You talk about a tale of two halves: This game was one of those and I will illustrate some of the points I saw in where the Browns lost this game. After watching the game over it became apparent what the BIGGEST point of failure was even though multiple things went wrong on both offense and defense.
1st half offense:
Absolutely no problems with the play calling whatsoever. Saw a nice combo of run and pass and it was working very effectively. Also, it was a combo of short and long passes. It's maddening the number of long plays this team misses because of dropped passes. The first throw to Gordon over the middle in which he would've had a big gainer and the pass before halftime in which it went off his finger tips. You have to make those plays. My biggest issue in the 1st half offensively was the poor decision by Weeden on that INT. I understand he was trying to make a play but, he killed a promising drive. If he's going to throw that pass make sure his man is the only one that can catch it. Not happy with that throw one bit.
1st half defense:
In watching the game there were signs that we would see what we saw in the 2nd half. The run defense in the 1st half was very stout. TJ Ward made alot of plays close to the line of scrimmage(he also missed some tackles). The pass rush throughout the entire game was none existent. Mingo is seeing that his 1.5 moves isn't nearly good enough an Paul Kruger is who I thought he was. Please, don't get me wrong I still like Mingo and think he's going to be a good player but it's going to take time and you won't see him blossom this year.
The lack of pass rush was particularly a problem because it exposed the real weaknesses in coverage in Jackson and for this game Robertson. Robertson had by far his worst game as a pro and in the 2nd half needed to be benched. His play was TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. On the back end of the defense they are really blossoming. Skrine is not only becoming a good player but someone who can be relied upon to make consistent plays. Gipson is the same way. Remember when everyone wanted to go out and sign all these vet players??
2nd half offense:
This is where the game was lost, IMO: Instead of continuing to do what they did in the first half the offensive game plan got greedy and impatient. We've seen this story before. The penalties didn't help though, especially the first drive in the 2nd half. In the 2nd half the offense was screaming for a slant pass that would get them a 1st down so they could keep the drive going. Plus the offense abandoned the run far to easily. Weeden got kinda hot in the 2nd half so they thought they were going to continue to build off that but the deep passes they were trying to execute weren't there. All in all, the ineptitude of the offense was the biggest reason why with big aid from poor Coaching.
The INEXCUSABLE play by Weeden cannot be tolerated and he knows this: He has to eat that ball. I do understand that he didn't want to take a sack but it's better to take the sack and live another day. The sad part about that the play was that Weeden did a beautiful of not forcing the ball into his primary WR on that play but did a poor job of throwing the ball Obognnaya when that play wasn't there. Also, it took away from an impressive drive he was having moving the team. All in all, no issues with his overall play but those mistakes have to be avoided because it not only exposes the defense but it kills momentum.
2nd half defense:
The lack of pass rush continued and DQ and Robertson continued to be exposed. The only difference in the defense was that the tackling was becoming an issue because they were out there for so long. It also needs to be noted that the defense allowed the Lions to get the ball and march right down for a TD in the 2nd half. Also, 3rd downs continue to be a problem for this defense.
Observations:
Supposedly, Norv is the one calling the plays but make no mistake this isn't Norv's offense: I've followed Norv's offense everywhere he's been and Norv is a grind it out type of OC, running the ball three times in the 2nd half isn't grinding it out. Conversely, this offense has Chud written all over it. We've seen this before this year with the lack of running the ball and it goes back to what he did at CAR too. When he was here, Romeo insisted on him being much more balanced .
Guys catch the damn ball: Missing on far too many plays when the balls are perfectly thrown and the drops happen. The two big plays to Gordon stands out. Not saying guys have to be perfect but drops like that hurt because they assuredly would've lead to major points being scored.
Brandon Weeden: I thought he was EXCELLENT in the first half outside of that poor decision on INT. The 2nd INT is totally inexcusable and unacceptable. In the 2nd half not as efficient but did make some very, very good throws. The Pass to Little that was ruled incomplete was fantastic. The slant throws he made all game long totally dis spells the talk he has no touch. Often threw the balls into tight Windows. Other things that are noticeable is how he's moving his head to make other throws when primary WR's aren't open. He's gotten considerable better at this since last year. Another thing is that he hangs in the pocket alot better. I noted this in the Miami game. He threw a strike to Greg Little when he was interfered with with a man in his face.
Bottom line with Weeden: Eliminate the bone headed plays and you will be a very good player for the next 5-7 yrs no matter where you are.
Defensively:
Horton needed to replace Craig Robertson in the 2nd half after a nice warning about his first half play. His play was totally unacceptable and looking at Robertson's body language in the game he knows he sucked in the game. Also, my biggest fear on the defense finally was exposed. DQ is a very big liability in pass coverage and has been for a long time.
Mingo is starting to be exposed as a pass rush threat. It's like a guy you get in baseball who throws 100 mph but can't get anything else over the plate expect for an occasional curve ball. Sooner rather than later the hitters will time you up. Same goes with Mingo. His lack of pass rush moves and having only that speed rush and occasional spin move isn't making him effective. This team misses Sheard so much because of his knack of making plays in the run and passing game. Quentin Groves should be getting more PT too(I'm scratching my head as to why we're not seeing him on pass rush alot more). I'm growing tired of the Paul Kruger's version of the invisible man
Monday, October 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Joe Flacco
I often get strange looks when I mention that Joe Flacco is my 20th ranked QB in the NFL even though the Ravens just won a Super Bowl. I was inspired to show how I got to this point and my reasoning for putting in so low. I found the need to put all the different QB's ahead of Flacco into categories because each QB is in a different stage of development.
The Super Elite: These are the QB's that are without a doubt big time players and have shown repeatedy that they can get the job done on the biggest of stages. Joe Flacco cannot touch any of these QB's no matter how you spin it. Further, these QB's are often the first thing you think of when you think of their respective teams and DCs often have to game plan against. These guys are in no particular order.
2. Peyton Manning
3. Arron Rodgers
4. Matt Ryan
5.Tom Brady
The Elite: These are the guys who are continual outstanding performers but, for whatever reason they can't seem to get over the hump. These guys are any moment can carry a team and have demonstrated a high level of consistency throughout their career. Again, in no particular order.
6. Carson Palmer
7. Phillip Rivers
8. Eli Manning
9. Matt Schaub
10. Tony Romo
The Super Rookies: These are the Rookies/2nd year players that you can clearly see that sooner than later is going to greatly exceed anything that Flacco has done or will ever do. These guys are going to be so outstanding for a long time that it is justified that these guys should be called Franchise QB's.
11. Colin Kaepernick
12. Robert Griffin III
13. Andrew Luck
14. Cam Newton
15 Russell Wilson
The Inconsistent Elite: These are the guys who have tremendous upside but, it's just a matter of time before they put it altogether and become big time players at their position. These guys have been somewhat inconsistent due to alot of things not all in their control but, I would never trade any of these guys for Joe Flacco.
16. Matthew Stafford
17. Josh Freeman
18. Sam Bradford
19. Andy Dalton
*In the case of Andy Dalton more scrutiny and work needs to be done because I'm still not convinced he can make ALL the throws necessary to be possible elite. In looking at is body of work in the two years he's been in the league, it's hard not to be very impressed though.
This puts Joe Flacco as my 20th ranked QB. Yes, he has been solid and he had a tremendous run as a QB to the Super Bowl but, lets not get carried away about this great playoff run because his entire body of work has been up and down(mostly up) but, far from elite or should be called a franchise QB.
The Super Elite: These are the QB's that are without a doubt big time players and have shown repeatedy that they can get the job done on the biggest of stages. Joe Flacco cannot touch any of these QB's no matter how you spin it. Further, these QB's are often the first thing you think of when you think of their respective teams and DCs often have to game plan against. These guys are in no particular order.
1. Ben Roethlisberger
3. Arron Rodgers
4. Matt Ryan
5.Tom Brady
The Elite: These are the guys who are continual outstanding performers but, for whatever reason they can't seem to get over the hump. These guys are any moment can carry a team and have demonstrated a high level of consistency throughout their career. Again, in no particular order.
6. Carson Palmer
7. Phillip Rivers
8. Eli Manning
9. Matt Schaub
10. Tony Romo
The Super Rookies: These are the Rookies/2nd year players that you can clearly see that sooner than later is going to greatly exceed anything that Flacco has done or will ever do. These guys are going to be so outstanding for a long time that it is justified that these guys should be called Franchise QB's.
11. Colin Kaepernick
12. Robert Griffin III
13. Andrew Luck
14. Cam Newton
15 Russell Wilson
The Inconsistent Elite: These are the guys who have tremendous upside but, it's just a matter of time before they put it altogether and become big time players at their position. These guys have been somewhat inconsistent due to alot of things not all in their control but, I would never trade any of these guys for Joe Flacco.
16. Matthew Stafford
17. Josh Freeman
18. Sam Bradford
19. Andy Dalton
*In the case of Andy Dalton more scrutiny and work needs to be done because I'm still not convinced he can make ALL the throws necessary to be possible elite. In looking at is body of work in the two years he's been in the league, it's hard not to be very impressed though.
This puts Joe Flacco as my 20th ranked QB. Yes, he has been solid and he had a tremendous run as a QB to the Super Bowl but, lets not get carried away about this great playoff run because his entire body of work has been up and down(mostly up) but, far from elite or should be called a franchise QB.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Haden vs Revis
Keep in mind I consider a shut down CB as a CB that can go up against
the very best WR's and limit them if not shut them down. I did Revis vs
Haden.
Darrelle Revis:
Revis played against the following top WR's:
Steve Johnson(Buf)
Wes Welker(NE)
Brnadon Marshall(MIA)
Jeremy Maclin(PHI)
Demaryius Thomas(DEN)
Dewayne Bowe(KC)
Revis vs Steve Johnson in two meetings: 3 catches for 84 yards and 8 catches for 75 yards
Revis vs Wes Welker: in two meetings: 5 catches for 124 yards and 6 catches for 64 yards
Revis vs Brandon Marshall: in two meetings: 6 catches for 109 yards and 5 catches for 50 yards
Revis vs Jeremy Maclin: one meeting: 3 catches for 57 yards
Revis vs Demaryius Thomas: one meeting: 2 catches for 37 yards
Revis vs Dwayne Bowe: one meeting 6 catches for 69 yards
Joe Haden:
Haden against the following top WR's:
Michael Crabtree:(SF)
AJ Green:(CIN)
Larry Fitzgerald(AZ)
Brandon Marshall(MIA):
Mike Wallace(PIT):
Pierre Garcon(IND):
Haden vs Crabtree: one meeting: 5 catches for 54 yards
Haden vs AJ Green: two meetings: one catch for 41 yards(that play where the Browns were knapping) and 3 catches for 110 yards
Haden vs Larry Fitzgerald: one meeting: 3 catches for 62 yards
Haden vs Mike Wallace: two meetings: 4 catches for 57 yards and 1 catch for 11 yards
Haden vs Brandon Marshall: one meeting: 4 catches for 43 yards
Haden vs Pierre Garcon: one meeting: 3 catches for 28 yards
Darrelle Revis:
Revis played against the following top WR's:
Steve Johnson(Buf)
Wes Welker(NE)
Brnadon Marshall(MIA)
Jeremy Maclin(PHI)
Demaryius Thomas(DEN)
Dewayne Bowe(KC)
Revis vs Steve Johnson in two meetings: 3 catches for 84 yards and 8 catches for 75 yards
Revis vs Wes Welker: in two meetings: 5 catches for 124 yards and 6 catches for 64 yards
Revis vs Brandon Marshall: in two meetings: 6 catches for 109 yards and 5 catches for 50 yards
Revis vs Jeremy Maclin: one meeting: 3 catches for 57 yards
Revis vs Demaryius Thomas: one meeting: 2 catches for 37 yards
Revis vs Dwayne Bowe: one meeting 6 catches for 69 yards
Joe Haden:
Haden against the following top WR's:
Michael Crabtree:(SF)
AJ Green:(CIN)
Larry Fitzgerald(AZ)
Brandon Marshall(MIA):
Mike Wallace(PIT):
Pierre Garcon(IND):
Haden vs Crabtree: one meeting: 5 catches for 54 yards
Haden vs AJ Green: two meetings: one catch for 41 yards(that play where the Browns were knapping) and 3 catches for 110 yards
Haden vs Larry Fitzgerald: one meeting: 3 catches for 62 yards
Haden vs Mike Wallace: two meetings: 4 catches for 57 yards and 1 catch for 11 yards
Haden vs Brandon Marshall: one meeting: 4 catches for 43 yards
Haden vs Pierre Garcon: one meeting: 3 catches for 28 yards
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Random Thoughts
Even though he didn't get the victory Ubaldo set the tone with an outstanding pitching performance. He got in and out of trouble but, didn't give up the big hit as he has done in other performances. The Indians will need more of this going forward because it appears that reinforcements could be on the way to help them stay in the race the entire season. Also, it is obvious that the Indians really miss Rafael Perez. He had become very reliable in the Indians bullpen since 07'. His presence in the Indians bullpen not only balances the bullpen with a lefty but, allows Joe Smith to be more a specialty pitcher. I do predict that Cody Allen sooner rather than later will be the man for the seventh.
The Indians' FO needs to step up to the plate and make moves to help this team. The team desperately needs reinforcements in the form of at least another hitter and maybe another starter. It comes a point in time where the Indians FO needs to stop talking a good game and doing something. Yes, we know it's a tough trading market because of the extra wildcard but, other teams seem to make moves to improve. No more excuses for the FO. It's put up or shut up time.
I must say that with the start of Browns camp, I am most disappointed and disgusted with the fans in this region who are so ready to jump ship on the Indians to give all support and love to the Browns. It seems that some were wishing the Indians to get swept out this series so, they can declare them dead so they can talk Browns all day. For a region to have not won anything in 50 years it's a darn shame that the people don't grasp onto any team that's a contender and go with them until they can't anymore. It shows that people in the region are stuck and lack the capacity to change, adapt.
The Indians' FO needs to step up to the plate and make moves to help this team. The team desperately needs reinforcements in the form of at least another hitter and maybe another starter. It comes a point in time where the Indians FO needs to stop talking a good game and doing something. Yes, we know it's a tough trading market because of the extra wildcard but, other teams seem to make moves to improve. No more excuses for the FO. It's put up or shut up time.
I must say that with the start of Browns camp, I am most disappointed and disgusted with the fans in this region who are so ready to jump ship on the Indians to give all support and love to the Browns. It seems that some were wishing the Indians to get swept out this series so, they can declare them dead so they can talk Browns all day. For a region to have not won anything in 50 years it's a darn shame that the people don't grasp onto any team that's a contender and go with them until they can't anymore. It shows that people in the region are stuck and lack the capacity to change, adapt.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
12' mock draft
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB- Stanford
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB-Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT-USC
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB- Alabama
5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mo Claiborne, CB- LSU
6. St, Louis Rams:Fletcher Cox, DT- Mississippi State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR- OSu
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB-Texas A&M
9.Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT-Memphis
10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT-Stanford
11.Kansas City Chiefls: David DeCastro, OG-Stanford
12.Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB-Boston College
13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT-Iowa
14.Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S-Alabama
15.Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DT-LSU
16.New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR-Notre Dame
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB-South Carolina
18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE-Illinois
19. Chicago Bears: Melvin Ingram, DE-South Carolina
20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB-Alabama
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cody Glenn, OG-Georgia
22. Cleveland Browns: Nick Perry, DE-USC
23.Detroit Lions: Josh Robinson, CB-Central Florida
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Donta Hightower, LB-Alabama
25.Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT-Penn State
26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR-Baylor
27. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw, LB-Alabama
28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE-Clemson
29. Baltimore Ravens: Mohamed Sanu, WR-Rutgers
30. San Francisco 49ers: Jayron Holsey, CB-Va. Tech
31. New England Patriots: Brandon Thompson, DT-Clemson
32.New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB-Boise State
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB-Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT-USC
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB- Alabama
5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mo Claiborne, CB- LSU
6. St, Louis Rams:Fletcher Cox, DT- Mississippi State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR- OSu
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB-Texas A&M
9.Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT-Memphis
10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT-Stanford
11.Kansas City Chiefls: David DeCastro, OG-Stanford
12.Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB-Boston College
13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT-Iowa
14.Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S-Alabama
15.Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DT-LSU
16.New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR-Notre Dame
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB-South Carolina
18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE-Illinois
19. Chicago Bears: Melvin Ingram, DE-South Carolina
20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB-Alabama
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cody Glenn, OG-Georgia
22. Cleveland Browns: Nick Perry, DE-USC
23.Detroit Lions: Josh Robinson, CB-Central Florida
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Donta Hightower, LB-Alabama
25.Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT-Penn State
26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR-Baylor
27. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw, LB-Alabama
28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE-Clemson
29. Baltimore Ravens: Mohamed Sanu, WR-Rutgers
30. San Francisco 49ers: Jayron Holsey, CB-Va. Tech
31. New England Patriots: Brandon Thompson, DT-Clemson
32.New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB-Boise State
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Ideal Browns 2012 draft
#4: Trent Richardson RB- Alabama
#22: Kendall Wright WR- Baylor
#37: LaVonte David, LB-Nebraska
#67: Mitchell Schwartz OT- Cal
#100: Bruce Irvin DE-West Virginia
#118: Janzen Jackson S- Tennessee
#139: Audie Cole LB - NC State
#160: Cliff Harris: CB- Oregon
#204: LaDarius Green TE- Louisiana-Lafayette
#205: Greg Childs WR- Arkansas
#211: Tydreke Powell DT- UNC
#245: Tom Compton OT- South Dakota
#247:Nelson Rosario WR- UCLA
#22: Kendall Wright WR- Baylor
#37: LaVonte David, LB-Nebraska
#67: Mitchell Schwartz OT- Cal
#100: Bruce Irvin DE-West Virginia
#118: Janzen Jackson S- Tennessee
#139: Audie Cole LB - NC State
#160: Cliff Harris: CB- Oregon
#204: LaDarius Green TE- Louisiana-Lafayette
#205: Greg Childs WR- Arkansas
#211: Tydreke Powell DT- UNC
#245: Tom Compton OT- South Dakota
#247:Nelson Rosario WR- UCLA
Friday, February 3, 2012
My offseason Plan for the Browns...
In this offseason plan the common theme for all the players that I think the Browns should go after is EXPLOSIVENESS: If the Browns follow this realistic plan they will be one of the more exciting, fastest, deepest and best teams in the NFL
Free agency:
Mario Williams(DE)
DeSean Jackson(WR)
Mike Otto(OL)
John Carlson(TE)
Mario Williams: Williams would be at home once again in the 4-3 and not have to worry dropping back into coverage like he did in the Wade Phillips defense last year. He would focus on doing what he does best and that is getting up field and rushing the passer. He would give the Browns the best DL in football hands down and allow them to rush four and drop back seven without having to blitz. Everyone on not only the defense but, on the entire team will benefit because turnovers would put the offense in better position moving forward. This move is a no brainer.
DeSean Jackson: Jackson will give the Browns the Deep threat they so desperately need. Jackson is also awesome on special teams that could come in handy if needed and become that explosive homerun hitter everytime he touches the ball. Also, Jackson is the perfect compliment to Greg Little who will suddenly have the middle of the field open with the presence of Jackson. Another key component is putting Mohammed Massoquoi in the third WR role where he will flourish. I think MoMass is a #2 WR on a good team but has never had a decent QB to be able to get him the ball. This move is also a no brainer. In Vincent Jackson I fully understand his frustration in feeling like he was being treated unfairly, however, his behavior in pouting was totally unacceptable on the field.
Mike Otto: Otto is a big, versatile OT who would give the Browns an experienced OT if and when the Pashos goes down. Otto isn't going to wow with his tremendous play but, will be more than adequate in filling in when the time comes. Also, with this addition it will buy the Browns enough time to develop someone for the long term at RT. Even after the Browns groom a future Otto would remain relevant as an adequate and capable backup for a number of years.
John Carlson: This is the type of player that is a low risk, high reward type player. He is considered an excellent blocker and a capable receiver. The Browns are going to want to feature the talents of one Jordan Cameron and will need another solid blocking TE to go along with him. He is coming off missing the season with a torn labrum, however, should come at an reasonable price because he isn't flashy and the skill needed isn't considered to be as valued as catching the ball.
Draft:
Round 1
Robert Griffin III(QB)
Zach Brown(LB)
Round 2
Stephon Gilmore(CB)
Round 3
George Iloka(FS)
Round 4
Levy Adcock(OT)
DeJohn Harris(DT)
Round 5
Shea McClellin(DE)
Round 6
Tauren Poole(RB)
Undrafted Free agent:
Carmen Messina(LB)
Robert Griffin III: Yes, I am in the minority that believes that RG3 is the best QB in this draft. I think he can do everything you want in a QB. Long, short, intermediate throws and can scramble. I love his accuracy, touch, leadership skills and all the other intangibles. I look forward to watching him become great in a Cleveland Browns uniform.
Zach Brown: The Browns will be pleasantly surprised when Zach Brown is left on the board. This guy will give us the speed at LB that the Browns have needed for so long. Brown will also allow the Browns to be more flexible with their coverage because he is one of the linebackers that you can put on a real good TE or RB and take the TE or RB out of the game. As mentioned before it will be very difficult to run wide on the side of Brown because he is that fast and that good of an athlete.
Stephon Gilmore: Gilmore is a very solid, speedy CB that can press cover, support the run and can be used as a return man. With the addition of Gilmore, the Browns will yet again get an explosive individual who can turn a turnover into TD's and then do is duty as a very solid CB to team up with Joe Haden.
George Iloka: Iloka is tall, rangy, FS that can not only cover in space and come up and support the run. The beauty in this selection that Iloka won't be pressured into starting right away because of the presence of Usama Young. Iloka would be allowed to concentrate solely on special teams with the belief that he is the heir apparent to the FS position once Young is gone. This would be a very solid pickup with a player that is fast rising and has shown considerable skill for now and going forward. Very solid choice Iloka would be.
Levy Adcock: Adcok is a a huge, athletic individual that would be groomed to be the RT going forward. He is very athletic and would need some fine tuning in using his feet and continue to get stronger. He won't be pressured to play at all and shouldn't be classified as a bust or disappointment because of the presence of Mike Otto. It wouldn't be surprising that Adcock would be inactive for a period of games because his presence will be felt a year from now. He is a very solid pick and would future RT in taking over for Pashos.
DaJohn Harris: DaJohn Harris is an exciting explosive players that has turned many heads during some of the practices. While at USC he somewhat underachieved but, later on in his tenure at USC he really came on and it continued during the bowl games. On the Browns he would be a perfect fit for a backup role for Atyba Rubin and Phil Taylor along with Scott Paxson. Harris is 300lbs and somewhat athletic. He would be an outstanding pick at this stage and a very valued backup.
Shea McClellin: McClellin is an effort player that will do whatever it takes to make a play. He is somewhat athletic but, uses guile, a tad bit athleticism and alot of effort to get to the QB. He is deceptively quick but, doesn't have one distinguishable trait to wow scouts. He is one of those players that will be at minimum a productive backup because of his knack of getting to the QB. Kind of reminds me of a younger version of Kyle Van daBosch of the Lions. This guy would be an excellent backup to Jabaal Sheard, with Marcus Bernard being the speedy backup to Mario Williams. This would give the Browns eight quality DLineman which is the the minimum that is needed to run a successful 4-3 defense.
Tauren Poole: Poole would give even more speed out of the backfield and on special teams. He is a versatile player that can return kicks and catch the ball. If nothing else he would give Browns even more depth in the backfield in case Brandon Jackson goes down and the need for a versatile third down back is needed. I consider this player to be an upgrade over the overrated Chris Obogonnaya and would beat him out with his speed and versatility.
Undrafted Free agent:
Carmen Messina: Messina is another player that doesn't have any features that would wow a scout but does enough things to considered a solid backup and special teams player. He is considered a leader and would be that high character player in a key backup MLB role. He gives tremendous effort and loves to make tackles at the point. He isn't the most gifted athletically but, is athletic enough to the point where he wouldn't be taken advantage if he needed to fill in. He does need to get stronger but, that shouldn't be a problem with the weight programs in the NFL.
Free agency:
Mario Williams(DE)
DeSean Jackson(WR)
Mike Otto(OL)
John Carlson(TE)
Mario Williams: Williams would be at home once again in the 4-3 and not have to worry dropping back into coverage like he did in the Wade Phillips defense last year. He would focus on doing what he does best and that is getting up field and rushing the passer. He would give the Browns the best DL in football hands down and allow them to rush four and drop back seven without having to blitz. Everyone on not only the defense but, on the entire team will benefit because turnovers would put the offense in better position moving forward. This move is a no brainer.
DeSean Jackson: Jackson will give the Browns the Deep threat they so desperately need. Jackson is also awesome on special teams that could come in handy if needed and become that explosive homerun hitter everytime he touches the ball. Also, Jackson is the perfect compliment to Greg Little who will suddenly have the middle of the field open with the presence of Jackson. Another key component is putting Mohammed Massoquoi in the third WR role where he will flourish. I think MoMass is a #2 WR on a good team but has never had a decent QB to be able to get him the ball. This move is also a no brainer. In Vincent Jackson I fully understand his frustration in feeling like he was being treated unfairly, however, his behavior in pouting was totally unacceptable on the field.
Mike Otto: Otto is a big, versatile OT who would give the Browns an experienced OT if and when the Pashos goes down. Otto isn't going to wow with his tremendous play but, will be more than adequate in filling in when the time comes. Also, with this addition it will buy the Browns enough time to develop someone for the long term at RT. Even after the Browns groom a future Otto would remain relevant as an adequate and capable backup for a number of years.
John Carlson: This is the type of player that is a low risk, high reward type player. He is considered an excellent blocker and a capable receiver. The Browns are going to want to feature the talents of one Jordan Cameron and will need another solid blocking TE to go along with him. He is coming off missing the season with a torn labrum, however, should come at an reasonable price because he isn't flashy and the skill needed isn't considered to be as valued as catching the ball.
Draft:
Round 1
Robert Griffin III(QB)
Zach Brown(LB)
Round 2
Stephon Gilmore(CB)
Round 3
George Iloka(FS)
Round 4
Levy Adcock(OT)
DeJohn Harris(DT)
Round 5
Shea McClellin(DE)
Round 6
Tauren Poole(RB)
Undrafted Free agent:
Carmen Messina(LB)
Robert Griffin III: Yes, I am in the minority that believes that RG3 is the best QB in this draft. I think he can do everything you want in a QB. Long, short, intermediate throws and can scramble. I love his accuracy, touch, leadership skills and all the other intangibles. I look forward to watching him become great in a Cleveland Browns uniform.
Zach Brown: The Browns will be pleasantly surprised when Zach Brown is left on the board. This guy will give us the speed at LB that the Browns have needed for so long. Brown will also allow the Browns to be more flexible with their coverage because he is one of the linebackers that you can put on a real good TE or RB and take the TE or RB out of the game. As mentioned before it will be very difficult to run wide on the side of Brown because he is that fast and that good of an athlete.
Stephon Gilmore: Gilmore is a very solid, speedy CB that can press cover, support the run and can be used as a return man. With the addition of Gilmore, the Browns will yet again get an explosive individual who can turn a turnover into TD's and then do is duty as a very solid CB to team up with Joe Haden.
George Iloka: Iloka is tall, rangy, FS that can not only cover in space and come up and support the run. The beauty in this selection that Iloka won't be pressured into starting right away because of the presence of Usama Young. Iloka would be allowed to concentrate solely on special teams with the belief that he is the heir apparent to the FS position once Young is gone. This would be a very solid pickup with a player that is fast rising and has shown considerable skill for now and going forward. Very solid choice Iloka would be.
Levy Adcock: Adcok is a a huge, athletic individual that would be groomed to be the RT going forward. He is very athletic and would need some fine tuning in using his feet and continue to get stronger. He won't be pressured to play at all and shouldn't be classified as a bust or disappointment because of the presence of Mike Otto. It wouldn't be surprising that Adcock would be inactive for a period of games because his presence will be felt a year from now. He is a very solid pick and would future RT in taking over for Pashos.
DaJohn Harris: DaJohn Harris is an exciting explosive players that has turned many heads during some of the practices. While at USC he somewhat underachieved but, later on in his tenure at USC he really came on and it continued during the bowl games. On the Browns he would be a perfect fit for a backup role for Atyba Rubin and Phil Taylor along with Scott Paxson. Harris is 300lbs and somewhat athletic. He would be an outstanding pick at this stage and a very valued backup.
Shea McClellin: McClellin is an effort player that will do whatever it takes to make a play. He is somewhat athletic but, uses guile, a tad bit athleticism and alot of effort to get to the QB. He is deceptively quick but, doesn't have one distinguishable trait to wow scouts. He is one of those players that will be at minimum a productive backup because of his knack of getting to the QB. Kind of reminds me of a younger version of Kyle Van daBosch of the Lions. This guy would be an excellent backup to Jabaal Sheard, with Marcus Bernard being the speedy backup to Mario Williams. This would give the Browns eight quality DLineman which is the the minimum that is needed to run a successful 4-3 defense.
Tauren Poole: Poole would give even more speed out of the backfield and on special teams. He is a versatile player that can return kicks and catch the ball. If nothing else he would give Browns even more depth in the backfield in case Brandon Jackson goes down and the need for a versatile third down back is needed. I consider this player to be an upgrade over the overrated Chris Obogonnaya and would beat him out with his speed and versatility.
Undrafted Free agent:
Carmen Messina: Messina is another player that doesn't have any features that would wow a scout but does enough things to considered a solid backup and special teams player. He is considered a leader and would be that high character player in a key backup MLB role. He gives tremendous effort and loves to make tackles at the point. He isn't the most gifted athletically but, is athletic enough to the point where he wouldn't be taken advantage if he needed to fill in. He does need to get stronger but, that shouldn't be a problem with the weight programs in the NFL.
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