Cleveland Browns Offseason Talk
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jmogNice, both of our 2nd rounders made that "best 2nd round picks" list.
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OhioStatePride2003
I really like our pick of Larry Asante, the safety out of Nebraska. The kid is a tough, hard-nosed safety with above average coverage skills. With Ward being a question mark when it comes to injuries, you could see Asante have a bigger role than just a special teams player.jmog wrote: Nice, both of our 2nd rounders made that "best 2nd round picks" list. -
Fabio
I defnitely agree with this. I feel the Browns had an excellent final day. I actually saw myself more excited when we got Asante and Carlton "Fresh Prince" Mitchell then for our first through 3rd round picks.OhioStatePride2003 wrote:
I really like our pick of Larry Asante, the safety out of Nebraska. The kid is a tough, hard-nosed safety with above average coverage skills. With Ward being a question mark when it comes to injuries, you could see Asante have a bigger role than just a special teams player.jmog wrote: Nice, both of our 2nd rounders made that "best 2nd round picks" list. -
BR1986FBCleveland Browns draft pick Colt McCoy will do fine in NFL, college coach says
By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
April 30, 2010, 12:25AM
.BEREA, Ohio — Texas football coach Mack Brown has been watching quarterback Colt McCoy prove folks wrong since McCoy showed up on his doorstep as a skinny kid from West Texas in 2005 -- and he's convinced it will be more of the same with McCoy in Cleveland.
"Colt came to our camps every year when he was young and had his heart set on Texas," recalled Brown on the eve of Browns rookie minicamp, which begins today.
"There was another quarterback [Ryan Perrilloux] that had verbally committed to us -- a national player that everybody said was the greatest in the country. Colt said, 'I don't care who's there, coach. I'm going to play for you and I'll be great, so just take me.' "
.Perrilloux ended up signing with Louisiana State University and McCoy redshirted that season -- the year Texas quarterback Vince Young put on one of the best performances in college history to beat USC in the BCS title game. Soon after, Young announced he was leaving college early for the NFL, and McCoy told his coaches not to worry, that he'd be the best quarterback they ever had.
"He looked like he was 12 years old when he told us that," said Brown. "He wasn't even shaving."
First, McCoy had to beat out another highly touted rookie quarterback -- Jevan Snead, who then transferred to Mississippi. Then he had to overcome the neverending comparisons to Young, who went on to become NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a first-year Pro Bowler with the Tennessee Titans.
"Everybody said, 'I don't know if Colt's going to be as good as Vince,' " said Brown. "And Colt would say, 'I'm not going to be Vince. I'll make my own name.' He never lived in Vince's shadow."
Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel knows how good McCoy can be: Bill Livingston
Instead, McCoy went out and won more games in four years -- 45 -- than any quarterback in college history. He also set the NCAA record for completion percentage in 2008 (76.7) and 47 Texas records. In 2009, he led the Longhorns back to the national title game -- but got knocked out of the contest with a neck stinger on the fifth play in a loss to Alabama.
"His whole life, people have been questioning what he could do and he just steps up and answers the bell," said Brown.
On draft day, while McCoy was falling to the Browns in the third round, No. 85 overall, Brown -- who was in New York serving as an analyst for ESPN -- heard all the criticisms about McCoy's height (6-1 1/2) and arm strength.
"I don't think his height is an issue," said Brown. "He's not the prototype, but you look at Drew Brees and Joe Montana. Brees will go down as one of the greatest. I didn't think he looked short in the Super Bowl. I thought he looked really good when he completed just about every pass.
"I think the guys that have instincts, they have the ability to find those holes when the defensive line spreads and Colt is one of those guys. He had very few passes batted down in college."
As for his arm strength, Brown swears it won't be a problem.
"I heard some of the analysts talking about the weather in Cleveland, that it might be tough for a guy that didn't have the great arm, but I really think his arm is as strong as anybody we've had, including Young," said Brown. "We play in a lot of windy weather in West Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma and I never felt like he didn't have the arm strength. He's got a lot of snap and he's 214 pounds, not the skinny little guy people might perceive."
He said McCoy's skills will translate well to the pro game even though he played in a shotgun spread offense.
"Our offense is very much like what Cleveland will be running," Brown said. "We run a pro-style offense. We stick a little option in, but by and large, he's seen all the reads, and gets the ball out of his hands."
He said McCoy's mobility will also serve him well in the pros.
"You don't have to be perfect with your protection all the time because he can beat you with his feet," said Brown.
Some of the best things about McCoy, though, are the ones you can't measure, he said.
"Browns fans will love his passion," he said. "He has 12 fourth-quarter come-from-behind wins and many were dramatic. He'll want to play right away, but he'll be patient and listen. He'll be for Cleveland, not for himself. He'll pull hard for the other two quarterbacks, and every minute of every day he'll be waiting for his chance."
Brown said he's never met a fiercer competitor than McCoy.
"Colt has been successful at everything he's ever done," said Brown. "He was a Big 12 Academic All American and a unanimous captain for us. He's in church three times a week and he doesn't cuss or drink alcohol. He's done as much as anybody to change lives in this state with the platform he had. He'll be tremendous in the community."
And on the football field?
"I have no doubt he'll be a really good quarterback for the Browns," he said. "He could play this year, but I'm glad he won't. The Browns hit a home run."
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/cleveland_browns_draft_pick_co.html -
BR1986FBOhio State coach Jim Tressel knows what Cleveland Browns' Colt McCoy is capable of
By Bill Livingston, The Plain Dealer
April 29, 2010, 8:51PM
"Boom" Herron crashed off tackle at the opposing 15-yard line, with nothing but synthetic grass ahead of him, and the roar from the Ohio State crowd engulfed him as he ran into the end zone. There were 2 minutes, 5 seconds to play, and underdog Ohio State had taken the lead from Texas, 21-17, in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.
Underneath the elation was unease. The Buckeyes, who had been trailing, 17-15, might have scored too soon. A field goal, taken after milking the clock, would have won it, too.
No coach in his right mind, of course, would have told Herron not to score. You always take the bird in the hand. But Jim Tressel was unhappy at the thought of turning the game back over to Colt McCoy, Quarterback of the Future for the Browns.
Mack Brown says McCoy should do well in NFL"Throughout the drive we talked about burning as much clock as possible. That is why we ran the same basic off tackle play two times in a row. I'm not sure we expected to break one for a TD. When we scored with that much time on the clock it did concern me. However, I had confidence in our defense as well," said Tressel.
McCoy -- who had no running game, who "had been hit like he had never been hit before," according to Tressel -- took the Longhorns 78 yards in 11 plays and won the game with 16 seconds to play.
Tressel felt he had seen a ghost.
The Colt McCoy of that game was far more mature than the redshirt freshman whose team had lost to the Buckeyes in Austin, Texas, in 2006. He reminded Tressel, an old Baldwin-Wallace quarterback, of Drew Brees before he became America's Quarterback and the saint of New Orleans. Preparing for Purdue's "basketball on grass" offense in 2001, Tressel, then a first-year head coach at OSU, watched film of Brees, who had graduated in 2000, passing the Buckeyes dizzy in a 31-27 comeback victory.
McCoy, a Browns third-round draft pick, is about the same size as Brees. Has the same obvious leadership qualities. Led the same rally against the Buckeyes without anything to rely on except his arm.
"Both Drew and Colt are first-class people, but it took time for Drew to become the player he is today," said Tressel. "I think, over time, Colt will play that position in the NFL. He certainly has one of the very, very best tutors in Mike Holmgren."
At Ohio State, Tressel monitored the growth of Glenville's Troy Smith, as Smith went from a running quarterback to a Heisman Trophy-winning, pocket-passing, Michigan-killing monster. "The biggest thing with Troy was making him realize he had to see the big picture," said Tressel.
He was referring not only to playbook options, but to learning to conduct himself like a leader off the field ,too. The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, among others, has not learned that yet. "I'm pretty sure Colt already knows that," Tressel said.
He discounts criticism that quarterbacks from the spread offense are unsuited for the NFL game. "Almost all of the players in college now have run some spread in high school. It's becoming more of a presence in the NFL, too," said Tressel. "Peyton Manning is in the shotgun a lot. Tom Brady goes empty [with no one else in the backfield] and takes the Patriots right down the field. I don't think there's the same emphasis on the prototypical NFL quarterback."
Asked the top quality a quarterback must have, Tressel said, bluntly, "Toughness."
He thinks McCoy might have hung on to the ball, taking the big hits, too much in the most controversial moment of his college career. In the Big 12 championship game, sacked repeatedly by Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh, McCoy allowed all but one second to run off the clock before throwing the ball away. On the game's last play, Texas won on a field goal, 13-12.
"He looked dazed at the end. That was one of those knockdown, drag-out, heavyweight title fight games," said Tressel. "Colt will probably have some of those at Browns Stadium with the Ravens and the Steelers."
Tressel's only doubts about McCoy involve timing.
"It's just so important," said Tressel. "I thought Marty Schottenheimer did a marvelous job when Bernie Kosar was a rookie, having him turn and hand off, turn and hand off, until he got used to the speed of the game and the athleticism of the players. Same with Mark Sanchez with the Jets. Run the ball, run the ball, and throw on safe passing downs.
"In high school," he continued, "quarterbacks complete passes to receivers who are wide open. In college, they complete them to receivers who are open. In the pros, they complete them to receivers who are covered. The throw has to be to a spot."
With the Browns, Tim Couch was battered because the offensive line was not ready. Derek Anderson was battered. Brady Quinn was battered.
A lifelong Browns fan, Tressel said: "You don't want to get Colt beat up right away. Let him rest and learn. That way, he doesn't face that weekly grind of being the guy who has to come through. When he's ready, maybe the Browns will be ready too, and that wonderment of good timing will be with Cleveland, for once."
http://www.cleveland.com/livingston/index.ssf/2010/04/cleveland_browns_colt_mccoy_im.html -
miller45452003Patrick Crayton wants out of Dallas. Probably not likely, but would definately be on the phones.......personally, would rather have Austin.
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BR1986FBBrowns could have gem in receiver Mitchell
By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Thursday, April 29, 2010, 09:06 PM
The Cleveland Browns could have a steal on their hands in sixth-round pick Carlton Mitchell. The South Florida speed receiver was a fast riser leading up to the NFL draft, but for whatever reason tumbled down the board into the lap of the team that coveted him most.
Browns General Manager Tom Heckert is believed to have been instrumental in making the call on Mitchell. His love for talented speed receivers is well documented. Heckert was largely responsible for drafting DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin while with Philadelphia. He’s hoping for the same type of success with Mitchell.
Heckert said on draft day that Mitchell is a little bit on the raw side but showed flashes of being a really good player.
The coaching staff and front office personnel will get to see Mitchell, as well as other draftees, in action during a two-day rookie minicamp beginning Friday, April 30.
“The draft was the longest days of my life,” Mitchell said. “I started out fine emotionally, but as the rounds went by I started to think about what if. Once I got the phone call from Cleveland, I didn’t care what round I was being drafted. I plan to make the most of my opportunity and I’m excited to be a Brown.”
Mitchell has been compared to former Browns receiver Braylon Edwards with better hands. He has tremendous upside and will provide the team with a deep-threat receiver.
“During my redshirt freshman year, my offensive coordinator told me that I remind him of Braylon Edwards,” the receiver said. “He put a picture of Braylon in the back of my folder. I carried it around for the entire year. It’s funny, because I have always been associated with the team in some fashion. I think it’s very cool that I ended up in Cleveland.”
Mitchell said Heckert was the first GM he learned about of all the 32 teams.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Mitchell is a rare size-and-speed combination receiver. He’s extremely quick, explosive and athletic with nice hands and tremendous leg strength. Covering cornerbacks find themselves back on their heels rather quickly due to the receiver’s outstanding acceleration. Aside from his ability to stretch the field, Mitchell is a physical blocker on the perimeter. He is said to be a very hard worker and a student of the game.
“My coaches may get tired of me because I will be at the facility a lot,” Mitchell said. “As long as they’re there, I’ll be there. Even if they’re not there, it will be me and the janitor. I have to learn as much as I can about the game because a lot will be expected of me.”
I can recall a conversation I had with USF’s receivers coach, Phil McGeoghan, and him telling me how dedicated Mitchell is to perfecting his craft.
McGeoghan said he was reviewing game film late one night and noticed a slight imperfection in one of Mitchell’s routes. He texted the player to meet with him in the morning to go over the film because it was 11:30 at night. McGeoghan said 15 minutes later he heard a knock at the door. There stood Mitchell eager to view the tape to see what he had done wrong. The two spent the next hour going over one route.
Mitchell is hoping that all his hard work will pay off and wants to excite the fans in Cleveland.
“Browns fans are amazing,” he said. “They’ve shown me nothing but love on my Twitter account since being drafted. I really appreciate all the support and hope to live up to their expectations on Sundays.”
http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/big_c_nfl_blitz/entries/2010/04/29/browns_could_have_gem_in_recei.html -
THE4RINGZ
The browns certainly are on the right track. Some solid draft choices mixed with terrific management the AFC North will once again become a four team dog fight. -
BR1986FBI friended Mitchell & Larry Asante on Facebook. I get the impression they are high character guys. A lot of spiritual/biblical references on their pages.
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THE4RINGZ
Michael Irvin quoted the Bible a lot too.
Just saying. -
BR1986FB
True. So does Ray Lewis.THE4RINGZ wrote: Michael Irvin quoted the Bible a lot too.
Just saying.
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THE4RINGZ
Are we playing "topper" now?
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BR1986FBNah, just didn't think about it that way until after you mentioned The Playmaker.
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THE4RINGZ
I was just busting balls not criticizing any player. Well other than the playmaker and the killer.
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Benny The Jet
I don't think Michael saying "Dear sweet lord, thank you for this bountiful gift you have brought upon me" whilst referring to the pile of coke in front of him constitutes as quoting the bible hahaTHE4RINGZ wrote: Michael Irvin quoted the Bible a lot too.
Just saying. -
OhioStatePride2003
I absolutely hate the fact that Michael Irvin could be the biggest druggie in the world, and potentially ruin his own life. Pete Rose bets on baseball, which is wrong I admit - but he's banned from his sport for life. Gambling is no worse than throwing eight ball after eight ball up your nose like Irvin did.Benny The Jet wrote:
I don't think Michael saying "Dear sweet lord, thank you for this bountiful gift you have brought upon me" whilst referring to the pile of coke in front of him constitutes as quoting the bible hahaTHE4RINGZ wrote: Michael Irvin quoted the Bible a lot too.
Just saying. -
jpake1
Michael Irvin is a SAINT! -
krazie45
Actually he played for the Cowboys.....ba dum cha!jpake1 wrote: Michael Irvin is a SAINT! -
big_hits24^^ A crack smoking saint! Isn't Deion a saint also? haha
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royal_k
I'm liking our draft more and more. -
BR1986FBYoung DBs Get to Work
By Site Staff
Posted Apr 30, 2010
BEREA—The Browns made no bones about it that they were trying to improve their secondary in this year’s draft.
Using their first two selections, they selected cornerback Joe Haden (7th overall) and safety T.J. Ward (38th overall). Knowing the pair could hopefully, be cornerstones for the Browns’ secondary for many years, the duo immediately bonded on their first day of rookie minicamp.
“I didn’t know (Ward) at all,” Haden said. “We saw each other and talked at the NFL Combine and now we’re both with the Browns and we’ve talked of the possibilities.”
Ward said the pair meshed well in their first practices at the pro level.
“We are similar in our characteristics,” Ward said. “We communicate well.”
Haden (5-11, 193), is favored to be at least one of the top three cornerbacks with the Browns, if not the starter. GM Tom Heckert said prior to the draft that he would think the seventh pick in the draft should start as a rookie.
Haden said he’ll take it in stride.
“I don’t know (if I’ll start),” he said. “I’m trying to learn and get better.
“If I end up starting, that would be a great thing.”
The Browns really had no clear cut starter at safety since Brodney Pool defected to the Jets in the off-season at free safety.
“Whatever the situation is, I see it as an opportunity,” Ward said. “I want to prove myself and do the best I can. Only time will tell.”
Ward (5-10, 211), might be the key pick for the Browns because he was projected some to not be taken as high as the Browns took him.
Was he surprised the Browns took him at the top of the second-round?
“Based on the mock drafts it might have been a surprise,” Ward said. “(But I’m not surprised) because of my abilities.”
Ward is described as a physical safety and he concurs with the assessment.
“I pride myself on physicality,” Ward said. “That is one of my better attributes. Overall, I want to be a good player and a better teammate.”
Ward made it at Oregon the hard way as he started his collegiate career as a walk-on.
“I’ve persevered,” he said. “It’s paid off so far. I’m going to continue to work hard. That part is not going to change.”
Haden was asked who he would compare his game to.
“I haven’t played a down in the NFL, yet,” Haden said. “I couldn’t tell you who I would be like, but I like Darrelle (Revis). Hopefully, one day I can be like him.”
Meanwhile, Ward scored points with Buckeye fans when he said one of his heroes was former Buckeye and Oakland Raider Jack Tatum. Ward was even born when Tatum played, but Ward was well aware of him through his father, Terrell, who played with the Eagles.
“I’ve watched (Tatum) on film and highlights and from growing up in the Bay area,” he said.
Besides Tatum, Ward said he models his game after Ronnie Lott and Troy Polamalu.
“If I could be mentioned in the same breath with those guys, that would be incredible,” Ward said. “But, I’m starting out on the bottom of the totem pole.”
Both Haden and Ward said they learned their first day about the distinct differences between the NFL and the college game.
“This is different because there are better athletes,” Ward said. “This is the highest level.”
Haden said his learning experience was on the field.
“One of the first things was in 7-on-7,” Haden said. “I like to keep my hands on the receiver and the ref told me to get my hands off the receiver. I’ll have to get used to that five-yard rule.”
Notebook
Haden Used to being in the Background: CB Joe Haden was asked if it bothered him being overshadowed by the selection of QB Colt McCoy, even though Haden was selected seventh, while McCoy was the 85th overall selection.
“Whether it’s (Colt) McCoy or (Tim) Tebow,” Haden said. “It happens all the time.”
Browns Sign 10 FA: The Browns signed 10 college free agents for their Minicamp. They are: OL Casey Bender (So. Dakota St.), DB Benjamin Burney (Colorado), DB Chris Chancellor (Clemson), LB Auston English (Oklahoma), WR Johnathan Haggerty (SW Oklahoma St.), DL Swanson Miller (Oklahoma St.), WR Dion Morton (Colorado St.), OL Joel Reinders (Waterloo), WR Aaron Valentin (Purdue) and TE Troy Wagner (Indiana).
Harrell Back: QB Graham Harrell from Texas Tech was invited as a tryout player. Harrell participated as a tryout invitee in 2009, but was not signed and did not play in the NFL last year. Harrell had a record-setting college career at Texas Tech where he paired up with WR Michael Crabtree . Harrell and rookie QB Colt McCoy were the only two quarterbacks listed on the rookie minicamp roster.
http://cle.scout.com/2/966931.html -
osu99Article on McCoy from the PD....
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/cleveland_browns_colt_mccoy_wa.html
I hope this kid learns alot about being a professional from Delhomme. I know Jake has diminishing/ed skills but the guy is a consummate professional and if Colt can bottle that up he'll be just fine. -
royal_k
Some good looking rookies.
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BR1986FB