May 24, 2013

Dion Waiters: Mike Brown says I’m a starter in this league

May 9, 2013 by 8 Comments

I just met with Coach Brown. Everything we talked about so far is great. We shared stories about one another. I can’t wait to get out there and play for him. He said that he loved my game and that I have a lot of potential to be a special player in this league. He loves a person who plays with a chip on his shoulder—the type of attitude I have, he loves every minute of it. He definitely did his homework as he knew things about me before I could even say something. [...] I’m a starter in this league. Coach and I talked about it—he said it himself. He also said I could play the “one.” Coming off of the bench, those were my college days.  

— Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters in an interview with 92.3 The Fan’s Anthony Lima. Waiters says that his knee is in good shape and that he has spent a good portion of the offseason working on his jump shot, focusing primarly on his balance and not fading away from the hoop.

[Related: Cavalier NBA Draft Film Room: Alex Len]

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NFL fears Pilot Flying J lawsuits could drain Jimmy Haslam, undermine Browns

May 8, 2013 by 28 Comments

Several team officials are reportedly saying they believe it may be extremely difficult for Jimmy Haslam III to keep his ownership of the Cleveland Browns. CBS Sports’ Mike Freeman reports that, because Haslam may be “ensnared by a myriad of lawsuits and legal actions,” Haslam could experience a significant drain to his finances, preventing him from keeping the team he purchased less than 12 months ago.

Haslam, and his family company Pilot Flying J, is the target of several lawsuits which stem from alleged practices of fraud and deceit. The FBI has been probing Haslam’s truck-stop company and has alleged massive impropriety based on targeted cost-plussing of select clients. A 120-page affidavit recently stated that Pilot Flying J sales employees withheld fuel price rebates and discounts in an attempt to boost company profitability as well as personal sales commissions. If Haslam loses the suits or is forced to settle for large sums, the league is concerned that he will not be fit to own an NFL franchise.

“This is more worrisome than people know,” said one team official who has familiarized himself with Haslam’s situation. In turn, sources tell Freeman that it may only be a matter of time before Haslam is forced to sell the Browns.

Haslam continues to claim his (and his company’s) innocence with regard to the allegations. He recently apologized to the city of Cleveland, stating that he is very embarrassed by the recent fallout. “We feel badly about it, and we’re very comfortable we’ll work through this situation,” he said.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs believes return to Cleveland is possible

May 8, 2013 by 30 Comments

Could Josh Cribbs return to Cleveland? The veteran wide receiver and Pro Bowl return man apparently thinks it is possible.

Brent Sobleski from The Orange and Brown Report says that Cribbs, a free agent, could stick with the Browns in the event that the money and role would be agreed upon. The team is reportedly showing interest in keeping the fan favorite in a Browns helmet, but what the “role” each side wants remains to be seen. The team has recently added wide receivers Davone Bess and David Nelson to fill the slot role, and appears ready to have Greg Little and Josh Gordon on the outside. Factor in that Norv Turner’s offense places emphasis on the tight end and Cribbs spent a good portion of last season pleading for more touches, and it seems as if the player would have to compromise more than the team.

As mentioned in a recent WFNY column, Cribbs has recently put his Cleveland-area home up for sale, but fell out of favor with the Arizona Cardinals when he reportedly failed a physical. The Cardinals later drafted LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu to help their return game, leaving Cribbs on the outside looking in.

In 2012, Cribbs caught seven passes for 63 yards and zero touchdowns. He averaged over 27 yards per kickoff return, but has not run back a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

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Former Buckeye Orlando Pace named to College Football Hall of Fame

May 7, 2013 by 1 Comment

Former Ohio State All-American offensive tackle Orlando Pace will join former Cleveland Browns quarterback Vinnie Testaverde as members in the newest class for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Pace, the 24th Buckeye player to make the Hall, is considered one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football history, finishing fourth in the Heisman voting in 1996. Winner of the Rotary Lombardi Award in 1995 and 1996, Pace became the first ever player to win the award twice. He was the offensive lineman since 1972 to finish in the top-four in the Heisman vote, the winner ultimately being Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Pace started every game–38 in all–between 1994-96 before bypassing his senior year to enter the NFL Draft where he was selected first-overall by the St. Louis Rams. Pace went on to a 13-year career in the NFL where he was a member of the Rams’ 1999 Super Bowl championship team. He protected the blind side and cleared running lanes for the NFL’s MVP for three consecutive seasons (Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2000 and Marshall Faulk in 2001). Pace was named All-Pro five times and he was voted into seven Pro Bowl games.

“I don’t know how you could play the position any better than [Orlando] did,” said former Ohio State head coach John Cooper. “He was just a fantastic football player. “He was the best.”

Pace did not allow a sack in his final two years at Ohio State.

[Related: Ohio State five-star recruit says God wanted him to play for the Buckeyes]

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Where is the line drawn with character concerns?

May 7, 2013 by 15 Comments

armonty-bryant-mugjpg-487a2f287eb2968bDespite the misery and perpetual seasons of loss along Lake Erie, one of the long-lasting laughs Clevelanders have been able to muster comes at the expense of the Cincinnati Bengals and their penchant for acquiring players with off-field issues. The list of individuals who traded in their black-and-white stripes for those of the black and orange variety is well documented—last year’s undrafted free agent linebacker Vontaze Burfict is just the most recent. But somewhere along the way, the Cleveland Browns have started to dip their toe in to the ocean of questionable characters. While some have panned out, the last few weeks in Brownstown have undoubtedly been littered with…

When Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski sat up at his makeshift podium following the team’s selection of Barkevious Mingo with the sixth-overall pick in this year’s draft, he applauded Mingo’s insane athleticism, but also ensured that the masses became aware of impending pass-rushing linebacker’s top-flight character. Before a question was even asked, Chudzinski waxed impressed.

“The thing that stood out to us was the kind of person that he is,” Chudzinski said of Mingo. “He has outstanding character, extremely highly recommended from the people down [in Louisiana] that you talk to. He’s an extremely impressive young man.”

[Read more...]

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Ohio State five-star recruit says God wanted him to play for the Buckeyes

May 7, 2013 by 13 Comments

This past winter, leading up to National Signing Day, Georgia recruit Vonn Bell was said to be deciding between playing for Alabama, Tennessee or The Ohio State University. The five-star recruit surprised many when he opted for Columbus over the warmer confines of the SEC. As it turns out, Bell may have had a little bit of guidance in making his decision.

From the AJC:

I didn’t really have any secrets. I kept everything all open with everybody. But about the biggest secret was probably keeping it secret (about Ohio State) until signing day. The first two days (before signing day), I just woke up out of my dreams. Me and God just had a conversation. He said ‘I want you go to Ohio State.’ Then I just knew ever since then. That was probably the longest time I ever kept a secret, those two days.

He just woke me up in the middle of my sleep, and I just heard ‘Ohio State’ in my head. I just listened to it, and stuck with it. Ohio State was in my heart. I didn’t know (which college I was going to sign with) until then. I asked God to give me a sign, and He gave me a sign. I woke up the middle of the night.

Bell went into Signing Day as the fourth-best safety in the country, a top-35 recruit overall. In addition to Alabama and Tennessee, the speedy play-maker turned down Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Notre Dame.

[Related: While We’re Waiting… What a night in Cleveland]

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MLB News: Indians send Vinnie Pestano to the 15-day disabled list

May 6, 2013 by 3 Comments

The Cleveland Indians announced tonight that the club has placed right-handed pitcher Vinnie Pestano on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow tendinitis. To take Pestano’s place on the 25-man roster, the Indians have recalled left-handed pitcher Nick Hagadone from Triple-A Columbus. Hagadone (No. 50) is scheduled to be in uniform for Monday night’s four-game series opener against Oakland at Progressive Field.

Hagadone, 27, has made eight relief appearances for Cleveland this season, posting no record and a 2.45 ERA (2 ER/7.1 IP) during his first stint with the Indians from April 12-30. He was optioned to Columbus following his last outing for the Tribe on April 30 vs. Philadelphia (1.0 IP, 2 BB). Hagadone has also tossed 4.0 scoreless frames across four relief appearances for the Clippers.

Pestano, 28, has made eight relief appearances for Cleveland, posting no record and a 2.25 ERA (2 ER/8.0 IP). His last appearance came in Game 2 of the Indians’ April 28 doubleheader on April 28 at Kansas City (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R-ER, 2 BB). Prior to Monday’s game, Indians manager Terry Francona stated that Pestano would be available to pitch this week after several games of rest.

Pestano will be eligible to be activated on May 16, as Hagadone’s recall falls within a 10-day period of his most recent active date on the Major League 25-man roster (April 30). MLB rules stipulate that Pestano’s DL placement must be back-dated to May 1, or the day after Hagadone’s option to Columbus.

[Related: Tribe Weekend Recap: Streak ends, but series Tribe takes series]

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MLB News: Indians’ Ryan Raburn named AL Player of the Week

May 6, 2013 by 5 Comments

Cleveland Indians utility man Ryan Raburn has been named American League Player of the Week for the week encapsulating April 29-May 5.

Raburn batted .591 (13-for-22) with four home runs, nine RBI, one double and five runs scored over five games to notch his first career weekly honor. He is the first Indian to garner the A.L. Player of the Week Award since Asdrubal Cabrera on April 11, 2011. Among Major League hitters for the period, Raburn led in batting average, slugging percentage (1.182) and total bases (26), was tied for first in on-base percentage (.591) and base hits, was tied for second in homers and was fourth overall in RBI.

On Monday, the 32-year-old Raburn turned in a career-high-tying four hits, including a pair of homers and four RBI as Cleveland rolled to a 9-0 shutout victory over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, marking the start of the team’s recently concluded six-game win streak. Ryan, an eight-year veteran in his first season with Cleveland, became the first Tribe batter with consecutive multi-homer games since Travis Hafner on July 19-20, 2004.

Cast aside by the Detroit Tigers (and their fan base), Raburn has been scorching hot since center fielder Michael Bourn suffered a lacerated finger against the Chicago White Sox earlier in April. Raburn, 32, is hitting .344/.382/.594 (.976 OPS) on the season.

[Related: Tribe Weekend Recap: Streak ends, but series Tribe takes series]

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NFL News: Browns’ draft pick Armonty Bryant arrested on DUI charges

May 6, 2013 by 25 Comments

Cleveland Browns seventh-round draft pick Armonty Bryant was arrested Friday morning in Ada, Oklahoma, and charged with driving under the influence, according to a police report.

The Ada News reports that Bryant was pulled over late Friday night and refused a breathalyzer. The arresting officer reported smelling alcohol on Bryant’s breath and asked him to step out of the vehicle. When asked if he’d had anything to drink, the report said Bryant initially denied it. The officer administered sobriety tests at the scene and said Bryant reportedly had difficulty with several of the steps. Bryant then admitted to having “a few drinks earlier in the evening.”

The officer claimed that, after 10 attempts at administering a breathalyzer, Bryant just “puffed his cheeks and acted like he was blowing into the Intoxilyzer.”

Jail records show Bryant had posted his $500 bail and was checked out of the Justice Center at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

On the third day of the 2013 draft, the Browns drafted Bryant in the seventh round (No. 217 overall) despite his off-field baggage. Bryant was suspended for three games in 2012 after being arrested on the practice field in October due to charges of selling $20 of marijuana twice to an undercover officer. Following his selection, Bryant said he was grateful for the Browns taking a chance on him and vowed to stay out of trouble.

“Now that I’ve gotten that second chance, I feel like I won’t let anyone down,” said Bryant. ”I won’t let myself, the people around me or the Cleveland Browns down. I appreciate them for taking this chance on me.”

An athletic defensive end, Bryant was largely considered a low-risk selection with a high potential reward if he were to stay focused.

“We are aware of the incident and are now in the process of collecting more information,” Browns vice president of media relations Neal Gulkis said in a statement. “We will not have any further comment.”

[Related: Browns thoughts on Terry Pluto, ProFootballTalk, “black boxes,” and draft strategy]

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Browns’ Ward listed among PFF’s top 101 players for 2012

May 6, 2013 by 12 Comments

ProFootballFocus has recently released their top 101 players of 2012. While the list is not exactly littered with members of the Cleveland Browns, one of the two to be given a mention is strong safety TJ Ward ((Joe Thomas, “gold standard among pass protecting left tackles,” comes in at 34)). Slotted three spots ahead of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Ward gets love for being one of the more underrated players in the game.

Playing in Cleveland doesn’t always lend itself to having your performances rewarded with nationwide praise. So while you don’t often hear the name of Ward mentioned among the better safeties in the league, don’t think that’s a reflection on what he did in 2012. A real force in the box, Ward is more than just adequate in coverage, allowing just 12 receptions into his coverage all year.

Best Performance: Week 12 versus Pittsburgh, +3.7

Key Stat: Missed just one tackle for every 17.5 he attempted in 2012. That was the second-best number of all safeties.

Over the last two seasons, perhaps due to injuries coupled with poor team play, Ward has drawn some criticism for his difference-making in the passing game. While the number listed above does not indicate how many times the ball was thrown Ward’s way, it is refreshing to see that he only allowed 12 balls to be caught by his man over the course of the season. The missed tackles number is just a bonus.

[Related: Which Browns veteran is most likely to be replaced?]

(h/t MGBode)

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NFL News: Browns draft board was arranged alphabetically

May 6, 2013 by 44 Comments

The draft board used by the Cleveland Browns last weekend was arranged alphabetically, writes Dan Pompei of the National Football post.

Pompei adds that this sort of organization is very unorthodox and can make it difficult to make decisions on the fly. “Front office men around the league were buzzing about the unusual board last week,” writes Pompei.

Also noteworthy is that the Browns did not allow the majority of their scouts in the draft room. While they are not the only team that locks scouts out of the process, this becomes timely given that the team recently decided to revamp it’s entire scouting department following the draft. Director of College Scouting John Spytek was fired last Wednesday, along with two pro scouts, following his unwillingness to take a reduced role with the team. He had two years remaining on his contract. Earlier in the week, Senior National Scout Pat Roberts, hired by former general manager Phil Savage, left after the Browns did not renew his contract.

This past weekend, it was reported that the Browns considered Barkevious Mingo, their selection with the sixth-overall pick, one of the four “blue chip” prospects in the draft. The organization of the team’s draft board is in contrast to the majority of the league which uses a horizontal board by position and a vertical board by grade.

[Related: One Week Removed, More Browns Draft Thoughts]

 

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NBA News: Draft hopeful Alex Len out 4-to-6 months with stress fracture

May 3, 2013 by 16 Comments

Former Maryland Terrapins center Alex Len will miss 4-to-6 months with a stress fracture in his left ankle.

Len, a 19-year-old center who has drawn comparisons to former Cavalier Zydrunas Ilgauskas, was thought to be a high lottery selection prior to this news. Recent runs of ESPN’s Draft Predictor had Len landing in Cleveland if the team were selecting in the four-to-six range. Len, however, must now go into the June draft without the benefit of any pre-draft workouts.

One of the better centers in the upcoming draft, Len comes equipped with the ability to rebound and block shots while hitting the mid-range jump shot on the offensive end—perfect for pick-and-pop situations that Mike Brown ran very frequently during his last tenure with the Cavaliers. The seven-footer will likely still go high in the draft, but he now comes with some considerable risk.

In a recent piece for ESPN, Fran Franschilla stated that he would select Len over Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel, who is widely considered to be the top pick in the June draft. Len averaged 12 points in his 26 minutes on the floor, but was the victim of an offense that did not incorporate his skill set. In 16 of his last 19 games as a Terrapin, Len took fewer than 10 shots, averaging only 7.4 per contest.

“The tough part is the timing,” Len’s agent Mike Lelchitski said via press release.

[Related: The Diff: Regression to the mean and the Cavaliers]

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WFNY Stats & Info: Some info on the Indians’ recent hit parade

May 3, 2013 by 2 Comments
The Cleveland Indians have 14+ hits in each of their last four games. A 4-plus game streak of at least 14 hits has only occurred 85 times in MLB history.
 
The longest such streak: 7 games, done three times, most recently by the Atlanta Braves from July 21-27, 1993.
 
The most recent such 4+ game streak: Washington Nationals, with a 4-game streak from June 26-29, 2012.
 
The most recent such 4+ game streak by an Indians club: 4 games from June 8-10, 1962.
 
A 5-plus game streak has only occurred 25 times in MLB history. The most recent was by the St. Louis Cardinals from April 11-15, 2011.
 
Of the four teams listed, only the ’62 Indians did not make the playoffs in their respective year.
 

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Indians to unveil new “Teen Suite” at Progressive Field

May 3, 2013 by 11 Comments

Indians Teen Suite

The Cleveland Indians will lift the curtain on a new “Teen Suite” at Progressive Field this weekend when the Tribe hosts the Minnesota Twins.

Touted as being “perfect” for birthdays, graduation parties and other special celebrations, the Teen Suite features both indoor and outdoor seating options, in addition to a lounge area with video games and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Those who reserve the Teen Suite will also receive tickets for four club seats for parents and/or chaperones of the group in the Suite.

This new suite is the latest of many group-based ammentities at Progressive Field which now include the Indians Social Suite, the Family Social Suite, the exclusive FanCave Suite, and the recently redesigned 120-seat Collection Auto Group Club.  Six rows of seats in section 151, behind home plate, have also been taken out and have been replaced with tables and chairs for 36 people.

The Teen Suite will be available every Friday and Saturday night starting in May, and could be made available for other select dates as well. It is located in right field, adjacent from the Family Suite.

[Related: Tribe Pen Living Up To Billing]

 

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NFL News: Browns’ Chudzinski won’t name starting quarterback

May 3, 2013 by 66 Comments

The Cleveland Browns did not draft a quarterback last weekend, but that has apparently not cemented the starting job for last year’s rookie Brandon Weeden.

In an interview with 92.3 The Fan, Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said that he expects the recently added Jason Campbell to compete with Weeden for the starting job.

“We’ll just see as we go forward,” said Chudzinski. ”I expect both of these guys to compete. I don’t know any other way.”

Chudzinski added that Weeden’s approach—in the wake of all of the turnover in Berea—has been “outstanding” and that the second-year quarterback has shown solid progress. The team appears to be working on Weeden’s mechanics (the quarterback recently discussed his “patting” of the ball) and speeding up his delivery.

In 2012, Weeden threw for 3,385 yards to go with 14 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, totaling to a quarterback rating of 72.6. Weeden is expected to be in the shotgun exponentially more often this season under Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner than he was in 2012 under Pat Shurmur.

[Related: Michael Lombardi: Two different interviews, one set of answers]

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NBA Rumors: Cavs want to re-sign Ellington, may decline Miles and Speights

May 2, 2013 by 21 Comments

With Mike Brown looking to take hold of the Cleveland Cavaliers heading into 2013-14, it appears that Wayne Ellington appears to be one of the only reserves in the plans going forward.

In a recent report from Bob Finnan of The News-Herald, the Cavaliers appear geared to present Ellington with a qualifying offer that will allow the team to match any offers he gets in the restricted market. Finnan added that the team is not 100 percent certain on bringing back veteran swingman CJ Miles ,and is set to part ways with forward/center Marreese Speights.

“The Cavs would like to sign Ellington,” writes Finnain. ”That means presenting him a qualifying offer of $3 million. It’s not as easy with Speights. It appears as if they hope he opts out of his deal. He might not fit their culture… The Cavs [also] own a team option on swingman C.J. Miles’ $2 million contract for next season. It’s not cut-and-dry that they pick it up, like once thought.”

Miles is under contract for an affordable $2 million in 2013-14, and provided quality depth off of the bench last season, averaging 11.2 points per game. The 25-year-old Speights is a bit of a different story as he will likely decline his player option and test the open market where he will garner more money that the team is willing to spend at this stage of their rebuilding process. Following the trade to Cleveland, Speights averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, largely as a reserve.

If the Cavaliers do decline Miles’ option, and Speights opts out of his, the team will have less than $26 million in committed salaries heading into the draft.

[Related: The Diff: Regression to the mean and the Cavaliers]

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Elias: Ryan Raburn joins exclusive club; Tribe match World Series year

May 2, 2013 by 9 Comments

Cleveland Indians super-sub Ryan Raburn, who was 4-for-5 on Wednesday night, is only the fourth major-league player in the last 75 years to have at least 11 hits and four home runs in a three-game span, per Elias Sports Bureau. The others do so were Duke Snider (1955, Dodgers), Kirby Puckett (1987, Twins) and Shawn Green (2002, Dodgers).

Raburn is also the first major-league player since former Indians third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff in August 2009 to collect 11 hits in a span of 12 at-bats, then with the San Diego Padres.

The Indians have now won their last four games, outscoring opponents by 34 runs over that stretch (39-5). Cleveland last won four straight games by such a large combined margin in August 1948 (41-7, including a 26-3 win over the St. Louis Browns) on their way to winning the World Series.

[Related: Indians 6, Phillies 0: Bauer & The Raburn Show Help Tribe to Fourth Straight Win]

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MLB News: Indians recall prospect Trevor Bauer from Columbus

May 1, 2013 by 3 Comments

The Cleveland Indians have officially recalled starting pitcher Trevor Bauer from Triple-A Columbus. He will start on Wednesday night against former Indians ace Cliff Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bauer is making his second start for the Indians after making his debut on April 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays. In said start, Bauer lasted five innings, allowing just two hits but walked seven. He also had an at-bat following an injury sustained by catcher Lou Marson.

During his time in Triple-A, Bauer has made three starts, going 1-0 with an ERA of 2.50. He’s thrown 15 innings, allowing just five earned runs to go with 24 strikeouts and just six walks. Would-be hitters have been held to a .242 average.

To make room for Bauer on the 25-man roster, the Tribe optioned left-handed reliever Nick Hagadone. Hagadone has appeared in eight games with the Indians, recording an ERA of 2.45 without a decision.

[Related:Indians 14, Phillies 2: Seven Home Runs…I Repeat…Seven Home Runs Pace Tribe]

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2014 Mock Draft has Browns missing out on quarterbacks yet again

April 30, 2013 by 37 Comments

The Cleveland Browns will once again just miss out on a quarterback and select a skill player in the 2014 NFL Draft, says Sports Illustrated’s Chris Burke.

In an entirely-too-early mock draft posted at SI.com, Burke has the Browns selecting fourth, representing a finish of roughly three or four wins in 2013. This said, the Orange and Brown are presently forecasted to miss out on the two quarterbacks slated to lead the pack at this time next year, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater and Clemson’s Taj Boyd. Instead, they address the wide receiver position with USC’s Marqise Lee.

“Lee is just 6-feet tall, so we’re not talking about a Calvin Johnson-type that’s going to win jump balls consistently,” writes Burke. “What Lee will do, though, is get open and make plays. He caught a whopping 118 passes last season for 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns. You’re looking at a Heisman frontrunner for 2013 and a player that could dramatically improve an NFL offense.”

If the Browns do finish among the five worst teams in the NFL, it will undoubtedly be due to poor play or a disastrous injury suffered by quarterback Brandon Weeden. Accumulating a slew of picks in 2013, it is widely expected that the Browns will attempt to trade up in the instance they are in need of a passer come next spring. If Boyd’s name rings a bell, it is because the Clemson star was slated to attend Ohio State but opted to go south once it appeared he would have to wait for Terrelle Pryor to finish his tenure with the team.

In 2012, with sure-fire quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III going first and second, respectively, the Browns picked third and selected running back Trent Richardson. Acquiring a third- and fourth-round selection this past weekend, the Browns will head into the 2014 NFL Draft with nine selections at their disposal.

[Related: WFNY weighs in on the Cleveland Browns’ 2013 draft]

 

 

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Comparative Castles and Market Mispricing

April 30, 2013 by 22 Comments

Cribbs House

In a southwestern suburb of Cleveland, Ohio exists a sprawling brick colonial. A little over 5,000 square feet, the estate greets you with a two-story grand foyer where chocolate dark wood meets crisp white pillars, both of which lead to a giant staircase. Immediately to your right is a front room typical of most large, newly constructed homes—relatively unused, pristine with pops of cardinal red paint on the walls and monochrome furnishings that ooze minimalism. The rest of the home provides a palatial experience with each additional step thanks to a 400-square foot, two-story great room complete with a marble-enclosed fireplace; a library-ready office with rich wood built-in shelving and just enough character thanks to the tray ceilings; and a saltwater aquarium that would made Deuce Bigalow do a double-take. The landscaping could use some work, but hey—it’s April.

Joshua Cribbs owns multiple NFL records. The long-time Browns return man owns a house—more specifically, this house. Yet, he has no home.

[Read more...]

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