May 18, 2013

While We’re Waiting… Rolando McClain, NBA Playoffs and Three-Point Shooting

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

It’s the home stretch of NFL Draft chatter: “Another option the Browns have is to select a player who hasn’t been mentioned in regards to the team since early in the off season.  Shouldn’t Rolando McClain be a viable option for the Browns at #7?  When asked this question, there are two initial knee jerk reactions.  One is that the Browns just acquired two new linebackers, and they have something like 72 linebackers on the roster (actually 12).  The first argument to this reaction is that while the Browns have quantity, they don’t necessarily have quality.  Bowens, Fujita, Barton, and Jackson figure to man the inside linebacker position.  Barton and Jackson are coming off injuries.  Jackson is in a contract squabble with the front office and may be traded in the off season if he signs his tender.  Plus by the end of the first month of the season, Bowens and Barton will be 33, and Fujita will be 31.  Whether Jackson is still around or not, some youth needs to be infused into the position.” [No Logo Needed]

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While We’re Waiting… Tommy Likes Mike, Tribe Winter Development, and Andy’s New Approach

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.

the who TommyGo to the Mirror! “The turning point in the recruitment of the high-respected executive was the involvement of Holmgren.  Last year around this time, Heckert had the opportunity to interview for the GM job made available by the firing of Phil Savage.  However, the more Heckert talked with owner Randy Lerner and others around the league, the more it became crystal clear that not only would Eric Mangini become “his” head coach if he accepted an offer, but that Mangini would wield considerable power and clout within the organizational structure.   That dynamic has changed, however, by Holmgren’s presence atop the club’s flow chart.” [Lane Adkins & John Taylor/The OBR]

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

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

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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