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Cleveland Browns 2011 Super Awesome In-Season Thread

  • OQB
    agreed....I want them to go get a top QB in this draft and stop looking for project players. We need impact playmakers that can help us win.
  • Commander of Awesome
    Saw this on another site, when asking a draft analyst to compare QBs for the Browns:

    "I would disagree that Griffin's arm is stronger than Landry's, but that could easily change. Griffin's problem is that he doesn't use his lower body enough when he throws, and as a result, he doesn't get as much velocity as he could. Landry already does a good job there, so he doesn't have as much upside when it comes to arm strength. But to say either has elite arm strength is not at all true. At the moment, Griffin's is slightly above-average and Landry's is above-average. Neither has an absolute cannon. Between Barkley and Griffin, I would take Barkley. I like both a lot, but Barkley is more accurate. I think both can be stars in the NFL, but Barkley is more NFL ready and less likely to bomb. I will add, however, that this could easily change for me in the coming months. Griffin and Barkley's heights will be huge in the evaluation process, as both may be under 6'2". Landry Jones isn't even close to the top three guys."
  • DeyDurkie5
    If barkley is available, I believe you take him. If blackmon is available, with no barkley/luck, you take him. If none of those guys are available, you hope that heckertt does his homework on the other qbs becuase I don't think they like mccoy to be the future of the team. Either way, get a draft pick that wows the masses.
  • BR1986FB
    DeyDurkie5;1022261 wrote:If barkley is available, I believe you take him. If blackmon is available, with no barkley/luck, you take him. If none of those guys are available, you hope that heckertt does his homework on the other qbs becuase I don't think they like mccoy to be the future of the team. Either way, get a draft pick that wows the masses.
    If he weren't 100 years old it wouldn't have shocked me if Holmgren got a hard on for Brandon Weeden.
  • Commander of Awesome
    20th December, 2011 - 1:23 pmJeff Risdon/RealGM -
    The Bowl season is just kicking off, and so has the early declaration season. Underclassmen have until January 15th, but a couple of prominent players (Matt Kalil and Lamar Miller) have already announced they are leaving school. Expect a mad rush after the bowls are over.

    These ratings are based on fairly extensive breakdowns of games, along with advice and tips from scouts in the field that I respect and trust. They will not change until after Senior Bowl week, the week before the Super Bowl. I will do an updated Top 103 and another mock draft before that time, stay tuned!

    Note that this does not indicate the order in which I think they will be drafted.

    Quarterback
    1. Andrew Luck, Stanford. I’m not convinced he will be an instant star, but his bust factor is incredibly low for a first-round QB.

    2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor. Dynamic playmaker is somewhere between Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers when they were draft prospects.

    3. Matt Barkley, USC. I’m warming to him as he played consistently better down the stretch, anticipating throws better.

    4. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M. The least ready prospect here, but has very high potential for a patient team with good coaching.

    5. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State. Over-aged but has very few deficiencies to his polished game.

    Running Back
    1. Trent Richardson, Alabama. Reminds me of Eddie George both in build and running style, might be a little faster.

    2. Lamar Miller, Miami FL. Injuries are a big concern, but he’s an explosive, violent runner with good vision when healthy.

    3. Montee Ball, Wisconsin. The TD king shows great vision and leg drive; his 10-yard split is critical to his stock.

    4. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M. Well-built back with good versatility and used to sharing the load, but not a blazer or a pounder.

    5. Doug Martin, Boise State. Short, somewhat slippery runner with good power, great in the passing game.

    Wide Receiver
    1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State. A slightly faster version of Anquan Boldin, an absolute bull after the catch.

    2. Kendall Wright, Baylor. Skinny burner with great burst and confidence, similar to Mike Wallace coming out.

    3. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame. Great size and power, improved his litheness and concentration in 2011.

    4. Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina. Great catcher of the football, but his lack of speed and suddenness are limiting.

    5. Jermaine Kearse, Washington. Solid intermediate-range receiver has high coachable potential.

    Tight End
    1. Dwayne Allen, Clemson. The next of the supersized wideouts-as-tight ends that seldom play in-line.

    2. Colby Fleener, Stanford. Smooth receiver that plays faster than he looks, very polished.

    3. Orson Charles, Georgia. See comment on Allen, except not as supersized though a little faster.

    4. Ladarius Green, Louisiana Tech. Lanky wideout-as-tight end is raw but has some Fred Davis to his game.

    5. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame. More of a purist’s idea of a tight end, but he’s no athletic slouch.

    Offensive Tackle
    1. Matt Kalil, USC. Very athletic but on the light side, though he doesn’t lack snarl. Low bust factor augments his value.

    2. Jonathan Martin, Stanford. Best pass protector in the group, experienced playing in front of a pocket passer.

    3. Mike Adams, Ohio State. Goliath could be an excellent right tackle, potentially a bigger Eric Winston if he wants it bad enough.

    4. Riley Reiff, Iowa. The latest Hawkeye that will be a good-not-great NFL lineman.

    5. Tom Compton, South Dakota. Don’t let the small school fool you, this guy can play.

    Offensive Guard
    1. David DeCastro, Stanford. Complete package at guard, should be a starter for a decade.

    2. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State. Heavy footed but incredibly powerful, a la Carl Nicks.

    3. Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State. Physically dominated everyone at his level, has the traits to make the jump.

    4. Ryan Miller, Colorado. Might be too tall for some teams, but pad level is not an issue for this powerful blocker.

    5. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin. Snowplow of a run blocker is great at second level.

    Center
    1. Peter Konz, Wisconsin. Taller and heavier than most recent top prospects but still quite agile for his size.

    2. Philip Blake, Baylor. Another overaged Canuck from Baylor, nobody sustains blocks better.

    3. David Molk, Michigan. Lots of experience finding targets in space and playing with a running QB.

    4. Ben Jones, Georgia. Four-year starter has an underrated nasty streak.

    5. Michael Brewster, Ohio State. Inconsistent but too skilled to ignore.

    Defensive Tackle
    1. Brandon Thompson, Clemson. Lightning-quick gap shooter improved his ability to finish plays as a senior.

    2. Devon Still, Penn State. Built off his amazing Outback Bowl, where he dominated Maurkice Pouncey, by showing better run awareness.

    3. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State. Has some Nick Fairley to him, for better and worse. Highest ceiling of any tackle.

    4. Dontari Poe, Memphis. Best nose tackle prospect, and at 350+ pounds still has good quickness.

    5. Kendall Reyes, UConn. Growing into a disruptive player, might be best as a 5-technique DE in the NFL.

    Defensive End
    1. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina. Reminds me a lot of Cliff Avril, keeps improving. Underrated by most.

    2. Vinny Curry, Marshall. Needs some polish but his effort and athleticism are tantalizing. Wants it badly.

    3. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois. Hendricks Award winner has amazing first step. Some worry he’s a one-year wonder.

    4. Quinton Coples, North Carolina. Has the most potential but the bust factor is significant.

    5. Nick Perry, USC. Light but not lacking strength, ideal Tampa-2 end.

    Outside Linebacker
    1. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama. Only drawback is his lack of top-end speed.

    2. Zach Brown, North Carolina. Undersized but a big-time hitter with great instincts.

    3. Brandon Jenkins, Florida State. Pass rushing specialist has great closing burst.

    4. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma. Grew on me the more I watched him play in space.

    5. Keenan Robinson, Texas. Hustle and flow backer has some Chad Greenway to his game.

    Inside Linebacker
    1. Dont’a Hightower, Alabama. Playmaker has the size 3-4 scheme teams covet inside.

    2. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State. Flags are close to red for his immaturity, but he is a Ray Lewis-like intimidating physical force.

    3. Luke Kuechly, Boston College. Tackling machine is fantastic between the tackles, lacks great range outside.

    4. James-Michael Johnson, Nevada. Built like a bulldog and hits like one too.

    5. Audie Cole, North Carolina State. Former boxer has great feet in coverage but also a sturdy tackler.

    Cornerback
    1. Morris Claiborne, LSU. As natural in coverage as any draftee since Revis, has shutdown corner potential

    2. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska. Thickly-built bulldog can start right away for press man teams.

    3. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama. Could be the best corner in this draft if he is truly grown up.

    4. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama. Great height and length, and he’s very good in run support.

    5. Chase Minnifield, Virginia. Football IQ is off the charts, needs to get stronger.

    Safety
    1. Mark Barron, Alabama. Big, physical playmaker but he lacks elite range.

    2. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State. Coverage specialist plays best in key moments; could transition to slot/nickel back.

    3. George Iloka, Boise State. Plays safety like a linebacker but has good feet and range.

    4. Jerrell Young, South Florida. Ideal Tampa-2 safety is a good mid-round sleeper, won’t be drafted as high as rated here.

    5. Winston Guy, Kentucky. Converted corner has lots of underdeveloped potential, can immediately impact special teams.
  • OQB
    This WR from FIU by the name of Hilton is someone we need to be taking a look at....this kid is a talented offensive weapon.
  • Mulva
    Surprised to see Coples that low in those rankings, but I agree his bust factor is high.

    And I love the corners in this draft. I really don't see many ways the Browns are going to be able to screw this one up, honestly.
  • BR1986FB
    Mulva;1022618 wrote:And I love the corners in this draft. I really don't see many ways the Browns are going to be able to screw this one up, honestly.
    Could you imagine Claiborne paired with Haden?

    I think I just got wood reading that writeup on DeCastro. I know, I said "no 1st round O-Linemen" but so tempting.

    Like a kid in a candy store...SO many options.
  • DeyDurkie5
    Can't wait for the draft. Claiborne with haden? decastro with thomas? blackmon and little? I like our options
  • Commander of Awesome
    I tend to think Corners paired up end up not going as well as you'd think. Look at the bungals last season Hall and Joseph, Eagles with their 3 stud CBs. None we're known as great pass coverage teams. Granted I wouldn't be opposed to trying it for the Browns but I think we have bigger needs.
  • BR1986FB
    Commander of Awesome;1022782 wrote:I tend to think Corners paired up end up not going as well as you'd think. Look at the bungals last season Hall and Joseph, Eagles with their 3 stud CBs. None we're known as great pass coverage teams. Granted I wouldn't be opposed to trying it for the Browns but I think we have bigger needs.
    Would you prefer Sheldon Brown?
  • Commander of Awesome
    I actually don't agree with you guys on Sheldon Brown or Patterson. I actually think both are solid players.
  • BR1986FB
    Sheldon Brown is HORRIBLE as a corner. He needs to be moved to safety. I think Patterson is solid.
  • like_that
    Commander of Awesome;1022802 wrote:I actually don't agree with you guys on Sheldon Brown or Patterson. I actually think both are solid players.
    I agree on Patterson. He has shown some flashes here and there. Sheldon Brown though...
  • like_that
    I don't like Sheldon as a starter, or as BR just suggested, move him to safety. He isn't bad, but he doesn't have it in him anymore to be a starting corner in the league.
  • DeyDurkie5
    hopefully you were kidding about sheldon COA...i mean seriously?
  • Commander of Awesome
    I dont think he's a probowler, but he's better than anything we've had starting since McCutcheon. I think he's played better than Wright, BMac, Gary Baxter (lol) Anthony Henry, etc.. I would only put McCutcheon, Haden, and Bodden ahead of him.
  • DeyDurkie5
    Commander of Awesome;1022835 wrote:I dont think he's a probowler, but he's better than anything we've had starting since McCutcheon. I think he's played better than Wright, BMac, Gary Baxter (lol) Anthony Henry, etc.. I would only put McCutcheon, Haden, and Bodden ahead of him.
    comparing him to others isn't a great point to make. That doesn't negate what he has done this year...he has been awful in coverage. end of story.
  • BR1986FB
    He has been better than those guys but he's the weak link. Opponents intentionally target him. The position needs upgraded.

    I will say that Joe Haden has kinda disappointed me this year. Due to no interceptions, I think he's cheating/pressing and is off his game. Seems like he's either drawing a PI penalty, falling down or getting burnt at the worst times.
  • like_that
    I would argue that Henry played better than Sheldon has so far.
  • BR1986FB
    like_that;1022843 wrote:I would argue that Henry played better than Sheldon has so far.
    True
  • Commander of Awesome
    Fair enough, I haven't seen any WR burn him consistently in a game. Most big plays seem to come on Haden's side of the field to be honest. guys are going to complete passes in the NFL, so Sheldon Brown giving up 4 passes for 40 yds on Sunday isn't something I'm worried about.
  • Sonofanump
    like_that;1022810 wrote:I don't like Sheldon as a starter, or as BR just suggested, move him to safety. He isn't bad, but he doesn't have it in him anymore to be a starting corner in the league.
    I think he is servicable as a Nickel/Dime back.
  • Sonofanump
    Any chance that the Rats or Rapists rest starters and give the Browns a chance to blow a top 5 pick as they usually do?
  • BR1986FB
    Sonofanump;1022863 wrote:Any chance that the Rats or Rapists rest starters and give the Browns a chance to blow a top 5 pick as they usually do?
    I'm thinking this is possible in the Steelers game. I could see them sitting Pig Ben and starting Batch. Batch is friggin' HORRIBLE.