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Would the Cleveland Browns take a flier on Plaxico Burress? Hey, Tony!
Published: Sunday, March 06, 2011, 12:34 AM
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer


Hey, Tony: When Plaxico Burress gets out of jail, is he a free agent and able to sign with anyone? If so will Tom Heckert try to strike lightning in a bottle twice (i.e. Michael Vick) and bring him in here for a workout? -- Steve Stosak, Simpsonville, S.C.

Hey, Steve: Heckert indicated at the NFL combine that he would shy away from signing free agents with character issues. Sources in Philadelphia have told me he was not gung-ho about the signing of Vick two years ago. That was all on Andy Reid.

Hey, Tony: Wouldn't the Browns love to trade down and gather more picks? Too many holes for just seven picks. What are the chances they can find a suitor for the sixth pick? -- Matt Alsip, Towson, Md.

Hey, Matt: With two QBs rated highly and about 10 teams needing a QB, I'd say the chances of finding a suitor for the sixth pick are better than usual. But I don't think the Browns want to move down too far and would rather use the pick on the sixth-best player in the draft. A drop down one or two spots might not be out of the question.

Hey, Tony: How is Cam Newton considered a top-10 choice, while everyone thought the idea of drafting Tim Tebow in the first round was crazy? To me they are very similar quarterbacks. They are both built like linebackers, they both dominated the SEC, both ran gimmicky offenses, and both are great running the ball. The only difference between them is that Tebow did this for three years while Newton did it for just one. There is no question that Tebow is the better leader and has better decision making skills. I just can't understand how Newton is a top-10 pick. -- Chris Mangosh, Willoughby

Hey, Chris: Have you seen both guys throw? Really, the arm strength factor is playing a huge role here.

Hey, Tony: If the owners and players come to agreement on an-18 game season, will it take effect in 2011 season? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: No, the earliest it would take effect is the 2012 season.

Hey, Tony: Given that 1) the Browns are losing at least two starting defensive linemen, 2) they will now will need more players due to the switch to the 4-3, and 3) this draft is unusually deep in linemen, what are the odds they might draft for that need with both the first- and second-round picks? -- Seren Hrachian, Athens, N.Y.

Hey, Seren: I wouldn't rule it out, but I would be surprised. I don't think they have the luxury of devoting their top two picks to one position of need.

Hey, Tony: I have read that when the players are locked out that they will not be allowed to use the facilities in Berea and won't have contact with coaches. But what actually prevents Pat Shurmur or Mark Whipple working with Colt McCoy? Will they be subject to a fine or suspension? -- Bryan, Washington, D.C.

Hey, Bryan: The NFL has indicated penalties could include fines and loss of draft picks. Too costly to mess with, and not much would be gained anyway by meeting with one player without the rest of offensive unit.

Hey, Tony: Why is it so hard for Browns writers, NFL scribes, analysts, etc. to get Marcus Benard's name correct? Should we make everyone happy and call him MaRvin BeRnard? I would think it's journalism 101. -- Anthony, Youngstown

Hey, Anthony: Ever have a name that sticks in your mind? Or one that you can't seem to get right? Apparently not.

Hey, Tony: I'm surprised that you suggested the Browns lean toward DL with their first round pick. If there's one cliche that has proven to be true, it's that you select the best available player, regardless of position. -- Leslie Marchak, Sagamore Hills

Hey, Leslie: Live by the cliches, die by the cliches. I don't see how the drafting the best cornerback at No. 6 improves the team more than drafting the best defensive lineman.

Hey, Tony: We were 5-11 last year, why isn't anyone talking about taking the best player available? I know that you are a supporter of this. Everyone is talking defense but if you actually watched any college football last year you know that Cam Newton is the most talented player in the draft. -- Brandon Pillen, Mililani, Hawaii

Hey, Brandon: The most talented player isn't always the best player. In fact, I've heard Heckert use the phrase "best available player for your team." That little distinction eliminates some players from the pool.

Hey, Tony: I agree with many others who say we need to go defensive line in the first round, I also agree with those who say A.J. Green is an all-world talent. But how could you pass on Patrick Peterson at 6? In the NFL, you need at least two good corners and a third that is better than average. -- Gerald Alfrey, Toledo

Hey, Gerald: You can find a cliche to fit any argument. How about this one: Football is won in the trenches. As their roster now stands, the Browns won't stop any offense at the line of scrimmage. I'm an advocate of three good corners but the Browns have put themselves in the position of not being able to disguise their draft intentions well. They couldn't even field an NFL-caliber front four right now.

Hey, Tony: Would the Browns consider Vernon Gholston if he is released or Willie Colon in free agency? I think Gholston could be had on the cheap. Colon could help the right side of the OL. He will be 28 when the season starts, but is coming off an injury. -- Greg S, Chicago, Ill.

Hey, Greg: Colon is one of the best offensive linemen available in free agency, but Heckert already has expressed satisfaction with Tony Pashos at right tackle and seems cool on adding another lineman in free agency. Gholston? Maybe the previous coach would take a flier on him, but I don't see it in the cards.

Hey, Tony: How can you call a running back who averaged only 4.3 yards per carry in his college career, was injured four out of five years and did not even make honorable mention on the all-SEC conference team a "blue chip back"? -- Raymond Dumont, Foley, Ala.

Hey, Raymond: Maybe if Montario Hardesty wore the uniform of the Crimson Tide you would think differently.

Hey, Tony: I was a huge Eric Mangini supporter and even I knew the minute Mike Holmgren was brought on Mangini's days were numbered. With that said, I think Holmgren keeping Mangini knowing the CBA showdown was coming was a huge blunder. He easily could have found a coach the caliber of Shurmur last year, considering no other team had any interest in Shurmur even this year. Now this team has a rookie coach and wants to change schemes on both sides of the ball and is not even allowed to talk to the players. I truly think the minute Holmgren kept Mangini in '10 he needed to give him 2011 as well in order to keep some semblance of order with the lockout. Something tells me the excuses will be flying out of Berea this fall and if not, the PD will do it for them. -- Michael Spitale, Galena

Hey, Michael: I agree that in retrospect, he should have made the change for 2010. Maybe Holmgren is admitting 2010 was the year that was wasted and he doesn't want to waste 2011 as well, and that's why he made the change.

Hey, Tony: The more I study Cam Jordan of Cal, the more I become enamored with him. There seems to be no downside to this kid. He's the most experienced, versatile and smartest choice amongst the top tier DLs. What's the chance H&H would slightly reach for him at 6. -- Jimmy D, Ohio

Hey, Jimmy: In my two mock drafts, I've had Jordan going to Washington at No. 10. So, taking him at No. 6 wouldn't be a huge reach. I'll keep an eye on developments regarding Jordan as the process continues.

Hey, Tony: Assuming the Browns' 2011 starting O-Line will be Thomas, Steinbach, Mack, Womack and hopefully a healthy Pashos, who of last year's backups would you hope the Browns keep? -- Alan Fojt, Manassas, Va.

Hey, Alan: Shawn Lauvao and Billy Yates, and I'd draft a developmental tackle in the middle rounds.

Hey, Tony: I have heard one of the knocks against an 18-game season is that the teams with the worst records would not draw interest at the end of the season. So why not just expand the playoffs (four more wildcard teams) for two more weeks, and move the bye week to week 17? That way there would be media revenue for two more weeks of playoff football, but the majority of the players would not suffer from the extra wear and tear. -- Dave Jackson, Columbus

Hey, Dave: Your proposal makes more sense to me than the one pitched by Commissioner Roger Goodell. There are many, however, who would be opposed to expanding the playoffs that much. Some owners would claim they would take too much meaning out of the regular-season standings, etc. But your idea is worth further discussion.

Hey, Tony: Riddle me this: potential lockout, new offensive system, new defensive system (even though a certain Browns beat writer said there wouldn't be huge changes if Mangini was fired) and possibly a very limited amount of time, if any, to teach the umpteenth new system in Berea. Can you see anything other than another double digit loss season? -- Mike B, Dover

Hey, Mike: You are much smarter than me and can predict a season record. I can't even predict what day is tomorrow. In the words of your favorite coach, "Don't fear change."

Hey, Tony: With a lockout about to happen, and the NFL supposedly cracking down on player/personnel interaction, how is the NFL exactly going to police the rules? Do you really think teams aren't going to find a way to communicate off the record? -- Jeremy Skatzes, Columbus

Hey, Jeremy: An owners lockout is un-chartered waters. I haven't a clue how the NFL will police its rules. But it's their league and they can do what they want.


View full sizeMichael Conroy / Associated PressCould an under-the-radar defensive talent such as Wisconsin's J.J. Watt allow the Browns to trade down for more draft picks?
Hey, Tony: Last week you mentioned five players you thought could be the Browns' first pick but you didn't mention defensive lineman J.J. Watt from Wisconsin. He is flying up draft boards. I am wondering after spending time at the combine if you want to revise that list. Also, a lot of people are talking about trading down. With all of the needs we have, would you trade down given the risk of passing on a future franchise player and what would you ask in return? -- Paul Naudain, Portland, Ore.

Hey, Paul: I agree the climate is good for potential suitors for the No. 6 pick. I've always advocated trading down, but I'm a little hesitant after the way the last great trade-down ended up in 2009. I'd be open to it, but moving from No. 6 down to the 20s is not the brightest thing in the world to do, in my opinion.

Hey, Tony: I heard someone mention Cam Jordan out of California as a potentially great D-lineman. I was wondering what you know and think of him. -- Jacob Hazners, Westlake

Hey, Jacob: Jordan had 16.5 sacks in his 50-game career. That's not a great ratio for a pass rusher. However, sack numbers don't mean everything. I would be very open to bringing Jordan into the discussion for the pick at No. 6. I've had him pegged for No. 10 to Washington in my two mock drafts. Which is higher than some people.

Hey, Tony: Now that Sidney Rice is going to be a free agent, wouldn't it make a lot of sense for the Browns to make a hard push to get this guy? I know everyone wants to build through the draft, but he would be a big piece to the offensive puzzle. -- Kyle Brofloski, Denver, Colo.

Hey, Kyle: Taking a Southern native (South Carolina) who's played receiver in the NFL mostly in domes is a risky proposition, in my opinion. I'd need more research on his games in cold weather. Some receivers play in the cold like they don't want to be out there.

Hey, Tony: I am against drafting a WR like AJ Green or shutdown CB like Patrick Peterson. Cincinnati has two stud WRs and two first rounders at CB and still can't make the playoffs, mostly because of poor line play. All of the top rated D-linemen have huge question marks either with character, injury or lack of production over a long period of time. Can any of these guys really be that much better than Cameron Heyward? Heyward was projected as a top 10 pick last year, has the size and athleticism to play anywhere on the line, and satisfies all of the concerns I just mentioned while playing for our beloved Buckeyes. -- Jeff, Columbus

Hey, Jeff: I believe Heyward's average senior season cost him a lot of money. Now, that doesn't mean he can't be developed into a blue-chip d-lineman, but he just wasn't that impressive consistently in 2010.

Hey, Tony: What are the chances of the Browns being interested in the newly released Vernon Gholston? He didn't fit at linebacker or as a 3-4 end, but as a backup end in the new 4-3 I think he would be a good addition for relatively cheap. -- Chris Zanon, Canton

Hey, Chris: I already remarked that the former coach, who drafted Gholston, probably would see great reward in taking a small risk in bringing Gholston in for the NFL minimum. I'm not sure the new coaches have the same opinion. But at this point, they need bodies all across the d-front.

Hey, Tony: Obviously from now until the season starts we'll discuss many of the big-name players cut loose by other teams. In that vein, I look at a guy like Tommie Harris and say to myself, "That would make a lot of sense." -- Joe Cepec, Dublin

Hey, Joe: Any accomplished D-lineman under the age of 30 makes a lot of sense to me.

Hey, Tony: You answered a question once about why the Browns do not have cheerleaders. Your answer was "Tradition." What did you mean by that? -- Katie Woods, Madison

Hey, Katie: As PD colleague Bill Lubinger recently wrote, the Browns did field cheerleaders for one season in 1971. In the article, Pat Modell, wife of the former owner, described the experiment as "a flop." I think cheerleaders for the Browns haven't worked out for the following reasons: 1. Too much cold weather, 2. Their stadium was always cavernous, 3. Who actually pays attention to cheerleaders on the NFL level unless they are scantily clad (like in Dallas, Oakland, and other sunny climes)?

Hey, Tony: Cam Newton is a top talent that the Browns couldn't fully utilize. What are the options if they traded with someone like Jacksonville (16th pick) and Newton was available, What else could they get? A third or fourth rounder? That pick would have to produce instantly for our fan base to justify losing 10 spots, but there is a ton of great defensive talent this draft. -- Cory Plato, Avon Lake

Hey, Cory: I wouldn't expect moving down 10 spots to be a serious option. One or two spots down, but not more than that.

Hey, Tony: I bet you are getting as tired as I am of all the hand wringing by the fan base over McCoy's arm strength. McCoy's passes have a much flatter trajectory, much better follow through/release point/ball angle, half the air time and are thrown with much more authority (as evidenced by his greater accuracy) than Quinn's did. He also looks to have a deeper long ball. Over all he looks to have a much better arm than Quinn. My question is why would the same fan base that was so eager to dismiss any concerns about Quinn's arm strength and embrace him as a starter right up to his departure, now refuses to give Colt a fair chance over similar questions? -- Fernando Fernandez, Parma

Hey, Fernando: I'm constantly asked my opinion of McCoy. My stock answer is I love everything about him but I have concerns about his arm strength. That does not mean I'm not willing to give him a fair chance. I'm open-minded and willing to have my concerns allayed when McCoy performs in the Pat Shurmur West Coast offense. I don't think it's unfair to question McCoy's arm strength. As for Quinn, his pre-occupation with building musculature ruined his ability to throw a football accurately, in my opinion.

Hey, Tony: Each side needs to make concessions in the labor talks. What do you think the NFLPA should concede and what should the NFL owners concede to make hasten a CBA? -- Tony O'Leary, Charleston, W.Va.

Hey, Tony: The NFLPA should a) allow the owners to take another one-half billion off the top of the revenue pie before the players get their cut, b) agree to an NBA-style rookie wage scale, c) agree to further explore some kind of revenue expansion through an adjustment of the regular-season schedule, d) restore the concept of players forfeiting bonus money when they violate their contracts. The owners should a) not demand an 18-game schedule, but agree to work with players toward some kind of expansion, b) return eligibility for unrestricted free agency to four NFL seasons, c) increase health coverage to 10 years after a player's career ends (up from five), d) put player discipline in the hands of a mutually acceptable conduct review board.

Hey, Tony: From what Tom Heckert is saying about not moving Sheldon Brown to corner, is it safe to say then that we're probably going to take a defensive lineman or wide receiver? Do you think they'll go with Robert Quinn or a defensive tackle? -- Josh Reed, White Oak, Pa.

Hey, Josh: Yes, I believe Peterson is out of the picture. Further tip off of that was the team giving CB Eric Wright the second-round tender. Quinn is a candidate. Defensive tackle, too. I believe Heckert's highest-ranked defensive lineman on the board will be the pick. As of today, that is.

Hey, Tony: Don't you think the Browns should give their quarterback some time to get comfortable with his players? They didn't do that with Brady Quinn, who wanted to play for the Browns since he was a little kid. I think they are trying to get the quick fix and not work on the long-term picture. -- Shari Campbell, Carmel, Ind.

Hey, Shari: Different coaches and front office personnel are in place now than when Quinn first arrived. By the time Quinn reached his third NFL season, he was ruined, in my opinion. I had no problem with letting him go last season.

-- Tony

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/03/would_the_cleveland_browns_tak.html

Sixth pick is no guarantee of pro football stardom: NFL Insider
Published: Saturday, March 05, 2011, 7:52 PM Updated: Saturday, March 05, 2011, 7:53 PM
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Counting the days until the April 28-30 NFL draft ...

• No. 6 is No. 1: Picking sixth in the first round -- as the Browns do this season -- has not been the most productive position in recent times.

Pro Football Weekly's "2011 Draft Guide" includes an authoritative analysis of every pick in the first round over the last 10 NFL drafts. The magazine concludes there have been more busts at No. 6 than any other selection.

The busts include two defensive linemen -- Ryan Sims in 2002 and Johnathan Sullivan in '03 -- and cornerback/return specialist Adam (Pacman) Jones in '05. No other position among the top 32 has more than two busts, or "worst picks," as the magazine defines it.

By the way, the best pick at No. 6 in the last 10 drafts was defensive lineman Richard Seymour in 2001.

• Roll call: For the record, the last 10 No. 6 picks were:

Offensive tackle Russell Okung (Seahawks) in 2010, offensive tackle Andre Smith (Bengals), defensive end Vernon Gholston (Jets), safety LaRon Landry (Redskins), tight end Vernon Davis (49ers), Jones (Titans), Kellen Winslow II (Browns), Sullivan (Jets), Sims (Chiefs), Seymour (Patriots) and defensive tackle Corey Simon (Eagles).

• Bet you didn't know? The Browns have owned the No. 6 pick only two times since they joined the NFL in 1950.

In 2004, Butch Davis gave up a second-round pick to move one notch ahead of Detroit and take Winslow with the No. 6 pick.

The other time the Browns used the No. 6 pick was in 1957. Paul Brown was desperately looking for a successor to quarterback Otto Graham. After the 49ers took John Brodie third, the Steelers broke Brown's heart and took Len Dawson fifth.

Brown settled for running back Jim Brown.

• Position debate: Defensive lineman vs. wide receiver?

I believe that by tendering a second-round contract offer to restricted free agent Eric Wright, the likelihood of using the No. 6 pick on LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson has been reduced. Not eliminated, but reduced.

If Wright returns, the Browns would have a solid threesome at cornerback of Wright, Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown. Of course, they're banking on Wright rebounding from a bum 2010. They would need two more bodies to round out their depth chart at the position, but using their first pick on Peterson, to me, would not be the way to go.

Now, this theory would change if a new CBA returns eligibility of unrestricted free agency to four years, as it was before 2010. In that case, Wright would be a UFA and I doubt he would return. Then Peterson gets back into the mix.

For this argument, let's assume Wright returns for 2011. In my opinion, the debate at No. 6 then becomes one of the many highly rated defensive linemen vs. Georgia receiver A.J. Green.

It so happens that defensive linemen and receivers are two of the most problematic positions to predict, per the PFW analysis.

Since 2000, eight receivers qualify as the "worst pick" at their respective draft position. They were: Peter Warrick (No. 4 in 2000), David Terrell (No. 8, '01), Freddie Mitchell (No. 25, '01), Charles Rogers (No. 2, '03), Rashaun Woods (No. 31, '04), Troy Williamson (No. 7, '05), Matt Jones (No. 21, '05), and Ted Ginn Jr. (No. 9, '07).

There were also eight busts at defensive line: Erik Flowers (No. 26, 2000), Jamal Reynolds (No. 10, '01), Sims (No. 6, '02), Wendell Bryant (No. 12, '02), Sullivan (No. 6, '03), Michael Haynes (No. 14, '03), Jerome McDougle (No. 15, '03), and Adam Carriker (No. 13, '07).

At the same time, four receivers were judged as "best picks" and 10 linemen earned that distinction.

So there's a lot of guessing involved at those two positions.

• An 18-game alternative:

Hey Tony contributor Dave Jackson of Columbus made an excellent suggestion to solving the dilemma of reducing the NFL preseason by two games without adding two games to the regular season. He wrote, "Why not just expand the playoffs (four more wildcard teams) for two more weeks? That way there would be media revenue for two more weeks of playoff football, but the majority of the players would not suffer from the extra two games wear and tear because their seasons would already be over."

I posed this suggestion to a member of the NFL competition committee and was surprised to learn that the committee has, in fact, discussed that plan as an alternative. Although it hasn't been eliminated, it probably won't fly because of a problem that was equally surprising to me.

The committee member said the biggest obstacle is the fact that several stadiums have iron-clad leases that mandate 10 NFL games be played in them per year. The leases don't stipulate that they be preseason or regular-season games -- just that 10 games be played.

The expanded playoff suggestion would work for those teams in the playoffs. But suppose the Cleveland Browns Stadium lease requires 10 games and the Browns fail to make the playoffs and make good on only nine games (one preseason, eight in regular-season)? The lease would be violated.

The committee member said that approximately 15 NFL stadiums have the 10-game requirement, and several of the agreements have 10 or more years to run.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/03/sixth_pick_is_no_guarantee_of.html

Pluto's Talkin About the Browns...

1. It's a quiet move, but re-signing Seneca Wallace is a key decision. Given that Colt McCoy will be the 10th different starting quarterback since the franchise returned in 1999, it make sense to have a veteran behind McCoy who fully understands the new West Coast system. Wallace also proved that he can step in and play reasonably well. It's not a knock on McCoy, but the odds are that almost any quarterback will be injured and miss games.

2. Wallace started four games for the Browns and the team was 1-3. It's a bit deceiving, because he was hurt in late in the first half of the Atlanta game. He had completed 11 of 15 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. The Browns had a 7-6 lead. A limping Jake Delhomme played the second half, and the Browns lost, 20-10.

3. Wallace had quarterbacked the Browns to a 23-20 victory over the Bengals the week before. His confidence was growing. He never started another game (and threw only one pass) the rest of the season. Wallace completed 63 percent of his passes, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. For his career (657 passes, 18 starts), he has completed 60 percent of his passes with 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, a solid 83.9 rating.

4. Nothing about Wallace's numbers scream he must start, but they do show he can if needed. While the Browns haven't ruled out bringing back Delhomme, it's hard to imagine they will. That's especially true since team President Mike Holmgren said he likes to draft a quarterback in the late rounds.

5. The Browns also are bringing back tight end Evan Moore, who should be very effective. In two seasons, Moore has 28 catches for an average of 17.1 yards with the Browns. His problem is staying healthy. He has had knee problems, hip problems and other minor injuries. I like the idea of bringing him back, even if they only get 10 games out of him.

6. You can be sure very little of D'Qwell Jackson's $4.5 million contract is guaranteed. He played no games last season, only six in 2009. He is only 27, but after having surgery on both pectoral muscles, he has be to considered a long shot to make it through a full season. A problem for the Browns is trying to find linebackers to fit the new 4-3 scheme. They think Chris Gocong can handle the middle, with Scott Fujita on the strong side. They project Jackson as being either in the middle or on the weak side. They don't have much depth at the position, so shopping for linebackers could be a big part of the draft.

7. Marcus Benard as a linebacker led the Browns with 7.5 sacks, but that was in the 3-4 formation. The hope is he can do it from the defensive end spot. This team has so few pass rushers, they need to find a way to maximize that skill from Benard.

8. Now that Shaun Rogers has signed with New Orleans, it ends the big gamble that the Browns took in the 2008 draft. That was when they shipped a second-rounder to Green Bay for Corey Williams, who never could switch from a 4-3 to the Browns' 3-4. Williams was later traded to Detroit for a fifth-rounder that was part of another deal that led to the Browns moving up to draft Montario Hardesty.

9. Hardesty was out for the year with knee surgery, so the Browns had nothing on the field in 2010 for that second-rounder dealt for Williams. They sent Leigh Bodden and a third-rounder in 2008 to Detroit for Rogers. He had one good year, and two injury-prone seasons here. Now, he's gone, and the Browns have nothing to show for that. Former GM Phil Savage made those deals to try and win big after that surprising 10-6 record in 2007.

10. The first-rounder in 2008 was shipped to Dallas as part of a deal that led to the drafting of Brady Quinn, so at least the Browns have Peyton Hillis as a product of Quinn being traded to Denver. But in the end, there were a lot of missed opportunities in that 2008 draft. There also was misguided thinking as Rogers and Williams (especially) were better in the 4-3 than the 3-4 defense.


http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/03/terry_plutos_talkin_about_the_31.html

was it Grossi that mis-spelled the name or someone else?

i have to edit a substantial amount of my posts after i write them.

^ see, need two caps

PS

I would also like to retain Porkchop Womack in addition to Yates and the develpomental tackle Grossi mentions.

A lot of talk out there about not picking BPA but best player for your team.

If I am Heckert and Patrick Peterson is sitting there at #6, I wouldn't think twice of taking him.

The first 3 teams could potentially go with some form of Fairley, Bowers, Dareus. If the Bengals go with Green and the Cards go with a QB then we are left looking at Peterson, Quinn, Julio Jones, and maybe Cam Jordan.

Quinn or Jones may be the guy we should pick but how do you pass up what 98% of the people out there are calling the best player in the draft and the can't miss prospect in this class.

The guy has been compared to Charles Woodson. Lock down corner with tremendous athleticism and can return kicks. Not to mention he has the size and ability to hit and tackle to play safety now or in the future.

Not to mention, Sheldon Brown isn't getting any younger and should possibly be thought of as a safety option now as his age is beginning to show against the better WRs in the league.

Quote:

---

If Cam Newton is still there, then I want to trade down with Al Davis or someone else that is desperate for a QB enough to sell the farm.

think Ricky Williams or that other RB that built the Cowboys into a winner.

---

To trade down you need to find someone looking to trade up.

That Ricky Williams trade was a very rare occurrence

Think about our last trade down, Jets get Sanchez, we get Kenyon Coleman, Abe Elam, Brett Ratliff, a 2nd round pick, and the Jets 1st round pick. We got Alex Mack, and he's good and only gonna improve, but we didn't get what I would have liked in our trade down (we did save money on that high pick though)

Herschell Walker trade, perhaps?

Now that Shaun Rogers has signed with New Orleans, it ends the big gamble that the Browns took in the 2008 draft. That was when they shipped a second-rounder to Green Bay for Corey Williams, who never could switch from a 4-3 to the Browns' 3-4. Williams was later traded to Detroit for a fifth-rounder that was part of another deal that led to the Browns moving up to draft Montario Hardesty.

9. Hardesty was out for the year with knee surgery, so the Browns had nothing on the field in 2010 for that second-rounder dealt for Williams. They sent Leigh Bodden and a third-rounder in 2008 to Detroit for Rogers. He had one good year, and two injury-prone seasons here. Now, he's gone, and the Browns have nothing to show for that. Former GM Phil Savage made those deals to try and win big after that surprising 10-6 record in 2007.

10. The first-rounder in 2008 was shipped to Dallas as part of a deal that led to the drafting of Brady Quinn, so at least the Browns have Peyton Hillis as a product of Quinn being traded to Denver. But in the end, there were a lot of missed opportunities in that 2008 draft. There also was misguided thinking as Rogers and Williams (especially) were better in the 4-3 than the 3-4 defense.



Did anyone really read that?It's been one of my bigger complaints with the drafting and scheme/personnel..no one has stocked the team with players WHO FIT the scheme.
Just wasted opportunities.

Let's hope that the problems and mistakes made in the past...Stay in the past.


We will know better after this upcoming Draft.

While I agree with you on most everything else (yikes!); It has to be said that Mack is an All-Pro center who will be on this team for many many years and was a great pick.

it wasn't the trade that was bad as we essentially got an above average (slightly better than others at least this past year) starting safety who would have been a really good player if we already had 2 starting safeties and didn't just get him for need. We also got a rotational D-Lineman who was a body, and a 3rd string QB that could have been lightning in a bottle? Who knows ... didn't he sign with New England after we cut him? Maybe he could still develop someday...

The picks themselves theoretically could have given us Clay Matthews and instead of Veikune could have had LeSean McCoy, Phil Loadholt, Fili Moala, Paul Kruger, Sebastian Vollmer, Sean Smith, Shonn Greene .. all players to go within the next 15 picks. Not Claiming the Hindsight rule, but the potential for great players was there, we just blew the picks.

Just like you can't say that the #7 pick overall is terrible and the selection of Darius Heyward - Bey was the debatable/poor choice .. you can't say that acquiring picks was terrible, only on how we used those picks.

Right.