Posts Tagged ‘NFL Draft’

2016 NFL Mock Draft

Posted: April 28, 2016 in Browns, Football
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nfl-draftjpg-378f5ebfae38ab00This mock draft was done by myself and Sean Rhodes, from Phil Steele Publications. With the No. 8 Pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select….

  1. Los Angeles Rams (trade via Tennessee): Jared Goff (QB) – California
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (trade via Cleveland): Carson Wentz (QB) – North Dakota St
  3. San Diego Chargers: DeForest Buckner (DL) – Oregon
  4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa (DL) – Ohio State
  5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey (DB) – Florida St
  6. Baltimore Ravens: Myles Jack (LB) – UCLA
  7. San Francisco 49ers: Laremy Tunsil (OL) – Mississippi
  8. Cleveland Browns (trade via Philadelphia through Miami): Vernon Hargreaves (DB) – Florida
  9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronnie Stanley (OL) – Notre Dame
  10. New York Giants: Ezekiel Elliott (RB) – Ohio State
  11. Chicago Bears: Jack Conklin (OL) – Michigan St
  12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Rankins (DL) – Lousiville
  13. Miami Dolphins (trade via Philadelphia): Eli Apple (DB) – Ohio State
  14. Oakland Raiders: A’Shawn Robinson (DL) – Alabama
  15. Tennessee Titans (trade via Los Angeles): Taylor Decker (OL) – Ohio State
  16. Detroit Lions: Reggie Ragland (LB) – Alabama
  17. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Floyd (LB) – Georgia
  18. Indianapolis Colts: Darron Lee (LB) – Ohio State
  19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson (DL) – Clemson
  20. New York Jets: Paxton Lynch (QB) – Memphis
  21. Washington Redskins: Ryan Kelly (OL) – Alabama
  22. Houston Texans: Corey Coleman (WR) – Baylor
  23. Minnesota Vikings: Laquon Treadwell (WR) – Mississippi
  24. Cincinnati Bengals: Keanu Neal (DB) – Florida
  25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mackensie Alexander (CB) – Clemson
  26. Seattle Seahawks: Jarran Reed (DL) – Alabama
  27. Green Bay Packers: Andrew Billings (DL) – Baylor
  28. Kansas City Chiefs: Will Fuller (WR) – Notre Dame
  29. Arizona Cardinals: Karl Joseph (DB) – West Virginia
  30. Carolina Panthers: Robert Nkemdiche (DL) – Mississippi
  31. Denver Broncos: Chris Jones (DL) – Mississippi St

 

Note: The New England Patriots forfeited their 1st round pick due to penalties handed down from “Deflategate.”

With the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns…

Posted: April 2, 2016 in Browns
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Best player available, not best quarterback, is best option for Browns draft

Posted: March 24, 2016 in Browns, Football
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Now that the Cleveland Browns have added RG3 to their roster, the smart thing to do is to keep both Josh McCown and Austin Davis as well. With three quarterbacks on the roster, there is no need to waste the No. 2 overall pick on any of the quarterbacks that will be available in this years draft.

I’m not saying that RG3 is going to be the franchise quarterback of the future for the Browns, maybe he will, maybe he won’t, but the better selection for this team all along has been to take the best player available.

This Browns team is lacking talent all over their roster. Laremy Tunsil, Jalen Ramsey, or Myles Jack would help this team much more then Jared Goff or Carson Wentz.

There have been 12 quarterbacks taken in the top five of the draft the last 10 years. Just one of those 12 quarterbacks has a record above .500 in the playoffs. Who is that, you ask? That would be Mark Sanchez, who is best known for this particular play and not for being remotely close to a franchise quarterback.

 

Also, the lone playoff appearances for Sanchez were in his first two seasons (’09-’10) as he hasn’t been back since. That’s right. 12 quarterbacks. One with a winning record in the playoffs.

Here’s another reason why the Browns would be foolish to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick. Of the last 10 Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, just two were taken in the top five. Those two happen to share the same last name and it doesn’t take a genius to tell that there aren’t any Manning brothers available this year. Four of the ten were not even taken in the first round!

Another position that constantly gets mentioned for the Browns by misinformed fans and media at No. 2 is wide receiver. That would be another mistake. I didn’t agree with former Browns General Manager Ray Farmer on many things, but one thing he was highly accurate about was the wide receiver position. This may be the most overrated position in terms of the type of talent that equates to helping a team win games. The best receiver in the NFL over the last ten years has been Calvin Johnson. In eight of those years, he just so happened to have a quarterback that was taken with the first pick of the draft in 2009. Can you guess how many playoff wins Johnson has? I’ll give you a hint. It’s the same number that you have. ZERO! Just to be more clear about wide receivers taken early, in the last ten years, there have been five taken in the top five, and combined they are 0-6 in the playoffs!

Browns need a better draft from Ray Farmer

Posted: April 28, 2015 in Browns, Football
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Cleveland-BrownsClick the link below to see this story about the Browns and GM Ray Farmer

Browns need a better draft from Ray Farmer

 

Even in the offseason, the Browns rule Cleveland

Posted: March 26, 2015 in Browns
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The same week that the Cleveland Browns made it into the national news for the wrong reasons once again this offseason, I received an email to deposit money for 2015 season tickets!?! I’m serious. I can’t make this up.

ssn tix

This after CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora wrote a  piece suggesting Browns owner Jimmy Haslam trading the franchise for the Tennessee Titans:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25119985/titans-sale-getting-closer-but-dont-rule-out-haslam-swapping-browns

There was a positive story as well, however. After the local and national ridicule the club garnered following the logo and helmet color change (or lack thereof), safety Donte Whitner was chosen to participate in a Nike photo shoot promoting the new uniforms the team will debut this season. Sworn to secrecy about specific details of the changes, Whitner did throw us a couple of bones.

It’s nearly April which means the most exciting time of the year for Browns fans is approaching. That’s right. The NFL draft! We now know where the Browns will be drafting in each round as well as the league announced the draft order this week. Of course it’s expected that the Browns will lose at least one of their mid round picks due to the incompetence of their GM Ray Farmer, who was texting coaches during games and was caught when former OC Kyle Shanahan most likely turned whistleblower. Anyhow, here are the picks as they stand as of right now:

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Official-2015-NFL-Draft-order-unveiled-See-where-Browns-will-make-their-10-picks/4626bc3b-eb5a-40cd-85f4-597e72232abe

nfl_a_joshnn_cr_600x400Now I know the prospect of Josh McCown as the Browns starting quarterback doesn’t sound exciting at all, but in all honesty this dude is hard to not root for. He is extremely intelligent and will put the team needs before any of his personal goals, even if that means being a teacher to Johnny Manziel (If the entitled frat boy makes it to the playing field). McCown was interviewed on ESPN Cleveland by Tony Rizzo Wednesday and came across as a genuine, all class individual. If you missed the interview, do yourself a favor and take a listen to the guy that will most likely start the season as your starting quarterback:

http://www.stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=70&c=476&f=4175803

 

*Update* Cleveland Browns add quarterback Ryan Aplin to roster?

Posted: April 29, 2013 in Browns
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Various reports have the Browns signing Ryan Aplin as an undrafted free agent, while others say that he has not signed. Here is a report on him just in case he does sign with the Browns and you want to have some more info on him.

Working for one of the leading college football companies in the country, Phil Steele Publications, gives me great information on players. The following is some of the information that I’ve gathered on the newest Cleveland Brown QB.

Ryan Aplin – 6’1″ 205 pounds. QB – Arkansas St Red Wolves

Coming out of high school Aplin wasn’t heavily recruited. Phil Steele ranked him as the #287 high school QB. Not only was Aplin a football standout, but he was also named All-Conference on the baseball diamond as well.

After redshirting as a true frosh, Aplin got his opportunity as a redshirt freshman. He played in 9 games, starting 3, and finished with 889 passing yards, completing 65% of his passes with a 3-6 touchdown to interception ratio. He rushed for 253 yards, averaging 4.0 yds/carry.

Hugh Freeze took over as the offensive coordinator during Aplin’s sophomore season. Things started slowly as Aplin was forced to sit out the spring practices after rehabbing his shoulder following off season surgery. He was named the starter in the summer and started all 12 games on the year. Aplin was responsible for 70% of Arkansas State’s total offense and threw a touchdown pass in all 12 games. For the season Aplin threw for 2,939 yards, completing 62% of his passes with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 477 yards on 138 carries (3.5 avg) with another 11 rushing touchdowns. In setting numerous school passing records, Aplin was named the 1st Team All Sun Belt Conference QB.

Freeze took over as head coach in Aplin’s JR season and it was a bit of a surprise when he mentioned that Aplin wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot. Not only did Aplin keep the starting QB job, but he was also named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. Again Aplin, who started all 13 games, set numerous school passing records and finished with 3,588 yards, completing 64% of his passes. The lone downfall was his TD to interception ratio which was a modest 19-16. He also ran for 588 yards with 10 rushing td’s.

For his senior season, Aplin had to learn a new, but somewhat similar system. Hugh Freeze took the Ole Miss job and noted offensive genius Gus Malzahn took over as the new head coach. Malzahn was the College football coordinator of the year when he orchestrated Auburn’s potent offense with Cam Newton under center en route to a National Championship.

Despite a new offense, Aplin was nearly perfect in Arkansas State’s spring game. He threw for 313 yards and 4 touchdowns, completing 79% of his passes. He was named to the O’Brien and Walter Camp watch lists and didn’t disappoint. Again staring all 13 games, Aplin won his 2nd straight Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year award. He went to on to finish with 3,342 passing yards, completing a career high 68% of his passes. He also rectified his touchdown to interception ratio from his JR season, finishing with 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. He wasn’t asked to rush as much, but still finished with 438 yards and 6 more touchdowns on the ground.

Despite his success in the college ranks, Aplin will have his work cut out for him to make the roster. Arkansas State ran an up tempo offense that relied on the short passing game. He also doesn’t have a big arm.

He did have major success for a small program and was coached by two of college football’s greatest minds, so that can never be a bad thing. He can scramble if he needs to and is a proven winner.

Browns continue to fill DB needs with the surprise pick of Jamoris Slaughter

Posted: April 27, 2013 in Browns
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Safety Jamoris Slaughter didn’t expect to hear his name called during the NFL draft. The Browns made the surprising pick of drafting the Notre Dame product with the 175th pick. The reason the pick was surprising was because Slaughter only played in 3 1/2 games last year after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Working for one of the best college football companies, Phil Steele Publications, allows me access to great information on every player. Here is our “player card” on the Cleveland Browns newest DB, Jamoris Slaughter.

Slaughter entered college as a very highly touted recruit out of Georgia. Phil Steele ranked him as the #35 overall DB coming out of high school. He ran a 4.5 40 as a prep player.

After redshirting his true frosh year, Slaughter played in all 12 of Notre Dames games as a redshirt frosh, starting one of them (CB). He played both FS & CB and was noted as one of the better tacklers on the team, finishing with 14 of them.

Slaughter came into his Sophomore season needing to impress new head coach Brian Kelly. A lot of times new coaches want to play their own guys, but Slaughter gained 10 pounds over the offseason and did indeed impress Kelly in the spring practices with his downhill tackling ability. He played in 11 games, starting 5 of them at free safety, but was hampered by heel and ankle injuries, which cost him his starting job. Slaughter finished with 31 tackles, 3 pass break ups, and 1 interception.

In the offseason entering his Junior season, Slaughter had surgery due to bone spurs in his ankle. He was declared the starter after summer practices and played in all 13 games, starting 9 as a free safety. Slaughter finished with 45 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 2 pass break ups, and 1 interception.

Slaughter entered his Senior season with Notre Dame realizing how important it was for him to be on the field. He got some work at CB during spring practices and was getting work as an OLB in certain packages in the summer. He stared the first three games at safety before tearing his Achilles tendon on the first snap of the 2nd half against Michigan State. He finished with 8 tackles and 1 pass break up.

The NCAA denied Slaughters request for a 6th of eligibility in February.

Obviously it remains to be seen how Slaughter will respond after his season ending injury from a year ago, but when on the field, he’s a versatile player and a steady tackler.

Leon McFadden fills the Browns CB need

Posted: April 26, 2013 in Browns
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After LB, the most pressing need for the Cleveland Browns was at the CB position. The Browns spent their 3rd round pick on the player they hope will fill that need, Leon McFadden. Who is Leon McFadden you ask? I’m here to help. Working at one of the leading college football companies in the world, Phil Steele Publications, allows me access and info on players that you might not get otherwise. Allow me to share.

McFadden was actually recruited as a WR coming out of high school. Although not a highly recruited prospect (Phil Steele had him ranked as the #542 WR in the country), McFadden came in right away and made an impact for the Aztecs. He was moved to CB during the summer practices and started the 1st 5 games of the season. He was their only true frosh to play in all 12 games and finished with 26 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception and blocked 2 kicks. While he only started 1 game out of the final 7, he was listed #2 on the depth chart at CB at the end of the season.

Heading into his Sophomore year, McFadden put on 15 pounds and had a tremendous season. He started all 13 games and finished with 55 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 12 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. He also returned 5 punts, averaging 9.2 yds/ret. He was named 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf.

After his stellar Sophomore season, McFadden didn’t slow down as a Junior. He put on 8 pounds of muscle in the offseason and there was even talk of him playing both ways (WR). He stayed strictly on the defensive side of the ball and again started all 13 games, finishing with 46 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 15 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. Teams tended to avoid McFadden, but he still earned 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf, becoming the 1st Aztec to accomplish back to back 1st Tm accolades since ’00-’01!

McFadden thought about making himself eligible for the draft after his JR season, but thought otherwise after it was suggested he’d be a 5th round selection. He made the Nagurski and Thorpe watch lists and finished with 61 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 12 pass break ups, 3 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns, including a 96 yarder) and 1 forced fumble, again starting 13 games. He earned 1st Tm All-Mountain West Conf for a 3rd straight year!

His height maybe a bit of a question mark, but he has the speed and mental makeup to be the corner that the Browns need opposite Joe Haden. McFadden played in every game in his college career (51) and started the last 39 of them.

Barkevious “Keke” Mingo is your newest Cleveland Brown

Posted: April 25, 2013 in Browns
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With a name starting with “Bark” was it really a question where Keke Mingo would end up? All kidding aside, the Browns drafted a solid player that will provide instant relief on the defensive side of the ball.

Working at one of the top college football companies in the country, Phil Steele Publications, allows me unprecedented information about players. I wanted to share what we have on our Keke Mingo “player card.”

The 6-5, 240 pound DE/OLB was not only a standout on the gridiron in HS, but also a track stud, where he was a sprinter in the 200 & 400 meters! Phil Steele ranked him as the #13 overall LB in the country when he signed with LSU.

After redshirting his True Freshman year, he gained 26 pounds and was moved to DE. He flashed unbelievable speed (4.5 40) & athleticism (35.5″ vertical) for a guy his size. He played in 13 games, starting 1 as a redshirt frosh, showing tremendous speed off the edge. He finished with 35 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 6 pass break ups and was named to the All-SEC Frosh team.

Entering his Sophomore season Keke earned LSU’s offseason Leadership award along with their spring award. Head coach Les Miles said “He’s got safety & OLB speed.” He played in 14 games, starting 5 and finished with 46 tackles, 8 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 11 QB hurries (5 in the SEC Champ game alone), 2 pass break ups and was named 2nd Tm SEC.

Entering his Junior season, which would be his last, Keke again earned LSU’s offseason Leadership award & the MVP of the Spring award. He was named to the Nagurski, Bednarik, and Lombardi watch list. He played in 13 games, starting 10 and finished with 38 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 12 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, 3 pass break ups and again earned 2nd Tm SEC.

The Browns are not just getting a solid football player, but a great person who is a leader off the field as well. I really like the pick and Browns fans, you should be excited!!