Ewok actually can have good convos without all of the BS.

Yeah its guys like Rock, Non, Auto, and Capone that give the Pittsburgh fans on here a bad rep.

royal_k;782917 wrote:Ewok actually can have good convos without all of the BS.

Heretic is like that too when he's not blinded in a ganja induced state.

I like this...

Question No. 4: Will the Browns be aggressive in free agency?


EdwardsAnswer: Yes. The Browns have deep pockets and a lot of needs, which is usually a formula for teams to make significant moves in free agency. The Browns will have plenty of cap space -- if there is a cap -- so look for them to land at least one or two key additions. We mentioned two potential targets recently in defensive end Ray Edwards and safety Donte Whitner. Cleveland won't be able to compete with Pittsburgh and Baltimore until it closes the talent gap, so the Browns need impact players. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Browns is competing with other aggressive teams and convincing free agents why they should join a rebuilding team this season.

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b9Gkw

I would love to have both Edwards and Whitner. But I still think we need to look at bringing a LB or LBs as well.

I'm just happy they think the Browns will be aggressive in FA.

Yeah, I am too.

BR1986FB;782926 wrote:Heretic is like that too when he's not blinded in a ganja induced state.

So, what you're saying is I'm NEVER able to have good convos!?!?

Heretic;783535 wrote:So, what you're saying is I'm NEVER able to have good convos!?!?

LOL

This guy is on the same page as Grossi . . .

http://draftcountdown.com/Reviews/teams/Cleveland-Browns.php

May 31, 2011
Cleveland Browns 2011 NFL Draft Review
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott Wright
President, Draft Countdown

Despite a disappointing 5-11 record, the Browns did actually show signs of improvement in 2010 under new Team President Mike Holmgren. Even so, the organization underwent a major overhaul this offseason. Pat Shurmur replaced Eric Mangini as head coach and, perhaps more significantly, Dick Jauron was brought in to serve as defensive coordinator and transition the team from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3. The Browns performance in the 2011 NFL Draft would go a long way toward determining whether the franchise would continue to move forward to take another step back.

Anytime a team makes the move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 it’s a monumental undertaking. The situation in Cleveland is no exception and they simply didn’t have the personnel to make the change successfully, especially up front. That was why it came as no surprise when the Browns used their first couple of picks on defensive linemen. Still, their first choice was somewhat controversial and a bit of a head-scratcher. For the second time in the last three years the Browns traded out of the Top 6, where they were positioned to land a blue-chip cornerstone, opting instead for quantity over quality. Hopefully it will work out better this time around because in 2009 they made a similar maneuver it cost them a franchise quarterback (Mark Sanchez). In exchange for flip-flopping first round picks with Atlanta the Browns received second and fourth round picks in this draft as well as the Falcon’s first and fourth rounders next year. On the face that seems like quite a package, but you have to keep in mind those picks came / will come late in each round. Also, the Browns dropped down a mind-boggling 21 spots, which is almost unprecedented. Not only are teams usually unwilling to pay the price to make such a monumental move up the draft board, but teams usually don’t want to drop down that far either. Only time will tell if this was a smart move, but in reality the Browns haul in this deal wasn’t the king’s ransom that some have made it out to be. In fact, they got even less for the move than advertised because later in round one they gave up a third rounder to move up for Baylor DT Phil Taylor. This was another odd move because Taylor doesn’t appear to be the type of player they were in need of. In many ways Taylor, who profiled as a prototypical nose tackle in an odd front, is a very similar to the one solid defensive lineman that Cleveland already had on their roster. Taylor began his college career at Penn St. before being dismissed due to off-the-field issues. After underachieving as a junior, Taylor enjoyed a breakout senior campaign and shot up draft boards. A mammoth physical specimen with a rare blend of size and athleticism, Taylor excels at occupying blockers and stuffing the run. Unfortunately that is exactly what the underrated Ahtyba Rubin does. So basically the Browns are going to have a stone wall in the middle to stuff the run but will generate little or no pressure / pass rush. It’s an interesting experiment, but are the Browns really in position to be going out on a limb? Ultimately Cleveland did not get enough value for making such a drastic move down, then forfeited a premium draft pick to move back up for a one-year wonder with character concerns who is a questionable fit in their scheme. All in all, Cleveland did not manage their resources very well in round one. After beefing up the interior of the d-line with their first pick the Browns turned their attention outside in round two and chose Pittsburgh DE Jabaal Sheard. For most of his college career Sheard was overshadowed by teammate Greg Romeus, who was considered to be the superior pro prospect. However, Romeus missed most of the 2010 season with injuries and Sheard stepped up in his absence, taking home Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors. Sheard doesn’t have elite size or speed, although both are adequate, but he is technically sound and aggressive with a non-stop motor. Considering the stunning lack of quality and depth at defensive end, Sheard will be inserted into the starting lineup immediately.

With a couple of defensive linemen now in the fold, the Browns devoted their next three selections to the offensive side of the ball. First up was North Carolina WR Greg Little, who was considered to be the top senior wideout in the country and a potential first round pick at one point but didn’t play at all this past season due to a suspension for taking extra benefits from an agent. Little is an outstanding natural athlete with excellent height and bulk and big hands who should be a perfect fit in Cleveland’s West Coast system due to his ability to pick up yards after the catch. With that said, Little is raw after bouncing back and forth between running back and wide receiver early in his college career and must worked on mastering the nuances of the position. The Browns passing game is in desperate need of playmakers so Little will have an opportunity to compete for serious playing time right away and could even win a starting job. Cleveland had two choices in round four and they used the first on USC TE Jordan Cameron. A well-traveled prospect, Cameron began his career as a basketball player at B.Y.U. before transferring to a junior college then eventually Southern Cal. A classic workout warrior, Cameron only caught 16 balls for 126 yards and 1 touchdown during his three seasons with the Trojans and all of that output came as a senior. Despite that minimal production Cameron saw his draft stock soar after posting some extremely impressive numbers at the Scouting Combine. The Browns certainly needed an upgrade at tight (really?) end so it’s hard to knock them for taking a chance on Cameron’s obvious upside. If Cameron maximizes his immense potential he will provide Cleveland’s anemic passing attack with yet another weapon. The Browns used their next pick on Stanford FB Owen Marecic, making him the first player off the board at his position. A tough, hard-nosed throwback who actually played both offense and defense for the Cardinal as a senior, Marecic is a one-dimensional lead blocker who will help pave the way for Peyton Hillis.

With their next pick in round five the Browns opted for some secondary help when they selected Chattanooga CB Buster Skrine. Not only was Skrine one of the top small school prospects in this class, he was also one of the fastest regardless of level of competition. Skrine’s tape wasn’t always as impressive as his workout numbers but he is an intriguing developmental project who will most likely compete for the dime job as a rookie. Later in round five the Browns brought in some reinforcements for their offensive line when they chose Pittsburgh’s Jason Pinkston. A bit of a ‘tweener, Pinkston played left tackle in college but will most likely move to the right side or perhaps even inside to guard at the next level. At one point it appeared as though Pinkston would come off the board in the top three rounds so he represented solid value that late. Don’t be surprised if Pinkston eventually wins a starting job at either right tackle or right guard. Cleveland used their final pick in round seven on Nebraska S Eric Hagg. An in-the-box type with good size but below average speed, Hagg will attempt to make the roster as a backup but his main contributions will likely come on special teams.

Many pundits are lauding Cleveland’s performance in this draft, but I have some reservations. Instead of standing pat and adding a potential impact player at a position of need such as Julio Jones, Robert Quinn or Nick Fairley, the Browns opted to move down for a bunch of picks so they could plug as many holes as possible. Whether or not that was a prudent decision is up for debate, but personally I would have preferred to see them land one true stud to build around rather than a handful of average starters and reserves. It’s not that they didn’t do a solid job with this class, but I would've taken a different approach. Cleveland did address a number of needs though, especially early on, and with two first round picks they are also well-positioned to bring in a nice haul in the 2012 NFL Draft.

GRADE: B-

Love the Cleveland backdrop

The longer this lockout lasts, the dumber I think the new coaching move was. I still think the front office should have given Womangini one more year, especially with a lockout looming. Now, the Browns' season is inching closer to becoming a complete wash.

Browns want to add a safety...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/31/browns-want-to-pick-up-a-starting-safety/

I believe this stems from a recent interview with Jauron. the actual comment was pick up a safety, the writer of the article added in "starting". SMH at the state of journalism in sports.

Interesting...

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/28122/lt-joe-thomas-saves-the-afc-north

LMAO at long being ranked higher

Just a retweet i saw:

BradyMoore24 Brady Moore
by ithinkurwright
@ithinkurwright I see you out there working hard my dude. Even by your self you show up. that's why you're one of the best. #hardworkswag

Vickers bewildered by the selection of Marecic...

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/06/fullback_lawrence_vickers_bewi.html

BR1986FB;790638 wrote:Vickers bewildered by the selection of Marecic...

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/06/fullback_lawrence_vickers_bewi.html

I hope they resign him

ohiobucks1;790653 wrote:I hope they resign him

I agree. I realize the WCO doesn't feature 2 back sets often. But like he said, there will be a time when you have to run the ball.

BR1986FB;790638 wrote:Vickers bewildered by the selection of Marecic...

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/06/fullback_lawrence_vickers_bewi.html

I'd hope he could get a handle on it...but then again, he'd be just as likely to drop it.

Here's the catch, Cleveland Browns have big tight ends that can: Terry Pluto's Talkin

Published: Saturday, June 04, 2011, 6:59 PM
Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer


ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

1. Whenever the Browns finally install their new West Coast offense, the emphasis will be on catching the ball. Dropped passes are "death to this offense," a team operative said. Obviously, players drop passes, but the Browns put "good hands" high on their priority list.

2. That includes tight end, where Ben Watson led the team with 68 catches last season. He was a free agent imported by General Manager Tom Heckert and former coach Eric Mangini. He is an excellent fit in this offense, but don't be surprised if the Browns sometimes use two tight ends -- and not just for blocking but as pass targets.

3. Obviously, the Browns' scouts liked USC tight end Jordan Cameron and though he caught only 16 passes, they were intrigued by his pass-catching ability. The Browns believe the low number of receptions is because he was not featured in the Trojans' offense, but the former Brigham Young basketball player has the athleticism and size (6-5, 260 pounds) to become an impact receiver.

4. The new coaches also really like Evan Moore, who had only 16 catches last season -- but led the team with 20.1 yards per catch. Because of knee problems, Moore has trouble staying healthy. The idea is to have Watson and another tight end who can catch the ball available for every game. The 6-6 Moore (another former NCAA Division I basketball player) and Cameron are two big targets, something the Browns want in this offense.


5. The Browns believe they have a superb tight ends coach in Steve Hagen. Mangini hired Hagen in 2009 and new coach Pat Shurmur retained him. The Browns believe Hagen can help Cameron and Moore with their blocking and route running. Both are gifted physical athletes who simply need more experience (and good health, when it comes to Moore) to be effective in this offense.

6. Hagen also played a key role when it came to the decision to draft Greg Little. After Heckert and his staff zeroed in on the wide receiver from North Carolina as a good prospect for the second round, they spent a lot of time checking Little's character. He was suspended for the entire season in 2010 for accepting benefits from an agent. Hagen was on the staff of North Carolina coach Butch Davis in 2008-09 when Little was there. He gave Little a strong endorsement as a person and player.

7. Another member of the Browns' front office with Tar Heels roots is security director Lew Merletti, whose son Matt was a defensive back for North Carolina. So the Browns were able to do what they believe was a complete background check on Little.

8. The Browns were blown away when they watched Little's tapes, and then his workouts. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, he is bruising runner after the catch -- you can see why he was a big-time high school tailback. As a senior, he rushed for 800 yards and 14 touchdowns; played receiver and caught 55 passes for nine touchdowns; and had four interceptions on defense.

9. He's viewed as a guy who could be a success on offense or defense, that type of elite athlete. He was a running back his first two years at North Carolina, and didn't become a full-time receiver until 2009 -- catching 62 passes. He still carried the ball 29 times for a 5.7 yard average.

10. The Browns view Little as a first-round talent available in the second round only because of the suspension. They believe the pure athleticism, his size and speed aren't diminished by missing his senior season on the field. He still needs to learn the nuances of the position, but they believe Little can become an impact player at some point.

11. They also think Little's size and speed will help current receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie, as Little will attract more defensive attention. One of the concepts of the offense is to attack the defense with big guys who can catch the ball. That explains the attention to tight ends along with drafting Little. And don't forget Peyton Hillis, who is an excellent receiver coming out of the backfield.

12. Yes, the Browns will run the West Coast offense which involves a lot of passing, but in the two years Shurmur called plays in St. Louis, running back Steven Jackson was busy. He had 1,416 yards on 324 carries in 2009, 1,241 on 330 carries in 2010. The Browns intend to have a 1,000 yard rusher. Hillis had 1,177 in 270 carries last season.

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/06/heres_the_catch_cleveland_brow.html

Evan Moore is not a TE, he is not a WR either. Kinda a tweener with height and hands, but not much speed or bulk.

No issue with Roth leaving. He was a disappointment last year, IMO...

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/06/browns_linebacker_matt_roth_ta.html

It sounds like even if the FO wanted to keep him, he doesn't want to play in the 4-3. That sucks, because we really need DL and he does have talent.