May 20, 2013

Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden and what it all could mean

May 17, 2013 by 16 Comments

Hoyer PatsA fictional conversation that could have taken place in Berea over the last couple of days…

Michael Lombardi: “Hey. Have you heard of Brian Hoyer?”

Ray Farmer: “You mean the journeyman Michigan State guy who went undrafted in 2009, with one career NFL start who was cut flat by the team, the Arizona Cardinals, with some of the worst quarterback play since Kurt Warner retired as an arthritic old man?”

Michael Lombardi: “Yep! He’s available! Go get him!”

And scene…

Look, the jokes that were going around yesterday had more to do with the fact that almost everything that’s ever been rumored about Michael Lombardi has come true. The only thing that hasn’t happened (yet) is the Browns trading for Patriots backup Ryan Mallett. With that lens, of course it’s somewhat comical that Brian Hoyer finally became available and signed with the Browns. That’s really where the comedy ends. In all, the Brian Hoyer signing is a good one for depth for a team that has question marks at the quarterback spot. [Read more...]

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In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense

May 14, 2013 by 18 Comments

Kruger jerseyThe off-season isn’t over, but it’s not time to look at what the Browns have put together to try and figure out how they’re going to compete in 2013. When you’re caught up in all the details of free agency and the draft it’s much more difficult to get the overall picture, but now more than ever it seems readily apparent what the Browns are trying to do. It’s also apparent what this team could look like in 2013 as they look to improve on their 5-11 season with a whole new coaching staff and brand new looks on offense and defense.

It starts with the defense. The Browns spent almost all of their resources in free agency and the draft on defense. The combination of switching schemes and the defensive performance in 2012 demanded some serious attention. The Browns were second-worst in the NFL in terms of number of offensive plays that opposing teams ran against them. The Browns allowed opposing teams to run 1095 plays showing an inability to get off the field. They gave up the fifth-most number of first downs and the 14th most points. The Browns were truly middle of the road in terms of pressuring the quarterback with their 38 sacks and 6.0% sack rate. 1

So take that group of defenders, put them with an aggressive coordinator, add Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves and sixth overall pick Barkevious Mingo and all of a sudden I think we’ve seen pretty much exactly where the Browns hope to be able to compete in 2013. [Read more...]

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  1. Sack rate is the number of sacks divided by pass attempts + sacks [back]

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New receivers Bess and Nelson bring experience, reliability to the slot

May 11, 2013 by 6 Comments

Davone-BessThe Browns have not had a productive offense since 2007. And if you’re like me, over the last five years you’ve probably watched the likes of New England, Green Bay, and New Orleans and wondered how it was possible that Brady, Rodgers, and Brees were playing the same sport that us Cleveland fans watched every Sunday.

In 2011 Drew Brees threw for 46 touchdowns while the entire Browns offense scored just 20. Yikes.

2012 was a little better. Last year Brees threw just five more TD’s (43) than the Browns offense scored (38). Signs of improvement for sure, but still a long way to go.

This offseason Banner and Lombardi put their emphasis on arming new Browns’ defensive coordinator Ray Horton with as many weapons as possible, but the offensive personnel remains largely unchanged. With Ben Watson being the only key departure leaving via free agency the hope was the Browns would land a new starting tight end, one that could be a reliable safety net for the inexperienced Brandon Weeden. But the Browns didn’t land Jared Cook, Dennis Pitta, or Brandon Myers, leaving the raw and inexperienced Jordan Cameron as the starter by default.

On 3rd and 6 are Browns fans are supposed to feel secure that Brandon Weeden has Jordan Cameron working the middle of the field to secure a first down? I don’t think so.

Enter wide receivers Davone Bess and David Nelson. [Read more...]

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What’s the opposite of transparency?

May 10, 2013 by 85 Comments

“My feeling is that we need to present a different picture of this organization. It’s been stale. It has not done well. I don’t think people view the Browns in a positive light. My perception from the outside was that the Browns just weren’t successful. They weren’t energetic or forward-thinking. I’m not afraid of transparency. Most of what we do here — there’s no secret to it.”

Paranoia

On Monday, there was much consternation to be had. Not only had Terry Pluto been the subject of a complete hack job, it was reported that the Cleveland Browns listed their draft sheet not by position or grade, but alphabetically. Debate ranged from incompetence and baseless speculation to blind benefit of the doubt—maybe the Browns had multiple draft boards; the report, however, stated nothing of the sort. The end result was a discussion surrounding how the debates surrounding the unknown could be silenced if the Browns had taken our pro bono advice, an output typically reserved for overpaid consultants and advisory firms.

[Read more...]

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Browns thoughts on Armonty Bryant, Jimmy Haslam’s apology and Garrett Gilkey

May 8, 2013 by 1 Comment

armonty-bryant-mugjpg-487a2f287eb2968bWe’re deep into the off-season now that the draft is over, but that doesn’t mean it’s quiet now in and around the Cleveland Browns. In the case of this week and the things that are happening, quiet would be a relief. So let’s get on with it.

On Armonty Bryant…

Let’s just say that a seventh round draft pick shouldn’t be making noise in the press a week prior to showing up for rookie camp. Armonty Bryant was arrested for driving under the influence. Scott already weighed in wondering aloud where the line should be drawn on character concerns. Terry Pluto also weighed in yesterday indicating that he didn’t think there was any place for a guy like this with his troubles compounding on top of previous troubles that pushed him so very far down the draft board. [Read more...]

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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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Which Browns veteran is most likely to be replaced?

May 6, 2013 by 11 Comments

Browns training camp padsHere today, gone tomorrow. No, I’m not talking about Ezequiel Carrera or the pipeline of stating pitchers that goes from Columbus to Cleveland. In the NFL, players aren’t guaranteed next year. Every year plenty of veterans around the league sweat through roster cuts before, during and after training camp. Those wearing the Orange and Brown are no different.

We’ve also seen this movie before. New coaching staff comes in and wants to find their own guys. New general manager comes in and has no ties to anyone on the roster. It is a recipe for change and uncertainty. Just ask Chris Gocong. After trading Gocong out of Philadelphia, and then cutting him this off-season, safe to say Joe Banner isn’t on Gocong’s Christmas card list.

Many decisions have already been made. Gocong is gone. Sheldon Brown was not offered a new deal. Frostee Rucker was released. Usama young, Colt McCoy and Emmanuel Acho- all gone.

But if history is right, there will be a few more veterans cut before the season begins. The only question is which ones?

The Browns are a very young team. There aren’t a ton of players that have been in the league more than 3 or 4 years, and several of the ones that meet that criteria were just brought in by the new administration. Graham, Campbell, Barnidge, Bess, Davis, Bryant and Kruger all have at least 5 years of experience. Kevin Barnes and David Nelson have 4 and 3 years under their belts. There aren’t a lot of four or five year veterans on this team taking up roster spots that younger players could grab. In fact, the Browns have several undrafted free agents that made the team and saw significant playing time. [Read more...]

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Browns thoughts on Terry Pluto, ProFootballTalk, “black boxes,” and draft strategy

May 6, 2013 by 11 Comments

Browns Helmet LogoWho could be running the Browns today who might get the benefit of the doubt? I think it’s a good question. Sometimes I wonder if the Kraft family somehow divested the Pats, bought the Browns and brought Bill Belichick with them if Browns fans would continue point to failed draft picks like Courtney Brown as proof that the Browns were failing in the present. I don’t know how else to explain all the fear and loathing currently taking root in the Browns fanbase over the 2013 NFL draft.

Of course, the real answer is that none of us know if it was a good draft or not. Barkevious Mingo looks like an athletic outlier in a good way, but trying to project him as the next Jevon Kearse is unfair to the player and also the front office that drafted him. All we can do is look into the process and strategy and try to figure out if that strategy is a good one or not. Generically speaking, now that the draft is firmly in the rear-view mirror, I like the strategy and we’ll see about the execution as we start to see these players and how they ultimately fit into the depth chart.

Terry Pluto was critical of the draft because he presumably would have preferred the Browns take players instead of trading draft picks. In his “Talkin’” column this weekend, Pluto sourced a rebuttal of many draft criticisms straight from Berea, it would seem. This is the valuable sort of relationship that I chided Mike Holmgren’s group for not having with at least one local reporter or columnist over the years. If they are in fact speaking to a guy like Terry Pluto, it should be a good thing for everyone. Terry still has his opinions as a columnist, but understanding what the team is trying to do is really important. [Read more...]

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One Week Removed, More Browns Draft Thoughts

May 4, 2013 by 7 Comments

Barkevious MingoOne week removed from the fun and buildup of the NFL Draft, and what do we know? Well, not much. We know the Browns are bringing Barkevious Mingo, Leon McFadden, Jamoris Slaughter, Garrett Gilkey, and Armonty Bryant, along with a bunch of undrafted free agents into the fold with a shot at making the team. We know the team has 9 picks next year, including 6 in the first four rounds. We know there are still holes on this team. Other than that, it’s a lot of guesswork, and listed below, is some of mine. [Read more...]

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Michael Lombardi: Two different interviews, one set of answers

May 1, 2013 by 29 Comments

Michael_LombardiMichael Lombardi used the official launch day of the new Cleveland Browns radio homes to reach out to both 92.3 the Fan and ESPN 850 WKNR. He called in to The Fan’s “Kiley and Booms” first and later called KNR’s “The Really Big Show,” with Tony Rizzo and Aaron Goldhammer. I listened to both interviews because I wanted to hear some insight into what the Browns did this draft, and maybe what the mindset was regarding certain decisions. Now that it has all sunken in over the course of the day, it is absolutely amazing how different the two shows ran their interviews to basically arrive with the same, minuscule amounts of information.

Kiley and Booms (conspiuously named after the show’s hosts, Kevin Kiley and Chuck Booms) seemed to operate like attorneys complete with Kiley injecting a “Can I finish?” when Lombardi started to speak too soon. Booms followed it up by listing all the players that the Browns had in for visits that they didn’t end up drafting, insinuating that because they were brought in for a visit that the team had interest in acquiring their services. The two hosts seemed more interested in reading their questions 1 than what Lombardi would provide as an answer. Contrast that with Tony Rizzo who asked questions and then shut his mouth and let Lombardi talk. 

[Read more...]

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  1. Booms started the segment prior to the interview by saying he had his “list” ready but didn’t want to “tip” Lombardi on the questioning in the event he was already listening. [back]

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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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The Cleveland Browns cornerback situation as it exists today

April 30, 2013 by 36 Comments

Joe Haden TJ WardThe Browns have a lot of cornerbacks on the roster, believe it or not. Everyone knows about Joe Haden and Buster Skrine at this point, but let’s go over the rest to see just how daunting a task it might or might not be to field a starting backfield with these guys. Remember, the Browns need a starter on the outside opposite Joe Haden and then will need to decide who best fits the needs as depth, nickel and dime coverage situations.

Of course, this is just what’s currently on the roster. There’s still time for free agency, post-draft trades, and also post-draft cuts. The best cuts usually come when a decent player is about to get paid like an elite player and gets cut ahead of a bonus. Not sure which players fall into that category but Browns fans will remember clamoring for the team to sign Eric Winston who was cut loose by the Texans as he was about to be owed $5.5 million in base salary.

Anyway, the here and now includes the following… [Read more...]

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WFNY weighs in on the Cleveland Browns’ 2013 draft

April 29, 2013 by 35 Comments

2013Browns

Another NFL Draft in the books. With our aversion to “grades” well documented, we will address 10 key points with regard to the 2013 edition, specific to the Cleveland Browns. Our individual takes can be found after the jump. We invite you to participate, just as many of you did one year ago. Let’s get into it…

1. Just like last year, we’ll start it off here: On a scale of 1-to-10, what is your perception of the Browns’ 2013 draft?

[Read more...]

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Browns’ unexciting draft low on fun, but high on strategy

April 28, 2013 by 69 Comments

Joe BannerSometimes punchlines are just too easy. The low-hanging fruit dangling mere inches from the blades of grass. The Browns traded two straight draft picks and you would have thought they’d done this as a part of their M.O. for decades and decades. “The Browns are on the clock… you know to trade another pick!”

Hilarious.

Yes, the Browns have traded in the draft in recent years from Mangini’s masterful trade down and awful second round to Tom Heckert’s Julio Jones trade out with the Falcons with results that are still up for debate depending on Brandon Weeden and others. Make no mistake, though, this draft executed by Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi and Rob Chudzinski was very different than either of those. [Read more...]

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Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger

April 27, 2013 by 15 Comments

Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi, and the rest of the Browns’ front office gave Cleveland a general sense of optimism with the selection of Barkevious Mingo with the 6th overall pick on Thursday night. Mingo, a  freakish athlete from a dominant college program, surely wouldn’t please everyone but he did a good job trying. He wore the  brown tie and the orange pocket square, he said he it was “a lifelong dream to play in a city that loves football“, and even was recognized as Name of the Year in 2009, but none of those matter if the kid can’t play.

“He’s too small.” “His stats dropped off last year.” “He can’t play every down.”

These things will be said, and rightfully so, but in large Banner and Lombardi survived round one unscathed.

Now on to round two.

With the selection of Josh Gordon in last year’s supplemental draft, the Browns were without a second round pick in 2013. Set to be simply spectators in round two and with so many appealing players on the board, fans and media alike couldn’t help from questioning, pondering, and dreaming of any way the Brownies could get back into the action. Draft day is the Super Bowl in Northeast Ohio, except every year the Browns get to participate. Depriving Browns fans from having a high round pick in the draft is like depriving a young child of a toy on Christmas morning. [Read more...]

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Adding Mingo adds an identity in Berea

April 26, 2013 by 47 Comments

Barkevious MingoNFL teams lose an average of 6.4 yards per sack. Seventeen percent of all sacks lead to fumbles by the opposing quarterback. Defenses, thanks to the sack, score a total of roughly 12 additional touchdowns and 11 safeties per season. As ESPN The Magazine’s Peter Keating said late last season, while other NFL teams may be looking to find the next great quarterback, there is a burgeoning impact in finding the men who can efficiently take them down.

In selecting Barkevious (Keke) Mingo with the sixth-overall selection on Thursday night, the Cleveland Browns added a player who not only boasts extreme levels of athleticism and a top-tier pedigree, but one who will have the chance to impact the game on every down during a given series. Sure, the team used considerable resources to add free agent pass rushers in Paul Kruger and Quinten Grovese. Sure, they presently have a former second-round pick in Jabaal Sheard transitioning to outside linebacker. But given how much this team plans on attacking quarterbacks this coming season, the selection of Mingo not only adds another piece to the new philosophical puzzle, it provides depth at one of the league’s most important positions.

[Read more...]

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Cleveland Browns Draft Reset

April 26, 2013 by 36 Comments

Mingo Draft nightWith their first pick in the draft, number six overall, the Cleveland Browns selected OLB/DE Barkevious Mingo. The Browns do not own a second round selection, but do have six draft picks left.

Third round, sixth pick- (68 overall)

Fourth round, seventh pick- (104 overall)

Fifth round, sixth pick- (139 overall)

Fifth round, thirty-first pick- (164 overall)

Sixth round, pick seven- (175 overall)

Seventh round, twenty-first pick- (227 overall)

The second and third rounds will take place tonight, starting at 6:30 pm. Saturday will be the remaining 4 rounds, beginning at noon.

Team needs: CB, S, TE, G, WR, ILB

[Read more...]

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WFNY Roundtable: Browns draft predictions for the 1st round

April 25, 2013 by 18 Comments

Per an annual tradition, WaitingForNextYear presents its annual NFL Draft predictions. We hope you enjoy our takes and we look forward to watching — for better and for worse — tonight with you at the Map Room.

WFNY_roundtable

1) It’s Draft Day. In your prediction, what will the Cleveland Browns end up doing in the first round?

Jacob: After all the talk and all the rumors, I think the Browns stay put and pick at an area of great need: Cornerback. I’ll share my thoughts on Alabama CB Dee Milliner later. But I think he’s a perfectly fine pick at No. 6 and the Browns will stick there.

Kirk: The Browns will trade down into the 11-13 range, gaining a second round pick, and select quarterback EJ Manuel. We all know that Weeden isn’t Banner or Lombardi’s guy, and I forsee the Browns taking a QB, even if it’s not what I would do with the pick at all. The Browns seldom make me happy on draft day, and I expect that tradition to continue.

TD: I think all the talk is a total smoke screen. They desperately need a CB and I think like the fact that Dee Milliner’s medical history is an issue all of a sudden. I believe they want the Lions to pass on him and would snap him up at 6 in a heartbeat.

Scott: The Browns will be forced to wait until the final minute or so of their clock in hopes that a team is willing to trade up to the sixth slot. I’m presently erring on the side of this happening, allowing them to trade down to the 11th spot (everyone believes San Diego wants to move); the 12th (Miami) and 13th (Now the Jets thanks to their trade of Revis) are also in play. If this happens, I expect them to take Tyler Eifert or Alabama OG Chance Warmack. If they’re stuck at six, it’s a crapshoot between Milliner and a linebacker—my guess is Barkevious Mingo.

Craig: West Virginia QB Geno Smith. They’re slow playing it. I just wanted someone in this questionnaire to say Geno’s name. [Read more...]

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The Browns and the First Round: Tyler Eifert

April 25, 2013 by 4 Comments

We are less than a week from the NFL Draft, also known as the most important day of the year for your Cleveland Browns. With (another) new regime taking over the reigns and new schemes in place on both sides of the ball, it is crucial that Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi, Ray Farmer, Rob Chudzinski and the crew nail these three days. It all starts Thursday night with the primetime First Round. 

The Browns currently hold the sixth pick. Will they go with a defensive back? Could they turn to a pass rusher? Would they possible fortify the offensive line? Could they shock everyone and take an additional offensive weapon? Or maybe, just maybe, would they trade the pick to a team that wants to move up and snag one of those top offensive tackles?

From now until Thursday’s first round, a different member of the WFNY staff will take their look at one player in particular and tell you why the Browns, should they choose to, would go in this direction.

EifertThe Player:

Name: Tyler Eifert

Position: Tight End

School: Notre Dame

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 251 lbs.

40 Yard Dash: 4.68

 

[Read more...]

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Fun with Numbers- Draft Day edition!

April 25, 2013 by 4 Comments

2013 NFL Draft LogoEveryone likes numbers right? Every once in a while I like to see what story the numbers tell. Today I’m going to do a special ‘Fun with Numbers’ edition on Cleveland Browns draft facts. Let’s have some fun-

6- The Browns currently hold the sixth overall pick in the draft. The last time they used pick number 6 was for TE Kellen Winslow in 2004. Before Winslow, you have to go all the way back to 1957 when the Browns used the sixth pick on a RB from Syracuse named Jim Brown.

1957- Speaking of 1957, did you know the Browns drafted three Hall of Famers in that one draft class? Brown, Gene Hickerson in the seventh round (pick 78 overall) and Henry Jordan who played with the Browns for only two seasons and had a HoF career in Green Bay. If the Browns drafted three Hall of Famers this year? We might build statues of Banner and Lombardi.

35- It has been 35 years since the Browns last drafted a Hall of Fame player. That player was Ozzie Newsome, drafted in the first round (23 overall). In that 1978 draft the Browns had two selections in the first round. They used pick number 12 on LB Clay Mathews. Not a bad first round.

2- The Browns are connected to Alabama CB Dee Milliner more in mock drafts than any other player. Last year the Browns selected 2 Alabama players- RB Trent Richardson and FB Brad Smelley. Richardson was the first of four members of the Crimson Tide taken in the first round. As many as 6 could be drafted tonight. Before Richardson and Smelley, the last Alabama player taken by the Browns was DB Antonio Langham in 1994. [Read more...]

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