Final Draft Thoughts...

The dust has settled, and the draft is done.  The Browns are a much better team than they were last week, that is a fact.  And after being the talk of the draft on Thursday, things settled down on Friday and Saturday.  In fact the Browns made only one selection on Saturday, but it was a good one, in cornerback Pierre Desir from Lindenwood. 

He's another perfect Mike Pettine cornerback, tall, long, and athletic.  He was projected to go higher than his draft spot, and will be given every chance to develop.  He was another solid pick.  The Browns traded their last remaining draft pick in the 7th round to the Ravens for a 6th rounder next year, giving them 10 draft picks next year.  While many people are upset that the Browns didn't draft a wide receiver, they signed some intriguing options as undrafted free agents, including two with draftable grades by most services in Willie Snead IV from Ball State and Chandler Jones from San Jose State.  Those two combined for 2872 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.   

Additionally, 33 wide receivers were drafted, which means that conceivably, 33 wide receivers currently in the NFL just lost their jobs.  And don't sleep on Charles Johnson, whom the Browns signed off of the Packers practice squad last season.  People have said that the Browns are high on him.  So don't let idiots like Todd McShay or Pete Prisco bring you down about this draft because the Browns didn't take a wideout.  The Browns had a great draft.  It should also be factored in that the Browns signed running back Isaiah Crowell after the draft, the former SEC Freshman of the year, and Connor Shaw, a quarterback from South Carolina who I really like.  Both of those guys could have been drafted as well and will have a good shot to make the team.

To recap I love this draft.  I think Gilbert, Bitonio, and Kirksey come in and start right away.  Manziel will certainly have a shot to start right away, as will Terrance West down the line.  That's 5 starters in 5 picks.  Desir is a high upside developmental prospect, and Crowell and Snead could be UDFA steals.  There's a lot to feel good about.  While the glitter was on day 1, the substance came on days 2 and 3, and the Browns did well.  Oh yeah and there's that first and fourth next year from Buffalo, so thanks again Bills.  I'm pumped, and I think Ray Farmer deserves all the praise in the world for the job he did.  The eyes of the football world will be on Cleveland and the Browns from now until the season starts, and I for one can't wait.  Go Browns.

Draft Thoughts Day 2......

 

I don't have a lot of time this morning but wanted to get a couple thoughts out there.  First of all, Thursday was a great night for the Browns.  Don't forget that.  Friday had the sheen stripped off with the Josh Gordon report, and I fell into it as well.  I was pissed.  What an idiot, if that is true.  Seriously he must be one of the dumbest humans on the planet.  Whether or not the punishment fits the crime (if it's for marijuana it doesn't, but he HAS to know better) he just threw away millions and millions and millions of dollars.  I'm not going to dwell on it, all I'm going to say is we don't know all the facts.  And there is not a 3rd round receiver that is going to come in and take the place of an All-Pro wideout, so save that outrage.  It is what it is.

Regardless, the Browns got better on Friday.  Joel Bitonio was the pick at 35, and he is a perfect fit at guard for Kyle Shanahan.  He should come in and play.  He played tackle at Nevada and played outstanding against fellow draft picks Anthony Barr and Demarcus Lawrence.  He's got the right amount of nasty in his game, he can get out and move, and he instantly upgrades the line.  Almost every scouting report says the same things.  Nasty, strong, smart, and tenacious.  Sounds like a great offensive linemen.  A scouting report here, this is a great pick.

In the third the Browns took Christian Kirksey, linebacker from Iowa.  He'll play the weakside backer in the Browns 3-4, next to Karlos Dansby.  He was an every down player at Iowa, and was versatile enough to take on linemen in the run game and play one on one coverage against slot receivers.  This is nice.

When one of your ILBs has the versatility to play press-man on slot receivers, it really gives you flexibil... https://t.co/YZytF6AJL5
— Brendan Leister (@BrendanLeister) May 10, 2014

He can run, he's more of a sideline to sideline player than a physical thumper.  He was a two time captain at Iowa and his intangibles are off the charts.  He has a lot of fans on draft twitter, a lot of people like the pick.  He should step in and immediately upgrade the linebacker spot that Craig Robertson occupied last season, opposing quarterbacks will undoubtedly miss throwing at him.  Pretty thorough write up here.

And at the tail end of the third the Browns moved up, giving up their 6th rounder this year to select Terrance West, the running back from Towson.  If you do any research on this guy you'll find it nearly impossible not to root for him.  Good quick read here.  He was a man amongst boys at Towson and fits the AFC North bill of big power backs.  The best way to counter a possible Josh Gordon suspension may be to run the hell out of the football, and now with Ben Tate and West you have a couple horses to ride.  His game against Eastern Illinois in the FCS playoffs is the stuff of legends.  Highlights here.


So as easy as it may be to be upset about Josh Gordon, it is undeniable that the Browns and Ray Farmer are killing it in this draft.  They are left with 2 picks today, a 4th and a 7th.  I'm still holding out hope for Jared Abredderis, and I wouldn't be shocked if they took a flier on either another wideout, corner, or quarterback in the 7th.  This team is on the right path, and I'm in the minority but I'm happy that Ray Farmer didn't jump off the path after the Josh Gordon news.  Keep taking good players, that's the way to build a team.  Go Browns.

Draft Thoughts Day 1......

What a day.  It's a good day here in Cleveland.  A great day.  Ray Farmer is the man.  The Browns are the talk of the NFL.  A great day.

I wanted Johnny Manziel, I would have been happy with him at 4.  I thought after they traded down, they were definitely taking him at 9.  They moved up to 8, and I thought they were taking him there.  No dice as the Browns went with the top cornerback on most boards, Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State.  I went through the emotions that judging from my twitter most people did, shock and disappointment that they let Manziel go.  And then things started to fall their way.  And when they traded up to 22, ohhh boy.  And then it happened....

Even if you aren't a big Johnny MFing Football fan, you have to be impressed with what Ray Farmer did.  Getting a 1st and 4th next year from Buffalo to drop down from 4 to 9 is amazing, and an absolute no brainer.  That's a trade you have to make.  Buffalo's draft position over the last 5 drafts before trades has been 9, 3, 10, 9, and 8.  Thanks Bills.  Great deal.  So they move back and then move up with Minnesota for a 5th (which I know doesn't sound like much but I'm pretty sick of giving Minnesota picks to move up one spot) and got their guy Gilbert.  If one thing was known about Mike Pettine it is that he values the cornerback position.  If you read Collision Low Crossers, the book about the Jets while Pettine was the defensive coordinator, you had a pretty good idea of the value he places on long armed athletic press corners.  And so they got the guy that will play across from Haden at number 8.  Gilbert is a bigger corner at 6'0 200lbs, he ran the fastest 40 yard dash (4.37) out of the corners at the combine, and also put up the most reps (20) at 225 lbs out of the corners, so he's strong as well.  He's a man cover guy and gives Pettine exactly what he's looking for out of a cornerback.  He'll fit in well.

And then instead of sitting back at 26 and hoping that their franchise quarterback fell to them, they aggressively moved up to 22, giving up the 3rd rounder that they had gotten from the Steelers the year before to take Johnny Football.  So even if you don't like Manziel, if you break it down you traded a 4th round pick and Trent Richardson for him.  That's a pretty damn good deal.  I've said all I can about Manziel, I think he can make all the throws with accuracy, is athletic, is instinctive, intelligent, and has the moxie I want from my quarterback.  Kyle Shanahan is the perfect offensive coordinator for him, he'll move him around and let him make plays.  He'll have to learn to get down and avoid hits, but to me he's a stud, and he provides a spark that this franchise needs.  He's 21 years old and has time to develop, but he's as exciting a player as we've had in Cleveland in a long time.

So again, to recap, the Browns ended up with an extra 1st and 4th round pick next year, the top cornerback in the draft, and a potential franchise quarterback in the polarizing, talented, confident Johnny Manziel.  That my friends is a great draft.  Ray Farmer deserves all the praise he's getting today.  The town is abuzz, and they'll have two picks tonight to continue building.

I think you'll see a WR and either an offensive lineman or a linebacker.  I'll go with Xavier Su'a-Filo, the guard from UCLA in the 2nd, and Jared Abredderis in the 3rd.  GO BROWNS.

Justin Gilbert Scouting Report here

Johnny Manziel Scouting Report here

Mock Draft 2014

Jay Glazer reporting that the Browns won't take Manziel at 4 crushes my spirit.  I'm taking him at 4 in my mock draft anyway.  Here it is.  I have no inside sources, this is essentially a guessing exercise.



1.  Houston - Khalil Mack - LB - Buffalo - Houston goes with the versatile linebacker over Clowney and Bortles.  He must seem like a safer pick than Clowney, but not what I'd do.

2.  St. Louis - Greg Robinson - OT - Auburn - The Rams are terrible and Jeff Fisher is a jerk.  Robinson is a great run blocker who needs to learn how to pass protect.  This may be a spot for Atlanta to trade up for Clowney.

3. Jacksonville - Jadeveon Clowney - DE - South Carolina - The Jags have to be doing backflips.  Clowney is awesome.

4. Cleveland - Johnny MFing Football - QB - Texas A&M - I know what Jay Glazer said but I refuse to believe the Browns are going to pass on a QB again in the top 10.  I just refuse. 

5. Oakland - Mike Evans - WR - Texas A&M - Watkins makes sense, a quarterback makes sense, the Raiders rarely make sense but they get it right here.

6. Atlanta - Jake Matthews - OT - Texas A&M - Matthews is really good, I expect Atlanta to try and move up for Clowney. 

7. Tampa Bay - Blake Bortles - QB - UCF - Tampa goes for upside and will have patience with the local guy.

8. Minnesota - Aaron Donald - DT - Pitt - Mike Zimmer is a defensive guy, and the Vikes need help up front.  This makes sense to me.

9. Buffalo - Sammy Watkins - WR - Clemson - Buffalo has to be pretty pumped.

10. Detroit - Justin Gilbert - CB - Oklahoma State - I think I mock a cornerback to Detroit every year.  One year I'll be right.

11. Tennessee - Anthony Barr - OLB - UCLA - Barr is a pure pass rusher and a stud. He may take a year or two to develop but he'll be worth the wait.

12. New York Giants - Taylor Lewan - OT - Michigan - Lewan is good but he's a total scumbag. Giants go o-line for the second year in a row.

13. St Louis - Ha Ha Clinton Dix - S - Alabama - The Rams have a good defense but Jeff Fisher sucks.

14. Chicago - CJ Mosely - LB - Alabama - Mosely is a three down player and will be called upon to lead a new look Bears defense.

15. Pittsburgh - Zack Martin - OL - Notre Dame - Martin is really really good and I hope this doesn't happen.  He can play almost anywhere on the line and should stabilize Pittsburgh's offensive line.

16. Dallas - Calvin Pryor - S - Louisville - Dallas has some big needs on defense but safety is one of the biggest.  They fill it here.

17. Baltimore - Eric Ebron - TE - UNC - Again something I hope doesn't happen.  Ebron is big and fast and talented.  He should go higher than this.

18. New York Jets - Odell Beckham Jr - LSU - I'm a big fan.  The Jets offense could be scary.

19. Miami - JuWuan James - OT - Tennessee - Big and nimble O-lineman should start right away for the Dolphins.

20. Arizona - Derek Carr - QB - Fresno State - Carson Palmer is old and awful.  I'm not a huge Carr fan.

21. Green Bay - Ryan Shazier - LB - Ohio State - Packers defense could be really nasty.  Shazier is fast and hits a ton, but will require some patience as he's not the most disciplined linebacker.

22. Philadelphia - Marqise Lee - WR - USC - Lee is a great fit for Chip Kelly and should step in and replace Mesean Jackson.

23. Kansas City - Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Louisville - Alex Smith has one year left on his deal, and Bridgewater would be a perfect fit for Andy Reid.  He can learn behind Smith and develop.  I think he's got what it takes to be pretty good.  This would be a great spot for him.

24. Cincinnati - Darqueze Dennard - CB - Michigan State - Cincy doesn't have too many holes, but they could stand to get younger in the secondary.  Dennard would be a great fit.

25. San Diego - Bradley Roby - CB - Ohio State - Roby wanted to leave last year and played like he had a foot out the door for the Buckeyes.  He was a stud as a sophomore though and should be a pretty good pro.

26. Cleveland - Kyle Fuller - CB - Virginia Tech - Fuller is a big, man to man corner and he would be a great great fit for what Mike Pettine wants to do on defense.  If he's here, I'd expect the Browns to sprint up to the podium.  I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade up or down with this pick, as there's a lot of different ways they can go.

27. New Orleans - Jason Verrett - CB - TCU - the run on corners continues with Verrett, a scrappy man cover player who can learn in the slot and take over for the recently signed Champ Bailey in a year.

28. Carolina - Cody Latimer - WR - Indiana - the Panthers have to draft a wideout early, right?  Latimer is big, he's a good blocker, and he should help Cam with his reliable hands.

29. New England - RaShede Hageman - DL - Minnesota - Hageman is a mountain of a man with good athleticism for his size.  To me he just seems like a Belichick pick due to his versitility, he can play in multiple fronts.  His motor has been questioned.

30. San Francisco - Brandin Cooks - WR - Oregon State - I'd think San Fran would be jumping up and down if Cooks made it to them.  He's a great complement to Crabtree.

31. Denver - Xavier Su'a-Filo - OG - UCLA - Denver needs corners, but they may have to move up to get one.  Here they get a guard to replace Zane Beadles who left in free agency.

32. Seattle - Kony Ealy - DE - Missouri - Seattle takes a pass rusher, which just seems like something that they'd do.  Ealy could go earlier, Dee Ford could go here as well.


Rest of the Browns draft




35. Cleveland - Allen Robinson - WR - Penn St - The Browns take Robinson, the big wideout from Penn State.  He's got enough speed, good hands, and he can go up and get the ball.  He's going to be a good pro in my opinion, and would be a great player opposite Josh Gordon.









71. Cleveland - Jordan Zumwalt - LB - UCLA - I'm sticking with Zumwalt in the third.  I love the guy, I think he plays the will linebacker in the 3-4 next to Dansby and becomes a pretty good pro.  If nothing else he's going to smash people on special teams.

83. Cleveland - Jared Abbrederis - WR - Wisconsin - I know they just took Robinson but this is my mock draft and I love what Abbrederis brings to the table.  He's a reliable target who may round out the receiving corp as a chain mover.







106. Cleveland - Chris Watt - OG - Notre Dame - Watt may be gone but I think he can come in and compete for a job.  Should be athletic enough to play in Shannahan's zone blocking scheme.












127. Cleveland - James Hurst - OT - UNC - Hurst may be looking at a redshirt rookie season after badly breaking his leg in the bowl game.  He's worth a shot here.








145. Cleveland - Bruce Gaston - DL - Purdue - Rubin makes too much money for what he provides a defense.  Gaston looked better as a junior but has enough size and quickness to make a rotation.







180. Cleveland - Ty Zimmerman - S - Kansas State - Zimmerman will make it hard for a coach to cut him.  I think he's going to make a team and carve out a nice career as a backup safety.









218. Cleveland - Kapri Bibbs - RB - Colorado State - Bibbs seems like a good fit as a one-cut runner in the Browns new scheme.  Throwing darts at this point.

Quick Draft Thoughts.....

I love the draft, but this waiting two extra weeks is brutal.  I'm sick of hearing people blast prospects.  I'm sick of hearing about how Teddy Bridgewater is dropping down draft boards, about how Tom Savage is shooting up them, about how the Browns need to do this or do that.  I'm sick of it all.  Put the draft back where it was.  By the time the draft finally gets here on Thursday every fan of every team is going to be mad about the player that their team drafts because of all the negativity that has been thrown at every prospect coming out.  I'm just ready for it to happen. 

I'm going to say that today, three days before the draft, I trust Ray Farmer.  I like him, I like the way he played out the Alex Mack situation, I like the way he talks to the media, I like the guy.  That said, there are certain things that can happen over the course of the three day draft that will change my opinion of him.  And I reserve the right to waiver in that, because I can convince myself after the fact that it's going to be okay, a la Brandon Weeden.  But still, I am nervous about Thursday.

The Browns needs are pretty clear and pretty well documented.  The three big ones are WR, QB, and CB, followed by OG and LB.  I expect the first three to be filled by picks 4, 26, and 35.  You can tell me all about Brian Hoyer, and I hope he does well, but I'm not ready to anoint him.  If you believe this team is on the cusp of being pretty good, and you don't expect them to be picking in the top 5 anytime soon, then you would expect them to take a quarterback at 4.  That's what I want them to do.  I want Johnny Football.  People in Cleveland, for some unknown reason, are afraid to roll the dice on a quarterback, the most important position in sports.  I don't understand it.  It makes no sense.  If you want to know why the Browns have been so shitty since 1999 it's because they have taken 1 qb in the top 20, that being Tim Couch.  You have to have a good qb to win consistently in the NFL, and I believe Johnny Manziel has the qualities that are needed to be successful and to lead these Browns to the playoffs.  I don't know if Ray Farmer agrees.  We'll soon find out.  I also am a Teddy Bridgewater fan.  I think he's going to be really good, and I just don't understand the criticism he's taking over a poor pro day.  Because that guy can play.  I'd be more than happy with him as well.  The other guy that has been talked about the most is Derek Carr.  I liked him during the season, but I've really really cooled on him.  His footwork is a mess and he's very easily rattled under pressure.  I can't think of a quarterback that has ever overcome an unwillingness to stand in the pocket and deliver.  The bowl game against USC game was an abomination.  People talk about Bridgewater's hand being too small, but they are bigger than Carr's.  So, at 4 I'm hoping for Manziel if they decide to go quarterback.  I'd love Bridgewater at 26 if they went a different way at 4, and I'd hate Carr, anywhere, especially if they have to trade picks to go up from 26 to get him.  This draft is chock full of starters in the mid-rounds.  Please don't trade up for Carr, Mr. Farmer.

The other position that is most talked about at 4 is wide receiver.  The name that has been talked about the most is Sammy Watkins.  I like Watkins, I don't want him at 4.  I get that people saw him torch Ohio State, and I think that's why Browns fans want him so much.  My problem with Watkins is that is he's 6'0 tall, and he never won't be.  I'd rather have Mike Evans, he's 6'5 and you can't coach that.  He's plenty big, plenty fast, his catch radius is ridiculous, and he can go up over cornerbacks and high point the football.  He, Gordon, and Cameron would be lethal.  Watkins will probably be pretty good, I'd bet on Evans being really really good if I were drafting.  If they were to take Manziel at 4 and wait on a wideout, there will be some good ones that will potentially be available at 26.  Odell Beckham is awesome but will probably be gone.  Marqise Lee or Brandin Cooks would look great on the opposite side of Josh Gordon as well.  Allen Robinson, Donte Moncrief, or Cody Latimer will probably be considered as well.  There is tons of wide receiver talent in this draft.  I'm a huge Jared Abbrederis fan and think he'd be a GREAT pick in the 3rd.

And finally, cornerback.  Joe Haden is a stud.  Mike Pettine knows the value of having great corners having coached Revis and Cromartie in New York.  The Browns will be looking for a cornerback, probably as early as 26.  I'd love Darqueze Dennard if he dropped.  That would be ideal.  He has size and swag, two things you need as a corner.  Jason Verrett or Kyle Fuller would be great as well.

So I'm hopeful.  But nervous.  But hopeful.  I'd love to see Johnny Football as a Brown come Thursday.  I'm hopeful that Ray Farmer values the quarterback position more than the previous regimes.  I'm hopeful that we'll have a new wide receiver so that I don't have to watch stonehands Greg Little anymore.  But more than anything I'm just ready for it to happen.  I'll put out a mock draft in the next day or so.  Thursday can't some soon enough.

Post Combine Browns Mock Draft

Bored today, and with the combine ending I figured I'd throw out a Browns mock draft.

This is how I think the top 3 will shake out

1.  Houston  - Blake Bortles QB UCF.  Dane Brugler from CBSSports, whose opinion I respect and who had Eric Fisher going number 1 to the Chiefs before anyone else last year, has had this penciled in for a while.  There are multiple dots that connect the two, starting with Bill O'Brien's preference for a big strong pocket passer, the fact that O'Brien came up under George O'Leary, Bortles' college coach, and O'Brien's recent hiring of Bortles' college quarterback coach George Godsey.  Bortles could be walking into an ideal situation, as he's going to need coached up and BOB is a good one.


2. St Louis - Jake Matthews OT Texas A&M.  The Rams, for all the picks they added in the RG3 trade, are not exactly brimming with offensive talent.  They have failed to give Sam Bradford anything to work with, (although I'm a Tavon Austin fan, and if they had a coach that knew how to use him he would be dangerous).  That said, they also have the 13th pick in a wide receiver rich draft, and that's why I can see them passing on Watkins.  I think they'll try and move the pick, and may get a bite from a team that likes to make a splash like Atlanta.  If they stay I think they chose the more refined Matthews over Greg Robinson, Fisher had Bruce Matthews (Jake's dad) with the Oilers and knows what he's getting.  Matthews is good, maybe better than his former teammate Joeckel who went 2nd last year.


3.  Jacksonville - Jadaveon Clowney DE South Carolina.  Yes, Jacksonville needs a quarterback.  They can use a wide receiver also.  They are another team that is not overflowing with talent.  What they do have is a great young coach in Gus Bradley, who just watched his former defense in Seattle dominate the Super Bowl with a devastating pass rush.  They also coached at the Senior Bowl, where quarterbacks that may be around in the 2nd round like Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo may have impressed them.  They may just realize that Clowney is the type of talent that you don't pass on, and personally I think a coach like Bradley may be just what Clowney needs.  People can knock Clowney for his "motor" but some guys just want to get paid to play football.  Clowney would have been a top 5 pick after his freshman year, a top 5 pick after his sophomore year, but he had to go back to school for a third season.  He also saw teammate and potential first rounder Marcus Lattimore have his leg turned into a sock full of parts after a nasty hit, and fall into the fourth round.  Clowney is awesome, just remember that over the next couple months as people take shots at him.  He possesses rare Hall of Fame talent.  Plus he'll be good and pissed at Houston, who Jacksonville plays twice a year. 



And now for the Browns (Browns only for now....)

4.  Cleveland - Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M.  Going into the season, I liked Johnny Football.  I never expected him to be a top 5 pick in the draft, and I never thought I'd want the Browns to take him over Teddy Bridgewater should they have the choice.  I now think he's exactly what the Browns need.  He's much better in the pocket than people give him credit for, he has intermediate and deep accuracy, and he has the "it" factor that this team so desperately needs.  I'm not taking Manziel just for that, but I like that he has it.  I'm not concerned about his height, I think that is overblown a little bit.  He makes plays, he gives his receivers chances to make plays, he understands the game.  He's also only 21 years old, and may still be growing (Size 15 shoes).  Some of his improvisation looks panicked, but to me there is something instinctive about the way he recognizes what is happening around him.  He'll have to learn to avoid getting hit in the NFL but they all do.  I see a franchise changing player when I watch him, and hopefully that franchise is the Browns.  I like Teddy Bridgewater, I really do.  But right now I just like Manziel more.  I could link a hundred different articles that would have probably a hundred different opinions.  But I won't.  Here are a couple that I think are fair.

Here's a thorough evaluation by Brendan Leister at Draft Browns

Here's another by Sigmund Bloom

And here's his page over at Draft Breakdown



26.  Marqise Lee WR USC - Full disclosure I really really want Odell Beckham from LSU but I just don't see him dropping to 26.  If Beckham is there I pounce if I'm the Browns.  That said Lee is a pretty nice consolation prize.  He has decent size at 6'0 and 190 lbs.  He was an absolute stud his freshman and sophomore seasons before falling off a little this past year possibly because of injuries, quarterback questions, and all the turmoil around the coaching changes.  He showed the ability to make plays and get into the endzone in college, and would make a great complement to Josh Gordon.  He's a crisp route runner with above average hands, he'd probably come in and push for a starting spot early.  I'm a fan.  There is good depth at receiver if they wanted to wait, but Lee is pretty damn good and worthy of the 26th pick.  He gives Johnny a legit weapon to pair with Gordon and Cameron.

Draft Breakdown page here



35.  Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame - This is a bit off the radar but I'm a big fan of having multiple good tight ends and value the versatility they can provide for NFL offenses.  With the emphasis on matchups in today's NFL, having good tight ends limits what a defense can do against certain formations.  An offense can line up in a power formation and then in a spread look without substituting if they have good enough tight ends.  They can control tempo and create matchup nightmares.  See the Pats with Gronk and Hernandez.  That's why I liked Eifert so much last year, and like Niklas here this year.  Niklas is a huge, old school inline tight end and a great complement to Jordon Cameron.  He's 6'6 270 lbs with good hands and good athleticism.  He can play flexed out or inline, and would also give the Browns another huge redzone target.  He may be a work in progress but should have the time to develop with Cameron here.  He had big games on the big stages, against Michigan and USC, and then again in the bowl game.  I'm a big fan, I think if he would have gone back to school he'd be a top 15 pick next year.  I'm taking him now, and giving JFF a full toychest to play with.

Draft Breakdown page here

71.  Joel Bitonio OG Nevada - Guard will be addressed, either in free agency or the draft.  Shaun Lauvao simply is not good enough to start, and there exists the potential that Alex Mack will walk and John Greco will have to slide over and play center.  Bitonio was a tackle in college but will play guard, he can fit into a zone blocking scheme if Kyle Shannahan brings that along.  I've read more about him than seen him, but he seems like a logical fit at that spot.  I should add that I love Jared Abbrederis and really really want him to end up on the Browns.  I just cannot in this scenario (as fantastical is it may already be) go QB WR TE WR in this draft.  But honestly if there is a player outside of the first round that I really really want on the Browns its him.

Draft Breakdown page here


83.  Jordan Zumwalt LB UCLA - Craig Robertson had a rough second half of the season, either due to an inability to adjust by Ray Horton or by deficiencies in his game. Regardless, linebacker is a position that should be addressed.  Enter Zumwalt, a versatile tackling machine with the temperament you want in a linebacker.  He has experience in a multi front defense and has played both inside and outside.  At worst he should step in and contribute immediately on special team.  I love the guy I'm a big fan,  He nearly knocked Logan Thomas off of planet Earth in the bowl game.  He's the kind of guy that will give everything he's got. 

Draft Breakdown page here

102.  James Hurst OT UNC - Was pretty highly regarded going into his senior season.  He broke his leg (badly) in the bowl game and may be a good value here, but may be looking at a redshirt rookie season.  At worst, he provides depth at both tackle spots, and at best he possible kicks Mitchell Schwartz inside or moves inside himself and turns into a starter. 

Draft breakdown page here







123.  Tyler Gaffney RB Stanford - I expect the running back position to be addressed in free agency, and Dion Lewis and Edwin Baker showed promise last season, so I don't believe running back will be a high priority.  Gaffney is just a solid back who doesn't really stand out in any one thing but does everything pretty well.  He ran faster than expected at the combine which may move him up a little.  Taking him here with the expectation that it will be a backfield by committee with him, Lewis, a free agent, and possibly Baker.

Draft Breakdown page here








133.  Ricardo Allen CB Purdue - At this point I'm deferring to players I've seen play rather than some of the small school guys that will surely get looked at by team.  Allen is a smaller corner but every time I've seen him he plays bigger than he is.  I'm a big fan, I think he can make this team as a backup corner and special teams player.  I'm not as down on Leon McFadden as everyone else is also, and that's why I'm okay waiting this long to take a DB.

Draft Breakdown page here

164.  Connor Shaw QB South Carolina - Someone else had the Browns taking Shaw late, and I actually like the strategy of taking two quarterbacks in one draft.  I like Shaw, I think he can play.  He's also limited by his size, but he has pretty good speed and a decent arm.  He's a developmental quarterback behind Manziel and Hoyer.  The only quarterbacks in this draft I really like are Manziel, Bridgewater, Brett Smith from Wyoming, and Shaw.  I'm coming around on Aaron Murray, but still...

Draft Breakdown page here






195.  Colt Lyerla TE Ex-Oregon - He may be long gone, or he may be undraftable.  He's a knucklehead with an unbelievable amount of talent.  He was kicked off the team at Oregon (or left) and apparently loves cocaine and booze.  HOWEVER, here I'd take him and see if I can get him sorted out.  Read the article below and you'll understand why someone as talented as him may still be on the board.  But I think in this mock I've taken enough good character good football guys that I'm okay with the risk.

A Troubled Talent

Draft Breakdown





There you go - first Browns mock of the season.  I never commented on the Banner Lombardi thing, all I'll say is that I'm more confident in the direction of this team and front office than I have been in a long time.

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.