I've never had much faith in Cardale as an NFL prospect.  He has the size and arm strength, but I don't see many qualities beyond that.  His mechanics are so raw that I doubt they could ever be adequately developed. 

 

On the other hand, the guy I mentioned upthread, Christian Hackenberg, could be an ideal project.  He has all the tools.  He was considered top-rate coming out of HS and during his early time in Happy Valley.  He just had no protection and a dearth of talent at the skill positions to work with.  In that respect, he would feel right at home with the Browns.

It continues....

 

 

RGIII Tears ACL Walking Into Browns Facility For First Time

 

BEREA, OH – The Cleveland Browns made it in the news for the first time this offseason for something not bad happening involving a quarterback. As of around 11 am ET Thursday, Robert Griffin III is the newest name on the Browns long list of quarterbacks that they hope will work out.

 

Griffin, coming off a season of sitting on the pine in Washington under Kirk Cousins, was looked upon highly from the Browns coaching staff for his athletics and potential, especially after a year of rest from injuries and playing in general. But Griffin couldn’t avoid the injury bug for long.

 

While literally taking his first steps at the Browns training/practice facility, Griffin crumbled to the ground in front of Hue Jackson and Griffin’s agent. Lying in that all too familiar position, Griffin murmured under his breath. “Not Again. Not Again.”

 

MORE:

http://dailysnark.com/report-rgiii-tears-acl-walking-browns-facility-first-time/

 

Petty gripe:  I appreciate the effort to put RG III's reflection in the glass door.... but what kind of reflection is that????  If it's going to be that wrong, just don't bother.

I'm neither a Goff, Wentz, or Bob Griffin fan, I'm just not QB guy..  I believe good "teams" not good QB's win in the NFL.

 

Not one player has a bigger impact on a team. A good QB can make a bad team mediocre. A great QB can make a bad team a playoff contender.

^Not all by himself.  People often use Brady and the Patriots as an example of this oft-repeated sound-byte, but then fail to mention how they went 11-5 under Matt Cassell...... even thought Cassell wasn't all that good (as seen once he left NE).  The system and players around the QB matter quite a bit.

 

We certainly see many examples of a QB giving a boost to a franchise, but rarely does one raise a team from the ashes without significant improvements to other areas of the team.  Brees going to NO can be argued, but that is more an example of a team which had plenty going for it and just needed a QB.  We see transitions from one QB to another, such as Bledsoe-Brady, Favre-Rogers, Manning-Luck, but rarely do you see some downtrodden franchise draft or sign an elite QB and then become an overnight success.

 

I certainly wish the Browns were simply a QB away from being a playoff, or even mediocre, team.  I just don't think that is the case.

The bad thing about these RGIII injury virals is they aren't all that far from what actually happened to LeCharles Bentley....

^Not all by himself.  People often use Brady and the Patriots as an example of this oft-repeated sound-byte, but then fail to mention how they went 11-5 under Matt Cassell...... even thought Cassell wasn't all that good (as seen once he left NE).  The system and players around the QB matter quite a bit.

 

We certainly see many examples of a QB giving a boost to a franchise, but rarely does one raise a team from the ashes without significant improvements to other areas of the team.  Brees going to NO can be argued, but that is more an example of a team which had plenty going for it and just needed a QB.  We see transitions from one QB to another, such as Bledsoe-Brady, Favre-Rogers, Manning-Luck, but rarely do you see some downtrodden franchise draft or sign an elite QB and then become an overnight success.

 

I certainly wish the Browns were simply a QB away from being a playoff, or even mediocre, team.  I just don't think that is the case.

 

I don't think they are either. But I do think a very good QB like Goff can make a bigger impact on the Browns than a top OL, LB or DE, which are the strengths of this draft. Given the depth at those positions in this draft, the Browns will get a crack at one of those at #32. There will still be quality OLs, LBs or DEs available there.

Assuming Goff is going to be "a very good QB"', then yes. But that is a risky assumption. Regardless of any perception of depth at the various positions, most every reputable expert on this draft thinks there are certain elite talents available and Goff ain't one of them. The Browns need elite talent more than they do a QB who would be likely a 2nd or 3rd round talent in most every other draft and who might never see the field if RG3 responds well to a change in scenery (a la Brees).

This draft has 3-4 players that are game changers. No qb's worth that pick, why waste a shot at a game changer on a qb that might help you in a year or 2

This draft has 3-4 players that are game changers. No qb's worth that pick, why waste a shot at a game changer on a qb that might help you in a year or 2

 

I think the top two QBs in this draft are also game changers. You may disagree, but most of the draftniks think both Goff and Wentz will be drafted in the top 15. QBs are unlike any other position. They are worth sitting for a year if that means they can be part of your team consistently competing for the playoffs for the next 10-15 years.

FWIW....

 

Top 10 quarterback draft prospects since 2011

By Daniel Jeremiah

 

1. Andrew Luck (2012 draft, No. 1 overall): He was about as flawless a quarterback prospect as I can remember. He was the highest grade I've ever given to a quarterback in my time of scouting. He checked every single box.

 

2. Cam Newton (2011 draft, No. 1 overall): You talk about somebody with a unique skill set. He had a rare size, speed combination. Newton was somebody who in the biggest moments played his absolute best.

 

3. Robert Griffin III (2012 draft, No. 2 overall): Coming out of college, I had a huge grade on RGIII. He was in that same draft class with Andrew Luck, and he could do some things that Luck couldn't do. So there's a reason why you could get excited about RGIII; the mobility, the live arm, and he was very accurate coming out of Baylor.

 

4. Jameis Winston (2015 draft, No. 1 overall): He just got better each and every week throughout his rookie season. At Florida State, you saw somebody who took command and control of that offense. The big knock on him was those interceptions in his last year at Florida State.

 

5. Teddy Bridgewater (2014 draft, No. 32 overall): Bridgewater famously had a poor pro day, but then was able to get in with a team, the Minnesota Vikings, and offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, that was a good matchup for him. I think he's going to develop into a very good quarterback. Coming out of Louisville, I loved the accuracy, and the toughness is what stood out the most to me.

 

6. Marcus Mariota (2015 draft, No. 2 overall): Coming out of Oregon, the offense was a criticism. You knew the ability was there, and he had a great rookie season cut short by injury. Mariota's a special athlete with the potential to be a great quarterback.

 

7. Carson Wentz (2016 draft): This is kind of the company he keeps, which is good company here right next to Marcus Mariota.

 

8. Jared Goff (2016 draft): He has a very similar grade to Wentz. I love the accuracy and toughness, which is very similar to Bridgewater.

 

9. Johnny Manziel (2014 draft, No. 22 overall): There are some players that have played better than Manziel at the NFL level, but this is where I had him coming out of college.

 

10. Blake Bortles (2014 draft, No. 3 overall): This is my third QB in that draft class -- Bridgewater, Manziel, then Bortles, and then Derek Carr. Carr, grade-wise, did not make this top 10, which shows I made a mistake on that one.

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...937-sf23160937

I'm neither a Goff, Wentz, or Bob Griffin fan, I'm just not QB guy..  I believe good "teams" not good QB's win in the NFL.

 

A great QB can make a bad team a playoff contender.

Then why couldn't Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, or Flacco (something like 2-9 before injury) make their teams playoff contenders last season?  Aren't they considered "great" QB's?  Why couldn't Jared Goff beat one ranked team in his entire college career?  Why did he have more turnovers than TD's this year against ranked teams?  Because "teams" win, not (just) QB's.  No QB can win consistently on a bad team at any level.

FWIW....

 

Top 10 quarterback draft prospects since 2011

By Daniel Jeremiah

 

1. Andrew Luck (2012 draft, No. 1 overall): He was about as flawless a quarterback prospect as I can remember. He was the highest grade I've ever given to a quarterback in my time of scouting. He checked every single box.

 

2. Cam Newton (2011 draft, No. 1 overall): You talk about somebody with a unique skill set. He had a rare size, speed combination. Newton was somebody who in the biggest moments played his absolute best.

 

3. Robert Griffin III (2012 draft, No. 2 overall): Coming out of college, I had a huge grade on RGIII. He was in that same draft class with Andrew Luck, and he could do some things that Luck couldn't do. So there's a reason why you could get excited about RGIII; the mobility, the live arm, and he was very accurate coming out of Baylor.

 

4. Jameis Winston (2015 draft, No. 1 overall): He just got better each and every week throughout his rookie season. At Florida State, you saw somebody who took command and control of that offense. The big knock on him was those interceptions in his last year at Florida State.

 

5. Teddy Bridgewater (2014 draft, No. 32 overall): Bridgewater famously had a poor pro day, but then was able to get in with a team, the Minnesota Vikings, and offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, that was a good matchup for him. I think he's going to develop into a very good quarterback. Coming out of Louisville, I loved the accuracy, and the toughness is what stood out the most to me.

 

6. Marcus Mariota (2015 draft, No. 2 overall): Coming out of Oregon, the offense was a criticism. You knew the ability was there, and he had a great rookie season cut short by injury. Mariota's a special athlete with the potential to be a great quarterback.

 

7. Carson Wentz (2016 draft): This is kind of the company he keeps, which is good company here right next to Marcus Mariota.

 

8. Jared Goff (2016 draft): He has a very similar grade to Wentz. I love the accuracy and toughness, which is very similar to Bridgewater.

 

9. Johnny Manziel (2014 draft, No. 22 overall): There are some players that have played better than Manziel at the NFL level, but this is where I had him coming out of college.

 

10. Blake Bortles (2014 draft, No. 3 overall): This is my third QB in that draft class -- Bridgewater, Manziel, then Bortles, and then Derek Carr. Carr, grade-wise, did not make this top 10, which shows I made a mistake on that one.

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...937-sf23160937

Interesting, looks like no need to go QB at #2

Actually, Cardale Jones as a project could mollify me if we don't take a quarterback #2.  He has some maturing to do in terms of leadership and decision making, but his physical talents suit the AFC North so very well.

I think the biggest thing that will help him is not having to run a spread offense, he is a pocket passer not a track star.

I'm neither a Goff, Wentz, or Bob Griffin fan, I'm just not QB guy..  I believe good "teams" not good QB's win in the NFL.

 

A great QB can make a bad team a playoff contender.

Then why couldn't Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, or Flacco (something like 2-9 before injury) make their teams playoff contenders last season?  Aren't they considered "great" QB's?  Why couldn't Jared Goff beat one ranked team in his entire college career?  Why did he have more turnovers than TD's this year against ranked teams?  Because "teams" win, not (just) QB's.  No QB can win consistently on a bad team at any level.

 

More often than not, they are. Thanks for using the exception to try to prove the rule. OF COURSE teams win. The reality is that QBs are the greatest difference maker for any TEAM. How many times have QBs been named NFL and Super Bowl MVPs? Look it up. They're as at least as many of them as all other positions combined. I can't believe you're actually trying to argue this point. Was your dad a defensive lineman??

 

BTW, the article I posted above was Daniel Jeremiah's ranking of players AS THEY WERE COMING OUT OF COLLEGE. He was wrong with some like Manziel, Carr and, so far, with RG3. Goff and Wentz are also highly rated. Does that mean they will be great NFL QBs? Of course not. Jeremiah's rankings show that the draft is an educated guess. But it does mean that drafting one of them at #2 overall is justified on his and other analysts' rankings. Now, I don't think RG3 is going to be a good QB in the NFL based on what he's done so far in the NFL. But I do think he's a low-cost attempt by the Browns to increase their odds of finding a franchise QB. Who knows, they may draft Goff/Wentz at #2 and then another QB next year. You keep bringing in QBs to generate competition and until you find your franchise.

I'm neither a Goff, Wentz, or Bob Griffin fan, I'm just not QB guy..  I believe good "teams" not good QB's win in the NFL.

 

A great QB can make a bad team a playoff contender.

Then why couldn't Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, or Flacco (something like 2-9 before injury) make their teams playoff contenders last season?  Aren't they considered "great" QB's?  Why couldn't Jared Goff beat one ranked team in his entire college career?  Why did he have more turnovers than TD's this year against ranked teams?  Because "teams" win, not (just) QB's.  No QB can win consistently on a bad team at any level.

 

More often than not, they are. Thanks for using the exception to try to prove the rule. OF COURSE teams win. The reality is that QBs are the greatest difference maker for any TEAM. How many times have QBs been named NFL and Super Bowl MVPs? Look it up. They're as at least as many of them as all other positions combined. I can't believe you're actually trying to argue this point. Was your dad a defensive lineman??

 

BTW, the article I posted above was Daniel Jeremiah's ranking of players AS THEY WERE COMING OUT OF COLLEGE. He was wrong with some like Manziel, Carr and, so far, with RG3. Goff and Wentz are also highly rated. Does that mean they will be great NFL QBs? Of course not. Jeremiah's rankings show that the draft is an educated guess. But it does mean that drafting one of them at #2 overall is justified on his and other analysts' rankings. Now, I don't think RG3 is going to be a good QB in the NFL based on what he's done so far in the NFL. But I do think he's a low-cost attempt by the Browns to increase their odds of finding a franchise QB. Who knows, they may draft Goff/Wentz at #2 and then another QB next year. You keep bringing in QBs to generate competition and until you find your franchise.

I agree that QB is the most important position, that is not my point.  My point is the overall team is much more important than the singular position of QB and that a QB needs a good supporting cast to develop and become a franchise QB.

 

Browns fans have this silly notion that all we need is a QB, that we just need to hit the easy button and refresh the QB position and watch the magic unfold.  They see a QB like Flacco or Wilson and think the Browns would've had similar success had they been drafted by the Browns instead of well put together teams like the Seahawks or Ravens.  When the reality is that a QB like Flacco, Eli, Brees, or Rivers (4 examples) would be mired in 5-6 win seasons on a bad team (like the Browns) like all of their teams last season.  And those were 4 seasoned veterans, not some kid QB coming out college trying to develop.

 

Then there's baseless talk that the only place you can get franchise QB's is at the "top of the 1st round".  The reality is that since the Browns return, 14 of the 17 SB winning QB's were drafted outside of the top 10 or acquired via FA/trade.  If the Browns would ever go through the trouble of building a quality team, they'll find themselves a QB if they still need one.

 

My final point is that the Browns need to finally focus on building a quality organization and team, then worry about the singular position of QB.  The best way to build a quality team is acquiring the best talent they can when given the opportunity, not by reaching for QB #25 or 26 just because he's a QB, especially with this year's ho hum class.

 

With the acquisition of RG3, it's looking more like the Harvard boys are seeing it my way.  Rather than succumbing to fan/media pressure for another draft day championship by taking the 5th 1st round QB in 17 years.

I don't think the Browns have that notion, nor do I. Maybe the Browns had it before. But it is the one position that has eluded them since their return, and even shortly before. And it just so happens to be the most important position.

 

BTW: If the Browns don't go QB at #2, then I like Jalen Ramsey or Myles Jack. Outside of Tunsil, they are the best players in this draft. I like Bosa, just not as much as these guys.

Browns' worldwide search for a franchise QB continues...

 

I love Bosa, but am not sure where exactly he plays in this defense. That's why I'm not a big fan of the 3-4. All players who play in a 3-4 can play in a 4-3, but not vice versa.  I'd still be happy if we took him.

 

Right now, I'm in favor of taking either Ramsey or Tunsil, whichever is left after the Titans pick

 

Browns fans have this silly notion that all we need is a QB, that we just need to hit the easy button and refresh the QB position and watch the magic unfold. 

 

 

It'd be a silly notion indeed if anyone suggested that.  Nobody did.  In fact your entire premise is based on a silly notion that we either draft a QB OR an entire team.  We can't draft an entire team, and a QB only takes one pick (a couple if you need to trade up). 

 

The question is whether or not a potential franchise QB is worth taking over a technically more talented WR, OL, DB etc.  You don't think so- fine.  Many of us do.  We're not looking for draft day championships. We're looking for what player improves the team the most overall.

 

Also, quit acting like picking other positions is can't miss.  We've busted on high picks on pretty much every position.  Remember last season when we went in big on both sides of the line? How's that working out for us?

 

Browns fans have this silly notion that all we need is a QB, that we just need to hit the easy button and refresh the QB position and watch the magic unfold. 

 

My premise is to build a quality team, then worry about the QB position instead of drafting a 1st round QB every 3 years.  The consensus is

 

Browns fans have this silly notion that all we need is a QB, that we just need to hit the easy button and refresh the QB position and watch the magic unfold. 

 

 

It'd be a silly notion indeed if anyone suggested that.  Nobody did.  In fact your entire premise is based on a silly notion that we either draft a QB OR an entire team.  We can't draft an entire team, and a QB only takes one pick (a couple if you need to trade up). 

 

The question is whether or not a potential franchise QB is worth taking over a technically more talented WR, OL, DB etc.  You don't think so- fine.  Many of us do.  We're not looking for draft day championships. We're looking for what player improves the team the most overall.

 

Also, quit acting like picking other positions is can't miss.  We've busted on high picks on pretty much every position.  Remember last season when we went in big on both sides of the line? How's that working out for us?

 

It'd be a silly notion indeed if anyone suggested that.  Nobody did.  In fact your entire premise is based on a silly notion that we either draft a QB OR an entire team.  We can't draft an entire team, and a QB only takes one pick (a couple if you need to trade up). 

 

The question is whether or not a potential franchise QB is worth taking over a technically more talented WR, OL, DB etc.  You don't think so- fine.  Many of us do.  We're not looking for draft day championships. We're looking for what player improves the team the most overall.

 

Also, quit acting like picking other positions is can't miss.  We've busted on high picks on pretty much every position.  Remember last season when we went in big on both sides of the line? How's that working out for us?

My premise is to do what winning franchises have done, which is build a quality team then worry about QB instead of burning a 1st rounder on one every 3 years.  Ramsey, Tunsil, and Bosa are better players, take one of those three if we stay at #2, no brainier.  Don't pull another Cleveland and reach for a QB that was 14-23 as a starter or an FCS star based on supposed need.

Nobody can say for sure who the better player is, but looking at them strictly as prospects, it's really not all that close. Based on consensus I have picked up on, no QB in this draft has a first round grade, let alone a ranking which should loft them into the conversation of the second overall pick. The QBs are all high risk high reward, while we can have our pick of a low risk high reward players. Last thing we can afford to do is bust another high draft pick.

 

BTW, drafting that impact rush end/LB or shutdown DB only takes one pick too

Nobody can say for sure who the better player is, but looking at them strictly as prospects, it's really not all that close. Based on consensus I have picked up on, no QB in this draft has a first round grade, let alone a ranking which should loft them into the conversation of the second overall pick. The QBs are all high risk high reward, while we can have our pick of a low risk high reward players. Last thing we can afford to do is bust another high draft pick.

 

What talent evaluations and mock drafts are you reading?

 

Here's six mocks at one site. All six are projecting 3-4 QBs will be drafted in the first round...

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/mock-drafts

3-4 QBs are taken almost every year in the first round, regardless of how talented the class is.  It causes teams to reach because their always is a "run on quarterbacks". It's also why QB is the riskiest pick in the first round.

 

https://harvardsportsanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/analyzing-the-nfl-draft-the-safest-positions-to-target-in-the-first-round/

 

Mock drafts and prospect rankings are not the same thing

3-4 QBs are taken almost every year in the first round, regardless of how talented the class is.  It causes teams to reach because their always is a "run on quarterbacks". It's also why QB is the riskiest pick in the first round.

 

https://harvardsportsanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/analyzing-the-nfl-draft-the-safest-positions-to-target-in-the-first-round/

 

Mock drafts and prospect rankings are not the same thing

Exactly, that's how players like Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, Brandon Weeden, and Blaine Gabbert get drafted in the 1st round.  Those were picks driven from the "we need a QB, we must take a QB" philosophy instead of just drafting the best available player.

Pick any draft and I'll bet that half the first-round selections, regardless of position, don't amount to anything. Most are out of the league after their initial contract ends.

3-4 QBs are taken almost every year in the first round, regardless of how talented the class is.  It causes teams to reach because their always is a "run on quarterbacks". It's also why QB is the riskiest pick in the first round.

 

https://harvardsportsanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/analyzing-the-nfl-draft-the-safest-positions-to-target-in-the-first-round/

 

Mock drafts and prospect rankings are not the same thing

Exactly, that's how players like Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, Brandon Weeden, and Blaine Gabbert get drafted in the 1st round.  Those were picks driven from the "we need a QB, we must take a QB" philosophy instead of just drafting the best available player.

 

"Best available player" is a crock.  For example, would the Colts take a QB in the first round?  The Patriots a TE?

 

That said, reaching at a given position doesn't often work well.

3-4 QBs are taken almost every year in the first round, regardless of how talented the class is.  It causes teams to reach because their always is a "run on quarterbacks". It's also why QB is the riskiest pick in the first round.

 

https://harvardsportsanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/analyzing-the-nfl-draft-the-safest-positions-to-target-in-the-first-round/

 

Mock drafts and prospect rankings are not the same thing

Exactly, that's how players like Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, Brandon Weeden, and Blaine Gabbert get drafted in the 1st round.  Those were picks driven from the "we need a QB, we must take a QB" philosophy instead of just drafting the best available player.

 

"Best available player" is a crock.  For example, would the Colts take a QB in the first round?  The Patriots a TE?

 

That said, reaching at a given position doesn't often work well.

The Browns could draft any position except for QB and improve their semi-pro caliber team.  They have no pass rushers, not an even average LB, secondary is poor, WR unit is probably the worst in the league, not sold on Crowell, now there's a need for an OT, and probably C.  We are not the Patriots or Broncos.

3-4 QBs are taken almost every year in the first round, regardless of how talented the class is.  It causes teams to reach because their always is a "run on quarterbacks". It's also why QB is the riskiest pick in the first round.

 

https://harvardsportsanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/analyzing-the-nfl-draft-the-safest-positions-to-target-in-the-first-round/

 

Mock drafts and prospect rankings are not the same thing

Exactly, that's how players like Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, Brandon Weeden, and Blaine Gabbert get drafted in the 1st round.  Those were picks driven from the "we need a QB, we must take a QB" philosophy instead of just drafting the best available player.

 

"Best available player" is a crock.  For example, would the Colts take a QB in the first round?  The Patriots a TE?

 

That said, reaching at a given position doesn't often work well.

 

I wouldn't put it past the Pats to take a TE in the 1st Round.  Belicheck knows how to use two elite TEs at the same time (Gronk and Hernandez).  A team with a great and young QB taking one in the first round would certainly be rare, but mostly because when you take a QB in the first round you are usually taking him above his objective value.  Thus, the Colts won't take a player at that position with the 20th pick who is #75 on their Big Board.

 

I personally think that BPA (regardless of position) should only apply to the elite talent.  Typically year in and year out, there are about 3-8 elite players..... as close to can't miss prospects as you are going to get.  By no means are these guaranteed superstars.  Hell, Trent Richardson was widely considered one of them.  Still, if you are picking within the range of elite players, my philosophy would be to take one everytime regardless of need.  If you insist upon filling a need at a position which doesn't have that elite talent, then you trade down to get that need at a better value.  That's just my philosophy, but I can say that over the years, it would have netted the Browns Ed Reed instead of Willie Green, Richard Seymour over Gerard Warren, and Haloti Ngata over Kameron Wimbley, to name a few.

Signing Robert Griffin III was fine, but Browns better use No. 2 pick on a QB

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2016/03/28/signing-robert-griffin-iii-was-fine-but-browns-better-use-no-2-pick-on-a-qb/

I have to think, if the brass thought one of the QB prospects was a good choice at #2, they would not have signed RG3.  You don't draft a guy at #2 to compete for the starting job.  He is either "The Man" from Day 1 or placed in a very limited holding pattern while he learns the system and adjusts to the speed of the game.  On top of that, RG3 is not the type of QB you sign to groom a rookie, future franchise QB.  It doesn't add up.... but maybe their analytics are telling them something contrary to what my common sense tells me.

 

BTW, Darius Jennings has given (probably sold) #10 to RG3.

 

And another update is that Dansby signed with Cincy.  No surprise there.  I think he even predicted they would when he was cut. 

It doesn't add up.... but maybe their analytics are telling them something contrary to what my common sense tells me.

 

 

The only thing I would think could be going on if they still draft a qb at 2# , is that they are hoping for a great year from RG3 then they could trade him for picks.

Kind of like the Drew Brees situation in San Diego.

http://dailysnark.com/broncos-johnny-manziel-agree-terms-1-year-8-million-deal/

Even knowing they are relying on 'analytics' to make these calls, I'm still a bit surprised they released Whitner

Even knowing they are relying on 'analytics' to make these calls, I'm still a bit surprised they released Whitner

My guess is they tried restructuring his contract and Whitner refused.  He really was a shell of his former self last year, appeared to have lost a couple steps and forgot how to wrap up when tackling.  This ends any discussion of QB at #2 talk, Ramsey or a trade down is my guess at this point.

At this point it feels like we have half a roster left.  And not the good half.  Once again we need everything, and in that context QB is still the most serious problem.  Unless Goff and Wentz are both truly flawed, I would still take one of them at 2. 

 

How many times have we drafted a QB that high?  Exactly once since 1999, and to this day we still haven't fielded a better QB than Tim Couch.  We rose from garbage to playoffs in 3 years with him.  Rest of the team was awful, probably worse than now.  But we had a top-of-his-class QB and we made the playoffs.  Can we please try that again?

At the Barking Hard forum, one of the posters listed the Browns likely starting roster for 2016. Surprisingly, there aren't as many changes as I would have expected.

 

EDIT: here it is....

 

So at the moment our starting roster looks like...

 

FS - Rahim Moore.

SS - Ibraheim Campbell

CB - Joe Haden

CB - K'Waun Williams (He's more slot but I can't bring myself to call Tramon Williams a starter)

OLB - Barkevious Mingo

ILB - Chris Kirksey

ILB - Demario Davis

OLB - Paul Kruger

DE - Desmond Bryant

NT - Danny Shelton

DE - Xavier Cooper

 

T - Joe Thomas

G - Joel Bitonio

C - Cam Erving

G - John Greco

T - Austin Pasztor

TE - Gary Barnidge

WR - Josh Gordon

WR - Brian Hartline

RB - Isaiah Crowell

FB - Malcom Johnson

QB - Robert Griffin III

 

At the Barking Hard forum, one of the posters listed the Browns likely starting roster for 2016. Surprisingly, there aren't as many changes as I would have expected.

 

EDIT: here it is....

 

So at the moment our starting roster looks like...

 

FS - Rahim Moore.

SS - Ibraheim Campbell

CB - Joe Haden

CB - K'Waun Williams (He's more slot but I can't bring myself to call Tramon Williams a starter)

OLB - Barkevious Mingo

ILB - Chris Kirksey

ILB - Demario Davis

OLB - Paul Kruger

DE - Desmond Bryant

NT - Danny Shelton

DE - Xavier Cooper

 

T - Joe Thomas

G - Joel Bitonio

C - Cam Erving

G - John Greco

T - Austin Pasztor

TE - Gary Barnidge

WR - Josh Gordon

WR - Brian Hartline

RB - Isaiah Crowell

FB - Malcom Johnson

QB - Robert Griffin III

 

 

Assuming that no draft picks will start?

Assuming that no draft picks will start?

 

Which draft picks? ;)

Assuming that no draft picks will start?

 

Which draft picks? ;)

 

LOL, because of Deflategate they effectively have two first round picks, 2 and 32.

I still think Kruger could get cut and J Thomas traded before the season begins.

 

That would bring new starter up to 10 if my count is correct.  Nearly half the starters.  That's a lot.

 

EDIT:  Seems like an impact Safety would be a nice addition ;)

If Kruger goes, then Nate Orchard would probably take his place. And while the person at Barking Hard suspected one of the Williams would start at CB, I like Charles Gaines. If the Browns can't get an impact safety in the draft, Tramon Williams could be moved there but would probably have to add about 10 pounds first. Desir is also a possibility at safety. He already has the size for it.

I actually would put Orchard in Mingo's spot up there on the depth chart.  He played well there towards the end of the last season.  Mingo is a better fit for Kruger's spot..... although Bosa would be better.

A whole year clean and he fumbles the ball away on the 1-yard line. Hope this isn't a result of him moving in with Johnny Football (allegedly!)...

 

Sources: Josh Gordon fails another NFL-administered drug test

This does not mean the troubled wideout will be suspended for another season.

By Mike Garafolo @mikegarafolo

Apr 11, 2016 at 5:41p ET

 

There's a reason why Roger Goodell hasn't reinstated Josh Gordon yet, and it has to do with a recent misstep that has muddled the process for Gordon.

 

The suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver, who missed the entire 2015 season after testing positive for alcohol, failed an NFL-administered drug test last month, sources have told FOX Sports.

 

Gordon's sample, which was collected in early March, tested positive for marijuana and dilute, according to a source informed of the results of the test. The source added that both the "A" and "B" samples collected were positive for marijuana and dilute. Though the level of marijuana was below the 35 nanograms per milliliter required for a positive test, the diluted sample is considered a positive test.

 

MORE:

http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/josh-gordon-fails-another-nfl-administered-drug-test-041116

Schefter offering a glimmer of hope this morning.  Says the NFL wants 60-90 days of tests without any 'red flags' prior to making a decision.

And which is well past the draft. So the Browns have to continue planning their draft strategy as if Flash isn't going to be playing. Then again, even if he is reinstated, for how long?? Will Flash walk into another room filled with pot smoke and fail another test...

From everything they have said, they are not building a team with the thought that Josh will be here.  Even if he had been reinstated, I doubt that would have affected their approach to the draft.  He is too unreliable at this point.

 

From everything they have said, they are not building a team with the thought that Josh will be here.  Even if he had been reinstated, I doubt that would have affected their approach to the draft.  He is too unreliable at this point.

 

 

I bet it had a lot to do with signing Griffin though.  Those two were explosive in college.

 

I'm surprised the NFLPA hasn't just come out and said "can we quit testing for pot already?

Johnny Manziel second agent has dropped him. His life is falling apart.

Police: Johnny Manziel was passenger in hit-and-run accident

 

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was a passenger in a hit-and-run accident under investigation by Los Angeles police, USA TODAY Sports confirmed on Wednesday.

 

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/04/13/johnny-manziel-accident/82998538/

Johnny Manziel second agent has dropped him. His life is falling apart.

 

it fell apart a long time ago.  Rosenhaus was arrogant enough to think he could fix him and succeed at that project.  Manziel isn't going to listen to anyone.

 

 

side note...hope nobody wanted Wentz! Rams went out to get him!

Rams just paid a ransom to move from 15 to 1. Wentz is supposed to be their target.

 

Somewhere in Maryland, Ozzie Newsome is poppin a bottle of the bubbly