People always ask the questions what should the Browns do this offseason to get people excited again, I've decided to give some details on what I would do if I were the Browns, with a realistic approach to get the Browns deep within the playoffs next year.
Resign:
Peyton Hillis and D'Qwell Jackson, Phil Dawson and Usama Young:
Analysis:
Hillis will give the Browns that bruising type back that is needed to establish the running game especially in the later parts of the year and considering that Montario Hardesty can't be counted on because of Injuries. Jackson will give the Browns some stability at the LB position and is coming off a very solid season with a bunch of tackles. Young has played well at times and hasn't played well at other times but, would give the Browns time to groom someone to eventually take over.
Free Agency:
DeSean Jackson
Rocky McIntosh
Demetrius Bell
Paul Soliai
Analysis:
DeSean Jackson is a player that can give the Browns both a threat via the long ball and in the punt return game as well. He would team up beautifully with the Greg Little and Momass to give, I believe a very solid WR unit.
Rocky McIntosh is a veryathletic, solid, young veteran LB that will give the Browns speed at that position and will allow them to groom someone younger without having to force them to start right away.
Demetrius Bell: would give the Browns a young, athletic RT that would significantly upgrade that position in terms of run blocking and would look to get him better in terms of pass blocking.
Paul Soliai: Soliai, would give the Browns a tough, hard nosed run stuffer to work in a awesome tandem with Rubin, Taylor and Paxson. His presence would give the Browns much needed depth along the DL.
Draft:
round one: Robert Grffin III, QB Baylor
round one: Andre Branch, DE Clemson
round two: Chase Minnifield, CB Virginia
round three: Travis Lewis, LB Oklahoma
round four: Nate Potter, OT Boise State
round four: Brandon Joiner, DE Arkansas State
round five: George Iloka, S Boise State
round six: Curnelius Arunick, ILB Tulsa
Analysis:
RG3: Big time Talent, can make all passes with touch and velocity. Is as accurate as anyone in the draft and extremely mobile. Does need to polish up in few areas and might not be ready to take over the very first game of the preseason but, will be clearly the best QB by the end of camp.
Andre Branch. Has the chance to be that explosive pass rusher the Browns so desperately need. He is very athletic and can run. He would be counted on to give the Browns big production from day one. He does lack consistency at times but, that can be over come.
Chase Minnifield: This pick had nothing to do with the fact that his father is a legend with the Browns but, because this guy can flat out play. I was torn between Minnifield and Janoris Jenkins and flipped a coin to get Minnifield and because he's an inch taller. The kid can play and plus he has terrific Blood lines. He will be counted on heavily to give the Browns good production from day one.
Travis Lewis: With the addition of Rocky McIntosh, Lewis would be able to concentrate on Special Teams and then ease his way into the position. He is fast and athletic but, sometimes lacks the consistency in production that is needed. He would do well to sit for a year or two to get ready to take over for McIntosh or Gocong.
Nate Potter: A good, athletic big man that hasn't completely filled out and won't be asked to come in a play right away. This will be good for all parties because he will have time to work on strength and learn how to play at this level. The tools are in place but, sitting him for a year and maybe two won't hurt at all.
Brandon Joiner: Joiner is an exciting athletic prospect that would be worked in gradually as strictly a rotation DE. Substituting with Andre Branch, Sheard and Marcus Bernard. With the Addition of Paul Soliai it will give the Browns a legit eight deep to keep the DL fresh.
George Iloka: Iloka is a tall, hard hitting S from Boise State. He is fast and plays well is space. He does struggle at times in coverage but, that can be overcome with coaching because this guy definitely has the ability to cover with his speed.
Cornelius Arnick: Is a tough, fairly athletic inside linebacker who would concentrate on special teams but, provide much needed depth at the linebacker position
Clearly, the Browns are a better team with Hillis, he's the one player, opposing teams have to game plan for. He brings a different element, and dynamic to the Browns offense. Not only can he move the chains, get to the 2nd level, but he catches the ball out of the backfield, can pass protect, and he finishes runs.
ReplyDeleteThe AFC North is one of the most physical defenses in football. Hillis makes perfect sense for the West Coast offense, you have to find ways to incorporate team strengths, into what you do.
Jackson has clearly been the linchpin on the defensive side of the ball. After missing the past 2 seasons with pectoral injuries, Jackson has come back with a vengeance. He is clearly playing at a Pro Bowl level, and is perfect in the middle, in this 4-3 scheme.
Lets look at the RB's available, and realistically, where they'll be heading, or if they will have an interest in the Browns.
Ray Rice will more than likely be staying with Baltimore. He doesn't make sense, for how the Browns run the ball. Ravens have used Rice in a manner that will prolong his career. He catches a lot of passes out of the backfield, which are extensions of their run game. He has success running between the tackles, but you don't want to pound him there.
Matt Forte, you have to think Chicago will get first crack. I' don't think Forte is particularly happy with how Chicago has handled matters, but money seems to be the cure for ill will. The Browns can overpay, and possibly lure Forte, if getting paid, is the motivating factor. Depending upon what Green Bay decides to do with Ryan Grant, Forte, could stay within the division.
James Starks, and how the Packers feel about Alex Green, they may not make a competitive offer to Grant. They let Brandon Jackson, make his way to Cleveland this year, and we see the results of that, Jackson never played a down, on IR, and Green Bay is 13-1, geared for another Super Bowl run.
Mike Tolbert likes it in sunny San Diego. No one else really intrigues me, I'd much rather the Browns re-sign Hillis, then look to the draft.
D'Qwell Jackson is a must, in looking to upgrade the LB I like Anthony Spencer (DAL) and Dan Connor (CAR) I also bring back Marcus Bernard. like him as a pass rusher, and he's versatile enough to play up, or down. Mismanagement, in my opinion, led to his decline this year. I think the Browns like Titus Brown too.
I'm with you on Phil Dawson as well, sign him to a 2 year deal, and be done with it. I don't want to franchise a kicker. Sign him to a multi-year deal, and be done with it. Kicking goes in cycles, you can always find one short term.
I have no interest in DeSean Jackson, he just isn't a good fit here. Clearly he's a guy, that's motivated by money, nothing wrong with that. With the Browns uncertainty at QB, makes no sense for him to come here, other than money, not a good combination. Norwood, in my opinion can be the same type WR. He can be as much as the Browns allow him to be with opportunities.
In looking at the top WR's available, considering the Browns uncertainty at QB, returning to their current situations, or going to situations where they can compete for a Championship, make the most sense. Reggie Wayne (IND), Wes Welker (NE), Vincent Jackson (SD), Dwayne Bowe (KC) is intriguing, but if Crennell gets that HC position, you have to think he wants Bowe back.
I don't want a 2nd tier WR, throough free agencey. I'd rather develop what they have, and maybe draft a WR, Justin Blackmon (OSU) has always been high on my list, and I'd take a chance on Devier Posey (OSU) who has size, speed, and hands.
Usama Young, isn't a free agent, they just brought him in this year. I haven't really been impressed, when he can stay on the field. He and TJ Ward, seem to be the same type player, big hitters, strong against the run, but weak in pass coverage, neither is a play-maker in the secondary, along the lines of Ed Reed (BAL) or Troy Polamalu (PIT)
ReplyDeleteSecondary, really isn't a major concern, unless they make the decision to move in another direction from Young, or Ward. I think they replace Brown at CB, with either Dimitri Patterson, or James Dockery, and they seem to be pretty high on Eric Hagg. I really like the Browns young guys. I would draft a guy, as opposed to pursuing anyone in free agency. Mike Adams is steady, and Buster Skrine, is a definite keeper.
The offensive line could use some depth, clearly injuries were problematic. Eric Steinbach, may return, Tony Pashos, just can't seem to stay healthy. I don;t think the offensive line, was as bad as Colt McCoy, made them look at QB, but you can never have enough depth.
If I was going to look to make an immediate impact in free agency, it would start on the offensive line. Carl Nicks (NO), Demetrius Bell (BUF) is a LT, not sure if he can play the right side, I can't see Baltimore not keeping Ben Grubbs (BAL)
If a top tier lineman can't be added through free agency, I look to the middle of the draft. I like the way Oniel Cousins, and Artis Hicks, has played at times. I think with Seneca Wallace as the Browns starting QB next year, The offense as a whole, will be a lot more efficient, and productive.
I've yet to really put much thought in the draft, I have a few that I'm looking at, but as I take in the bowl games, and the unconventional match-ups, I'll have a better feel.
Week 16 Picks
Houston* (I would have picked Houston, but taken the points
Cleveland
Kansas City
Denver
Tennessee
Arizona
New England
NY Giants
Minnesota
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Detroit
San Francisco
Philadelphia
Green Bay
New Orleans
Good Points but, I think the secondary is a problem because Brown won't be back next year and we still have no FS who can make an immediate impact.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the OL and think they will address that even when Steinbach does come back. I see the Browns addressing the QB situation first and will have Desean Jackson in hand before then. Also, Bowe will get Franchised and Jackson is as big a risk of any