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.''
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Lerner Goes to the Core
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.''
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
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.
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.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Falcons Not Likely to Move Up
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."
"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
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.
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.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Randy Lerner Interview
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Friedman, Kevin Mack Back to Brown
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
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.
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
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."
Monday, March 19, 2007
Kirwin Mocks Peterson with His Latest Draft Guess List
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
(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
Steve Doerschuk gives you the latest on all three right here.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Looking at Things the Browns way - Scouting the Defensive Talent for a 3-4
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
(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
Packers GM Says He "Never" Talked Moss-for-Rodgers
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
...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.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Millen Wants to Trade Down and Down and Down....
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.
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.
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