The Browns selected Austin Corbett with the No. 33 overall pick of the draft, and I always like to say that if a team stays put with the first pick of Day 2 of the draft, then they must really like the player they select (considering the trade offers they must be receiving).
Corbett played left tackle for all four years in college, but many scouting reports assumed he would transition to guard in the NFL. Cleveland is well set at both guard positions, though, so unless Joel Bitonio switches over to left tackle, it seems likely that the coaching staff’s “best-case scenario” is that the rookie looks the part of a capable left tackle in training camp.
Waiting for Next Year looked at the strengths and weaknesses of Corbett’s college tape. Among his strengths were strong hands, being a nasty finisher, awareness, and patient/fluid movement skills. His weaknesses include his hand positioning at times, pass protection technique, and overextending. I’m picking him to win the job in camp.
I find it very interesting that all of Corbett's listed weaknesses were Joe's strong points, and that Joe is still around helping our O-linemen. If he can learn the proper hand placement, and pass protection technique from Joe then we could already have our next long term answer at LT on the roster.
The Browns selected Austin Corbett with the No. 33 overall pick of the draft, and I always like to say that if a team stays put with the first pick of Day 2 of the draft, then they must really like the player they select (considering the trade offers they must be receiving).
Corbett played left tackle for all four years in college, but many scouting reports assumed he would transition to guard in the NFL. Cleveland is well set at both guard positions, though, so unless Joel Bitonio switches over to left tackle, it seems likely that the coaching staff’s “best-case scenario” is that the rookie looks the part of a capable left tackle in training camp.
Waiting for Next Year looked at the strengths and weaknesses of Corbett’s college tape. Among his strengths were strong hands, being a nasty finisher, awareness, and patient/fluid movement skills. His weaknesses include his hand positioning at times, pass protection technique, and overextending. I’m picking him to win the job in camp.
I find it very interesting that all of Corbett's listed weaknesses were Joe's strong points, and that Joe is still around helping our O-linemen. If he can learn the proper hand placement, and pass protection technique from Joe then we could already have our next long term answer at LT on the roster.
Good point. JT is the ULTIMATE tactician ... it's literally his best attribute. Maybe they felt Corbett's biggest weakness was VERY fixable.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 300 lbs | Age: 26 Experience: 3 years | College: South Florida
We all remember Austin Reiter’s claim to fame — he made one start in 2016 in place of an injured Cameron Erving and looked pretty impressive, but suffered a torn ACL. The fact that he was able to still make the roster in 2017 as a backup center, coming off of that injury, is a testament to what the coaching staff thinks of him, considering that J.C. Tretter had injury concerns from the previous year. If the team needed a next man up, Reiter was waiting in the wings all year.
Instead, Reiter only saw eight snaps all season on offense, with the rest of his time coming on special teams. Reiter won’t be contending for the starting center job in camp this year, but I think the team would still like to keep him as a backup, and he doesn’t face much competition for that role in camp.
Anthony Fabiano was claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts in mid-May, but was a member of the Browns in 2016 when he played in four games, including one start. He was also with Hue Jackson and company in camp last year, but did not make final roster cuts.
Fabiano can play guard or center, but I think it will be the guard position where he tries to win a backup role at. His primary competition could be Spencer Drango; if Drango won the battle last year, you would figure that he’ll win it again.
The dark horse candidate for the Browns’ left tackle job is Desmond Harrison. He might have a real shot at the opening if the team had not selected Austin Corbett, but he can still make an impression as one of the team’s two primary backup tackles.
Despite being an undrafted free agent, Cleveland’s interest was high enough in him that they used one of their 30 pre-draft visits on him. Harrison was projected to be a 5th or 6th round pick, but character concerns lowered his stock. Here is what Bleacher Report said about him:
Quote:
“Harrison comes into the league with character concerns. He started out as a JUCO All-American out of Contra Costa Community College and transferred to Texas. According to NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein, Texas suspended him twice, and Harrison went through a two-year gap without football before resurfacing at West Georgia. The time away from the field didn’t hurt his play, as he was a quality starter at left tackle in 10 games.”
Here is a link of some of Harrison’s highlights from college:
Avery Gennesy was an undrafted free agent in 2017 who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and spent part of the season on the team’s practice squad. He can play guard or tackle. During the 2017 NFL Draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein originally projected him to be a fifth round pick, offering the following assessment on him:
Quote:
“Gennesy was a former junior college transfer who displayed the athleticism that allowed Texas A&M to keep Germain Ifedi at right tackle in 2015. Foot quickness could make him a target of teams who ask more from their tackles in the run game, but his lack of bend could create consistent issues against bull-rushers. While teams could try him at guard, he will likely stay outside at tackle and compete as a swing tackle right away.”
Funny enough, Zierlein also had a quote from an anonymous scout from the AFC North, who said “He’s unique because he’s athletic and has great feet, but his hips are stiff. He’s not strong enough to play guard and his anchor could get quarterbacks hit too much.”
Because of his physical specs I'm intrigued by Robinson the most. The kid has the skill set.
Does anyone have any articles on why he has been unsuccessful up to this date, I'm curious on if he is fixable and also curious is Joe Thomas is working with him at all!
jmho
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
Thanks very much. That was an excellent article and I recommend that anyone who would like to learn about football read it.
You know, we talk about how difficult it is for a Spread QB to transition to the NFL all the time. However, we rarely talk about how hard it is for an offensive lineman. I do know that many coaches, scouts, and former NFL o-linemen talk about just how hard it is.
Thanks again for the article. It was spot on and I really enjoyed reading it.
I read it, and it was eye-opening when they talked about the effect of college offenses on linemen. It's been well-chronicled how the spread so poorly prepares QBs, and almost as well-chronicled how certain offenses can have the same effect on receivers (running not-full/dumbed-down route trees), but I've read nothing until yesterday about how the same thing happens to linemen.
It makes sense now, but it's still surprising.
There is no level of sucking we haven't seen; in fact, I'm pretty sure we hold the patents on a few levels of sucking NOBODY had seen until the past few years.
I read it, and it was eye-opening when they talked about the effect of college offenses on linemen. It's been well-chronicled how the spread so poorly prepares QBs, and almost as well-chronicled how certain offenses can have the same effect on receivers (running not-full/dumbed-down route trees), but I've read nothing until yesterday about how the same thing happens to linemen.
Just as the NFL has had to adapt to the QB's being produced, it has to adapt to the linemen as well.
The college game isn't played the way it's played in the NFL. The NFL is going to have to change because the college game isn't because the HS game isn't.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Assuming that was him at LT in that pic...video wouldn't connect for me. The entire OL were in 2 point stances, some too high right from the bat. He was low and had a decent knee bend.
But he looked very parallel to the LOS with his feet. Right there Joe Thomas can help with his Shot Put stance that he developed. Oh man I hope JT can get a hold of him and help with his technique. Kid has amazing specs!
thanks for the info. What happens a lot, when a guy is so big fast and strong all through his career nobody really teaches him great technique...he would just physically be better than anyone and over whelm them in the one on ones. so they now get into the NFL without any set technique so that they are literally being coached for the first time. But what I saw was very fixable.
jmho
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
The LT can't survive on just brute force. And Thomas teaching him, he just gets more dangerous. I think Joe can help him adjust on the fly too. have to adjust, sometimes throughout a game to counter opponents' techniques.
Wish this guy lots of luck.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
A look at the Browns’ revamped wide receiving group heading into training camp. By Chris Pokorny@DawgsByNature Jul 12, 2018, 10:43pm EDT
In Part 1 of our training camp preview on the Cleveland Browns’ wide receivers, we look at the four receivers who seem assured of significant roles in the offense this year. This year’s group is much more exciting than when Kenny Britt was the main attraction this time last year. ----------------------------------------------------------
Even though Josh Gordon returned to action last year for the first time since 2014, it still wasn’t quite right. It was during an 0-16 season, and Gordon was only available for the final 5 games of the season as he registered 18 catches for 335 yards and 1 touchdown.
In 2018, for virtually the first time in his NFL career, he could be on pace to participate in a “full” season with Cleveland — not just in games, but the whole offseason, including OTAs, minicamp, and training camp. Gordon’s talent is still undeniable. He is 27 years old, but has hardly had any wear and tear on his body despite being drafted in 2012. He is in his prime, and with his combination of size, speed, and strength, it is not a reach to say he could be the best receiver in the entire NFL.
Maybe some of you have forgotten how insane his 2013 season was, when he played 14 games and caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Browns hold the rights to Gordon through the 2019 season, and he has to know that a big year could lead to the contract extension he’s never been able to get due to all of his suspensions. He appears to be in outstanding shape, and the sky is the limit for him, especially with a more reliable quarterback in place now.
The Browns’ biggest move of free agency came when they acquired Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins for practically a 4th round draft pick. The contract extension that Cleveland gave him will keep him with the team through 2022 and is worth $75.5 million.
Landry can no doubt make some big plays, but the great thing about him is that he is a complement to Gordon. He is going to be the type of receiver who grabs 100 catches per year for 1,000 yards and 5-6 touchdowns.
Landry led the NFL in receptions from the slot position last year with 68, per Pro Football Focus (Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals was second with 65 receptions). He is very good at getting yards after the catch and forcing missed tackles.
Some may argue that the Browns overpaid a little for Landry. Even if that is true, who cares? He has proven to be consistently good at his role, and if it took this type of contract for Cleveland to buy a guaranteed 100-catch, 1,000-yard receiver, then I’m all in, especially when he won’t even be the team’s top receiver.
There was a point in the offseason where I was almost certain the Browns were going to trade Corey Coleman, but I don’t believe that to be the case now. It’s not that I ever wanted Coleman to be traded. He has had ridiculous misfortune of luck in the NFL, breaking his hand in back-to-back seasons between Weeks 2-3. I mean, how often do you even hear of wide receivers breaking their hand once, let alone twice?
Coleman has flashed his first-round talent when he has played, but he also has a lot to work on to be a consistent player. Look at last year’s final play of the season that officially locked in an 0-16 season — a wide open sideline pass that bounced right off his face for an incompletion. He was devastated. But this isn’t a year to feel sorry for Coleman either. He needs to be confident, and rise to the occasion. The Browns will utilize Jarvis Landry a lot in the slot, which means Coleman will still get significant work as an outside receiver. Todd Haley said that he told Coleman this is a make-or-break year for him, and while Coleman won’t be a superstar in this type a role, he can still be an incredible asset to the offense.
The Browns drafted Antonio Callaway despite his background. He was one of the players the team brought in to meet prior to selecting him in the fourth round, and they were convinced as an organization that they have the right people in place to keep him on the right track.
Callaway has exceptional speed with good route running to go along with it. He has impressed people through the offseason programs thus far, and his progress as a receiver will be one of the funner things to watch in training camp this year. As far as the depth chart goes, he won’t leap past either Josh Gordon or Jarvis Landry, but he could find a way to cut into the playing time of Corey Coleman. The more likely scenario is that as a rookie, he will contribute to a big role as a return man, while also seeing some snaps each week to stretch the field as a receiver.
Is he certain it isn't more correct to say 'more funnerer'?
Sorry.... that ridiculousness aside, I agree with his takes, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this Callaway kid impacts things throughout the season. I think that he has a chance to put Coleman on the bench by the end of the season.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
When I read or think about our WR corp, I can't help but think how much of a luxury it'd be if Corey Coleman finally stays healthy AND lives up to his value.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
When I read or think about our WR corp, I can't help but think how much of a luxury it'd be if Corey Coleman finally stays healthy AND lives up to his value.
With Landry and Gordon... this means a few things:
Coleman will never see the likes of the #1 and hardly ever the #2 corner depending if he lines up outside/inside and where Landry lines up.
Coleman will never be double teamed.
... sounds like a solid situation if the kid is actually going to amount to anything. IMO, he doesn't and I almost would bet he has a soft tissue injury first week of TC.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There is life after Danny Shelton.
The Browns are regrouping at defensive tackle position with Shelton off to New England, but they're confident they have the talent to help anchor the defensive line.
Never developing into a superstar, Shelton, the No. 12 pick in 2015, was shipped to the Patriots in March along with a 2018 fifth-round pick in exchange for a third-rounder in 2019.
"Danny's going to be missed," said defensive line coach Clyde Simmons at minicamp last month. "He brought a lot of energy to the room. But Jamie Meder is very capable, and Larry Ogunjobi is very capable. We do a lot of cross-training so it's not going to be just one guy trying to fill Danny's shoes. It's going to be several guys." The Fab Four
The Browns have at least four defensive tackles that they're excited about this year, which is why they felt they could part with Shelton, a three-year starter who might fare better as a pure nose tackle in Bill Belichick's 3-4 scheme.
They have Parma Heights' own Meder and second-year pro Larry Ogunjobi vying for Shelton's 1-technique spot, and Trevon Coley and Caleb Brantley battling for the 3-technique position, where a premier tackle with the athleticism of the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald can make his mark, both against the run and the pass.
In addition, the Browns added a couple of rookies in Daniel Ekuale of Washington State and Trenton Thompson of Georgia providing depth and competition. Thompson has been compared by some scouts to a young Ndamukong Suh. Stout against the run
The Browns finished seventh in the NFL against the run last year, their best showing since 1992. Before that, their highest finish since 1999 was 18th. They held opponents to 3.35 yards per rush, second-best in the NFL and second in team history. But the Browns were 21st in sacks and 31st in points allowed, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who switched the scheme to a 4-3 last season, wants more from his tackles than eating up blockers and stopping the run. He wants them in the backfield causing sacks, fumbles and dropping backs for a loss.
Regardless of how they line up or rotate, he expects them to make some noise this season.
"They are much better," he said. "When I say much better -- comfortable. ... We were (much) different than when you play in a 3-4 mechanism and you're catching and reading, staying on your side of the line of scrimmage. We are all vertical, knock back, coming off of the ball and knocking you back. That's why we were able to play a pretty good run defense. We will play even better."
The top four tackles are largely interchangeable, says Williams.
"All of those guys are playing really well," he said. "The four returners that are in there are doing really well with Caleb and Larry being the young guys. They'll take the next step. Caleb and Coley are both doing very well in a three-technique position. Some of the new, young guys coming in here are giving them a fight.''
Here's a look at the key tackles heading into camp.
Coley was a bonus for the Browns in his first official year last season, and at 24 (his birthday was Friday, July 13), he's got plenty of room to grow. Coley started 15 games at tackle last season opposite Shelton, and had a promising debut. He finished with 41 tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
So where did he come from?
The Ravens originally signed him as an undrafted rookie out of Florida Atlantic in 2016, but waived him at the end of camp. The Redskins signed him to their practice squad in November of 2016, but released him less than a month later. The Browns added him to their practice squad two days later.
They signed him January of 2017 to a two-year deal worth $1.02 million, and he'll make a base salary of $555,000. For what he produced last year, that's a bargain. He'll get a push from Brantley, who flashed some playmaking ability as a rookie.
2. Jamie Meder: The Pierogi Prince strikes again
The "Pierogi Prince of Parma,'' as Joe Thomas dubbed him, worked alongside Coley with the first team in OTAs and minicamp, and has a chance to start this season. He's captured the attention of Williams and will be part of the tackle rotation at the very least.
"Jamie Meder is probably one of the best run players in the National Football League," said Williams. "You saw a little statistic last year."
Through the first six weeks last year, profootballfocus.com had Meder ranked as the league's second-best run-stopper. But in week 10 against the Jaguars, he injured his ankle and was placed on injured reserve for the final six games. The Ashland product has a chance to get back to his 2016 production, when he started 15 games in the 3-4 -- including 14 at end -- and totaled 48 tackles.
3. Larry Ogunjobi - A leap in year 2?
Ogunjobi is one reason Shelton became expendable. The 2017 third-rounder out of Charlotte showed enough promise in his limited playing time as a rookie (28.18 percent of the snaps) that the Browns hope he can make a big leap in year two.
But defensive line coach Clyde Simmons cautions that Ogunjobi (6-2, 305), who played football for the first time in his sophomore year of high school, is still very raw.
"You've got to remember, this is only his (ninth) year of playing football," said Simmons. "He's still learning how to play the game."
Ogunjobi, who played in 14 games last year and started one, had 32 tackles and a sack. He'll make a case for playing time at both tackle spots in camp.
4. Caleb Brantley: Flashing big-play ability
The Browns took a chance on Brantley in the sixth round of the 2017 draft out of Florida. The 6-2, 307-pound rookie flashed some big play ability in his limited snaps last season (20.32 percent). He started one of 12 games, registering 18 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. That's two more sacks and one more fumble recovery than Shelton had in more than twice as many snaps. Brantley, who has good instincts, will mostly battle with Coley for playing time at the 3-technique.
5. The Rookies
The Browns signed Dan Ekuale and Trenton Thompson as undrafted rookies to add some competition in camp. Ekuale (6-3, 300) started 22 of his 51 games at Washington State, recording 71 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Thompson (6-3, 288) had a breakout year as a sophomore at Georgia in 2016, when he led interior linemen with 56 tackles and five sacks. Last season, he made 38 tackles in his 13 starts.
If they don't make the team, they're practice-squad candidates.
The NFL is going to have to change because the college game isn't because the HS game isn't.
Isn't pro football the pinnacle? Guys may succeed in other schemes, but I don't think it's a matter of changing because of the college game. Shouldn't professionals be able to identify players whose skills can transition to the next level despite their college playbook?
Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: WR Preview, Part
Even though Josh Gordon returned to action last year for the first time since 2014, it still wasn’t quite right. It was during an 0-16 season, and Gordon was only available for the final 5 games of the season as he registered 18 catches for 335 yards and 1 touchdown.
In 2018, for virtually the first time in his NFL career, he could be on pace to participate in a “full” season with Cleveland — not just in games, but the whole offseason, including OTAs, minicamp, and training camp. Gordon’s talent is still undeniable. He is 27 years old, but has hardly had any wear and tear on his body despite being drafted in 2012. He is in his prime, and with his combination of size, speed, and strength, it is not a reach to say he could be the best receiver in the entire NFL.
Maybe some of you have forgotten how insane his 2013 season was, when he played 14 games and caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Browns hold the rights to Gordon through the 2019 season, and he has to know that a big year could lead to the contract extension he’s never been able to get due to all of his suspensions. He appears to be in outstanding shape, and the sky is the limit for him, especially with a more reliable quarterback in place now.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
The Browns’ biggest move of free agency came when they acquired Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins for practically a 4th round draft pick. The contract extension that Cleveland gave him will keep him with the team through 2022 and is worth $75.5 million.
Landry can no doubt make some big plays, but the great thing about him is that he is a complement to Gordon. He is going to be the type of receiver who grabs 100 catches per year for 1,000 yards and 5-6 touchdowns.
Landry led the NFL in receptions from the slot position last year with 68, per Pro Football Focus (Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals was second with 65 receptions). He is very good at getting yards after the catch and forcing missed tackles.
@PFF_Fantasy Golden Tate and Jarvis Landry are miles ahead of the field at receiver when it comes to forcing missed tackles.
Some may argue that the Browns overpaid a little for Landry. Even if that is true, who cares? He has proven to be consistently good at his role, and if it took this type of contract for Cleveland to buy a guaranteed 100-catch, 1,000-yard receiver, then I’m all in, especially when he won’t even be the team’s top receiver.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
There was a point in the offseason where I was almost certain the Browns were going to trade Corey Coleman, but I don’t believe that to be the case now. It’s not that I ever wanted Coleman to be traded. He has had ridiculous misfortune of luck in the NFL, breaking his hand in back-to-back seasons between Weeks 2-3. I mean, how often do you even hear of wide receivers breaking their hand once, let alone twice?
Coleman has flashed his first-round talent when he has played, but he also has a lot to work on to be a consistent player. Look at last year’s final play of the season that officially locked in an 0-16 season — a wide open sideline pass that bounced right off his face for an incompletion. He was devastated. But this isn’t a year to feel sorry for Coleman either. He needs to be confident, and rise to the occasion. The Browns will utilize Jarvis Landry a lot in the slot, which means Coleman will still get significant work as an outside receiver. Todd Haley said that he told Coleman this is a make-or-break year for him, and while Coleman won’t be a superstar in this type a role, he can still be an incredible asset to the offense.
Final Roster Odds: 98%
The Browns drafted Antonio Callaway despite his background. He was one of the players the team brought in to meet prior to selecting him in the fourth round, and they were convinced as an organization that they have the right people in place to keep him on the right track.
Callaway has exceptional speed with good route running to go along with it. He has impressed people through the offseason programs thus far, and his progress as a receiver will be one of the funner things to watch in training camp this year. As far as the depth chart goes, he won’t leap past either Josh Gordon or Jarvis Landry, but he could find a way to cut into the playing time of Corey Coleman. The more likely scenario is that as a rookie, he will contribute to a big role as a return man, while also seeing some snaps each week to stretch the field as a receiver.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
Poll Who has a bigger year with the Browns in 2018? Corey Coleman Antonio Callaway uild Daily Dawg Chow (7/12/18) Browns hold tryout with DB Jordan Holland
It's going to be interesting to watch the DT's this year. The Browns did a very good job against the run last year and I don't think they got a fair return for trading Shelton.
I don't think Coleman has a 98% chance to make the roster. I'd say it's lower, like around 70%
But I agree about the DT position group .. it'll be interesting how it shakes out
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There is life after Danny Shelton.
The Browns are regrouping at defensive tackle position with Shelton off to New England, but they're confident they have the talent to help anchor the defensive line.
Never developing into a superstar, Shelton, the No. 12 pick in 2015, was shipped to the Patriots in March along with a 2018 fifth-round pick in exchange for a third-rounder in 2019.
"Danny's going to be missed," said defensive line coach Clyde Simmons at minicamp last month. "He brought a lot of energy to the room. But Jamie Meder is very capable, and Larry Ogunjobi is very capable. We do a lot of cross-training so it's not going to be just one guy trying to fill Danny's shoes. It's going to be several guys." The Fab Four
The Browns have at least four defensive tackles that they're excited about this year, which is why they felt they could part with Shelton, a three-year starter who might fare better as a pure nose tackle in Bill Belichick's 3-4 scheme.
They have Parma Heights' own Meder and second-year pro Larry Ogunjobi vying for Shelton's 1-technique spot, and Trevon Coley and Caleb Brantley battling for the 3-technique position, where a premier tackle with the athleticism of the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald can make his mark, both against the run and the pass.
In addition, the Browns added a couple of rookies in Daniel Ekuale of Washington State and Trenton Thompson of Georgia providing depth and competition. Thompson has been compared by some scouts to a young Ndamukong Suh. Stout against the run
The Browns finished seventh in the NFL against the run last year, their best showing since 1992. Before that, their highest finish since 1999 was 18th. They held opponents to 3.35 yards per rush, second-best in the NFL and second in team history. But the Browns were 21st in sacks and 31st in points allowed, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who switched the scheme to a 4-3 last season, wants more from his tackles than eating up blockers and stopping the run. He wants them in the backfield causing sacks, fumbles and dropping backs for a loss.
Regardless of how they line up or rotate, he expects them to make some noise this season.
"They are much better," he said. "When I say much better -- comfortable. ... We were (much) different than when you play in a 3-4 mechanism and you're catching and reading, staying on your side of the line of scrimmage. We are all vertical, knock back, coming off of the ball and knocking you back. That's why we were able to play a pretty good run defense. We will play even better."
The top four tackles are largely interchangeable, says Williams.
"All of those guys are playing really well," he said. "The four returners that are in there are doing really well with Caleb and Larry being the young guys. They'll take the next step. Caleb and Coley are both doing very well in a three-technique position. Some of the new, young guys coming in here are giving them a fight.''
Here's a look at the key tackles heading into camp.
Coley was a bonus for the Browns in his first official year last season, and at 24 (his birthday was Friday, July 13), he's got plenty of room to grow. Coley started 15 games at tackle last season opposite Shelton, and had a promising debut. He finished with 41 tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
So where did he come from?
The Ravens originally signed him as an undrafted rookie out of Florida Atlantic in 2016, but waived him at the end of camp. The Redskins signed him to their practice squad in November of 2016, but released him less than a month later. The Browns added him to their practice squad two days later.
They signed him January of 2017 to a two-year deal worth $1.02 million, and he'll make a base salary of $555,000. For what he produced last year, that's a bargain. He'll get a push from Brantley, who flashed some playmaking ability as a rookie.
2. Jamie Meder: The Pierogi Prince strikes again
The "Pierogi Prince of Parma,'' as Joe Thomas dubbed him, worked alongside Coley with the first team in OTAs and minicamp, and has a chance to start this season. He's captured the attention of Williams and will be part of the tackle rotation at the very least.
"Jamie Meder is probably one of the best run players in the National Football League," said Williams. "You saw a little statistic last year."
Through the first six weeks last year, profootballfocus.com had Meder ranked as the league's second-best run-stopper. But in week 10 against the Jaguars, he injured his ankle and was placed on injured reserve for the final six games. The Ashland product has a chance to get back to his 2016 production, when he started 15 games in the 3-4 -- including 14 at end -- and totaled 48 tackles.
3. Larry Ogunjobi - A leap in year 2?
Ogunjobi is one reason Shelton became expendable. The 2017 third-rounder out of Charlotte showed enough promise in his limited playing time as a rookie (28.18 percent of the snaps) that the Browns hope he can make a big leap in year two.
But defensive line coach Clyde Simmons cautions that Ogunjobi (6-2, 305), who played football for the first time in his sophomore year of high school, is still very raw.
"You've got to remember, this is only his (ninth) year of playing football," said Simmons. "He's still learning how to play the game."
Ogunjobi, who played in 14 games last year and started one, had 32 tackles and a sack. He'll make a case for playing time at both tackle spots in camp.
4. Caleb Brantley: Flashing big-play ability
The Browns took a chance on Brantley in the sixth round of the 2017 draft out of Florida. The 6-2, 307-pound rookie flashed some big play ability in his limited snaps last season (20.32 percent). He started one of 12 games, registering 18 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. That's two more sacks and one more fumble recovery than Shelton had in more than twice as many snaps. Brantley, who has good instincts, will mostly battle with Coley for playing time at the 3-technique.
5. The Rookies
The Browns signed Dan Ekuale and Trenton Thompson as undrafted rookies to add some competition in camp. Ekuale (6-3, 300) started 22 of his 51 games at Washington State, recording 71 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Thompson (6-3, 288) had a breakout year as a sophomore at Georgia in 2016, when he led interior linemen with 56 tackles and five sacks. Last season, he made 38 tackles in his 13 starts.
If they don't make the team, they're practice-squad candidates.
Yeah, the DT group, even minus Danny, is still pretty intriguing. I didn't know who Larry was and we all read the reports the man didn't posses a long career of football... but I knew who he was after the season. That big man can move!
I think our starters will be Meder and Coley at DT. I think our starting DL is: Ogbah, Larry, Coley, Garrett with a fresh rotation at probably each one of those positions.
IMO, Coley looked lights out last season, in Shelton's role, and if he's not going to take Shelton's role,(NT), this year then I'm slightly worried.
I'm also not excited to hear Jamie Meder is the starter. We all know Meder, he's been around 3 or 4 years. I think he rarely, (if ever), get's above mediocrity and sometimes is a weakness out there, And I don't care if the broadcast announcers love him, or if Cleveland loves him because he has a local background.
PFF can bring up stats for any of these guys from last year, but there is no accounting for that O-lines in 2018 were also planning on dealing with Danny Shelton and this year they won't have to.
The old, double teaming the biggest threat makes the other guys look like stars, is something that has been going on throughout the NFL for decades.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
I think that we have a solid or better DT rotation.
Coley was a really pleasant surprise last year. Man, he has a solid base, and legs like tree trunks. I like Ogunjobi a lot, and think that he can become a pss rushing force inside. Meder is a decent rotation guy, and Brantley flashed talent at times last year. I also really like Trenton Thompson, who we added as an UDFA. I really can't believe that he wasn't drafted, but I seem to recall that some medical around draft time played a part in that.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
The Browns expect DE Emmanuel Ogbah (foot surgery) to be full-go for training camp.
Ogbah spent the final month of 2017 on IR. He was cleared for some offseason reps and is nearing 100 percent. Playing opposite Myles Garrett, Ogbah is a candidate for a third-year leap.
good news .... we need him to be healthy and locked in
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Damion Ratley was an early sixth round draft pick by the Browns this year. During his 3 years at Texas A&M, he only totaled 47 catches. His production this past season really stands out due to his yards per reception, when he caught 30 passes for 694 yards (23.1 YPC) and 6 touchdowns.
According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Ratley is a raw talent who “needs to improve his press release and route running.” Basically, his speed and explosiveness make him an intriguing prospect, but it will be a wait-and-see process regarding whether the rest of his game can come together at the NFL level. Funny enough, at Ratley’s Pro Day in March, it was Johnny Manziel who was throwing him passes:
I think Ratley will be a developmental player who the team would rather keep on the roster than Ricardo Louis. However, he also was not a lock to even be drafted, so there is a good chance that the team can stash him on the practice squad.
One thing that jumps out about Evan Berry is that he is one of Eric Berry’s twin brothers. If you are expecting him to make the team as a receiver, though, he has a lot of work to do there. It appears as though it was merely the best position label the team could slap on a pure special teamer.
Berry literally did not catch a single pass during his 4 years with Tennessee; in fact, he was a defensive back. Cleveland is listing him as a receiver, and that could have to do with the idea of utilizing him on plays where he can create yards after the catch.
Even though they didn’t draft him, Da’Mari Scott was one of the players the Browns brought in to Berea for a pre-draft visit. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports graded him as their 121st wide receiver in this year’s class. When asked to compare himself to an NFL receiver, he chose Steve Smith due to “his aggressiveness and passion for the game.”
Draft Analyst lists Scott’s strengths as “tracking the ball in air, adjusting to errant throws, and using his frame to snatch passes.” His weaknesses include everything after the ball gets in his hands — “average size and speed, and not real creative after the catch.” He also has a history of injuries, but is another player who could try out for a return role. I don’t think Scott will be able to make an impression with everyone else on the roster.
Derrick Willies was an undrafted free agent the Browns signed, and his size is the main element that stands out about his game. Unfortunately, as our college affiliate explains, Willies has had too many issues with dropped passes:
Quote:
Between his pass dropping issue and his benching, no NFL team will want to use a draft pick on him. I do see teams giving Willies a tryout or even signing him as an undrafted free agent. This will most likely be due to Willies’ size and speed. He has the ability to become an NFL receiver but he needs to sure up his hands and focus on the little things. If Willies can do these things, he can become the next undrafted Red Raider to be successful in the NFL.
Can Willies overcome his drops to try to stick around on Cleveland’s practice squad as another developmental prospect? If Cleveland keeps five receivers, I already see four with guaranteed spots, and you figure someone between Rashard Higgins, Ricardo Louis, Damion Ratley, or Jeff Janis will take the fifth spot.
Ratley is a good PS candidate IMO ... raw but talented from reviews Ive read
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Ben McAdoo had Baker Mayfield ranked 6th among '18 QBs, surprised John Dorsey took him No. 1 Updated 3:11 PM; Posted 2:41 PM
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with receiver Rashard Higgins during mandatory veterans minicamp, June 13, 2018, in Berea. John Kuntz, cleveland.com(John Kuntz)
68 8 shares By Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add former Giants coach Ben McAdoo to the list of Baker Mayfield's detractors.
McAdoo, who interviewed for the Browns' offensive coordinator vacancy in January, told the New York Post that he had Mayfield ranked sixth among the 2018 quarterbacks, and was surprised that is longtime colleague John Dorsey selected him No. 1 overall.
"I have a lot of respect for how (Dorsey) looks at players,'' McAdoo, who worked with Dorsey for six seasons in Green Bay, told the Post.
But he found this one to be a head-scratcher.
"He's got an edge to him, I like that,'' McAdoo said. "He's gonna lead, they're gonna follow him. I didn't see a lot of pro-style football in his college tape. And if you're short you have to be able to make up for it some way, somehow, and personality doesn't do that."
McAdoo, fired by the Giants with four games to go in the regular season, elaborated on what he didn't like.
"I didn't think he was a great athlete,'' McAdoo said. "This guy is kinda like a pocket quarterback that is short and with small hands, that's what I worry about.''
Like Dorsey, McAdoo spent his unexpected free time scouting the 2018 quarterbacks after he was fired. A noted quarterback expert and former QB coach for the Packers, McAdoo had Mayfield ranked behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Mason Rudolph.
But McAdoo wasn't necessarily sold on any of them.
"There was no Andrew Luck coming out, no guy head and shoulders above everybody else,'' he said.
As for Darnold, the guy most folks thought the Browns should pick?
"I think the kid the Jets drafted has a lot of magic in his game,'' McAdoo said. "I think he's special. He's obviously a talented guy, he can make plays with his feet. I'd just have a hard time drafting a guy in the first round where you don't necessarily like the way he throws.
"The quarterback, his No. 1 job is to pass the football. If I don't like the way he throws the ball, I have a hard time picking him, right?''
It's unknown if McAdoo's views on Mayfield hurt his chances in the job interview for OC. By that time, some in the organization were already sold on Mayfield, and their draft consultant, Scot McCloughan, had him ranked No. 1.
A little more than a week after McAdoo's interview, the Browns hired former Steelers coordinator Todd Haley.
McAdoo joins a group of Mayfield critics that include Fox Sports Radio's Colin Cowherd, who recently called him undraftable.
So, MKC. Why exactly do we need to dirt mouth Baker Mayfield at this point? Especially with this guy's opinions? Did you just require the negative slant? And he was attached. I hope Dorsey is right. Just seems lame to intentionally quote so much cynicism at such length if it is your team you attack. I have no use for this brand of baseless criticism. Spare us. Too many solid stories here.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
David Njoku had a ton of hype surrounding him in the offseason programs that immediately followed the 2017 NFL Draft. Expectations were sky high that he was going to be making athletic catches left and right. Then training camp came around, and he started to show some consistency issues with his hands.
Njoku’s regular season was a mixed bag. My hope was that he would be able to utilize his athleticism to make tough, contested catches, but there weren’t enough of those plays as a rookie. A lot of it had to do with poor quarterback play, but the best way I can describe my disappointment in him is that I expected his talent to be able to overcome the team’s shortcomings at quarterback. In other words, I put it on Njoku to be a difference maker, and that didn’t come to fruition.
I’m still a big believer in his ability to have a breakout sophomore season. Here is a nice compilation of what Cleveland needs to see from Njoku on a more regular basis:
After Duke Johnson, Seth DeValve was the Browns’ leading receiver in 2017 with 33 catches for 395 yards and 1 touchdown (his stats were nearly identical to those of Njoku). This will be an interesting year for DeValve, who has shown the skills to be a legitimate receiving threat from the tight end spot, but who I’m not sure will see the same amount of reps in 2018. I believe David Njoku will be more prominently featured as the receiving threat, and that new blocking tight end Darren Fells will be paired with him.
Browns tight ends coach Greg Seamon did make a point in saying that they feel the team will be able to give DeValve more downfield opportunities this year as opposed to having him run shorter routes so often:
Quote:
“His ability to run routes down the field is an area where I see real improvement. We used him last year, and it was not his fault, we asked a lot for him within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, and he did that well, but he runs well. We are working hard out here to get all of the tight ends stretching the field a little bit more vertically because we have guys that can throw the ball accurately down the field.”
Darren Fells got a late start to his NFL career as he was a college basketball player (you don’t often see players who are 32 years old, but with just 5 years of experience). He was with the Arizona Cardinals from 2014-2016 before starting for the Detroit Lions last year. He is known as a blocking tight end, but has good height (6’7”) to be a red zone target. In his four years in the NFL, he’s totaled 57 catches for 713 yards and 7 touchdowns.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fells is a clear blocking upgrade over Randall Telfer, who is no longer with the club.
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