Want to know the Browns' free-agent strategy? Look in the back room over Ray Farmer's shoulder. OOPS!...

 

Turns out it is the Browns video list. But still, that suggests the Browns' interest level.....

 

DawgsByNature Dawgs By Nature  8m

Someone on Reddit says #Browns leaked free agent board when Farmer came out for the presser...@DustinFox37 pic.twitter.com/T1tu600CRp

 

Would anyone be satisfied with Edelman?, and I find it upsetting we haven't nabbed a solid corner to be with Joe, I say lets get Dominique Rogers-Cromarte.

From the leaked photo, it appears that Nolan Carroll was a target at CB..... but he just signed with the Eagles.

 

I like Edelman.  I like the local connection and I love his toughness.  He is more than just a system guy.  Brady certainly didn't do anything to make him a solid return guy.  Of course, he might not be as productive without Brady..... but who would be?  But I don't care who your QB is..... 105 catches in an NFL season is noteworthy.

 

I also wouldn't mind doing as Whitner suggested and bringing Teddy Ginn Jr. back home.  He probably had his best NFL season last year for Carolina.  Speed never hurts.  Imagine watching him, Flash Gordon, and TBenji flying around the field together. 

What's the status of Benjamin BTW? Has anybody heard anything on his recovery?

I like Edelman.  I like the local connection and I love his toughness.  He is more than just a system guy.  Brady certainly didn't do anything to make him a solid return guy.  Of course, he might not be as productive without Brady..... but who would be?  But I don't care who your QB is..... 105 catches in an NFL season is noteworthy.

 

It's just as noteworty that Edelman averaged 17 catches in his first four years until he got 105 last year. Which is the real Edelman? Sanders is more consistent, but I don't hear the Browns pushing to get him.

 

I am bummed we haven't gotten our corner yet. The Browns wanted Carroll, so I wonder who they're going after now?

 

I'm also bummed we didn't go after Toby Gerhart who went to Jacksonville. He's a very good RB who played behind Peterson in Minnesota. He was had for less than we might get Tate for.

It's just as noteworty that Edelman averaged 17 catches in his first four years until he got 105 last year. Which is the real Edelman? Sanders is more consistent, but I don't hear the Browns pushing to get him.

 

* * * * *

 

I'm also bummed we didn't go after Toby Gerhart who went to Jacksonville. He's a very good RB who played behind Peterson in Minnesota. He was had for less than we might get Tate for.

 

Why would you want Gerhart, who never really has had the opportunity to show what he can do as a full-time back, but yet be so skeptical about Edelman?  Gerhart played behind Peterson and showed some flashes...... Edelman, for those first four years, was essentially playing behind Wes Welker and did the same.  But the difference is that Edelman is now a proven commodity.  When given the chance to be "the man", Edelman filled that role more than capably..... even if you were to say that half of those catches were more Brady than him.  I wouldn't break the bank for him, but I wouldn't hesitate to offer him FMV.  Both he and Sanders are a bit undersized as modern WR's go, but Sanders is more of an undersized outside #2 receiver.  Edelman is a pure slot, where being undersized is much more common if not the norm.

 

If you want to read anything into them targeting Edelman and not Sanders, I would say that it might show their hand in the draft.  Teams don't draft slot receivers..... especially not in the first few rounds.  We might be looking to fill the slot in FA because we are going for the gusto with Watkins at #4, Cooks at #26, or something along those lines.

The latest rumblings are now indicating that the Bengals might not match the Hawkins offer with the way the deal is structured.  Browns must've thrown in some kind of poison pill the Bengals couldn't swallow

Why would you want Gerhart, who never really has had the opportunity to show what he can do as a full-time back, but yet be so skeptical about Edelman?  Gerhart played behind Peterson and showed some flashes...... Edelman, for those first four years, was essentially playing behind Wes Welker and did the same.  But the difference is that Edelman is now a proven commodity.  When given the chance to be "the man", Edelman filled that role more than capably..... even if you were to say that half of those catches were more Brady than him.  I wouldn't break the bank for him, but I wouldn't hesitate to offer him FMV.  Both he and Sanders are a bit undersized as modern WR's go, but Sanders is more of an undersized outside #2 receiver.  Edelman is a pure slot, where being undersized is much more common if not the norm.

 

Because when Gerhart touched the ball, he was pretty consistent in doing good things. When Edelman touched the ball, he was inconsistent -- until last year. Anyway, the point is moot anyway. I think the Browns are going to get Hawkins as their slot with Benjamin as his backup/returner. They are going to go after both Hawkins and Edelman.

 

BTW, a guy from BarkingHard who tends to have reliable (insider) info says the following.....

 

- Moats is considered imminent, a lock.

- Browns will get Hawkins almost for sure. They clearly were shopping for a slot and clearly wanted him even more than Edelman. Good for them. Trust your scouting.

- Whitner is pimping Ginn but he's also pimping CB Tarell Brown, another good get. Browns need to make a move and putting a pair of teammates together isn't a bad idea. Especially since they were teammates on an excellent defense.

- Dray had his best year last year and would be seen as a slight upgrade over Barnidge as a second TE.

- Browns are considered the frontrunner for Ben Tate still.

Because when Gerhart touched the ball, he was pretty consistent in doing good things. When Edelman touched the ball, he was inconsistent -- until last year.

 

Idk about that.  Gerhart has never really consistently been given the ball to prove any consistency.  And to me, his stats are kind of all over the place, with some game averaging over 10yds per rush and other games closer to 2yds per rush.  Don't get me wrong.... I like Gerhart as a player.  I just don't see how you can have such confidence in him and not in someone who did get that full time starter opportunity and made the most of it.  I certainly can't agree with your conclusions as to their consistency.

 

BTW, I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign both Hawkins and Edelman.  I can't see them wanting Edelman that bad one hour while the ink was still drying on the offer sheet signed by Hawkins and then abandoning those plans once they think the Bengals won't match.

Question: will the Browns O-line be able to consistently run block?

Question: will the Browns O-line be able to consistently run block?

No, as usual.

 

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if the Browns took an OT and OG at 4 & 26.  Maybe move Schwartz to G and see if we can get anything out of him.

Schwartz actually graded out pretty high after the first seven games of the year. Basically, once they got rid of Cousins. He was only contributed with one QB pressure and zero sacks the last nine games of the year. He was also the highest rated OL the last half of the season.

Question: will the Browns O-line be able to consistently run block?

 

Which Browns O-line? The one that exists now or the one the Browns will have when they break camp?

Has the Shanahan zone blocking scheme ever failed to produce a quality running game?

 

The concern with Schwartz is that he might not be mobile enough to play at a high level in this system at OT.  Maybe OG.  JT and Mack are ideally suited for it.  That's why I think they value Mack highly enough to be willing to pay him $10mill+ for one year.  It's also why I wouldn't be floored if they took Greg Robinson (OT-Auburn) and his 4.92 40yd dash at #4

Schwartz actually graded out pretty high after the first seven games of the year. Basically, once they got rid of Cousins. He was only contributed with one QB pressure and zero sacks the last nine games of the year. He was also the highest rated OL the last half of the season.

Schwartz was beat like a drum by every athletic DE he faced until a TE or FB was used to chip, while Thomas was never given any help and always faced the D's best pass rusher.  But the biggest problem was the G's, they were basically T's disguised as G's.  They are the main reason why we could never execute (too slow) a screen and why RB's were met in the backfield (no push) on short-yardage plays.

Someone wants to be a Brown. Sammy Watkins posted an Instagram of himself in a Browns uniform. That's interesting.

 

 

EDIT: see http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/03/sammy_watkins_posts_photo_of_h.html

If we draft  Watkins who would we draft as oyr QB? AJ McCarron?  I don't want Carr I feel as if he would be a carbon copy of his "star" family member

 

All but three our four of the QBs (Bridgewater, Manziel, Bortles and maybe Carr) will probably still be there when we draft again at #26. The other thought is that this draft is so deep at WR and OL is that the Browns grab their QB at #4 and then select the best WR at #26, then start picking up OL and players that add depth at other positions. This draft is deep enough that picks as late as the fourth round could be starters. And the Browns have two picks in each of the first four rounds except the 2nd round.

Every time I see the name 'Blake Bortles' I hear Will Ferrell imitating Harry Caray.

 

"Haaay, look. Cooming on to the field, it's Bhlake Bhoooortless!"

@BenTateRB: pic.twitter.com/B7dz5RYiNy

 

An earlier tweet from someone said the deal's framework is 4 years, $17 million. The only issues are how much is guaranteed and will he pass a physical.

 

And.....

 

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2m

Ben Tate is still in Cleveland, as @BenTateRB’s pic shows, and source says both sides are attempting to hammer out a deal. #Browns

I think that's a pretty good deal especially for an RB that is 25 and has so much potential. He has toughness as well from him playing with a rib injury. I like it.

Word is Ben Tate passed his physical and will be a Brown. If he stays healthy, he will really open up this offense. Imagine defenses actually having to respect the Browns running game (and don't forget Dion Lewis either), and then popping Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron, Andrew Hawkins, an a WR from this deep draft on them.

 

Speaking of the draft, here's a hot rumor: the Browns want Watkins AND a top 10 QB and will package the 26, 35, and next year's #1 to get into the top 10.

Word is Ben Tate passed his physical and will be a Brown. If he stays healthy, he will really open up this offense. Imagine defenses actually having to respect the Browns running game (and don't forget Dion Lewis either), and then popping Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron, Andrew Hawkins, an a WR from this deep draft on them.

 

Speaking of the draft, here's a hot rumor: the Browns want Watkins AND a top 10 QB and will package the 26, 35, and next year's #1 to get into the top 10.

Where did you hear that rumor?

Speaking of the draft, here's a hot rumor: the Browns want Watkins AND a top 10 QB and will package the 26, 35, and next year's #1 to get into the top 10.

 

That would be the first indication that the new FO knows about as much as the past 6-7 FO's.  The Browns don't need more ticket & jersey sellers or draft day championships, they need an OT that can pass block and two OG's that can run block before they use more high draft picks on WR & QB.

 

I'm holding out hope for Robinson or Matthews at #4 then either an OG, CB, or ILB at #26.

Where did you hear that rumor?

 

From the same guy who told me D'Qwell was going to be cut and that Ben Tate passed his physical -- both about a half-hour before they were announced publicly. He's a good source.

 

BTW, Tate's contract is a two-year deal. All done. This will greatly free up the Browns to have fun with this draft.

 

I'm holding out hope for Robinson or Matthews at #4 then either an OG, CB, or ILB at #26.

 

The Browns may trade for a corner. Rubin is a possible move.

 

And they want a top WR and a top QB in the first round (possibly in the top 10). The rest of the draft will give them depth. BTW, for us Browns fans, "depth" is a word used to describe having more than one quality player at a given position. I realize this is an unfamiliar term to us, so it probably warrants explanation....

More......

 

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet  6m

Text from a #Browns player on the signing of @BenTateRB: "Hell yeah!!!!!" .... Think that sums it up.

 

 

The deal is two years at $7 million. And here's the word from Ben Tate himself, shot from Ritz Carlton....

https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/8E3DC17D691056692702177390592_152ee30ac41.4.8.6436396256269626682.mp4?versionId=OgxL8wV3L6.J7jfs4TsY4A7ZbnzTgHgc

Where did you hear that rumor?

 

From the same guy who told me D'Qwell was going to be cut and that Ben Tate passed his physical -- both about a half-hour before they were announced publicly. He's a good source.

 

BTW, Tate's contract is a two-year deal. All done. This will greatly free up the Browns to have fun with this draft.

 

I'm holding out hope for Robinson or Matthews at #4 then either an OG, CB, or ILB at #26.

 

The Browns may trade for a corner. Rubin is a possible move.

 

And they want a top WR and a top QB in the first round (possibly in the top 10). The rest of the draft will give them depth. BTW, for us Browns fans, "depth" is a word used to describe having more than one quality player at a given position. I realize this is an unfamiliar term to us, so it probably warrants explanation....

Shows how much the PD knows, they reported a 4 year deal for $17 million.

Shows how much the PD knows, they reported a 4 year deal for $17 million.

 

I think that was the early numbers. I posted that same number here yesterday. But sounds like Tate didn't want to be locked into a longer-term deal now that he's out from under Arian Foster's shadow. He'll get more carries now, and his expectation is that he's going to post some big numbers. If so, he can hit a big payday in two years rather than in four. The Browns also aren't sure if he can stay healthy, so this contract is incentive-laden.

 

EDIT:

 

Ben Tate ‏@BenTateRB  10m

Making it 100% official! pic.twitter.com/kvubtY1Udo

That was fast!

He's all over Twitter, whooping it up with fans. He's real excited to be here. Maybe as much as Donte Whitner who's from here!

The Browns are looking for a #2 corner to play opposite of Joe Haden and have invited FA Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to come to town and meet with Farmer, Pettine and possibly others. DRC is in NYC after meeting with the Jets (without reaching a deal) and was meeting on Sunday with the Giants who just signed Seahawks CB Walter Thurmond to one-year, $3.5 million deal. It is possible that DRC will come to Cleveland on Monday or Tuesday. I'm sure DRC's agent will encourage this, as the Browns can outbid the Giants. But I hope the Browns don't break the bank for DRC. He's a good player. Not a great player.

 

The Browns are also seriously looking at either RT Eric Winston (now at Cardinals) or G/C Rich Ohrnberger (Chargers), C Brian De La Puente (Saints), G Wade Smith (Houston). They want some OL help in case Mack walks and/or to help bolster the right side of the line -- especially with players familiar with zone-blocking schemes that are the hallmark of Shanahan's offense. These players would also help tutor a likely crop of young OL drafted in May.

^KJP has become my source for Browns rumors.

 

Well this certainly a more active free-agency period than last year. One of my boys asked if the Browns will be better this year, and my intial reply was,"The Browns always look like they get better in free agency". Then I paused and thought about it and told him," well except for last year."

Thanks. But unfortunately DRC today signed a 5-year, $39 million contract with the Giants. His cousin is still available but I don't think Antonio Cromartie is a big upgrade over Gipson. I think the Browns are instead going to draft a CB in either the third or fourth round.

Antonio Cromartie is afraid to tackle people.

So now WR Andrew Hawkins is a Cleveland Brown. This guy is a burner but didn't get many touches in a deep WR roster in Cincy. He also was often hurt, which is a concern. But watch his highlights on YouTube. He runs 4.37 with moves -- Eric Metcalf moves. He's an interesting weapon like Dion Lewis who is like an addition, too, along with Hawkins and Tate. It's a virtual certainty the Browns will draft a WR in the first and/or second rounds who will vie for the #2 WR position. And a QB will probably also be drafted either in the first or second round.

 

Also, Bills DT Alex Carrington will meet with the #Browns. Pettine expected great things from him last year but Carrington got hurt. If the Browns sign him, expect the Browns to trade Rubin either for a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick or possibly a starting corner. If they get a draft pick, this may bolster the Browns desire to trade some picks this year and/or next to get two picks in the top-10 of the first round.

 

Browns may also sign FA LB Arthur Moats from the Bills who can play inside as well as outside (his current position). Browns may also pickup a backup OL.

 

Looks like we're getting Alex Mack back, at least for one year. No takers so far in his FA tour of the NFL. I have to wonder if his A-hole agent has turned off other teams.

I was watching the NFL network while I was doing my baseball draft last night, and while I could not hear their rationale, they had the Browns taking Greg Robinson at the 4 spot.  I think they had Watkins going before that.

 

Originally, I wanted Matthews or Robinson there.  Now I am leaning towards Watkins, with a guard or two in free agency and/or the rest of the draft.  As has been mentioned, Schwartz did fine when he didn't have to worry about tripping over Cousins's roller skates. 

 

Having Watkins lets he or Hawkins play the slot and saves wear and tear.  Add in Cameron, and a quick release type QB like Hoyer takes a lot of pressure off JT and the rest of the line, plus opens some holes for Tate and especially for Dion Lewis out of the backfield. 

 

There's some potential here.

There's a lot of confidence in Brian Hoyer. I think he'll be passable, but the approach of building the entire team around him seems to be born of necessity and a best-player-available mindset. I think one of the top three QB prospects might be an upgrade on Hoyer, but maybe not immediately, and there's clearly a win-now mentality trickling down from Haslam. If it works, he'll be a genius, and Brian Hoyer might be the new Bernie Kosar, another QB with good ability, but not superstar ability, who proved a well-rounded team could win if they play smart.

 

I'd draft Watkins or Clowney.

 

 

 

 

I love Brian Hoyer's heart and dedication..... but, if I was forced to bet, my money would be on him being more Charlie Frye/Kelly Holcombe than Bernie Kosar.

Draft Bortles at #4 and let him sit for a year. We'll see what Hoyer can do. If Hoyer isn't the guy, both he and the Browns will know it. He could slide into the QB mentor role on his hometown team.

Josh Gordon's new back tatoo can be seen here http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/josh-gordon-s-back-tattoo-is-a-work-of-art--in-some-sense-115307970.html

 

As usual, with Yeehaw (errr.... I mean Yahoo) articles, DO NOT read the comments sections unless you truly want to know how regressive, backwoodsy this Country truly is....

Browns sent only a scout, not coaches or front office staff as some other teams did, to the workouts of Teddy Bridgewater or Blake Bortles. What does that mean? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. If the Browns send a bunch of coaches/staff to Manziel's workout, then that would be interesting. But a rumor out of Berea is that Pettine adores Khalil Mack.

It really seems that this new regime is all about game film, not workouts, interviews, etc.  But I think the biggest inference to be made by their absense is confirmation of the rumor that Carr is really their guy at QB.  They seem to have written off the others.

 

As for Mack, who wouldn't love that guy?  Here's me gushing about him back in August after he dominated OSU and note that I predicted he would be a top 5 pick at that point.....

 

Buffalo avoided it being a laugher only because they had the best player on the field yesterday:  Khalil Mack.  I had seen the first round projections, so I had made it a point to try and pay attention to what he did.  As it turns out, I didn't have to pay any special attention...... it is impossible to not notice that guy play.  He was all over the field with TFLs, sacks, returning an INT for a TD, and was even the one that sacked Miller way back on the goal-line when that penalty was called that KJP referenced.  I know the announcers harped on it, but I have to re-emphasize that Mack (6-4 250) could not be caught by either Dontre Wilson or Braxton Miller on his way to the TD.  Those are two of our fastest, if not THE fastest, players on our team.  I honestly think that I haven't been as impressed with a college level OLB since Lavar Arrington played at PSU.  It looks like the MAC is going to have two straight years of a top 5 pick in the draft

Oh I love Mack. I think he would be a good choice. There really isn't a bad one among the highest ranked players in this draft. Any of them would be good for the Browns unless it ignored a more critical need. Those are QB, WR, OL, ILB and CB.

 

BTW, I thought this was interesting....

 

"NateUlrichABJ: For record keeping, #Browns sent Ray Farmer-scout combo to Teddy Bridgewater & Blake Bortles' pro days instead of HC MIke Pettine& assistants"

 

EDIT: "@twithersAP: #Browns had visits today with free agent OL Paul McQuistan and DL Alex Carrington."

 

EDIT2: "@TonyPauline: I'm told 3/4's through Blake Bortles workout Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien let it be known "I've seen all I need to see".."

No sense fretting over approach to QBs

March, 21, 2014

MAR 21 2:00 PM ET

By Pat McManamon | ESPN.com

 

The Cleveland Browns have created a little bit of national buzz with the way they’ve approached the quarterbacks in this year’s draft.

 

Instead of having the top brass attend the pro days of Teddy Bridgewater and Blake Bortles to watch them throw, the team had its scouts do the work. Reportedly GM Ray Farmer attended but did not not watch either throw. Coach Mike Pettine, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and quarterback coach Dowell Loggains have not attended any of the quarterback pro days. (It will be interesting to see what happens with Johnny Manziel on March 27.)

 

Ah, theres’ more. At the combine, the Browns reportedly did not spend any of their 15-minute interviews with the quarterbacks.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/78405/no-sense-fretting-over-approach-to-qbs

 

____________________________

 

 

EDIT: More QB analysis....

 

http://www.barkinghard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112851

 

Interesting data and analysis here. Bortles and Manziel show up very well. But the Browns continue to rate Carr very highly at #4 for reasons I cannot fully understand. I don't have a problem with him at #26 or #35. Not at #4.

Paul McQuistan to join Cleveland Browns

http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/5118/paul-mcquistan-to-join-cleveland-browns

http://www.nfl.com/player/paulmcquistan/2495907/profile

 

This gives us some flexibility on the line and in the draft. And McQuistan may be the starting RG. However, it also gives the ability to try sliding Schwartz in at Guard, and put McQuistain out at RT. A very, very nice signing.

 

Also, this is interesting.....

 

POSTED MARCH 24, 2014

Report: QB Terrelle Pryor requests release after Oakland Raiders’ trade for Matt Schaub

http://nfl.si.com/2014/03/24/terrell...kland-raiders/

Paul McQuistan to join Cleveland Browns

http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/5118/paul-mcquistan-to-join-cleveland-browns

http://www.nfl.com/player/paulmcquistan/2495907/profile

 

This gives us some flexibility on the line and in the draft. And McQuistan may be the starting RG. However, it also gives the ability to try sliding Schwartz in at Guard, and put McQuistain out at RT. A very, very nice signing.

 

Also, this is interesting.....

 

POSTED MARCH 24, 2014

Report: QB Terrelle Pryor requests release after Oakland Raiders’ trade for Matt Schaub

http://nfl.si.com/2014/03/24/terrell...kland-raiders/

 

Considering he started at two different positions for the Super Bowl champs, it's a very good signing.

 

I like the idea of bringing Pryor in, provided we don't give up much for him.  I'm not sure how important in the larger scheme of things the "battle" for fan support in C-bus is.....but drafting Hyde and bringing in Pryor and Whitner can't hurt there.

^^^Except I think most people in Columbus are not very fond of Pryor after the whole tattoo's for autographs issue got Tressel fired (even for people who really like Urban Meyer).

I agree PQ's versatility is a plus..... but I thought I heard/read that he graded out much better at G and that is clearly his better position.  Schwartz on the other hand played much better at T when he didn't have Cousins lining up next to him

I agree PQ's versatility is a plus..... but I thought I heard/read that he graded out much better at G and that is clearly his better position.  Schwartz on the other hand played much better at T when he didn't have Cousins lining up next to him

 

I would think a lot of OL would play better without Cousins playing next to them! :) He was awful, and probably contributed to Schwartz's decline in his second year. I thought Schwartz actually had a decent rookie year.

^^^Except I think most people in Columbus are not very fond of Pryor after the whole tattoo's for autographs issue got Tressel fired (even for people who really like Urban Meyer).

 

Hells yeah!!!  "Not very fond" is putting it nicely.  Plus, the guy sux as an NFL QB.  Haven't Browns fans been through enough QB misery?