DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Jamar Taylor most improved cornerback of 2016 (PFF)

So true. I can't even tell you how many times I heard bust for Shelton and Kirksey on here. They are not the only two either. Nauseating.

If you think about it, the more appropriate evaluation begins in year 2, after the draft choice has a full off season and is a football player 100 percent of the time. Believe it or not, academics can take up time for those so inclined.

In all fairness, we just, the nature of being a Browns fan, expect draft picks to not work out or live up to expectations because quite simply... the sheer amount of high round draft picks that just didn't amount to anything.

Happens so much it becomes like the sun setting where you just expect and "know" how it'll work. Am I saying it's right to be like that? Absolutely not, just eluding to the evidence as to why people (including me) are at times quick to pull the trigger.

I think the problem with Ray was...We had some talent, he just did not use it the right way. I don't think Ray knew talent if it bit him in the butt.

Most of them didn't have a chance due to changing regimes and schemes so often. There's that to consider.

What we'll see will likely be different, for sure.... my point is the old adage that "Previous performance is no guarantee of future success".

Yes, he has done things and enjoyed success before - but, not HERE and likely not remotely with a cupboard as bare as ours.

To ddub's point on patience and continuity - the question will be whether or not he gets the time to implement his scheme to the point that it is mature AND have enough time to develop some talent.

I agree this is key, but I'm not worried about it. I'm fairly confident they'll get time to do this right. And I don't think our cupboard is as bare as people think. Ogbah, Collins, Shelton, Kirksey, Jamar Taylor, Haden, Boddy Calhoun, Orchard, and Nassib, comprise a decent core to start with. An infusion that includes Garrett, another CB and a safety or two will give GW something to work with. I obviously don't expect miracles out of the gate, but I do believe we'll be seeing a much different attitude on the field, and eventually much better play, by mid-season is my guess. Beyond that, another decent off season, with a season under their belts, I expect to see a complete transition in the product on the field. JMHO

I'm wondering if we won't see something in Kindred too. He flashed last year early. As you said, a year of experience, and a new coach...

Forgot about him. I wonder how his ankle is doing.

j/c:

I have read most of the posts on this thread and have to say that while I think that the pass rush certainly needs improving, I think the defensive backfield is one of the worst in the entire NFL.

The secondary needs a huge influx of talent to even make it respectable.

Shelton played like a bust his first season, more to the point he ATE like a bust. He was seriously pushing maximum density. He reminded be of Rogers. Struggling to get up off the bench he was so fat. To his credit, he lost weight last year and got in much better shape. I hope that continues. I hope he comes in even lighter this year. He's going to be playing in a different D this year. Love to see how good he is at 320. As long as he keeps improving and coming into camp in shape he's an asset. He goes back to shoving Big Macs down his throat and we have trouble....

Well the system is easier to play. Remember when Jauron took over. We didn't play great D but we were improved just by switching to a 4-3. Easier for guys to learn it. Easier for guys to play in it.
Now, we have a long long way to go to be a good D, But going to a scheme that is easier to draft for and easier to play in will help.