May 21, 2013

NFL Draft: Browns select CB Leon McFadden from San Diego State in 3rd round

April 26, 2013 by 33 Comments

With the 68th selection in the 2012 draft the Cleveland Browns selected CB Leon McFadden from San Diego State. McFadden signed with the Aztecs originally as a wide receiver but switched on over to the defensive side before his freshman season began. McFadden earned 1st Team All Mountain West honors in each of his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. His senior campaign included 61 tackles, 12 passes defended, three interceptions, and two touchdowns off of those interceptions.

McFadden is the son of former professional baseball player Leon McFadden, Sr who played four years in the Astros’ organization.

Here is the NFL.com’s analysis of McFadden.

Analysis

STRENGTHS

Possesses quick feet and good speed. Fluid hips help him transition from pedal to close, also to adjust to out routes after opening up. Good awareness as a zone defender, jumps underneath routes but also keeps an eye on the quarterback and can adjust to make plays on receivers running behind him. Contains well on his side of the field, has the closing speed to track down runners before they reach the sideline. Displays the hands to snatch interceptions over his head and away from his body and fluidly transition into the return. Competitive in 50-50 situations, active hands make it tough on receivers to complete the catch. Possesses some thickness and cuts down backs in space with authority and is willing to stick a shoulder into an unsuspecting receiver. Adept special teams player on coverage and block units and has the hands and quickness to get a shot on punt returns.

WEAKNESSES

Struggles to always get a good jam at the line of scrimmage, which gives him some issues in recovery. His size gives him some issues against bigger, more physical wide receivers. A bit gun shy in handling blocks from lineman in the screen game. Doesn’t wrap up, often times attempts the cut tacke, which won’t always be effective against stronger, more elusive NFL ballcarriers.

NFL COMPARISON

Brent Grimes

BOTTOM LINE

McFadden’s a tenacious three-time All-Mountain West selection possessing the strength, quickness, attitude, and ball skills required of NFL starters, even if his size is not ideal to handle the physicality of veteran wideouts. Many shorter corners who play with similar strength and temperament have succeeded at the next level, which will help him nail down top-75 grades from scouts.

[Related: NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Select Barkevious Mingo]

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Browns trade for Dolphins WR Davone Bess, agree to 3-year extension

April 26, 2013 by 11 Comments

As first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN the Browns have traded with the Miami Dolphins for WR Davone Bess.

Along with the trade, the Browns and Bess also agreed to a three year contract extension. In exchange for Bess the Browns and Dolphins will swap picks in two rounds, including the 4th round. In a draft where the Browns were short on picks they were able to add another player without losing any picks.

“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.

Having only averaged over 10 yards a reception once in his five years out of Hawaii, Bess will fit into a possession role for a group a wide receivers that features Josh Gordon, Greg Little, Travis Benjamin, and the newly signed David Nelson.

“The opportunity to acquire an established veteran such as Davone was one we felt we could not pass up,” said Browns CEO Joe Banner.  “We believe this is a move that will immediately upgrade our football team, and as we have throughout the offseason, we are committed to improving our club through all possible means.”

[Related: Cleveland Browns draft reset]

 

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NFL Draft: Davone Bess to Browns rumors heating back up

April 26, 2013 by 6 Comments

The Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins are continuing their discussion revolving around the trading of wide receiver Davone Bess.

With the first round of the  2013 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, teams are looking to address their needs be they in terms of additional picks or players. NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport reports that the Browns and Dolphins are haggling over what picks would be exchanged in return for the veteran receiver. There is an alleged deadline due to the logistics of getting Bess to Cleveland in the event a deal is indeed consummated.

On Thursday night, the Dolphins traded up to the third-overall spot to land outside linebacker Dion Jordan, a rumored target of the Browns at No. 6. In doing so, the Dolphins lost their second-round selection but still have a second-rounder (54th overall) due to a previous trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The Browns do not have a second-round pick due to selecting wide receiver Josh Gordon in last year’s supplemental draft.

Bess, 27, is scheduled to make $2.6 million in base salary in 2013. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2014. A possession receiver, he had 61 catches for 778 yards and one touchdown last season. Rumor of the Browns’ interest began surfacing earlier this week.

[Related: Adding Mingo adds an identity in Berea]

 

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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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Mingo: A lifelong dream to play for a city that loves football

April 26, 2013 by 8 Comments

I’m very excited. I’m a national football player, it’s a lifelong dream. Now, I get to play for a team and city that loves football. Coming from my visit and sitting with coach Horton, he informed me of the tradition of the organization and how much the fans love their city. It really made me want to play there. [...] My goal is to be starting week one and help win games. That’s what they are bringing me in here for and that’s what I’m committed to doing.

– Cleveland Browns first-round draft selection Barkevious Mingo, via conference call shortly after being selected sixth-overall. Mingo is a highly-athletic edge rusher who will play outside linebacker in the team’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

[Related: Joe Banner and Rob Chudzinski on first round draft pick Barkevious Mingo]

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Joe Banner and Rob Chudzinski on first round draft pick Barkevious Mingo

April 26, 2013 by 15 Comments

Following Cleveland’s selection of LSU LB/DE Barkevious Mingo, team CEO Joe Banner and head coach Rob Chudzinski talked with the media about the pick.

Joe Banner spoke about Mingo’s character:

“He is very high character, very hard working, extraordinarily competitive naturally, this guy. We’ve talked about bringing in aggressive players to play an aggressive scheme. He fits that very well. This was the outcome we were hoping for. We’re very excited.”

Rob Chudzinski on the characteristics that made them choose Barkevious:

“His athleticism speaks for itself. He’s an extremely gifted athlete, explosive, great speed off the edge and a developing player. Obviously, he’s been battle tested in the SEC. He has played a lot. He still has plenty of room for growth. But, we really see him as an outstanding pass rusher and somebody that is going to be able to bring that to our team.”

Banner spoke about adding Mingo to a group that now includes Paul Kruger, Jabaal Sheard and Quentin Groves as edge rushers:

“It really started with our coaching search, and Chud’s philosophy which was part of the reason he got the job frankly by playing aggressive attacking defense, making life uncomfortable for quarterbacks. Being on the attack even when the other team has the ball and I think you can see it in the moves we’ve made that our philosophies are consistent whether it was the free agent moves, what you’ve seen so far in the draft. It fit the plan from the coach to the coordinator through to the players we’re adding.”

To which Rob Chudzinski added:

“Like Joe was talking about, it has been a priority for us. We want a strong front and guys that can run, hit, who are relentless. Affecting the quarterback in this league is a key to winning games and a key to playing great defense. So as we went through the process looking at guys who could do that, obviously, we found some guys in free agency that could do that and fit that bill. Going forward in the draft, we felt the same way about Kiki. It happened that he was available there and we’re happy to have him.”

There will be a press conference Friday at 2:00pm to introduce Barkevious to Cleveland.

[Related: The Browns and the first round- Barkevious Mingo]

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NFL Draft Rumor: Browns trying to trade up to land Geno Smith

April 25, 2013 by 45 Comments

The winds could be shifting in Berea as the Cleveland Browns are now rumored to be considering a trade up to the third spot in the NFL Draft to select West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith.

Once thought to be in the market to be trading down to acquire an extra draft pick, assumed to be in the second round, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that there is a buzz building which would have the Browns attempting to leapfrog the Philadelphia Eagles to ensure that Smith is available when their helmet is on the clock.

The Eagles are rumored to be enamored with Smith while the Browns are reportedly not sold on Brandon Weeden as their quarterback of the future. The Browns traded up to the third spot in 2012 to draft running back Trent Richardson. Not owning a second-round selection in 2013, a trade up would ensure that the Browns—without a subsequent trade—would not be selecting at all on Friday night as a third-round pick would be needed to make the jump.

ESPN’s Todd McShay recently pegged the Browns with Smith, but doing so via their sixth-overall selection. The Eagles are the former employer of current Browns CEO Joe Banner.

[Related: WFNY Roundtable: Browns draft predictions for the 1st round]

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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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Final Mock Draft from Todd McShay says Geno Smith to Cleveland

April 25, 2013 by 19 Comments

After a pre-draft season of wavering between sides of the ball as well as position, Scouts Inc.’s Todd McShay has the Cleveland Browns selecting West Virginia’s Geno Smith with the sixth-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

A trade-down scenario remains on the table for Cleveland who, as recent as last night, was considered the biggest X-Factor by NFL Network’s Mike Mayock. The Browns are notoriously tight-lipped and the variance of the mock drafts that have been published is a testament to just how big of a question mark Berea is on Thursday evening.

It is worth noting that it was just a few weeks ago when McShay said that Smith was not a first-round talent.

“I don’t have a true first-round grade on Smith, and I don’t feel great about slotting him anywhere in the top 10,” McShay said. “But we all know the drill — quarterbacks will get bumped up the board come April 25, and Smith is likely to be the first quarterback off the board. …  If he’s still on the board at No. 10, that’s when things would get interesting because there isn’t a team with a pressing need at QB until we circle back around in Round 2.”

A selection of Smith with the sixth-overall pick would undoubtedly mean the end of Brandon Weeden’s tenure with the team. McShay’s counterpart at ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr., has the Browns selecting Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, adding that Smith is also in play.

[Related: The Browns and the First Round: Geno Smith]

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The Diff: Cleveland Browns mock draft analysis

April 24, 2013 by 6 Comments

For my entire archive of The Diff at WFNY, check out this tag. Again, last week’s topic covered baseball attendance in April and sellout streaks. Now, it’s NFL Draft talk time.

The Diff

Yesterday, I wrote a teaser for a mock draft database that I was compiling. At the time, I had a sample of 50 mock drafts from around the Internet. Many were awful, as some of you dutifully pointed out in the WFNY comments.

So now, I’ve cleaned things up quite a bit and expanded my mock draft list. There are now 60 mock drafts in my database. And today, as a special treat for you, I’ll share a link to the spreadsheet and provide some analysis on what it all means for your Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

Click here to view WFNY’s Mock Draft Database in a locked Google spreadsheet. [Read more...]

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Hooray! NFL Network and ESPN agree not to tip draft picks via Twitter

April 22, 2013 by 24 Comments

2013 NFL Draft LogoI was extremely happy to learn that NFL Network and ESPN have decided that they won’t be tipping draft picks via Twitter this week during the NFL draft. Adam Schefter will still be working to break extraordinary news like trades or bold moves, but if there’s just a team sitting in a slot and selecting a guy, Schefter will not be reporting it a minute ahead of time, for example. They’ve also agreed to avoid showing potential draftees on the phone in New York City in order to try and get the pick to the TV audience before it escapes the lips of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. I don’t know if this will work completely to keep from spoiling picks as ESPN and NFL Network can’t control other guys like Jay Glazer who are as plugged in as anyone in the NFL world, but it’s a good idea, I think.

So am I really just advocating for the death of reporting? I don’t think so. I’ve taken the same stance with the NBA draft too, by the way. I just think that while uncovering potential trades and free agency moves is a valuable bit of reporting there’s something really worthless about scooping a live event a mere minute or less before the thing actually happens. If information is measured in value where the amount of time of relevance is determinant of actual value of the piece of info, then info with mere seconds or minutes of “useful” life is decidedly of low value.

All this comes in the same time period where I discussed the value of information on Twitter against the backdrops of the cable news networks with regard to the Boston bombing and subsequent man-hunt. In that case, I prefer the truth and immediacy of Twitter as the events are unfolding. Even taking into account the sheer difference in gravity of the NFL draft and the hunting of a terror suspect, it would seem that what I’m displaying is a hypocritical stance. I guess I’m alright with that in this case. Yes, it takes some work to report on a draft pick before it actually happens, but clearly the entertainment angle is of importance on draft night and shouldn’t be ignored. [Read more...]

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NFL Draft Rumor: Dee Milliner may not be ready for training camp

April 22, 2013 by 23 Comments

Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner may not be ready for training camp as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery heading into Thursday night’s NFL Draft.

“We haven’t been able to do the rehab like I want to because I’ve been going to different teams,” Milliner said of the process. “But once the draft is over, I’ll be able to start to rehab it and try to get back on track.”

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King followed up this report by saying that some teams are beginning to be concerned about the star defensive back’s health given that he would require a substantial investment due to his assumed  top-10 placement in the draft.

During his time in Cleveland, Milliner stated that he feels he and the Browns’ Joe Haden would form the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. One of the many subjects of ESPN’s Sports Science video series, Milliner tested off of the charts, recording one of the best overall scores in the history of the study.

The Browns, owners of the sixth-overall pick in the draft are said to be considering Milliner as they continue to have a need at the cornerback spot. Not having a second-round pick at this time, North Carolina State’s David Amerson (6-1,205 lbs) and Mississippi State’s Darius Slay (6-0, 195 lbs.) are allegedly considerations if the Browns wait until the middle rounds to address this need.

[Related: NFL Draft: Jacob and Kirk Tackle Browns’ 1st-Round Strategy]

(Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News)

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Chudzinski: EJ Manuel “Reminds Me Of Somebody I Used To Coach”

April 21, 2013 by 15 Comments

The Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot wrote this morning that the Browns worked out Flordia State quarterback EJ Manuel yesterday, and the visit reportedly went very well in the eyes of both Manuel and the Browns, who currently hold the sixth pick for Thursday’s first round. Browns Coach Rob Chudzinski even compared the Seminole quarterback to his most recent quarterback in Carolina.

“He already brought up Cam when I was up in Cleveland on Monday,” Manuel, a dual-threat quarterback who went 25-6 at Florida State, told The Plain Dealer after the workout. “I think coach Chudzinski sees a lot of Cam Newton in me, so that’s kind of in my favor as far as being a guy that’s very similar to Cam’s playing style.”

Manuel was 25-6 in parts of four years in Tallahasse, starting full-time the last two seasons. He threw for 3,392 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 68% of his passes.  The draft prospect says that while he understand the comparisons to Cam Newton, Carolina’s star quarterback, responsible for 62 total touchdowns in two seasons (20 rushing), he studies another elite quarterback’s film.

“I know I’m very similar to Cam in size, and speed and things like that, but I usually watch film on Big Ben,” he said. “I’m a big, strong, durable quarterback. That’s what I love about Big Ben. He doesn’t run to run. He runs to try to get open to throw the ball. A lot of people may say I’m a runner, but anytime I’m scrambling around, I’m looking for a receiver and trying to get the ball into their hands.”

West Virginia’s quarterback Geno Smith has also been discussed as a possibility for the Browns and other teams in the top ten, including Jacksonville at #2, Philadelphia at #4, Buffalo at #8, and the Jets at #9.

Related: NFL Draft: Jacob and Kirk Tackle Browns’ First Round Strategy

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NFL Draft: Jacob and Kirk Tackle Browns’ 1st-Round Strategy

April 21, 2013 by 15 Comments

With the NFL Draft coming up on Thursday night, two of your Weekend Warriors, Jacob and Kirk, thought it would be a good idea to get the juices flowing and talk about what the Browns could potentially do at #6 (or wherever else they may land in the first round). Who will be wearing that lovely orange and brown cap pictured to the right come Thursday evening? We do hope you enjoy, and let the discussion begin in the comments section!Browns Hat

Jacob:  On Thursday night, being as realistic as possible, what do you think the Browns should do with the No. 6 pick?

Kirk:  If I’m in that war room, I’m drawing on the dry erase board in big letters…. TRADE DOWN! If someone wants one of the three offensive tackles and they’re still on the board at 6, take the deal. I like, but I don’t love, a lot of the guys that will ultimately be the pick at #6.

Jacob:  To a certain extent, yeah, that has to be the M.O. for the front office from the start of Thursday night. This draft, for all its eccentricities, doesn’t have a sure-fire guy that is a clear-cut no-brainer for this roster’s future. There’s a whole lot of ways they could go. Moving up is not one of them. Thus, there’s flexibility at No. 6 for many different possible solutions.
[Read more...]

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The Browns and the First Round: Geno Smith

April 19, 2013 by 22 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. 

hi-res-155371382_crop_exactThe Player: 

Name: Geno Smith
Position: Quarterback
School: West Virginia
Height: 6-2⅜
Weight: 218 lbs.
40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds

Whom he would replace: 

Brandon Weeden

[Read more...]

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Browns’ Joe Banner, Michael Lombardi hold pre-draft press conference

April 18, 2013 by 17 Comments

The Browns held a pre-draft press conference today in Berea to answer questions about the Browns plan heading into the NFL Draft which starts next Thursday.

As expected, CEO Joe Banner and GM Mike Lombardi spoke mostly in generalities and were careful not to divulge any strategy. Perhaps the biggest take away from the press conference is who will be in the “war room” for the Browns during the draft. The draft team will be Joe Banner, Mike Lombardi, Rob Chudzinski, Ray Horton and Jimmy Haslam.

Joe Banner said the decisions made will be a “collective effort” and that they will seek a unanimous opinion on the player the want to take. If they don’t all agree on a player, Banner says they will likely move on to the next guy.

One person notably not in that war room group is offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

They did say that they would consider any trade “that makes our team better”, but they won’t ‘chase a second round pick’ for fear of over paying. Banner also mentioned that any trade that happens would like take place while the team is on the clock, not before.

When pressed about the starting QB and the potential of drafting one, Banner and Lombardi said they approach the draft with the idea that Brandon Weeden is the starter.

[Related: NFL Draft Rumor: Browns a wild card for Geno Smith]

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The impact of free agency on the Browns’ draft strategy

April 18, 2013 by 39 Comments

DeeMillinerStop me if you’ve heard this one- which came first, the chicken or the egg? When it comes to the Browns and the 2013 NFL Draft, the question might apply.

When the Browns made wholesale coaching changes, it appeared that a certain draft strategy would be in place. Ray Horton’s defense would require several pieces. An outside linebacker/edge rusher seemed the highest priority. A number of candidates emerged. At pick number six the Browns would certainly be in line to have their choice of pass rushers that are projected to go somewhere in the top ten, meaning nobody would accuse the Browns of reaching for a need.

And then, free agency began.

The Browns were aggressive early on in securing their front 7. They pursued arguably the biggest free agent of the year in LB Paul Kruger and got him. Desmond Bryant added depth to the front line and Quentin Groves brought experience in Ray Horton’s defense.

For a while, it seemed as though the Browns had addressed the need for pass rushers, and were actively seeking to replace Sheldon Brown with a quality free agent CB. It was then that I felt like the Browns were putting themselves in a perfect position to actually take the best player available with that 6th pick. [Read more...]

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NFL Draft Rumors: Browns a “wild card” for QB Geno Smith

April 15, 2013 by 14 Comments

Albert Breer of the NFL Network considers the Cleveland Browns a “wild card” to land West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Smith, perhaps the most polarizing player in this year’s class, is one of the many players to have been worked out by the Browns. Many are resigned to the fact that Brandon Weeden will be the Browns’ quarterback heading into Week 1, but Smith’s name continues to creep into the picture for the sixth-overall pick–or a potential trade-down—as the draft inches closer.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King says that the Browns “badly” want to trade down, but also links them to Smith. Scouts Inc.’s Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft also has Smith going as sixth-overall, stating Browns general manager Mike Lombardi “hasn’t hidden the fact that he was not a fan of the decision to pick Brandon Weeden in the first round in 2012,” so Smith could very well be the team’s pick.

Smith is currently ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in this year’s class, but there remains a debate on how he will pan out at the next level after some inconsistent play during his final season with the Mountaineers. He threw for over 4,200 yards to go with 42 touchdowns in 2012.

[Related: NFL Draft Rumors: Browns could deal Sheard, Rubin on draft day]

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NFL Draft Rumors: Browns could deal Sheard, Rubin on draft day

April 15, 2013 by 20 Comments

ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi speculates that the Cleveland Browns could deal either converted linebacker Jabaal Sheard or converted defensive end Athyba Rubin on the day of the NFL Draft.

Sheard, a 6-foot-3-inch, 264-pound defensive end, was the 37th pick in the 2011 NFL draft for the Browns. He has 15 1/2 sacks in two seasons, leading the team in sacks the past two years. There is some concern as to whether or not Sheard will be able to transition to an outside linebacker in Ray Horton’s 3-4 scheme. Sheard is reportedly confident in his ability to make the switch, stating that, at the end of the day, he is an “athlete.”

Rubin has played five years in the NFL, all with Cleveland, after a college career at Iowa State. The 6-foot-2-inch, 321-pound nose tackle started 13 games last season after starting each game for Cleveland from 2009 through 2011. He had 30 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles in 2012. In Horton’s 3-4, he is expected to slot over to a three- or five-technique defensive end. He is currently the second-highest paid player on the Browns.

The Browns have added multiple linebackers as well as a defensive lineman via free agency. Thinking is that the team would be dealing from a position of strength in order to add additional draft picks to address key areas of concern.

[Related: As the highest-paid player on the Browns, is Joe Thomas’ value diminishing?]

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