May 19, 2013

NFL draft talk, Browns talk, Lake Erie Crushers and a contest! – WFNY Podcast – 2013-05-14

May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

WFNY Podcast LogoRick is running a contest for a free WFNY t-shirt. He will be posting a link of the show on his twitter page @RickWFNY and you need to RT it for a chance to win. We will pick a winner at random. (There is no purchase necessary. There are no guarantees of winning, but we guarantee we will make an attempt to give someone a free t-shirt. Please don’t sue us for trying to do something nice.)

  • Just how open are the Browns right now in terms of their public face

  • The Chuck Klosterman article on Grantland

  • What was the lead time of the trip to Cleveland?

  • Where is the split in the Browns home building?

  • Is there a split in the Browns building?

  • Jimmy Haslam’s trucking company troubles and how it changed Klosterman’s access

  • Missing the opportunity of having Chuck Klosterman in the room

  • Grading the front office on the pass rush should be easy

  • The Browns front office casts a vote against Pat Shurmur by bringing them all back

  • Brandon Weeden and his ability to get incrementally better

  • The possibility that Chud and Norv Turner will try to put guys in abilities to achieve

  • Finding the next Darren Sproles or finding a true change of pace back

  • Are the Browns going to have a third down back, or a second featured back?

  • What are Montario Hardesty’s chances of making the Browns?

  • The Lake Erie Crushers in the independent league

  • The Frontier League and their 14 team league

  • CONTEST WIN T-SHIRT PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES

Check out this episode

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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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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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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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Pluto: Mingo was 1 of 4 “Blue Chippers” For Browns

May 5, 2013 by 14 Comments

In his Sunday notes, The Plain Dealer’s Terry Pluto talks about the some of the draft strategy for the Browns that unfolded in the first round. This includes the selection of LSU defensive lineman/linebacker prospect Barkevious Mingo instead of a potential trade down.

“The Browns had four players ranked as “blue-chippers.” I could only come up with three names — Barkevious Mingo and offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher. It’s possible the fourth was guard Chance Warmack, although I’m sure they were not going to take a guard at No. 6. The main point was Mingo was on the list.

That’s why they rejected an offer from St. Louis to trade down to No. 16 and add a second-round pick. If a blue-chipper remained available, they were not about to make a trade unless it was clearly lopsided in their favor. They didn’t think the offer for the Rams’ 16th, 46th and 222nd picks were enough to pass on Mingo.”

In his junior season at LSU, Mingo amassed 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 38 tackles, earning second team All-SEC honors.  The Rams, you will recall, made a trade last season prior to the draft with the Washington Redskins that allowed them to select Robert Griffin III at number two overall, moving up from six, in exchange for two future additional first round picks and a second round pick. The Browns were said to be in on that trade action as well.

Related: One Week Removed, More Browns Draft Thoughts

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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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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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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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While We’re Waiting…Getting to know 7th round pick Garrett Gilkey

April 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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.

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“There was a small crater in the turf where the 314-pound Gilkey tried to dig in his cleats and stop the charge of John Jenkins, a 359-pound defensive tackle from the University of Georgia. Gilkey is an offensive lineman from Chadron State, an outpost in northwest Nebraska, and NFL scouts were gathered around to see if the player from a small Division II school could block a player from a Goliath of college football, a school from the mighty Southeastern Conference.
Jenkins thrust his powerful claws straight into Gilkey’s chest and it was an instant mismatch. Big beat little, for the moment.

It was a one-on-one drill at a practice for the Senior Bowl, a college football all-star game, which is the next step in the 2013 NFL draft process. Gilkey was shoved back by Jenkins and left standing on a white towel, which was the imaginary quarterback Gilkey was supposed to protect. This would have been a sack in a real game, the quarterback in a heap at the feet of Jenkins, and Gilkey humiliated. Gilkey, a small-college nobody, did not pick up that white towel and start waving it as a flag of surrender.He wasn’t going to be defined by one stinking play.” [Glier/CNN] [Read more...]

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NFL Draft: Browns select OL Garret Gilkey from Chadron State (Neb) in 7th round

April 27, 2013 by 6 Comments

The Browns completed their 2013 draft by selecting OL Garret Gilkey from Divison 2 Chadron State in Nebraska. Gilkey was the Browns second consecutive selection of a player from a D2 school with the choice of Armonty Bryant ten picks earlier out of East Central.

After missing the first two games of his junior season due to an Achilles injury, Gilkey went on to start the remainder of games in his college career. At 6’6″ and 318 pounds, Gilkey also played a reserve role on Chardon State’s basketball team.

Gilkey made his way onto NFL team’s radars thanks in part to former Browns general manager Phil Savage. Savage, now the executive director of the Senior Bowl, received a tape of Gilkey, and decided he liked what he saw enough to give Gilkey the invite to Mobile for the week to take part in this year’s Senior Bowl.

In the summer before Garret’s freshman year of high school he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare condition in which an extra electrical pathway between the heart’s upper chambers causes a rapid heartbeat. He underwent a corrective surgery that forced him to sit out all physical activity that fall.

NFL.com graded Gilkey a 58 out of 100, which projects him as a late round pick.

 [Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

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NFL Draft: Browns select DE Armonty Bryant from East Central (OK) in 7th round

April 27, 2013 by 4 Comments

With the 217th pick of the 2013 draft the Browns selected DE Armonty Bryant of Division 2 East Central in Oklahoma. Bryant originally enrolled at D2 powerhouse Abeline Christian, but did not play his freshman year leading to his transfer to Cisco Junior College (TX) before eventually making his way to East Central.

East Central, relatively unknown the football public, is the alma mater of the former Jets great defensive lineman Mark Gastineau. While at East Central Bryant forced 9 fumbles along with blocking 9 kicks and recording 27.5 sacks, including 13.5 in 2011. Bryant then missed eight games in the 2012 season due a suspension for allegedly selling $20 worth of marijuana to an undercover cop on two separate occasions.

At 6’4″ and 263 pounds Bryant ran a 4.69 forty yard dash at his pro day. Bryant’s ceiling has drawn comparisons to the Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware due to his size/speed combination along with the fact that both pass rushers emerged from small schools. Bryant received a grade of 61 out of 100 by NFL.com which projected him as a late round pick.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

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NFL Draft: Browns select S Jamoris Slaughter from Notre Dame in 6th round

April 27, 2013 by 6 Comments

After not making selections in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th rounds the Browns used their 6th round pick to draft safety Jamoris Slaughter from Notre Dame at pick 175. Slaughter was the Browns’ first selection since Leon McFadden at pick 68.

Slaughter tore his Achilles in Notre Dame’s third game of the year forcing him out for the remainder of his final season in South Bend. His appeal for a medical redshirt was denied by the NCAA forcing him into this year’s draft.

Slaughter says despite the injury he expects to be back when training camp opens at the end of July.

“With my injury I’m about 90 percent now,” he said. “I’m doing sprinting and cutting. It’s all coming back in line. The main thing for me is getting my power and explosion back. It’s coming along pretty well and I should be ready for training camp.”

Unlike Leon McFadden, Slaughter’s camp had been in contact with the Browns leading up the draft.

“My agent said the Browns contacted him a couple days before the draft and gave the indication they were very interested in me.”

In his junior season, the 6’0″ 195 pound Slaughter often played a hybrid safety/linebacker role close to the line of scrimmage in the slot. While he may not be an ideal fit for a free safety, he fits the mold of a special teams player, and if healthy adds versatility to Ray Horton’s defense.

Here is NFL.com’s analysis of Slaughter.

STRENGTHS

Solid pass defender. Knocks receivers off their route with a strong punch, and has the read-and-react skills to follow quarterbacks’ eyes and knock away passes in zone. Attacking blitzer, able to throw aside running backs and run under the shoulder of tackles trying to protect their quarterback. Also plays with strength against the run, fighting off receivers to contain on the edge. Brings attitude into head-on collisions in the open field, can stop backs in the hole. Contributes on special teams coverage units, using speed and intensity to fight through blocks.

WEAKNESSES

Lacks a true position. Might not have the size to succeed against tight ends or the foot quickness to handle faster receivers. Spends a lot of time around the line, will needs to prove the range and ability to read routes in two-deep looks. Hasn’t been challenged in coverage often. Injuries.

NFL COMPARISON

Eddie Pleasant

BOTTOM LINE

Notre Dame coaches have used Slaughter’s excellent football instincts all over the field throughout his career. However, between his lack of a true position, season ending injury, and a deep defensive back class, Slaughter might not hear his name called on draft day.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

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NFL Draft: Browns trade 5th round pick to Colts for 4th rounder in 2014

April 27, 2013 by 29 Comments

The Browns have traded away a pick for the second time in the 2013 draft, sending their 2013 5th rounder to Indianapolis in exchange for the Colts’ 4th round pick in 2013. The Browns now have traded out of the 2013 draft twice in favor of adding a higher valued pick in 2014. Cleveland also tradrf their 4th round selection for Pittsburgh’s 3rd rounder next year.

This is frustrating for Browns fans who see lots of holes on the team’s roster and want them filled immediately.Through five rounds Cleveland has only added three players, the two selections of Barkevious Mingo and Leon McFadden, and Davone Bess through a trade with Miami.

Seattle traded up two picks ahead of Cleveland at 139 to give them both picks 137 and 138, selecting DT Jesse Williams out of Alabama and CB Tharold Simon out of LSU. Simon, a teammate of Browns’ first round selection Barkevious Mingo at LSU was thought to be a possible target of Cleveland who despite drafting Leon McFadden in the 3rd round is still weak at cornerback.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

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NFL Draft: Browns trade 4th round pick to Steelers for 3rd rounder in 2014

April 27, 2013 by 13 Comments

For the first time since 1968 the Browns and Steelers are trade partners. Cleveland traded pick 111 to Pittsburgh for the Steelers’ 3rd round pick in 2014. The Steelers used the pick to select safety Shamarko Thomas out of Syracuse. Pittsburgh was reportedly very high on Thomas who has drawn comparisons to former Colts’ safety Bob Sanders.

While the Browns are in need of a safety, trading a fourth round pick for a third rounder in next year’s draft is a no brainer. Browns C.E.O. Joe Banner has said that all of the team’s holes will not be filled this offseason,  so with no one jumping out at them at pick 111 Banner opted to add an asset for next year.

Let it be noted that the Giants traded up to 110 right ahead of the Browns to select Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib. Cleveland then traded their pick to Pittsburgh. The Browns have been widely rumored to be in the market for a quarterback with Brandon Weeden not receiving the full vote of confidence from the new regime in Berea.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

 

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Video: NFL Films presents Davone Bess “Out of the Fog”

April 27, 2013 by 1 Comment

NFL Films profiles newly acquired Browns WR Davone Bess and his remarkable journey from nearly losing it all to becoming an NFL wide receiver.

Bess grew up in a rough neighborhood on Oakland’s east side. His dad was caught up in the fast life of the streets of Oakland, exposing Bess to the harshest realities life had to offer, watching his uncle get killed right in front of him. Despite the tough circumstances, Bess managed to stay out of trouble, keeping his focus and dedication on the football field. He was an all-city selection and had earned a scholarship to Oregon State before one night changed everything.

While giving friends what Bess called a “routine ride”, he and his friends were stopped by a police officer who found thousands of dollars worth of stolen electronics in the bags Bess’s friends possessed. Bess was adamant of  his innocence throughout the legal process, but as the driver Bess was convicted of possession of stolen goods and sentenced to 13 months in jail, a harsh sentence for first offense offender of a non violent crime.

Watching Bess speak of the hardships he faced, and the journey he went through to get to where he’s at brings to new light the Browns newest wide receiver.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

 

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Browns and WR Davone Bess agree to 3 year extension worth $11.5M, $3.75M guaranteed

April 27, 2013 by 1 Comment

Hours after news broke that the Browns had agreed to a trade for Dolphins’ WR Davone Bess, the Browns and Bess have a greed to a contract extension. Bess’s new deal is reportedly worth $11.5 million over 3 years with $3.75 million guaranteed.

Bess brings the Browns a veteran presence to add to a group of young receivers seeking leadership.. After breaking every receiving record imaginable in three years in Hawaii, Bess put in five productive seasons as undrafted free agent in Miami.

“Davone is a proven receiver who has been extremely productive throughout his career,” said Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski.  “He possesses outstanding hands and separation skills, while also showing the ability to pick up yards in key situations.  Because of his talent and experience, we feel as though he can come in and help us right away.”

Bess had 61 catches for  778 yards and 1 touchdown last year in Miami.  In his five years in Miami, Bess averaged 64 catches a season along with 689 yards. With the additions of Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson to Miami’s receiving corp Bess and his 2.6 million contract became expendable.

[Related: Video: NFL Films presents Davone Bess "Out of the Fog"]

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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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McFadden: I didn’t really speak to the Cleveland Browns. This was a big surprise to me

April 27, 2013 by 5 Comments

The Browns were quick to the podium once they were on the clock for the 68th pick. They wasted little time submitting their pick for San Diego State CB Leon McFadden, giving the sense this was the guy they wanted. However, this was all news to McFadden who expressed his surprise in being the Browns second pick in the 2012 draft.

I didn’t really speak to the Cleveland Browns.  This was a big surprise to me. I didn’t talk to them much, other than basic questionnaires.  But other than that, I didn’t know of their interest in me at all.

Surprise may be an understatement for McFadden who did not even speak with the Browns before draft day.

No, I talked to one of the West Coast scouts probably at the Senior Bowl or just did a questionnaire for them at the Senior Bowl.  I talked a little bit with them at the Combine.

With months to prepare and to leave no stone unturned it is hard to imagine a team using their second selection on a player they haven’t spoken with. McFadden was the highest corner on the board at the time of his selection according to NFL.com.

[Related: Browns add Bess and McFadden, pass on Honey Badger]

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While We’re Waiting…Scouting Mingo and McFadden

April 27, 2013 by 1 Comment

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.

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“I view Barkevious Mingo as a Type B player: Exceptional Physical Talent – Barkevious will be a starter in his first season and will reach Pro Bowl status when fully developed; has rare athletic ability and position skills; is a top 5 – 10 selection; his college circumstances / system limited his production in that he was often asked to play a “robber” role but we saw him unleashed in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl game vs. Clemson where there are moments you find yourself saying: “Wow”.

Mingo has excellent football IQ and is able to read and diagnose run and pass plays quickly; his instincts are strong and his motor is consistent and inspired; he showed the ability to take on and defeat college tackles with his speed and length; while he does not excel on the inside rush he can be elite when he attacks the edge; Mingo was not asked to drop into coverage often but showed the ability to do so as I will show below in the film breakdown section; his hands are active, strong and give him the ability to create space while rushing the passer; his blitz and pass rush skills and abilities have yet to be fully tapped for an athlete who possesses an elite first step and an array of rush and hand moves that enable him to get free at the POA and get to the QB; his length consistently shows up on film as an advantage in that he can, as stated before, disrupt the passer even if he wasn’t able to get the sack.” [Krupa/Orange and Brown Report]

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