Why I Still Buy Cleveland Sports Jerseys

My Landon Donovan jersey came in the mail today.

Yes, just in time for the World Cup (I ordered it during the world cup).  Whatever, it is still good to have for the US-Brazil friendly tonight.

But the sight of a new jersey brought thoughts of a new Browns jersey to my mind.  And I quickly dismissed the notion.  I remembered how many embarrassing Browns, Cavs, and Indians jerseys my wife and I own.  And I remembered that its something we Clevelanders on twitter like to discuss frequently.

Tim Couch?  Ouch.  Lee Suggs?  Ooh.  Jim Thome?  Yikes.  Martinez, Sabathia, Quinn, Frye, Edwards, Winslow, James.  Please stop.

I myself am guilty of the last three.  But then I also remembered that I bought a Cribbs jersey last year, right before the first game of the season.  And I really went all out too, with the more “expensive” stiched-numbered, away-white, #16.  I remembered that I was very happy when I purchased it.  This jersey, I assumed, would be the one to break the “curse” of the Cleveland jerseys.

And then Cribbs’ contract drama began.  I immediately blamed myself and wondered to my wife (who owns Edwards and Gibson jerseys herself) if I should ever buy a jersey again.  They just leave too quick. 

The age of free agency is great for the leagues.  They make tons of money every time a player changes teams.  One can only wonder how much money the NFL and reebok have made off of T.O. jerseys over the years.  But it’s not so good for the fans.  Especially fans in the blue-collar towns across the nation.  How much longer can I justify spending the ever dwindling disposable income on jerseys when I have to throw them away every 2-4 years?

And I’m not alone in this thinking.  As I mentioned above, many Cleveland fans discuss this same topic, over and over.  The consensus?  Buy older jerseys.  A Kosar jersey may not be fresh, but he will forever be a Brown (just forget the Miami and Dallas stints).  And he’s less likely to embarrass the name on the back of the jersey.  Same with names like Nagy, Price, Brown, Alomar (Sandy, of course), Nance, etc.

But as I thought of all the retro jerseys I could buy, I came to a realization.  There are problems with this theory.  See, hindsight is 20-20, as they say.  For every Kenny Lofton, Brad Daugherty, and Hanford Dixon jersey, there is a Joe Carter, Ron Harper, and Mike Junkin jersey.  Not to mention Jose Mesa, Manny Ramirez, or “Touchdown” Tommy Vardell. 

I should stop there.  The point is not to depress all Clevelanders reading this.  But rather: one could not know at the time who would become a Cleveland sports legend and who would be tossed aside one way or another.  So we bought the jerseys even then, casting aside our jerseys when they left, or keeping the ones that stayed.  The important part was the buying.  The prospect of getting a winner.

The Hope.

The Hope that we pick the right rookie.  That he leads Cleveland on the field AND off the field.  That we can be proud of him and his accomplishments.  That we can wear his jersey for more than four years.  That we can wear his jersey at the bars on game day.  At the muni lot.  At the stadium.  Without taping over the name, of course. 

That Cribbs jersey I bought is still in my closet, and the tension I felt when Cribbs announced he would never play for the Browns again was replaced with happiness when he signed his extension.  A happiness that I picked correctly this time.

And that’s why I buy Cleveland jerseys.

I need that hope, that dream, that wish.  Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to watch my teams play every night, every weekend.  And since I have the hope, I should want to express it to the world.  We should be proud of our teams, and confident that they will do well.  We should represent the city proudly.  “The city that never quits,” as my wife calls it.  Because Cleveland never does quit.

And I won’t either.

So I will buy that Browns jersey this year.  And I will probably buy a rookie’s jersey.  Haden, Ward, or even McCoy.  Because what they represent IS hope.  A winning future.  And I want to be there when that time comes, wearing that jersey proudly.  Knowing that I picked correctly.

And that jersey will erase all of the Edwards, Winslow, Couch, and William Green jerseys in the world.

~Nichiren

The Curse of Infighting: A CLE Hobby?

As far as promising professional sports teams go, nothing derails championship hopes quite like infighting. 

We have seen it over and over again in the news: star player “A” yells at or disagrees with his coach, or a teammate, and the team tragically goes on a losing streak.  It is usually accompanied by a scandal, loss of jobs, and fans pulling their hair out, screaming “WHY?”    

The most recent example occurred in this year’s World Cup, where France spectacularly imploded after Nicholas Anelka (pictured below) cursed at his coach after a disagreement.  The fallout? France is currently conducting legislative hearings regarding the World Cup incident.  Yes, the government is getting involved in a spat between a coach and a player. 

Oui are le Witnesses

 

But this infighting isn’t just linked to prima-donna soccer players in European countries.  Cleveland sports teams have also been plagued by this phenomenon (e.g., see Kosar, Bernie and Belicheck, Bill), especially recently. 

Case #1: The Cavs v. Mike Brown 

"I just want you to understand..."

 

The rumors flying around after the Cavs’ epic collapse against the Celtics were that the Cavs players were upset with Mike Brown.  But the trouble was brewing all year.  Remember LeBron’s criticism of Brown after Brown’s mishandling of Illgauskas’ soon-to-be-record of games played for the Cavs?  And then the playoffs, when Brown calls out players in a press conference, but apparently failed to do so in-house.  And then there’s Brown’s comments after he was fired, per Brian Windhorst: 

“Brown apparently decided to stop short of directly thanking any players, including LeBron James.  Repeatedly during his tenure Brown said he was thankful that James “allows me to coach him,” a reference to the professional relationship the two enjoyed for many years. 

However, that relationship seemed to erode during the playoffs, when James publicly disagreed with his coach’s motivation methods and in-game decisions.  Behind the scenes, sources said James and Brown differed on game plan choices against both the Bulls and Celtics.” 

Coach-player in-fighting seems like it killed Cleveland’s only true championship hopes since the late 1980’s. 

Case #2: Mangini’s Browns 

At least he has his winning personality...

 

It’s no wonder that after Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, and Jamal Lewis left the team, great things happened (I don’t care what you say, but beating the Steelers is a great thing).  We all know what a distraction K2 was during his time with the Browns, but an argument can be made that Braylon was the true “cancer” of the Browns organization.  And when Jamal Lewis went down for the year?  Four-year winning streak in which the running game is the jewel of the football team.  

I’m not saying, I’m just saying. 

So why is this relevant?  Haven’t we all heard this before? 

First, the Cleveland infighting may have contributed to the decision to hire Byron Scott in the LeBron James sweepstakes. 

As noted above, there was speculation that the Cavs’ bomb of a playoffs was due to fighting between Mike Brown and one or more players.  After the playoffs, Mike Brown is removed as coach, and LeBron states he wanted to be coached by a former player.  Why?  The players and Mike Brown didn’t get along for a reason.  If LeBron or other players thought that Brown didn’t “understand” them, through the Illgausakas debacle, motivation methods, or Shaq’s playing time, perhaps a coach that actually played in the NBA would.  Assumingly, this coach would not do things that drive NBA players crazy because he was one of them. 

So, the Cavs go out and hire an experienced coach that used to be an NBA player.  And one that has won championships.  Surely, he understands the players.  And who was the other possible coaching candidate? Another former NBA player, Brian Shaw.  This also may answer a question posed by some regarding the exclusion of Bill Laimbeer from the Cavs’ coaching search.   Sure, Laimbeer was a former player, but notoriously hard to get along with as well.  Why risk another implosion because LeBron wasn’t motivated the right way?  Right or wrong, correct or not, it easy to understand. 

And LeBron just wanted someone to “understand.”  And the Cavs obliged.  

Second, we need to watch out for the legal problems of the Browns defensive line. 

Not only does is Shaun Rodgers facing suspension because he was arrested for possession of a gun at the airport, but teammate and defensive line buddy Robaire Smith was just arrested for the same thing.  Not to mention that Smith was with Rodgers when the latter got pinched.  Will this become a distraction that causes in-fighting with the Browns’ defense?  Or between the players and the coaching staff/front office if they are disciplined? 

Not that the Browns were Super Bowl bound this year anyway; this team needs all the help they can get to pull a .500 season.  But distractions and in-fighting will not help the team’s goal of improving and becoming a championship caliber team. 

~Nichiren 

* Pictures from www.football-pictures.net, www.deuceofdavenport.com, and www.zimbio.com 

** Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth!

LeBron: The Irony

I tried to stay away.

I really, really did.  I unfollowed several twitter friends during the ’10 playoffs because they talked about it too much (Don’t worry, I later re-followed them).  I feel myself get angry and flushed whenever I hear it discussed on the radio. 

But every time I pull away, it brings me back in.

So, unless I want to burn every bridge I have and stop listening to sports talk radio, I should come to grips with and discuss my feelings on LeBron Watch ’10.  Frankly, I am angry.  Not at the process, which is necessary in the free-market sports economy that is the bane of every true sports fan.  But rather at the implications of my opinion that LeBron will leave the Cavs.

Seven years ago Nike coined a phrase that fits LeBron and his personality perfectly: We Are All Witnesses.  And we were.  And he loved it.  The phrase implies expectation; an expectation to see something unforgettable.  People “witness” miraculous works.  Acts that make them believe, even.  And Cleveland fans thought they were seeing, or witnessing, these works.  Playoffs, All-Star game appearances, NBA Finals, his take-over of games, last second shots, and MVP seasons.

Possibly a championship?  That one word, above all others, was promised in that simple phrase.  We are all witnesses.  We will be all witnesses.  To something great.  One day.  Surely.

And that’s what makes this process the hardest.  That the expectation we had all come to . . . well . . . expect, was misguided.  Were we wrong?  Cleveland fans and general basketball fans had different definitions for that phrase.  New York fans, Chicago fans, Miami fans, New Jersey fans, L.A. fans, and Dallas fans have a different definition of that phrase now.

It is no longer an implied happiness for Cleveland fans, but an implied despair.  People also “witness” car accidents.  That is what I am afraid of now: that a man who has no good reason to leave Cleveland except for (1) the media’s wishes and (2) his own belief that megastars belong wherever the media wants, would actually crush the hearts of an entire region. 

While we watch on, with no control over the outcome.  As witnesses.

LeBron wanted us to watch, he likes the attention.  His interview with Larry King was supposedly an introduction to the biggest middle finger to the Cleveland fans since Art Modell.  It was to be the “girlfriend dancing with other men while you were at a club together” moment of our lives.  And while the “screw you Cleveland” tour was either cancelled or a media invention, the thought just hurts.  So does journalists talking about Cleveland’s “fear of rejection” and its “inferiority complex,” and New York and Chicago explaining why a superstar could never live in Cleveland.  I mean, really, Cleveland?  They don’t even have an ESPN page… 

But LeBron forgot the other part of what that slogan implies: that people are watching and judging.  Because “witnesses” never re-tell a story the way it actually happened.  People have fears, prejudices, biases, limitations in eyesight.  And an entire region is waiting to judge.  Waiting  to declare LeBron a bigger villain than Jim Thome, than Derek Anderson, than Ricky Davis.  That is why we all make threats about burning his jersey, never buying tickets to the Cavs again, or not caring about basketball again.  If LeBron refuses to re-sign with the Cavs, we will react how Cleveland always reacts, and no amount of excuses or reasons on LeBron’s part will justify it.  

And that is the irony of LeBron: to make the decision to leave, he has to do so with everyone watching.  He has to rip out our heart while millions look on in horror.  He isn’t going to slip out in the night like the Baltimore Colts, nor deflect blame on politicians like Modell.  He has to announce publicly that although he will not receive more money, or have an owner that will bend to his every whim, or live in a region that will adore him forever, Cleveland just isn’t good enough for him.  And we will all see it.  He has demanded our attention.  

And so we wait, eyes ever on the papers.  Our ears are glued to the radio.

LeBron wanted us to watch.  And we are.  And he better know it.

We are all witnesses.

A Word on Free Agent Running Backs

Free agency starts Friday, and Browns fans have themselves in a bit of a “tizzy” when it comes to several available running backs.  Those running backs?

LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, and Thomas Jones.  The problems?

First, the age of the backs: when the season starts Tomlinson will be 31, Westbrook will be 31, and Jones will be 32.

It is a popular notion that running backs falter at 30.  This comes from two realities: injuries and fatigue.  For example, through his career, Westbrook has had (at least) a torn triceps, a mid-foot injury, concerns about a swollen knee, a rib injury, an ankle injury, and last season suffered two concussions.

Also, although Jones rushed for 1,400 yards last year, Jones looked tired and worn down at the end of the season.  This was evident through the Jets’ use of Shonn Greene more at the end of the season and throughout the playoffs.  This may be because Jones has rushed for 1,000 yards for the last five seasons.

Similarly, Tomlinson rushed for at least 1200 yards each season until 2008, where he managed to get 1100 yards, but averaged only 17 carries a game, and last year’s 730 yard disappointment.

Seriously Browns fans?  You don’t remember the Jamal Lewis experiment?

If there is a running back 30+ that deserves mention among Browns fans its Chester Taylor.  Although 30 years old, he has only had 300+ attempts in a season once (in 2006).  Besides that year, he only averaged 103 carries a year.  Basically, he is not worn down as much as Jones, Westbrook, or Tomlinson.

Second, the misconception of the Browns needing an veteren back to “mentor” the young Browns backs.  As I told a friend the other day, that is why the Browns pay their running back coach.  Also, Harrison is 27 years old, and has been in the league four years.  He is not really a “young” back.  Finally, it is a waste of a roster spot to simply get a running back to “mentor” others.

Third, another friend mentioned that we should get Thomas Jones because “you don’t need the answer when you’re not a contender.”  I think that is just wrong.  Because the Browns are not contenders, they need a young running back to groom for the future, not waste money and resources for a back that will not help the Browns’ plans for the future.

In fact, I don’t think they should sign a free agent running back at all.

Rather, the Browns should draft a young running back with their Round 2 or Round 3 selection.  Possibly Jahvid Best or Joe McKnight in Round 2 or Toby Gerhart in Round 3.  Bring those running backs up instead of receiving 2-3 years of adequate production from an aging running back.

Here is the list of possible Free Agent Running Backs (ages in parentheses, tenders in brackets):

Leon Washington – Jets (28) – Restricted FA [2nd Round Tender]

Willie Parker – Steelers (29) – UFA

Pierre Thomas – Saints (25) – Restricted FA [2nd Round Tender]

Jerome Harrison – Browns (27) – Restricted FA [Will be tendered]

Darren Sproles – Chargers (27) – UFA

Le’Ron McClain – Ravens (25) – Fullback – Restricted FA [Likely 1st or 2nd Round Tender]

Cadillac Williams – Buccaneers (28) – Restricted FA

Mike Bell, New Orleans Saints (27) – Restricted FA [low tender, no compensation to Saints for match]

LenDale White, Tennessee Titans (25) – Restricted FA [2nd Round Tender]

Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons (27) – Restricted FA

Other Notable Free Agents:

Kenneth Darby, Rams (27) – Restricted FA
Kevin Faulk, Patriots (34) – UFA
Adrian Peterson, Bears (31) – UFA
Kolby Smith, Chiefs (25) – Restricted FA
Jason Snelling, Falcons (26) – Restricted FA
DeShawn Wynn, Packers (26) – Restricted FA
Justin Griffith,Seahawks (30) – Fullback – UFA
John Kuhn, Packers (27) – Fullback – Restricted FA
Tony Richardson, Jets (38) – Fullback – UFA
Naufahu Tahi, Vikings (28) – Fullback – Restricted FA
Mike Tolbert, Chargers (24) – Fullback – Exclusive Rights FA
Leonard Weaver, Eagles (27) – Fullback – Restricted FA

* * * * *

Less than 24-hours to go before free agency begins.  Should be fun!

~Nichiren

The Quarterback: Free Agency

In an ongoing series, the Monk will bring you the possible free agents in every position.  Today’s installment  is possibly the most talked about and most crucial position on the field: Quarterback.

Free agency kicks off March 5, and this year’s version will be completely different.  With the pending un-capped year, teams and fans must get used to new rules.  The first is that a player can only become an unrestricted free agent if he has six years of service, not four years as was the case under the CBA.  This affects around 200 players.  Those 200 players will now be restricted free agents and their teams can sign them to one year deals at proscribed levels.  Those levels have corresponding  compensation if another team wants to sign them.

The second is the Final Eight Rule.  The Final Eight Rule restricts the eight teams in the divisional round of the playoffs from signing free agents.  Basically, the four teams that advanced to the conference championship games (Jets, Vikings, Colts, and Saints) can only sign a free agent if they lose one with a comparable salary.  The four teams that lost in the divisional round (Ravens, Cardinals, Cowboys and Chargers) can replace a player with a comparable salary and also sign one free agent with a first-year salary of $5 million or more.  But those teams can further sign unlimited players with a first-year salary of up to $3 million.

Of course, all of this goes away if the league and the union sign a new CBA by March 5.

As my Mom always said: Don’t hold your horses.

With these new rules in place, the Browns may not be major players in the free agent market.  The list of available Quarterbacks should provide an example why:

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Charlie Batch

Kyle Boller

Mark Brunell

David Carr

Dante Culpepper

A.J. Feeley

Rex Grossman (the only one on this list with a Super Bowl appearance)

J.P. Losman

Josh McCown

Chad Pennington

Jake Plummer (funny, cause he said he was retired…)

Patrick Ramsey

Chris Redman

Brian St. Pierre

Need I say more?  The Browns may take a look at Pennington or Batch, but consider this list a Browns Fans Commit Mass-Suicide news story if the Browns sign any of the others on this list.

By contrast, the Restricted Free Agents are more tempting:

Restricted Free Agents:

Kyle Orton

Gibran Hamdan

Brodie Croyle

Tavaris Jackson

Kellen Clemons

Charlie Frye

Charlie Whitehurst

Jason Campbell

Just kidding.  Still, if Holmgren is not in the building, don’t all of us think that Mangini gets Clemons?  That said, a trade may be the best bet here.

Trades:

Matt Moore (Exclusive Rights Free Agent)

Moore looked good against the Vikings, Giants and the Brees-less Saints at the end of the year, but the Pathers are likely to keep him.  Moore can’t leave the Panthers if they offer him a three year veteran minimum salary, so trade is how one would acquire Moore.

Jason Campbell (RFA)

Campbell is intriguing and allegedly not wanted in Washington.  Campbell has improved his completion percentage each year in the league and threw for 3,000 + yards with a crappy offensive line.  But some, mainly Clinton Portis question his leadership abilities, and some (mainly me) wonder if the 80+ sacks he has taken has given him David Carr syndrome.  As a restricted free agent, it may be cheaper to the Browns to trade for Campbell.

Seneca Wallace – Seattle

The connection? Holmgren brought him to Seattle, where he is backup to Matt Hasselbeck.  But there is no indication that Wallace could be an effective starting Quarterback in the NFL.  I say no thanks.

Troy Smith – Baltimore

Smith sparked interest in Cleveland when he requested a trade from the Ravens.  The connection is obvious: Smith is from Cleveland and played at Ohio State.  Smith played well in spot duty and preseason, but lost the starting job two years ago because of an illness.  Smith deserves a chance to start and I see this being a great move by the Browns if made.  I expect the price for Smith is higher for the Browns than for other teams in the NFL.

Matt Flynn – Green Bay

Holmgren likes backups (see Favre and Hasselbeck), and Flynn has potential.  I will leave the scouting to the scouts, but I think the Browns may consider Flynn if they are not satisfied with the draft prospects.

The Philadelphia QB’s

It is highly, highly, unlikely that Philly will trade one of its QB’s before the draft.  That said, it does not look like McNabb, Kolb, or Vick will be on the Browns, at least before training camp.  It’s best if Browns fans just look the other way.

* * * * *

All in all, there is not much there.  The Browns will make a decision about draft vs. free agency vs. Brady Quinn with regards to their young Quarterback, but do not be surprised if the Browns bring in a veteran Quarterback via free agency if Quinn is their man for 2010.

~Nichiren

2010 Draft List – Defensive Line

The draft is approaching, and next week I will start my draft rankings.  The ranking are not based on talent nor Mel Kiper and Todd McShay’s picks.  The rankings will be based on who I think the Browns should draft.

But this week, as the Combine approaches, we provide a list of the players in each position.  Fifth: Defensive Line

Today we start listing the defensive players, the favorite topic of Browns fans.  Although indications are that Holmgren and Heckert are going to draft a lot of offensive players, Browns fans insist that defense is the way to go.  The Defensive Line has not spared the “upgrade label” from fans (which position has?), and I agree that the Browns could use more depth on the Defensive Line.

Also complicating things is that the Browns run a 3-4 defense, which may lead to a different set of candidates than Homgren’s 4-3.  That said, who are the candidates?

**All positions are 3-4 specific.  There are some prospects that are missing because they do not fit the 3-4 system.

The Favorites:

Ndamakunbg Suh – DE – Nebraska

Probably the best overall player in the 2010 Draft, Suh can play DT in a 4-3 or DE in a 3-4.  Suh will be taken in the first three picks, but the only question is whether he will go #1 overall.  St. Louis or Detroit?  Could he slip to Tampa Bay at 3?  One thing is for sure, Suh will not be in brown and orange unless the Browns trade up.

Gerald McCoy – DE – Oklahoma

Some scouts think McCoy is better than Suh.  Regardless, McCoy will not last past the Chiefs at 5.

Dan Williams – NT – Tennessee

Williams has good bulk, and is quick.  he can collapse the pocket and is smart enough to figure out counters and misdirection.  He’s not much of a pass rusher, and there are question about his work ethic.  Williams is a Top 25 pick, but will the Browns take him at 7? Probably not, especially with Shaun Rodgers entrenched at the position.

Terrence Cody – NT – Alabama

Cody has major weight issues, but quality NT’s are a short supply.  He helped himself at the Combine by getting his weight down a bit, so look for him in Round 1-2.  Again, probably not a priority for the Browns, even if he falls to Round 2.

Jared Odrick – DE – Penn State

Excellent interior pass rusher, he could improve his pass rush.  Sc0uts think his best bet is to play next to a massive NT and get one-on-one with linemen.  He had a great Senior Bowl and may come off the board at the end of Round 1.

Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida

Dunlap has a big frame, good strength, is very agile, and has a knack of knocking down passes.  The problem is that Dunlap is over-hyped.  many think that he does not play as well as he looks.  He will probably smash the combine, but so did Vernon Gholston.  I am not big on Dunlap, and many scouts agree.  Seems to be a true “bust” prospect  with his poor work ethic and tendency to disappear on tape.  Second round, but not to the Browns, please.

The Underdogs:

Lamarr Houston – DE – Texas

Solid run stuffer, could suffer from the quality of DE’s ahead of him.  Third round.

Cam Thomas – NT – North Carolina

Great size at 6’6″, 330, but surprisingly athletic for his size.  He also had a great Senior Bowl.  Could go as high as Round 2-3, but the Browns already have an NT.

Corey Wooton – DE – Northwestern

Good inside rusher, but without the speed to be an elite speed rusher, Wooton had a knee injury in Northwestern’s bowl game and off-season surgery.  Round 3.

Alex Carrington – DE – Arkansas State

Carrington has excellent size and athleticism, and is a true 3-4 DE.  His stock is on the rise after an impressive Senior Bowl and could be taken in Round 3.

Torrell Troup – NT – Central Florida

Troup has decent size, but needs to gain some weight.  Not much separates Troup from the “top” NT’s, and had a great East-West Shrine Game, which led to a combine invite.  Will likely go in Round 2-3.

Mike Neal – DE – Purdue

At 6’4, 302, Neal is much quicker than his size suggests.  His stock will rise if he shows he has the skill set to play the 3-4 DE, which many think he does.  Look for him to go in Round 3.

The Others:

Vince Oghobaase – DE – Duke

Linval Joseph – NT – East Carolina

Arthur Jones – DE – Syracuse

Jay Ross – East Carolina

C.J. Wilson – DE – East Carolina

Ekom Udofia – NT – Stanford

Cory Peters – DE – Kentucky

Cade Weston – NT – Georgia

Jeffrey Fitzgerald – DE – Kansas State

* * * * *

There are several tempting prospects here, but the question will be if there are better options in Rounds 2 or 3 for the Browns (i.e. WR, QB).

Nichiren

2010 Draft List: Offensive Line

The draft is approaching, and next week I will start my draft rankings.  The ranking are not based on talent nor Mel Kiper and Todd McShay’s picks.  The rankings will be based on who I think the Browns should draft.

But this week, as the Combine approaches, we provide a list of the players in each position.  Fifth: Offensive Line

While the left side of the Browns’ Offensive Line and the Center position are pretty much set, the Browns have room for improvement on the ever-changing right side of the line.  Holmgren himself came out today and expressed his belief that the Browns need OL depth.  But that presents complications in drafting.  First, only the Bengals draft Right Tackles in the first 10 picks of the draft, not a wise decision seeing as how much money a tackle will demand when drafted that high.  Similarly, where do you project a lineman as Right Guard or Right Tackle?  Second round? Third?  No doubt there are some studs in this year’s draft, but when will the Browns be interested?

The Favorites:

Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State

Classic franchise left tackle.  He should be the first tackle chosen, but not by the Browns, who have Joe Thomas.

Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland

Great size, and longest arms out of the top tackles. Interesting note: had to undergo brain surgery in high school because his body was growing too fast for his bones.  Also has a history of minor injuries, but projected to go to the Raiders in the first round, as he is expected to run a great 40 time.

Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers

Massive blocker, great in the run game, and may need help with the passing game.  He also has past weight issues.  That said, another true left tackle that should have success in the NFL.  First round, and most likely before 10.

Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa

Athletic lineman, but his “short’ arms may knock him down to the teens or 20’s in the first round.

Anthony Brown – OT – USC

Good zone-blocker, could go to Seattle at 14.

Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma

This one may get interesting.  Williams is not projected to be a left tackle, and that could knock him down to the end of the first round.  Could he slip to Round 2 for the Browns?  Probably not, but it’s nice to dream.

Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho

Tremendous run blocker who is just nasty on opponents.  Could use some pass protection practice, but the attitude and work ethic is just great.  Should go at the end of Round 1.

Maurkice Pouncey – C – Florida

Very versatile offensive lineman that can play OG, C, or OT.  Round 2.

The Underdogs:

Kyle Calloway – OT – Iowa

Right tackle prospect that could go in Rounds 2-3.  Had a DUI last year, and that may cause some concerns.

Mike Johnson – OG – Alabama

Great Guard for zone-blocking teams.  Round 2-3.

Rodger Saffold – OT – Indiana

Started 41 straight games for Indiana at Left Tackle.  He has quick feet and could play in a zone blocking offense after a few years watching.  Some scouts are saying he may end up at OG.  Round 3-4.

J.D. Walton – C – Baylor

Tough and physical blocker, but not very quick or agile.  He also may not have a lot of upside left.  Round 2-3.

Vladamir Ducasse – OG – UMass

Born and raised in Haiti, Ducasse had to learn English in his teen years and has only been playing organizing football for seven years.  Still, he did not give up a sack last year.  Good strength and size, but does not have the speed or explosiveness as the top linemen.  He is moving up the boards and may go in Round 2-3.

Jared Veldheer – OT – Hillsdale

Small school prospect, his arms measured very “short.”  Round 3-4.

Matt Tennent – C – Boston College

Smart and excellent technician.  Quick and agile but does not have much bulk, and is not as strong as one would like.  Can fight for a starting job in the NFL.  Round 3-4.

Tony Washington – OT – Abilene Christian

Another small school prospect that has potential.  Washington only played two years of high school football, but still had Division I school (e.g. LSU) interested.  Unfortunately, Washington did not have the grades, and had to go to Junior COllege before transferring to AC.  He’s 6’6, 300 lbs., and is athletic.  He has good pass blocking skills and should get a look in the lower rounds.

The Others:

Mitch Petrus – OG – Arkansas

Eric Olsen – C – Notre Dame

John Asamoah – OG – Illinois

Ciron Black – OT – LSU

John Estes – C – Hawaii

Selvish Capers – OT – West Virginia

Sam Young – OT – Notre Dame

* * * * *

That’s it for the offense.  I will be compiling the lists on the defensive side this weekend while watching the combine (can you say “dork?”).  Free agency discussion next week!

~Nichiren

2010 Draft List – Tight Ends and Fullbacks

The draft is approaching, and next week I will start my draft rankings.  The ranking are not based on talent nor Mel Kiper and Todd McShay’s picks.  The rankings will be based on who I think the Browns should draft.

But this week, as the Combine approaches, we provide a list of the players in each position.  Fourth: Tight Ends and Fullbacks

Robert Royal, Greg Estandia, Evan Moore, Michael Gaines.  And is Steve Heiden healthy?  Maybe the Draft is not the best place to find a TE.  But to find an elite TE?  Rounds 1-3.  Outside of the top six, teams will be hard pressed to find a contributor in this year’s crop.  So the Browns have to make a decision to make regarding the position.

With fullback, the Browns have a good one in Lawrence Vickers.  Hopefully, the Browns will bring Vickers back (he is a restricted free agent), but if they decide to go in another direction, there are a few fullbacks in the draft worth noting.  But similar to the TE position, the Fullback class is not very deep with talent.

So who are the candidates?

Tight End Favorites:

Jermaine Gresham – Oklahoma

Gresham made a bad decision not coming out last year, as he was lost for the year with torn cartilage in his knee.  That said, he is a huge talent and has 4.7 speed at 6’6″.  A receiver in a tight end’s body, he will be the first TE off the board.  Round 1, but not for the Browns.

Aaron Hernandez – Florida

Definitely my favorite on the list.  Not a great blocker, but that could improve with practice.  Hernandez is, however, a great receiver.  He may not be there when the Browns draft in Round 2.

Rob Gronkowski – Arizona

Excellent size and a red zone target, Gronkowski has a back issue, which could affect his draft stock.  If the back tests well, look for him to go in Round 2.

Tight End Underdogs:

Dennis Pitta – BYU

More of a receiver than blocker.  Pitta is basically a slow wide receiver, and needs to improve his blocking and overall TE skills.  Browns could have some interest to compliment the Robert Royal blocking type.  Round 4.

Ed Dickson – Oregon

Good run blocker, but needs help with overall blocking.  Good receiver, and can make plays happen after the catch.  Round 3

Anthony McCoy – USC

Underrated TE that has good size.  Just doesn’t have the explosiveness as the “Favorites” have.  Could go as high as early Round 3.

Andrew Quarless – Penn State

Exceptional size and speed, but suffers from major character issues due to poor work ethic and attitude.  Maybe the Bengals need a TE?

Tight End Others:

Jimmy Graham – The U.

Tony Moeaki – Iowa

Garrett Graham – Wisconsin

Colin Peek – Alabama

Nate Byham – Pittsburgh

Fullbacks:

Cory Jackson – Maryland

Great blocker that can get to the second level and remove linebackers.  Round 6-7

Willie Rose – Florida Atlantic

Rough and tough blocker that can also handle the ball.  Round 7.

John Connor – Kentucky

“Nasty” lead blocker and also is a good receiver.  Round 6-7.  No mention if a cyborg comes with him as a package deal…

Rashawn Jackson – Virginia

Strong lead blocker, who has good skills handling the rock. Round 5-6.

* * * * *

Although it is highly unlikely that the Browns will take a TE higher than Round 4 or a FB at all, it would be nice to see Hernandez in the Brown and Orange.

2010 Draft List: Wide Receivers

The draft is approaching, and next week I will start my draft rankings.  The ranking are not based on talent nor Mel Kiper and Todd McShay’s picks.  The rankings will be based on who I think the Browns should draft.

But this week, as the Combine approaches, we provide a list of the players in each position.  Third: Wide Receivers

The Browns attempted to shore up the Wide Receiver position in the 2009 Draft, after trading Tight End Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay.  But the mid-season trade of malcontent Braylon Edwards to the Jets left another gaping hole in the receiving corps.  Left with no true #1 receiver, Mohammad Massaquoai led a valiant effort.  But the rookie was just over-matched in most games.  And let’s not forget the fact that Brian Robiskie could not even get on the active roster for half of the season.  Thus, if the 2010 Season began today, the Browns would have Massaquoai, Robiskie, Cribbs, and Chansi Stuckey.  Bottom line: count the Browns in for a Wide Receiver on draft day.  So, who are the prospects?

The Favorites:

Dez Bryant – Oklahoma State

Great hands, route running, speed, etc.  Some scouts think he doesn’t give it his all at all times.  But definitely the best WR in the draft.  Not for the Browns at #7 though.  Or is he?

Damian Williams – USC

According to some scouts, Williams is not an explosive athlete who can get behind NFL corners.   Smooth route runner, and has good hands.  But projects as a possession receiver and playing inside, not outside.  “Most polished” receiver in the draft, but so was Robiskie last year.  May slip to the bottom of Round 2.

Brandon LaFell – LSU

LaFell’s YAC and vertical are awesome, but has lapses in concentration that can lead to drops.  He is not afraid of going over the middle, which is great, and will probably be available when the Browns pick in the second round.

Golden Tate – Notre Dame

Tate is getting pub’ as the next Hines Ward, and I’m sucked in.  Great hands and pretty good route running.  The problem?  He is 5’11”, and that height tends to force GM’s to downgrade receivers.  I think he’ll prove some GM’s wrong, and at least one correct.  If he is available for the Browns’ second round pick, I will be very torn as to which direction the Browns should go.

Arrelious Benn – Illinois

Tough, physical, and tough to bring down. Benn lacks elite speed, but can still make the big play.  He did not have a great QB in Juice Williams and that hurt his numbers.  He will also help on Special Teams almost immediately (something Mangini loves).  He is projected to Round 1, but if he slips to Round 2, the Browns may just pull the trigger on him.

The Underdogs:

Mardy Gilyard – Cincinnati

Tall and lanky, Gilyard lacks the build to break tackles.  But he has explosiveness and speed, and is a very tempting prospect.  Round 2 grades.

Andre Roberts – The Citadel

His combination of speed, explosiveness, and size makes Roberts interesting.  Watch for this guy, he is soaring up the boards, and may be available in Round 3.

Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech

Thomas has the size and speed of a playmaker, plus he has a great vertical and can jump for the ball.  He also has good hands.  Look for him to be a solid Round 3 pickup.

Jordan Shipley – Texas

Major durability concerns, missing two seasons and a shoulder injury last Spring.  But Shipley is a competitor and plays hard.  He can make defenders miss, and as long as he stays healthy, should be a productive slot man.  The next Wes Welker?  I think he warrants a look in Round 4.

Dexter McCluster – Ole Miss

McCluster is a wildcat prospect more than receiver, so look for the Dolphins to be interested.

Eric Decker, Minnesota

Decker is a natural athlete, that has good hands.  He is also a baseball prospect.  But Decker lacks the speed and explosiveness to separate from NFL defenders, and should be a Round 4-5 pick.

Dezmon Briscoe – Kansas

Tall, strong, and has good YAC. The question will be his speed at the Combine.  Round 3-4.

The Others:

Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green (GO BGSU!)

Danario Alexander, Missouri

Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Jeremy Williams – Tulane

Shay Hodge, Ole Miss

Blair White, Michigan State

Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State

2010 Draft List: Running Back

The draft is approaching, and next week I will start my draft rankings.  The ranking are not based on talent nor Mel Kiper and Todd McShay’s picks.  The rankings will be based on who I think the Browns should draft.

But this week, as the Combine approaches, we provide a list of the players in each position.  Second: Running Backs.

The running back position took a weird turn during the 09-10 season.  The year started off with a veteran and a call to give Jerome Harrison more touches.  A promising rookie also joined the team, along with a former CFL player.  But during the season the veteran embarrassed himself before injury sidelined him for good, and the rookie got hurt during the infamous “opportunity period” run by the Browns.  At the end, Browns fans were cheering for the “new franchise running back” and the former CFL’er scored a TD against the hated Steelers.

So, do the Browns need a running back?  Yes.

No matter what flash Harrison showed, the Browns cannot count on James Davis and Chris Jennings to back him up.  And what if Harrison regresses?  The Browns have famously passed on Tomlinson, Portis, Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, and others to the addition of Jamal Lewis, Ruben Droughns, and William Green.  Although this class of runnings backs are not the strongest in past history, there are a few candidates out there.

That said, who are the prospects?

The Favorites:

C.J. Spiller – Clemson

Spiller is probably the only marquee name in the draft, and a running back Browns fans have heard a lot about.  Spiller is an outside back (read: fast) that struggles in short yardage situations.  But Spiller is very competitive and extremely athletic.  Spiller will go in the top 20,  but most likely not at #7.

Jahvid Best – California

Best is interesting.  Like Spiller, Best is a good outside runner, with above average vision.  Similarly, best is not a great short yardage back.  And although he is an above average receiver, there are questions about his pass protection, something Mangini takes very seriously (just ask Jerome Harrison).  Further, durability is a concern; he had a painful looking concussion against Oregon State.  He is projected in the Second Round and may be available for the Browns at that time.

Jonathan Dwyer – Georgia Tech

Dwyer is an enigma.  He is a great inside runner with good vision.  But there are persistent questions regarding his discipline and weight and conditioning.  He also needs to improve in the passing game.  The question for the Browns would be whether they can crack into Dwyer’s head about his conditioning.  He has Second Round grades, and could move up to the first round if he impresses at the Combine, but weight and conditioning issues may push his stock down.

Joe McKnight – USC

McKnight has possible off the field issues with an NCAA investigation into him using a SUV that did not belong to him.  Then again, which USC running back has not been investigated by the NCAA?  Other than that, a great running package: good receiver, quick burst on the outside, and good patience.  He is extremely athletic.  Some teams may want him to bulk up, and will want to hear an explanation for the investigation.  He is expected to go in Rounds 3-4, and would be a good pickup for the Browns at that time.

Toby Gerhart – Stanford

Workhorse, workhorse, workhorse.  Gerhart is extremely competitive, and hard to bring down.  He’s not an outside runner, but can move the pile, and would be great in short yardage situations.  While he is a good blocker in the passing game, he’s not much of a receiver.  The lingering question is how fast he is.  That question may be answered this weekend.

The Underdogs:

Anthony Dixon – Mississippi State

Not many people have heard about Dixon, but I think he just may get the publicity he needs in the coming weeks.  While Dixon lacks top end speed, he runs hard and can be a great power back in the NFL.  He is also good in receiving game, but does not have much experience there.  Teams will be concerned about his consistency, especially against the elite teams in the SEC (i.e. Florida and Alabama).

Montario Hardesty – Tennessee

Durability is a big concern, especially with the knees.  But Hardesty has great vision and is a good inside runner.  He does not have a lot of experience as the feature back, and the Combine will be a big part of his draft grade.

Ryan Mathews – Fresno State

Matthews showed his best in his bowl game and against Boise State, and looks to be a solid back.  He is primarily an inside runner, good on short yardage situations, but can also turn the corner.  The knock on Matthews is his deficiency in the passing game and his consistency.  That said, not a bad selection for the Browns in Rounds 4-5.

LeGarrette Blount – Oregon

Blount is most famous for hitting a Boise State player and going after the Boise State crowd.  He came back at the end of the season and performed well, and had a strong Senior Bowl.  Blount is a good inside runner, but needs more patience.  He showed his inside running at the Senior Bowl as he ran through people like water.  Blount is not so great on the outside, but is shifty in the open field.  He is a man that needs to impress at the interview stage at the Combine this weekend.

Ben Tate – Auburn

Tate is an all around good runner, but may not have that “second gear” once through the first level.  Simply, he is not a home run threat.  He is a downhill runner, and is thought to have a 4.5 – 40 time.  He will have to impress at the Combine before a team will take him before Round 4.

The Others:

Dexter McCluster – Mississippi

Charles Scott – LSU

Chris Brown – Oklahoma

Joique Bell – Wayne State (MI)

Stafon Johnson – USC

Evan Royster – Penn State

* * * * *

So, who is your favorite? As we go into the combine, it will be important for many of these guys to run well and interview well.  Rankings next week.

Nichiren