May 20, 2013

NFL News: Browns sign Cleveland-native Brian Hoyer to two-year deal

May 16, 2013 by 8 Comments

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly inked a two-year contract with quarterback Brian Hoyer according to Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio.

Hoyer was released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week, immediately leading to speculation that the Browns would attempt to scoop up the 27-year old due to a longstanding link between the player and Browns general manager Mike Lombardi. When Lombardi was a member of the media and Hoyer was a member of the New England Patriots, the newly hired executive consistently spoke highly of the Cleveland, Ohio native.

Graduating from St. Ignatius, Hoyer took his talents to Michigan State where he would then go undrafted in 2009. He has since had stints with the Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cardinals. Hoyer got the first start of his NFL career in a Week 17 loss to the 49ers last season. With Brandon Weeden all but locked in as the starter, e is expected to compete with Jason Campbell for the Browns’ backup job heading into Week 1. This signing will likely spell the end of Thaddeus Lewis, a holdover from the Pat Shurmur era in Cleveland.

[Related: In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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Brandon Weeden opens Browns OTAs as No. 1 quarterback

May 16, 2013 by 12 Comments

Despite various attempts to suggest the contrary, Brandon Weeden has opened Cleveland Browns Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as the starting quarterback.

ESPN Clevland’s Tony Grossi reports that Weeden, while he may have merely been given the job due to a lack of serious alternatives and could very well be on a one-year audition, is firmly running with the first team while Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis are second and third, respectively.

“The Chudzinski-Turner offense – a vertical passing game played off a power running game – would seem to be an ideal change for a team that invested first-round draft picks last year in Weeden and Trent Richardson,” writes Grossi.

Earlier this week on WKNR’s Cleveland Browns Daily , Weeden said to host Vic Carucci, “I looked at (receiver) Greg Little walking in and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘This is fun.’ That’s what we want. We want to go out and have fun. Usually as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging it around a little bit. That’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna throw the football down the field. We’ve got guys that can go get it. It’s fun to come to work every day.”

With the Browns adding slot recievers Davone Bess and David Nelson, they are giving Weeden the weapons they feel he needs to flourish in an offense that arguably suits his skill set better than the one employed by former head coach Pat Shurmur.

In 2012, the strong-armed Weeden threw for nearly 3,400 yards, but did so with a passer rating of 72.6 with an average of 6.55 yards per attempt. He has been working out for the large part of the offseason, including private work with former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke.

[Related: In 2013 the Browns are betting on defense and hoping for offense]

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs signs with Oakland Raiders

May 15, 2013 by 11 Comments

The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with Josh Cribbs, formerly of the Cleveland Browns Browns.

On Tuesday, New York Jets general manager John Idzik said that Cribbs’ knee was still not fully healed coming off meniscus surgery, but the Raiders have apparently decided they would sign the NFL record-holding return specialist regardless of perceived issues.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself yet again,” Cribbs tweeted. “Fresh start, new team, new chip on my shoulder!!! Love [you] Cleveland but now it’s #catalinawinemixer.”

Cribbs, 30, will play his first season in the NFL for a team not named the Browns. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and  became one of the league’s best return men. He has been to three Pro Bowls and was named to two All-Pro teams during his tenure in Cleveland. Just last week, it was rumored that Cribbs could potentially return to Cleveland, but this failed to gain any traction.

The specifics of his contract with the Raiders are unknown at this time. Credit to him for the Step Brothers reference.

Update: In a statement made to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Cribbs said the following: “I am going to be for them until we play them. They are great fans. I love them just as much as they love me. I hope they win this year. I hope they get the job done and reach greater heights. I hope they root for me as a player and I will be rooting for them from afar.”

[Related: Pat McManamon talks Browns, Chuck Klosterman, AOL FanHouse, new media and Fox Sports Ohio]

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D’Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong and Eric Barton join Athlete Ally

May 10, 2013 by 7 Comments

Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and former teammates Chris Gocong and Eric Barton have become ambassadors for Athlete Ally, an organization dedicated to ending homophobia in sports, the trio announced via press release on Friday.

Per the release, the addition of these three new Athlete Ally Ambassadors is part of an ongoing effort to empower professional athletes to help make sports a welcoming environment for all. Former Browns linebacker and Athlete Ally Ambassador Scott Fujita directly helped grow the movement in Cleveland with these new additions.

“I believe that everyone should be treated the same,” said Jackson. “That’s my thought as a person and as a teammate. Joining Athlete Ally is my way of letting it be known that I would respect any teammate – gay or straight – it just doesn’t matter.”

Chris Gocong, a member of the Browns for the past two seasons prior to being released earlier this spring, added that  Fujita was a “pioneer” in the movement to create an inclusive environment in the NFL. ”I feel it is my duty to help continue that work as the league moves from tolerance to acceptance,” he said. ”I want to support any athlete to feel more comfortable and confident being himself.”

As Athlete Ally Ambassadors, Jackson, Gocong, and Barton join the NFL contingent of Fujita, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chris Kluwe, Donte Stallworth, and  Connor Barwin, as well as tennis greats Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, NBA star Kenneth Faried.

[Related: What’s the opposite of transparency?]

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

May 8, 2013 by 28 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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NFL News: Josh Cribbs believes return to Cleveland is possible

May 8, 2013 by 30 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 6, 2013 by 25 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 6, 2013 by 12 Comments

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

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

Best Performance: Week 12 versus Pittsburgh, +3.7

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

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

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

(h/t MGBode)

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NFL News: Browns draft board was arranged alphabetically

May 6, 2013 by 44 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

May 3, 2013 by 66 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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NFL Free Agency News: OT Winston Justice to visit the Browns

April 29, 2013 by 14 Comments

Veteran offensive tackle Winston Justice will be visiting the Cleveland Browns this week, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Justice was the 39th-overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, smack in the middle of current Browns CEO Joe Banner’s tenure with the team. He was traded to the Indianapolis Colts last off-season where he started at right tackle. After leaving the 2012 season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, Justice’s replacement allowed 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries to current Brown linebacker Paul Kruger. Justice would likely provide depth at the right tackle spot in Cleveland.

Justice is visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday and would conceivably have to leave without signing a contract to make it to Berea.

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

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NFL Rumors: Browns listed as one of six possible landing spots for Tim Tebow

April 29, 2013 by 45 Comments

The Cleveland Browns are considered to be one of the few landing spots for quarterback Tim Tebow.

NFL.com’s Mark Sessler believes that Tebow, recently cut by the New York Jets in the wake of their selection of West Virginia’s Geno Smith this past weekend, believes that Rob Chudzinski‘s offense would make sense for the versatile Tebow if he could get past the hurdle of the cold weather.

“It’s a long way from sunny Florida,” writes Sessler, ”but coach Rob Chudzinski ran an option-fueled offense with the Carolina Panthers; none of Cleveland’s current quarterbacks bring that flavor. The Browns didn’t add a passer in the 2013 NFL Draft and appear married to the idea of giving Brandon Weeden another chance this season, but Tebow would give this young team some flexibility.”

A sideshow of epic proportions, Tebow has been erratic at best since stepping behind center with the Denver Broncos. On the field for just seven percent of the plays run by the New York Jets in 2012, it appears that Tebow‘s days as a passer could be over—many anticipate that he will have to change positions if he is to forge a career in the NFL going forward. This said, Tebow‘s ability to run the read-option offense could land him in a place where quarterback is a position of need.

Through three seasons, Tebow has a completion percentage of 47.9 percent, throwing 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has added 12 touchdowns with his feet, none of which occurred in 2012.

[Related: 2013 NFL Draft – “Did the Browns win or lose?” with Scott Raab – WFNY Podcast]

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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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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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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 Browns and the First Round: Ezekiel Ansah

April 24, 2013 by 6 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.

Ziggy AnsahThe Player:
Name: Ezekiel (Ziggy) Ansah
Position: Defensive End
School: Brigham Young
Height: 6-5
Weight: 271
40-yard dash: 4.63

Whom he would replace:
Jabaal Sheard?

Why he makes the most sense for the Browns:
A freak athlete with limited football experience, Ezekiel Ansah has been advertised as possibly having the most potential of the elite DE/OLB prospects in this draft. For a player of his height and arm length (35″), his speed and athleticism (4.26 20-yd shuttle) is scintillating for NFL scouts. Along with free agent acquisitions Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant, he could be the final piece of an elite pass rushing attack.

[Read more...]

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NFL News: Browns LB Quentin Groves arrested in prostitution sting

April 24, 2013 by 49 Comments

Newly signed Cleveland Browns linebacker Quentin Groves was arrested on charges of soliciting prostitutes, Cleveland Scene’s Vince Grzegorek reports. Groves was caught in a sting run by the Orange and Beachwood police along with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department.

Per Grzegorek, Groves responded to an advertisement and requested “full service” from an officer posing as a prostitute. According to the records, a price was agreed upon during the call before he arrived and nearly $200 was taken as evidence.

The Browns signed Groves to a two-year, $2.8 million contract this past offseason. He and new Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton spent last season together in Arizona where the linebacker was a useful reserve, tallying 46 tackles and four sacks despite starting just seven times. He played in all 16 games in 2012, and has played in no fewer than 15 during his five years in the NFL.

One of 15 men arrested in the sting, Groves’ court date is reportedly set for May 10.

[Related: Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal talks about being a beat writer and the Browns draft]

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