2015 Browns Offseason Thread

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Lovejoy1984's avatar

Lovejoy1984

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May 3, 2015 5:34 PM
Commander of Awesome;1726452 wrote:Can you post the article, or part about the Browns? Not an insider.
Sure thing.


[h=2]Cleveland Browns: B[/h]Top needs: QB, WR, OL, DT
Last year, Browns fans waited and hoped for the team to take a wide receiver, but Cleveland never found one it liked enough at each pick slot. This year, we saw more of the same. The Browns made a predictable and smart pick with Danny Shelton at No. 12, and I think he helps them shore up a leaky run defense immediately. The really curious selection was Cameron Erving at No. 19. Although I agree with some that he's among the best O-lineman in the draft -- and easily the best center -- he might end up at guard right away. The pick did make me think the Browns remember how much the run game fell apart when Alex Mack got hurt last year, and they aren't about to let that happen again. Still, a surprising pick. I liked the addition of the productive Nate Orchard. They no longer have Jabaal Sheard around, and Orchard gives them some juice off the edge as they wait for Barkevious Mingo to put it all together.Duke Johnson was a nice get in Round 3 as arguably the best pass-catching RB in the draft. If he's healthy, he's a stud. Xavier Cooper provides immediate depth on the defensive interior, and he's sneaky disruptive because of great quickness for his size. Vince Mayle had a ton of production in the WSU offense, but the speed is a major issue, and the hands can be inconsistent. I liked the additions of both Ibraheim Campbell (they need safety depth) and Charles Gaines. Hayes Pullard has a lot better tape than you'd expect for a guy taken so late. He'll see the field if healthy. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu could be a steal because he's essentially a redshirt and could really help the Browns in 2016. If there's a big question for me, it's whether they added enough help in the passing game. The QB situation is obviously a mystery -- I liked the idea of adding Bryce Petty in Round 3 here -- and based on what I can see, the Browns think the best use of the QBs they have right now is to keep them handing off.
May 3, 2015 5:34pm
like_that's avatar

like_that

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May 3, 2015 8:45 PM
Every other "expert" has been very high on the Browns draft.
May 3, 2015 8:45pm
B

BR1986FB

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24,104 posts
May 4, 2015 7:46 AM
Ytowngirlinfla;1726462 wrote:Lowest he gave in the division.
And I don't know why people hold Kiper's opinion with such regard. his claim to fame has been being a draft "analyst." To my knowledge, he has no experience as an actual NFL GM/talent evaluator. He used to be the "source" for a lot of these teams but his better days have passed him by. I'm not saying the Browns draft was anything close to an A+ but I'd take Kiper's opinion with a grain of salt.
May 4, 2015 7:46am
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HitsRus

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May 4, 2015 8:00 AM
Most criticism seems to revolve around taking Erving too early....some say we could have traded down and got him. That may be true, but I like the pick.. Definitely need a backup to Mack.
May 4, 2015 8:00am
S

Sonofanump

May 4, 2015 8:14 AM
BR1986FB;1726488 wrote:And I don't know why people hold Kiper's opinion with such regard. his claim to fame has been being a draft "analyst." To my knowledge, he has no experience as an actual NFL GM/talent evaluator. He used to be the "source" for a lot of these teams but his better days have passed him by. I'm not saying the Browns draft was anything close to an A+ but I'd take Kiper's opinion with a grain of salt.
Who the hell is Mel Kiper? My neighbor has just as much credibility and he's a postman
May 4, 2015 8:14am
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BR1986FB

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24,104 posts
May 4, 2015 8:39 AM
HitsRus;1726489 wrote:Most criticism seems to revolve around taking Erving too early....some say we could have traded down and got him. That may be true, but I like the pick.. Definitely need a backup to Mack.
I'm fine with the pick but, in hindsight, I'd have preferred they grab Dupree there (kills two birds, one-get a stud edge rusher and two-Steelers don't get him) and then traded up with their 2nd to get Erving if they loved him that much. But again, hindsight.
May 4, 2015 8:39am
Crimson streak's avatar

Crimson streak

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9,002 posts
May 4, 2015 2:14 PM
I just realized how loaded next years draft class is for qb's, goff, keil, hackenburg, cook, jones. All could be first rounders


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May 4, 2015 2:14pm
Azubuike24's avatar

Azubuike24

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May 4, 2015 2:21 PM
QB's are always overhyped because they are the "known" guys. Last year people gushed about Winston, Mariota, Hundley and Petty. Hundley was projected top 5 at one point and Petty was mid-1st. Both dropped like a rock when people realize that only half the teams in the draft will even look at wasting a pick on a QB, and many of them are fine with that QB being a 2nd day guy, at the earliest.
May 4, 2015 2:21pm
Crimson streak's avatar

Crimson streak

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May 4, 2015 3:06 PM
Azubuike24;1726545 wrote:QB's are always overhyped because they are the "known" guys. Last year people gushed about Winston, Mariota, Hundley and Petty. Hundley was projected top 5 at one point and Petty was mid-1st. Both dropped like a rock when people realize that only half the teams in the draft will even look at wasting a pick on a QB, and many of them are fine with that QB being a 2nd day guy, at the earliest.
I agree but most of those guys mentioned all have NFL type arms and can make all the throws. So it will be interesting to see where they all fall to next year


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May 4, 2015 3:06pm
Pick6's avatar

Pick6

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May 5, 2015 10:21 AM
May 5, 2015 10:21am
Mulva's avatar

Mulva

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May 5, 2015 12:44 PM
28th in post draft power rankings on ESPN and cbssports.
May 5, 2015 12:44pm
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Benny The Jet

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May 5, 2015 12:59 PM
Crimson streak;1726543 wrote:I just realized how loaded next years draft class is for qb's, goff, keil, hackenburg, cook, jones. All could be first rounders


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There's a lot of time between now and next draft, but there's NO WAY I'd have Hackenburg in 1st rd. When he was a Sr in HS he was awesome and a huge get for Penn State. But, he hasn't improved much, if at all. Big time arm, that is very inaccurate.
May 5, 2015 12:59pm
sleeper's avatar

sleeper

Legend

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May 5, 2015 12:59 PM
Browns will win 4 games max next year. Book it.
May 5, 2015 12:59pm
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thavoice

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14,376 posts
May 5, 2015 1:07 PM
Mulva;1726779 wrote:28th in post draft power rankings on ESPN and cbssports.
I dont think the browns made bad picks so I was surprised they were rated that low. There werent any really WTF are you picking that guy?
I think mostly it had to do with not addressing two of the biggest needs in QB and WR. I think they were right in not getting a QB. The only two I would have been confident in drafting to attempt to be the starter for 10 years were JM and MM, and I doubt they really had a chance to move and get them...and if they could have the price probably way too high to go for those two.

They say Erving is the heir apparent to Mack at center in a couple of years. Suppose he could compete for another spot this next season. That sort of pick isnt bad per se, but usually reserved as a luxury when you have more pressing needs like WR.
May 5, 2015 1:07pm
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BR1986FB

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24,104 posts
May 5, 2015 1:18 PM
thavoice;1726782 wrote:I dont think the browns made bad picks so I was surprised they were rated that low. There werent any really WTF are you picking that guy?
I think mostly it had to do with not addressing two of the biggest needs in QB and WR. I think they were right in not getting a QB. The only two I would have been confident in drafting to attempt to be the starter for 10 years were JM and MM, and I doubt they really had a chance to move and get them...and if they could have the price probably way too high to go for those two.

They say Erving is the heir apparent to Mack at center in a couple of years. Suppose he could compete for another spot this next season. That sort of pick isnt bad per se, but usually reserved as a luxury when you have more pressing needs like WR.
The Erving pick, to many of these "analysts", was a head scratcher. He won't "compete" for a spot. He WILL be starting at either RG or RT.

Listening to Pettine on my drive home, the biggest value "gem" that they may have gotten was the CB from Oregon in the 7th round. He was a 1st round talent before his injury. According to Pettine, the organization's belief was that a) they'd rather burn a pick on a proven guy in the 7th than just picking someone that might not make the team and b) they believe that the kid's work ethic is strong enough that he will overcome the injury and be a keeper.

Plain & simple, the Browns are going to get crappy power rankings until they get a QB. The days of winning with the likes of Colt McCoy (Patriots/Saints) or Brady Quinn (Steelers) are flukes.
May 5, 2015 1:18pm
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thavoice

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May 5, 2015 1:28 PM
BR1986FB;1726784 wrote:The Erving pick, to many of these "analysts", was a head scratcher. He won't "compete" for a spot. He WILL be starting at either RG or RT.

Listening to Pettine on my drive home, the biggest value "gem" that they may have gotten was the CB from Oregon in the 7th round. He was a 1st round talent before his injury. According to Pettine, the organization's belief was that a) they'd rather burn a pick on a proven guy in the 7th than just picking someone that might not make the team and b) they believe that the kid's work ethic is strong enough that he will overcome the injury and be a keeper.

Plain & simple, the Browns are going to get crappy power rankings until they get a QB. The days of winning with the likes of Colt McCoy (Patriots/Saints) or Brady Quinn (Steelers) are flukes.
..and dont forget Tim Couch (steelers) on a sundaynight.....


That was a good pick for the 7th ground. All draft picks dont always make it and if he isnt fully healthy yet he can be hidden on the practice squad. Maybe coulda got him as an UFA but at that point he can choose where he wanted to go if he had multiple offers but worth the risk that late.
May 5, 2015 1:28pm
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BR1986FB

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24,104 posts
May 5, 2015 2:12 PM
thavoice;1726786 wrote:..and dont forget Tim Couch (steelers) on a sundaynight.....
Yeah, but Couch wasn't a bum like those two. He beat the Steelers quite a few times. That was no fluke. Both teams sucked back then but not as much as the Browns.
May 5, 2015 2:12pm
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BR1986FB

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24,104 posts
May 5, 2015 3:06 PM
Do you do this? They could plug Erving in at RG, Collins at RT and put Schwartz/Greco on the bench. Assuming Mack bolts, you plug Erving in at center and Schwartz or Greco is your RG. That would be the best O-Line in football.....

http://cle.247sports.com/Bolt/Should-the-Browns-sign-LaEl-Collins-37126664
May 5, 2015 3:06pm