Browns heading into the transaction season and the available free agents to meet them.
Position: Linebacker.
Under contract: Emmanuel Acho, Tank Carder, L.J. Fort, Chris Gocong, D’Qwell Jackson, James-Michael Johnson, Adrian Moten, Craig Robertson, Jabaal Sheard (DE).
Contracts expired: Auston English (DE), Scott Fujita, Kaluka Maiava, Emmanuel Stephens (DE).
Free agents to consider: Outside– John Abraham, 34 (Falcons); Antwan Barnes, 28 (Chargers); Connor Barwin, 26 (Texans); Victor Butler, 25 (Cowboys); Paul Kruger, 27 (Ravens); Travis LaBoy, 31 (Chargers); Manny Lawson, 28 (Bengals); Quentin Groves 28 (Cardinals); Calvin Pace, 32 (Jets); Shaun Phillips, 31 (Chargers); Philip Wheeler, 28 (Raiders). Inside-- Dannell Ellerbe, 27 (Ravens); Brad Jones, 26 (Packers).
Browns needs: The 3-4 alignment makes the outside linebackers the focal point of the defense. They have to be the best pass rushers, but also be lithe to drop into pass coverage and be stout against the run. It’s one of the most demanding positions at the NFL level and is difficult to fill through the draft because few [college] linebackers play the position full time. The Browns hope to move Sheard to the role and also may try Gocong, who had Achilles [surgery] in August. The reality is they may need two additional outside linebacker candidates. The switch in systems also adds another inside linebacker to the field. The preference there is for a bigger linebacker to not only aid in the run defense next to Jackson, who is lighter and better suited in the 4-3, but also one who may contribute on passing downs, as well. While defensive coordinator Ray Horton said there’s a place for “little guys who can hit,” the roles of the smaller Fort (230 pounds) and Robertson (229) are uncertain in Horton’s scheme.
Analysis: Associations with coordinators Horton and Norv Turner have to be exploited in free agency. At this position, Groves could be a bargain. A former second-round pick of Jacksonville, he had his finest season under Horton in Arizona. Of the ex-Chargers, Phillips has been more productive but Barnes is younger. Kruger had a decent season as a pass rusher in his first year as starter, but was a liability against the run. Abraham is the best pure pass rusher, but is a situational player at his age. Ellerbe, who is Baltimore’s heir-apparent to Ray Lewis in the middle of its defense, is the best of the inside linebackers. He may be the Browns’ No. 1 target but he also is the Ravens’ top priority after re-signing QB Joe Flacco.
Summary: Ellerbe, not exactly a sack specialist, would have the biggest impact on the defense. Many consider him a star in the making. As far as the outside pass rushers, there are some decent choices available in the under-30 group of Kruger, Butler, Barnes, Barwin, Groves and Wheeler.
Connor Barwin is being very candid about his FA desires on [@ SiriusXMNFL] right now. Already has said he wouldn't play for the Browns.
Connor Barwin just said on Sirius XM that he wouldn't want to play for the [# Browns
]
What leverage? All that matters is that someone else things the Cardinals want himWell that's certainly true. I guess I didn't think of it like that. I'm not sensing that high of an interest in Geno at this point though. Of course, that could all change in the next 7 weeks. It's tough to guage
phuque Conner Barwin.Well...I'll echo that sentiment while crossing him off my short list....
(_)>==============
Crazy Crex’s Tuesday rebuttal.
This could be the Browns big splash free agent...Jared Cook TE
Wants to be paid like a WR, is he really worth around 8mil/yr. Not sure if Banner is willing to spend that much on a TE.
If they could get him I like Delanie Walker from SF, or even Dustin Keller.
Also, need to find a - FB James Casey or Jerome Felton
I like Casey better, but either FB is a major improvement over Marecic and Smith.
Now, obviously I don't expect the Browns to sign 5 free agents from this tier...
I think they have the cap space, and that type of move would put the Browns in good shape to contend in the AFCN
Would you take Keenan Lewis over Cromartie?
Gordon. speaking of which don’t be surprised to see them deal him on draft day
Bluez, such a move would only doom the Browns to another disastrous sub .500 season, but then we are talking about the same guy who has spent the last several years bashing anything and everything the Browns did.
I wonder if Banner and Lombardi truly get that Browns fans really don’t want to live in this eternal rebuilding process. We've waited for far too long to have a remotely competative team.
One more round before I go.
Wants to be paid like a WR, is he really worth around 8mil/yr. Not sure if Banner is willing to spend that much on a TE.He's the highest potential in free agency and possibly the draft...although I like Eiffert..
If they could get him I like Delanie Walker from SF, or even Dustin Keller.Dustin Keller and Delanie Walker are limited in what they do...Walker is only 6'0" so utlizing him closer to the LOS in a more traditional role is about all you would get from him..
Would you take Keenan Lewis over Cromartie?Yep, but two things...Lewis will probably stay with the Steelers, and Cromartie is a better player imho...For the money, I take Cromartie. He isn't going to shut down every #1 receiver, but he would help make one of the top tandems in the NFL...
Gordon isn't going any where...Lombardi has already made comments publicly suggesting he was wrong about him last Summer...He has said as much as "He has nothing to worry about"...which is more than they have said about any other player on the roster.Gordon. speaking of which don’t be surprised to see them deal him on draft dayBluez, such a move would only doom the Browns to another disastrous sub .500 season, but then we are talking about the same guy who has spent the last several years bashing anything and everything the Browns did.
True, but from what I could find Cook wanted to be franchised as a WR and would have fought it tooth and nail if he was tagged as a TE. That, by my understanding would have forced TEN, or whomever signed him, to pay him upper tier WR $$, and he's just not worth that. If Banner can get him for Gates type of $$ then sign him up. I just get the feeling he wants that super big payday.BTW, above average WRs only get paid around $6M per year, which is what the very top TEs make...Only the top 10 WRs in the league make more than that...so, yes, if he would come close to averaging what Antonio Gates averaged in his prime...$6M would be about right.
Walker is only 6'0" so utlizing him closer to the LOS in a more traditional role is about all you would get from him..We'll just have to agree to disagree here Irish. I've seen SF line Walker up in a variety of positions on the field creating mismatches. He may not be a Cook or Gates type of TE, but I think he'd look good in the Brown and Orange.
Gordon isn't going any where...Lombardi has already made comments publicly suggesting he was wrong about him last Summer...He has said as much as "He has nothing to worry about"...which is more than they have said about any other player on the roster.That's true, but Lombardi may have only said that to keep from being lynched. I am still skeptical about anything he says positive about the Browns players at this point.
