Week 17 - 2013

Only in Cleveland.  That's all I can say.  Only in Cleveland.  The Browns fired their coach, the coach they hired less than one year ago, yesterday.  Rob Chudzinski is out, after (depending on who you believe) feuding with fork tongued snake in the grass GM Mike Lombardi over "accountability".  Or maybe it was because he wasn't happy with the work of Norv Turner's kid Scott, WR coach.  Or he wouldn't cut Greg Little.  Whatever the reason, the Browns continue to be a model of dysfunction, a joke of a franchise led by a crook and run by two egomaniacs.  When will it end?

Why are we even still Browns fans?  I'm not sure I even know why I support this team.  Why I go to games, watch games, buy Browns gear.  Why?  They're consistently horrible, constantly rebuilding, and even my five year old daughter knows that "the Browns ALWAYS lose".  Are we still here because we want to say when (if) they ever turn it around that we were always here?  Are we here because when we were 8 years old we used to hump it to Municipal Stadium with our dads to see the Browns were they were actually a respectable franchise?  I mean seriously WHY?  What the hell is wrong with us?  Any other fans in any other city would've turned their backs on this joke of a franchise a long time ago, but we're still here.  But for how long?  I want to be done.  I really do.  I'm sick of this crap.

We're irrational, us fans, if we complain.  That's how this organization views us, how national media view us.  Why not have faith in Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi?  Why should we complain?  They pop in and out, Lombardi's NFL Network pals, and they'll tell us all the things wrong with Chudzinski, first year and first time head coach.  They'll replace him with Josh McDaniels, tell us how great he is, how they always wanted him, the same thing they said about Chud just a year ago.  Trust us, they'll say.  Then when this regime fails spectacularly, they'll tell us that the next guys will get it right.  They aren't here, or weren't here, they don't understand how much we've put up with. 

As if we haven't heard this same crap before.  Every couple years a new egomaniac (and that's all these guys are.  Egomaniacs who think they are smarter than everyone else) takes over, and tells us the same thing.  Every couple years it doesn't work, and we are left holding the bag, told to have patience, that these new guys will get it right.  Rinse.  Repeat.

We're supposed to trust Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi now.  Ignore the fact that Lombardi is a known snake, and has already been here and FAILED MISERABLY years ago.  Gonna be different this time, right?  Hell they got a 1st round pick for Trent Richardson they are GENIUSES!  Believe in them!  It's different!  No it's not.  The first act of the Joe Banner era was the hiring of a coach (and Lombardi was already in the fold don't be fooled by the timeline) and they have already admitted that they failed.  Oh and forget about the fact that the players seem to be anywhere from stunned to livid by the move.  Good luck in that locker room, new coach.  And really what coach in their right mind would come here?  If you're expecting a home run aim lower and save yourself further disappointment.  In case you were wondering just how dysfunctional this whole thing really is,

What they're ignoring about throwing Chud under the bus is that they were constantly building for the future, especially on the offensive side of the ball.  There isn't a coach on the planet that wins with those quarterbacks and those running backs.  It doesn't happen.  And Ray Horton's defense, the one that was addressed in the draft and free agency, was a miserable failure for the better part of the season.  Ignore those facts.  Ignore the draft.  Ignore Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell, ignore the obvious eyes towards the 2014 draft.  Because have faith!  It's Chud's fault, not Banner's, not Lombardi's.  It'll be different with Josh McDaniels or Ken Whisenhunt (KILLS SELF).

Just have faith.  Don't worry.  Trust them.  It's a process.  It's all we ever hear.  Wake me up when it's over.  I want to be done.  I'm really going to try.  I doubt I'm alone.  A human can only take so much, and we've taken a lot.  Blind faith doesn't do it for me anymore.  I've said it before, the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Especially in Cleveland.

On the Richardson Trade

Well Trent Richardson is gone.  Traded.  It happened.  I let that sink in for a few days before putting anything here, because I do try and let my emotions die down a little before writing anything.  I was absolutely stunned when it happened, as everyone was.

After letting everything sink in, I'm conflicted on my feelings.

The first reaction from me is always the fan, the Browns fan, the emotional, fiercely loyal, been kicked around enough Browns fan.  And that part of me was angry and confused.  Really angry and really confused.  That part of me still is.  Trent Richardson was the best offensive playmaker on this team.  He was grossly underutilized in my opinion, both by the previous coaching staff as well as through two games this season.  He was the one player on this team that defenses had to account for, to prepare and gameplan for.  He was a player worth paying to see play in the eyes of many, including the Browns organization, which is why his photo was on the tickets, on the pocket schedule, on the cover of the gameday magazine.  He's also only 22 years old, 17 games into his NFL career, and was the 3rd pick in the draft just a year and a half ago.  He flashed enough potential to give people hope that he was going to be a bigtime player, a Pro Bowl player.  And I still think he becomes that player, though now he'll do it with a horseshoe on his helmet.

That fan side of me feels like a white flag is now being flown for this season.  That this management team is deliberately throwing in the towel on this season, in an attempt to "earn" a top pick in the draft to select a quarterback to build around.  The fan side of me feels especially horrible for season ticket holders, who have invested so much and gotten so little in return, only to have another lost season thrown in their faces before the leaves have even turned.  I call Browns fans the best in the country all the time here, and they are.  Any other fans, of any other teams, would have turned their backs long ago.  And that part of me burns with anger about this move.

The other side of me is the sensible football person.  Looking at this objectively, it's not a bad deal.  I'd be lying if I didn't say that a small amount of doubt had set in about Richardson the player.  I don't think we've seen him at his full potential but if you stripped the nameplate off his jersey and looked at it empirically, he is far from irreplaceable.  3.5 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns, just over 1000 yards in his first 17 games.  Not exactly Jim Brown.  And the fact that they recouped a first round draft pick for a running back in today's day and age is extremely impressive.  Can Willis McGahee replace those numbers?  Probably.  Does Trent Richardson make this team markedly better?  Do they win more games with Richardson than without him?  Maybe one.  Maybe.  Running backs are complementary pieces in today's NFL.  It all starts at the quarterback position, and Banner and Lombardi seem to recognize that and are going all in to get one.  Which I understand, looking at it objectively.

But the fan side of me still has some questions.  With the way this team has performed, and the amount of quarterback talent potentially available in next year's draft, was this a move that had to be made?  Because if Jacksonville gets the first pick in the draft, one extra first rounder is not going to prevent them from taking their guy.  Trust me they have a worse situation at quarterback than we do.  Did we as Browns fans ever see Richardson playing with a full deck?  I don't think we did.  Between shoddy coaching, quarterback play, and offensive line play I don't think we ever saw the best that Trent Richardson has to offer.  And I don't see how trading him for a draft pick makes this team better.  For what it's worth, the last quarterback Michael Lombardi had a hand in picking was Jamarcus Russell, and the last two Joe Banner had a hand in picking were Mike Kafka and Kevin Kolb.  It's no guarantee that these guys will get it right.  And if they don't, it's back to square one (again).

 

 

So I am torn on the deal.  And I think most Cleveland fans are as well.  I've heard some people who love it and some who are so mad that they are done being Browns fans.  And I get it.  So if you're mad I'm sorry and I do feel it too.  If you're happy, that's good.  I'll be right there with you, especially the day after the season's over.  If you're Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi, I hope you're right, and I hope you get it right.  Like I heard it said best, you guys have bet on yourselves and you're all in.  Let's hope for once you get it right, and that the fans won't be the ones left holding the bag.

Final Draft Thoughts

With the absence of a second round pick, Friday night was fairly uneventful for the Browns.  However they did pick up Leon McFadden, a smooth, quicker than fast cornerback from San Diego State in the third round.  McFadden is a solid, battle tested player from a pass happy conference who spent a lot of time in one on one man coverage.  He is a willing tackler but needs to learn to disengage from blockers.  He's only 5'9 and some change, but has the hips and quickness that are desired in today's NFL.  I would expect him to challenge Chris Owens and Buster Skrine for a starting role early, provided that the Browns don't pick up another corner.  At worst he'll come in on passing downs and should see plenty of action early.  Cornerback was certainly a need, and it was addressed with the 3rd round pick.  Here's a scouting report here , another one here, and here are a couple videos.  It's hard to watch cornerbacks with no coaches film, but McFadden was a player that seemed to fit what the Browns were going to be looking for.  Not a surprise, and a solid selection.

On Saturday, the Browns made some moves for the future that left the fanbase shaking their heads.  They traded their fourth round pick to Pittsburgh for the Steelers third rounder next year, and if you listen to the fanbase the Steelers used that pick to select Shamarko Thomas, a 5'8 future Hall of Fame safety.  They then traded their fifth round pick to the Colts for another selection next year, Indy's fourth rounder.  The Colts picked Montori Hughes with that selection. 

In the sixth round, the Browns selected Jamoris Slaughter from Notre Dame, a safety coming off a ruptured achilles.  There are a couple videos here.  There's also a nice writeup here by Brandon Leister at DraftBrowns here - those guys are pretty good over there, they have write ups on all the Browns draft picks.  Slaughter is a versatile safety who can play in the box or in coverage.  There is an obvious injury concern but I would guess that the Browns did their homework and are comfortable with his recovery.  He's a guy that could potentially spend the season on IR while he recovers and turn into a valuable piece of the secondary with his versatility, but like most 6th round picks nothing is assured.  Mike Mayock raved about him when the pick was made, but Mike Mayock raves about most things safety and most things Notre Dame.

In the 7th round, the Browns selected Armonty Bryant, a developmental defensive end and Garrett Gilkey, a guard.  These guys played at East Central Oklahoma State and Chadron State, respectively.  Bryant was a combine invite and Gilkey played in the Senior Bowl, so they weren't exactly gems that the Browns unearthed.

I've seen neither of them play, so I have no opinion on them.  Bryant should be an end in the Browns 3-4, he is 6-4 with nearly 36 inch arms, which is some insane length.  He'll need to add weight.  He'll also need to not sell weed to any police officers, as he was arrested for during his senior season at East Central.  Some highlights here.

Gilkey played tackle but will likely play guard for the Browns, he played on the basketball team at Chadron State, so he has some athleticism.  There's some film here, he looks like a nasty player.

And that was that.  3 players on Saturday, when they went in with 5 picks.  It should be noted that they essentially traded their 5th rounder for Devone Bess and Miami's 7th rounder.  Bess is a productive slot receiver, the kind of player quarterbacks love having, as well as a pro's pro.  He should be a valuable addition.

Browns fans were and are upset though about the trades.  Look I get it.  I'm a draft guy, and I've been looking forward to this since that disgusting Washington game last year.  It's easy to be disappointed that they traded their fourth and fifth round picks.  However, next April we're all going to be super pumped that they did.  I think I saw a number that something like 16% of fourth round picks become starters.  Obviously that number would probably be lower with 5th rounders and higher with 3rds.  So from a sheer numbers perspective, the players the Browns pick next year should have a better chance of becoming starters than the players taken at the picks that they traded.  Are there needs on this team?  Yes.  Do I think they're done adding players?  No.  I still think a veteran cornerback or safety could be added.

The other aspect that people are overlooking is the fact that a young player should make the biggest jump as a player from their rookie year to their second season.  The Browns had one of the youngest rosters in the league last year.  Look at the list of rookies who started or contributed last season.

Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Mitchell Schwartz, Travis Benjamin, Josh Gordon, Billy Winn, John Hughes, James Michael Johnson, LJ Fort, Jonathan Bademosi, and Tashaun Gipson all saw significant playing time.  Those players should be better this year than they were last year.  They were also brought in by a different regime.  It is apparent that Michael Lombardi and Joe Banner felt that they'd rather evaluate these guys and see if they can play than add another couple of mid round rookies to the fold.  If they can't play, they'll be replaced, possibly this off season or in the draft next year.  So while from a fan perspective it looks like the Browns aren't addressing their needs in the 4th and 5th rounds, they obviously feel more comfortable developing the young talent that they already have in house.  Brandon Weeden will have to produce, or the Browns will have another poor season.  They'll be drafting his replacement in 2014 if he's lousy, and there are better quarterbacks coming out next year.  They have added some ammunition to move up and get one if needed by doing what they did.  It's forward thinking, but I really don't believe those people that say that they don't care about winning this year.  They're banking on the guys they have being better.  And they have a better coach, which shouldn't be overlooked. 

Everyone always loves looking at the San Francisco's and New England's and Green Bay's and the moves they make in the draft.  It seems like they always have extra picks to play with, and it's because they make moves like the Browns did.  Yes, I understand that those organizations have football teams that are far superior than what the Browns have been.  Those teams are built on acquiring picks, making moves to fill holes when needed, and developing their young talent.  That's the model that the Browns appear to be working towards.  And although it was an anticlimactic draft for the Browns, the moves they made cannot be judged until the 2014 draft.  In true Cleveland fashion, we'll have to wait until next year.

And in case you've been reading about how the Browns got a C- or a D or whatever mediocre draft grade some writer gave them, remember this:  Draft grades are IDIOTIC.

On Mingo

 

I'll admit I was nervous when the Browns came onto the clock yesterday.  I would've been okay with Milliner, and okay with a trade down.  But I was not surprised, and I was not upset in the least, when they announced the pick of Barkevious Mingo.  I was happy in a way, because it was a good first pick by Banner and Lombardi.  They understand the need to get to the quarterback, and that's where they've built this entire offseason.  Adding Mingo to Kruger, Groves, and Sheard gives the Browns some legitimate edge rushers.  Pair that with Taylor, Desmond Bryant, Rubin, Winn and Hughes and the Browns should be able to have a fresh defensive front with some serious young talent.  Successful teams are able to get to the quarterback, and with a defensive coordinator like Ray Horton, who is known as one of the best, most creative, and most aggressive coaches in the NFL, the Browns front should give a lot of teams problems.  I'm sure there are experts who don't like the pick, I'm sure there are fans that don't like the pick.  I love the pick, I think it's the right way to build.

Mingo was used as a hand in the ground defensive end at LSU.  He was responsible for contain in most of LSU's defensive looks.  He was not an ears pinned back pass rusher like a Jarvis Jones, and his stats look underwhelming because of that.  However the same argument I used for Dion Jordan I'll use for Mingo.  There are only so many people on the planet who are that big, fast, and athletic.  I heard the Browns liked Mingo better than Jordan.  If you only watch one of the videos here - watch the Clemson game, where he was basically turned loose.  He's the first one off the ball on almost every play, uses counter moves to set up the tackle, and shows explosion and burst.  Horton should have a blast developing a player with this kind of athleticism.

 

The argument against the pick is "Who is going to play corner?"  I do believe the Browns will select a cornerback, either tonight or tomorrow.  If that player can't come in and start, then it'll be Chris Owens.  Or they'll sign someone, like a Quintin Jammer or Jacob Lacey.  I do know it's easier to play corner when you're getting pressure on the QB, and that even the best corners get beat by quarterbacks who have all day to throw.

Long story short I really like the pick.  I think it was the right move, and I'm looking forward to watching Barkevious, Paul Kruger, and Jabaal Sheard getting after the quarterback.  It should be a slow day today unless the Browns can add picks, and I'd look for a corner or safety in the third.  Maybe David Amerson, Leon McFadden or Jordan Poyer.

Draft Thoughts - 2013

I haven't written anything for a while.  Not since the Browns crapped away their season with an embarrassing finish, and fired punching bag Pat Shurmur.  Not since they failed in their pursuit of Chip Kelly, and hired of Rob Chudzinski.  Not since they canned Tom Heckert for Michael Lombardi.  Not since they did a respectable job in free agency, and not since our owner was investigated by the FBI and IRS.  But now, on the eve of the draft, I think I'm ready to hop back in the saddle.

I've pretty much been against anything the Browns did from a front office standpoint.  I don't trust Michael Lombardi and Joe Banner running my team's draft.  But I guess we'll find out what they're all about tomorrow night.  After a respectable job filling holes in free agency, the glaring holes that remain on this team are at CB, TE, S, G, and FB.  Also, you can never have enough pass rushers, and the jury is still out on Brandon Weeden, although I'd give him the ball for another season, provided he's better than Jason Campbell.  If he isn't, we'll be picking high enough in 2014 to address that need.

The team is also without a 2nd rounder, used last year to pick Josh Gordon.  Who was worth it, no matter if you wish they had a second rounder right now or not.  He was worth it.

There is not elite talent at the top of this draft like there was last year.  The best quote I heard about this year's crop is that there aren't 10 players that deserve to go in the top 10, but there are more than 100 players who deserve to go in the top 100.  That said, a trade down or two to recoup that second rounder and pick up another third or fourth would be ideal for the Browns.

Here's a look at a few options for the Browns.

I'm a Dion Jordan fan, but I see few scenarios where I see him lasting until the Browns pick.  If he's there I'd take him.  There are few people on the planet with his size and athleticism.  He can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and hold up at the point of attack against the run.  A no brainer for me, but I expect him to be gone.

There are only two offensive players I'd consider, either at 6 or if they trade back, if I'm the Browns.  Those two players are Tavon Austin and Tyler Eifert.  I'm a huge Tavon Austin fan, I think he adds an element to an offense that few players in the league can.  He has experience as both a wideout and running back, and can also return kicks and punts.  People point to his size to knock him, but this is a different NFL.  Players are becoming more and more protected, they're not getting killed over the middle or on the sidelines.  Speed kills, and he's got a ton of it.  I'd use him in the slot and as a third down back, he would add another explosive element to an already pretty talented offense.  I love him and think he goes top 10 when it's said and done.

Eifert is the other offensive player I love.  He's a complete tight end in the Gronkowski/Gonzalez mold.  He's got size, soft hands, he can block, he's a complete player.  He's comfortable in line or flexed out, and would give Weeden a huge target over the middle and in the red zone.  I'm a huge fan, and think he ultimately ends up going in the top 12-15 picks.  I'm comfortable with the Browns taking either.

Dee Milliner is the other player that Browns fans seem to want the most.  Pairing him with Haden would potentially give the Browns two shutdown cornerbacks and would allow Ray Horton to attack attack attack.  I'm not as high on him as most.  I think he's pretty good, but the gap between him and some of the other corners in this draft is not that big, in my opinion.  If the Browns can get a second round pick, there will be a starting caliber corner waiting with that pick, either in a Johnthan Banks (who I love), Desmond Trufant, Darius Slay, DJ Hayden, Jamar Taylor, Logan Ryan, etc.

The other options at 6 include Barkavious Mingo, the sinewy pass rusher who was misused by LSU, Ziggy Ansah, the raw prospect from BYU (who I would have been all over if we stuck to a 4-3), or Geno Smith, the West Virginia quarterback.  I do ultimately think the Browns broker a trade down or two, picking up some extra picks along the way and possibly adding a guy like Xavier Rhodes or Kenny Vaccaro later in the first.

I think this is going to be one of the craziest drafts in recent memory.  I think you're going to see a ton of movement up and down, especially in the first round.  It should be exciting.  I'll be interested to see what the Banner/Lombardi wonder team come up with.

I did put together a mock draft below.  I guessed at a couple of trades.

1. Kansas City - Eric Fisher, OT - Central Michigan - It's a toss up between him and Joeckel, but I'll guess Fisher.  KC gets a stud LT, and moves Brandon Albert at some point on Friday.

2. Jacksonville - Geno Smith, QB - West Virginia - Blaine Gabbert is horrible.  They need a lot, but Geno is a start.

3. TRADE - Miami - Luke Joeckel, OT - Texas A&M - Miami gets a stud LT, and Oakland gets a second and some change to move back to 12.  Joeckel is a Joe Thomas type player, plug and play.  Stud.

4. Philadelphia - Dion Jordan, OLB - Oregon - Chip Kelly gets a guy he's familiar with, and a nice versitile player for his defense.

5. Detroit - Ziggy Ansah, DE - BYU - They coached him at the Senior Bowl and salivate at the possibility of pairing him with Suh on their D-line for the next 10 years.

6. TRADE - San Diego - Lane Johnson, OT - Oklahoma - The Chargers send their first and second round picks to the Browns to secure the rights to the third best tackle in the draft.  They need one bad.

7. Arizona - Barkavious Mingo, OLB - LSU - Cards get a pass rusher with more potential than maybe anyone in this class.  They need lots of help.

8. Buffalo - Tavon Austin, WR - WVU - Bills get a playmaker to go with CJ Spiller.  Marrone has seen plenty of Austin while coaching at Cuse, now he gets to have him.

9. NY Jets - Dee Milliner, CB - Alabama - Jets get Revis replacement in the top corner in the draft.

10. Tennessee - Star Lotulelei, DT - Utah - Titans take the best DT in the draft after he unexpectedly falls into their lap.  Great value pick here, could see some action with teams desperate to come and get him.

11. Cleveland - Tyler Eifert, TE - Notre Dame - Browns take another piece to add to a young and talented offense.  Chudzinski and Turner know the value of a stud tight end, and Eifert is head and shoulders above the other TE's in this draft.  Love this guy.

12. Oakland - Sharrif Floyd, DT - Florida - Oakland moves back and still gets a guy they would've considered at 3.  Al Davis isn't running the show anymore.

13. NY Jets - Cordarelle Patterson, WR - Tennessee - Jets needs playmakers, and need them badly.  They take arguably the most talented WR in this class.  Guy needs to learn how to run routes, but if he figures it out him and Hill could be a great duo.

14. Carolina - Sheldon Richardson, DT - Missouri - Panthers get a penetrating defensive tackle who gets to the quarterback from the inside.

15. New Orleans - Menelik Watson, OT - Florida State - Saints need to protect Brees and Watson is going to go higher than people think

16. St Louis - Chance Warmack, OG - Alabama - He and Jake Long should really solidify the Rams left side.

17. Pittsburgh - Jarvis Jones, OLB - Georgia - Just makes too much sense not to happen.

18. Dallas - Tank Carradine, DE - Florida State - Cowboys defense in flux with the transition to the 4-3.  They add the pass rusher from Florida State.

19. New York Giants - DJ Fluker, OT - Alabama - Giants aging line gets younger and much bigger with the mountainous Fluker. 

20. Chicago - Jonathan Cooper, OG - UNC - The Bears have needed offensive line help for years, maybe this is finally the year they address it.

21. Cincinnati - Kenny Vaccaro, S - Texas - The Bengals get the best safety in this draft and add to an already solid defense.

22. St Louis - Justin Hunter, WR - Tennessee - The Rams need playmakers, period.  They get one in Hunter, although his hands are sus.

23. Minnesota - Xavier Rhodes, CB - Florida State - Perfect corner for their cover two defense, they're lucky he falls into their laps.

24. TRADE - Philadelphia - EJ Manuel, QB - Florida State - The Eagles aggressively move up to get their QB of the future, not wanting to chance losing out to another team moving ahead of them.  Indy wants picks, having given up their second for Vontae Davis. 

25. Minnesota - Bjoern Werner, DE - Florida State - the run on Seminoles continues, with Minnesota picking up another pass rusher and eventual replacement for Jared Allen.

26. Green Bay - Jonathan Cyprien, S - FIU - Green Bay doesn't need much, but they need a replacement for Woodson.

27. Houston - DeAndre Hopkins, WR - Clemson - "Nuke" is the perfect pick for the Texans, a great complementary receiver that can do everything pretty well.

28. TRADE - Buffalo - Ryan Nassib, QB - Syracuse - Marrone moves up to get his guy, the QB he won with at Syracuse.  Adding Austin and Nassib is moving in the right direction for the Bills.  Broncos pick up a couple picks for their troubles, knowing that they can get either a corner or d tackle with Buffalo's 2.

29. New England - DJ Hayden, CB - Houston - An absolute stud who suffered an insane and life threatening injury during practice when he tore his vena cava in his heart after taking a knee to the chest.  If he's healthy, he's not that far behind Milliner.

30. Atlanta - Desmond Trufant, CB - Washington - NFL bloodlines, good size and speed, and fits a need for the Falcons.  They're a candidate to move up if Milliner drops.

31. San Francisco - Sylvester Williams, DT - UNC - They need young players on their defensive line.  Another candidate to move up, as they have way more picks than needs.  The Browns could end up picking here if they want to move back this far.

32. Baltimore - Matt Elam, S - Florida - They signed Michael Huff but still need help on the back end.  Elam is a bone cruncher who seems like a Ravens type pick.



Rest of the Browns draft as I see it:

44 - From San Diego - Johnthan Banks, CB - Mississippi State.  I'm a big big fan, has size, long arms, and playmaking ability.  Steps in day 1 opposite Haden.

68 - Tyler Bray, QB - Tennessee.  Has a better arm than anyone in the draft, and is also one of the youngest prospects coming out.  Is a bit cocky for my taste, but should be a developmental guy under Chud and Norv Turner.  Could turn out to be a great pick.

104 - Don Jones, S - Arkansas State.  Fast playmaking safety who should be able to come in and compete for a starting job.

139 - Devonte Holloman, LB - South Carolina.  One of my favorite prospects in this years draft, I have no idea where he fits in a 3-4 defense, I just know I want him on my team.  Will contribute on special teams at the very least.  Could be long gone by the 5th round, but I'm putting him here.

164 - Lerentee McCray, OLB - Florida.  Hard to find pass rushers in this league, he could be a steal at this pick.  Will give you his all and take some heads off on special teams.

175 - Mike Edwards, CB - Hawaii.  Bring this Glenville kid home, can also return kicks.

227 - Brad Wing, P - LSU.  The Browns had a really shitty punter, this one is better.

That's the way I would do it.  I have no idea how Banner and Lombardi will.  I had much more confidence when Tom Heckert was running the draft, but I suppose it's only fair to give these guys a shot.  All in all it should be a very interesting few days coming up here.

The Case to Keep Tom Heckert

I'm on record as saying I believe it will be a huge mistake for Joe Banner and new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to get rid of Tom Heckert.  I believe he is an excellent General Manager, I believe he has an excellent eye for talent and I believe he's set this franchise on the proper course for maybe the first time since they've been back.  His overhaul of the roster he inherited from Eric Mangini is probably one draft and offseason away from being complete, and there are few who can honestly say that this franchise isn't on the way up.

However I also stated when Jimmy Haslam took over that I understand if he wants to put his people in place.  If a person spends a billion dollars on anything, they should have it they way they want.  Heckert has not been perfect, I can't think of too many GM's that are.  But he is the absolute best one the Browns have had since they've been back, by a LOT, and probably the best since Ernie Accorsi.  Jimmy Haslam has all the respectability in the world right now with the fans of the Browns, it would be a shame to see that diminish in his first major decision as an owner.

I think the general consensus on the Browns is that they're moving forward.  This long suffering fanbase, the best in the country, have been punching bags pretty much since the franchise returned in 1999.  We suffered through Carmen Policy and Dwight Clark, Butch Davis and Pete Garcia, Phil Savage, and Eric Mangini while the team was owned by the Lerners, first Al, Art Modell's buddy, on who's plane the deal to move the Browns out of Cleveland in 95 was brokered.  Following his death, his son, Randy was forced into ownership.  He had no desire nor interest in owning the Browns, he was a soccer fan.  He rarely spoke about the team, it's direction, and actually paid Mike Holmgren ten million dollars a year to act as the owner for him.  Holmgen took Lerner's cash, kept a coach (Mangini) that had no future here for a season for absolutely no reason, hired his buddy's nephew, a guy that probably had no business being a head coach (Pat Shurmur), rarely spoke to the Cleveland media or it's fans but had a weekly call in show in Seattle, and is now publicly clamoring for a head coaching position for the Cowboys.  If anyone outside of Cleveland wants to know why the Browns have been so bad over the past 13 years, there it is.  For all his ineptitude though, it appears Holmgren found the right GM for this team in Tom Heckert.  Heckert undertook the task of rebuilding the Browns, who at the time he was hired in 2010 had one of the oldest rosters in the league under Eric Mangini (who still went 5-11).

In 3 years he has transformed a roster devoid of talent as well as youth into a young, talented team.  He has fortified the offensive line, which has long been a problem spot for the Browns.  Their oldest starter is Joe Thomas, who is 27 28 as of Tueday - thanks to my editor Bryan Powers for pointing that out.  This year's second rounder Mitchell Schwartz looks to be a 10 year starter.  The interior of the defensive line looks strong with Ahtyba Rubin, Phil Taylor, John Hughes, and Billy Winn.  He's added a legitimate pass rusher in Jabaal Sheard and an absolute stud at cornerback in Joe Haden.

Offensively at the skill positions, the Browns have their best playmaker in years in Trent Richardson.  The supplemental pick of Josh Gordon looks like an absolute steal as he has been outstanding and is only getting better.  Both of those offensive cornerstones are 21 years old.  Greg Little looks to be a legit starting NFL wide receiver, he's in his second season.  Rookies Travis Benjamin and Josh Cooper have shown flashes at times, as has second year tight end Jordan Cameron.  And while the jury is still out on rookie Brandon Weeden, he has an NFL arm and is an upgrade over Colt McCoy.

We've examined the drafts of the guys before he got here right here,

and Heckert's draft history before this past draft here.

The results are starting to speak for themselves on the field, as the Browns have won 2 straight and 4 of their last 7.  The team is not the less talented team on the field everyweek, like they have been for what seems like forever.  They are young, talented, and winning.  And their architect is Tom Heckert, who it appears won't be around to see the fruits of his labor.  To me, that's sad, frustrating, maddening, and flat out wrong.  Because the future seems bright finally.

This is a young team without too many glaring holes.  They are growing together and gaining confidence. They could easily have 6 wins and be in the playoff conversation if not for some curious decisions by their head coach.  The light on the horizon that Browns fans have been waiting to see is getting brighter and brighter.  But all indications are that Joe Banner and Haslam want to go in a different direction, for whatever reason.  I don't know much about Joe Banner and his role in Philadelphia, I do know that in the war room on draft day I'd much rather have Tom Heckert making the calls than Banner.  And while I believe Heckert has made a strong case to remain with the Browns as GM, Banner has yet to give any positive signs about his future here.  And in the past few weeks, the rumor mill has been churning regarding his possible replacement, Michael Lombardi.

Those rumors have exploded in the past week or so.  And while Banner has said nothing either way, there appears to be too much smoke to not have a fire somewhere.  And that rumor, true or not, has people in this town on edge.

I don't know anything about Michael Lombardi, except this

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=149&f=1547&t=10938553

and this

http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/08/22/bill-belichick-had-an-erection-for-warren-sapp-in-1995-but-michael-lombardi-wouldnt-let-the-browns-draft-him/

and this

http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=9031

and this from the OBR (small sample size but GEEZ)

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=149&f=1547&t=10971295

or this (BLAINE GABBERT IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE DRAFT????????????????)

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/03/08/lombardi-mock-draft-3-0-newton-to-bills/

Oh and this guy, also.

I also know he treated two of the Browns most popular players in Bernie Kosar and Kevin Mack like garbage, before releasing Kosar, with rumors that he selectively edited gamefilm to sell Modell on Kosar's "diminishing skills".  I know he trashed the Browns for the Josh Gordon pick, and called the trade up for Richardson a panic move.  He had Kyle Wilson rated higher than Joe Haden.  Those are three of the Browns best players, cornerstones of this team, that Lombardi is on record as being critical of.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement for his talent evaluation skills.

I know that he's been at NFL Network for a few years because no one, not even his pal Bill Belichick, thought highly enough of him to give him another job.  And after his failures at his previous stops why would they?  Going from Tom Heckert to Michael Lombardi would be yet another step back, and a major one in my opinion, when it looked like the Browns were moving forward.

But people like Jason La Canfora have the audacity to go on Cleveland radio and talk about how he thinks Lombardi is being personally attacked.  It's not personal Jason, it's BASED IN FACT.  First of all it's in Jason La Canfora's benefit to have a colleague in a position like Lombardi could be.  That's how reporters gain a reputation, by breaking stories leaked to them by people inside NFL facilities.  So there's that.  Ok Jason, maybe Michael Lombardi is your friend and colleague and you want to defend him.  But know who you're defending and to whom you're defending them.  IF ANY FANS IN ANY NFL CITY KNOW BAD PERSONNEL PEOPLE IT'S CLEVELANDERS.  HELL WE'VE LIVED THROUGH THEM FOR YEARS. WE'VE SEEN SOME OF THE WORST OF THE WORST.  AND LOMBARDI WORKED HERE.  AND HE WAS BAD.  AND TONY GROSSI COVERED THE TEAM WHEN LOMBARDI WORKED HERE, AND HAS NO AGENDA AS FAR AS I CAN TELL.  And I'm not a huge Tony Grossi fan, but the man knows what he's talking about in this case.

La Canfora can say what he wants but Lombardi's track record speaks for itself.  And it might not even be Lombardi that fans are upset about.  Fans are upset because when it finally looks like we have a good GM and talent evaluator who is building something promising, we're going to get rid of the guy.  There wouldn't be this outrage if Heckert was doing a lousy job.  Cleveland fans are upset because when the skies appear to be clearing, another storm looks to be rolling in.  Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner are taking a huge risk with the fans in this town.  Especially if the team continues to win this season, which we all hope.  That's all we want.  We want a winner.  We want to see exciting football.  We want our kids to understand why we love a team that has done nothing but crap on us since they left.  We don't want to see this thing get blown up again.  We don't want to go backwards, which appears where we're headed should Heckert not be retained..  If Haslam and Banner decide that Heckert isn't their guy, rest assured the honeymoon's over.  The apathy in this town towards the Browns was heading towards levels that were unfathomable to anyone who knows what a great football city this is before Jimmy Haslam bought the team.  He'd better hope his first major decision is the right one.  And in this fan's mind, the right one is keeping Heckert and letting him finish what he started.