Tom Heckert??

• From the Hills

  

  http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/1/8/1242012/happy-trails-tom-heckert
  
  Interesting read. I am just a little leery of Heckert, mainly because of the way the Eagles were so willing to let him go. Also, sounds like Eagle fan really doesn't know how much Heckert contributed.
  
  However, the Browns are due to get a decent GM with the parade of disastrous ones they have had since being back.
• dave

  he's not going to make a difference either way
• DaBrowns41

  It seems that Philly was ok to let him go because they knew how much he wanted more control and responsibility, and have his own tasks, and they knew it wasn't going to happen any time soon... at least for as long as Reid is there, and it looks to be awhile.
  
  He seemed to serve more as an advisor to Reid than an actual GM, despite the title, but has always had good knowledge about the business/financial side of the organization and his forte is in finding draft talent.
  
  I think he's going to be a nice piece in the puzzle for Cleveland. He gets control over the 53 man roster (which is good because it's obvious Mangini struggles with that aspect), and he gets more responsibility, which is what he wanted.
• From the Hills

  

  dave wrote: he's not going to make a difference either way

  He could make a huge difference if he could help lure a couple of Eagles to the Browns. Most notably free agents: LB Gaither or GoCong, WR Avant or Basket, CB KR Ellis Hobbs, or G Nick Cole.
  
  Also, I don't see the Eagles being able to hang on to their trio of QB's. Reid has come out and said McNabb will be the starter again next year, but didn't exactly give him a ringing endorsement. However, if that's the case Kevin Kolb would look very good in the orange and brown.
• bases_loaded

  

  Eagles play by play man was just on KNR and had a lot of props for Heckert. Saying Cleveland got a good one and wouldn't be surprised if the Holmgren/Heckert combo is the turning point for Cleveland Browns football
• devil1197

  Most normal NFL fans don't even know what their GM does tbh.
  
  The Eagles didn't want to give Heckert control which he wanted so he will come to the Browns.
• pkebker

  According to Holmgren in his conference call, He called Andy Reid about the responsibilities that Heckert had, and he was informed that Heckert had set up the Eagles draft boards and made reccommendations to Andy Reid. Supposedly Reid thought the world of Heckert. And the Eagles draft picks would explain why...
• BCBulldog

  

  I don't think there is any other way to look at this but as another step in the right direction. Time to get to work on the draft and trades/free agency. For all the changes that have been made, it's reassuring to see that they are in place well in advance of the end of the playoffs. The Browns are well positioned to evaluate the available talent in both pools and put together a solid plan of attack. In the past, I have never felt they were as prepared as they should be this year.
• pkebker

  I am really looking forward to today's press conference with Holmgren, Heckert, and Mangini. Having them all sit down together and be able to speak with all of them at the same time will really give us a sense of who we have running this organization. I really believe that this group will finally give the Brown's fans a product that we can be proud of.
• Writerbuckeye

  

  DaBrowns41 wrote: It seems that Philly was ok to let him go because they knew how much he wanted more control and responsibility, and have his own tasks, and they knew it wasn't going to happen any time soon... at least for as long as Reid is there, and it looks to be awhile.
  
  He seemed to serve more as an advisor to Reid than an actual GM, despite the title, but has always had good knowledge about the business/financial side of the organization and his forte is in finding draft talent.
  
  I think he's going to be a nice piece in the puzzle for Cleveland. He gets control over the 53 man roster (which is good because it's obvious Mangini struggles with that aspect), and he gets more responsibility, which is what he wanted.

  Philly's ownership is also enamored of a "rising star" in their personnel department named Howie Roseman, and they were looking for a way to move him into Heckert's seat.
• iclfan2

  

  I'm not sure how you can be leary of this guy. He is a great evaluator of talent. We need him for the draft and our 11 picks. Holmgren will be running the majority of the show but this guy is intelligent and will only be an asset to the front office.
• From the Hills

  

  And he said during the press conference that he has only been involved with one losing season in the years he has worked with Miami and Philly.
• pkebker

  That's certainly impressive, but doesn't necessarily mean much.
  
  I hope he can bring his winning ways this way by starting out his tenure with an outstanding draft and FA pickups!
• CofCBrugs87

  I dont know how to post pics cuz im a noob. But can someone post a pic of Heckert and Phil Dawson. I think they are twins! And if Heckert can pick draft picks as well as his brother kicks field goals we will be.....accurate and weak? haha
• slingshot4ever

  I'm interested to see what kind of guys he picks in the draft.
• TigerNation10

  

  Phil Dawson
  
  
  
  Tom Heckert
  
  
• From the Hills

  

  Found it interesting Mangini brought up how he wanted to draft Chris Gocong in the drat while he was the Jet's coach at today's news conference. With Heckert's connection to Philly maybe this is someone they will target in free agency. However, Philly would probably be more willing to part ways with another LB, Omar Gaither.
• buckeyes_woowee

  ^^^^ I don't see it. They don't look that much alike
• pkebker

  They don't look enough alike to be brothers...maybe cousins
• pkebker

  Who is Chris Gocong? Is he any good?
• From the Hills

  

  pkebker wrote: Who is Chris Gocong? Is he any good?

  Eagle's LB. Free Agent this year. He had pretty good years in 07 and 08. Tapered off some this year, but had injury issues. Upside is he is still young and played only three full seasons in NFL.
• pkebker

  Are there rumors that he might be following Heckert to Cleveland?
• From the Hills

  

  pkebker wrote: Are there rumors that he might be following Heckert to Cleveland?

  Probably too early for that, but I hope some kind of connection is made to attract some of these Philly free agents as well as maybe Kolb or McNabb.
• pkebker

  Hasn't it already been reported that McNabb will be Philly's starting QB next season?
• osu99

  Those are legit questions about Heckert but I think the counter point is everyone in Philly knows it's Andy Reid's show to run. I do think Heckert has played a role in it because someone has to be out evaluating talent because Reid doesn't have time in season. I like the pick up and the guy seems competent. I also don't think he would have lasted as long in the league if he were a failure.