Signings, wish list, etc. I'm hoping we reach out to the punter from LSU (Wing I believe), the ILB from UNC Reddick, QBs Matt Scott or Tyler Bray, WR Da'Rick Rodgers, FB Lonnie Pryor or Zachary Line, FSs Tony Jefferson and Cody Davis, OG Alvin Bailey and TE Jake Stoneburner to name a fee
With the new draft picks, and adding Bess, going by what our roster was today we have 70 players. This leaves 20 to be signed for OTA's and training camp.
These are the 20 I have seen so far; (doesn't mean we keep any for all that long, as I'm sure we will swap out a few for some others out there as OTA's get underway).
Quote: Wow, I'm used to the usual buttheads we sign as UDFA (sans Josh Cribbs, of course!), but this list so far actually looks promising.
Hey, remember Leigh Bodden was a FA. Before all those high ankle sprains took a toll on his career, he was a darn good player too
Damn it, hoped nobody caught that!
I was just talking him up last night. My buddy was complaining about not drafting Milliner, then taking some "bum" in the 3rd instead of the Honey Badger....I quickly pointed out guys like Asante Samuel, and Leigh Bodden. Then he shut up, lol. Bodden was one of my favs back in the day. Or as Chad Johnson called him, Le-high Boe-den.
With the new draft picks, and adding Bess, going by what our roster was today we have 70 players. This leaves 20 to be signed for OTA's and training camp.
These are the 20 I have seen so far; (doesn't mean we keep any for all that long, as I'm sure we will swap out a few for some others out there as OTA's get underway).
Aaron Adams, OT, Eastern Kentucky
Braxton Cave, C, Notre Dame, 6-3, 303
Caylin Hauptmann, OL, FIU, 6-4, 312
Chris Faulk, OL, LSU, 6-5, 331
Cordell Roberson, WR, Stephen F. Austin
Dave Kruger, DE, Utah, 6-5, 283
Dominique Croom, WR, Central Arkansas, 6-2, 189
Garrett Hoskins, TE, Eastern Michigan
Jamaine Cook, RB, Youngstown St, 5-9, 209
Josh Aubrey, DB, Stephen F. Austin
Justin Staples, DE, Illinois
Martin Wallace, OT, Temple
Mike Edwards, CB, UTEP, 5-11, 200
Mike Niam, LB, Wofford
Mike Zimmer, LB, Illinois State
Perez Ashford, WR, Northern Illinois
Ricky Tunstall, S, Delaware
Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State, 6-1, 202
Ryan McWethy, S, Wisconsin-Platteville
Travis Tannahill, TE, Kansas State, 6-4, 254
if thats the list its a pretty disappointing one, only see maybe 2-3 guys who would even be considered for PS (Cook, Tannahill, Aubrey)
Faulk had third round grades on a lot of sites but has injury issues. Happy about bringing Kruger in to compete at DE.
I don't really like Braxton cave, but a lot of people did. I like joe Madsen much better and he signed with the Steelers. Being from West Virginia, he's probably a Steelers fan.
I know we have guys to bring in on a tryout basis, so it may be coming. Not too settled on Graham, though I thought Lanning outperformed Hodges last year. But some comp never hurts.
Quote: anyone know anything about that RB we signed?
Legit canidate to make the team, really really quicky shifty and strong good vision
may have take Chris Obys job from him
I wouldn't go that far. Cook is a decent RB, but he's really inexperienced in pass protection, and he lacks top end speed. (and he's not that big on top of that) He is a decent receiver.
He was highly productive at YSU, but he's not my favorite Penguin. I would have rather gone after Mady. I think that Mady has a legit shot at starting in a year or 2.
This kid sounds like he might have some ability. I read that he did 31 reps at 225# ..... most of any DB ... so he's a strong kid. He also ran a 4.5 flat according to this site:
Twenty-four hours after defensive backs were the main attraction in workouts before hundreds of scouts at the nationally televised NFL Scouting Combine, free safety Ryan McWethy of Wisconsin-Platteville began another day in relative anonymity, ultimately fixed on catching the right scout's eye.
"I wasn't able to watch any of it," said McWethy, a 6-1, 218-pound safety and team captain didn't want to predict results for his own 40-yard dash, or offer an educate guesstimate on how many reps of 225 he might do for scouts March 6.
"I'm up in Milwaukee training for my pro day. I don't have TV here, so I haven't been able to watch too much. But I saw all the numbers, what they threw up."
The defensive backs invited to Indianapolis have the better part of three days to make some kind of impact on scouts and talent evaluators, either in interviews or on the field. That's not the way it works for DIII prospects.
Truth be told, McWethy isn't an unknown in this draft. He was coming out of tiny Oregon High School, a Class AAA school in north central Illinois about 70 minutes from Chicago. When scouts first began tracking him, he was already in college. They do wonder why he wasn't recruited to a bigger program based on his talent, but that's more of an indictment of the schools that didn't pay attention four years ago.
"We had a good football team, but such a small school, not too many people look our way for athletes," he said.
He began gaining interest as a junior after an 18-tackle performance. Ten teams met with him or watched him in person last season, including the Cowboys, Patriots, Ravens and Vikings. About 20 teams have talked to the Platteville coaching staff and McWethy has met personally with 13 teams.
Tuesday was the day the defensive backs among the 333 players invited to the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine made their mark. Top-ranked cornerback Dee Milliner ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and nailed down a spot in the draft's top 10. McWethy would settle for any spot in the top 250. Or a draft-day deal as an undrafted free agent. Of course, if neither scenario plays out, he's not the type to hang up the helmet. He'll continue to pursue football opportunities.
McWethy is training with Brad Arnett at NX Level Athletics. Arnett is trainer to former Wisconsin All-American and 2012 Houston Texans All-Pro J.J. Watt.
The story of the small town kid isn't new to the region, and McWethy said his father is religously combing for information on what McWethy's competition has done in workouts and otherwise. Fourth-round pick Sean Considine, a safety who played special teams for the Super Bowl-winning Ravens earlier this month, played a few miles up the road at Byron High School. Considine, a local legend because of his NFL calling, had the natural boost of playing in the Big Ten at Iowa. He was able to lend his first-hand knowledge to McWethy.
McWethy's workout will again raise the nagging question of level of competition -- but in another way. Has his work cut out for him grabbing the attention of evaluators there primarily noting the peformance of the University of Wisconsin prospects in Madison. Last year, several Wisconsin players were drafted.
But the potential for exposure gleaned at the Badgers' pro day -- obviously far greater in comparision to what the lower-division Pioneers experienced on game days -- should serve McWethy well. It might be the difference between becoming a seventh-round pick or priority free agent and being added to a camp roster early in the summer.
"As of right now I think all of my numbers put up in training are right where I need to be, I think I'll catch the eye of quite a few scouts if I keep doing what I should be doing," he said.
There's no denying McWethy has progressed in the past year, since he first learned from his head coach NFL teams requested three game tapes (though defensive coordinator Rob Erickson was trying to send the highlight reel without informing McWethy). However, if the phone doesn't ring by the end of the seventh round of the draft in April, McWethy will be in the same place he was Wednesday.
"Hoping I get picked up and go into a rookie camp," he said. "Get an opportunity to show what I can do. Hopefully some team gives me a shot."
Nice read, I imagine he didn't wind up here due to a lack of interest, sounds like a smart kid that probably did his homework and sees a great opportunity to make the team because of our FS position being absolutely wide open for starter and backup, not to mention the possibility of latching on the practice squad if all else fails.
Definitely a kid to keep an eye on, has all the measurables, now to see if he can hang with the increased level of competition. I'll be pulling for him.
For OSU homers, besides Stoneburner going to Green Bay, Buckeyes Zach Boren, FB and Travis Howard, CB both landed with the Houston Texans. Wonder why they'd want Boren when they have Vickers? Also waiting to see where P/PK Quinn Sharp (Okla. St.) ends up. Rumors have him signing with the Bengals.
For OSU homers, besides Stoneburner going to Green Bay, Buckeyes Zach Boren, FB and Travis Howard, CB both landed with the Houston Texans. Wonder why they'd want Boren when they have Vickers? Also waiting to see where P/PK Quinn Sharp (Okla. St.) ends up. Rumors have him signing with the Bengals.
As someone pointed out Vickers went to Dallas last year then the Texans just lost their FB/TE in James Casey this year so they were looking at getting a new FB to block for Foster. Boren I think is a great fit.
Texans have drafted I think three buckeyes in the last two years...
Also, looks like Tunstall ran in the 4.4s. Possible kick returner, I could see him as a ST gunner too. This guy is more impressive looking than Slaughter to me. Although, not much tape on Slaughter. I'm excited about this guy, I'll be rooting for him to earn a spot on the final roster.
Perez Ashford has some good tape too, although he is only 5'10". Don't think any WR has much of a chance with the guys we have now.
Interesting to see Dave Kruger come join his brother. Philly drafted the other brother, I always thought Dave was a better prospect of the two coming out. Looks like he'd be a DE in the 3-4. Has good size for it.
Forgot about Etienne Sabino - he signed with NY Giants, who also drafted Jonathan Hankins. Reid Fragel is a Bengal, and John Simon is a Raven. That one grinds me a little.
Besides talking about the 17 UDFA's they seem to give reasons for the way they did things. Actually, I'm surprised by this, but I kinda agree with the thinking..
Quote: Cleveland Browns: CEO Joe Banner and coach Rob Chudzinski press conference transcript Branson Wright, The Plain Dealer By Branson Wright, The Plain Dealer on April 28, 2013 at 7:30 AM, updated April 28, 2013 at 8:58 AM
BEREA, Ohio -- CEO Joe Banner and coach Rob Chudzinski press conference transcript following the draft, provided by the Cleveland Browns.
Joe Banner
(Opening statement)- "A couple things I think you already know. We signed (Davone) Bess to a three-year contract extension, so including the year he already has that's four years. We have agreements with, we won't have them signed so we won't release any of the names yet, 17 undrafted free agents. We'll get you those names as soon as we get the contracts back but until we do that we don't want to put them out. That probably won't be until tomorrow morning. We're still working, we probably have two more spots to fill. I just want to talk a little philosophically about what we did. We view Bess as part of the draft and we were fortunate being able to trade back a couple spots to acquire him, keep the same number of picks and then as you know we were able to take those picks and trade them for future picks. The philosophy really is to treat everything we have, whether it's a draft pick, an undrafted free agent, cap space, whatever it is as an asset and try to maximize the value we can get for it. We took our fourth round pick for example, traded back to pay for part of Bess and then traded that for a future third round pick. We feel like, for a fourth round pick that's about as much value as you can possibly hope to get. He's a good player, still good enough to contribute for a while. Again, he's very high character, all the things that we keep talking about that we're looking for. Then we were able to trade the pick and have the asset of a third round pick next year. That's how we're thinking about those things, what's the best value that we can get out of each of those assets, with having in mind the idea of building a really good team over two to three years as opposed to just worrying about filling every single need that we could identify for this moment. That's just kind of an overview behind the moves you saw us make today."
Joe Banner
(On if they stuck with their plan going into the draft)- "We were open to the idea of trading for future picks if we could get the right value, but we also went in, I mean frankly I think if you had asked us this morning we would have thought we were going to use those picks. We thought we had good players identified but you start getting into the fourth and fifth round, I'm not going to tell you they're guys you know that are going to be stars. But as we were able to go through and finalize the best trades, we were a little further in the fourth round as we got an offer that we thought was really good value for the pick as we looked at who was available, I think we had open mindedness about that possibility and then made the decision to use it that way."
Joe Banner
(On if the plan all along was to improve the defense in free agency and the draft)- "Yeah, to a degree. We were trying to focus on making sure we got players that we thought made us better. I think the difference is on offense we think we have a lot of young guys who are not quite sure what they are going to be over time. So we were inclined to give them some time and see how they develop and then we'll be able to identify where we're at. On defense, we felt it was clear to identify what talent was out there, what talent we had, match it up with the philosophy we've been talking about and make some moves that will make the team better. It was a little bit of both."
Joe Banner
(On why they traded with the Steelers who initiated it)- "We had so many causable trades. I think they called us first. Although we had multiple trade offers for that pick, including other teams offering the same thing and we felt that was the best trade to make. Time will tell who got the better of the deal."
Joe Banner
(On if they have a philosophical problem trading within their division)- "I'm going to sound, I don't know where this is going to lead, but I prefer to trade within the division. You don't make a trade that you don't think you're winning. So if you're winning a trade in your own division you're even better than winning a trade in another division. Obviously, that can burn you from time to time. If you look in Philadelphia, we traded (Donovan) McNabb to the Redskins and everybody thought, 'Oh my god. What are they doing? They are giving a quarterback to a team in the division.' We thought we strengthened the Eagles, and in time we didn't really do anything that helped the competitors. We try to make the best deal, it didn't really matter who it was, but we're also not afraid at all of making a trade within the division if we think it benefits us."
Joe Banner
(On if the trade with the Steelers had anything to do with the Giants' trade before that pick)- "That trade had nothing to do with anything other than our board and our own value."
Joe Banner
(On if they had other 2014 third round offers for their fourth round pick)- "I don't want to get that specific, but other offers that involved future picks. There were other opportunities."
Rob Chudzinski
(On Jamoris Slaughter)- "Just looking at Jamoris, we felt good looking at his film from the year before, not this past season. Obviously, he is coming off the injury. We felt good medically from the research that we had done and he'll be back at full speed. That's still going to take a little time in him getting back into it, but we saw a player who was extremely productive, and very versatile that played on the slot, been able to cover people man to man and also blitzed and played back deep. He'd been able to do a number of different things and we really liked the player we saw at that particular time, and projecting forward, that he we would be able to be in the mix and be able to compete for the safety positions."
Joe Banner
(On why they would draft a player coming off an Achilles injury after they cut Chris Gocong who had the same injury)- "I think the difference is player evaluation in terms of we are picking the in the sixth round and we feel like we have a player who has a chance to be a contributor – much more than you would get in the sixth round. Our medical staff was very optimistic about the medical part of it. We thought this would be good value."
Rob Chudzinski
(On Tashaun Gipson)- "Well from what we have been able to see - very positive on Tashaun and his work ethic and how he has approached things out on the field. He has some good instincts as a player and solid skills. Again, he's a younger guy and we will see once we get into pads and into real football, how he looks."
Joe Banner
(On if there is any worry that the focus is already down the road when the 2013 season is coming up)- "We are not asking for a free pass for this year. We expect to improve. We expect it to be conspicuous. As you look at the individual players we added and the way the coaches bring them together and get them in sync, we are not saying that we don't expect to be better. We are not going to reach all of our goals or fill all of our needs this year. But we think we will play exciting, aggressive football. I think it will be clear that the team is continuing to improve as I think it has for the last year or two and positioning itself well to have a chance to become very good and sustain it."
Rob Chudzinski
(On if he has a different view because he is trying to win next year as a coach)- "Our goal is to win and it always will be. We will approach it from that standpoint. I want us to progress and improve on a daily basis. That is always the focus of a coach, you are focusing on today and improving today. That is the approach that we have taken up to this point with our guys and we will continue to approach it that way."
Joe Banner
(On the quarterback situation)- "Quarterback is an important position. We are always going to be open to looking at the position. We are always going to be evaluating everybody and every option there is to get stronger there. That's just a matter of organizational philosophy."
Rob Chudzinski
"As far as the draft goes, I think the value and the ranking and rating and how we had players stacked with the timing of when the draft was just didn't match up. As far as the guys that are here, I want to see and we want to give them every opportunity to improve. They have ability and we are excited about them as players to see them grow and how they progress in the system. We feel good about the group that we have."
Joe Banner
(On if the Giants trading in front of them impacted them trading in the fourth round)- "I answered that question before, the players picked in front of us and around us had no impact on the decision to go ahead and make that trade."
Joe Banner
(On if Jimmy Haslam was actively involved in the draft)- "He's actively involved in his way, which I think I've described. He holds everybody to a high standard. He asks a lot of very good, very smart questions that are good things to make sure we think through. He is a very positive energy and force to have around. Everyone feels like we have his support. He just uplifts, you've been around him, he up lifts the energy around him. He is just a very positive, happy guy. He was here all weekend and it was great to have him."
Rob Chudzinski
(On having inexperienced players at wide receiver)- "We feel good about that group. There are young players who have ability and talent. We would like to give them the opportunity to develop them and work with them. We were talking a little about Josh Gordon who was basically our second round pick this year. He is a young guy. Davone, we were able to get. We're excited about him. He is a proven guy in this guy and has been very productive. He's a guy that can win matchups and help you win particularly in critical situations in games. You look at Greg Little and the improvement he has been making. Travis Benjamin and his speed and some of the things he brings. It's a group that we've had a chance to see a little bit on the field that we are excited about. I would say the same thing about the tight ends. That's what we do as coaches is take those guys who may not have the experience right now and work with them to improve and get better. They need to get better in a hurry and am confident in our coaching staff that we will get that done."
Joe Banner
"We think of our draft as the five players we drafted plus Gordon plus Bess plus two quality future draft picks. When you look, before the (Colt) McCoy trade we have six draft picks. What value did we turn that into? It's Gordon, Bess, plus the players we picked, plus the two future assets that we have acquired and hopefully some good decisions with the undrafted guys. Almost every one of the really good teams in the league has some undrafted players that have cone through and contributed to the team. We view the last couple hours as an important part of the draft as well."
Rob Chudzinski
(On Armonty Bryant)- "As you looked at Armonty on tape and we've had a chance to study him - actually Joe Cullen went out and worked him out as well. So we got to know him a little bit better than the cursory glance at a guy. He's an explosive, speed off the edge, good sized defensive end who can apply pressure to the quarterback. He'd be that type of player in our scheme. He can put weight on. I think he is 265 or somewhere in that range. He has a big frame and is real raw. He's a guy that you look at that you are excited about what he can be if he develops and works at it. Through the course of looking into his background with Coach Cullen out there, as well as our scouting staff, we felt like he is passed the mistakes that he has made and ready to move on. He has matured."
Joe Banner
(On the philosophy of drafting two Division II players and how he found them)- "This is mostly the work of Michael Lombardi, Jon Sandusky, John Spytek, Ray Farmer and the rest of the crew. They did a great job getting us ready for this. It's a matter of leaving no stone unturned. Sometimes you can find value in those spots. They found them, they identified them, we went through the process with the scouts and the coaches evaluated them. We felt they had a chance to help us and we went ahead."
Joe Banner
(On if there is more concern because they are taking a bigger leap from Division II)- "There is a little bit more of a projection when you do that. You trust yourself, we had a lot of eyes on it and a lot of opinions. Probably had at least five scouts and two to three coaches on every single player that we seriously considered. Maybe even more on some cases. You just have to trust that collective wisdom."
Rob Chudzinski
(On if not drafting a quarterback shows commitment to Brandon Weeden)- "Again, I feel good about the group. How all that plays out, we'll see and know in time. I'm excited about Brandon and the progress he has made thus far, learning the system to the point we are right now, which is still very early. I've also been pleased with Jason (Campbell) and the role he has taken in being there. We want to give these guys every opportunity to succeed and give Brandon, since you are asking about him specifically, every opportunity to succeed."
Rob Chudzinski
(On if they are moving forward with the intent that Weeden is the guy)- "We're going to proceed as we are proceeding right now. Brandon is getting the reps with the first team and working with the first group. A lot of this will remain to be seen. We get into pads and we get into real football instead of the football where you run around in shorts on air, which is what we are doing right now."
Joe Banner
(On if he can say now whether or not Josh Gordon was worth the second round pick)- "My answer is the same as it was. I think Josh has a lot of potential and we are excited about what he can do. We're all going to see how he develops and what he can turn into. In the end that question will answer itself, I think. We're certainly rooting for him to prove that was a great decision."
Rob Chudzinski
(On if Garrett Gilkey is a guard or tackle- "He has played tackle and then played guard in the Senior Bowl. He has played some of both so we'll see when he gets in. He has played primarily on the left side and we'll see if he can play on the right side. We'll see when he gets in."
Rob Chudzinski
(On if Bryant is an outside linebacker or defensive end)- "More defensive end."
Rob Chudzinski
(On what he liked about Gilkey)- "Big guy, good size, has really good feet for a big man and can bend very well. He went into the Senior Bowl and played very well against those guys and competed. Coming from Chadron State and competed against those guys. He has lined up against guys from Florida State, North Carolina and everywhere else and looked like he fit right in. It didn't faze him one bit. He's a tough guy and has the kind of attitude that we want."
Rob Chudzinski
(On Gilkey's past health conditions)- "We did all the research on him and we felt good about that."
Joe Banner
(On their reaction to Quentin Groves)- "I think we said all there is to say about it. We're aware of it, we've spoken to him. Chud has met with him extensively. There's really nothing more to add to that."
I think we need at least 2 or 3 qbs in rookie camp. qbs Matt McGloin, penn state Matt Scott, arizona Collin Klein kansas state wrs Erik Highsmith, nc Julius Moore, mount union Roy Roundtree, michigan Marcus Sales, syracuse Conner Vernon, duke
rbs Stefphon Jefferson, nevada
fb Zach Boren, ohio state Michael Zordich, penn state ol Alex Hurst lsu Jason Peacock, arkansas Xavier Nixon, florida Alvin Bailey, arkansas Ricky Barnum, michigan Rob Burge, wisconsin Josh Dworacyk, lsu lb Storm Klein, ohio state Kevin Reddick, nc Jonathan Stewart, texas a&m Shaq Wilson, south carolina Alonzo Highsmith, arkansas Etienne Sabino, ohio state Chase Thomas, stanford Kevin Reddick, nc cb Marcus Cromartie, wisconsin Travis Howard, ohio state Greg Reid, fsu Devin Smith, wisconsin s William Buford, tuskeege k Kevin Harper, pittsburgh Dan Conroy, msu p Brad Wing, lsu Quinn Sharp, ok state Ben Buchanan, ohio state
It seems as though most of the undrafted guys that turn into big time players (Romo, Cruz, Warner, Cribbs, etc.) are guys no one has heard of. The Tyler Brays and Jake Stoneburners of the world are known commodities that have been scouted heavily.
Give me a ton of the no name guys and I will be happy.
Further, the UDFA types who make it are guys with question marks, but who have an elite, or close to it type of ability. Maybe a very good 1st step, great burst off the line, a plus arm, short area quickness, and so on. It's about finding one area where they excel, and then expanding upon that.
Well now we have two of the three Kruger brothers on the team. Probably would have grabbed Joe if he didn't get taken in the 7th by Philly. Then all we would need is for them to have a brother "Freddy" and we would be set to terrorize the NFL.
Hoping his brother Paul really pushes him and raises the bar for him to make the team.
Found this snippett:
Quote: The Krugers plan to gather at the family home in Utah County to watch the draft. They plan to keep the gathering small.
“It’s just going to be the family and that’s it. We don’t really want anybody else there,” Dave said. “They’re the ones that have kind of been through the rough — and the highs and the lows — and just really pushed the boys. So just the family for draft day.”
It’s uncertain when one and/or both of the brothers might be taken in the three-day event. Paul expects Joe, a 6-foot-7, 280-pound defensive end, to be drafted. He puts Dave’s chances at 60 percent.
“I think somebody would be wise to pick him up,” Paul said of his 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle sibling. “He’s a darn good player and I think he’s going to shine in the NFL, a lot more than people expect. So we’ll see what happens. It’s definitely a toss-up.”
If Dave isn’t drafted, Paul has no doubt that he’ll be on a team within 30 minutes of Saturday’s conclusion.
“I can’t wait,” Paul added. “I just hope I get one of them in Cleveland.”
There are some pretty intriguing names on that list of undrafteds we just signed.
Dominique Croom is a name to remember from this list. Former QB turned receiver, raw but o yea, this kid has a chance not just to make the practice squad but he could realistically be on the active roster come opening day.
Ryan McWethy is my 2013 "Adopt an UDFA" player. I think that the lack of depth at the S position, combined with his size/speed/talent will allow him to grab a roster spot.
Currently we have Gipson, Ward, and Hagg at the Safety spots. I don't know how this staff sees Hagg. He struggled mightily last year, especially early on, and was replaced by Young for a while. I think that both Slaughter and another youngster have a shot at the roster .... and if Slaughter isn't 100% ready to go, then McWethy's chances just get that much better. (especially since he might be more of a SS type, especially with as strong as he is, and we need a backup there)
I don't know Jack about these UDFA's but sight unseen the two that I want to stand out are Tannahill, TE from K State and Garrett Hoskins, TE/FB from Eastern Mich. Hoping the team hits home runs with Tannahill as a TE and Hoskins as a FB.
For various reasons, several talented prospects went undrafted this weekend, the most notable being Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray. As teams scramble to sign free agents, these are NFLDraftScout.com's top 30 prospects who didn't hear their name called in the 2013 NFL Draft:
Quote: Aaron Adams – Four year letterman at Eastern Kentucky University (2009-12)... Appeared in 44 games, as he started contests at both right and left tackle... Helped the Colonels finish No. 16 in FCS coaches poll in 2012 en route to earning a third team AP All-America selection... Attended John I. Leonard High School in Florida, and Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
Perez Ashford – Appeared in 48 career games at Northern Illinois University (2009-12)... Totaled 110 career receptions for 1,192 yards, while adding 83 yards rushing and 410 return yards for 1,685 all-purpose yards... Added four receiving touchdowns and one punt return for a score... Caught 34 passes for 373 yards and one touchdown as a senior... Attended Shaker Heights (Ohio) High School.
Josh Aubrey – A four-time all-conference selection at Stephen F. Austin University (2009-12)... Started 46 of the 47 games in which he saw action and totaled 255 tackles, seven interceptions, 29 passes defensed and 3.5 sacks... As a senior, recorded 65 tackles, two interceptions, eight passes defensed, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble... Attended Lee High School in Houston, Texas.
Braxston Cave – Four year letterman at the University of Notre Dame (2009-12)... Started 35 of 48 career games and also served as the team's long snapper... Part of an offensive line that helped the Irish average more than 200 yards per game in both rushing and receiving during the 2012 regular season... Attended Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Jamaine Cook – Played four years Youngtown State University (2009-12) and finished second in school history with 4,052 rushing yards and 20 individual 100-yard rushing performances, while adding 39 touchdowns on 811 attempts... Totaled more than 1,200 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores in each of his three seasons as a starter... Rushed for 1,279 yards with 15 touchdowns on 279 carries in 2012... Attended Midpark High School in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
Dominique Croom – Finished career at the University of Central Arkansas (2009-12) fifth in school history in receptions (153) and sixth in receiving yards (1,941), while appearing in 47 games... As a senior, caught 53 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns... Attended Cherokee (Indiana) High School.
Keenan Davis – Appeared in 48 games at the University of Iowa (2009-12)... Totaled 112 career receptions for 1,470 yards and seven touchdowns... As a senior, registered 47 receptions for 571 yards with one touchdown... Attended Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Mike Edwards – Two-year starter at the University of Texas-El Paso (2011-12) after transferring from Mt. San Antonio College (2010) in Walnut, California... Compiled 101 receptions for 1,477 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons at UTEP... Helped Mt. San Antonio College to the 2010 state and national championship... Attended Glendora (California) High School.
Paipai Falemalu – Four year letterman at the University of Hawaii (2009-12)... Totaled 161 career tackles, 16.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumble in 41 contests... Tied for the team lead with 56 tackles as a senior, while adding five sacks... Attended Kahuku High School on the island of O'ahu in Hawaii.
Chris Faulk – Appeared in 26 games at LSU (2009, 2011-12) with 16 starts... Spent time at both left and right tackle... Appeared in just one game as a junior (2012) after suffering a knee injury in practice... Attended Northshore High School in Slidell, Louisiana.
Caylin Hauptmann – Started all 37 games he played at Florida International University (2010-12) at left tackle... Spent one season at the College of Canyons (2009) in Santa Clarita, California, before transferring to FIU... Attended Beverly Hills (California) High School.
Garrett Hoskins – Four year letterman at Eastern Michigan University (2009-12)... Finished career with 74 catches for 1,135 yards and eight touchdowns... As a senior, led the Eagles in receptions with 38, while adding 542 yards and three touchdowns... Attended Creston High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Dave Kruger – Started 37 of 49 career games at the University of Utah (2009-12)... Totaled 116 career tackles, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble... Brother, Paul, is a linebacker for the Browns and brother, Joe, was selected by Philadelphia in the seventh round in this year's draft... Attended Timpanogos High School in Orem, Utah.
Cordell Roberson – Finished career at Stephen F. Austin University (2009-12) as the school's all-time leader in receptions (221), receiving yards (3,191) and touchdown catches (39)... His 39 touchdown receptions also set a Southland Conference record... Recorded 77 receptions for 1,006 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games as a senior... Attended Jefferson (Texas) High School.
Justin Staples – Appeared in 48 games at the University of Illinois (2009-12)... Totaled 62 career tackles, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery... Attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio.
Travis Tannahill – Four year letterman at Kansas State University (2009-12)... Appeared in 51 games recording 42 receptions for 528 yards with three touchdowns... Earned first team All-Big 12 honors (Coaches, AP) as a senior and earned honorable mention All-America honors from Sports Illustrated... Attended Olathe East High School in Overland Park, Kansas.
Ricky Tunstall – Four year letterman at the University of Delaware (2009-12)... Saw action in 44 contests with 12 starts, registering 101 tackles, nine interceptions, eight passes defensed and one sack... Returned two of his interceptions for touchdowns, including a 91-yard return... Native of Bridgeton, N.J., who attended Glassboro (N.J.) High School.
Martin Wallace – Three year letterman at Temple University (2010-12), where he started in all 36 games that he appeared at both right and left tackle... Transferred to Temple from Northeastern after the school dropped its football program... Second-team All-Big East selection at right tackle as a senior... Native of New York, N.Y., where he attended the Beacon School.
I actually posted an article about him earlier in this thread. He just seems like an intriguing guy. He has great size and solid speed. He is possibly the strongest DB we'll find. (31 reps at 225) We need a backup at SS, and I think that he has a chance there. He has the ability, and needs some coaching.
Well, we do have a hole at FS that someone needs to claim, but I've never seen that guy play so I can't say anything about his ability to play football.
I think that he would be more a solid backup at SS than a FS ..... but we have a need there as well. He seems like the kind who could be a special teams demon too.
Quote: Well, we do have a hole at FS that someone needs to claim, but I've never seen that guy play so I can't say anything about his ability to play football.
We'll see who, if anybody, we sign before camp starts. However, I think Gipson will get his shot. He played pretty well toward the end of last season. I wouldn't mind seeing his development. We still need depth in that role, however.
I wondered where my dog went, he always ate my homework ...
Fido is moving up in the world.
Many years ago I had a friend whose dog ate his girlfriend's panties.
They had been ........ intimate .... and were getting dressed, and there was his dog lying on the floor at the foot of the bed, chewing, ripping, shredding, and eating her panties.
He told me about it the next time I saw him. He thought it was hilarious. Evidently his girlfriend didn't think it was that funny. lol
WEST MONROE, La. – Chris Faulk will not arrive at the Browns training facility on Thursday saddled with regret.
The LSU offensive tackle said he’s at peace with the devastating 2012 knee injury that caused a projected early-round pick to slide all the way out of the draft, a tumble that cost him millions in guaranteed money. He’s also comfortable with his decision not to return to college for one more season to restore his draft status and potentially recoup some of the lost money.
“I’m not looking back,” Faulk said in a phone interview Tuesday. “I’m just anxious to play football again. I love the game and I love to compete.”
The 6-6, 325-pounder said his right knee, which required two surgeries to repair, is healthy and he expects to be a full participant in this weekend’s rookie minicamp that opens Friday. The team, however, might approach his return more cautiously given the severity of the injury and his level of fitness. Faulk was unable to work out for scouts at LSU’s pro day.
It’s believed 16 teams inquired about him after the draft and the Browns beat out another AFC squad that projected him as a 2014 starter. The Browns, who appear set at tackle with perennial All-Pro Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz, might experiment with Faulk at guard.
The Slidell, La., native prefers tackle, where he earned second-team, all-SEC honors as sophomore, but is open to a position change. Faulk has a thick build and strong hands. He might have been a first-round pick had he returned for his senior season even as several draft analysts observed his footwork and technique need polishing.
Faulk enters minicamp as the most intriguing of the Browns’ 18 undrafted free agents.
“They are getting a player who’s going to play 15-plus years – and cheap early on, too,” said edge rusher Barkevious Mingo, the Browns' first-round pick and Faulk teammate at LSU. “(The Browns) realize the steal they just got. They are happy, they are fired up.
“I know what he’s got; I know what he can do,” added Mingo, who often lined up across from Faulk in practice. “He’s going to have a long career playing in this league.”
Mingo is a bit biased. The two teammates are good friends, and have been housemates for the past several months. He chauffeured Faulk around Baton Rouge while the offensive lineman required crutches. But given the league’s intense free-agent interest in Faulk, his teammate’s scouting report is more than a cursory endorsement.
Faulk received a $10,000 signing bonus. That figure would have been exponentially higher had he not torn two knee ligaments in practice after the Tigers’ season opener.
“It was the scariest moment of my life,” he said.
Even after the injury, NFLdraftscout.com rated Faulk the No. 11 offensive tackle and the No. 112 player overall. But more than a few college football analysts were surprised Faulk declared for draft.
The potential for re-injury weighed heavily in his thinking. He already was leaning toward turning pro, Faulk said, and the gruesome knee injury to South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore on Oct. 27 buttressed the decision.
A Tennessee defender submarined Lattimore and the impact left the nation’s top college back with three torn knee ligaments and a dislocated knee cap. He had suffered a torn ACL on the other knee a season earlier. The San Francisco 49ers, who had a league-high 14 draft picks, selected Lattimore in the fourth round.
“His injury opened my eyes up again,” Faulk said. “I talked to my family about it and we thought this was the best decision for me.”
Faulk rehabbed at LSU and the Performance Athletes facility in Gulf Breeze, Fla. He’s also been examined by renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews.
The lineman invited family and friends to his home on the last day of the draft, but insisted he wasn’t disappointed by the outcome. He talked with many teams on April 27 and decided the Browns afforded him the best opportunity.
“That’s where I want to be,” Faulk said. “My heart belongs to Cleveland.”
Faulk sounds like a great addition even if we end up putting him on IR for a year. Upgrade on Cousins I would believe n would love to have him reach his potential n man the LG position. In between Joe T n Mack...Making our OL JT, Faulk, Mack, Lava, Schwartz...strong n a little nasty! At least this is a kid with talent who dropped due to injury...heal up n we might have a STEAL as the article states...not like our History with UDFA bonus babies like Mitchell??? we all got excited about n he never made it as he was too fat n slow.
One of my biggest fears as I look around this roster is the complete dearth of back ups behind Schwartz and Thomas. If either of them go down, our O is in trouble. Especially Thomas.
Not that either of the O Tackles we picked up can be expected to fill his shoes, but we gotta have something better than what we have just in case.
So taking a flyer on this guy that showed so much promise seems like a very worth while pickup.
That and who knows if either can roll into a O Guard role.. we'll see. Either way, good pick up with little downside.
I think that's why they went with Gilkey in the draft. He should be able to fill in better than anyone else on our roster at LT or RT, and can push the guards as well.
I don't think Ryan Miller makes the team. Guy kinda moves like Frankenstein out there.
Glover thanks for the link. After reading, it seemed like the author/analyzer was describing a RG rather than a RT.
Faulk is a good choice. If he makes the team, he'll be a work in process allowing him to get back into shape. If him and Glikey make it, we could see four OT's on the front line talk about road graders! Richardson can walk into the end-zone!
According to several outlets and his wikipedia page, Robbie Rouse signed as UDFA with the Browns today.
Interesting player. Short, but strong and quick. Struggled a bit blocking at the senior bowl, but if that's what you're asking him to do, you're doing it wrong.
Had a lot of touches in his career, very productive but rarely faced a defense worth a damn.
Glover thanks for the link. After reading, it seemed like the author/analyzer was describing a RG rather than a RT.
Faulk is a good choice. If he makes the team, he'll be a work in process allowing him to get back into shape. If him and Glikey make it, we could see four OT's on the front line talk about road graders! Richardson can walk into the end-zone!
Not to pick, but you don't want 4 tackles on the line. There is some value and skill to being a guard that some if not many tackles couldn't handle.
Contrary to some peoples thinking, guard isn't a throw away position where you stick all the guys who can't play tackle.
There are 5 positions on the offensive line, each with different requirements and skill sets.
As an example....Joe T is one heck of a LT....possibly the best in the game. He would be a mediorce RT at best, and a horrible guard.
The positions aren't as interchangeable as many think.
Faulk isn't a guard. He is a LT who can possibly play RT. I don't see him at guard at all. His skills as a edge pass protector would be wasted and in the scheme of things, he isn't a solid drive blocker. He isn't bad, but he isn't going to plow guys the way he wants.
On interior running plays, guards need to move guys the way intended. At tackle, they can drive defenders the way they are wanting to go.....the back has a chance on the outside to take it in or out. On the interior, there isn't much room or time to adjust. You have to count on some sort of hole being there.
Quote: Faulk isn't a guard. He is a LT who can possibly play RT. I don't see him at guard at all. His skills as a edge pass protector would be wasted and in the scheme of things, he isn't a solid drive blocker. He isn't bad, but he isn't going to plow guys the way he wants.
I agree with you that OT isn't as interchangeable to OG as some think. However, I completely disagree when it comes to Faulk. He doesn't have that quick first step to stop an edge rusher, so he's not a LT at the NFL level. He could be a RT if he was allowed more time to develop. But, he is absolutely crushing when he gets to plow straight into a guy, which is what I want my OG's doing. I think he'll make a fine RG (assuming his knees are okay).
Another Haden in town: Cornerback Joe Haden's little brother, Josh, a former Boston College running back, has been invited to rookie camp -- and his big bro couldn't be prouder.
This brings tears 2 my eyes 2 know all my Lil bro eddysback has been threw and now 4 him 2 get a shoot… instagram.com/p/ZF6-BsOCD-/
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) May 9, 2013 Haden Tweeted out a photo of Josh's nameplate in the Browns' locker room and wrote, "this brings tears to my eyes."
Josh Haden (5-8, 182) began his career as a highly-touted recruit for Boston College, but struggled to make an impact in two seasons. He transferred to Florida in 2010, sitting out a season due to transfer rules. He then transferred to Toledo along with brother Jordan, a cornerback, but never played for the Rockets.
Coming out of high school, he was the third-ranked running back by Rivals.com and opted for Boston College over offers from Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio State and Michigan.
Haden is the second little brother to make the rookie camp list. The first was Paul Kruger's younger brother Dave, a defensive end from Utah signed as an undrafted rookie.
Haden's brother...lol If he makes our team - positioning ourselves for our future contract negotiations with Haden
Rouse...good little RB excellent Receiver - competition for Lewis n Obg for that 3rd down back. Also return specialist? I like Benjamin's speed. But he is not the toughest guy around.
JMHO We have a lot of competition at certain positions - hope they push each other.
I will say the biggest guy on the bubble on the offensive side of the ball may be Benjamin. With the acquisition of Bess, Dion Lewis, and a few smaller scat backs, Benjamin's days may be numbered here in Cleveland.
Quote: Haden's brother...lol If he makes our team - positioning ourselves for our future contract negotiations with Haden
Rouse...good little RB excellent Receiver - competition for Lewis n Obg for that 3rd down back. Also return specialist? I like Benjamin's speed. But he is not the toughest guy around.
JMHO We have a lot of competition at certain positions - hope they push each other.
As always, most all of the guys that show up today are camp fodder. But the same could have been said for Josh Cribbs some time ago. So you just never know when we are going to get our next stud STer.
Benjamin is head and shoulders a better player than Cooper and Norwood who are moreso bubble players, from what I observe. It's hard to prove though, and I've been wrong before. I'd like for them to keep all of them. I think Cooper had the most room for improvement. I only observed what they did during the games. I could most live without Cooper, who I can't remember one positive play.
(says 1 of 9 children of Catholics)
