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I can't speak for anyone else,, but I like what we have out there now. But depth is a good thing.
#GMSTRONG
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Damanshot
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I hear too much about inconsistencies from Reid, and he doesn't seem to have the special playmaking ability that Amerson has shown. But, like I've said a few times, I haven't gotten to watch as much college this year as I usually do, so I'm not as confident in my picks as I have been in the past.
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Neither guy has had a great year this year but both played quite well last season. Reid has more experience at FS. Amerson would be learning a new position. But I do like Amerson's ball-hawking nature.
Don't blame the clown for acting like a clown.
Ask yourself why you keep going to the circus.
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Legend
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OK 1st with the defense. We still need another starting CB, and a starting FS, and a OLB who can really get after the QB. One starting DE who can not only rush the passer but who can stop the run, so that's 4 starting defensive players we still need, which will also handle the depth for next season.
On the O side we still need a FB, a vet WR (to help out and work with the young guys) a backup RB (yes I know many people think we are set there but IF TR goes down I think we need somebody who can carry the load) a backup tackle and center, and a stud TE.
That's ten players overall and I think we can secure 4 of those in the draft and 2 in FA. IMO we are still two years away (with good drafts) from being a real threat to make it to the Super Bowl.
Now I know many people will be screaming about QB but the truth is I am not sold on Weeden, but I am not giving up on him yet. I really don't think we will have a answer on him till after next year.
I AM ALWAYS RIGHT... except when I am wrong.
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Our biggest focus should be TE, FS and CB...that's where our biggest holes are. Anything else would be depth. Like a few others, I'm not sold on Cameron at all...and Watson's getting long in the tooth. Skrine, Patterson, Wade etc. haven't shown that they're starter material. Usama Young just needs to go. I think our LB's will be fine with this full season under their belt, and I think we'd be better served filling the holes than using our #1 or #3 on a DE. Sheard and Rucker/Parker are doing a decent enough job.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
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Quote:
Now I know many people will be screaming about QB but the truth is I am not sold on Weeden, but I am not giving up on him yet. I really don't think we will have a answer on him till after next year.
After watching him all year, I feel pretty confident that we could get to the SB with Weeden. I am way past the days of believing that one player is going to make or break a Super Bowl effort--even if that player is a QB. So long as Weeden plays at or above the level he has played so far this year, and the rest of the offense and Defense make a few more plays--and I could see us making it.
I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch......
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Quote:
I am way past the days of believing that one player is going to make or break a Super Bowl effort--even if that player is a QB.
Try winning a Super Bowl without one...
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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Legend
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time will tell Tyler, time will tell 
I AM ALWAYS RIGHT... except when I am wrong.
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QB – Not needed in the draft or FA.
RB – Not needed in the draft or FA.
TE – Need at least one TE in either the draft or FA, although re-signing existing players is also an option. I would expect that a TE will be acquired in the draft.
WR – You can always draft a WR in the draft somewhere. However, there are guys on the roster that will be gone and guys on the roster that will probably move up to take their spots.
OL – Need upgrade at RG badly. I would not be be averse to acquiring depth at any position along the OL or letting some deadweight go and move other players up the depth chart.
K – Signing Phil Dawson to a multi-year deal (4 or 5-years?) should be a priority and make it a front-loaded contract with the final year being team option year.
P – An upgrade is badly needed. Either late in the draft (7th round) or UDFA.
LS – Yount is doing fine. He's on the team. I don't like these type of specialists though. Prefer these players being back-ups at either G or T and not using a roster spot for a specialist.
DL – Acquire a RDE (I like the kraut!) in the draft. Could add another DE in the draft also for depth, just like we did at the DT position. First round of draft.
LB – I don't mind the group we have here, although D'Qwell is getting older - this isn't all that bad of a group. Of course, you could always get an upgrade here at one of the LB positions, but there is depth here already. Acho was gone all season and he should be added to the group next year. Acquiring a FA might be a possibility, but probably through the draft.
CB – Skrine isn't a bad CB but he needs more improvement. Getting replacements in this group is always a possibility. Adding a second shutdown CB isn't a bad idea. Acquired via draft, likely 4th round.
S – Need upgrades all over this squad. TJ Ward has regressed. He might play his way into a backup role. Acquired via draft.
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Jk
As of now we have the #12 pick in the draft.
We all seem to agree that we could use an upgrade at TE. If Tyler Eifert comes out in this draft how high would people be willing to take him. Would people prefer Eifert of Womack (to upgrade OG)?
Don't blame the clown for acting like a clown.
Ask yourself why you keep going to the circus.
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My thought was to trade down to around 23 and get Eifert.And hopefully get a 2nd round pick also.Might have to throw in a couple late round picks.
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I'd prefer Werner, but I highly doubt that the Kraut (and my heritage is German & Slovak so I'm allowed  ) will be there. If he's gone when we pick and Womack is there, I seriously consider taking him.
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Top TEs coming out are
Eifert
Toilolo
Fauria
Ertz
not necessarily in that order.
there are also some at the next level coming out.
This would be a good year to draft a TE
too bad we don't have a 2nd round pick
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j/c
Here are a few 'What-Ifs":
What if Winn shows enough at RDE to take that position out of the 'Upgrade-Needed' category? (Rucker, Parker, & Stephens as backups)
What if Gipson shows enough at FS to take that position out of the 'Upgrade-Needed category? (Haag, Young, S Brown? as backups)
Those two guys - especially Winn - have played very well...and Gipson has looked good and is only recently coming off an injury. Those facts plus the fact that they are young guys make it reasonable to expect that they may improve...maybe to the point of being starters next year.
I feel similarly - although not as strongly - about these guys:
Both young guards have proven that they can pass block...and Greco (who is a young vet) has stepped in without missing a beat. Do these guys need 'Upgraded'? Or merely another year under their belts?
We don't have a stud at LB. But we have a ton of young athletic guys to go with two solid vets in DQ and Gocong.
Here again, the players on those two units are mostly young enough for it to be reasonable to believe that they may still improve.
I don't feel that way at all about these guys:
I don't see a young CB ready to take the next step (as a starter next year) that Winn may be ready to take at RDE. Patterson was thought to be the next #2...but injuries stopped that train...and he's a FA after this year.
If S Brown moves on - or over to S - and/or Patterson isn't re-signed...well...uh oh. I like the young guys as depth...but don't see the next #2 CB in-waiting on the team right now. I think this is our most pressing need for an upgrade.
I am concerned that the TE position might be a mess going forward. Watson could fade away at any moment...although he is not 'that' old. Cameron's development has been shaky although he is certainly young-enough and has shown-enough that it isn't crazy to think he may improve.
The point I am making here is that we have some young guys who could improve to the point of changing the 'upgrade' priorities in the offseason.
How long has it been since we could say that with a straight face?
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Legend
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Quote:
Quote:
I am way past the days of believing that one player is going to make or break a Super Bowl effort--even if that player is a QB.
Try winning a Super Bowl without one...
It's happened twice in the last 12 years.
Tampa Bay and Baltimore.. But my guess is it's happened before that as well.
#GMSTRONG
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Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I dont recall exactly, but wasnt Big Ben's QB rating in his first superbowl like 17% or something?
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Quote:
I dont recall exactly, but wasnt Big Ben's QB rating in his first superbowl like 17% or something?
22... but his QB rating in the 3 playoff games to get to the SB were 149, 95, and 125...
You don't need the QB to win every game for you but along the way you are going to need elite QB play to get to the super bowl... the only TD the Steelers defense gave up in that game followed a 76 yard INT return... and 2 of the Steelers 3 TDs were a 75 yard run from scrimmage and a 43 yard TD pass from Randel-El... Ben didn't have to be great in that game, but he did have to be great to get to that game...
yebat' Putin
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Legend
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I dont recall exactly, but wasnt Big Ben's QB rating in his first superbowl like 17% or something?
Close,, it was 22.6 But I hardly think that Ben fits into the conversation as a superbowl winning QB that isn't all that and a bag of chips. I mean the week before he had a 124 rating to get them into the Superbowl.
He had a regular season rating average of 98 and even with the his rating of 22 in the superbowl, his playoff average was 101.7.
Basically, he wasn't a Trent Dilfer... not close.
Here's the link to those stats...
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/5536/year/2005/ben-roethlisberger
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Legend
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Quote:
Here are a few 'What-Ifs":
What if Winn shows enough at RDE to take that position out of the 'Upgrade-Needed' category? (Rucker, Parker, & Stephens as backups)
He is certainly a developing player who is most worthy of being in the rotation IMO
But what I think most of us are looking for is an edge rusher with a special athletic ability to get to the QB.
Right now they key on Sheard who has such an ability. But by getting a second player with that ability, they can't key on both of them.
So while I do give Winn some props, he isn't that speed rushing guy I feel most of us are refering to.
JMHO
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Both young guards have proven that they can pass block...and Greco (who is a young vet) has stepped in without missing a beat. Do these guys need 'Upgraded'? Or merely another year under their belts?
Greco is a 5 year vet and Lauvao is a 3 year vet. I think Pinkston is also in year 3. Now if they were rookies or second year players, maybe. But at this stage they aren't quite as innexperienced as many wish to make them out to be.
I think Shwartz is the prime example that if a rookie is going to develop into being good, it doesn't take 3-5 years for you to see it.
If you are a G who can't run block in year three? I don't think you will "develop" into a G who can at that juncture.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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Does Sheard make the offseason move to RDE? (Being the athletic edge-type guy.) It didn't work for him as a rookie...but he's no longer a rookie. Could happen maybe?
Lauvao is in his 3rd year...not thru his 3rd year yet...or thru 3rd offseason. He's finally getting to play with a legit RT next to him. I think he's still young-enough to expect improvement. He's looked good to me this year and will probably look better as Schwartz gets more experience.
Pinkston played in six games in only his second year...with only one offseason...after playing T in college. He's definitely young-enough to expect improvement.
Greco is in his 5th year and 2nd with the Browns...he's 27. He could play another 6 years or more.
I hear you that most guys show whether they can run/pass block sooner than AFTER 3-5 years...I just think they are young-enough to make it reasonable to NOT take a G as early as Rd 3...as we have other spots that will likely demand the 3rd overall pick to result in an immediate upgrade.
I'm fairly stoked about this roster, what Heckert has done in a short time, and the likelihood that we are finally in a position to add a few pieces to make a run at being a playoff contender...at least in terms of talent.
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Legend
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Quote:
Does Sheard make the offseason move to RDE? (Being the athletic edge-type guy.) It didn't work for him as a rookie...but he's no longer a rookie. Could happen maybe?
Sheard had 8 and a half sacks as a rookie. For a rookie, that seemed to work petty well for him wouldn't you say? The problem isn't where he plays. No matter where you move him to, he proved last year he had a good abiliy to get to the QB. So no matter where he plays, oposng D's conisder him our best pass rusher and will key on him no matter where you put him. That's why we must get another good pass rusher.
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Lauvao is in his 3rd year...not thru his 3rd year yet...or thru 3rd offseason. He's finally getting to play with a legit RT next to him. I think he's still young-enough to expect improvement. He's looked good to me this year and will probably look better as Schwartz gets more experience.
It's fine you feel that way, but if you have been in the NFL for three years and can only do one half of your two Jobs, I'm not nearly as opotmistic as you are.
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Pinkston played in six games in only his second year...with only one offseason...after playing T in college. He's definitely young-enough to expect improvement.
I suppose if you're willing to risk yet one more season with a very poor running game on the hope he may improve you have your right to that opinion.
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Greco is in his 5th year and 2nd with the Browns...he's 27. He could play another 6 years or more.
So another six years with a G who can't run block is somehow your solution here? And you feel if after five years in the NF his run blocking is somehow going to develop? As a b-up sure.... Fine as depth.
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I hear you that most guys show whether they can run/pass block sooner than AFTER 3-5 years
And I find that working with the odds in your favor rather han trying to bet the odds tends to lead to greater odds of success.
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I'm fairly stoked about this roster, what Heckert has done in a short time, and the likelihood that we are finally in a position to add a few pieces to make a run at being a playoff contender...at least in terms of talent.
I agree with you. I just know that without a solid running game in the AFC North we stand almost zero chance of being anything more than a "contender".
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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Do you see the position at a point where you would spend a Rd 1, 2, or 3 pick on a Guard?
I see your point on Sheard, however, what I'm driving at is this: Can Winn be the prototypical LDE with good push and penetration...with Sheard being the pass rushing demon at RDE...all of which takes a DE out of the running for our first round pick. Presumably so we can take a CB which I think is a huge hole for 2013.
That leaves Rd 3 for a G...but we may have a huge need for TE there.
I understand your opinions here...but what I am trying to hash out is HOW do we upgrade and WHERE do we upgrade first.
I'd love a complete G...but that's going to require a FA ($$$) or earlier-than-a 4th Rd pick - if we want that position truly upgraded for the home opener next year.
So...we either spend the 3rd on a G...get one in FA...or live with it for another year and go get a starter at TE.
The other point is that we are better-off at G right now than we are at CB...or TE. So how do we fill the G spot (hehehe)? Or other spots. FA or draft?
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All Pro
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Even if Winn doesnt shine at RDE, I think Rucker and Parker have played better than I expected.
I do agree that we need to get a guard in the draft or FA. That is if Pinkston is unable to come. I'm happy with Lavaou and Greco has been solid.
I think our primary concern in the first rd is to get another top CB. Skrine is too small for a starter, Patterson is solid but not shutdown, and even tho Sheldon has been playing well, I think that drafting a top notch CB in the draft and Sheldon to safety fills 2 needs with one move.
IDK y all these predraft picks had us taking Teo.... I like the young group of guys that we have at LB but a pass rushing.OLB would definitely enhance the group.
Positions of need (in order): CB, WR, OLB, FB, G, TE
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What a difference a few weeks makes.
First and foremost, I just love our second round draft pick, Gordon, who is tearing it up this year. No one really expected this, and most of us would be lamenting the loss of a second rounder for some issue plagued rookie. Not.... Most NFL teams would run to the desk for a chance to nab Gordon these days, and not look back.
The needs, as I see them.
Critical: CB, FS, DE, TE, P
Depth: FB, G, LB.
I fully expect the Browns to go after 2 Free agents to address the critical needs. Yes, I would spend a draft choice on a punter. It is a critical need.
There will be no playoffs. Can’t play with who we have out there and compounding it with garbage playcalling and worse execution. We don’t have good skill players on offense period. Browns 20 - Bears 17.
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Ok, so I will say CB is the biggest need cause when Hayden went down it hurt wins this year. I keep hearing browns fans and sports radio say over and over again that if he was in all the games we would have won more games. Injuries happen and can this team make it a season without Hayden? I would like to see someone that may not play at his level but is not as far a drop off as we saw this year. I would like to see best player round 3 on to have camp battles and depth. Players get better when pushed from backups. Look at WR this year for an example. Can't fix everything on a football team but keep bringing up the talent level across the board and you will win.
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Quote:
Do you see the position at a point where you would spend a Rd 1, 2, or 3 pick on a Guard?
I would NEVER see a first round pick on a G unless it was a very late first round pick. And even at that, he would have to be the best candidate at the G position for a decade.
What I feel one needs to do is look at the business end of all of this. Because as much as we as fans may want something very badly, the FO of any NFL team runs things as a business.
Let's look at needs and pay scale. We need both a pass rush specialist and another top notch CB. If you look at the salary demands of these positions in the FA market, you will see that both a CB and a pass rush specialist will cost you far more than a G.
The pay scale is pretty much.... QB.... LT/CB..... Pass rush specialist as your top wage earners. So if you're drafting top 10, I think you look at your positions of need in these areas and try to go BPA.
I don't know how this FO feels about it, but I don't see a "lock" at the franchise QB position in this draft. Our RT and LT spots are set for the forseeable future.
So to me, my priority would be CB if we pick top 10. Now you can't make that a blanket statement because for all we know there may not be a CB left worthy of our pick there. So next I feel you would look at either a DE or LB'er with a great pass rush ability and as of this moment, I see more potential in our LB'ers than a DE.
But once again, we are looking at BPA on these positions. So I could see it being any one of these three positions.
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I see your point on Sheard, however, what I'm driving at is this: Can Winn be the prototypical LDE with good push and penetration...with Sheard being the pass rushing demon at RDE...all of which takes a DE out of the running for our first round pick. Presumably so we can take a CB which I think is a huge hole for 2013.
Winn "could be". Just like many of our young players "could be" great at their respective positions at some point in time. They also "may not be". And as you have seen above, I think CB is a fine option for a top 10 pick.
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That leaves Rd 3 for a G...but we may have a huge need for TE there.
Here's the thing, until we can run the ball effectively, no amount of targets for Weeden or any other QB is going to solve our problem on O. Now if we weren't in the AFC North, I may reconsider that. But in our division, if you can't run the football, you're doomed to mediocrity.
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I understand your opinions here...but what I am trying to hash out is HOW do we upgrade and WHERE do we upgrade first.
I'd love a complete G...but that's going to require a FA ($$$) or earlier-than-a 4th Rd pick - if we want that position truly upgraded for the home opener next year.
So...we either spend the 3rd on a G...get one in FA...or live with it for another year and go get a starter at TE.
The other point is that we are better-off at G right now than we are at CB...or TE. So how do we fill the G spot (hehehe)? Or other spots. FA or draft?
You're asking a lot of loaded questions with no real pat answers. There is a lot to consider in order to answer those questions and most of the facts you need to answer them are not clear.
Who will be availabel when we pick in the first round? Will two CB's already be taken off the board when we pick? How will the best DE grade out compared to the best CB on the board when we pick? What G's will be available on the FA market? What TE's will be available on the FA market?
A blocking TE and a G would be cheaper to sign in the FA market if they are available than a shut down CB or pass rush specialist.
These are all unknown factors. In a perfect world, it seems this draft has a better talent class at DE for the 4-3. So with zero known about those questions I asked, I would love to see a shut down CB available to us with our first round selection.
But somehow we really need to package up a player/picks to get back into that second round for a DE. Or trade down and get our DE and then G. We can't fill an entire laundry list in one off season to have an all star cast.
Just as you have stated that maybe Winn will pan out, the same could be said for Patterson at CB. If a trade down scenario is how it all pans out, that may end up being the road we take.
It's all too foggy of a situation for me to say anything either way at this juncture. But wheather it's in the FA market or the draft, until we have a mauler at the G position, we stand little chance of having a truely balanced attack that we must have in order to succeed in the AFC North.
JMHO
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
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I'm not saying that I agree or disagree (anyone paying attention knows my thoughts on it), but the exact opposite of this statement could be stated and be fully accepted. Quote:
If you can't run the football, you're doomed to mediocrity.
If you can't pass the football, you're doomed to mediocrity.
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We can't fill an entire laundry list in one off season to have an all star cast.
Exactly.
I think it's silly to believe that we will go get a top-tier FA at CB or DE. (Not that YOU believe we will.) The very best ones aren't likely to get away from thier current teams...and those top-tier guys who do get away, too often aren't worth the $$$.
I believe the above is true except for depth...but we already have depth at those positions and can get more/better depth later in the draft. We need a starter at CB. If it's my decision, I'm taking the best CB on the board when I pick unless something really crazy happens - meaning a trade that I can't refuse.
Also, I'm trying hard to find that mauler G and the ball-hawking FS in FA...but I'm not holding my breath. In general, I'll be surprised if we do much in FA other than re-sign our own and pick up some depth guy(s).
The 3rd Rd pick is where I am torn. If we see a starter-quality guy there at FS, I'm taking that guy.
I know we need a pass-rushing DE, but we have guys now who are legit starters at DE...and TE for that matter...and we could roll with that another year...but I don't feel that way about our FS depth. Although Gipson just might change my mind and get me comfortable with rolling with what we've got for another year at FS.
All that said, I wouldn't be surprised - or upset - if we go DE, G, or TE 3rd.
While we have better players now than we've had in a long time, I still think we need to make sure we get a day-one starter with our 1st pick. I think the only positions where a rookie could come in and start - given the competition on our roster is CB...and maybe FS or TE.
A shiny new G with our first pick could possibly be a day-one starter...but I don't think a 3rd Rd G would start day-one. If our 3rd pick is going to be a starter, it would probably be only at FS or TE.
I can't remember the last time this excercise was this much fun.
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I'm not saying that I agree or disagree (anyone paying attention knows my thoughts on it), but the exact opposite of this statement could be stated and be fully accepted.
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If you can't run the football, you're doomed to mediocrity.
If you can't pass the football, you're doomed to mediocrity.
I don't disagree with you there at all.
It's simply my contention that there really isn't what I would consider any lesser gamble than Weeden in the draft and we have at least two good WR's now.
So given the option of upgrading the TE position ar getting a mauling G, I would opt for a G as a higher priority during this off season.
It's my hope Benjiman will be worked into the slot position and that would mean being able to run the ball for more balance would be the biggest key at that juncture.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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I think it's silly to believe that we will go get a top-tier FA at CB or DE. (Not that YOU believe we will.) The very best ones aren't likely to get away from thier current teams...and those top-tier guys who do get away, too often aren't worth the $$$.
Any time you sign a top tier FA you will overpay. The only thing is, you have a sure fire, proven commodity. Which is why I tend to consider G and a blocking TE more likely to be considerations in the FA market. Their NFL salaries are generaly lower than the pass rushing DE or a CB.
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I believe the above is true except for depth...but we already have depth at those positions and can get more/better depth later in the draft. We need a starter at CB. If it's my decision, I'm taking the best CB on the board when I pick unless something really crazy happens - meaning a trade that I can't refuse.
I have a slight caviet to your theory here. Let's say we pick 12th. From the depth I've seen in the draft, if two CB's are already off the board when we select, are you suggesting we simply take the 3rd rated CB in the draft just because he's a CB?
That's my only real issue there. Last year two CB's were selected in the top 10. The first DT was selcted at #11 and the first DE was taken at #16.
So while I do love the idea of drafting a CB with our ifrst pick, I do think you must strongly consider BPA at that juncture.
If we have a shot at the #1 rated DE or the #3 rated CB, if that DE grades out much higher than the CB, do you simply select that CB just because he's a CB?
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Also, I'm trying hard to find that mauler G and the ball-hawking FS in FA...but I'm not holding my breath. In general, I'll be surprised if we do much in FA other than re-sign our own and pick up some depth guy(s).
I have no clue what the new owner will do in the FA market. I however don't feel we can use the past with the previous owner as any kind of gauge as to what we will do moving forward. So while I certainly wouldn't predict it, I wouldn't be surprised to see us sign both a G and S in the FA market and possibly look at a blocking TE. Maybe two out of three of these positions depending on what the draft nets us. Haslam seems like he wants to make a splash so IMO, it's anybody's guess.
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I know we need a pass-rushing DE, but we have guys now who are legit starters at DE...and TE for that matter...and we could roll with that another year...but I don't feel that way about our FS depth. Although Gipson just might change my mind and get me comfortable with rolling with what we've got for another year at FS.
I think it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. Putting a lot of pressure on the oposing QB will make your secondary look better. You rush their QB into making bad decisions and it leads to bad throws and bad decision making for the most part.
Conversely, if your secondary is top notch and can cover well, it gives your defense more time to get to the oposing QB and your DL looks better. The two units are tied together at the hip in that regard.
One thing I will add and that is no matter how good your secondary is, they can only cover for so long.
I do know I saw some who felt that both Parker and Rucker were not much addition to our DL. I disagreed with them then and I disagree with them now. Are they studs? No, I wouldn't say that, but they are certainly very good rotational players and have been a very nice addition and living in the Dayton Ohio area, I knew that the fans would warm up to Ruckers play.
I do like our rotation on the DL. I'm in no way trying to dismiss the fact we have far more talent than in the past and they do give me reason for optimism. But we are most certainly lacking that book-end pass rusher.
When we look at the 4-3, we have a lot of people needed in that rotation too. Just like you would need a lot of LB'er rotation in the 3-4.
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While we have better players now than we've had in a long time, I still think we need to make sure we get a day-one starter with our 1st pick. I think the only positions where a rookie could come in and start - given the competition on our roster is CB...and maybe FS or TE.
I actually feel that the only way to gain ground in our division is to get day 1 starters with at least two picks in every draft. That's why it really wouldn't surprise me if we see a trade down scenario where we get a later first round pick packaged with a second rounder if someone is sitting at our spot that a team is drooling over.
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A shiny new G with our first pick could possibly be a day-one starter...but I don't think a 3rd Rd G would start day-one. If our 3rd pick is going to be a starter, it would probably be only at FS or TE.
I believe if we do go with upgrading the G position it would be a second rounder in the scenario I described above or in the FA market. If they seriously want to fix the run blocking right away, I don't think they gamble with a 3rd round pick to do that job.
My reasoning for why I believe they will get a mauling G is a pretty simple one. They dumped a major investment in T. Rich. I think we have a good thunder and lightenning combo with T. Rich and Hardesty if Hardesty can stay healthy.
With a first and second round investment at the RB position, I feel the people in charge will feel an urgent need to get our running game on the fast track. But I have been wrong before so I wouldn't be surprised if that didn't happen.
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I can't remember the last time this excercise was this much fun.
It is a lot more fun figuring out how to finish a building rather than trying to lay the foundation for it isn't it!!??
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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The Roster, and where to upgrade.
Go through the active roster, and circle some names where a player added could challenge and or compliment them, so players to replace.
Badmeosi, ( first I didn't but decided to add )
Eric Hagg, Tashaun Gipson, Trevin Wade,
Owen marecic, Josh Cooper, Jarrod Shaw,
Tank Carder, L.J. Fort, Ishmale Kitchen,
Then, players to replace who are currently on the IR, Emmanuel. Acho, Austin English, Brian Sanord, and Eddie Willaims.
Then you have other players to circle who have shown some highlights and you'd like to see more of, who aren't currently active, so players to bring back.
Fujita, Gocong, Pinkston. Emmanuel Stephens, and Jordan Norwood.
And players who you think might develop. Garth Gerhart.
Then you consider, some of those players are needed for special teams, and you see what groups struggle the most during the season and you look at what options appear to be available in the draft and free agency.
And try to get better talent and future development as much as you can.
YOu don't want to look for replacements for the top 5-10 guys on your roster, maybe the bottom 5-10.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
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Legend
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Go through the active roster, and circle some names where a player added could challenge and or compliment them, so players to replace.
In most of these players, they are depth players. Upgrading such players with higher quality depth is a good thing but you wouldn't address that with your first few picks in the draft or any type of "major FA signing".
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Badmeosi, ( first I didn't but decided to add )
We have been saying we need another CB. If you upgrade the starting CB role, then everyone else playing the position m oves down a notch and he would be expendable.
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Eric Hagg, Tashaun Gipson, Trevin Wade,
Once again, we have already discussed the need at S but in regards to CB, we aren't going to add three of them. If we can aquire a shut down CB in the draft we would have someone opposite Haden and Patterson would be your third CB.
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Owen marecic, Josh Cooper, Jarrod Shaw,
Tank Carder, L.J. Fort, Ishmale Kitchen,
Then, players to replace who are currently on the IR, Emmanuel. Acho, Austin English, Brian Sanord, and Eddie Willaims.
Then you have other players to circle who have shown some highlights and you'd like to see more of, who aren't currently active, so players to bring back.
We have already invested heavily at the WR position adding three over the past two years. Until we see how Benjiman develops, I don't think we can afford to perpetually continue to add WR's. Owen Marecic? Yes to me he's a waste. But here again, we aren't going to make a "heavy investment" at the FB spot.
Bottom line is when you draft a first or second round player at a position like CB or make a major FA signing at a given position, everyone else moves down the depth chart by one. This gives you room to let the bottom feeders go.
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YOu don't want to look for replacements for the top 5-10 guys on your roster, maybe the bottom 5-10.
Do you feel anyone suggested we do that? I don't disagree with your premise, but to me you have to look at what key areas you can improve in that would equate to W's.
That's why I believe this discussion has centered around TE, G, CB, S and a pass rush specialist.
At this juncture, major upgrades in those areas could be game changers IMO
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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Hall of Famer
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I would tend to agree. I wanted DeCastro and he may not have suffered the injury as a Brown and I wanted Doug Martin later in the first round. We know he was there because TB moved up to get him.
I didn't like the Weeden pick at all and I'm certainly not sold on him yet. Many on here focused on his 'strong arm'. We've all witnessed it with passes sailing 5 yards over intended receivers heads. He can chuck it alright but something in his mechanics obviously isn't right. The question now is whether it can be fixed. It hasn't yet.
Benjamin is the heir apparent for Cribbs in the return game. We should have traded Cribbs at his high-return point. Cribbs hasn't done much since being given the money (and I remember the 'pay the man' threads) and he's actually made some poor decisions recently because he knows that his time is limited on the Browns and he's trying too hard to make his return skills relevant to any future team.
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