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Cleveland Browns 2011 Super Awesome In-Season Thread

  • se-alum
    I like the moves thus far.
  • BR1986FB
    Browns Adjusting to 4-3 Defense

    By The Sports Xchange

    Posted Mar 4, 2011


    Latest roster moves reflect the Browns' will adjust Dick Jauron's scheme.


    First the Browns hired Pat Shurmur as head coach and then they hired Dick Jauron as defensive coordinator. The moves were clear signs the Browns were switching to the 4-3 defense team president Mike Holmgren prefers.

    The next step was to cast off the players that did not fit the 4-3, so the Browns chopped defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman plus linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens.

    Jauron already has three players capable of starting at linebacker -- Scott Fujita on the strong side plus Chris Gocong and D'Qwell Jackson -- if they re-sign Jackson. But they are in dire need of defensive linemen, particularly defensive ends. Fortunately for the Browns, the 2011 draft is deep at defensive end.

    As usual, the Browns are picking in the top 10 -- sixth this season, one year after picking seventh. General manager Tom Heckert runs the Browns' draft like a chess master plays his game; he is always thinking about his next move.

    The Browns need a speedy receiver as much as they need a defensive end. If A.J. Green, the wide receiver from Georgia, is already off the board by the time the Browns pick, there is little doubt Heckert will pick defense first. But if Green is there, Heckert will have 10 minutes to decide whether he can get a starting receiver in the second round with the 37th overall pick, or whether the bevy of defensive ends will push a starting end down to 37.

    TEAM NEEDS

    1. Defensive end: End and wide receiver are really 1 and 1A for the Browns, but if one position is a priority it has to be a pass rusher. For proof, look back no further than the way Clay Matthews helped the Packers get to and win the Super Bowl. In 12 years, the Browns have never had a defensive player opponents fretted about. Robert Quinn of North Carolina would be a perfect fit.

    2. Wide receiver: The Browns' leading receiver in 2010 was tight end Benjamin Watson. Brian Robiskie, a good complementary player, tied for the team lead with three touchdown catches. A.J. Green could be the home-run hitter team president Mike Holmgren is seeking.

    3. Cornerback: The Browns are satisfied with Sheldon Brown and Joe Haden as starters, but they need a third corner. Eric Wright had a miserable season in 2010. He is a free agent and probably won't be re-signed.

    INSIDE THE WAR ROOM

    The Browns could trade the sixth pick to a team desperate for a quarterback. They will have done their homework prior to April 28, but when they are on the clock there will be arguments for A.J. Green, Marcell Dareus and Robert Quinn.

    PLAYER/PERSONNEL NOTES


    --The Browns had three chances to draft Clay Matthews two years ago and ended up choosing center Alex Mack instead. Mack made the Pro Bowl after last season.

    Casey Matthews, an inside linebacker from Oregon expected to go on the third day of the draft this year, could be on the Browns radar. His father, Clay Matthews II, was a first-round draft choice by the Browns 33 years ago.

    "Obviously, he comes from pretty good bloodlines there," Browns general manager Tom Heckert said. "He's good a football player. He really is. He's a tough kid. He can run.

    "To say he's anywhere like his brother and everybody else, is probably not the greatest thing to say right now, to put that pressure on him. But he's got a chance to be a good football player."

    --One position coach Pat Shurmur won't have to tear up is tight end. He said Benjamin Watson and Evan Moore are good fits for Shurmur's offense because the tight end is a key element of the West Coast system.

    "It's important when we throw (the tight end) the football, he catches it," Shurmur said. "Some are outstanding blockers and some are outstanding receivers. We feel good about Ben as our starter. He can play three downs. He can block and he was obviously extremely productive as a receiver."

    Watson caught a career high 68 passes last season.

    --Shurmur doesn't not sound like a big fan of the Wildcat, but that might be because he hasn't seen Josh Cribbs at 100 percent.

    "I think there's a place for it," Shurmur said. "I think every team, when it burst on the scene with Miami, every team can say they probably dabbled in it. There's a place for it if you have the right guy to take that snap and he's a non-quarterback."

    --Big can mean slow, as was evidenced by the Browns' front seven last season. Four of those players -- end Kenyon Coleman and nose tackle Shaun Rogers plus linebackers David Bowens and Eric Barton were released.

    "We want to get athletic, so at the end we're probably not going to be looking for the huge guy," Heckert said. "We can live with undersized guys. I think there are a lot of those guys in this draft."

    QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's relentless. He plays hard. I think he spent a lot of time this year with a high ankle sprain and he played through it. He's a high, high-motor guy and he doesn't stop and he makes a ton of plays for a defensive tackle." -- Browns general manager Tom Heckert on defensive tackle Marcell Dareus from Alabama

    STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

    General manager Tom Heckert is confident the Browns do not need a right tackle to supplement their offense. He is counting on Tony Pashos, despite the fact a shoulder injury limited Pashos to five games in 2009 with the 49ers and the fact an ankle injury limited him to three games with the Browns.

    Heckert could have a change of heart as the draft approaches. Floyd Womack, 32, is a free agent. If the Browns do not re-sign Womack they might have no choice but to add a tackle.

    OFFSEASON STRATEGY

    The Browns are morphing to a West Coast offense and a 4-3 defense under head coach Pat Shurmur. That means they will have to revamp some of their personnel, particularly on defense after cutting linemen Shaun Rogers and Kenyon Coleman plus linebackers David Bowens and Eric Barton.

    Simply put, 320-pound, 30-plus ends don't fit the mold of a four-man line. The Browns will be looking for quicker ends to get to the quarterback.

    Last offseason, the Browns did virtually nothing to improve their wide receiving corps. They waited until the sixth round to draft a receiver when they took Carlton Mitchell and then rarely played him. The Browns are not likely to wait so long this year.

    MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

    FRANCHISE PLAYER

    --PK Phil Dawson.

    TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

    PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

    --LB D'Qwell Jackson: RFA; 1 yr, $4.5 million.

    --QB Seneca Wallace; 3 yrs, $9 million.

    PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

    PLAYERS LOST

    --LB Eric Barton (released).

    --LB David Bowens (released).

    --DE Kenyon Coleman (released).

    --NT Shaun Rogers (released).

    --TE Robert Royal (released).

    --OT John St. Clair (released).


    http://cle.scout.com/2/1053056.html#
  • BR1986FB
    This story had too many words to post so you'll have to click on the link...

    http://cle.scout.com/2/1053053.html#
  • BR1986FB
    Not a fan of the Bleacher Report but I kinda like the way this guy is thinking on some of these pickups (Ruud, Clabo & Amendola)...

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/625126-cleveland-browns-five-free-agents-that-could-turn-the-browns-franchise-around#page/2
  • Jester
    http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/20779/20110304/sims_walker_tweets_time_is_up_with_jaguars/

    Sims-Walker leaving the Jags?
  • OQB
    BR...you are my new best friend man! haha I love how I don't have to search for these articles like I did in the past, Now I just come on here and know you will have atleast 1 article up a day.

    Thank you!
  • Commander of Awesome
    BR1986FB;699407 wrote:Not a fan of the Bleacher Report but I kinda like the way this guy is thinking on some of these pickups (Ruud, Clabo & Amendola)...

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/625126-cleveland-browns-five-free-agents-that-could-turn-the-browns-franchise-around#page/2

    I dont think any but Clabo will be a FA.
  • se-alum
    Hope he stays the hell away from Cleveland.
  • Commander of Awesome
    se-alum;699505 wrote:Hope he stays the hell away from Cleveland.

    I agree, ticking time bomb.
  • Jester
    http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/20804/20110305/wright_received_death_threats_from_cleveland_fans/

    Also, anyone know anything bout this dude?
    http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/20801/20110305/eagles_browns_to_work_out_van_dyke/
  • royal_k

    Don't know much about him, but that 40 time is unreal.
  • OQB
    http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/03/sixth_pick_is_no_guarantee_of.html
  • royal_k

    lol...the last time the Browns picked 6th, they had to "settle for Jim Brown".
  • OneBuckeye
    So this is what the mock draft looks like so far from another forum in which I am picking for the Browns.

    Round 1
    Panthers - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
    Broncos - Daquan Bowers, DE, Clemson
    Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
    Bengals -AJ Green, WR, Georgia
    Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, DB, Louisiana State
    Browns - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
    49ers - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
    Titans - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
    Cowboys - JJ Watt , DE, Wisconsin
    Redskins - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
    Texans - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
    Vikings - Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
    Lions - Cameron Jordan, DL, California
    Rams - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
    Dolphins - Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
    Jaguars - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
    Patriots from Oakland - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
    Chargers - Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
    Giants - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
    Buccaneers - Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami, Fla.
    Chiefs - Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
    Colts - Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
    Eagles - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
    Saints - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
    Seahawks - Jake Locker, QB, Washington
    Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
    Falcons - Cameron Heyward, DE, The Ohio State University
    Patriots - Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
    Bears - Tyron Smith, OT, Southern Cal
    Jets - Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St
    Steelers - Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
    Packers - Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
    Round 2
    done - Patriots - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
    10 am - Bills - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
    2 pm - Bengals - Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
    3 pm - Broncos - Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
    4 pm - Browns - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
    5 pm - Cardinals - Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
  • Sonofanump
    royal_k;703025 wrote:lol...the last time the Browns picked 6th, they had to "settle for Jim Brown".

    or Solider Winslow.
  • hangonsloopy
    Sonofanump;703046 wrote:or Solider Winslow.

    Wasn't he the 3rd pick?
  • like_that
    No he was the 6th pick. You can say what you want about Winslow, but ever since the Browns have been back, Winslow showed the more passion than any other Browns player imo. It's a shame he went through so many injuries, otherwise I think he would have been great.
  • Sonofanump
    like_that;703285 wrote: It's a shame he owed a motorcycle, otherwise I think he would have been great.

    fixed it for you :)
  • DeyDurkie5
    OneBuckeye;703037 wrote:So this is what the mock draft looks like so far from another forum in which I am picking for the Browns.

    Round 1
    Panthers - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
    Broncos - Daquan Bowers, DE, Clemson
    Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
    Bengals -AJ Green, WR, Georgia
    Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, DB, Louisiana State
    Browns - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
    49ers - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
    Titans - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
    Cowboys - JJ Watt , DE, Wisconsin
    Redskins - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
    Texans - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
    Vikings - Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
    Lions - Cameron Jordan, DL, California
    Rams - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
    Dolphins - Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
    Jaguars - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
    Patriots from Oakland - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
    Chargers - Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
    Giants - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
    Buccaneers - Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami, Fla.
    Chiefs - Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
    Colts - Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
    Eagles - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
    Saints - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
    Seahawks - Jake Locker, QB, Washington
    Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
    Falcons - Cameron Heyward, DE, The Ohio State University
    Patriots - Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
    Bears - Tyron Smith, OT, Southern Cal
    Jets - Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St
    Steelers - Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
    Packers - Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
    Round 2
    done - Patriots - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
    10 am - Bills - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
    2 pm - Bengals - Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
    3 pm - Broncos - Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
    4 pm - Browns - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
    5 pm - Cardinals - Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

    i hate it, browns better not take miller...get a defensive linemen
  • like_that
    DeyDurkie5;703647 wrote:i hate it, browns better not take miller...get a defensive linemen

    You said you were ok with anyone, now you aren't? lol
  • DeyDurkie5
    like_that;703666 wrote:You said you were ok with anyone, now you aren't? lol

    That was a while ago, and things change. We have linebackers that can get it done but we don't really have a great linemen, we need someone that can make an immediate impact. If we can't get that, get a reciever, then get miller if all else fails
  • Writerbuckeye
    OneBuckeye;703037 wrote:So this is what the mock draft looks like so far from another forum in which I am picking for the Browns.

    Round 1
    Panthers - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
    Broncos - Daquan Bowers, DE, Clemson
    Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
    Bengals -AJ Green, WR, Georgia
    Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, DB, Louisiana State
    Browns - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
    49ers - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
    Titans - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
    Cowboys - JJ Watt , DE, Wisconsin
    Redskins - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
    Texans - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
    Vikings - Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
    Lions - Cameron Jordan, DL, California
    Rams - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
    Dolphins - Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
    Jaguars - Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
    Patriots from Oakland - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
    Chargers - Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
    Giants - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
    Buccaneers - Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami, Fla.
    Chiefs - Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
    Colts - Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
    Eagles - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
    Saints - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
    Seahawks - Jake Locker, QB, Washington
    Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
    Falcons - Cameron Heyward, DE, The Ohio State University
    Patriots - Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
    Bears - Tyron Smith, OT, Southern Cal
    Jets - Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St
    Steelers - Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida
    Packers - Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
    Round 2
    done - Patriots - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
    10 am - Bills - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
    2 pm - Bengals - Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
    3 pm - Broncos - Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
    4 pm - Browns - Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
    5 pm - Cardinals - Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

    You're fired. :)
  • OneBuckeye
    DeyDurkie5;703647 wrote:i hate it, browns better not take miller...get a defensive linemen
    Writerbuckeye;704490 wrote:You're fired. :)

    I agree, although that would be the worst case for the Browns if those five went first. I would have taken any of them that dropped. If the Browns find themselves in that situation I would hope they would trade down or take Quinn. I am liking him more and more these days and Miller less. I think Liuget was a good take in the 2nd round, although there was quite the run on DTs at the beginning of that round. I don't think I could have made a better pick there.
  • OQB
    I say if that scenario does happen you get jj watt instead of miller...
  • OneBuckeye
    As far as 2nd Teir 1st round DEs go I have

    Quinn
    Kerrigan
    Watt