May 26, 2013

Early Cleveland Browns Offensive Questions As Training Camp Approaches

July 14, 2012 by 8 Comments

It’s amazing to consider that training camp begins in just two weeks. The Browns will kick-start their 2012 season with a helmet practice from 8:45-11:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 28.

In the meanwhile, it’s been a fairly exciting offseason for the Brownies, especially on the offensive side. In the past few years, defense was the focus, as the team added new talents such as Phil Taylor, Joe Haden and T.J. Ward.

Over the past two months, the priorities switched over to the offensive side, where the front office looked to improve a unit that ranked 30th in the NFL in scoring last season (13.6 points per game).

Will these recent additions help out immediately? I’ll cover that and similar questions below as I break down some of the main offensive storylines here in mid-July. [Read more...]

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Browns agree to deals with Benjamin, Miller

May 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Browns have signed two more of their draft picks to deals. Wide receiver Travis Benjamin and offensive lineman Ryan Miller agreed to 4-year deals today. The draft picks left unsigned are Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Mitchell Schwartz, Emmanuel Acho and Billy Winn.

The Browns would like to get these deals in place as soon as possible.

[Related: Richardson would like deal in place by Friday]

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Getting to know your new Cleveland Browns: Ryan Miller

May 2, 2012 by 15 Comments

Who better to get the inside info on the Browns’ new draft class than the bloggers that followed them in college? We asked The Ralphie Report for some insight on Colorado OL Ryan Miller. David Gerhardt was happy to assist.

How would you characterize his college career?

He was a 4+ year starter who was a leader on offense for a group of guys that played through some tough times here at CU. He’s a guy that believes in himself and though he never quite lived up to the expectations we had for him coming out of high school (Parade HS All-American), he still was a consistent and solid force who occasionally had standout performances. He had a number of offensive line coaches at CU and played in a couple of offenses that didn’t necessarily work to his strengths.

What are the Browns getting with Miller?

Ryan Miller is a high-character guy that absolutely loves the game of football. He’s a huge man who gives huge effort. His technique would disappear at times, but he has a pretty solid floor with a good-not-great ceiling as an NFL prospect. [Read more...]

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Offensive Line gives Cleveland reason for optimism in 2012

May 1, 2012 by 47 Comments

If the Browns are to turn things around next season- and that’s a big if- a number of improvements have to be made on the offensive side of the ball and it starts on the line.

The good news, if you are a Browns fan, is that there appears to be reason for optimism.

We have a few known variables- such as Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas. Even if you don’t think Thomas played at a Pro Bowl level last year, he is still in the top five in the league. He has been very durable throughout his career, starting and finishing all 80 games the Browns have played since drafting him. There may even be reason to believe the Browns have some depth in case the unthinkable happens and Thomas goes down.

The Browns decided to cut Eric Steinbach in what really amounted to a cost-efficiency move. They feel Jason Pinkston can do the job there for a lot less money. There was talk that the Browns may decide to bring Steinbach back at a reduced salary. As of now, Steinbach has not signed with any other team. Given what the Browns did in the draft to improve the line, and the improvement they are expecting from Jason Pinkston, I’m fairly certain Steinbach won’t be returning.

The center position will again be manned by Alex Mack, who is an above average center. Yes, he had a Pro Bowl appearance as an injury replacement. The AFC North has a few excellent centers. Mack might not be the best center in our own division, but what difference does that make anyway. He is a plug ‘em in and forget ‘em type of player.

Now we move to the right side of the line. [Read more...]

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NFL Draft: Highlights from Remaining Browns Draft Pick Conference Calls

April 29, 2012 by 6 Comments

Just as Rick did yesterday with the thoughts from the first six picks, I’m sharing here some of the conference call highlights from the later NFL Draft picks by the Cleveland Browns.

OL Ryan Miller, Colorado – fifth round, pick #160

(On if the Browns told him where he would play)- “They took me as an o-lineman. I’ll play guard or tackle. One of my better suits is that I’m versatile.”

[Read more...]

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Pick #160: Browns Select OG Ryan Miller

April 28, 2012 by 17 Comments

The Browns went big on the offensive line again, using their only fifth round pick on Ryan Miller, a 6-feet-7-inches offensive guard from Colorado. He started all but three games during his college career, including every single one since returning in 2009 following a broken fibula injury the previous season.

Many outlets report that Miller projects to be a right tackle down the road, but ESPN said he is listed as having too short of arms, despite his height, for that position. ESPN ranked his pass protection, run blocking, awareness and toughness as average across the board, placing him at No. 214 among all prospects. Their scouting report said he is quick with his large frame, but can lack a killer instinct.

For Colorado, he was a two-time all-Big 12 honorable mention player. He is mentioned as being a guy with great intangibles who is heavily involved in community service, and should help to shore up the offensive line that has struggled in years past. Combining Miller with Cleveland’s second round selection of OT Mitchell Schwartz presents a significant boost for Trent Richardson and company for 2012.

[Related: NFL Draft: Browns picks on being Cleveland Browns]

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