Cleaning out the inbox

Time for cleaning of the inbox as things built up even faster than usual this time!

We start with the passing of former Brown wide receiver Michael Jackson, who died in a motorcycle accident early Friday morning.
Jackson, who spent five years as a Brown before finishing his career with three years in Baltimore after the move, was traveling at a "high rate of speed" and hit a car that was backing out of a driveway.
Jackson and the driver of the car were both killed.
Jackson was a big play receiver for both teams with his career season being the first season in Baltimore with his only 1,000 yards receiving season to go with 14 touchdown catches...

Last year, Dan Parlegreco put out a draft preview that was available on Amazon, but this year he didn't have the time to do that, so instead, he's written this detailed review that grades each team and gives an undrafted free agent that has a chance to make the team.
Very well written and for those of you (like myself) that like draft reviews as much as previews, it is a great read...

Marty Mulcahey writes on boxing for UCN and he wrote a great article as part of that site's pre-fight buildup for the Canelo Alvarez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr fight that ranked the top ten all-Mexican fights ever.
Great matchups such as Barrera-Morales, Barrera-Marquez, Zarate-Pintor, Zarate-Zamora, and more are all discussed.
Such an article for a Spanish language network would have such potential for a "Legendary Nights" type series.
Now if I could only speak and understand Spanish...

The SABR baseball card page is taking votes and ranking the Topps baseball card set of the 1960s.
I voted in the 1970's voting and that was much harder to vote on.
For the record, my top three votes went to in order-1965,1968 and 1963.

My friend, Dr.Lisa Alexander sent me this very interesting article on Ernest Hemingway's intrigue with boxing.
Hemingway has always been noted as a boxing fan, but I never knew just how much he enjoyed it or that he actually sparred with pros and thought he was a high-quality fighter!
There is a note in the article with former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey talking about why he avoided sparring with the famous author...

I've written and talked before about one of my favorite TV shows in Person of Interest and now with the show in the past, its stars are beginning to move to new roles.
Both Amy Acker (Root) and Sarah Shahi will be starring in the new series in the fall.
Acker will be starring in "The Gifted" on Fox, which is a show with two parents taking their two children on the run from the government to protect their children, who possess superpowers...
Shahi will star in an NBC vehicle entitled "Reverie" that will feature Shahi as a former hostage negotiator and expert of human behavior that now helps people trapped in a virtual reality program.
That series will also co-star Kathryn Morris, the former star of "Cold Case" which was another favorite of mine...

We wrap up this cleaning with a tip of the cap to NBC, who canceled the time travel series "Timeless" after one season and decided three days later to change their mind with a renewal for a second season.
Timeless had a little below-average rating, but not awful and with a solid fan base that went all out for renewal, deserved the nod, although they aren't doing the show too many favors in not returning it to the lineup until the summer of 2018.
I also liked another time travel series that I wish would have been renewed in "Time After Time", but ABC cut that show off after just five episodes.
I'll never understand why networks buy pilots for science fiction shows that will always need time to build up a "canon" along with growing an audience, only to cancel them after a season or two.
Time After Time had just an eight-episode run like it would have killed ABC to show the final three episodes at least?
Shows in this genre' always need time to nurture and if the networks are hesitant to sign at least a two-year deal to start (three would be better), I'd be hesitant to ship my show there. 

Cleveland Browns Draft Recap

Time for the look back at the Browns draft and finally wrap things up for the 2017 draft.
I hope to have Scott Dryden on the podcast soon for his thoughts on the draft.

Some of these thoughts may come as redundant after my in-draft posts,but others will be new as picks have time to sink in a bit.

Many people disagreed with me before the draft about my take on the quarterback position (more on that below),which was not forcing an early round quarterback because you needed one because it "was so important".
It is very important and clearly the most important on any football team,but the Browns had so many needs that I felt that the team needed players that could make an larger and faster impact than a quarterback that was questionable,just to say that you tried.
That's why I loved the Browns sticking with Myles Garrett as the best player in the draft.
Garrett gives the Browns an elite pass rusher that they have lacked for years and his speed and talent should bring even more production out of Emmanuel Ogbah.
Kudos to the Browns for picking the best player and not reaching for a quarterback,especially when (at least looking at it from a year out) there are three legitimate players that could be top level quarterbacks (Josh Allen of Wyoming,Sam D'Arnold of USC and Josh Rosen of UCLA) available for a team that even with a good draft will be unlikely to be drafting outside the top 10,and maybe not even the top 5.

I was less than thrilled with the Browns trade down with Houston from 12 to 25.
Mainly because the Browns had a chance to choose a huge playmaker at safety in Malik Hooker of Ohio State and passed to get a first rounder in 2018.
Now,to be very fair,that pick may help the Browns maneuver to move up,if needed,to get the quarterback of their choice next season,so it could prove helpful,but this so smacks of the old Browns-trading for a following years number one,passing on an impact player and watching that pick rest in the lower third of the first round.

I was even less thrilled with the pick of Jabril Peppers at 25.
Peppers is touted as a playmaker that didn't make many big plays on defense (unlike Hooker) and as a player that you can do many things with the ball in his hands,except on defense,he doesn't see the ball that much.
Peppers strikes me as too small to play linebacker,lacking instincts at safety,but that doesn't mean he won't have his uses as a returner and gimmick offensive plays.
In other words,a Devin Hester type-except those types usually aren't first rounders.

I do like the talent of the third first rounder-tight end David Njoku of Miami.
Big,agile and talented,Njoku is still learning this game,but has the physical talent to be a difference maker at tight end.
Njoku's blocking needs work,but he's not being picked to block,he's being brought in to be seam breaker and receiver..

The Browns did attempt to address the quarterback position in round two with Notre Dame's Deshone Kizer.
Kizer was thought to be a possible high pick entering the draft,but slipped some.
Kizer has some questions (accuracy,field vision and decision making),but has a strong arm and by picking him here,the Browns won't feel "all in" on him and should the team have the chance to pick one of those three passers next season,it won't be a setback to do so..

The defensive line was addressed in rounds three and six as the Browns took two players roughly rated the same,but off the field reasons made the difference.
Third rounder Larry Ogunjobi of Charlotte needs to get stronger,but should plug into the rotation as an all around defensive tackle,while sixth rounder Florida's Caleb Brantley needs to get legal issues solved or he'll never make camp as a Brown.
If Brantley actually plays,he brings a pass rushing element to the defensive tackle rotation that the Browns currently lack.
Ogunjobi was one of a bunch of players that I would have been fine with in the third round on the line,although I did like Chris Wormley of michigan a little better,while Brantley is a second round talent when motivated and without his off the field issues.
I was fine with gambling on Brantley in the sixth,with the caveat that the Browns release him if his legal case proves wrong doing.
The Browns claim to want to build things the "right way",here is a chance to show the other teams in the division that talent doesn't always come first.

I really liked the tradeup into round four for cornerback Howard Wilson of Houston.
I also liked Desmond King of Iowa,but I saw a lot of Houston games last season and I think Wilson should see plenty of action as a third or fourth corner.
I like the ball skills that Wilson brings to the table and I can see Wilson having the potential to eventually start..

Offensive tackle Roderick Johnson is athletically talented,but needs lots of strength work and technique work as well.
Johnson's size and athleticism made him a worthwhile project in the fifth round and he does have big time experience from his time at Florida State...

I also liked both seventh round picks.
Arizona State kicker Zane Gonzalez holds NCAA records and won the Lou Groza award last season.
Gonzalez has a big leg and will make a move to unseat Cody Parkey as the Browns kicker.
No matter how good your kicker is,I'm of the mindset that your kicker needs to be challenged in camp every year,even if you don't spend a draft pick on a challenger.

I remember seeing Matthew Dayes,the N.C.State running back against Clemson this year and being impressed.
He's a little small at 5'8,but catches the ball very well and I can see him possibly sticking as a third round back.

I give the Browns a high grade for this draft.
I'm always hesitant for grading because you just don't know,but just for fun,let's go A-,missing an A only because the questions that I have with Jabril Peppers and the dislike for trading down from 12.
Pretty good work for the most part-I have to say I'm mildly surprised and reasonably pleased..

2017 Draft:Cleveland Browns Day Three

Remember I told you about having plenty to do on the blog?
Well, after two posts yesterday, I went to the Frederick Keys-Carolina Mudcats and surprisingly had my whole family with me!
Great time and a really good pizza, which surprises here in Maryland whenever that happens.
I also wrote that I had plenty to still write about and I'll start with the final day of the Browns draft.
I'll make further notes on posts to come at the bottom of the page.

The Cleveland Browns traded up twice on the final day of the NFL draft, made some interesting decisions, and just might have wound up with their best draft class in years.
I'll have a total recap with grades later in the week, but for now, let's stick to day three!

Cleveland did not have a fourth-round pick after trading it to Green Bay in the trade to land David Njoku but swung a deal to trade two of their three picks in round five to obtain Houston corner, Howard Wilson.
I loved Iowa's Desmond King here as well, but I watched quite a bit of Wilson last year as I watched a lot of Houston games and was impressed.
Wilson is six foot (nice size for a CB) and has great ball skills (5 picks,15 knockdowns).
I preferred Desmond King of Iowa, but I'm high on Howard Wilson, he needs to work on his tackling a bit, but I think he is going to push for playing time.


The Browns traded up again in round five to corral Roderick Johnson, an athletic offensive tackle from Florida State.
The good news-Johnson won the last two ACC O-lineman of the year awards and his nearly 6'7 frame with long arms shows that he has the potential to develop into a fine player.
The bad news is-his technique needs a lot of work and he needs to spend lots of time getting stronger or he never would have lasted into round five.
Johnson is a project, but one worth working with at this stage of the draft.


Cleveland took a risk in their only selection of round six with the choice of defensive tackle Caleb Brantley of Florida.
Brantley was expected to be a day two pick before an alleged battery incident two weeks before the draft.
If Brantley is cleared of these charges and actually shows up in Cleveland (Sashi Brown says if Brantley is not cleared, the team will release him), he brings a similar-sized player to third-round pick Larry Ogunjobi with a pass-rushing ability more than a run-stuffing type.
This was a risky selection, but I'm ok with it as long as the Browns have some teeth behind their commitment for a team that won't tolerate off-field issues...


The Browns had two seventh-rounders and used the first on the best kicker in the draft in Zane Gonzalez of Arizona State.
Gonzalez was the Lou Groza award winner, hit a long of 59 yards in his career, holds the all-time record for field goals made (96), and hit 82 percent of his attempts. My friend Joe Plum watches a lot of Arizona State games and he thinks the Browns have a good one here.
Gonzalez will challenge Cody Parkey for the kicking job.


Cleveland finished their draft with the next to last pick and grabbed Matthew Dayes, a running back from N.C.State.
Dayes rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and is an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield.
A bit undersized at 5'8, Dayes has a chance to stick as a scatback and pass catcher.


I still have to do a full grade of the draft, my trip to West Virginia, Inbox cleaning-lots to do!!

2017 Draft-Cleveland Browns Day Two

Day two for the Cleveland Browns saw them shoot for the moon in round two and play it safe in the third round as the Browns added two new players in the NFL Draft on its middle day.

Early on in the draft process,there were some that drooled over the tools of Deshone Kizer of Notre Dame and some even had Kizer rated as the top quarterback prospect available and certainly a first round pick.
However as time moved on,Kizer began to fall down boards as questions about Notre Dame's losing record,lots of interceptions and a perceived lack of 4th quarter success began to cause a slide.

Cleveland had traded their pick in the second round to Green Bay in the deal that landed David Njoku,so their pick was the pick that was added from Tennessee in a 2016 draft day swap.
Deshone Kizer might be a steal as the quarterback that might have the best arm in the draft (Patrick Mahomes might differ) and he has the physical tools and skills that remind some of Steve McNair.
Here's the problem,Kizer is the youngest quarterback in the draft,has issues with accuracy and has been accused of having issues in seeing the field with the results being interceptions and throws that make you wonder.
Dane Brugler tweeted that everything that he wanted from a quarterback is on the tape of Kizer,but there just isn't consistency.
Now,I've noted that I wasn't thrilled with the quarterbacks in this draft,but at this spot this could be a steal and it is a low risk high reward pick.
In the first round,I might have wondered,in the second,I love the pick.
Plus one of the things I have been opinionated on is the Browns taking a QB in the first round,committing to that player and perhaps passing on a franchise style passer in the 2018 draft.
Picking Kizer in the second isn't high enough to look over that type of player,but talent wise,Cleveland grabbed a first round talent in round two...


In the third round,the Browns tabbed Charlotte defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi.
Ogunjobui was one of several linemen that I had rated roughly the same,but the Browns decided that they needed depth and that makes sense.
Without a fourth rounder,the Browns might have had to move on Ogunjobi faster than they may have wanted to.
Ogunjobi will likely plug into the tackle rotation with Danny Shelton,Jamie Meder,Xavier Cooper etc.
Ogunjobi is reported to be a solid tackle with the ability to provide a pass rush up the middle.
Not the sexiest pick on the board and maybe not even the flashiest at his position that was available at the time of the selection,but we'll see on this one.


Wrapping Up

A for Deshone Kizer-Well worth the chance in round two with the skills that he could possibly eventually use.
Give the Browns credit for taking a risk when the price for that was reasonable and for being patient enough to not to push their luck in round one..

B- for Larry Ogunjobi-A solid defensive lineman that has the potential to be very good with some luck..

I'll do a post later with the final day's picks and coverage of Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko

Browns take Larry Ogunjobi in Third

The Cleveland Browns led off the third round with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi of Charlotte.

I was hoping for a defensive back and there was quite a few linemen that seemed to be all ranked about the same,but with the Browns not having a fourth round pick,if they wanted one of those guys,they had to pull the trigger then.

Ogunjobi is reported to be more of a run stuffer/high energy player with is reported to have a chance to develop into a decent pass rusher from the interior line.
The question is how Ogunjobi will project against a higher caliber of player after time in Conference USA.

This pick gives the Browns a pretty decent interior line rotation with Ogunjobi,Danny Shelton,Jamie Meder and I wouldn't be surprised to see more of Carl Nassib inside this season.

I hope to be back later with more of a look at Ogunjobi and Deshone Kizer later tonight.

Browns draft DeShone Kizer in round two

The Cleveland Browns appeared to have taken a chance in round two of the NFL Draft as they have selected quarterback DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame.

The 6'4 Kizer brings size,arm strength and looks the part of a stud passer.
Kizer was considered a potential first rounder when he entered the draft,but was passed by as Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech began to be noticed by more observers.
Kizer has all the talent that you can ask for,but has some questions as well.
Many thought he should have returned to Notre Dame,including his coach Brian Kelly,doesn't always make good decisions and has been interception prone.

All of that said-I like the gamble for a player of this talent level.
Very low risk,high reward after the first round.
I'll have a short note on the third round pick later and then a larger post on day two

Browns waive Gary Barnidge

Less than a day after trading up for Miami tight end David Njoku at the end of the first round,the Cleveland Browns didn't wait long to show that they are all in with their new tight end as veteran Gary Barnidge was quickly released well before the beginning of the second round.

Barnidge had his career year in 2015 with 79 catches,9 touchdowns and finished with over 1,000 yards receiving,but saw his numbers drop in the Hue Jackson office to just over 600 yards and with a large cap number due to a deal that Barnidge signed after the 2015 season,the decision to turn the position over to the drafted Nkoju and 2015 draftee Seth DeValve makes sense and even though you would think that the team could have shopped Barnidge as a possible throw in in a trade or even fetch a sixth or seventh rounder,but the more likely scenario is that the salary of Barnidge made a trade very unlikely and by cutting him now,the well-liked veteran will have plenty of time to hook on with another team.

Barnidge's career year came as a huge surprise as in his previous six years in the league had seen his career high in catches sit at a low 13,but the extension was seen as an olive branch to fans disgusted with the regression under Mike Pettine and a show of good faith.
When you think of tight ends under Hue Jackson,you think of large,athletic,rangy types that can get downfield such as his use of Tyler Eifert over Jermaine Gresham in the years that he spent as the Bengals offensive coordinator and despite his good hands,Barnidge isn't that type of player.
Combine that with the departure of Josh McCown,who Barnidge seemed to have chemistry with/McCown looked for Barnidge first and you can see why the Browns decided to allow Barnidge to go elsewhere.

The Browns have two picks tonight,a second rounder obtained from the Titans and their own pick which is the first in the third round.
I'll be here tonight looking at both (or more) players selected tonight by the Browns...

2017 Draft-Cleveland Browns Day One

The Cleveland Browns excited some people on day one of the NFL Draft,disappointed others and yet some more looked at the first day as a mixed bag.

I liked the Browns sticking to their plan and taking the best player on the board with their first pick with Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett.
The big,rangy Garrett is the type of pass rusher that enters the league once every few years and in my opinion,was the unchallenged choice for the top pick.
At 6'5 270 and with the speed that teams drool over off the edge,Garrett is the disruptive presence that a Von Miller brings to the pass rush that not only will see Garrett be productive,but will see an increase in the pressure brought by Emanuel Ogbah and others.
I love the Garrett pick and even though many wanted Mitch Trubisky here,I wasn't convinced that Trubisky is an elite value quarterback and it appears that despite the Browns interest in the North Carolina passer,they weren't sold on him at number one.


With the manner that the draft fell into place,I was excited at 12.
I was hoping for Pat Mahomes there,but the Chiefs traded up to 10 and drafted the Texas Tech quarterback.
Still with several picks that I would have thought to be unlikely to be top ten choices,the Browns had several top notch players (especially on defense) available at the choice acquired from Philadelphia.
I was rooting for Ohio State safety Malik Hooker,but Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Allen would make the Browns defensive line a monster instantly with Miles Garrett.
Tight end O.J. Howard of Alabama would have given the Browns the top player there in a deep crop and Alabama linebacker Rueben Foster had appeal as the intense linebacker that the Browns have lacked for years.
I wouldn't have scoffed at DeShaun Watson,the Clemson quarterback that broiled Ohio State in the playoffs,despite some concerns about his style of play being caught up to the defenses today.
A player such as Watson falling to the Browns was far different that trading assets to move up for him.
All of those options on the board-what to do?
Exactly what you would think the Browns would do-trade down.
Blah and the Browns dropped 13 spots to 25 and got the Houston Texans 2018 first round pick in return.
Always nice to have two number one's,but the Texans pick is likely to be in the 20's next year,which means the Browns could have a less desirable pair of picks than the current draft showed.
I would wished that the Browns could gotten something else added,such as a 3 or 4 in this draft.
That pick would prove handy by the end of the night...

Finally,at 25,Cleveland was up and all of those players were gone except Reuben Foster and I was hoping Foster or Washington safety Budda Baker.
Instead,the Browns again for all of the "analytics" and all the "new wave thinking" were the same old Browns as they bit on the most polarizing players in the draft in michigan safety Jabrill Peppers.
I didn't like Peppers,not for his michigan roots,but for the lack of steak behind the sizzle.
The hype says Peppers is a playmaker,yet ignore his one career interception,his lack of instincts at safety are blamed on michigan moving him around too much,yet that decision to move him around made him "versatile" and he'll enter the league after a recent issue at the combine as a member of the Substance Abuse Program!
Not having the instincts to play safety nor the size to play linebacker,Peppers is the epitome of a "tweener'.
I can see the Browns trying to involve him on offense and he is a dazzling punt returner,but other than a few gimmick plays,they aren't going to make him a regular part of the offensive game plan.
I just don't like this pick,although he could make it work as he has terrific athletic ability,but he's going to have learn how to play a set position and improve his weaknesses in order to do that.
It's possible,but I'd rather have a safety that played safety in Budda Baker than someone learning on the job.
One thing that never changes-the Browns asking players to do something at the highest level that they've never done before-Sigh....


One would have thought the Browns were finished as I moaned about Peppers to Ryan on Facebook as he prepared for his Packers to select and he hoped for Wisconsin's T.J. Watt.
Instead,the Browns swung a trade with Green Bay and Twitter was on fire thinking that perhaps the Browns were going after quarterback Deshone Kizer of Notre Dame or even another quarterback Davis Webb of California.
I was rooting for Reuben Foster again,but mentioned a chance of Miami tight end David Njoku as a secondary possibility.
The choice was Njoku,who brings a big target (6'4 246) with unusual speed and leaping ability for a tight end.
The upside is high for Njoku,who reminds me a little of Antonio Gates and if he can be that good-this is an excellent choice.
He may never be more than an average blocker,but physically,Njoku looks the part.
He'll need some refining,but this could be a standout with some polishing work.
Here's the issue for me-to move up just four spots from 29 to 33,the Browns,the team that values picks so much,traded the 33rd pick (1st in round 2) and 108 (the first in round 4 and the third day of the draft).
You had to figure 33 was gone,if the Browns wanted back into round one,but the Browns having to move 108 meant the Browns were out of the 4th round not only with the valuable first pick of the day (teams often love to trade for that pick as they have all night to try land a player that slipped and shouldn't be there),but completely.
The Browns preach quantity of picks and then deal themselves right out of quantity.
This is where getting a middle rounder in the trade with Houston would have went a long way.
The Browns do have three 5's and two 6's,so they could move up for the right player,but it could have been much easier.
I do like Njoku and think he could be the best tight end in the draft with development,but they paid a steep price to move up so little,especially in a stacked tight end class..


Wrapping up-
A-For Myles Garrett and managing to hold off the horde to force feed a quarterback that they really didn't think was proper value at 1.
D-For another trade down.With several elite defenders and possibly their quarterback of the future available,the Browns punted for a first rounder next year that might be lucky to be lower than 20th.
C Minus-For Jabrill Peppers,Unless the Browns have plans to use him as a Devin Hester type multi-tool player,I'm not a fan.
There was a reason that michigan moved him around so much-they didn't want to expose him at the same spot every play over the course of a game.
B-David Njoku-The price was high,but so is the talent of Njoku. A gamble,but one that could pay off.

Browns trade down and up-Draft Peppers and Njoku

The Cleveland Browns do what the Cleveland Browns do in the first round-pass over elite talent to make head scratching moves.

Cleveland traded the 12th overall pick to Houston,who would select DeShaun Watson of Clemson in return for the 25th pick and the Texans first rounder in 2018.
I like getting a one,but that's all?
Buffalo traded a higher pick (10 to 12) to Kansas City to drop 17 spots and got much more in return.

When 25 rolled around,the Browns had chances to select two hard hitting linebackers in Reuben Foster and T.J.Watt,pass rush Takkarist McKinley and corner Tre'Davious White and instead bought into the most overhyped and overrated player in the draft in Jabril Peppers of michigan.
I'll write about Peppers more in a few hours when I review day one in its entirety,but I'm not happy and whether you agree or not,I hope I'll make you think...

Cleveland then traded up with Green Bay to move to the 29th pick to nab the big and athletic David Njoku,a tight end from Miami.
Njoku is a great athlete and I love his tools and size,but he's a bit raw albeit with big upside.
My issue here is the price that the Browns paid (33 and 108) ,the first picks in the second and fourth rounds-picks that usually can fetch a nice return from teams that have hours to decide on players that slide further than expected.
This trade is more along being disappointed in the cost and not the player.
I'm at the road office,so I'll have a post looking back at all three players that the Browns picked as the morning goes on.

Browns select Myles Garrett

The Cleveland Browns did what I had hoped for and took the impact player rather than a project and tabbed Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett with the first pick of the 2017 draft.

Early in the day,the rumors were flying that the Browns were considering reaching for North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky,but apparently cooler heads prevailed.
The 6'5 Garrett looked the part at the combine and brings the type of pass rusher that the Browns haven't had since the move.

More on Garrett and the other Browns first rounder later tonight...

2017 Mock Draft

Since I'm home and not feeling great (I'm still likely going to work),I thought of the old days in the 80's and 90's when I would write out in longhand draft needs and mocks for my oldest buddy Greg.
I don't see Greg as much as I used to,but he's always going to be my oldest friend and I'm sure I'll be talking draft to him sometime this weekend.

So,for "Big Ern" here is a quick mock draft!
A few caveats.
1) This is a combo of what I would do and what I think will happen.
2) No trades involved,Quickest way to ruin these is guessing on trades.
3) Be nice,this literally came at the last minute!!

1) Cleveland:Myles Garrett DE Texas A&M-Don't overthink it-take the difference maker
2) San Francisco:Solomon Thomas DL Stanford-Versatile local gives 49ers a disruptive DL presence.
3) Chicago: Jamal Adams S.LSU-Bears take the safest player in the draft
4) Jacksonville:Leonard Fournette RB LSU-Bull like runner makes sense with Doug Marrone coaching,
5) Tennessee:Marshon Lattimore CB Ohio State-Only question is hamstrings.
6) N.Y.Jets: Mitch Trubisky QB North Carolina-Only question here is Jets want a QB now or 2018?
7) L.A.Chargers:Malik Hooker S Ohio State-The new Ed Reed?
8) Carolina:Mike Williams WR Clemson-No matter the pick-Panthers go offense
9) Cincinnati:Hassan Reddick LB Temple-Bengals add rush off the end.
10) Buffalo; Jonathan Allen DT Alabama-Not a huge need,Buffalo takes best player,who slid with injury questions.
11) New Orleans;Derek Barnett DE Tennessee-Saints need D and take one of my favorite players in this draft.
12) Cleveland:O.J.Howard TE Alabama-A QB here wouldn't be a stunner-especially if Mitch Trubisky falls here.
13) Arizona: DeShaun Watson QB.Clemson-Cal it a hunch
14) Philadelphia:Marlon Humphrery CB Alabama-Big physical corner.
15) Indianapolis:Ryan Ramcyzk T,Wisconsin-Andrew Luck needs to add some protection.
16) Baltimore: Takkarist McKinley LB UCLA.Looks to be a fit for the Ravens defense.
17) Washington:Reuben Foster LB Alabama-Small slide after combine issues-brings attitude.
18) Tennessee:John Ross WR Washington-Deep threat for Marcus Mariota
19) Tampa Bay:Christian McCaffrey RB Stanford-Versatile Swiss Army Knife back gives Jameis Winston a weapon.
20) Denver: Garrett Bolles T Utah-Position of need
21) Detroit: DeMarcus Walker DE Florida State-Will need to play several spots to maximize skills
22) Miami: Tre'Davious White CB LSU-Defensive need-Best D available
23) N.Y.Giants;David Njoku TE-Miami FL.Athletic rangy pass catcher.
24) Oakland: Obi Melifouwu-S Connecticut-Huge safety with lots of the physical abilities.
25) Houston:Patrick Mahomes QB Texas Tech-My favorite QB.
26) Seattle:Cam Robinson G Alabama-Can play guard or tackle
27) Kansas City:Corey Davis WR Western Michigan-Chiefs need more playmakers on offense
28) Dallas:Gareon Conley CB Ohio State-Dallas takes the risk and nabs a top 15 player.
29) Green Bay:T.J. Watt LB Wisconsin-Too good to be true,which is why it might not!
30) Pittsburgh:Kevin King CB Washington-Corner to help the continued secondary rebuild.
31) Atlanta: Charles Harris DE Missouri Situational pass rusher,but could have early impact
32) New Orleans: Zach Cunningham LB Vanderbilt Athletic backer with high ceiling,but low floor

Bonus
33) Cleveland:Budda Baker S Washington-Third best safety in this draft,Great value at this pick

Cleveland Browns-Persons of Interest-Part Two

Ready to work on part two of the Persons of Interest that I like for the Cleveland Browns,this time on the defensive side of the ball..
IF (huge IF) time permits,I might do a throwback just for fun mock draft...

I've stated that I'm fully in on Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett at number one,but in the event that the Browns do take the (Huge) risk on Mitch Trubisky at one,the Browns will still need someone to rush the passer.
I like Solomon Thomas of Stanford,but I doubt he'll be there at 12 or maybe even in the event of a tradeup.
Alabama's Jonathan Allen is an excellent player,but has bad shoulders and I wonder about the length of his career.
I also like Tennessee's Derek Barnett,a high effort player that would make lots of sense for the Browns at 12 (if he gets by the Saints at 11),if they used the top pick on Mitch Trubisky and even though he went to school at an unnamed school,I think Taco Charlton was super against Ohio State and I think he could be a great pick for someone late in round one or early in round two.
A sleeper that I like on day three is Dawyane Smoot of Illinois,who is a hustle guy that never stops.
Those types of guys find a way to make teams...

The easy pick is Alabama's Rueben Foster at linebacker,but there are two players that I don't see as a dropoff compared to Foster and can be gotten at a lesser cost in Florida's Jarrad Davis and Ohio State's Raekwon McMillan.
Both are inside players and won't translate to the outside,but make sense for a team that tackles so badly.
On the outside,I like three guys,but not sure at 12 and just as unsure that they make it at 33.
Temple's Hassan Reddick is more of a pure speed rusher and might make sense if Miles Garrett is not the pick.
Tarriarist McKinley of UCLA has all the tools and might be a every down player and there's always T.J.Watt of Wisconsin and that family tree.
I also like Tyus Bowser of Houston as a 3rd or 4th rounder..

The secondary is badly in need of help and I'd really like either Malik Hooker of Ohio State or Jamal Adams of LSU.
Hooker is the playmaker,but Adams is the more rounded player=I'd love to have either!
I like Washington's Budda Baker at 33 as a consolation,but Connecticut's Obi Melifonwu is rising on draft boards with his size (6'4) and athletic ability.
On the corner,two of the top four corners are Buckeyes in Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley.
Both come with issues,Lattimore's tendency to pull hamstrings and Conley has a just discovered off the field accusation.
Lattimore will be gone at and Conley could fall for a while,but the supposed crime happened in Cleveland,perhaps the Browns have some inside intel and maybe they could scoop a first round talent later in the draft.
I like the physical tools of Alabama's Marlon Humphrey and Tre'Davious White of LSU is the most balanced corner with the least amount of risk...
I wouldn't be against a day three flier on injured Sidney Jones of Washington,who might have been a first rounder.

I'm going to try to do a mock draft for the first time in years soon,don't kill me too much for it-just having fun and put next to no time into it

Cleveland Browns-Persons of Interest

The Cleveland Browns arguably have needs at every position, although some are better than others.
I'm hoping to have time to do two posts before tomorrow's draft, but I'm going to start with some players that I like at various positions.
If I have time, I'll be adding a look at the Browns' positional needs tomorrow.

The drama is at number one, where most people believe that the way to go is Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, although some rumors are floating about North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky as the choice.
I'm firmly in the Garrett camp, as I just have questions about Trubisky, although I like him some.
I wonder why, if he's so wonderful, why couldn't he beat out the far-from-immortal Marquise Williams?
I wouldn't have an issue with Trubisky at 12, perhaps, but definitely not at one, and maybe not even at a trade-up, unless the cost was minimal.

I don't even have Trubisky as my top quarterback, as that honor goes to the power-armed Patrick Mahomes of Texas Tech.
With his size, arm, and mobility, Mahomes would be a little more of a work in progress than Trubisky or DeShaun Watson of Clemson, but at 12 or for a trade-up involving the second-rounder, I'm all in on Mahomes, who Scott Dryden compares to Brett Favre.
Works for me.

The running back class is pretty deep, and I doubt the Browns will select a running back with either of their first-round picks, but they might in the second round— especially if they don't trade up.
I'll leave the best backs on the board who are unlikely to be Browns and focus on two backs.
Joe Mixon of Oklahoma comes with baggage, but might be the best back in the draft on pure talent.
Bullish D'Onta Foreman of Texas could be a nice addition on day three in the draft.
Foreman runs hard between the tackles and could be a surprise for someone...

The wide receiver spot was a major part of the 2016 draft, but none of the day three picks had an impact.
I doubt the Browns use a first-rounder, but Chris Godwin of Penn State brings a big and fast receiver that could be a day-two pick, and I really like North Carolina's Ryan Switzer as a Wes Welker-type in the slot on day three.
Could the Browns take Switzer if they take Mitch Trubisky?

Lots of tight ends available, and I really like Alabama's O.J. Howard is the best of the bunch, but taking Howard means that the Browns will likely not get their QB at 12.
Big and fast, along with a blocking ability, Howard would be great for Cleveland.
Two others I like are Adam Shaheen of Ashland, who's more of a Rob Gronkowski type physically, and Evan Engram of Ole Miss, who is more of a true pass catcher than a tight end...

I doubt the Browns tab an offensive lineman before day three, and if so, it'll be a sleeper/developmental player.
Just to toss a name out- Justin Senior, a tackle from Canada, who played at Mississippi State.

I plan to conduct a defensive interview with a person of interest tomorrow morning.

Podcast-Special Guest Daniel Parlegreco

The podcast returns with Daniel Parlegreco to talk more NFL Draft prospects before tomorrow night's draft...

Podcast:Special Guest Scott Dryden

The podcast is back with Scott Dryden to talk Browns and of course the upcoming NFL Draft!

Podcast:Scott Dryden

Scott Dryden returns to the podcast with 90 minutes on the Browns and the NFL Draft!

Browns add compensation picks

When you are a Cleveland Browns fan,draft news and to a lesser extent free agency news is about as good as it gets as far as hope,growth and opportunity goes.

In that vein,I'll drop this note on the Browns receiving four compensatory picks in April's draft.
The Browns only get to retain two of those picks,which teams are allocated by the league,which judges the worst losses in free agency and gives those teams something to somewhat handle their loss.
The Browns were awarded a third,two fourths and a fifth rounder at the end of each of those rounds.

Cleveland sends the third to New England for Jamie Collins,which is a pretty good deal since they signed him to a new contract,but even if Collins had not re-signed,if the Browns would have likely been given a 2018 3rd round compensation pick had they lost him,so a very low risk and high reward for the third rounder.

The fourth goes to the Eagles as part of the Carson Wentz trade last season.
The trade was written that the Browns would give up a fourth round compensation pick,but in the event that the Browns were not awarded one in that round,the Browns would have to send their own fifth round pick to Philadelphia.

The picks that the Browns have kept are a fourth rounder at pick 142 (three picks after the one sent to the Eagles) and a fifth rounder at pick 183.

Cleveland will enter the 2017 draft with eleven picks,three less than in last years draft.
Cleveland has 2 1st rounders (Theirs and Philadelphia),2 2nd rounders (Theirs and Tennessee), 1 3rd rounder, 2 4th rounders (Theirs and Comp),3 5th rounders (Theirs,New England and Comp) and 1 6th rounder.

Look for lots of coverage of the NFL Draft here and on the podcast over the next two months leading up to the draft....

Podcast:Special Guest Daniel Parlegreco

Special guest Daniel Parlegreco returns to the podcast to talk NFL Draft,Jabril Peppers and Patrick Mahomes Jr.

Podcast:Special Guest Scott Dryden

The podcast returns with special guest Scott Dryden with an hour talking Browns and NFL Draft prospects....

The Case for and against DeShaun Watson

One night after the Clemson Tigers led by quarterback DeShaun Watson upset the Alabama Crimson Tide,the drumbeat began from Cleveland Browns fans-Is the conqueror of Alabama,our guy and the future of the Cleveland Browns under center?

I'll offer a pro and con look at DeShaun Watson before I give my take at the end of the post.
Keep in mind that this is before the post season all-star games and of course the combine,so I'm reserving the right to change my mind...

The Case for the Browns to take Watson

The Cleveland Browns are in need of a quarterback and here is the best quarterback from the college ranks that knocked one of the best teams (thought of before the game) in college football history off and happens to be sitting there for the Browns in a season that they hold two of the top twelve picks in the draft.
Watson gives you decent size (6'2),good speed and has ability to get out of the pocket and make plays with his feet.
Watson has a good arm and some ability to get the ball downfield and not even his worst detractors would knock his leadership abilities or his smarts (graduated in 2 and a half years).
DeShaun Watson is a proven winner,is the most plug and play of the quarterbacks in this draft and might be the top rated of all quarterbacks.

The Case for the Browns to pass on Watson

DeShaun Watson doesn't have great size and tends to run first instead of staying in the pocket.
Watson's arm isn't a cannon and he isn't always accurate when throwing the deep ball.
Even at his best,the Watson accuracy can be erratic from medium to long range,so that is a concern.
Watson's NFL comps range from a bigger Russell Wilson to a more mobile Drew Brees to a Robert Griffin/Colin Kaepernick style that might have been better suited to solve NFL defenses five years ago than the current defenses that have almost made those types of quarterbacks and the systems best suited for them obsolete.
Are you satisfied with using a first round pick,especially the first overall on a player that doesn't figure to be a franchise quarterback?


My Answer
I'm vehemently against taking DeShaun Watson with the first pick in the draft.
To me that would be a huge reach and taking a quarterback for the sake of taking one.
I'm not sure I like Watson at 12 either,but I'm a little more open to him (or any other QB) at that point in the draft.
Honestly,with so many holes on this team,I want the best player on the board and if that means that the Browns don't take a QB until round two or even round three,I would be OK with that.
I want playmakers on either side of the ball and if I (or the Browns) are not convinced that Watson (or any other QB) can be such,then I have no problem waiting a round or two for a perceived lesser quarterback.
My answer is as follows (for now before all the pre-draft stuff)
No at 1,maybe,but lean no at 12,highly consider at 33 depending on who would be there/
It's entirely possible that Watson doesn't make it to 12,quarterbacks are often overdrafted and with several teams between 1 and 12 with a quarterback need,it's arguably even likely Watson isn't there at 12.
All things considered,if the Browns must take DeShaun Watson with the first pick in the draft-I can live without him....