Berry a Realistic Option at 7?

With the draft less than one month away, the smoke and mirrors routine has kicked into high gear. Teams are taking visits with players, talking about players and talking about team needs. The question becomes, what can we believe and what is smoke? With regard to the top of the the draft, it looks fairly certain that Sam Bradford will be taken by the St. Louis Rams at #1. Bradford has his proday yesterday and impressed. By all accounts, he threw with great accuracy, showed the ability to throw the ball deep and demonstrated solid footwork, making throws on the run. With Bradford likely going #1, lets look at what is likely to happen before the Browns pick at #7.

The Lions are essentially on the clock with the #2 pick. They will look at both offensive and defensive line help. They would love to take a player like Suh or McCoy, but they will need to think about protecting franchise QB Matt Stafford, who took 25 sacks last year and suffered some injuries as a result. Okung could start immediately at LT and is a very likely pick. Ultimately I think they take Suh and look to take the best tackle in Round 2, if someone like Charles Brown from USC falls.

The Bucs at #3 will take the best DT available. If Suh is off the board, it becomes an easy choice, and Gerald McCoy is the guy. However if the Lions take Okung, the organization has to decide who they like better between Suh and McCoy. I think if Suh is on the Board, he goes to the Bucs.

Washington has a wildcard here at #4. Daniel Snyder likes making the sexy draft pick, and with a new HC, it may be time to take the QB of the Future. With Bradford off the board, that would leave Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame as the top passer on the board. However, the Redskins desperately in need of a LT to replace the retiring Chris Samuels. If Okung is on the board here, Okung will be the pick. If not, the Redskins will take a hard look at Clausen, but will ultimately determine they must have a LT, and draft the next best LT in this case, Bryan Bulaga from Iowa.

The Chiefs will I believe ultimately have the greatest impact on what the Browns do at 7. The Chiefs need a LT, but with Bulaga off the board, they might look safety or inside linebacker as well. Berry is a very realistic option at this point for the Chiefs. Scott Pioli likely does not like the thought of paying top 5 money to a safety, but if he is not sold on the next best LT, Berry likely is their guy. I believe however that they do like Trent Williams and build a line for Thomas Jones and Jamal Charles to run behind, while keeping Matt Cassel in an upright position.

The Seahawks draft next and with the #6 position, could fill any number of needs. The Seahawks need LT, RB, LB, WR and could look at QB to replace the aging Matt Hasselbeck. If McCoy fell to them because of the Lions taking Okung, the Seahawks would likely take McCoy to improve the all around defense and specifically the interior passrush. However, I think McCoy is gone. They will look at Clausen, C.J. Spiller and LT. If one of the three above left tackles falls to them, I think they would take LT, but at this point with 3 off the board, I think the Seahawks take Clausen, unless they believe they can get him at #14.

In this scenario, Eric Berry is available at #7, something that seemed improbable a few weeks ago. However, with the run on LT and DT and QB early in the first round, the Browns have the luxury to draft the best player available in a position of need. The Browns are rumored to really like Sergio Kindle from Texas, but most people do not have him as a top 10 pick. Some have him falling and I believe the Browns would not pick him at 7. The Browns will also think about an ILB like McClain and Joe Haden at Corner. It will be interesting to see what happens if the Seahawks and Redskins pass on Clausen. Holmgren did not sound enamored with Clausen, but the Browns are doing their due diligence and bringing him in for a visit. At this time of year, you never know what to believe, but if Berry is available, the Browns need to secure a very rare talent.

THE DRAFT IS 5 WEEKS FROM TODAY!

With the draft coming in just 5 short weeks, the Cleveland Browns are hard at work scouting both college and pro players. Among the college ranks, the Browns attended several pro days and have been watching certain players. Some of the notables include Florida's Joe Haden, who greatly improved his combine 40 time. At the combine, Haden ran a 4.57, due to a back injury. Many national pundits equated the poor showing to a slide on draft day. On Wednesday, Haden greatly improved his time, running in the high 4.3's and up to about 4.4 according to scouts.

I never doubted that Haden would improve his time at the combine and re-establish himself in the top 10 consideration. If Berry is off the board, I think the Browns pull the trigger on Haden.

Tim Tebow also had a great pro day, displaying his adjusted footwork and throwing motion. By all accounts, Tebows throws were on target all morning while displaying vast improvement since the Senior Bowl six weeks ago. On NFL exec who had a front row seat was our very own Mike Holmgren. The Browns have also set a private workout with the former Heisman winner and two time National Champion QB. I find it interesting that Holmgren signed Delhomme to a 2 year deal and stated, that because of the length of the deal, it was obvious what they were planning (meaning they want to draft a QB and develop him behind Delhomme). It is recognized that Tebow needs some time to learn the game from both physically and mentally. Its possible he could sit behind a great team guy like Delhomme, who said he welcomes the role of mentoring yutes. (Youths). In 5 weeks and a day, we'll know if Tebow or possibly Colt McCoy could be that yute.

One Florida player who did not perform well was MLB Brandon Spikes. While his game film looks great due to his overall production while at Florida, Spikes ran a 5.01 in his 40. This kind of speed is devastating at the LB position. No one ever believed he was a fast linebacker, but teams will be worried if the 5.01 speed is also seen on tape.

Eric Berry, the star Safety from Tennessee also worked out yesterday, but injured a toe early in the workout, and cut the session short. Don't expect for this minor injury to affect Berry's draft status, as he went into the workout not needing to prove himself to anyone.

The Browns also attended Bowling Green's pro day to watch WR Freddie Barnes, who had a monster year in 2009. Barnes displayed incredible hands and had terrific production at BG. He will likely be taken in the mid to late rounds as his speed is average at best.

Ryan Mathews, the second rated RB in this years draft had his pro day at Fresno State and solidified his position in the draft. The Browns attended the pro day, but don't expect Mathews to make it out of the first round, specifically past the Chargers at 28.

Superbowl!!!

Thoughts on the Brady and Wimbley Trades...

Fans who demanded change this off-season have certainly gotten their wish. The Cleveland Browns have been extremely active thus far in the off-season making moves via free agency and trade. So far the Browns have signed Scott Fujita, Tony Pashos, Ben Watson and Jake Delhomme in addition to parting ways with Brady Quinn, Corey Williams, Derek Anderson, and Kamerion Wimbley.

The Brady Quinn trade should come as no surprise. The signing of Jake Delhomme to a $7 million per year deal clearly indicated that Brady was expendable. Fans are angry and confused at the money thrown to Delhomme, but keep in mind that this is an uncapped year and the deal is incentive loaded. I like the Delhomme signing. I think he had a terrible year in 2008, but so did Brady and DA. Delhomme has terrific experience and has had good success while in Carolina. He is year removed from surgery and I expect that a change of scenery will do wonders for Delhomme. I do not see him as a long term answer, but as a solid player to hold down the fort while the new regime looks at QB's in the draft either this year or next. Next year's draft looks to be loaded at the QB position, if we don't find our guy this year. Delhomme gives us flexibility at the position without giving up valuable draft picks.

While trading Quinn was inevitable, I am skeptical that we received enough in return. The Browns received Peyton Hillis, a BIG RB/FB, who I think will be productive in Cleveland. In addition, we received a 6th in the 2011 draft and a conditional late round pick in 2010. Brady Quinn is a good team player and I like him a lot. I wish he would have performed in Cleveland, but his inability to stay on the field hampered his development. Of course, the way he was handled by the organization over the last 2 years played a huge role in ruining the early years of his career. One problem I have with Browns fans are that they are too loyal to local products. Brady Quinn is from Dublin, Ohio, near Columbus. He grew up a Browns fan, and while that is nice, I don't really care if he can't help the team win. The bottom line with Quinn is that he was not an accurate passer, a trait that is probably the most important in making a successful NFL QB. People questioned his arm strength, but the bigger problem was his accuracy, even on short and intermediate routes. I appreciate what Brady Quinn tried to do in Cleveland and I appreciate his comments upon leaving Cleveland. He wished the team well, had only good things to say about the Browns and went out of his way to say how great the fans are. (Take a hint DA, that's why you got booed you a-hole)

The Kamerion Wimbley trade I do not feel as good about. Wimbley had a great rookie season and looked as if he was returning to form. I think the Browns thought they should trade him while his value was high, but I think a mid 3rd is not enough in return. I don't think Wimbley is a pro-bowl type of player, but he was productive as a pass-rusher and was improving every year in coverage and against the run. The Browns must have thought that it was the scheme that generated the second highest sack total recorded by the team since its the return and not any one-on-one mismatch created by Wimbley. In a sense I agree, I saw pressure come from everywhere when the defense was playing disciplined. However, I would not have traded Wimbley for less than a second rounder. It will be interesting to see if the Browns use this arsenal of picks to move on draft day or to target a Restricted Free Agent. Kamerion also had good things to say on his way out the door, so I guess I'll hope he does well too.

Dude, We're Getting a Delhomme!

Last evening, the Browns signed quarterback Jake Delhomme, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, marking the Holmgren regime's most curious move thusfar.  Delhomme was once a servicable starter and lead the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2003.  Otherwise, Delhomme is a very average NFL quarterback.  His career rating is a pedestrian 82.1 and last season it plummeted to 59.4 coming off Tommy John (Tommy J!) surgery.  Perhaps he can rebound a bit being a year removed from the procedure, but this is obviously not a long term solution.  Being a proponent of trading for Donovan McNabb, I was disappointed to hear this news yesterday.  This signing seems to reveal that that ship has sailed and that the Browns will go in another direction at quarterback, likely addressing the future at the position in the upcoming draft.

One player to keep an eye on is Colt McCoy.  The "Godfather" Gil Brandt, talent evaluator extrodinaire apparently told Mike Holmgren recently that if he took McCoy he would one day make him forget about Joe Montana, lofty praise for the little spark plug.  But I do like Colt.  His career completion percentage is over 70% at Texas. He's a gritty leader. accurate and mobile.  The only questionmarks on McCoy are his durability, being of smaller stature and suffering a shoulder injury in the National Championship game, and his arm strength.  McCoy would be targeted with our second round pick.

I ran into Les Levine at brunch this morning at Pier W in Lakewood, who had an interesting take on the ever evolving saga at the Brown's quarterback position.  He told me that of all the breakfast's he's eaten, today's was the most recent.

-Charlie

Browns Ink Ben Watson

The Cleveland Browns signed TE Ben Watson to a 3 year, $12 million deal. Watson has played his entire career with the New England Patriots after being drafted in the first round out of Georgia.

While Watson has some issues with consistently catching the football, he is a major upgrade over Robert Royal who looked like a defender swatting away passes. Watson is an above average blocker and possesses good speed and athletic ability to stretch the defense. I am interested to see what the Browns will do with Evan Moore, who displayed some fantastic pass catching abilities, but was not asked to block. I expect that Moore will still be given the chance to play especially in some 2 tight end sets. Royal looks like he could be the odd man out, which I am OK with because his inability to catch "royally" pissed me off. (Get it?)

Sources: Bizarro Newman to Visit Berea

Looks like former Oakland Raider RB Justin Fargas is scheduled to visit the Browns.  For the sake of his career, I would like to wish him good luck, or in the Bizarro World, bad luck.  Or is bad misfortune the opposite of good luck?  Either way, from us here at SBS, Helloooo Fargas!

DA gone and I wanna Delhomme?

According to multiple sources, Jake Delhomme of the Carolina Panthers will be in Berea tomorrow visiting the Browns.

Anderson blasts the fans!

Derek Anderson had some not so kind words for Cleveland Browns fans, writing in an e-mail to the News Herald,

"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner," Anderson said. "I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and [we] roll them."

He made a half-assed apology later saying it was out of character and he was just frustrated. I have 2 HUGE problems with his apology and about several million problems with his performance as a Cleveland Brown. With regard to apology, he has known he was getting cut for some time. He had all sorts of time to come to a realization and brace himself for the ending of his Cleveland Career. Secondly, most of the time that people say something they regret and don't mean, it is in the heat of the moment and is a spoken quote. Most people do not sit down think about an email and write it, without thinking about what they are saying.

DA had his moments in Cleveland, he did not play well (with the exception of 2007). However, he made MILLIONS of American dollars, and because of what we did for him, he will have a chance to play somewhere else. He may be a backup, but that is what he is in this league.

I will never understand an athlete bashing fans when they leave. What is the point? Why piss a bunch of people off? Grow up, its a job, appreciate that you get to do what the rest of the population would do for a tiny fraction of the money you "earn". Have a little class.

Derek, I also hope you are playing when your team comes to Cleveland. Its nice to know that we will be playing a team that has a JV quarterback, who can't read a defense, can't throw an accurate pass under 25 yards and is a quitter, a whiner and an all around jackass.

I understand DA's problem with getting cheered while he was hurt. I certainly don't condone the behavior of the fans. I believe the fans were cheering for him getting off the field so that Brady could play, most fans were not hoping that DA was injured or anything personal. NOW IT IS PERSONAL! If DA is ever lying on the ground in Cleveland again, he will here a roar of the crowd, and I can't wait to be part of it.

Finally, I take extreme pride in being a Browns fan. I think we are the BEST fans in sports. And it takes very little for us to fall in love with a player. Try hard, be open and honest and you will be adored. Josh Cribbs understands this, LeBron (at least for now) understands this.

Derek Anderson, you don't deserve us!

SUPERBOWL!

DA to be Cut in the Next 24 Hours!

UPDATE: Its official, DA has been cut. It will certainly be interesting to see whether the Browns can acquire a starting quality quarterback prior to next season.

John Taylor from http://www.theobr.com/ is reporting that DA will be released within the next 24 hours. While this is certainly no suprise, DA's tenure with the team is over. It will be interesting to see where he ends up, but I could see him in Oakland or Carolina.

Trade Chatter: Donovan McNabb

me: i still have a feeling oooo oooooooo that were gonna end up with mcnabb on draft day

by draft day*

Eric: haha no way jack!

me: don't see us going into this year with wallace and quinn and a rookie

i like wallace as a backup

solid starting experience

Eric: i dont see getting mcnabb

too costly

me: maybe holmgren thinks higher of him

11:33 AM did the same thing taking hasselbeck to sea from gb

Eric: i can see us w quinn wallace and ratliff

me: well that will be fun winning 4 again

Eric: yea but that cost him a 6!!!! hasselbeck was not a multi probowler

me: id rather start wallace then

Eric: we'll see maybe he does

me: Quinn blows

11:34 AM haha

me: if we keep qbs as is id rather start wallace

i dont see us being finished though

Eric: i dont know ill be fine with whoever

11:35 AM me: i wont be fine with quinn

Eric: not ideally but we're not going to mortgage the draft to get a starter for next year

me: hes a joke

Eric: im fine with quinn

me: no

he cant play

Eric: if holmgren thinks quinn is alright then im cool w it

me: he doesnt

Eric: he hasnt thrown a ball yet

me: hes watched his tape

11:36 AM youre dellusional

youve seen his throws

Eric: he watched tape of dabolls **** head offense

me: hes innaccurate, doesnt spin the ball well

Eric: ive seen him make some good throws, ive seen wr drop the ball and ive seen him make some bad ones

me: doesnt matter

youre high

look at his numbers

Eric: right

in a BAD offense with terrible handed WRs

me: only thing brady does a DECENT job of is limiting turnovers

11:37 AM look how many he threw behind too

dont be a fan and be realistic

Eric: yea there were some misses, but im saying if holmgren starts the season with quinn, you have to think hes comfortable with it

me: you really think he can win us a game?

Eric: so then i will be too. he knows alot more than me

me: ok ill go out on a limb then and say its only march and quinn will not be starting

11:38 AM Eric: i dont know if he'll go out and win us games, but if no one can for less than a 2nd rd pick thats fine

me: ok but holmgren does not like what he sees in quinn

Eric: if the options are quinn or giving up our 1 or 2 i want quinn for another year

me: why else would we be looking at mcnabb?

Eric: HE WILL DEMAND A F***ING 1!!!!!!!

me: id give up a conditional pick next year for mcnabb

Eric: a 1!!!!

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

me: i wouldnt give a 1 and you know that we wont give it up

11:39 AM Eric: right so that means NO mcnabb

me: its negotiations

theyre not gonna be like well do it for a 3

Eric: which means no clear cut starter, which means quinn is starting which means hes a better option than wallace

which means we look for a qb next year

me: wallace would beat out quinn right now

Eric: u think reid gives up mcnabb for anything less than a 2?

11:40 AM me: quinn couldnt beat out DA DA DA

Eric: hehe

i think we just need to trust in MH

me: id be comfortable giving a conditional 3 or 2 that can move up to a 1 based on production/wins in 2011

Eric: no!

me: i know you keep saying that

but youve read as i have that HE DOESNT LIKE QUINN

Eric: i will not give up a 1 for a qb that can only play a few more years

if we give up a 1 i want a good qb a franchise qb for 10 years

11:41 AM me: ok well id do it for a 2 this year

Eric: he never said he didnt like him, he said hes looking for a better qb

nope

a 2 this year is a 1 any other year

me: alright well agree to disagree

11:42 AM final points: 1. wallace is better than quinn, brady sucks

Eric: haha, im not going to say wallace is better than quinn, thats my point, if quinn is starting i wont go yelling that wallace should be

thats my point

11:43 AM bc whoever is starting, mh thinks hes the best chance and i trust him

me: 2. without QB were going nowhere, and i agree that we dont want to throw away the future for an aging QB, and my point is thats why we havent made a deal yet, bc MH does kno what hes doing and is talking eggles down

11:44 AM Eric: the eagles will NOT take a 3 for mcnabb. if its more than that, im out

which is why a deal will NOT be done and mcnabb will NOT be a brown

me: haha

i still think something will happen

11:45 AM hes old

he cant command a high pick compensation

Eric: hes the eagles best chance to win!

me: plus hes got injury history

Eric: yes i know! haha which is why i wont give a 2

me: they were 2-0 with corn on the kolb last year

Eric: we were 10-6 with DA

11:46 AM me: would you give both 3's?

teams completely different

it was a fluke

Eric: id give a 3 and rogers

me: ok now were talking

Eric: literally maxed out there

me: listen to this deal

11:47 AM

me: they could use DQ

Eric: i dont want to give up dq

me: id give up DQ for a deal involving mcnabb

youre high

haha

whats so good about DQ

Eric: ud give up dq, rogers and a 3?

11:48 AM me: no

i said maybe swap out rogers

maybe dq a 3 and a 5

Eric: and bring back some of those ice cubes

me: we have 4 5s

haha

they have to start at a 1

Eric: yea id do dq and a 3 and a 5

me: thats not gonna happen

id rather give up our 1 for b marshall than D Mac

Eric: ur high, they really will not trade him for less than a 1

11:49 AM me: ok ive never said id give our 1 for him

Eric: i dont give up our 1 for almost anyone

unless its a player who is a probowler and under 25

if nothing else we must commit at least 1 terrorist act!

me: haha

11:50 AM what about this... rogers and swapping 1sts

11:51 AM Eric: where are they?

me: like 20

range

maybe 22

Eric: eh

on draft day id do it if certain people were off the board

id do it at their pick if someone i like alot is still on the board

like graham or spoon

me: maybe ill call MTC today and talk to tim and pat

11:52 AM i think theyre pretty firm it will take a 1 to get mcnabb though

Eric: yea u should, yesterday they were talking about mcnabb and starting with a 1 offer

me: yeah

Eric: they think it takes at least a 1 to get him

me: but if we throw players in there

Eric: but if berry is there at 7 not a chance i trade it

me: maybe?

Eric: eh, u should call

11:53 AM me: one of the funniest faces is al rokers on seinfeld "INTERESTING!"

Eric: hahahaha

yup

11:54 AM me: i like our approach though

11:55 AM starting qb aside i like the addition of wallace

pretty risk free acquisition

at worst much better #2 than weve had

11:59 AM Eric: yea

and someone who knows the system

12:00 PM hes ken dorsey but can play

me: ok so youre gonna say you trust in MH, if he gives up our 2 for mcnabb, youre out on him?

12:01 PM Eric: i just think its too much

considering the type of player we can get at 2

me: look at kurt warner and brett farve

they played til 40s

Eric: uh huh

me: no reason d macs gonna only play 3 years

12:02 PM Eric: i dont see mcnabb being as good as late

me: i think it could be a steal

Eric: for a 2?

i dont know

12:03 PM me: http://www.nfl.com/players/donovanmcnabb/careerstats?id=MCN017517

stop undervaluing this guy

he can play

hes big time

BIG TYMEEEEEE!

slappa da baise

12:04 PM Eric: haha, im not saying he cant play but i think the player we could get at 2 is better long term, for building a team, id take spikes over mcnabb

there are some GREAT qbs in next years draft

me: i agree but draft is a crap shoot

you draft potential

dmac is proven

12:05 PM Eric: right but potential of a young player weights heavy against the injury potential of a proven old man

me: no way

youre so wrong!

hahahha

12:06 PM Eric: i didnt say outweighs, just something u need to think about

me: how many of our 2nds have not panned out

i thought about it

still would take dmac in a second for our 2nd rd pick

Eric: and again this year is not like most years, this years 2nd is a first in most other years

me: still doesnt matter

Eric: does to me

12:07 PM me: what team do you work for?

easy!

guarantee you this

Eric: mike eruzione i play for... ...the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

me: i ask any host on sirius they make d mac for browns second rd pick trade

no brainer

12:08 PM Eric: probably they would

me: we still have 11 other picks

Eric: is florio on, he has no insight, he just posts news from other people

me: so you think long term brandon spikes for example would do more for us than mcnabb for say 5 years

lol

12:09 PM he plagiarizes

Eric: im saying you cant assume we have mcnabb in his present state for 5 years

me: of course hes probably a drooling vegetable but I think thats only common sense

12:10 PM eric, avg nfl career is 3 years

our second rounder might be gone anyways

Eric: for 1st round picks?

u think the avg 1st round pick spends 3 years in the nfl?

me: why are you back on 1st rounders

i said 2nd

i would not give up our 1st for mcnabb

12:11 PM Eric: haha because thats what the browns 2nd round pick is this year

me: ive consistently said that

Eric: this is a deep draft

me: no

Eric: yes

me: youre high

Eric: your low

me: overvaluing this draft

Eric: haha

me: wow

Eric: 38, you think that spikes in last years draft makes it to round 2?

me: no

Eric: thank you

me: he dropped this year bc he didnt play as well

plus everyone else is better

12:12 PM Eric: im saying that the guys who are going in the top 10 in round 2 are first round talents

not knocked down bc of character issues or anything

me: you could say that most years

Eric: but true 1st rounders

no you cant

so you're saying this years draft is not better and deeper than last years

12:13 PM me: ill tell you this, i would be stoked if we trade our 1st, 3rd and next years 1st for don mcnabb

oh my god

mike florio is an idiot

12:14 PM Eric: THERE YOU GO GIVING UP A 1 AGAIN!!!!!

me: wildcat? thats your best breakdown of seneca wallace [florio]?

im joking

Eric: Charles: ive consistently said that

ur nuts

Second Round Prospect To Keep Your Eye On

ProFootballTalk is reporting the Browns have scheduled a private workout with Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes. Spikes was projected as a top prospect and a first round lock in last year's draft until he decided to return to Gainesville for his senior season. The former Gator's production steadily declined from his sophomore season, some due to opponents scheming away from him, some due to injury, but Spikes is in the ideal mold of a thumper (not the cute bunny from Bambi) at MLB. Because the 2010 draft class is so deep, Spikes is now practically a lock to NOT be picked in the first round, but presents solid value in the second, should he be fully recovered from his hamstring injury.

We like what Spikes brings to the table. He hits hard and plays dirty. Last year he intentionally guaged the eyes of an opposing player at the bottom of a pile. Unfortunately for Spikes, it was caught on camera and he was suspended for a game. While we at SBS do not condone personal fouls and unnecessary roughness, the bottom line is that he brings a warrior's mentality and will do whatever it takes to win. On a team that has gained a reputation for being increasingly soft, Spikes would be a welcomed addition.

Seneca Wallace is a Brown

The Browns have traded for Seahawk Seneca Wallace for unknown compensation according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. I would not be up in arms about this trade. While there have been discussions about the Browns' interest in the backup QB, I do not believe that Holmgren and company believe this is THE answer at Quarterback. My guess is that as we transition to the WC offense, we want a Ken Dorsey type to show the other QBs the ropes.

My feeling is that the Browns would not be terrified of heading into the season with Wallace as the starter, but I think at best he competes with someone else. IF the Browns acquire another QB my guess is Brady Quinn is on his way out.

Early Impressions on Free Agency

Browns fans may be disappointed with the early results of free agency this offseason, which kicked off this past Football Friday, as we've become accustomed to big spending in the first couple of days of free agency with Phil $avage leading our front office.  Free agency in 2009 started the same way and I expect this to be our M.O. into the future.  We are no longer a team that will fill our roster with overpaid free agents and instead will look to build through the draft.  Sure, free agency isn't fun anymore, but in the end, winning in the regular season will be.  I like the appraoch and the players added thusfar, the first being Super Bowl Champion linebacker, Scott Fujita [Foo-Gee-Tah].  While the fit in the 3-4 scheme is questionable, I am reminded that Fujita played in Bill Parcells' 3-4 in Dallas before joining Sean Payton in New Orleans.  Fujita brings versatility to Rob Ryan's defense as he is big enough to play inside but he can also move outside and rush the passer.  In addition to brining a winning attitude to the locker room, Fujita also gives Ryan fleixibility to be able to switch alignments and fronts to confuse opposing offenses.

Ironically, Pashos was drafted by Phil Savage in Baltimore and was a favorite of George Kokinis when he was with the Ravens, but now finds himself with the Browns.  Pashos has a lot of experience

starting at right tackle and is especially strong in the running game and may be able to move to guard depending on other players we may add in the draft.  Bottom line, with the vast number of picks the Browns have added, look for us to pick up a few starters and solid depth and developmental players in late April, with the potential to still make deals in the RFA and trade markets.

The most recent name to surface as being linked with the Browns is Patriots TE Benjamin Watson, who I think is a good fit for the Browns.  While he is not elite at the position he is solid in all facets of the game, he is above average in the passing game as a receiver and can block in the running game.  His biggest knock is that he's recently dealt with some nagging injuries, causing him to fall out of favor with Belichick and Company.  Watson reportedly has a visit scheduled in Berea on Wednesday.  I think if he's healthy he could be a diamond in the rough in this thin free agency class.

-Charlie

Boldin deal almost done?

Word from Peter King is that the Ravens are close to a deal to acquire Arizona Cardinal's WR Anquan Boldin. Ironically if he KILLS the deal they are more likely to sign him. (See Ray Lewis and Donte Stallworth)

Rapistberger At It Again!

Just when this day couldn't be any better (see below post and its a happy new football year), Big Ben and "Little Ben" have gotten into trouble again!

http://www.tmz.com/2010/03/05/ben-roethlisberger-accused-of-sexual-assault/

Hey Ben, I know you are disgusting, but just because you are rich does not mean you can go around sexually assaulting people.


SUPERBOWL!!!!

CRIBBS SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH CLEVELAND BROWNS!!!

Joshua Cribbs has signed a new deal with the Cleveland Browns. It's worth up to $20 million, including about $7.5 million guaranteed.

The deal is largely based on incentives, but IF he continues to play like he has the last couple years, he should have no problem meeting these incentives. Also this is a restructuing of his remaining 3 year deal and NOT an extension.

Anyways, Congrats to Josh Cribbs. He deserves this deal. Also good job by the Browns taking care of their most electric player.

2010 NFL Mock Draft - Version 3 (Rounds 1 and 2)

This is by far the worst mock draft of all time. How 'bout of ALL TIME?

FIRST ROUND
Drafter	Pick	Team	Selection
Eric	1	Rams	Sam Bradford - QB (Oklahoma)
Comments:	Charlie:		This is a pass first league, so the Rams will pass on Suh and take the QB.
	Eric:		Assuming his shoulder checks out and he throws well at his pro day, Bradford will be the Franchise QB for the Rams.
Charlie	2	Lions	Ndamukong Suh - DT (Nebraska)
Comments:	Charlie:		Lions could not be more thrilled to have Suh land in their laps.
	Eric:		Hes too big to fit in their laps, but they are nonetheless happy to have a once in a decade d-lineman.
Eric	3	Buccaneers	Gerald McCoy - DT (Oklahoma)
Comments:	Charlie:		Bucs get the DT that some rate higher than Suh. He doesn’t take plays off, can stop the run and collapse the pocket.
	Eric:		Bucs look for Warren Sapp Version 2.0.
Charlie	4	Redskins	Russell Okung - OT (Oklahoma State)
Comments:	Charlie:		With their QB off the board, they nab the best LT prospect in this draft.
	Eric:		With Chris Samuels retiring, its time to get the next great LT.
Eric	5	Chiefs	Bryan Bulaga - OT (Iowa)
Comments:	Charlie:		Pioli looks to his friend Kirk Ferentz at Iowa for a tackle to protect his franchise QB, Matt Cassel.
	Eric:		He'll have a whale of a time anchoring the left side of KC's line.
Charlie	6	Seahawks	Anthony Davis - OT (Rutgers)
Comments:	Charlie:		Pete Carroll coached against Jimmy Clausen and doesn't love the QB. Instead he opts for Walter Jones' replacement.
	Eric:		Keeping with LT, Davis is the next best T. I think the Seahawks look at Clausen here too.
Eric	7	Browns	Eric Berry - DB (Tennessee)
Comments:	Charlie:		Browns get the next Ed Reed. He's a special talent at safety, but is versitile enough to play corner as well.
	Eric:		SUPERBOWL!!!!!
Charlie	8	Raiders	Taylor mays - S (USC)
Comments:	Charlie:		Al Davis falls in love with speed and after Mays' combine performance, he's a Raaaiiidaaa!
	Eric:		Taylor Mays will bring his track star performance at the combine to the speed loving Raiders.
Eric	9	Bills	Trent Williams - OT (Oklahoma)
Comments:	Charlie:		Chan Gailey considers Clausen but sees enough in young QB Trent Edwards to allow him to develop. They need a LT.
	Eric:		Bills need to rebuild. It starts with the Line. Some consider Williams to be the #2 tackle in the draft.
Charlie	10	Jaguars	Jason Pierre-Paul - DE (South Florida)
Comments:	Charlie:		Jags may not make the splash they need to sell tickets but JPP has the most raw potential to be great in this draft.
	Eric:		I don't see JPP here. The jags need a defensive playmaker, I think they would look at Derrick Morgan instead.
Eric	11	Broncos	Rolando McClain - LB (Alabama)
Comments:	Charlie:		Josh McDaniels continues the conversion to the 3-4 with arguably the most prepared LB for the system in this class.
	Eric:		Although the Denver D started strong last year, it was clear they need some playmakers at LB. Check!
Charlie	12	Dolphins	Dez Bryant - WR (Oklahoma State)
Comments:	Charlie:		Jeff Ireland gives Chad Henne a true #1 receiver. Bryant is big, explosive and has good hands.
	Eric:		Phins need some playmakers outside of the wildcat. Taking the best WR helps and Sporano will keep him in check.
Eric	13	49ers	Joe Haden - CB (Florida)
Comments:	Charlie:		Being a defensive guy, Singletary is happy to see Haden fall out of the top 10 to him here.
	Eric:		Niners get the best CB in the draft. Although I expect after the pro day at UF Haden puts himself into the top 10.
Charlie	14	Seahawks	C.J. Spiller - RB (Clemson)
Comments:	Charlie:		Pete Carroll gives Matt Hasselbeck a weapon to work with behind what should be an improved offensive line.
	Eric:		Spiller is dynamic, but I do not see the Seahawks passing on Clausen if he is still available.
Eric	15	Giants	Derrick Morgan - DE (Georgia Tech)
Comments:	Charlie:		Perhaps looking to move Osi, the Giants invest more into their defensive line.
	Eric:		Giants need to get back to their bread and butter (a GREAT d-line). They stunk last year.
Charlie	16	Titans	Dan Williams - DT (Tennessee)
Comments:	Charlie:		Williams is a great value here and fills a need on the interior of the defensive line.
	Eric:		Titans look to finally fill the big (literally) void left by Fat Albert a year ago.
Eric	17	49ers	Earl Thomas - S (Texas)
Comments:	Charlie:		49ers could look at WR or DE here but Singletary sees a unique opportunity to vastly improve his secondary in 2010.
	Eric:		Earl Thomas is an instinctive athletic safety that will really solidify the Niners defense.
Charlie	18	Steelers	Jared Odrick - DE (Penn State)
Comments:	Charlie:		They consider CB or OL here but continue youth movement on defensive line, especially with Smith coming off injury.
	Eric:		With the top offensive linemen off the board, the Steelers think about the other side.
Eric	19	Falcons	Sergio Kindle - DE/OLB (Texas)
Comments:	Charlie:		Eric really likes his Kindle. In this slot, I think the Falcons would get better value buying one on Amazon.com.
	Eric:		I'm detective John Kindle! Playmaking LB will really help the Falcons D.
Charlie	20	Texans	Carlos Dunlap - DE (Florida)
Comments:	Charlie:		Texans look to pressure the QB in 2010 and add a bookend pass rusher to complement Mario Williams.
	Eric:		Character issues drop Dunlap out of the top 15. Texans take a chance on the talent and grab him to bring the pass rush.
Eric	21	Bengals	Jermaine Gresham - TE (Oklahoma)
Comments:	Charlie:		Despite his severe knee injury, Gresham is still the #1 tight end in this draft and fills a huge need for the Bungles.
	Eric:		Bengals thought about Golden Tate, but really need some size. At 6'6" Gresham fits the mold.
Charlie	22	Patriots	Brandon Graham - OLB (Michigan)
Comments:	Charlie:		Pats need to improve their ability to pressure the QB. Graham looks to be the best DE/OLB prospect in this draft IMO.
	Eric:		No Brainer. Smart + tough + productive + beast = Going to NE.
Eric	23	Packers	Mike Iupati - G (Idaho)
Comments:	Charlie:		Not sure Pack go with a guard here when their real need is at tackle.
	Eric:		With no elite tackles left, Packers grab the best guard/tackle and not ze otha way around.
Charlie	24	Eagles	Everson Griffen - DE (USC)
Comments:	Charlie:		Eagles go with a stout DE to get after the QB but I have a feeling the Eagles address this need in free agency.
	Eric:		Not sure the Eagles pass on Weatherspoon here, but a solid DE will help opposite Trent Cole.
Eric	25	Ravens	Patrick Robinson - CB (FSU)
Comments:	Charlie:		Eric thinks the Ravens will reach past Wilson and McCourty and go with the more athletic available CB in Robinson.
	Eric:		Assuming he kills someone in the next 2 months, he'll be a Raven.
Charlie	26	Cardinals	Ricky Sapp - OLB (Clemson)
Comments:	Charlie:		Not my favorite pick but Sapp has a chance to be a dynamic 3-4 OLB. I would reconsider Spoon or Spikes here.
	Eric:		The Cards are still blackout drunk celebrating the career of Kurt Warner. Luckily they didn’t fall over getting this pick in.
Eric	27	Cowboys	Bruce Campbell - OT (Maryland)
Comments:	Charlie:		Cowboys take the best looking tackle at the Souting Combine. I've read his physical prowess doesn't translate on tape.
	Eric:		In need of OL help, the Boys take the beastly Campbell.
Charlie	28	Chargers	Ryan Mathews - RB (Fresno State)
Comments:	Charlie:		Chargers take Mathews after he solidified his status as the #2 running back at the Scouting Combine.
	Eric:		Mathews fills a huge need at RB, and after his strong combine, he passes Dwyer.
Eric	29	Jets	Kyle Wilson - CB (Boise State)
Comments:	Charlie:		Rex Ryan inhales a brat, makes this pick and then shotguns a beer. He is very excited to get his #2 corner.
	Eric:		Wilson Peninsula will be a good addition across from Revis Island.
Charlie	30	Vikings	Devin McCourty - CB (Rutgers)
Comments:	Charlie:		With questions in the secondary, McCourty is their selection.
	Eric:		Vikes need to avoid getting torched in the passing game to make it to the big show.
Eric	31	Colts	Sean Weatherspoon - OLB (Missouri)
Comments:	Charlie:		Great fit and great vocal leader. Colts will get immediate production from this linebacker.
	Eric:		Colts, just said FU to the rest of the NFL. Spoon should have been gone LONG before this pick.
Charlie	32	Saints	Navorro Bowman - OLB (Penn State)
Comments:	Charlie:		Saints improve their ability to swarm to the football by grabbing the athletic and smooth Bowman to finish Round 1.
	Eric:		Bowman's workouts will be huge in establishing him as a first rounder. I think he may fall a little more.
SECOND ROUND
Drafter	Pick	Team	Selection
Eric	33	Rams	Daryl Washington - LB (TCU)
Charlie	34	Lions	Charles Brown - OT (USC)
Eric	35	Buccaneers	Golden Tate - WR (Notre Dame)
Charlie	36	Chiefs	Jerry Hughes - OLB (TCU)
Eric	37	Redskins	Jimmy Clausen - QB (Notre Dame)
Charlie	38	Browns	Brandon Spikes - LB (Florida)
Eric	39	Raiders	Maurkice Pouncey - C (Florida)
Charlie	40	Seahawks	Arrelious Benn - WR (Illinois)
Eric	41	Bills	Terrence Cody - NT (Alabama)
Charlie	42	Patriots	Vladimir Ducasse - OT (Massachusetts)
Eric	43	Dolphins	Brian Price - DT (UCLA)
Charlie	44	Buccaneers	Nate Allen - S (South Florida)
Eric	45	Broncos	Corey Wootton - DE (Penn State)
Charlie	46	Giants	Chad Jones - S (LSU)
Eric	47	Patriots	Jonathan Dwyer - RB (Georgia Tech)
Charlie	48	Panthers	Brandon LaFell - WR (LSU)
Eric	49	49ers	Roger Saffold - OT (Indiana)
Charlie	50	Texans	Chris Cook - CB (Virginia)
Eric	51	Chiefs	Sean Lee - MLB (Penn State)
Charlie	52	Steelers	Dominque Franks - CB (Oklahoma)
Eric	53	Patriots	Aaron Hernandez - TE (Florida)
Charlie	54	Bengals	Tyson Alualu - DL (California)
Eric	55	Eagles	Brandon Ghee - CB (Wake Forest)
Charlie	56	Packers	Jahvid Best - RB (California)
Eric	57	Ravens	Dexter McCluster - RB/WR (Mississippi)
Charlie	58	Cardinals	Reshad Jones - S (Georgia)
Eric	59	Cowboys	Camaron Thomas - DT (North Carolina)
Charlie	60	Chargers	Kareem Jackson - CB (Alabama)
Eric	61	Jets	Damien Williams - WR (USC)
Charlie	62	Vikings	Ben Tate - RB (Auburn)
Eric	63	Colts	Matt Tennant - C (Boston College)
Charlie	64	Saints	Greg Hardy - DE (Mississippi)