Current Roster Makeup:
Anderson, Derek QB 6-6 230; Quinn, Brady QB 6-3 235; Ratliff, Brett QB 6-4 22
Breakdown:
After Derek Anderson's Pro Bowl season in 2007, things appeared bright and sunny at the quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns. Then in 2008 things got cloudy for the Browns as DA appeared to regress. Things remained cloudy as a new coaching staff and front office came in with Eric Mangini. After the 2009 season, things appear, well, still cloudy.
If Eric Mangini taught us anything this past season though, its that you don't in fact need an effective quarterback to win in the NFL. In the Browns 5 wins in 2009, Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn passed for 23, 90, 66, 121 and 86 yards, a total of 386 yards IN 5 GAMES! To put that in perspective, a quarterback passed for 386 yards or more in a single game 15 TIMES during the regular season! Translation: Brian Daboll can't gameplan or call plays to put Anderson and Quinn in a position to make plays. He sucks and I really don't understand why he's being retained. Regardless, the QB play was not up to par or even bogey for that matter in 2009.
The fact that we were able to win 5 games with such poor performances at the quarterback position is a testament to how good our special teams is and how underrated our defense is. The stats will tell you a different story. The defense is at the bottom of the league and while I agree we need talent upgrades across the back 8 (linebackers and defensive backs), I think many of the defense's problems could be resolved by simply keeping them off the field. The Browns can do that with a QB capable of running the offense and sustaining drives.
Brady Quinn has the poise, the moxy, the body language, and just a nice body in general you like to see at the quarterback position. He looks the part but his arm is still as limited as it was coming out of college. I mean, just look at what he did at Notre Dame. His accuracy is a huge problem. He constantly threw behind receivers on the money down (3rd down), leading to incompletions, dropped passes and interceptions. Even if the receiver was able to adjust and reel in one of Brady's off-target passes, they were in no position to get any yards after catch (YAC). Enter Dave Zastudil...
To be honest, I never liked Brady Quinn at Notre Dame, but was excited when we drafted him. The kid works hard at his craft but at some point we need to see better production. This offseason will be critical for Quinn's career with the Browns and his future in the NFL going forward, that is assuming the new front office brass has not already decided his fate. Because Quinn failed to reach playing incentives in his contract this past season, he is relatively affordable, even as a backup, so expect Quinn to remain on the roster at least next year.
The same cannot be said for Derek Anderson. He has all the arm strength you would want your franchise quarterback to have. He throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the NFL but it often gets him into trouble. I've never seen anyone make as many bone-headed throws as this guy. Forget about the screen game, DA will gun the ball directly into the ground at the receivers feet. What you see with DA is what you get. A goofball with the ability to look like Carson Palmer one game and Arnold Palmer the next. He has a large option bonus due in mid March that the team will definitely not pay. Look for DA to be on another roster in 2010, unless he is willing to restructure his deal.
Free Agency Outlook:
This free agent class is LOADED with top-tier quarterbacks. Teams will be fighting tooth and nail for the services of Kyle Boller, David Carr and Joey Harrington. I expect the Broncos to sign Kyle Orton to a long term deal. Jason Campbell is an interesting potential free agent but his future with the Redskins is as uncertain as Al Davis is when it comes to head coaches. Chad Pennington is a possibility as a stop gap to mentor Brady Quinn, Brett Ratliff, or a rookie should we draft a QB. What about Brett Fav... re? If the Vikings don't go all the way this year, will he really be satisfied walking away from the game without that allusive second Lombardi trophy? If he parts ways with Minnesota, people will certainly start connecting the dots in Cleveland. Two of his former coaches are now in Cleveland in Holmgren and Mangini. There are lots of fields in Ohio for him to mow and ride around on his John Deere. It could happen but I'll go out on a limb and say there's no way it does.
Is That a Trade Front Rolling In?
With Tom Heckert coming from Philadelphia to join Mike Holmgren, both big West Coast Offense guys, rumors are flying that the Browns are going to trade for either Donavan McNabb or Kevin Kolb (or even picking up Michael Vick if the Eagles let him walk). I would be OK with either of the former so long as we don't give up too much, especially with this draft class being as talented as it is. Stay tuned...
Draft Prospects:
For what the draft may lack in talent at the quarterback position it makes up for in name recognition. The 2010 draft will feature some of the most decorated and celebrated quarterbacks in college football history. Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy are folk legends in Florida and Texas, respectively. While both are natural leaders and gamers, they are also arguably the 3rd and 4th rated prospects from a talent standpoint in this year's class. Despite his shoulder injury suffered this past season, Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) is still considered to be the top quarterback with Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) a close second (and rising). Frankly, I do not want the Browns to spend the #7 pick on a quarterback (although I guarantee I will be ecstatic if we do happen to draft one on April 22nd, at least at that very moment). Mike Holmgren's M.O. is to draft and develop quarterbacks in the later rounds. However, the Eagles with Heckert did draft Kevin Kolb in the 2nd round. I would not discount the possibility of Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow falling to the Browns in the 2nd Round. Whatever the front office decides to do, it should make for an interesting draft weekend!
January 23, 2010
Thoughts from the East-West Shrine Game
Romeo Crennel is coaching the East squad in the East-West Shrine Game. Supposedly the Kansas City Chiefs signed him up to coordinate their defense next year. I did some research and see that he's been apart of 4 Super Bowl winning teams, learning under 2 Hall of Fame coaches in Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. Today, Coach Romeo's East team has held the West team to just 3 points in the first half. Conclusion: Kansas City is going to have one hell of a defense next year.
January 22, 2010
Position Breakdown: Special Teams
Current Roster Makeup:
Cribbs, Joshua, WR 6-1 215; Dawson, Phil K 5-11 200; Pontbriand, Ryan LS 6-2 255; Hodges, Reggie P 6-0 220; Zastudil, Dave P 6-3 220 (Kim Green? Well, among others.)
Breakdown:
It is difficult to break down special teams play completely because so many players make up these units. However, we attempt to highlight the special contributors in this section and make fun of those who are not "special" enough. Starting with the obvious, PRO-BOWLER Joshua Cribbs is THE best special teams player in the NFL, and i would guess even on mars you won't find a better special teams player there. He is electric. Everytime he touches the ball, he is a threat to make a house call. He single handedly kept us in and won us ballgames this year. As you may or may not know, he is in a contract dispute with the new front office, the old front office and the one before that as well. DO NOT WORRY... (yet) this will all be worked out and he'll be making us proud again next year. Also don't forget how spectacular he is on coverage teams where he makes seemingly all the tackles and makes rediculous plays to down the ball inside the one yard line. As my friend Dick Hundinger often says, JC is the heart and soul of this team.
Phil Dawson has been the most consistent player left from the expansion team. He is also the only player left from the expansion team. He went 17 for 19 on field goals this year led the team in points... again. The knock on Dawson is his kickoff distance, where he rarely forces a touch back. Phil Dawson is not pleased with his contract situation, so expect some movement there if he is in the team's plans for after next year. Phil also looks like the elf mascot, which is nice.
Dave Zastudil is a very good punter. Losing him did not help as Reggie Hodges came in and instead of kicking the ball out of the endzone, gave up a TD. That pissed me off so now I don't like Hodges. He is deeply religious and as far as I am concerned that play looked alot like Pedro Cerrano picking up the bird in the outfield before getting tagged out. Reggie, Jobu needs a refill and you have no marbles. KICK THE BALL OUT OF THE ENDZONE!!!!
Ryan Pontbriand is the best long-snapper in the NFL. Not one bad snap in his carreer. I thought that he had a bad snap on a snap to Reggie Hodges, but it hit some idiot who should not be on the team before Reggie finished off the aforementioned boneheaded play.
Couple of other people to mention on special teams. Pool played well before knocking himself out, Blake Costanza (Can'tStandYa!!) was amazing on special teams this year. Jason Trusnik was as good as advertised coming from the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets! Kaluka "bean" Maiava looked good, as did Josh Cribbs. PAY THE MAN!
Looking Forward:
Expect more of the same from one of the NFL's best special teams!
Free Agency:
Special teams are often made up of players from the bottom of the roster. Aside from those listed above, look for lots of new faces on special teams next season.
Draft:
Mangini lika da way ...draft picks have to prove themselves on specials, so expect to see great impact on special teams from the 11 (as of now) draft picks.
SUPERBOWL!!!!
Also a huge thank you to Ryan Haber for the amazing design work on the logo and the twitter page.
Cribbs, Joshua, WR 6-1 215; Dawson, Phil K 5-11 200; Pontbriand, Ryan LS 6-2 255; Hodges, Reggie P 6-0 220; Zastudil, Dave P 6-3 220 (Kim Green? Well, among others.)
Breakdown:
It is difficult to break down special teams play completely because so many players make up these units. However, we attempt to highlight the special contributors in this section and make fun of those who are not "special" enough. Starting with the obvious, PRO-BOWLER Joshua Cribbs is THE best special teams player in the NFL, and i would guess even on mars you won't find a better special teams player there. He is electric. Everytime he touches the ball, he is a threat to make a house call. He single handedly kept us in and won us ballgames this year. As you may or may not know, he is in a contract dispute with the new front office, the old front office and the one before that as well. DO NOT WORRY... (yet) this will all be worked out and he'll be making us proud again next year. Also don't forget how spectacular he is on coverage teams where he makes seemingly all the tackles and makes rediculous plays to down the ball inside the one yard line. As my friend Dick Hundinger often says, JC is the heart and soul of this team.
Phil Dawson has been the most consistent player left from the expansion team. He is also the only player left from the expansion team. He went 17 for 19 on field goals this year led the team in points... again. The knock on Dawson is his kickoff distance, where he rarely forces a touch back. Phil Dawson is not pleased with his contract situation, so expect some movement there if he is in the team's plans for after next year. Phil also looks like the elf mascot, which is nice.
Dave Zastudil is a very good punter. Losing him did not help as Reggie Hodges came in and instead of kicking the ball out of the endzone, gave up a TD. That pissed me off so now I don't like Hodges. He is deeply religious and as far as I am concerned that play looked alot like Pedro Cerrano picking up the bird in the outfield before getting tagged out. Reggie, Jobu needs a refill and you have no marbles. KICK THE BALL OUT OF THE ENDZONE!!!!
Ryan Pontbriand is the best long-snapper in the NFL. Not one bad snap in his carreer. I thought that he had a bad snap on a snap to Reggie Hodges, but it hit some idiot who should not be on the team before Reggie finished off the aforementioned boneheaded play.
Couple of other people to mention on special teams. Pool played well before knocking himself out, Blake Costanza (Can'tStandYa!!) was amazing on special teams this year. Jason Trusnik was as good as advertised coming from the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets! Kaluka "bean" Maiava looked good, as did Josh Cribbs. PAY THE MAN!
Looking Forward:
Expect more of the same from one of the NFL's best special teams!
Free Agency:
Special teams are often made up of players from the bottom of the roster. Aside from those listed above, look for lots of new faces on special teams next season.
Draft:
Mangini lika da way ...draft picks have to prove themselves on specials, so expect to see great impact on special teams from the 11 (as of now) draft picks.
SUPERBOWL!!!!
Also a huge thank you to Ryan Haber for the amazing design work on the logo and the twitter page.
January 21, 2010
Position Breakdown: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Current Roster Makeup:
Estandia, Greg TE 6-8 266; Gaines, Michael TE 6-2 267; Heiden, Steve TE 6-5 270; Moore, Evan TE 6-6 247; Royal, Robert TE 6-4 257; Allen, Jake WR 6-4 194; Cribbs, Joshua WR 6-1 215; Furrey, Mike WR 6-0 195; Massaquoi, Mohamed WR 6-2 207; Robiskie, Brian WR 6-3 209; Steptoe, Syndric WR 5-9 200; Stuckey, Chansi WR 6-0 196
Breakdown:
The Browns are loaded at both the TE and WR positions. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. are both coming off Pro Bowl seasons and look to build on one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL...
What?! That was TWO years ago?!?! Well at least we have Chansi Stuckey, becuase with a name like Stuckey, he's got to be good. Okay, so after the Browns traded K2 on the first day of free agency in 2009 and dealt Braylon Edwards after the Week 4 loss to Cincinnati, during which he was held without a reception for the first time in his career, the Browns find themselves with a myriad of mediocrity at two important positions. Mohamed Massaquoi or as we like to call him around SBS, Mo Mass, became the team's #1. Mo Mass had his Mo-Ments but it is difficult for any rookie receiver to step in and dominate in the NFL. Wide receiver is perhaps one of the most difficult positions to adjust to from college. Hopefully for fellow rookier and hometown hero Brian Robiskie, that was the problem. Robiskie, the 36TH OVERALL PICK was perhaps the biggest disappointment of the Brown's 2009 draft class next to LB David Veikune, the 52ND OVERALL PICK. Hopefully George Kokinis will learn from his mistakes and make better choices in 2010... What?! He's gone too?!?!?! He seemed like he had such a good work ethic. And I thought he really got along well with Ms. Aponte. Oh well...
Robiskie seemed to be one of the most polished receivers to come out in the draft in recent memory. Knowing his pedigree, his father Terry being a longtime receiver's coach in the NFL, that he will learn a from a rocky 2009 and come back much improved in 2010. Mo Mass needs to continue to refine his route running and can develop into a good NFL receiver. however, I'm not sure whether either is really a true #1.
Outside of the two rooks, the other receivers are role players. I think Chansi Stuckey has potential to be a threat out of the slot but is nothing more than a 3rd receiver at best. I wasn't even aware that Syndric Steptoe was on the roster anymore. That may be a mistake. Josh Cribbs is more effective out of the backfield than as a receiver, IMO, but I would like to see him better utilized overall by Mr. Daboll and his staff. I would like to see what Josh could do with Vickers in front of him out of the "I" formation. Jake Allen is a developmental player the Browns picked up late in the year. We'll see if he survives training camp and makes the roster in 2010.
For two struggling QB's in Quinn and Anderson, the lack of presence at the TE position was perhaps the biggest detriment to the offense in 2009. Quinn sorely lacked a safety blanket that Winslow could have provided if he were still on our roster. Robert Royal's decision to soak his gloves in KY Jelly before games proved to be a bad decision. While Royal might be an asset in the blocking game, he was a as much of a liability in the passing game. Heiden's playing days seemed to be numbered as he has been plagued with injuries the past couple of seasons. On a positive note, Evan Moore seemed to be a pretty good receiving tight end, however he was not asked to block very much.
Free Agency Outlook:
The Browns may target a 2nd receiver in free agency, a veteran who can bring along the younger talent already on the roster. Steve Breaston is a restricted free agent and is likely staying in Arizona, but is a player I would love to see on our team. Jason Avant is another former Michigan receiver that seemed to come on this season and may be a target of Heckert who undoubtedly played a role in selecting him in Philadelphia.
Tight End is one position that may be addressed in free agency, should Holmren and Heckert find themselves unsatisfied with developing the talent currently on the roster. Some notable free agents are Owen Daniels, Bo Scaife, Tony Scheffler and Ben Watson. Again, the CBA makes forecasting free agency a bit tricky.
Draft Prospects:
Dez Bryant is the big name receiver this year and I suppose could be in play for the Browns at the 7 spot. However, I doubt he would be Holmgren's choice that high. The draft is not particularly stacked with top end talent at the receiver position but is fairly deep in terms of value in Rounds 2-5.
I don't anticipate Jermaine Gresham to be wearing Orange and Brown this coming season either unless he were to somehow fall to the 2nd round. I expect the Browns to address the TE position somehwere in the middle of the draft. One prospect I particularly fell in love with is former Gator, Aaron Hernandez. He reminds me a lot of K2 in terms of athleticism and tribal arm-sleeve tattooism. He seems like a player who should perform well at the combine and quickly skyrocket up draft boards.
Position Breakdown: Defensive Backs
Current Roster Makeup:
20 Adams, Mike DB 5-11 200; Elam, Abram DB 6-0 207; Francies, Coye DB 6-0 185 Lawson, Gerard DB 5-10 195; McDonald, Brandon DB 5-10 185; Pool, Brodney DB 6-2 210; Poteat, HankDB 5-10 195; Richardson, Matteral DB 6-0 205; Roberson, Chris DB 5-11 190; Robinson, Ramzee DB 5-10 190; Sorensen, Nick DB 6-3 210; Ventrone, Ray DB 5-10 200; Wright, Eric DB 5-10 190.
Breakdown:
Like the rest of the defense, the defensive backs had an up and down season. The unit improved significantly over the latter part of the season. Abe (Babraham) Elam was brought in to fill the void created when Sean Jones left for the Eagles via Free Agency last year. As you'll recall, Elam was a RFA after last season and the Jets matched our offer to Elam. However, Elam came to Cleveland as part of the draft day trade allowing the Browns to move down to get Center Alex Mack and allowing the Jets to move up and get... drawing a blank here, must not be very good. Anyway, Elam did not produce like Eric thought (Mangini) or hoped (Long) that he would. He did have 71 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He did not play terribly, but seemed to be a step late in making big plays. Brodney Pool was on pace for a break-out year before suffering yet another concussion just like Isuro Tanaka (the left fielder from the Giants... no not those giants). Brodney, in 11 games had 4 interceptions and looked like he was comfortable in Rob Ryan's defense. Mike Adams played some Safety and did a good job although he is probably more valuable at corner with the current make-up of this team. Also seeing significant time at Safety was Mike Furrey, who had previously played safety part time as a member of the St. Louis Rams. Furrey looks as if he knows what he is doing out there, but lacks big play ability. At Cornerback, Eric Wright ended the season playing the best football of his young career. He played more man coverage as the defense got more aggressive and responded well, recording 4 ints, 14 pass breakups and 57 tackles. While not an elite corner yet, Wright has turned himself into a very good corner in the NFL. Starting on the other side of the field for much of the season was Brandon McDonald. Unfortunately it does not look like B-Mac has what it takes to be a starting CB in the NFL. Speaking of not having what it takes, Hank Poteat is easily the biggest liability in the secondary. Week after week we saw opposing quarterbacks throw his way on third down and unless the WR dropped the ball, they almost always converted. Aside from his inability to cover, he goes and commits the single dumbest play in the history of the Lions game and tackles a wr in the endzone as time expires to lose the game. Coye Francise is a great mystery at this point. He had a great preseason and camp, but was inactive almost every week during the season. Its hard to understand how a talented rookie with a lot of potential is sitting on the bench watching Hank screw it up. Mike Adams looked good while playing CB and looks to be a solid nickel or dimeback.
Looking Forward:
The secondary needs both a starting Cornerback and a play making safety. Eric Wright looks like a great 2 at worst. Pairing him up with a shutdown corner would allow Rob Ryan to really open up the blitzing. Look for a new starter in 2010 with B-Mac moving to the slot as a 3 or 4. I'd like to see Francies get on the field and produce. Hopefully he challenges B-Mac as the teams 3rd corner. Let’s hope Brodney Pool comes back strong from his concussion. If healthy, look for him to pick up where he left off next year. Even if no players are brought in, things look to be improved as Hank Poteat is an UFA, and will likely not be resigned.
Free Agency:
I doubt that the Browns will look to add a number 1 Cornerback in Free agency, but could look at a guy like Daunte Robinson to come in and start. Expect the team to obtain help at this position in the draft. The top FA Safeties are Darren Sharper and Jermaine Phillips, but I'd be surprised if either ended up in Cleveland. Again, expect the team to go young and draft a safety, especially if Brodney Pool calls it quits.
Draft:
The opportunity the Browns have to secure some top notch talent in the secondary in this years draft is exciting. The most electrifying player in the draft may well be Eric Berry (Tennessee) but he is likely to be off the board well before the Browns draft at 7. Assuming Berry can't be had, look at Joe Haden (Florida) to be the Browns number 1 pick. Haden has the speed, ball skills and the physicality you'd like to see in a number 1 corner. Haden would solidify the starting CB situation in Cleveland for years to come. Other corners that may be available later in the draft include Pattrick Robinson from Florida State is a solid corner that will likely be picked in the first round. In round 2-3 look at Syd'Quan Thomspn (Cal) and Donovan Warren (Michigan).After Berry, the top safeties include Taylor Mays and Earl Thomas. Mays has a freakish size for a safety at 6-3 240 lbs and will likely go as a mid first round pick. Earl Thomas could slide to the 2nd round where the redshirt sophomore from Texas would be a great find. SUPERBOWL!!!!!
20 Adams, Mike DB 5-11 200; Elam, Abram DB 6-0 207; Francies, Coye DB 6-0 185 Lawson, Gerard DB 5-10 195; McDonald, Brandon DB 5-10 185; Pool, Brodney DB 6-2 210; Poteat, HankDB 5-10 195; Richardson, Matteral DB 6-0 205; Roberson, Chris DB 5-11 190; Robinson, Ramzee DB 5-10 190; Sorensen, Nick DB 6-3 210; Ventrone, Ray DB 5-10 200; Wright, Eric DB 5-10 190.
Breakdown:
Like the rest of the defense, the defensive backs had an up and down season. The unit improved significantly over the latter part of the season. Abe (Babraham) Elam was brought in to fill the void created when Sean Jones left for the Eagles via Free Agency last year. As you'll recall, Elam was a RFA after last season and the Jets matched our offer to Elam. However, Elam came to Cleveland as part of the draft day trade allowing the Browns to move down to get Center Alex Mack and allowing the Jets to move up and get... drawing a blank here, must not be very good. Anyway, Elam did not produce like Eric thought (Mangini) or hoped (Long) that he would. He did have 71 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He did not play terribly, but seemed to be a step late in making big plays. Brodney Pool was on pace for a break-out year before suffering yet another concussion just like Isuro Tanaka (the left fielder from the Giants... no not those giants). Brodney, in 11 games had 4 interceptions and looked like he was comfortable in Rob Ryan's defense. Mike Adams played some Safety and did a good job although he is probably more valuable at corner with the current make-up of this team. Also seeing significant time at Safety was Mike Furrey, who had previously played safety part time as a member of the St. Louis Rams. Furrey looks as if he knows what he is doing out there, but lacks big play ability. At Cornerback, Eric Wright ended the season playing the best football of his young career. He played more man coverage as the defense got more aggressive and responded well, recording 4 ints, 14 pass breakups and 57 tackles. While not an elite corner yet, Wright has turned himself into a very good corner in the NFL. Starting on the other side of the field for much of the season was Brandon McDonald. Unfortunately it does not look like B-Mac has what it takes to be a starting CB in the NFL. Speaking of not having what it takes, Hank Poteat is easily the biggest liability in the secondary. Week after week we saw opposing quarterbacks throw his way on third down and unless the WR dropped the ball, they almost always converted. Aside from his inability to cover, he goes and commits the single dumbest play in the history of the Lions game and tackles a wr in the endzone as time expires to lose the game. Coye Francise is a great mystery at this point. He had a great preseason and camp, but was inactive almost every week during the season. Its hard to understand how a talented rookie with a lot of potential is sitting on the bench watching Hank screw it up. Mike Adams looked good while playing CB and looks to be a solid nickel or dimeback.
Looking Forward:
The secondary needs both a starting Cornerback and a play making safety. Eric Wright looks like a great 2 at worst. Pairing him up with a shutdown corner would allow Rob Ryan to really open up the blitzing. Look for a new starter in 2010 with B-Mac moving to the slot as a 3 or 4. I'd like to see Francies get on the field and produce. Hopefully he challenges B-Mac as the teams 3rd corner. Let’s hope Brodney Pool comes back strong from his concussion. If healthy, look for him to pick up where he left off next year. Even if no players are brought in, things look to be improved as Hank Poteat is an UFA, and will likely not be resigned.
Free Agency:
I doubt that the Browns will look to add a number 1 Cornerback in Free agency, but could look at a guy like Daunte Robinson to come in and start. Expect the team to obtain help at this position in the draft. The top FA Safeties are Darren Sharper and Jermaine Phillips, but I'd be surprised if either ended up in Cleveland. Again, expect the team to go young and draft a safety, especially if Brodney Pool calls it quits.
Draft:
The opportunity the Browns have to secure some top notch talent in the secondary in this years draft is exciting. The most electrifying player in the draft may well be Eric Berry (Tennessee) but he is likely to be off the board well before the Browns draft at 7. Assuming Berry can't be had, look at Joe Haden (Florida) to be the Browns number 1 pick. Haden has the speed, ball skills and the physicality you'd like to see in a number 1 corner. Haden would solidify the starting CB situation in Cleveland for years to come. Other corners that may be available later in the draft include Pattrick Robinson from Florida State is a solid corner that will likely be picked in the first round. In round 2-3 look at Syd'Quan Thomspn (Cal) and Donovan Warren (Michigan).After Berry, the top safeties include Taylor Mays and Earl Thomas. Mays has a freakish size for a safety at 6-3 240 lbs and will likely go as a mid first round pick. Earl Thomas could slide to the 2nd round where the redshirt sophomore from Texas would be a great find. SUPERBOWL!!!!!
Position Breakdown: Running Backs and Full Backs
Current Roster Makeup:
Brown, Thomas RB 5-8 200; Collins, Jed RB 6-1 249; Cribbs, Joshua $$ 6-1 215 Davis, James RB 5-11 218; 35 Harrison, Jerome RB 5-9 205; 34 Jennings, Chris RB 5-10 219; 31 Lewis, Jamal RB 5-11 245; Vickers, Lawrence FB 6-0 250
Breakdown:
Perhaps the brightest spot on the Cleveland Browns this season could be found in the backfield. No, it’s not Brady Quinn being thrown to the ground for yet another sack. I’m referring to the Browns’ running backs. Jamal Lewis had what “some” might call another down year. Although he was able to rejuvenate his career somewhat when he came to Cleveland in 2007, he clearly was never the same as he was with the Ravens. Jamal did however show us some beautiful dance moves behind the line of scrimmage. Lewis said he planned to retire after the season. Let’s hope he makes good on that promise.
The real story of the Browns’ backfield was the Ghost, Jerome Harrison. The 2009 season started much like the 2008, 2007 and 2006 seasons for Jerome Harrison, riding the pine. Just like Coach Grimace Romeo before him, Eric Mangini seemed to favor bigger backs for his running scheme. Harrison was again overlooked and seemed likely on his way out in the offseason. In training camp and the preseason, it was James Davis that garnered most of the attention, showing the ability to find a hole or cutback lane and hit it full speed. Davis showed major potential before being lost for the season when Mangini decided a game of smear the queer would be fun at the end of walk-throughs. Regardless, I’m not sure he could carry the load as a feature back as he shared carries with C.J. Spiller for most of his collegiate career. But, I digress.
Harrison finally got his first shot against the Bengals’ solid defense that finished the season 4th overall. Harrison rushed for 121 yards on 21 carries and finally seemed to earn his shot to tote the rock. Instead, he found his way back to the bench where he stayed until Week 15, when he rushed for 286 yards, 3rd most in a game EVER! Harrison finally broke through and carried the load for the rest of the season, rushing almost 40 times in each of the last two weeks of the season. Hopefully Mangini and Holmgren notice this kid has some special skills and give him a legitimate shot next year.
Chris Jennings had some memorable runs, the touchdown against the Steelers in the Thursday night game and that crazy run against the Jaguars in the final game where he started running left, bounced it outside to the right and then cut back and ran across almost the entire field to the left, juking a couple defenders on the sideline and almost making it into the endzone. Chris Jennings has some power and quickness but is a good 3rd running back at best.
Josh Cribbs needs to be included in the discussion of running backs when he lines up in the flash package or wildcat. Josh seemed to get first down after first down on 3rd and long from this formation. Not much else to say about Josh Cribbs other than he is by far the most exciting player on the Browns and maybe in the entire league. He continues to make plays that keep the Browns in games. As Deion Sanders says, “Pay the Man!”
Finally, speaking of overlooked, Lawrence Vickers continues to play at an elite level amongst fullbacks in the NFL. He is one of the best blocking backs in the league but unfortunately does not get credit in the national media because the team isn’t winning. Vickers is one of the best lead backs in the game today and should be on this roster for years to come.
Bottom line, the Browns have a handful of talented backs, each in a different mold. This group has potential but in my opinion the carries will be spread too thin to really make an impact. It will be interesting to see how the new regime of Holmgren and Heckert value the backs, particularly Harrison, who’s contract is up, or whether they want to go in a different direction.
Free Agency Outlook:
In my opinion, the primary focus of free agency should be to lock Jerome Harrison up with a new deal. He has relatively fresh legs for a back entering his 5th season. The question will be whether he can forgive the previous regime and coach Mangini to a degree for not playing him sooner. Looking outside of Berea for help, it looks like if we went after anybody in free agency it might be a bigger back to replace Jamal Lewis and compliment our smaller, quicker backs, like LenDale White. He had a down year, losing carries to Chris Johnson and will probably look to move on to a team where he has a chance to get more carries. White rushed for 15 touchdowns just a year ago. There are several big names that are restricted free agents, such as Ronnie Brown and Pierre Thomas, but I wouldn’t bet on them joining the Browns in 2010. An interesting free agent is Leon Washington. Although he’s a smaller back, he was one of the most explosive players in the NFL before he injured his leg and landed on IR this past season. It’s unclear whether the Jets will give Washington a new deal with the emergence of rookie Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones still running well. Certainly, they will not offer him more money than they did going into 2009.
Draft Prospects:
This draft has some talented backs that will be available in the first 3 rounds. CJ Spiller might be the Chris Johnson of this draft; he is very quick and shifty and can take it to the house on any given play. As I mentioned before, Spiller and James Davis shared carries in 2008 making for a dynamic 1-2 punch at Clemson. Maybe Heckert and crew decide to bring that same attack to Cleveland. However, I doubt they would take Spiller at 7, as most of us believe they will go defense with that pick. Backs to consider in the 2nd Round are Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer and Cal’s Jahvid Best. Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart from Stanford will be available in the middle of the draft. A sleeper to keep in mind is Noel Devine out of West Virginia, a very electrifying runner.
January 20, 2010
4 New Front Office People
http://www.theobr.com/ is a GREAT site for Browns news.
Wanted to post the above link for news. We will be addressing the front office changes soon.
SUPERBOWL!!!!!
Wanted to post the above link for news. We will be addressing the front office changes soon.
SUPERBOWL!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
