Cleveland Browns Offseason Talk
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pkebkerI hope the Browns keep this guy on the roster. Most of our recievers are the same type of recievers, this guy provides a big strong body, the type that can win a jump ball. Plus many talk about his 'potential', the only way to develop potential is through playing time
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BR1986FBBrowns News and Notes
By The Sports Xchange
Posted Jun 20, 2010
Looking back a bit on mini-camp and the off-season that was...
--Finding the best combination on the right side of the offensive line will be one of the primary missions of training camp.
Rookie Shawn Lauvao was at right guard and John St. Clair at right tackle during portions of minicamp. Floyd Womack was the right guard and Tony Pashos the right tackle in other sessions. Coach Eric Mangini has also tried Lauvao at guard and Pashos at tackle.
The Browns have used Pashos at guard and St. Clair at tackle occasionally. The rest of the line is set with Joe Thomas at left tackle, Eric Steinbach at left guard and Alex Mack at center.
?--Second-year receiver Brian Robiskie was the star of the OTAs and minicamp. After catching just seven passes last season he seems primed to make a gigantic leap in his second season.
"I think Robo (had) a great camp," Coach Eric Mangini said. "Since we've started OTAs, he has done a really nice job and I think he feels a lot more comfortable with the information. He's not (just) learning the plays; now he's getting the feel for how to run the routes. One of the things that we really liked about him at Ohio State was how precise he was, how detailed he was and I'm really happy to see the progress that he has made. I'm excited to see him move into the preseason."
Robiskie made one of the best plays of minicamp while catching a touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme. Delhomme, standing at the 15-yard line, had to throw the ball over cornerback Sheldon Brown, who had tight coverage on Robiskie. Robiskie caught the ball inches from the left boundary in the end zone and managed to control the ball and keep his feet in bounds.
--Little skirmishes, usually between linemen, are a part of training camp. Mangini just doesn't want them being part of Browns training camp.
Rookie defensive end Clifton Geathers got into a fight with an offensive lineman during minicamp. Mangini was not pleased, and he let his players know it.
"We shut that down," Mangini said. "We are not fighting at practice. We don't do it. We are never going to do it. I've seen too many bad things happen in that situation where either the guy that throws the punch breaks his hand or gets hurt or he hurts somebody else and they're rolling around.
"There are so many chances that the guys have to show how tough they are; that's not one of them. You need to be able to control your emotions in the game. There are going to be times where you're hit in the game. There will be times where maybe you're cheap-shotted. Whatever it is, they always catch the guy that pushes second and you get the penalty."
--Eric Steinbach has had some work at left tackle, but he is locked in at left guard. The Browns are thin with legitimate tackles. Steinbach is more than capable. Mangini wants him familiar with the assignments should anything happen to Joe Thomas.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I feel like I'm getting on those guys' nerves I'm asking them so many questions." -- QB Colt McCoy on prying for information on the offense from quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, running back Jerome Harrison, safety Abe Elam and fullback Lawrence Vickers each signed a one-year contract for $1.579 on Monday. Linebacker Matt Roth signed a one-year tender of $1.809 million because he had been in the league five years compared to the other four, who were all rookies in 2006.
By signing the tenders when they did the free agents beat the June 15 deadline, at which time the Browns were going to revoke the tenders and make the new offer a 10 percent raise over what each player made last year. With the exception of Elam the 10 percent increase would have been drastically less than the tendered amount.
All five players would have been unrestricted free agents under normal circumstances, but since 2010 is the final year of the collective bargaining agreement a player needed six accrued seasons to be unrestricted.
Harrison and Vickers participated in the recently concluded minicamp. The others did not. They also worked out on their own during most of the offseason conditioning program.
General Manager Tom Heckert Jr. is open to signing the five players to long term contracts, but he said he wants to see them in action first.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None
TRANSITION PLAYER: None
FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
--CB Hank Poteat (not tendered as UFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year): None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--LB Marcus Benard: ERFA; terms unknown.
--LB Blake Costanzo: ERFA; terms unknown.
--S Abe Elam; RFA (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.759M/1 yr.
--TE Greg Estandia: Not tendered as RFA; terms unknown.
--RB Jerome Harrison; RFA (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.759M/1 yr.
--LB D'Qwell Jackson; RFA (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.759M/1 yr.
--RB Chris Jennings: ERFA; terms unknown.
--LB Matt Roth; RFA (tendered at $1.809M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.809M/1 yr.
--LB Jason Trusnik: RFA (tendered at $1.684M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.684M/1 yr.
--FS Raymond Ventrone: Not tendered as RFA; $2.2M/3 yrs.
--FB Lawrence Vickers; RFA (tendered at $1.759M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.759M/1 yr.
--C/G Billy Yates: UFA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--CB Sheldon Brown (trade Eagles).
--QB Jake Delhomme: FA Panthers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Scott Fujita: UFA Saints; $14M/3 yrs, $8M guaranteed.
--LB Chris Gocong (trade Eagles).
--FB Peyton Hillis (trade Broncos).
--QB Tyler Palko: FA; terms unknown.
--OT Tony Pashos: UFA 49ers; $10.3M/3 yrs, $4.5M guaranteed.
--*TE Alex Smith: Not tendered as RFA by Eagles; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--DB DeAngelo Smith (waivers Lions).
--QB Seneca Wallace (trade Seahawks).
--TE Benjamin Watson: UFA Patriots; $12M/3 yrs, $6.25M guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST
--QB Derek Anderson (released).
--C Hank Fraley (released).
--WR/DB Mike Furrey: Not tendered as UFA/Redskins; terms unknown.
--TE Michael Gaines: UFA Texans; terms unknown.
--G Rex Hadnot: UFA Cardinals; $9M/3 yrs.
--LB Alex Hall (traded Eagles).
--TE Steve Heiden (released).
--RB Jamal Lewis (released).
--*S Brodney Pool: Not tendered as RFA/Jets; $1.3M/1 yr.
--QB Brady Quinn (traded Broncos).
--WR Donte' Stallworth (released).
--OL Ryan Tucker: UFA; retired and will be on league suspension for first eight games of the 2010 season.
--DE Corey Williams (traded Lions).
--LB Kamerion Wimbley (traded Raiders).
http://cle.scout.com/2/978699.html -
wes_mantooth
Wish football season would get here....the Tribe is impossible to watch. -
pkebkertypically the Browns aren't any easier on the eyes. But let's hope it will be different this year!
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wes_mantooth
Yeah, I get frustrated with them, but I still watch. I can not even watch the Tribe......makes for a boring summer...sports wise.
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BR1986FBpkebker;395470 wrote:typically the Browns aren't any easier on the eyes. But let's hope it will be different this year!
Yeah, but it's football. Unless they are getting beat 41-0 week in and week out, which won't happen, watching 20 games (including preseason) is much less painful than 162. -
pkebkerHave we signed any of our draft picks yet? I've noticed other teams have begun signing some of their picks but haven't heard any about the Browns rookies.
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shook_17
i don't think we have signed anybody. i know haden said he would like to be in camp on time. but, we all know how that goes. -
BR1986FBNobody signed yet.
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BR1986FBLight could be flipping on for Brian Robiskie
Posted by Evan Silva on June 27, 2010 5:40 PM ET
The Browns used the 36th overall pick on wide receiver Brian Robiskie two Aprils ago under the impression that the Ohio State product was a safe bet for immediate impact. Robiskie's pedigree was impressive, as he is the son of longtime NFL assistant Terry Robiskie, learned a pro-style route tree in the Buckeyes' offense, and was considered a sure-handed prospect with NFL-ready blocking ability.
Instead, Robiskie was a healthy scratch for several games, managed just one late-season start, and finished with seven receptions in 11 appearances while being outplayed by less heralded fellow rookie Mohamed Massaquoi.
According to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Robiskie has "made tremendous progress" between the 2009 and 2010 offseasons.
"He started strong, and then he got better," one unnamed Browns coach said. "He never let up. He's made a huge jump." Robiskie also drew praise from quarterback Jake Delhomme, who noted the second-year wideout is routinely "exactly where he should be at exactly the right time" in practices.
NFL players typically make the biggest improvement between their first and second pro seasons. The Browns should have a much better idea of Robiskie's long-term outlook by around midseason this year.
While at least one analyst likened Robiskie to a poor man's Larry Fitzgerald entering the 2009 draft, his game reminded us more of Falcons possession receiver Michael Jenkins. This season should go a long way toward telling us who's right.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/27/light-could-be-flipping-on-for-brian-robiskie/ -
BR1986FBCan Hardesty Stay Healthy?
By The Sports Xchange
Posted Jun 25, 2010
If so, the Browns have a pleasant problem at running back. The Browns surprised many when selecting the Tennessee RB, but it may be the NFL that winds up surprised...
Montario Hardesty was planning for his future when he chose to attend the University of Tennessee after a sterling career at New Bern High School in North Carolina.
"I went to the SEC to play in the college conference that was most like the NFL," Hardesty said recently. "It definitely isn't the NFL, but hopefully that will help me out a lot by the time we put the pads on and things start moving around faster.
"Playing in the NFL has been a dream of mine since before elementary school. I wanted to put myself in a situation where I could be with the best guys so when and if I got my chance I'd be ready to play."
The Browns selected Hardesty, 6-0, 225 pounds, with the 59th pick in the draft in April. They traded their first pick in the third round, pick 71 overall, and two fifth-round picks to move back into the second round to get him. They made the trade with the Eagles because they did not want to wait for 12 teams to draft and risk seeing Hardesty end up somewhere else.
The Browns have no regrets about drafting Hardesty. He did not hesitate in minicamp when he rushed through a crack in the line and he demonstrated he can catch the ball in traffic. He worked with the first team, particularly on goal line drills.
Jerome Harrison participated in minicamp, but he missed the early part of OTAs because he was unhappy with his contract. That meant extra practice time for Hardesty.
"He's a good athlete," general manager Tom Heckert Jr. said during minicamp. "He's picking up the offense well. We're happy with him.
"He didn't get a whole lot of opportunities to catch the ball at Tennessee, but he's shown he can do it. We're pleasantly surprised. When he gets the pads on he's even more impressive."
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is going to have to figure out how to divide carries between Hardesty and Harrison. It is too soon to know who will start and who will end up with more carries.
Harrison, a 2006 fifth-round draft pick, totaled 77 carries in the first three years of his career. He carried 106 times in the final three games of 2009 while rushing for 561 yards.
"There's good depth there and I'm happy with it with Jerome and Montario," Coach Eric Mangini said. "Montario has done a really nice job for a rookie. He's taken a lot of reps and then Peyton will play there for us. We have Chris Jennings and James Davis. Both guys did some nice things last year so it's a competitive group. I'm excited to see what they do in training camp and then with their opportunities during the preseason."
The biggest question concerning Hardesty: Can he stay healthy? He had a torn ACL in 2005, a sprained ankle in 2007 and a stress fracture in 2008. He was finally injury free in 2009 and averaged 108.8 yards a game while playing 12 games. He was so admired by his teammates at Tennessee that he was elected captain as a junior and senior, despite starting only one of the 11 games he played in in 2008 because of the stress fracture.
Hardesty believes the injuries are behind him. The Browns agree. During his draft summary Heckert said Browns doctors examined Hardesty closely and are convinced he is not an injury risk.
http://cle.scout.com/2/980099.html -
BR1986FBCompetition at RB Should be Keen
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Jun 26, 2010
Fred Greetham previews the upcoming Training Camp competition for roster spots at running back
(This is the second in a preview of the Browns position by position as they head into training camp.)
BEREA—The Browns finished on a four game winning streak to end the 2009 season and finish 5-11. The streak most likely saved the job of Eric Mangini.
In those games the Browns completed a total of just 31 passes (6, 10, 8 and 7, respectively). Meanwhile, they rushed for 171-, 351-, 164- and 214 yards.
Many NFL teams complete 31 passes in one game—let alone four.
The rushing attack was so dominant in those games that the Browns were able to play the ball control style of offense that Mangini dreams about.
It is no secret the Browns hope to carry on their late season rushing success. Here are the candidates as the Browns head to training camp.
Jerome Harrison— (5-9, 205) - Harrison was the second coming of Adrian Peterson in the last three games. He totaled 561 yards in the three games with five touchdowns.
He carried the ball 34 times for 286 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs and then had 39 carries for 148 yards and a score against the Raiders. He finished the season with 33 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars.
But can he do it for a whole season?
Harrison finished the season with 862 yards on 194 carries and five touchdowns. He also tied for the team lead with 34 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
A fifth-round draft choice in the 2006 NFL Draft, Harrison was never really given a chance to play on a regular basis in his first three seasons despite averaging 4.8 yards a carry and 7.1 per reception.
The knock on him has been his lack of picking up the blitz on passing downs, but Mangini said he has improved immensely in the area.
Most fans felt Harrison showed in the final stretch of the season he could be the feature back, but the Browns traded up in the second-round to draft Montario Hardesty.
Montario Hardesty—(6-0, 225) - Hardesty has been used with the first team in the OTAs and the minicamps and seems to be a very real possibility to be the Browns feature running back this season.
A second-round draft choice on a 5-11 team would usually start, but when a team trades up in the second-round to get a player, it means they really like the player a lot.
The knock on Hardesty at Tennessee was that he was injury-prone, but Hardesty rushed the ball 282 times last season in college. The Browns are counting on Hardesty to be able to be a big contributor this season.
Peyton Hillis—(6-1 250) - Hillis is in his third year from Arkansas. He was a seventh-round draft choice of the Broncos in 2008. He led the Broncos in rushing in 2008 in 12 games before a hamstring injury put him on injured reserve. He ended his rookie season with 343 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 14 receptions for 179 yards with one touchdown.
Hillis came over in the Brady Quinn trade and he’s the type of player that Mangini likes. He’s versatile as he can play running back, fullback, catch passes out of the backfield, play in goal line and short yardage situations.
Lawrence Vickers was the only fullback on the roster in 2009 and Hillis can serve as a backup fullback if Vickers were to go down. He blocked for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones while at Arkansas.
In 2010, Hillis only had 20 carries for 77 yards and one touchdown to go with five receptions and 57 yards.
James Davis—(5-11, 218) - Davis was taken in the sixth-round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He had an outstanding preseason and looked as though he was might emerge as a feature back, but was shelved for the season after suffering a shoulder injury on Oct. 3 in an after practice ‘opportunity’ session.
Davis had just nine carries for 15 yards and four receptions for five yards. The Clemson product exploded for an 80-yard run against the Lions in the preseason.
Chris Jennings—(5-10, 218) - Jennings came out of nowhere as he was signed as a free agent after the Montreal Alouettes for the CFL released him. Jennings was able to take advantage of Davis’ injury and ended up with 220 yards on 63 carries with one touchdown. In addition, Jennings had nine receptions for 56 yards.
Jennings biggest contribution was a 20 carry, 73-yard rushing game to help the Browns defeat the Steelers on Dec. 10.
Lawrence Vickers—(6-0, 250) - Vickers is the only true fullback on the roster. During the final stretch of the season when the Browns were rushing so well, Vickers was blocking at a Pro Bowl level. He vowed during minicamp that he will make teams regret not voting him to the Pro Bowl last season.
Vickers, along with Harrison, were late round finds by Phil Savage in the 2006 draft as Vickers was taken in the sixth-round.
Vickers finished last season with no carries, but had eight receptions for 27 yards and a score. In his career, Vickers has carried the ball 28 times for 76 yards and has 37 receptions for 256 yards and three touchdowns.
It will all depend on preseason production, but the running back position should be quite a battle. It seems that Harrison, Hardesty and Vickers are locks, but beyond that it’s hard to figure.
It would seem that between Hillis, Davis and Jennings, there would only be two roster spots at the most and maybe just one. Hillis would have the inside track because of his versatility. It would appear that Davis would have an edge over Jennings. If the Browns were sold on Davis, I doubt they would have drafted Hardesty as highly as they did.
(Next, we’ll look at the wide receiver position).
http://cle.scout.com/2/980282.html -
BR1986FBFred's Pre-Camp Look: Quarterbacks
By Fred Greetham
OBR Browns Reporter
Posted Jun 24, 2010
Our Man in Berea examines the depth chart at quarterback.
(This is the first of a series previewing each position of the Browns as they enter training camp. We’ll start with arguably the most important position of the team.)
No position on the Browns had as much of a turnover at the position than quarterback. Derek Anderson was let go and Brady Quinn was traded to the Broncos. Brett Ratliff is the one holdover from the 2009 season, but he never saw the light of day last season. In fact, Josh Cribbs (5) and Phil Dawson (1)threw more passes than Ratliff did in 2009.
Jake Delhomme was signed as an unrestricted free agent and the Browns traded with the Seahawks for Seneca Wallace. The Browns drafted Colt McCoy in the third-round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Barring injury or Eric Mangini keeping four quarterbacks, there’s a good chance this year’s roster will have no quarterbacks left from last year’s team.
Anderson and Quinn combined for just 49 percent of their passes. They threw 11 touchdown passes, while having 17 intercepted.
Enter Delhomme and Wallace.
Delhomme is coming off of his worst season in his 12 year NFL career. In 2009, Delhomme completed 178-of-321 passes (55.5 pct.) for 2,015 yards. He threw eight touchdowns and 18 interceptions. His QB rating was 59.4.
The good news is that even in the worst year of his career, Delhomme had a higher completion percentage than the 2009 Browns contingent.
His career QB rating is 82.1. In fact, the only season that his rating was worse than last year was 2003 when he had an 80.6 rating.
Mike Holmgren and Mangini have insisted since his signing that they looked at Delhomme’s entire body of work and not just last season. They think 2009 was an aberration and have staked a good deal of their hope for the 2010 season on Delhomme rebounding.
But just to hedge their bets they brought in Wallace.
Wallace has completed 333-of-556 passes (59.9 pct.) for 3,547 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His career QB rating is 83.1.
The Browns have said during OTAs and minicamps that Wallace will be used along with Delhomme and Cribbs in various formations. Mangini has not declared Delhomme the starting quarterback but the $7 million salary points strongly in that direction.
However, if Delhomme reverts to the 2009 form, Wallace is a viable alternative to step in and steer the ship. Wallace has been a career backup, but is a solid veteran presence that can be used in more ways than just as a quarterback.
Ratliff is a favorite of Mangini’s, but roster spots are pretty valuable to any team, but the Browns can ill afford to keep four quarterbacks. Ratliff was the third quarterback for the first 14 games of the 2009 season and was the backup to Anderson for the final two games, but did not see any action.
McCoy was drafted to be the quarterback of the future. Holmgren said that McCoy will not see action this season, but Mangini left the door open that McCoy could see some action depending on circumstances.
McCoy has an impressive pedigree in leading the Texas Longhorns to more wins than any other college quarterback. He appears to have all the intangibles, but being available in the third-round says there is question about his arm strength and his height (6-1).
Holmgren was convinced that neither Anderson nor Quinn was the answer and thus turned to two quarterbacks who have combined for 20 years in the NFL. The third has no NFL experience.
Only time will tell if they made the right move.
(Next: The running backs)
http://cle.scout.com/2/979731.html -
Writerbuckeye
As unwatchable as the Browns have been at times since the return, at least the front office and ownership are spending money and actively trying to win.
You cannot say the same about the Indians. -
newarkcatholicfan
Another losing season. -
stroups
newarkcatholicfan;403788 wrote:Another losing season.
dynamite drop in -
Sonofanumpnewarkcatholicfan;403788 wrote:Another losing season.
Where is the list of lifetime teams you root for? I don't want to get confused. -
pkebkerWhen does training camp start?
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shook_17
end of july i believe. im getting excited. one more month til my tickets are paid off and that means one month closer to the start of the season!
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Al Caponeshook_17;403915 wrote:end of july i believe. im getting excited. one more month til my tickets are paid off and that means one month closer to the start of the season!
You're actually getting excited about the Browns?LOL -
Nate
Just like you get excited for your 5 minutes in heaven with Ben at the nearest tavern.Al Capone;403943 wrote:You're actually getting excited about the Browns?LOL -
Writerbuckeye
Nate;404191 wrote:Just like you get excited for your 5 minutes in heaven with Ben in a bathroom stall at the nearest tavern.
Fixed it for you. Accuracy is very important.
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Sonofanumppkebker;403847 wrote:When does training camp start?
Saturday July 31 at 8:45am -
royal_k
I'm gettin pumped for camp to start.
RB is definately a position of strong depth. And if the OL picks up where it left off last year, they may have one of the better rushing attacks in the NFL. -
BR1986FBFirst signing....
Browns Sign 6th Round Pick
By Site Staff
Posted Jun 28, 2010
Defensive lineman Clifton Geathers is the first Browns draft pick to come to an agreement.
The Browns announced earlier today that they had signed their first draft pick, sixth-rounder Clifton Geathers, to a multi-year deal. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Geathers is a high-upside defensive lineman chosen late in the draft following three years at the University of South Carolina. What he brings to the Browns foremost is a promising body frame at 6'7", 300 pounds. Despite being an imposing physical specimen, Geathers still needs a great deal of work to be ready to play at the NFL level after leaving school a year early. During camps so far, Geathers has shown occasional flashes alongside the frequent reminders that he still has a ways to go.
Still, the signing is a positive news item for the Browns, who had yet to sign a draft pick. Rookies are scheduled to arrive at the team's training camp on July 23rd.
http://cle.scout.com/2/980677.html