May 18, 2013

Browns RB Montario Hardesty Agrees to a Four-Year Deal

July 26, 2010 by 17 Comments

Continuing the trend of singing in reverse order, the Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with second-round running back Montario Hardesty.  The Plain Dealer reported early this morning that the terms of the deal have not been fully disclosed, but the length of the contract is allegedly four years.

The Browns traded up to obtain Hardesty’s services this past April and the former Tennessee Volunteer managed to vault himself up the depth charts due to strong participation in organized team activities.  His subsequent praise forced would-be holdouts Jerome Harrison and Lawrence Vickers to sign waivers and participate with the team despite not having a contract in place.

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NFL Draft: Browns Defensive Backs

April 22, 2010 by 5 Comments

The most glaring weakness the Browns have has to be in the defensive backfield. Last year the secondary was 29th out of 32 in passing yards allowed. They surrendered 22 TDs through the air- and that includes the 4 game winning streak at the end of the season. As Scott pointed out in our Holmgren Report on the DBs, this group is in severe need of an upgrade.

The Candidates- Safeties

Eric Berry  Tennessee 5’11⅝”, 211 lbs.

Earl Thomas  Texas 5’10¼”, 208 lbs.

Taylor Mays  USC 6’3⅛”, 203 lbs.

Nate Allen  South Florida 6’0½”, 207 lbs.

Major Wright  Florida 5’11½”, 206 lbs.

T.J. Ward  Oregon 5’10½”, 211 lbs.

Chad Jones  LSU 6’2⅛”, 221lbs.

Reshad Jones  Georgia 6’1¼”, 214 lbs.

Kam Chancellor  Virginia Tech 6’3¼”, 231 lbs.

Larry Asante  Nebraska 6’0″, 212 lbs. [Read more...]

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NFL Draft Rumors: Piecing it all Together

April 22, 2010 by 29 Comments

We figured that if the NFL Network can start Draft coverage at 11am, so could we.  Talking heads love this time of the year because it is entirely based on speculation and there is next to zero accountability when it comes to reports. 

Mel Kiper has two defensive tackles atop his “Big Board,” yet Sam Bradford (the second quarterback on his list) is nearly a lock to go first.  Mock drafts everywhere attempt to take a stab at what will go down, but people like Eric Mangini circa 2009 make sure that they’re all wrong.  And that’s what makes this all fun – no one truly knows what to expect.  Especially when people like Al Davis are involved.

So given all of this, I will do my best to lay out everything that I have heard over the last 48 hours when it comes to your Cleveland Football Browns… [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Noah the Comedian, Calling-Up Carlos and Passing on Berry

April 20, 2010 by 29 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

Sam Smith, master of high comedy: “Of course, the joke is no one wants to go back the way Noah playfully inflamed the locals with mocking comments about Cleveland. You had to be there at practice Sunday as Noah said it all with a laugh and a wink, as he does many things, but it also was another impressive sign of leadership.  

Everyone knows what that brings: The wrath of the community. They make fun of their city, as anyone living in Cleveland would. After all, as someone noted, the fish can’t even stand the smell of the lake. Don’t let some outsider do it, though. 

But the subtle message was lost on the Clevelanders.” [Sam Smith/Chicago Bulls Blog]

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While We’re Waiting… Jimmy Clausen, NFL Draft, NBA Numbers and Playoffs?!?

April 17, 2010 by 8 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves up an breakfast buffet of WFNY-esque goodies for your daily viewing pleasure (on weekends too!!) Have something else you think we should see? Send it to our fancy tips email address at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Ugh. I hate seeing mock drafts like this and honestly can’t wait for it all to be over. Holmgren needs to prove us wrong as this one has the Browns passing up on Eric Berry in favor of Jimmy Clausen. Reasoning is as follows: “There isn’t a quarterback after Clausen that’s worth taking probably until the middle of the second round, so they have to get the right-handed passer here.” [Adam Caplan/Scout.com]

Making more sense of all the chaos with just days remaining before the draft: “With all the draft hype, rumor mongering, and excitement about to come to an end, here is an attempt to wade through the smoke and put together some collective thoughts. Are the Browns really considering trading up to get Sam Bradford? ” [Brandon Rastok/NoLogoNeeded.com]
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Browns Create Mystery While Still Communicating

April 15, 2010 by 20 Comments

Nobody truly knows what the Browns will do with the number seven pick on draft day.  Even the Browns don’t know what they are going to do because they don’t know what will happen in front of them or what opportunities will present themselves.  Still, they have managed to create mystery and intrigue for Browns fans during the run-up to the draft not by being painfully and obnoxiously tight-lipped.  Instead, we have heard about opinions of players from Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen and Tim Tebow all the way to Eric Berry and Earl Thomas.  What a contrast this is from last year with the serially vague Eric Mangini as the team mouthpiece.

Of course it helps Holmgren and Heckert in creating mystery when there are so many needs associated with the Browns.  Even with all the moves the Browns have made, it is reasonable to assume the Browns could take a stud player at quarterback, cornerback, safety, defensive line, offensive line, wide receiver and running back.  In fact, at different times as fans, I think we have entertained options at each and every one of these positions. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Windhorst on ESPN NY, NFL Draft and Efficient NBA Franchises

April 3, 2010 by 2 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves up an early morning breakfast buffet of WFNY-esque goodies for your daily viewing pleasure (on weekends too!!) Have something else you think we should see? Send it to our fancy tips email address at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Sportswriter extraordinary Brian Windhorst debuts on ESPN’s New York format with his take on LeBron’s business side: “When trying to understand the psychology of the huge decision LeBron James must make this summer, first you have to meet and understand Cleveland LeBron.

This is perfectly illustrated at just about every Cavaliers home game, where James immerses himself in a level of comfort he’s spent seven years developing.” [ESPNNY.com]

On the same topic, not sure how much this video floated around the other day. Saw it on RealGM and the most fascinating quote is LeBron’s comments about not stopping until he brings a championship to Cleveland. [NBA.com]
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While We’re Waiting: Berry Berry Kix, Laffy Taffy, and my inability to make a Fujita food reference

March 27, 2010 by 8 Comments

While We’re Waiting is a place where we get you some information. A miniature RSS feed, chock full o’ Cleveland sports goodies. If you see something you think we’d like (or want to send us emails regarding foreign fortunes that we have inherited) send it our way at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
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The Browns will be meeting with my man-crush Eric Berry on April 8th. “Currently, the Browns haven’t scheduled a private workout with Berry — which can only be done at a player’s school or in their hometown — because they felt they had a good enough handle on his physical skills, spokeswoman Ashley Kerns said. During visits to a team, players are permitted to interview and take physicals. If the Browns still want a private workout, they’ll schedule it after the visit.” [MKC, Plain Dealer] [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…NBA Jam, Drafting Clausen at 7, Cavs Playoff Projections, Tribe Bullpen

March 21, 2010 by 14 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

NBA Jam Screen Shot

Narrowing down the choice for Cavs players in the upcoming resuscitation of the classic NBA Jam: “LeBron? No explanation necessary. Shaq? Too legendary to even think about snubbing, especially after he famously made Orlando cart around the original arcade version on road trips so he could get his NBA Jam fix. The final vacancy? Williams and Jamison obviously have to be considered strongly, but who doesn’t think about Varejao when they think about the Cavs? Varejao might be Cleveland’s second most influential player, has great chemistry with LeBron and has scrapped his way straight into the Sixth Man Award race with Atlanta’s Crawford.” [Marc Stein/Weekend Dime]

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NFL Draft News: Mock Roundup Sees Eric Berry’s Name Pop Up In Cleveland

March 10, 2010 by 23 Comments

Eric BerryJust as it is with NBA Trade Rumor season, so to is NFL Draft Rumor season one of those things you either like or loathe. I personally love everything about the NFL draft because to me it represents unlimited possibilities. There’s nothing but hope and ambition in the air when I read about prospects, mock drafts, etc.

In the latest mock draft by Pat Kirwan for NFL.com, he has our beloved Cleveland Browns taking Tennessee safety Eric Berry with the #7 pick. Seeing as how that’s the guy I have wanted since day one, this is obviously pleasantly exciting to see. But how does it compare to some other notable mock drafts? Let’s take a look around the web and see, shall we? [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Mid-Market Excuses, Eric Berry’s Stock and D.A. to ARI Rumors

March 1, 2010 by 14 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com

dolanSo, about that economy: “According to numbers provided to our pal Maury Brown at Biz of Baseball, Major League Baseball brought in a record $6.6 billion in gross revenue during the 2009 season. That amount was a 1.5 percent increase over the previous high of $6.5 billion in ’08 and was produced despite a 6.58 percent decrease in total attendance from the previous year. Maury is also reporting that $433 million in revenue sharing money will be sent from the big-market behemoths to the teams crying poor in smaller markets. [...] Look, I don’t begrudge owners in making a good old American dollar off the good old American game. They’ve opened up new avenues of revenue and deserve the windfall. All I’m saying is that you should keep this post in mind next time you hear an owner cut budgets or say he can’t afford to keep a homegrown star.” ['Duk/Big League Stew]

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Holmgren Report: Defensive Backs

January 25, 2010 by 24 Comments

Browns Roster Upgrade SevereNow that The Big Show Mike Holmgren has shored up his front office roster, it’s time for him–and for us–to look at the team’s roster. We’ve borrowed from the Department of Homeland Security and will be looking at each position group day by day, finishing with a roster upgrade ranking based on need. Check back each day this week for a new position group. Previous Reports: RB, OL, WR/TE, QB, ST

While the quarterback position is bantered about more than others, and should be the highest priority for the new front office due to the impact on the game, the Browns also have a gaping hole on the other side of the ball.  Specifically, the one that helps keep the opposing quarterbacks honest: the defensive backfield.

The 2008 off-season saw players like Jabari Greer visit Cleveland looking for a deal, only to leave without one where he would then sign with New Orleans.  Instead, the team opted for re-signing Mike Adams, drafting two late-round defensive backs and attempting to add free agents Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy – the latter did not even make the final roster.  The result of said negligence was not pretty.  [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Win Tribe Tickets, See a Virtual Shaq and Absorb Cavaliers Statistics

January 13, 2010 by 5 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

ALCS Indians Fans BaseballAbout the “Essays for Tickets” contest: ”I fully expect the Indians will get more than enough stories to give away these 25 ticket packages. Cleveland hasn’t been immune to the recession, so I’m sure people need the help like they do everywhere else. But can you imagine the poor intern who has to sit and read depressing story after depressing story? And worse yet, you have to figure they go out and verify some/all of these stories, lest they be the victim of fraud and someone with no soul. That will be equally fun. I’m just saying, rather than judging these things, maybe they should just draw at random. What’s the only thing that could make a person who feels they’ve hit rock-bottom feel even worse? Being told even their failures aren’t great enough by judges from a pro sports team.” [Chris Littman/Sporting Blog]

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Browns 2010 NFL Draft Update: Defense, Defense and More Defense?

January 9, 2010 by 38 Comments

59209971Four weeks ago I began the trend of updating the draft board for the Browns, and my how things have changed since the beginning of week 15 in the NFL season. Finishing the season on a roll with a four-game winning streak, Cleveland avoided the top of the draft slot yet again this year. It looks like the Browns will be drafting seventh this coming April and with the arrival of new team president Mike Holmgren, it will be interesting to see what direction the team will take with said selection.

As has been written many times, the Browns have 10 picks (Update: 11 picks) in the upcoming draft including two in the third round and three in the fifth round. This will be a huge opportunity for the new head man in charge to make a statement with some bold selections that actually contribute on the team next season. The lack of production from Cleveland’s second-rounders in 2009 gives me a sense of pessimism as always, but with 10 picks it will be fairly difficult not to get a few solid starters early on in the proceedings.
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While We’re Waiting: Early Entries, LeBron Cuts a Rug, and Andy’s Plus-Minus

January 3, 2010 by 13 Comments

AP Photo

AP Photo

While We’re Waiting is a place to come and do a little dance every morning. Nothing too much, just a little jive to get your day going. It’s a long day, so don’t get ahead of yourselves and get all tired out – just peruse the links here, discuss and continue along with your day. If you’ve got any sweet dance moves (or links) you’d like to send our way, email our tips address.

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For those of you who salivate at the draft, here is a list of underclassmen that have declared for the draft at this point. Dear Eric Berry: in the words of Constanza, “I long for you.” [Scout.com]  [Read more...]

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Browns 2010 NFL Draft Update: To QB or not to QB?

December 14, 2009 by 66 Comments

quinnSo we are 2-11 and that means it’s time to talk about draft position. Go ahead and read the article from No Logo Needed this morning about why we should be focusing more about winning. It doesn’t matter worth anything in the future since there is no way this team is going to be winning any playoff games as it stands right now. Turnover always occurs from year to year and with 11 draft picks this coming April along with a top ten selection, this could be the most important draft for the team since the selection Tim Couch back in 1999.

Over a month ago, I wrote an article talking mostly about Mike Holmgren coming over to Cleveland, but at the end mentioned some resourceful NFL Draft Web sites. Although Cleveland’s win over Pittsburgh coupled with the continued losses for 1-12 St. Louis and Tampa Bay hurt the team’s current draft status, it is intriguing to look at what players the team could get toward the top of the board. When looking at four of the blogs I mentioned in that story, the main theme for this franchise was whether or not they take a brand new franchise QB at the top of the draft.
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If The NFL Season Ended Today…

December 7, 2009 by 117 Comments

nfl_draft_065121…the Browns would have the first pick overall in the now three-day NFL Draft.  Tampa Bay is right on Cleveland’s heals, but thankfully (?) the strength of schedule has played a factor and has officially deemed the Browns as the worst team.

The Plain Dealer did a pretty lengthy exposé on who the Browns would be looking at if they were in fact to keep that top selection.  Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh (Ndamunate!), Tennessee’s Eric Berry, USC’s Taylor Mays and Clemson’s CJ Spiller are a few of the names that have been thrown around the comments at this here blog over the last few weeks.

Just to keep that talk going – and to see if anyone in their right mind is still thinking that Cleveland needs a quarterback in the first round – consider this an open thread of sorts.

Have at it, kids.

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