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July 23, 2010Dwyane Wade: “I Wasn’t Going to Cleveland”
July 23, 2010The Browns have inked their pair of 3rd round draft picks. Quarterback Colt McCoy’s deal is for four years and reported to be worth up to $5 million dollars. It is slightly higher than a normal 3rd round pick at that spot would receive, but includes a “QB premium”. For those that keep track of these sort of things, $1.07 million of that is guaranteed.
Also inking a deal was offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao. His deal is for four years and will pay him $2.487 million. Lauvao will receive a signing bonus of nearly $700,000.
As previously hinted by Mike Holmgren, McCoy will likely spend the season on the sidelines learning from Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. He could realistically compete for the starting job next season, unless Delhomme or Wallace prove to be effective in Cleveland’s offense.
Lauvao is a different story. The offensive lineman from Arizona State is expected to compete for a starting job right away, and from what we’ve been told the Browns really like what he’s done so far. Camp will be a good test for Lauvao, going against the likes of Shaun Rogers and Ahtyba Rubin and being a part of the mix from day one could prove to be very beneficial for his role with the team.
The Browns have been signing players in reverse order of how they were drafted, starting with sixth round pick Clifton Geathers. The remaining draft picks yet to sign are first rounder Joe Haden, and second rounders T.J. Ward and Monterio Hardesty. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant became the first player selected in the first round to ink a deal; only the Jets and Buccaneers have signed second round players.
Here are Cleveland’s draft picks and their respective contract status:
CB Joe Haden- unsigned.
S T.J. Ward- unsigned.
RB Monterio Hardesty- unsigned.
QB Colt McCoy- 4 years, $5 million.
G Shawn Lauvao- 4 years, $2.487 million.
S Larry Asante- 4 years, $1.96 million.
WR Carlton Mitchell- 4 years, $1.903 million.
DE Clifton Geathers- 4 years, $1.894 million.
3 Comments
Realistically, this team could get four starters out of the most recent draft. Haden, Hardesty, Lauvao and whichever S wins out (Ward is my guess). The goal going in was three, so it’s looking good.
FWIW, Lane Adkins at The OBR has some dirt on the still-unsigned. It’s subscription, but lends some solid insight on when we can anticipate the top three picks to be in camp.
Per Adam Schefter: “Back in 2005, no 1st round picks had signed by July 20; only eight were under contract by July 30. So hold on — some holdouts coming.”
Really glad we picked up Sheldon Brown now. If our secondary was expected to start Haden and Ward we’d probably be forced to overpay to try and get them into camp or risk putting unprepared starters on the field after a hold-out. This should give us some leverage to get them into camp for a reasonable price.
@ Scott- I am thinking that too, but I fear its just the preseason hope. How often do the Browns actually have a draft where they get a lot of contributors? Granted, this was the first Holmgren/Heckert show, but there is almost too much good things coming out about this class. Haden should be a starter come next year. Ward may start this year. Hardesty may start this year. Lauvao may start/contribute a lot this year. McCoy- future of the browns QB (in making). Asante could battle to start and eventually take over for Elam. Mitchell (I believe) will be very productive within his first 2 seasons at WR, possibly starting/ slot 2nd season. then Geathers is a project massive DL.