There's a Gleam

JT to Cleveland

2007-03-27T20:52:00.000-05:00

NFL Draft Scout's Latest Mock HERE

Romeo: Draft CB, DC, OL

2007-03-27T20:38:00.000-05:00

Crennel throws out his wish list in the PD:

Of course, the coach is not tipping the club's hand on taking a quarterback or running back with its first pick.

"I don't think that you can rule anything out," Crennel said.
Including a trade down?

"If you get an offer you can't refuse, you should probably take it," he said.

Crennel said that both quarterbacks Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, who ended last season with injuries, reported to him that they are feeling well and are throwing in the team's off-season conditioning program.

Crennel reiterated the club's position that Frye has "a leg up" on the 2007 starting job, but that Anderson performed well enough last year to earn a shot at unseating Frye.

Raider's Boy Coach: JR Like a "Video Game"

2007-03-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

Raiders Coach Larry Kiffin, if Davis let's him, will probably draft JR No. 1. According to NFL Network, Al was comparing Russell to John Elway today, so those chances look pretty good.

From SI.com: "With JaMarcus, you have someone who's like a video game, I guess,'' said Kiffin, whose table at the AFC head coaches media breakfast was jam-packed with reporters, in no small part because Oakland owns the top pick in next month's NFL Draft. "That's what I tell our guys. Just because he can make all these throws you can make on a video game.''

Sav On Draft: Talks Up QBs, AP

2007-03-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

Writes Grossi: Asked about a possible backlash from fans if the team passes on one of the top two quarterbacks, he said, "When you pick in the top five, you're not expecting on being up there again. Now that we're back up there this year, it changes your perspective on things to a degree."

Asked if the Browns can afford to trade up to No. 1 or No. 2, he did not say he wouldn't investigate the cost.

"I would sense it's going to be prohibitive because I think the two teams up there can ask for whatever they ask for. There's no real rules," Savage said.

Asked about rumors that Oakland may be leaning to Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson, which may push Russell within the Browns' reach, Savage replied, "I can see it happening. There are going to be those that argue he's the best player in the draft, so if you're sitting there at No. 1, I wouldn't rule it out."

What about Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson? Savage gave the impression - purposely, perhaps - that Peterson is higher on the Browns' radar screen.

Does Peterson's injury history concern Savage?

"I don't think so much," he replied. "I think he's a terrific talent. He's fast, he's physical. He's got acceleration. He's got burst. We've got Jamal [Lewis] on a one-year deal, so I don't think it takes us out of picking Adrian."

Could he find decent offensive linemen after the first round?

"I think there will be some linemen available that we like," Savage said. He then raised the example of the explosive San Diego Chargers, whose highest-drafted lineman was 2006 second-round pick Marcus McNeill.

"But they have a pretty good back behind those guys," Savage said, referring to LaDainian Tomlinson.

Browns Wont Add a Vet QB

2007-03-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

Speaking at the owner's meetings, Sav says he's sticking with his QBs.

Write's the PD:

So you can forget about Trent Green, David Carr, Daunte Culpepper, Anthony Wright or any other veteran quarterback coming to Cleveland.
"I would say it's something we lightly considered, but probably will take a pass on," Savage said.

He admitted the Browns talked internally about making a run at former Atlanta backup quarterback Matt Schaub, but he expected the price tag to be "prohibitive." Schaub was traded to Houston last week for second-round draft picks in 2007 and 2008 and a swap of the teams' No. 8 and No. 10 places in this year's draft. The Texans then signed Schaub for $48 million over six years.

"That's a pretty substantial contract for a guy that really hasn't played a ton of football," Savage said.

All of which leaves Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson still the only competitors for the starting job in 2007. Whether the Browns decide to choose a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick, or later, may hinge on the initial stages of that competition under the auspices of new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.

"I think we're content with what we're doing, to stay with the direction we're going," Savage said. "We've got six weeks of off-season conditioning and [organized] programs. Chud's putting the offense in, meeting with the quarterbacks, along with [assistant head coach] Rip Scherer. So I think we'll have a pretty good gauge of the two primary competitors, Charlie and Derek, by the time we get to the draft."

Lerner Talks - Complete Interviews

2007-03-26T17:04:00.000-05:00

Complete transcript from the Beacon Journal here.

"Fundamentally, without getting anywhere you need approximately 35 odd players. Rule of thumb. Maybe I’m off by a little. Fundamentally, you can really only get about seven players a year that are football ready at the NFL level – maybe three or four out of the draft or three or four out of free agency.Given the fact that after five years when Romeo and Phil got here for the sixth and the seventh, the previous five years, which should have created 35 football players they had no football players to speak of, with the exception of maybe five or six or seven."

With the Canton Rep - Lerner's interview parts one and two.

Pluto Having 1999 Flashbacks

2007-03-25T11:45:00.000-05:00

Terry Pluto doesnt want to draft Brady Quinn:

• If the Browns draft Brady Quinn in the first round, I'll scream. There, I said it: I'll scream. OK, maybe not scream. I'll just mumble, ``What are they doing?'' And I'll wonder, ``Hasn't anyone learned anything in the eight years since the Browns came back?''

• This is not a knock on Quinn. With the right team, given time to develop, the Notre Dame product will probably, eventually become a decent pro. But this is not the right team, because of the problems on the line. It's not like Carson Palmer's situation. He had a reliable veteran in Jon Kitna to play ahead of him for a season in Cincinnati. Besides, Quinn is not as physically gifted as Palmer. He needs protection and strong coaching.

• It happens every year, right after the season: Fans want linemen. Closer to the draft, they want quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, in that order. It's as if they know they must lose weight, eat the veggies, fish and lean protein. But then they think: ``What I really want is a $100 gift certificate from Dairy Queen. That will make me feel better.''

Lerner Goes to the Core

2007-03-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

PatMac talks to Randy Lerner.

As he spoke, he turned and grabbed a sheet with a list of players he had compiled. These were the ``core players'' he had thought of as he pondered his team off the cuff.

``I have (Joe) Jurevicius, (Orpheus) Roye, Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Kamerion Wimbley, Sean Jones, Brodney Pool, Eric Jamal Lewis, Andra Davis, Charlie Frye, D'Qwell Jackson, Leigh Bodden, Josh Cribbs for special teams certainly if not other, Steve Heiden, and emerging players like Leon Williams, Lawrence Vickers, Jerome Harrison, Travis Wilson,'' he said. ``So... that's 18. Now are they the 18 of the 35? No. Do we still have holes to fill?''
He then answered his question with another question.

``Do we want to make sure that we have the right wideout, quarterback, running back, pass rusher, cover corner and defensive lineman to really fill out the critical positions?'' he said. ``We got holes to fill, there's no doubt.

``Hopefully we get one or two of those filled this year in the draft. (But) the picture that I'm working off of is not so much to be alarmed by the turnover.''

Tony Grossi Answers All Your Questions

2007-03-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

Q: Hey, Tony: Do yo think Adrian Peterson will be a good fit for the Browns?

A: Hey, Marvin: His injry history scares me. People are comparing him to LaDainian Tomlinson, whom the Browns passed on in 2001. Bt Tomlinson demonstrated amazing drability at Texas Christian and that has contined in the NFL.

Read them all, here.

Falcons Not Likely to Move Up

2007-03-23T16:28:00.000-05:00

According to the AJC: "Obviously we've got a local player who is not a good player, he's a great player," Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay said after the official announcement of the trade. "There will be a lot of speculation with respect to that, but it is not so easily accomplished.

"It's extremely expensive from a draft-pick standpoint. Am I going to say to you, 'No, it won't ever happen?' I won't say that, because we've moved up before. Moving up in the first round is very difficult. I think it is more likely to move down than it is to move up. In our case, we've got a number of players that we like up there."

Banking on Quinn

2007-03-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

SI's Don Banks mock guess = NDQB

Quinn wants to be a Brown, and as much as Cleveland needs a quarterback for the future, it's hard for me to imagine that they could hold the third pick and not come away with either of the top two passers or the best prospect in the draft (Johnson). If Browns owner Randy Lerner green lights a QB pick, general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel shouldn't take a must-win-now approach.

K2 Back, Baxter Surprises, Bentley Out

2007-03-23T15:45:00.000-05:00

Sav talked to WTAM yesterday and gave updates on some key injuried players.

The Randy Lerner Interview

2007-03-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

From the PD

Q: Is this a make-or-break year for coach Romeo Crennel?

A: I think it's more of a make-or-break year for me. Ownership is not a birthright. It's a performance-based privilege just like anything else. If I don't perform, then why own it? The only thing I want to do is win. I don't know how to not consider losing as a threat to my job. If I don't consider it a threat to my job, then I have converted it to a birthright. And that I'm not going to do.

Q: It was reported on NFL Network that you told General Manager Phil Savage he had to draft a quarterback. True or false?

A: I'd say it's somewhere between preposterous and ludicrous.

Q: What role will you have in the draft?

A: I'll have no voice in who we draft.

Q: Phil Savage was almost ousted after his first season, yet seems in great standing after a 4-12 season. Why is that?

A: I think Phil's done a great job. He's recognized, along with other people in the building, what it is we needed to address immediately following the season, and he's brought our organization together to do that. We communicate well and talk every day.

Friedman, Kevin Mack Back to Brown

2007-03-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

From the PD: Lennie Friedman joins center Hank Fraley, who re-signed for four years on the eve of free agency. The Browns also have added veteran guards Eric Steinbach and Seth McKinney in free agency.

The Browns also announced that former running back Kevin Mack will join the organization as assistant director of player programs. Mack served an apprenticeship with the Browns last summer. He will work with Jerry Butler, director of player programs, to facilitate personal development programs to active players.

McKinley the Newest Brownco

2007-03-20T19:28:00.000-05:00

From ESPN:

When Mike Shannahan has needs on his defensive line he usually looks to Cleveland, and, believe it or not, he did it again.
McKinley

On Tuesday, the Broncos reached an agreement in principle on a four-year contract with Browns defensive lineman Alvin McKinley. McKinley becomes the eighth former Browns defensive lineman to join the Broncos in the past three offseasons.

K2 Stomps Out PFT's Injury Rumor

2007-03-20T15:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Profootballtalk.com was once again the bearer of bad news for Cleveland fans. Citing unnamed sources - is there any other kind for his website? - Florio wrote "we've determined that the powers that be in Cleveland are not counting on Winslow to be available for the 2007."

Well Today K2, who also says he's excited to be re-united with new OC Chud, has answered with an interview on the Browns official site.

Of the report, Winslow responded, "I don't even know where that came from - I don't know who said that," he said. "But I love to prove people wrong. That's fuel for me. "I'll be back. People continue to count me out, and that lights my fire."

He said Monday he's been off crutches for nearly two weeks and has been following his rehab program closely.

"I really just started with concentrating on the little things," he said. "I'm following the program that our medical staff laid out for me before we decided to have the surgery. I first need to get the strength back in my leg, then progress from there. It's a step by step process, and my next step is running.

"But I am feeling great. As far as my rehab goes, I am ahead of schedule. I'll be back by training camp, if not before."

Kirwin Mocks Peterson with His Latest Draft Guess List

2007-03-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

Pat has AP sliding #12 to Buffalo

(March 19, 2007): It's still early for a mock draft, but with free-agent signings slowing down a bit, it might be a good time to look at a few draft-day trades that could make the 2007 draft very interesting.
With each passing week, the free-agent signings and the latest information coming out of the Pro Day workouts clear up the draft picture. I had nine changes from the first mock draft to the second mock draft, and now with a few hypothetical trades and draft boards adjustments, there are 12 more changes.
Note: Changes from the second mock draft are marked with an asterisk.

1. Oakland: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU -- The Raiders have a lot of needs, but as long as quarterback is one of them, they have to respond by selecting the guy with the great deep ball. I could see a move down, especially now that Cleveland will not need Adrian Peterson and someone was counting on tackle Joe Thomas or wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

2. **Tampa Bay (after trade with Detroit): Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech -- There is a relationship between Lions head coach Rod Marinelli and Tampa Bay general manager Bruce Allen and Allen loves to make deals. After the great workout by Johnson, it's time to move up to get him but not until the Raiders make their selection. There's no sense to move up if Johnson is already gone. The Lions get Tampa's second- and fourth-round selections to move down.

3. Cleveland: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin -- The signing of Jamal Lewis turned the top of this draft upside down. Thomas reminds me of the year general manager Phil Savage, then with the Ravens, took Jonathan Ogden with the third pick in the draft. Thomas can start for 10 years, but the Browns still need a quarterback.

Kirwin's First Round

Robaire Smith, Ravens O-Line Woes and Kirk Ferentz

2007-03-19T17:43:00.000-05:00

Steve Doerschuk gives you the latest on all three right here.

Looking at Things the Browns way - Scouting the Defensive Talent for a 3-4

2007-03-18T21:54:00.000-05:00

NFL.com's Pat Kirwin lists Branch, Carriker, Harris and Spencer at the top

(March 17, 2007) -- Draft boards are set up differently around the National Football League. A team that uses a 3-4 defense is going to see talent from a much different perspective than a 4-3 team, for example.

It wasn't too long ago that a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers merely had to figure out which college defensive ends could become 3-4 outside linebackers in order to continue to build their famous 3-4 package.

But over time, things have changed and now the Patriots, Jets, Browns, Chargers, Cowboys and 49ers are all looking for the same players. When you throw in the hybrid defenses that like to jump back and forth from 3-4 to 4-3 packages, there is a much bigger drain on all of the front-seven positions for the 3-4.

Don't get me wrong -- great players can play in any scheme, but building a front-seven unit is much different. more

Grossi Has the Answers

2007-03-18T18:35:00.000-05:00

Long-time PD Reporter Tony Grossi answers a bunch of readers questions here.

Packers GM Says He "Never" Talked Moss-for-Rodgers

2007-03-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Move that could shake up top of the draft not on the table, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette:

Rumors persist that Packers backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the trading block in a possible deal for Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss. General Manager Ted Thompson, who should know better than anyone, doesn't put a lot of stock in such speculation.

"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," said Thompson when asked about a possible Rodgers trade.

Keep Waiting for Millen to Make Up His Mind - IF He Has One

2007-03-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

Writes Mike O'Hara in the Detroit News: Does Lions president Matt Millen keep the second pick overall or trade it? Don’t expect an immediate answer. Speculation won’t end until Millen makes a move.

History indicates that Millen will decide later — much, much later — rather than sooner. The first pick overall has been traded twice since 2001, both times by the San Diego Chargers. In 2001, they traded rights to the first pick to Atlanta on the day before the draft. The Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Vick. And in 2004, the Chargers actually drafted Eli Manning first overall. Some 45 minutes later, they traded the rights to Manning to the Giants.

2007-03-18T10:07:00.000-05:00

Florio says/asks/theorizes/blows smoke for his agent friends with - RAIDERS FOCUSED ON JOHNSON?

There's increasing talk in league circles that the Oakland Raiders are planning to select receiver Calvin Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Johnson is the best prospect that we've ever seen. He's big, he's strong, he can jump, he's blazing fast, he has soft hands, and he's not a butthole.

Beyond the fact that Calvin is everything that Randy Moss ever was, and at least one key thing Moss isn't, the simple reality is that the Raiders surely want to turn it around sooner rather than later, given the advancing age and declining health of owner Al Davis.

And Johnson is in a much better position to make an instant impact than quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Of course, Johnson can't be added until Moss is long gone. And, preferably, Jerry Porter, too. Why risk letting either of these malcontents infect a guy who is, for now, the rare exception to
the rule that receivers generally are pains in ass.

Shopping Season: With 7 Signed, Browns tied with Tampa for Most

2007-03-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

Writes the ABJ's PacMac: In a market considered mediocre, the Browns have added two offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, a running back, a linebacker and a cornerback.

This activity continues a trend in the Phil Savage era. The Browns have spent and spent and spent on players from other teams in a frantic attempt to patch holes and to improve.

The spending has reached hefty proportions -- especially in terms of signing bonuses and guaranteed money.

Smoke, Trade Down Scenarios Highlight Silly Season

2007-03-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

In his weekly column, Tony Grossi checks out the Adam Schefter Rumors, talks about double-dipping and names a possible back up QB for Cleveland.

...But if Russell and Quinn go 1-2 and the Browns don't make an effort to move up for one, they will have interesting options at No. 3.

The most desirable players left for them would be Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson and Peterson.

Tampa Bay (No. 4) and Minnesota (No. 7) are said to be salivating over Johnson, Arizona (No. 5) is considered desirous of Thomas and Houston (No. 8) has eyes for, reportedly, Peterson.

Double dipping:

The act of signing a player in free agency away from a division rival was termed "double dipping" by former Browns President Carmen Policy. This year, no team has double dipped more than the Browns.

They have signed three players from division rivals - left guard Eric Steinbach and nose tackle Shaun Smith from Cincinnati, and running back Jamal Lewis from Baltimore.

Anthony Wright:

If the Browns do add a veteran quarterback in free agency, a name to keep in mind is Anthony Wright. He broke into the league with Pittsburgh, played five years in Baltimore and ended last season with Cincinnati. The Browns are the only team in the AFC North for which Wright has not played.

Millen Wants to Trade Down and Down and Down....

2007-03-17T23:14:00.000-05:00

Lions looking at a complete rebuild...

MLive.com's Tom Kowalski reports: Lions are looking to trade right now -- and then again later

The Lions are being flooded with trade offers and there's been some speculation out there that president Matt Millen is going to be patient because the price can only go up. But that's not true.

According to my sources, the Lions already know what they want out of that No. 2 pick and, if a team steps up to the plate right now, the Lions will pull the trigger.What's interesting is that there are believed to be several different targets for that No. 2 pick, from Calvin Johnson to JaMarcus Russell to Adrian Peterson to Joe Thomas. The Lions don't have a pressing need for any of those positions so they're willing to drop down.

And here's the kicker: the Lions, depending on how far they fall, will be willing to trade down again.The Lions would like to land Clemson DE Gaines Adams but if they can continue to stockpile picks, they'd be just as happy to fall a little lower and fill some desperate needs like middle linebacker and the secondary.The point is this: Millen plans on wheeling and dealing for the next six weeks and the ultimate goal is to fill as many needs with as many "Marinelli types'' as possible.

A few weeks ago, I said the Lions roster could see a 40 percent turnover going into next season. I now believe -- especially if Millen pulls the trigger on a trade or two -- that that number could exceed 50 percent.

Mare Wants the Boot

2007-03-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

Unhappy Dolphins kicker asks to be released or traded - Cleveland in the running.

From the Miami Herald - The problem for Miami is that it plans a mini-camp before the draft in April and doesn't want Mare there along with Jay Feely, who was signed to take Mare's place. The Dolphins also don't want to risk having Mare injure himself during the camp.

That could lead the team to ask Mare not to attend the camp, which might cause the NFL Player's Association to become involved on Mare's behalf. So the Dolphins almost certainly will either trade or release Mare by the time that camp begins.
The team last week paid Mare a $250,000 roster bonus so it could have more time to trade him.

Coach Cam Cameron has met with outgoing kicker Olindo Mare to explain why the Dolphins are trying to trade him.

But despite the efforts to appease Mare, a 10-year pro, Mare is said to be unhappy that he has not been either traded or released. The longer the Dolphins hold on to Mare, the less likely he is of landing with a team that will redo his contract.

Second Smith Signed

2007-03-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

It's official, second Bengal of offseason now a Brown.

Next Man Up: Bengals Won't Match Shaun Smith's Offer

2007-03-16T00:27:00.000-05:00

Hey, who's to argue when the Bengals official site reports: "It sure looks like the Bengals and Browns are about to complete their first-ever transaction when Cincinnati figures to do what everybody else in the NFL thinks they’re going to do Friday and not match Cleveland’s $8 million plus offer sheet on backup defensive tackle Shaun Smith."

CJ's Turn - The #1 Athlete has His Pro Day

2007-03-15T23:19:00.000-05:00

Can a team burned so many times pass on the safest bet?

From ESPN: Johnson dazzles during awesome pro day display

ATLANTA -- He still isn't likely to be the first player selected overall, but Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson did nothing here Thursday during his "pro day" workout to dispel the notion that he is the premier prospect in this year's NFL draft class.

Calvin Johnson did nothing to depreciate his draft value at the Georgia Tech pro day Thursday.
Auditioning in front of about 75 league scouts and coaches assembled on the Georgia Tech campus, a group that included head coaches Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins' Joe Gibbs, Johnson dazzled the crowd with a rare combination of raw athleticism and polished receiving skills.

"Whatever they wanted to see," said Johnson, "I think I showed them."

No Surpise: Savage Impressed

2007-03-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

GM travels from AP's workout to watch JR today.

"I don't think what he did was very surprising to those of us who've really studied him and have watched him," Sav told NFL Total Access. "The expectation is that he was going to throw the ball extremely well and he did that. I smile because I've known JaMarcus for a long time and what he did today came as no surprise."

Titans DE Robaire Smith Signed

2007-03-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Former Texan reunited with Browns DC Todd Grantham. From the OBR:

Browns, Smith Reach Contract Agreement
Adam Caplan, reporting for Scout.com, has informed the OBR that Robaire Smith has reach an agreement for a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Ranked #13, Smith is the third of ESPN's Top 20 Free Agents to be signed by the Browns so far. The others are Jamal Lewis, #19, and Eric Steinbach, #3.

McShay: JR's Passing Best He's Ever Seen

2007-03-14T20:41:00.000-05:00

JR Pro Day Video Here

Ya gotta wonder, are we all to young to remember Jeff George?

Says ESPN's Todd McShay:

"His passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I've been to," McShay said. "His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks and when he's rolling out and throwing on the run.

We all knew coming in that his arm strength is extraordinary. The ball just explodes out of his hands. His 73rd, 74th and 75th throws, he was flicking the ball 60 yards with his wrist and putting it right on the numbers."

Other notable measurements for Russell were his arm length of 34½ inches -- "Left tackle size," McShay said -- and his hand size of 9½ inches -- "Big, but not the biggest," McShay said. "Just above the average for a quarterback."

OBR: McKinney Signed, Terrelle Smith Gone

2007-03-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

Scout.com has learned that the Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent offensive lineman Seth McKinney to a one-year deal. Terms of the contract are not yet known.

McKinney, a five-year veteran, missed all of last season due to a back injury. Prior to last season, the Texas A&M graduate played in 61 games for the Dolphins, starting 34 of those.

While he’s listed as a center, McKinney can also play the guard position.
Additionally, the Browns today announced the release of fullback Terrelle Smith, a move that was as unexpected and surprising as a boy-bander outing himself in a national magazine.

Smoke from CH. 212 - Lerner Tells Savage: Draft a Quarterback First

2007-03-14T18:15:00.000-05:00

This is either the biggest Browns story - or smokescreen - I've heard so far about this draft:

Acording to NFL Network's Adam Schefter:

As one general manager with a top-10 pick emailed Wednesday: "Cleveland's owner told (the Browns) to draft a QB. … The Lions want it known that they have the pick for Quinn. Minnesota and Houston will have to react. All this Quinn dropping talk is from people who have no clue about the draft."

I don't know where he gets the pulse of Browns fans, but Adam Schefter said tonight on NFL's Total Access Cleveland will be as happy with Quinn as they were the day Bernie Kosar was drafted. I have to completely disagree. He may be from Ohio, but Buckeye fans are far from dying to draft a Notre Dame guy. He must only mean the team's front office.

Schefter said the Raiders are talking to several teams about trading down and the Lions are threatening the Browns and letting it be known they'll have to trade up to No. 2 to draft Quinn.

Writes Schefter: "This all leaves the Cleveland Browns in a precarious position. Multiple NFL sources said Browns upper management is urging the team to draft a quarterback, with Russell being the top choice, and Quinn being a logical second.

Some within the Browns organization do not want the teams to hold the No. 3 pick and not come away with a potential franchise quarterback.

The Lions know this and it is one reason they are engaged in as many discussions as they are. To ensure themselves a quarterback, the Browns will have to trade up to No. 1 or No. 2 to get him."

NFL Network: JR #1

2007-03-14T17:32:00.000-05:00

The NFL's pom-poms were out in Cajun country today. Anyone who watched the League's official network was told JaMarcus Russell will be drafted No. 1 next month, probably by Oakland or possibly to a team - Cleveland was mentioned - that trades up for him. A non-NFL employee, Raider beat reporter Jerry McDonald, had a more realistic take on his blog.

LSU Pro Day photo album here

CH. 212 Draft Guru Mike Mayock said today was a "great day for LSU QB JaMarcus Russell. After being ribbed for being a little chubby at the combine, Mayock said thanks to a fish diet, he's lost nine pounds - Russell ran a 4.83 40 today and weighed in at 256. And speaking of food, JR had dinner w/ the Raiders last night.

"It was a great day for him, said new Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. "There's no doubt he has a great future in this league." While they decide on JR as their No. 1 pick, Kiffin told NFL Network they are checking his background "back to his high school days" and plan on bringing him to Oakland for a sit down before the draft.

When asked if there was one word to describe JR, he said it was "professional."

NFL Network co-host Marshall Faulk said JR was an "easy pick" to go No. 1 to Oakland.

Mayock mentioned that JR's "footwork has gotten cleaner and more efficient" since the Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame. The former NFL safety said Russell has the "best arm of any qb" he's "ever seen" and you can "hear his ball" when it's fired through the air.

If they stay at No. 1 and don't trade down, NFLN's Adam Schefter said Oakland is "enamored" with the LSU QB and will draft him.

Team Hires Someone Hopefully Nothing Like John Collins

2007-03-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Ex-IMG CEO Bob Kain will lead sales and marketing - most importantly, he'll stay away from Sav!

From the PD: Lerner said in a statement, "My professional relationship with Bob has evolved over the last several years, and he has been a valuable resource to me and our organization. I believe a more formal role of vice chairman will strengthen his commitment to our business and allow him to have a flexible schedule to do philanthropic work and spend time with his family while also staying immersed in professional sports."

OBR RUMOR ALERT - Bentley Back by October - THIS YEAR!

2007-03-13T22:18:00.000-05:00

Hey, we can all dream, right? From the "we hope this is not a mirage file...

...according "Oasis," a frequent poster on the OBR, Supposedly, he's telling Phil NOT to place him on the IR. His goal is to be back THIS YEAR.

Per my source. He's rehabilitating in Arizona and will be back in Cleveland shortly. He feels that he'll be ready to play in OCTOBER!!!I reported he was done for good, but his own words have completely contradicted that. He (LCB) feels the 2nd surgery isn't warranted or needed.Guys, when I "broke" this I had full assurances that he was done. I feel compelled to report that it isn't the case. - Oasis

JR Ready for Pro Day Wednesday

2007-03-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

Adam Schefter reads the Raiders' minds:

Oakland dealt with enough misery last season. Wednesday represents the hope.
In front of a contingent of Raiders officials, LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will work out at the school's Pro Day and demonstrate the talents that already have Oakland salivating.

The Raiders are enamored not just with Russell's ability to throw the long ball, but to make every type of throw -- short ones, midrange ones and especially the deep ones.
But the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Russell is about more than just his arm.

He is considered remarkably strong for a quarterback, with great balance, quickness, nimbleness -- all the skills that make him the overwhelming favorite and near cinch to the first overall pick on in the draft.

Now, the suspense is not over whether Russell will go No. 1. The suspense is over whether Oakland wide receiver Randy Moss will play with him there.

Sav: AP a "Terrific Talent"

2007-03-13T19:15:00.000-05:00

OK's official site cover's today's workout in Norman.

VIDEO HERE

Cleveland Browns scout Phil Savage was impressed. “Adrian is a terrific talent,” he said. “He caught the ball well today and showed some versatility. At the combine, he double-caught some balls. It put some people’s minds at ease that he caught it better today.”

OU head coach Bob Stoops also liked Peterson’s workout. “I was real impressed,” he said. “He even caught a few on his back shoulder. He did real well, but that didn’t surprise me.” Peterson said the pressure of displaying talents for scouts is different than game pressure.

“It’s totally different,” said the No. 3 career rusher at OU. “Out here you’re just performing in drills and you’ve got coaches watching you. You try not to think about any of that.” Peterson said he is concentrating on his receiving abilities for now and is thankful for the preparation he received at OU, especially under the tutelage of sports enhancement director Jerry Schmidt.

“The experience here helped,” he said. “Being with Schmidty for three years, I got a lot out of that. He makes you work hard.”

NFL.com's Vic Carucci Mock

2007-03-13T19:09:00.000-05:00

1. Oakland: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU The Raiders are starting over at quarterback -- again. They could go with Notre Dame's Brady Quinn, but Russell's off-the-charts physical skills and arm strength give him enough of an edge to rank as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft. His massive frame is a plus, but his weight at the NFL Scouting Combine (265 pounds) was about 10 pounds heavier than the Raiders or any team would prefer. Of course, given their unpredictable history, the Raiders could go with a different position. Their draft board, like that of many other teams, might very well show Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson at the top.

2. Detroit: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin The Lions will be tempted to use their first pick on yet another receiver, especially after Johnson's highly impressive showing at the Combine. General manager Matt Millen also could give serious thought to selecting Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams, another prospect who gave a strong Combine showing. But of all of their holes, the most logical for them to plug with this choice is offensive tackle. Thomas, who is a superb athlete, is the best at the position in this year's college crop and should be a fixture on the Lions line for many years to come.

Even with Jamal Lewis now in the mix, the Browns may still nab Adrian Peterson.
3. Cleveland: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma Peterson is remarkably talented, offering tremendous burst and explosiveness. He is capable of making an offense instantly better, and that is the sort of help the Browns desperately need. Peterson helped himself with an impressive performance at the Combine, but his injury history is a concern. It might be enough of a concern for the Browns to consider Quinn, an Ohio native who wants to play in Cleveland, or Johnson or perhaps the draft's best defensive tackle, Michigan's Alan Branch.

The rest of the first round....

Steve D. Warns of Draft Disasters

2007-03-13T18:27:00.000-05:00

As Savage puts it, "Whoever we take at No. 3, the Browns will be better.'' Savage says the Browns are "probably content to stay at No. 3. "I wouldn't anticipate us moving up," he says, making sure everyone knows he wants to hear sweet deals to trade down.

Savage is hoping the guys atop his board are in their league. "Being at No. 3," he says, "puts us in a position to get one of our top three players."

I think we can guess who those three are....

Sav OK with AP's Pro Day

2007-03-13T18:09:00.000-05:00

"You can really tell he's been working on his hands," Browns general manager Phil Savage said.

From ESPN - NORMAN, Okla. -- Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, rated the No. 1 running back in the 2007 draft and a possible No. 3 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, spent a good deal of time catching passes at the Sooners pro day workout Tuesday, something he did little of in his three seasons as a player.

Fishing for Mare

2007-03-13T17:59:00.000-05:00

Browns talking trade for Miami vetern kicker, in the running with 3 nfc teams.

GBN's Two Round Mock

2007-03-12T20:37:00.000-05:00

Go Here

Pluto Would Approve of Kirwan's Latest Mock

2007-03-12T18:04:00.000-05:00

As I said last week, it is a little early for mock drafts. But with each passing week, the free-agent signings and the latest information coming out of the Pro Day workouts clear up the draft picture even more.

There is no doubt the number of signings at the running back position has changed the draft needs for a number of teams. With all the action of the past week, I have nine changes to the first-round mock draft. Within a few days, there will be more changes especially if a team like the Bills or Packers sign a veteran running back or a linebacker like Cato June takes an offer.

1. Oakland: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU -- The Raiders have lots of needs, but as long as quarterback is one of them, they have to respond by selecting the guy with the great deep ball. I could see a move down, especially now that Cleveland will not need Adrian Peterson and someone was counting on OT Joe Thomas or WR Calvin Johnson.
2. Detroit: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame -- The popular opinion everywhere is that I'm wrong on this pick. But Jon Kitna is old, Josh McCown wasn't given any chance to play last year and is scheduled to make more money than Kitna. Quinn has 46 collegiate starts, 95 touchdown passes and over 11,000 yards. The Lions need him and their Joey Harrington experiment is not a reason to pass.
3. Cleveland: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin -- The signing of Jamal Lewis turned the top of this draft upside down. Thomas reminds me of the year Phil Savage took Jonathan Ogden with the third pick in the draft. Thomas is a 10-year starter, but the Browns still need a QB.

Ready for #1

2007-03-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

ESPN features a lenghty piece on Sav's "favorite player of all-time" LSU's JaMarcus Russell.

Russell doesn't flinch at the thought of being the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL draft. The Oakland Raiders are eyeing him closely with that first selection.

Russell has been in Arizona training with some of the best receivers in the draft, including former teammate Dwayne Bowe, Tennessee's Robert Meachem and Southern Cal's Dwayne Jarrett.

His take on the whole process?

"I'm just going to chill," said Russell, whose cool demeanor has been mistaken for nonchalance more than a few times during his career.

Never a big talker, Russell really doesn't need to. His teammates say there is a quiet confidence about him that is infectious.

"You just learn to trust that he's going to make big plays," said Bowe, who jokes that his hands are still swollen from catching 95 mph fastballs from the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Russell. "He never talked a whole lot about it. He just went out there and did it. That's why so many respected him. When he's out there, there's no doubt in your mind that we were going to win the game."

Gosselin's Top 10 Overall

2007-03-12T16:23:00.000-05:00

Rick Gosselin's mock drafts have been the most accurate you can find. Here's his list of the top 10 players, post-combine.

1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Biletnikoff Award winner has the size of Terrell Owens (6-5, 239) and the speed of Randy Moss (4.35 seconds in the 40). But a wide receiver hasn't gone first overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.
2. Adrian Peterson, HB, Oklahoma
Peterson rushed for 100 yards in his college debut in 2004 and went on to set a school record with 23 career 100-yard games. A broken collarbone cost him his shot at a Heisman Trophy in 2006, but it won't keep him out of the top five in this draft.
3. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Vince Young was a giant coming out of college in 2006 at 6-4, 233. Russell is even bigger at 6-5, 265 and has one of the best arms to come along in decades.

Monday's Quinn Questions

2007-03-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

From SI's ScoreCard:

If the Lions take Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas and don't trade down to a team that wants Brady Quinn, then the first potential landing spot for Quinn, an Ohio product, is Cleveland at No. 3. The Vikings (7th), Texans (8th) and Dolphins (9th) could each try to move up for Quinn or hope he falls to them. -- New York Daily News

For the second consecutive week, there's been a report that the Texans might be trying to move up in the draft to select Quinn. Neither report is true. The Texans are not expected to pass up Quinn if he is available with the eighth pick, but they haven't tried to move up. -- Houston Chronicle

Lions Scribe Sees Through Detroit Smog

2007-03-12T14:07:00.000-05:00

Just kidding
So, the Lions are interested in Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn at the No. 2 pick? I'm calling it a smoke screen to get somebody to trade up. Marinelli wants interior linemen and more help on defense.

From The Greatest

2007-03-11T22:24:00.000-05:00

Jim Brown talks to Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Rep about the latest offseason moves.

I liked the way Jim Brown put it during a phone conversation after Jamal Lewis ran Reuben Droughns out of Cleveland.

The Hall of Fame running back, now a team consultant, was weighing the pieces added - including guard Eric Steinbach - and the ones still in the mist.

"This is a major chess game going on right now," Brown said. "All these pieces have to be developed. Those two individuals will definitely add something positive."

Brown made it clear he isn't hinting Savage should endorse Charlie Frye, nor discounts the possibility another quarterback will be brought in. "I like Charlie as quarterback and a human being," Brown said. "Charlie Frye is a fine quarterback and a fine young man. He has worked hard, he will work hard and he can play."

Is it time for Lewis, a first-round pick in 2000, to start wearing down? Lewis has made 1,822 career carries. Jim Brown logged 2,359 carries before retiring at age 29. Hall of Famer Leroy Kelly was washed up before he made the last of his 1,727 carries. LaDainian Tomlinson, who is two months older than Lewis, has carried 2,050 times. Shaun Alexander, drafted the same year as Lewis but two years older, has carried 1,969 times and is coming off a bad year.

Two of Brown's favorites were Earl Campbell and John Riggins. When healthy, Brown said, Lewis has run with their kind off power. "(Lewis) will run over you, and he'll run around you," Brown said, emphasizing, "if he's healthy."

Fools Lie Ahead

2007-03-11T20:28:00.001-05:00

Steve Doerschuk outlines the Raiders and Lions draft plans.

Who will be the Browns Pick?

One educated guess: Savage is warming up to Quinn, not erasing Peterson just because he has Jamal Lewis, and wishing Joe Thomas oozed more "great" than "really good," given what he will cost. To a large extent, I think, Savage himself is still heavily engaged in guessing.

Savage has a clue who the Raiders and Lions will pick ahead of him, but everyone knows those are two teams whose ideas can be odd. The top of the draft is thick with intrigue for teams needing juice on offense, where the best talent in the draft is pooled. Quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn, wideout Calvin Johnson, left tackle Joe Thomas and running back Adrian Peterson could be the top five picks.

Unpredictability is Raider czar Al Davis' favorite sport, his 31-year-old head coach being the latest case in point. This old dude once picked Sebastian Janikowski one spot before he could have had Shaun Alexander. The crazy Lions spent No. 2, No. 7 and No. 10 overall picks on wideouts in consecutive years.

Matt Millen obviously likes receivers. Everybody loves Calvin. Some mock drafts, including nfldraftscout.com, have Russell and Quinn going to Oakland and Detroit. But there are as many combinations of things that could happen at the top of the draft as in a lotto "pick three." Bottom line: Savage must monitor all five players listed above, unable to be sure which one might drop in his lap.

Grossi Answers Lots of Your Questions

2007-03-11T18:14:00.000-05:00

PD Reporter tackles the draft and free agency
"At present, I still think they are leaning to Adrian Peterson."

PatMac: Lewis Still Has It, He thinks the Pick is Quinn

2007-03-11T12:10:00.000-05:00

In this mornings Ohio.com column, Pat McManamon, offers his take on the guards, Jamal Lewis and the draft, as well as free agency.

One NFL front-office type, who was told his insights would be used but without his name, shared his opinion. (We'll call him Mr. Front Office, 'cuz that always seems to add an air of mystery and intrigue to a guy's opinions.)

Lewis and Droughns ``are probably comparable,'' he said. ``Reuben, at his best, did good things. He's a hard runner. Reuben can do a little more on the outside. Inside, Jamal can be as good or better.''

If there is any difference between the Lewis of today and the Lewis of 2003, it's the inability to turn 5-yard runs into 50-yarders, Mr. Front Office said.

One scout said Lewis had gone from being a freak with size who could run to more like Stephen Davis, a hard-running, powerful inside back. Mr. Front Office did not disagree.
Lewis is ``a horse,'' he said. ``There's not the huge explosion plays like he once had, but he can be a consistent pounder for you.''

He also said, however, that Lewis had a better year in 2006, when he played with bone spurs, than in 2004 and 2005.

``If he's back on the upswing, I don't know,'' Mr. Front Office said. ``Sometimes backs have a resurgence. He's not done by any means.''

An Open Letter To Browns Fans from Jamal Lewis

2007-03-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

I plan to do everything I can to help the team win and entertain the fans, and hopefully -- despite the past - you will all welcome me with open arms.

A big part of me coming to the Browns had to do with my prior relationship with Phil Savage.
I first met Phil when I talked to him at the NFL Combine in 2000. At the time he was the director of college scouting for the Ravens.

What impressed me off the bat about Phil is that he's a people person. During my time with the Ravens, he'd ask me what I needed and what I wanted. He really wanted to get my input on how to make the team better. A player likes when a GM shows he's really interested in our opinions. It made an impression on me.

'99 Brown Daylon McCutcheon Released

2007-03-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

Kicker Phil Dawson is now the last player left from the 1999 expansion team.

The Browns have released long-time cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, the team announced Friday.

One of the two remaining players from the club's inaugural team in 1999, McCutcheon was a '99 third-round pick out of USC.

Daylon told the ABJ he wont forget 2002, the only playoff season.

As for the Browns, McCutcheon conceded that things got tough as the losing wore on.
``Every season I started optimistic, but by the end, it was the same old stuff,'' he said.
He cited as the high point the playoff appearance after the 2002 season, but he still wonders why the team was dismantled after that close loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
``Everyone on that team was like, `Man!' '' he said of the decision to release several veterans. `

`You go to the playoffs and figure if you make some moves the next year, that the team will compete and maybe go deeper in the playoffs. It seemed like just the exact opposite. We were back to square one.''

During his eight-year tenure with the club, McCutcheon played in 103 games with 96 starts and marked 463 tackles, 7 sacks, 12 interceptions, 63 pass breakups and 8 forced fumbles.

"Daylon is one of the original Browns from 1999 and we appreciate everything he did here in Cleveland both on and off the field over the last eight seasons," Savage said. "Daylon is a true professional and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Droughns traded for Giants WR Carter

2007-03-09T19:56:00.000-05:00

Cleveland.com reports Browns running back Reuben Droughns has been traded to the New York Giants for receiver/returner Tim Carter.

Droughns' fate was sealed when the Browns signed former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis on Wednesday to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million. Droughns was due a $1.75 million roster bonus next week and the Browns decided to unload him instead.

Carter (5-11, 190) was a third receiver for the Giants and is under contract in 2007 for $1 million. Last season, he caught 22 passes for 253 yards and two TDs.

Bengal DT Smith Signed to Offer Sheet

2007-03-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

The Browns signed Cincinnati backup defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet Friday, forcing the Bengals to either match the offer or lose the fourth year player to their division rivals. Smith, a 6 foot, 325 pound tackle out of South Carolina, would provide sorely-needed depth for the Browns on their defensive line. Smith was an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, so the Browns will not be forced to compensate the Bengals if Cincinnati decides not to match the offer.

After the whining Marvin Lewis did recently about how the Browns are building their team, Phil might just be sending a shot across the warden's bow. "Just STFU, Warden, or we'll take more of your players. If you want to keep them, you'll have to pay them more."

Some more signings along the D line should be expected in the coming weeks before the draft.

Total Smoke - Schefter Speculates on No. 3

2007-03-08T22:15:00.000-05:00

On NFL Network's Total Access tonight, Adam Schefter sent some smoke signals for Sav.

He said Ohio-native Brady Quinn "would play very well" in Cleveland and said of OK's AP, "I do not think he is a lock to goto Cleveland at No. 3."

As for other options, One of Sav's scouts told Schefter CJ is "Randy Moss without the attitude." Schefter speculated that it would be a tough call for Sav to pass on him, too.

Eight more weeks of guesswork.....

NFLN: Droughns Drop - Packer Pick Up?

2007-03-08T19:53:00.000-05:00

Adam Schefter of CH 212 reports Droughns will be cut and the Green Bay Packers could sign him.

Pluto Likes RB Deal

2007-03-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

The ABJ's Terry Pluto likes what he sees
What's not to like about the Browns bringing in Jamal Lewis?
Is he an elite back? No.
Is he still a good back? Is he a tough guy? Can he find the end zone? Is he better than Reuben Droughns?
You should know the answers to all those questions.
Jamal Lewis ran for nine touchdowns last season, compared with seven by the entire Browns team -- and three of those were by quarterback Charlie Frye. Lewis played all 16 games, bulled his way to 1,132 yards and lost only two fumbles in 314 carries.

Lewis Likes what he $ees

2007-03-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

Jamal talks to the PD

Jamal Lewis said he left the Baltimore Ravens for the Browns because the Browns have a greater commitment to running the ball.

Lewis said he would not be disappointed if the Browns used their top draft pick on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, as speculated by numerous draftniks. But he would be surprised.
"Honestly, I would be surprised if they wouldn't spend that money somewhere else," Lewis said.

"The Browns have made some good additions to the offensive line and they are committed to making more," Lewis said. "I think they're going to give me the carries I need. I knew it wasn't going to happen in Baltimore. Their profile seems to be they're wanting to be a passing team."

REP: Gazing into the Smoke

2007-03-08T18:29:00.000-05:00

The $50 million question: Is Brady Quinn's talent seen as nearly peerless, or is he a promising project too close to the Kyle Boller line? The answer is a secret Phil Savage will hold from now until April 28.

New Browns line coach Steve Marshall put it this way after guard Eric Steinbach signed: "You've got to protect your biggest commodity, and that's your quarterback."

Some teams will wonder if the Browns are up to another elaborate smokescreen. Just days before the 2004 draft, word leaked that Butch Davis made a last-minute scouting run to Oxford, presumably out of serious interest in Miami of Ohio's Roethlisberger.

Actually, Davis was so infatuated with tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. of Miami (Fla.) that he sacrificed a second-round draft pick to move up from No. 7 to No. 6 overall.

ESPN: Browns Talking Trade for Droughns

2007-03-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

And the player most likely to be traded next is Reuben Droughns of Clevelend, who has been made expendable by the Browns' signing of unrestricted free agent Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract Wednesday night.
League and team sources confirmed to ESPN.com that the Browns are actively shopping Droughns, their starter the past two seasons, in trade talks.
If Cleveland is unable to reach a trade accommodation, Droughns could be released.

Up to $5M for Lewis

2007-03-08T05:19:00.000-05:00

A Lewis-Droughns pairing seems least likely, though the team does have the salary cap space to keep both.

From the Akron Beacon Journal: Pre-draft scuttlebutt has had the Browns greatly interested in Peterson, but the addition of Lewis could open the door for a quarterback with the third pick. Team owner Randy Lerner was among those who attended the workout of Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn last Sunday.

The Ravens released Lewis eight days ago. He was due a $5 million roster bonus, and the Ravens' intent was to re-sign Lewis to a more salary-cap friendly contract.

But Lewis balked at the Ravens' offer -- a league source said it was about $1.2 million and up to $2 million with incentives -- and the Browns swooped in. According to ESPN.com, Lewis will get $3.5 million and could make $5 million with incentives.

Lewis seemed to build his career on tormenting the Browns.

His 295-yard game in 2003 remains the NFL single-game record, and in the second game against the Browns that year he ran for 205 yards. His 2,066-yard season in '03 is the second best in NFL history.

Lewis Signs One-Year Deal

2007-03-07T21:03:00.001-05:00

It's Official - C-Town grabs another player from a division rival as the 27-year-old pro bowler is now a Brown. And now it looks like Rueben may be on the hot seat as the Browns could say they have 1.75 Million reasons to cut him soon. According to the OBR Lewis signed a one year contract. Sav must feel this expands his draft options with the no. 3 pick. Tony Grossi has all the details right here.

Pat reports in the ABJ: Lewis played part of last season with bone spurs in his ankle and took shots the final seven games to ease the pain.
He recently had surgery to repair the problem.
``He is a proven NFL back who brings a toughness and demeanor to the game that his teammates and our fans will appreciate,'' General Manager Phil Savage said in a statement.

CH3: Looks Like Lewis at RB

2007-03-07T20:32:00.000-05:00

WKYC-TV 3 Anchor Jim Donovan reports Jamal Lewis is still in Berea, is talking numbers and could be signed as soon as tonight. Lewis also took a physical. The debate rages here.

Ravens Guard Mulitalo Available

2007-03-07T19:09:00.000-05:00

The Baltimore Sun reports 8-year pro Edwin Mulitalo has been released for some reason almost a full week after free agency started. "When you release a player like Edwin, it gives you pause," Ravens coach Brian Billick said in a release.

"This is the cold side of the business. All he did was everything we asked him to do and more. He gave us stability at left guard. He was always an example to his teammates as to how a professional should conduct himself."

Pluto: IF THE BROWNS DON'T FIX THE OFFENSIVE LINE RIGHT, NOTHING ELSE ON OFFENSE MATTERS.

2007-03-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Terry Pluto writes the focus should be on the big uglies, not whether they should draft CJ, BQ or JR.

Jamal Lewis' First Visit: Berea

2007-03-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

Ravens RB will talk to the Browns as Baltimore eyes Willis McGahee, Reports The Baltimore Sun.

From the PD: That (first stop in Berea) is significant because the majority of free agents have been signing with the first team they visit.

It also could impact Reuben Droughns' future in Cleveland. Droughns is due a $1.75 million bonus next week, and if the Browns find a suitable replacement, there's a chance he could be gone.
Lewis holds the NFL record with a 295-yard rushing performance against the Browns in September 2003.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel, asked specifically about Lewis at the Greater Cleveland Auto Show last week, said he wouldn't rule out interest in him or anyone else that could help the team.

"Everybody is on the radar screen," said Crennel. "Even though Reuben is on our team, and he's done a good job for us, and we're not looking to replace him, we're looking for competition. We're trying to get the best players and put them on the team."

Justifying a Running Back in the Top 5

2007-03-06T15:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of the RBs taken in the top 5 since 1982.

Current or Future Hall of Famers
Eric Dickerson
Barry Sanders
Marshall Faulk
LaDainian Tomlinson
Edgerrin James

Solid, occasional Pro Bowlers
Curt Warner
Garrison Hearst
Ricky Williams
Jamal Lewis

Busts
Alonzo Highsmith
Brent Fullwood
Blair Thomas
Curtis Enis
Ki-Jana Carter

Jury still out
Ronnie Brown
Cedric Benson
Carnell Williams
Reggie Bush

That breaks down like this:

5/18 = Hall of Fame
4/18 = Solid with Pro Bowl seasons
5/18 = Complete bust (3/5 from Penn State)
4/18 = Jury is still out, but look solid

Considering that the four recent top 5 RBs look to be solid or better, that makes 13/18 (72%) worthy of the draft pick. Considering Cleveland's pathetic running game since they returned to the NFL in 1999, drafting a difference-maker at the running back position could be the shot in the arm the team needs. Coupled with an offensive line bolstered by free agent acquisition Eric Steinbach, the addition of a threat at RB would help make life much easier on the eventual quarterback and his receiving weapons.

Is Adrian Peterson as talented as the 9 backs listed above who are considered "solid" or Hall of Famers? I think so.

Will Peterson be durable enough to achieve that status? The jury will be out on that for a few years.

Northcutt - Free Agency's Worst Signing

2007-03-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

Hey Dennis, we'll always have you to blame for that Steeler's playoff loss.

PD's Worst signing: Jacksonville reportedly gave Dennis Northcutt a $4.5 million signing bonus on a five-year contract totaling $17 million. The Jaguars plan to use him as a slot receiver and return specialist. Northcutt can thank Chicago's Devin Hester for leaguewide renewed awareness of specialists. But Northcutt had three touchdown returns in seven years in Cleveland; Hester had five in his rookie season with the Bears. Plus, the Jaguars must not have seen the video of Northcutt's drops, especially in the clutch. Simply an incredible contract for Northcutt.

The Fish that Left Shitsburgh

2007-03-06T11:08:00.000-05:00

Linebacker Joey Porter to sign with Fins

Grossi: No More Big Names

2007-03-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

Writes the PD's Tony Grossi: "In a seller's market created by a diluted talent pool and excessive salary cap room, it's probable that there will be no more big names coming to the Browns in free agency."

Sour Grapes from Lewis?

2007-03-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

On the heels of the Steinbach deal, Bengals coach doesn't approve Browns Plan

Speaking at the HOF in Canton yesterday, Marv Lewis critiques K2

As reported in the Canton Rep: “They’ve got a tight end (Kellen Winslow Jr.) who was a high pick. “As I’ve studied the NFL over 16 years, there are not many cases where teams were successful that way. “If you look around the league at teams with tight ends, they have no wide receivers. It’s ironic that way. Name me a Kansas City wide receiver. Or a San Diego wide receiver. Yet they have these tights ends who are demanding high salaries. “You end up getting out of function a little bit.”

The Next "Ice Cube" McNeil?!

2007-03-06T01:23:00.000-05:00

Former Browns Pro Bowler Gerald McNeal played four years in Cleveland after playing with Jim Kelly for the Houston Gamblers in the USFL. The Ice Cube was a feared punt returner, who played at 5-7, 145. You tell me when a guy who is two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier can't make it today. Espcially when he runs a 4.29 40. I say to Sav, "Pick him up!"

Gil Brandt, of NFL.com, reports Indiana State WR Carl Berman measured a height of 5-9 1/8 and a weight of 166 pounds at his Pro Day March 4. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds and 4.35 seconds. He finished the short shuttle in 4.26 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.81 seconds. He measured a 38 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-9 broad jump and completed 14 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.

Now The Raiders Aren't Sold on JR

2007-03-06T01:11:00.000-05:00

Why do I get the feeling that for the next 50 odd days all were going to hear is negative talk about the five most talented players in this draft? Cuz it's draft season, baby! Steve Corkran Writes in the Sporting News that now CJ - not JR - is the Raiders Choice:

DRAFT BUZZ: The Raiders returned from the NFL Scouting Combine less convinced that Louisiana State QB JaMarcus Russell is their man for the top pick and with more questions than before after taking a long look at him during the process. Publicly, the Raiders said nothing about Russell or any of the other players who attended the Combine. Privately, several Raider officials questioned Russell's work ethic, said they are concerned about his weight as a long-term issue, and cautioned against making Russell a lead-pipe cinch as the top pick. It now appears just as likely that the Raiders will target Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson in light of his posting a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and saying all the right things during an interview.

Tuiasosopo, Mahan pay a visit

2007-03-05T21:53:00.000-05:00

In Berea: Raider QB Sav tried to acquire last year, Buc Guard

Writes Mary Kay of the PD: The Browns hosted two more free agents today, guard/center Sean Mahan of the Tampa Bay Bucs and quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo of the Raiders, a source said Monday.

Mahan, a fifth-year pro, has started at left guard, right guard and center for the Bucs. He started 12 games at left guard in 2006 and 16 games at right guard in 2005. He would most likely replace Browns free agent Cosey Coleman, who's not expected to return.

Mahan is scheduled to visit the Seahawks on Tuesday if the Browns don't sign him, but they are expected to make a strong push.

Another Great Job by PFT

2007-03-05T18:52:00.000-05:00

Fact checking at its finest, proving once again that Mike Florio is a dipshit

Even when he tries to seem like he's not the Rooney's piss boy, Mike Florio screws it up. After throwing up a story about a couple Steelers being arrested for their involvement in a brawl, Florio was forced to post the following "woops". Notice the fact that he made it clear someone else made the mistake first. Come on, Mike. If someone else tried to pull that crap, you'd be allllllllll over them. One of the Steelers alleged to be involved in the incident isn't a pro football player at all... he's a bartender. Well done, Mike.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

POSTED 5:44 p.m. EST; UPDATED 5:51 p.m. EST, March 5, 2007

DESHEA DENIES ARREST

Well, we might have to revise the Turd Watch.

Per a league source, Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend denies a report that he was arrested for an early Saturday bar fight. Townsend also claims, we're told, that he was not involved in the altercation that gave rise to a story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Townsend and another player on the team had been busted.

We're also told that Raymond Burgess, identified by the Tribune-Review as a member of the Steelers' practice squad, has no connection to the team. He's supposedly a freaking bartender at the club where the fight occurred.

Stay tuned.

Oh, and by the way... Terry Bradshaw is not dead.

Great Blue North: Quinn Workout Just "OK"

2007-03-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

According to the draft experts at GBN,
Brady Quinn was just "okay" in his workout yesterday.

"It wasn’t quite the stuff of legends, but Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn reportedly had a solid enough performance during the first of two Irish pro days yesterday in South Bend.

Quinn went through a series of brisk passing drills throwing a total of just over 60 passes, but opted not to run until Notre Dame’s second on-campus workout on March 22nd. Quinn reportedly is still not 100% because of a minor knee injury; he had fluid drained from his right knee at halftime of a game against Southern California last November and then aggravated the injury in the Sugar Bowl against LSU.

Through the magic of the internet ESPN actually has some footage of Quinn’s workout on their NFL site and truth be told several of Quinn’s passes weren’t the crispest we’ve seen this off-season. However, what’s on the video is obviously only a fragment of Quinn’s overall workout. We think this is the link.

For the record, at least 30 teams had scouts in attendance at today’s workout with three – Cleveland, Minnesota and Houston – having their head coach in attendance. All three of those teams have top 10 picks with Cleveland picking third, Minnesota 7th and Houston 8th."

The Plain Deal - it's a QB

2007-03-05T15:03:00.000-05:00

PD Reporter Mary Kay Cabot was on ESPN2'S Cold Pizza today saying if Quinn or JR are there, they'll take one of them. This echo's Tony Grossi's recent podcast saying if JR is there Phil would absolutely take him, given their long relationship. JR attended Sav's camp's in Mobile in his high school years.

Lerner, Most of Browns Staff, Watch Quinn

2007-03-04T23:32:00.000-05:00

Savage told this week's SI that Quinn is probably the safer of the top two QBs, but that JR has more upside and that it's a tough call. What a bunch of pre-draft smoke.

Crennel said Quinn clearly had zip on his passes at today's pre-draft workout in South Bend for NFL Scouts.

"The fact he could make all his throws, both right and left, he's a polished quarterback," Crennel said. "He's smart. When you watch him on tape you can see he knows where to go with the ball. He will, at times, throw it away when he has to, so we think he's a good, young prospect."

"He's a quarterback, he doesn't have to run a 40. He showed he has good feet on the movement drills that he did because he did some rollouts, he did some play-actions. You can see his feet move," Crennel said. "And hopefully he doesn't have to run a 40, and if he's running a 40, they'll be chasing him."

Oklahoma Ruined Adrian Peterson

2007-03-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Does Cleveland risk their #3 pick on a workhorse back who looks anything but durable?

The kid was 18 years old, and he carried the ball 339 times in the Big 12. That is brutal. I think this explains why Adrian Peterson has been injury prone in his college career, and it probably will help explain an injury prone NFL career. That is the fourth most carries in one season for a DI running back in the last 5 years, and the kid wasn't even fully grown. Looking at his stats from Oklahoma, it looks like a pattern to me.

Not unlike a stud pitcher who suffers through a disappointing pro career due to being overused in high school or college, I think Peterson may be tainted goods. The guy looks like a stud in every other way, but any progress this team has made since Savage took over will be lost if the guy we take at #3 is injury prone.

Sunday Notes

2007-03-04T22:29:00.000-05:00

The man known as the "Master" half of Bartertown's famous duo Master-Blaster announces a couple of Brown's tidbits including the contract numbers in Antwan Peek's new deal. Well done Trip and Phil... now that's the way you do it.

Browns Add Cornerback Depth

2007-03-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

Former Redskin Kenny Wright signed to 3-year deal

No offense to the man, but this finally allows me to utter the words I've been dreaming about since last season: Goodbye Ralph Brown.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... that feels better.

Though Wright is no Deion Sanders, he will provide some veteran depth to the Browns defensive backfield that they were so sorely missing last season. With DeMario Minter back from the knee injury that stole his rookie season, the Browns should have enough depth for 2007.

Wright has been in the league 9 years, and played under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham in Texas.

Agendas in Football's Cyberspace

2007-03-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

Profootballtalk.com glazes over what might be the biggest story of the NFL this year

Mike Florio, the self-described "Grand Poobah" of profootballtalk.com, spent about 20 words on what could be a pretty interesting story in the near future. Apparently, a doctor affiliated with Florio's dear Pittsburgh Steelers (and don't let him fool you, folks... he's about as objective as an advertisement for Verizon Wireless) is being investigated for his involvement in an Internet steroids ring.

From the Albany-Times Union: Last month, a New York investigator who has been tracking suspicious purchases from Signature Pharmacy flew to Pittsburgh to interview a top physician for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers about why he allegedly used a personal credit card to purchase roughly $150,000 in testosterone and human growth hormone in 2006.

There are no allegations Rydze violated any laws. Many doctors are allowed under Pennsylvania rules to order and dispense prescription drugs. But investigators in New York said his orders of testosterone piqued their interest because of the large volume, his position with an NFL team and because he allegedly used a personal credit card.

But Catizone, who has served as an expert witness for the DEA and other law enforcement agencies in criminal trials, said the credit card purchases raised questions.

"I've never seen a doctor pull out his or her own credit card ... it just doesn't make sense," Catizone said. "Unless you are trying to build frequent-flier miles on a credit card, I'm not sure why they'd be using a personal credit card."

Rydze and two spokesmen for the Steelers organization declined repeated requests for comment over the past two weeks. Pennsylvania state medical board officials also declined to comment. NFL officials were taken by surprise as news of the case swept through the sports world on the Internet.

"We just became aware of this, and we will look into it," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Wow. $150,000 of steroids on his own credit card? I wonder if that was all for himself?

Anyway, the informative, yet blatantly hypocritical Mike Florio spent much less effort on reporting this rather important bit of information than he did reporting, saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, his latest display of man-love for former ESPN anal-yst and Hall of Fame WR Michael Irvin.

Look, the rumor-mongering is something that we can all rejoice in, but when the guy postulates that he has no agenda, then basically turns a blind eye to an issue this huge, we call shenanigans. The guy just brutalizes ESPN.com NFL scribe Len Pasquerelli for the blatant conflict of interest he shows in his fluff pieces on certain NFL players... certain NFL players who happen to be represented by agents who provide Lenny P. most of his scoops. This is obviously pretty despicable (don't get us started on DisneySPN), but it's the exact same thing Florio does.

Florio gets most of his scoops from NFL insiders, too, and it doesn't take Woodward and Bernstein to see that Florio spends plenty of time scratching backs. Methinks one of his informants works with his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, because the guy has spent more time writing witty quips about the Browns' struggles with staph infections than he has about what could be the first troubling winds of the NFL's struggles with the steroid issue that has been plaguing Major League Baseball.

And for that, Mike Florio, you're an asshole.

In other news, according to Wikipedia, Florio "sports a toupee and has a penchant for backless sandals and Michael Jackson". Sounds like Joey Porter's homophobia may have been sparked by one of his biggest admirers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Profootballtalk.com

Full disclosure: We have an agenda, too. We think Mike Florio is a complete dick.

AFCN Exec Critiques Thomas

2007-03-04T13:06:00.000-05:00

Anonymous Source Tells Boston Globe: Thomas Too Old, Expensive. BS ALERT: Was it Savage? Probably not, but I guess we'll never know.

So what would the doubts be about such a player? Three things, according one NFL personnel man: His age, his price tag, and the history of defensive players after they leave Baltimore.

"In free agency, the negatives are usually evident, but if you need something bad enough, you minimize them," said an AFC North executive Friday night, before it became clear the Patriots would make Thomas the richest free agent signing in team history. "We've all done it. That may be happening with this guy.

"Thomas is a good athlete, and he was productive in their scheme in Baltimore, but he's not good setting the edge against the run and he's not a traditional 'Sam' [strong-side] linebacker because he has trouble getting off a tight end's block. I saw [Daniel] Graham bury him against the Ravens a couple years ago. They ran right over him the whole game.

Steinbach just the Start

2007-03-04T12:22:00.000-05:00

PD: New Offensive Line Coach Promies More Change

"There are going to be some new parts to the puzzle," Marshall said Saturday. "We're still in the process of putting the pieces together. And the draft is part of that.
"When we start [organized practices] in May, we want as cohesive a group [as possible], and hopefully they'll get to play one position and be set."

Hines Ward: What the Hell are we Doing?!"

2007-03-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

Trouble in Shitsburgh

"(Alan) Faneca called me, some of the veteran guys, my phone has been blowing up like, 'What the hell are we doing?' " said Ward, a nine-year veteran. "A lot of guys are questioning what's going on, kind of worried about the makeup of this team, where we are actually going to go."
Ward said he has talked to Tomlin, liked what the new coach had to say and is excited to play for him.
But Porter's release was, if not unsettling to Ward, at least the equivalent of cold water thrown in the face.
Ward is one of the highest-paid Steelers, and his salary will count $5.9 million against the salary cap this season.
"As a veteran guy, you look at (what happened to Porter) and you worry a little bit because you lay it out on the line to try to do what's best for the team and then you see players get cut," Ward said. "You sit there and say, 'Uh oh. Am I next in line?' "

Dielman Staying for Less Cash

2007-03-04T02:55:00.000-05:00

Cleveland Offered Him MORE!

I guess living in San Diego, blocking for a future HOF'er and being on next year's potential Super Bowl team must be cooler.

From Adam Clayton:

The Chargers aren't going to be players in free agency, but they already are one of the biggest winners of the offseason. They re-signed guard Kris Dielman, a Pro Bowl alternate who turned down more money from Seattle and Cleveland to take a six-year, $39 million deal from the Chargers. Dielman's return keeps together one of the best offensive lines in the game. - espn

Tucker Talks: I'll be Back

2007-03-04T00:05:00.000-05:00

"I feel great, man," Tucker said during a public appearance at the new Gold's Gym in Westlake. "It's a whole new chapter in my life and I'm ready to get on with it. I absolutely plan on coming back and starting for the Browns this season."

Tucker, who left the team twice because of an undisclosed mental illness, declined to be specific about his disorder, but said everything has been rectified.

"A lot of things have changed as far as medications and things like that, and I haven't had any problems," he said. "Everything's been fixed. My family's doing really well, my health is excellent and I feel as good as I ever have."

Tucker said he'll tell his story someday and hopes he can help others who suffer from similar issues, "but right now I'd rather not get into the details. I'm just thankful."

Baltimore Break Up?

2007-03-03T23:40:00.000-05:00

It appears one of the big losers in free agency this year is the Baltimore Ravens. Story

Browns Nab Peek

2007-03-03T21:31:00.000-05:00

Former Texan OLB signs 3-year deal to join Grantham's 3-4

The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of Antwan Peek Saturday. Peek struggled in Houston's transition to the 4-3 under new head coach Gary Kubiak, but will be a welcome addition to the linebacker rotation for Cleveland's 3-4. Peek played under Todd Grantham in Houston when they employed the 3-4, and showed promise as an outside edge rusher.

With Willie McGinest aging, and Chaun Thompson struggling to live up to the expectations that come with being a 2nd round draft pick, Peek will certainly get plenty of playing time to prove his value to the team. If he shows an ability to bring a consistent pass rush off of the left edge, he and Kamerion Wimbley could combine to make the Browns defense much better than it has been in the past.

As I stated when the Browns lost out in the Nate Clements Contract Negotiating Drinking Game, a pass rush would go a long way in improving the play of the corners and safeties. With Leigh Bodden and Davin Holly starting at corner, and Brodney Pool and Sean Jones starting at safety, the Browns could have an athletic and exciting defensive backfield in 2007. Linebackers Wimbley, McGinest, Andra Davis, D'Qwell Jackson, and now Peek make up what is now arguably the strongest unit on the team.

The big question now is, can the Browns find someone to solidify their porous defensive line? George Washington's older brother, Ted, is running on fumes (and sides of beef), and, besides Orpheus Roye, the line consists of backups (at best). Signing a free agent lineman like Robaire Smith (solid, not spectacular), and grabbing one in the first three rounds of the draft seem like musts if Romeo Crennel's defense is going to avoid the struggles they experienced last season.

Four Eyes on the 3rd Pick

2007-03-03T18:04:00.000-05:00

The Dirty Birds Would Like to Keep CJ in the GA, Texans want AP

According the AJC, the "Keep Calvin at Home" campaign was already under way before Calvin Johnson blazed the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds at the last week's NFL scouting combine. The Browns would likely want quarterback Matt Schaub, the 10th pick and at least next season's first rounder. They might even ask for Freddie Falcon and couple of cheerleaders, too.

Hey Shitsburgh, I Faked the Apology

2007-03-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

A Browns Fan's Favorite Actress,
Sienna Miller

She is surprisingly laddish, with a wonderful knack of putting her foot in it. Take Pittsburgh. When she returned to the city where she had researched Factory Girl, she told Rolling Stone how much she disliked it and she'd renamed it Shitsburgh. It just slipped out.

Within hours, Miller was all over the Pittsburgh news, there were demonstrations against her, posters screaming, "Sienna the witch" and "Go home, Sienna," and she was forced into a retraction. Why did she apologise? "Because I was halfway through shooting a movie called The Mysteries Of Pittsburgh and the producers were understandably very distressed at the riot I had caused, so it was kind of damage control. Interview

Steinbach Too Pricey?

2007-03-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

For anyone concerned that the $49 million contract given to Eric Steinbach is too much for a guard, here is a fantastic thread on the OBR that explains that those concerns aren't really logical.

Not Another Stupid "Deal" Headline

2007-03-03T14:06:00.000-05:00

He's not going anywhere, Dielman inked by Bolts

"About an Hour, That's All I Needed."

2007-03-03T13:09:00.000-05:00

Ya, OK..that, and $49 Million is all it seems to take to land a big time O-lineman these days. The new guard meets the press - story on the official site.....

Who Wants to Be a (Multi) Millionaire???

2007-03-03T01:21:00.000-05:00

With the 49ers signing Clements to the fattest contract for a defensive player in NFL history (cue spit-take), what do the Browns do with all that money they have?

With some quality defensive options still available in free agency, will the Browns swoop in with their briefcases full of money and steal a stud from someone? Some options include Antwan Peek (LB, Houston), Jarret Johnson (DL, Baltimore), Robaire Smith (DL, Tennessee), or the intolerable Joey Porter.

It is clear that Cleveland desperately needs to shore up its run defense, and they may have lucked out by being outbid by San Francisco for the services of Nate Clements. You'd be amazed how much better Cleveland's cornerbacks would look if their front 7 could establish a pass rush and stop the run, and spending some of that bank on some help in that area could go a long way in helping this team crawl back to respectability.

Two Could Help the D-Line: Coleman and Edwards Visit Berea

2007-03-03T01:17:00.000-05:00

Said Pat in Saturday's Ohio.com story: Coleman played with the Dallas Cowboys the past four years after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders. He started five games last season. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, he could play end in the 3-4.

Edwards played with the Kansas City Chiefs last season after playing five years with the Bills. He appears to be a possible nose tackle.