DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Fraley now is wanted

Fraley now is wanted
Thursday, December 28, 2006
By Steve Doerschuk repository sports writer


BEREA As July expired, Hank Fraley wasn't even a tiny blip on the Browns' radar screen.

As January nears, he's 310 pounds of iron-man stability in a season that has blown up like an asteroid in a Bruce Willis movie.

Having started all 15 games at center, Fraley is part of a burning two-part question.

Did a staph infection and other factors retard LeCharles Bentley's recovery from knee surgery to the extent he'll miss the 2007 season? If so, does Fraley keep the job that was supposed to be Bentley's?

"That stuff will work itself out," Fraley said. "I'd like to be back here."

Indications are the Browns will consider offering him a new deal.

Fraley, 29, will make his 97th NFL start Sunday in Houston. That includes 10 postseason games (one in a Super Bowl) with the Eagles.

Fraley lacks Bentley's Pro Bowl talent, and he has the draft background to prove it (he wasn't picked coming out of Robert Morris). Scouts regard him as an adequate NFL starter, but one who is tough, experienced and who hustles.

Late in Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, someone in the press box asked, "Who's the wide-body way down field blocking defensive backs?"

It was Fraley, a classic play-to-the-whistle type.

"That's the way I grew up," Fraley said. "My dad coached me that way in little league. I've always tried to play that way.

"You try to open up more holes. You're there in case there's a fumble. You're out there trying to have as much fun as you can."

Bentley blew out a patellar tendon early in training camp. Fraley hoped to rebound from a 2005 injury to make his sixth straight opening-day start snapping to Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb.

The Eagles liked bigger, younger Jamaal Jackson better, making Fraley expendable.

"I thought it was my job to lose," Fraley said. "I don't feel personally I lost the job at all. I feel it was given away a little bit. But Jamaal's playing pretty well out there."

The Browns won't say publicly how well they like Fraley, although Head Coach Romeo Crennel says generically that the veteran has done a good job.

"You've still got Bentley, who is a great center," Fraley said. "I'm trying to make the most of my opportunity.

"Of course, you're playing for the team. Now you're playing for your career and next year too. If you're not performing, you might not be around here. You might not be on any team."

It will be a shock if Fraley isn't on some team next year. Indications are there's a strong chance that team will be Cleveland.

"Phil (Savage) and those guys do their job," Fraley said. "I mean, I'm open for anything"

I really hope Hank resigns with the Browns. He has filled in really good for Bentley.I just hope we don't lowball him some stupid offer and lose him in free agency. There is not alot of talent in free agancy in the offensive line catagory and if we lose him thats 4 people we would have to grab in the draft 2 gaurds, 1 left tackle ,and a center. Time will tell .

[img]http://[image]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/thepitdog/topdawg.jpg[/img][/image]

Nice read. I to hope we keep him or at least he still wants to stay.
You did however leave out DT, DE, CB, RB, GM, HC, OC, and a punt return guy. This should be a busy draft. <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes_devil.gif" alt="" />

In my opinion the Browns would be silly not to make a legit effort to resign him. As the article says, he's probably never going to a pro-bowl, but he's solid and he's dependable and he works hard and considering the other moves we are likely to make, he would provide a little stability and continuity on the OL...... and we aren't going to know Bentleys status until summer AT LEAST..... and if we let Fraley go, then Bentley is out most or all of next year... we're hosed again, scrambling around looking for a center.

Not sure if U R being sarcastic or not but why would we even consider replacing the GM,HC,OC .it has not even been 2 years since they got here.

I agree some the descions starting at the top have been questionable , But thats the problem with this organization and this offensive line . They have no continuity what so ever. You cant keep replacing the big pieces of the puzzle every year and expect to get anywhere. It doesn't work like that.

Droughns is a capable RB . he just hasn't had a line to open a hole for him and the CB position doesn't need a high pick at this time a good solid FA will do until we can draft one after we fix the big holes that are there now . The D line O line should come first no matter what.

[img][image]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/thepitdog/topdawg.jpg[/img][/image]

Pit, I'm in complete agreement.

hey Hank,

if your peaking over your wife's shoulder now, we want you back.

Here's something I read in the PD today
link

Fraley's future:

Center Hank Fraley, whose contract is up, said he'd like to be back. He said it's been a great experience for him and his wife, who originally didn't want to leave Philadelphia because she's from that area.

"I'd like to be around," he said. "If they want me around, I'll be around, but right now I'm just worried about the Texans. We have the whole off-season to worry about that."

Gotta love that kinda attitude.

[color:"white"]I hope we keep Fraley. If all our players had Hank's attitude, desire and determination, the Browns would be a GREAT football team.

In any conversation about the OL, Hank has been an answer for us, not a question mark. On a team looking at the 3rd Overall draft pick, with problems along the Offensive Line, Center is the one solid position where immediate help is not needed....

LeCharles Bentley may or may not be back, there's not much the Front office can do about it. All you can do is make contingency plans and move on.

Whether or not Savage resigns Hank this off-season, tells more about Phil's competence as a GM than any other decision he'll make. You can argue about OL/DL/RB/WR/CB, who to draft first and how often to draft each position, and make a good case for almost any decision (as long as you draft value... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ), but keeping Fraley is a no brainer. Hank needs to stay. If Phil can't see that, we need a new GM.....

JMHO [/color]

it was said in jest thats why I added the <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes_devil.gif" alt="" />

I agree, He's one of the guys we should resign. Now the guy on either side of him <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.

nordawg

I hope he gets re-signed. He follows the ball and dont give up like Faine but he is a better blocker and HE STAYS HEALTHY.

Agree, we've gotta resign him to a 3-4 year deal. When Bentley comes back, whether that be in '07 or '08, we can move either one to guard.

I think Nick was being sarcastic Pit,, but there are plenty of fans out there that want those very guys gone starting next week.

It never ceases to amaze me how short the memory of some fans is... Savage and RAC, upon being hired, warned us all how tough a job it was, and that it was going to take time to get it right. They made the decision not to go for the quick fix but rather to build an organization from top to bottom that can endure the many changes that occur in the NFL today..

But do some fans remember that,,, of course they don't. Why should they when it's so easy to criticize something that they really don't understand but somehow think they are experts in because they watch the games every Sunday..

Oh well, let me get off my soap box and say this, I do hope we can resign Fraley. He's proven to be a Cleveland kinda guy,,, Lunch Bucket player,,, someone that you can start to build a line around..

Put LaCharles Bentley on one side of him, maybe Sowells on the other and move Shaffer to RT and get a REAL Stud LT and you will have a line that should do all the things that need done to improve this offense to the point that we can score on a regular basis,,,,,

Frankly, I think it could be that simple.

There are several things that can happen..If Opie wants to use his money on Fraley he will..he might however want to take the inexpensive route and let Rob Smith play there..he didn't do a bad job in the preseason and is also a UDFA...inexpensive..there is also thje draft but taking a center might take away from another position of need..
If he would select one in the draft [color:"red"] Kyle Young Fresno St. 6-5 330 [/color] would be the likely target, as he can play guard also.

Yes, as soon as I heard Bentley might not be back, my response was, WE GOTTA SIGN HANK !!!!

Still stands, sign hank, get-r-done, he works hard he is tough, and over 300 pounds! lol

If nothing else he is a solid backup.

What does that say about Philly's O-line if they were willing to part with him. <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" />

Philly is really one of the few teams that selects two offensive linemen per draft and weeds out the weaker talent..
I wish that happened here.

Perennial contenders too, go figure.

Phil will need to be careful here, but drafting a OG that can play center for the short-term is an interesting consideration - assuming it wouldn't stunt is growth. I think he'll be careful though to rely on the draft to fill a gaping hole - its too risky. Its more likely that he'll keep Fraley or has another option in mind on the roster or FA, IMO.


I'm surprised to see you tied to that comment. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

The Eagles also carry 10 or more OL on their roster. If someone goes down it isnt our situation where we sign a guy from the ravens practice squad on wed. and he starts on sunday lol.

Now for Hank. He has gotten better every game out despite the guys playing next to him. I liked Ohara at center and Fraley reminds me a lot of him in the effort given on ever snap. He is one of those players that take each play as a personal battle. he isnt as strong as Ohara but he is a bit quicker and does the little things with ease. Slides into his trap. Picks up the inside blitz.

One thing that has been very noticeable is his blitz recognition, you see him point to the guys that are coming. Now the backs have done a good job in helping pick those extra guys up but it isnt because of recognition by the center.

Kyle Young and Ben Grubbs getter done. If Sowells had anything he would have been starting over Druzzi by now. Bentley I hope he comes back but I think you approach things as if he will never play a down.

[color:"red"]I'm surprised to see you tied to that comment [/color]

I don't understand your remark

100% right, If Savage dosent resign Hank, I'm not sure if Phil understands were the games are won & lost. I'd have to question that...

As for Hank, Your a Browns type player, we fans love to watch, and we do, You've earned our respect and no matter where ya end up, You have a bunch of Browns fans pulling and following ya every Sunday. I just hope it's in that # 66 jersey.....We need ya and appricate what you have done for us this season...Good luck, we know its a buisness and ya have to do for your family, hopefully Savage offers ya a good deal....We'd really love to see ya stay.... <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />...remember the hunting and fishing is good in Ohio..trophy bucks taken all the time.... <img src="/images/graemlins/azzangel.gif" alt="" />

Mourg, my question is, why aren't our QB's calling them out too?

I mean the WHOLE time Mo was OC, I don't think I saw Charlie call out a single blitz, even when it was right in his face. I just don't get it, I think it must have been a Mo, thing because I have seen it from Charlie and DA since then, but not as much as I would like. I literally (unless we have the proper blocking scheme called already) want to see them call out these blitzes on every down.

I have seen Hank almost from the begining calling them out, but never the QB. Maybe we just don't trust them to do that sort of thing, but come out and say that, I just woner why the QB's (who can see everything and are not in a three point) aren't calling them out.

I see your point here, but based on the amount of camp he missed - I'm not ready to jump to that conclusion yet. I'm still hoping he's worthy of a roster spot regardless of whether he starts or not. That's not founded on much, though, to be honest.


I also see your point here, and agree again - to a point. If I'm sitting there in the second round and my two highest rated players on the board are DL and a C who doesn't project well to OG? We can't afford to waste picks on unneeded positions and the decision would have to factor in a lot of things like alternatives at the position, Bentley's prognosis, feelings on moving him to guard, etc. In general, I agree with taking the stance you are suggesting, though.

Sooo True, nice post Clay! <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I dont think DA nor Charlie has that offensive command as of yet. I rip on the RBs for missing blocks but the QB needs a lot of responsibility in that block also. We dont see them move the backs around to protect the over loaded size.

This falls on the shoulders of every single coach on the offense more so than the young QB.

.. " If Sowells had anything he would have been starting over Druzzi by now. " ..

I'm with ya on this one .. Except for one little nagging thought that keeps whispering in my ear ????? Do the mad " RAC " really know talent ???? <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" /> .. He makes me wonder sometimes !

Sorry - that was a bit vague in reading back.

Although you're a huge trench fanatic, you've generally been vocal in your opinion that we're too early in the process of acquiring base talent to be force drafting by position.

You know as well as anyone that Philly and us are in two totally different positions as a franchise.

I want to put a quote in here Rac said about Sowells..

[color:"orange"] The day the Browns drafted Isaac Sowells in the fourth round, General Manager Phil Savage said he envisioned him as a legitimate candidate for a starting guard position in 2007. But Sowells has been inactive for 14 games and now with injuries riddling both starting guards, he has fallen behind undrafted free agent Rob Smith as the No. 1 backup inside. [/color]
[color:"white"]On Thursday, Crennel said he thinks Sowells' future is at tackle. Sowells played 27 games at Indiana at left tackle.

"I think he has the ability to be a tackle. He might end up being a guard because he's worked there. I think that versatility will pay dividends," Crennel said.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindea...&thispage=2
[/color]

[color:"red"]Although you're a huge trench fanatic, you've generally been vocal in your opinion that we're too early in the process of acquiring base talent to be force drafting by position.

[/color]
What have I been more vocal about?
The trench areas..there's little talent there .
Skill areas have been addressed.
It's the obvious weakness left to fill.
And where the Browns select this year those two units can be addressed without reaching.
We are forced to do because of the lack of talent starting and on the backups, and the previous two drafts by Phil were used in other areas.
[color:"red"] You know as well as anyone that Philly and us are in two totally different positions as a franchise. [/color]

Being in two different positions doesn't change the fact that Cleveland NEEDS linemen..Philly drafts linemen regardless of whatever other need they have..there's the difference..and they've comitted themselves to taking linemen (early-mid-late rds)EVERY year.
The Browns haven't done that.
Easier to find skill players..and remember Philly has gone several seasons without a real # 1 WR and sometimes without a real RB..but they always have linemen.

Fraley is the type of player who makes a solid team. He's not the pro-bowl stud that everyone thinks of, but he's that solid veteran who carries his lunch to work and gets the job done. He's as blue collar as they come. Bring him back!!!

Here's the problem ... and its gonna be a big one ... well IMO anyhow ..... Hank wants to get paid .. hes more than likely gonna want a 3 - 5 yr. deal with a DECENT SIGNING BONUS (thats where he gets paid) .. now u factor in the 3 possible scenarios with La .... WELL ACTUALLY 4 ..

1. we find out in Feb he'll be fine for this season ..... then its Bye Bye Hank ... thanks for doing a good job in a bad situation .. it was a MUTUALLY BENIFICIAL time together .. as we gave U a place to play instead of rot behind the dude in Phili ...

2. we find out in Feb that La will miss 07 but barring anymore STUPID ASS CRAP be fine for 08 ... now were in a pickle .. we need a SHORT TERM solution and Hank wants to get paid now .. its just not a good fit ...

3. we find out in Feb that La's done .. career over .... then its simple .. we re-sign Hank .. unless someone else offers him way to much and makes it a bad value for us to re-sign him ..

4. we have no definitive answer on La in Feb and have to wait longer .. another real pickle and I dont see us commiting to a long term deal with Hank ...

at the end of the day this is more than likely going to boil down to a situation that wasn;t meant to be ... Hank will be looking to get paid and for sumptin long term (to ease the pain of the signing bonus) and we more than likely will not be in a position to do that ...

we can make Hank a very reasonable offer that is just not what hes looking for .. Hank's heading to FA as he'd be nuts to sign before seing whats out there .... and hes more than likely gone .. and I wouldn't mind having Hank back but I really dot want him back simply because that would mean we prolly got REALLY REALLY BAD news on La .. and I certainly dont want that ..

Two quick questions.

You're against the "Bentley to guard" scenario? Even for a year or two while we have a serviceable center alternative?

Can Smith hold his own until Bentley gets back? I know next to nothing about the kid.

Yes I'm against Hank to gaurd (and I think Hank prolly would be to .. ) ... I think Hanks a below Avg. Center when it comes to physical gifts ... he makes that up with work ethic/HUSTLE and Desire .. witch IMO makes him "serviceable" (to me that means slightly below avg. .. ) ... and to play gaurd U need a combo of strength/ability to get to the 2nd level ... Hank has the ability to get to the 2nd level ... but one of his problems at C is his POWER and DRIVE BLOCKING .. he can't do it .. plus hes way to TALL ...

plus its a position change for him .. why have him learn a new position . get the "serviceable" guy now and get him started ... as I doubt that Hank would be even serviceable as a gaurd ..

Smith?? whos he .. *L* .. I have no clue about this guy either ..

I'm still living in Nevber Never land and thinking La will be back .. I'll tell Peter and Tinkerbell U said hi .. *L* ..

Rob Smith 6'4"

Weight:
306lbs.
UDFA center- Tennessee
[color:"orange"] College Highlights
Earned three letters at Tennessee and played in 33 career games, including 24 starts?In 2005, named team co-captain and exhibited his team-first mentality when he voluntarily moved from starting left guard position to fill the void at center caused by injuries?Started in all 11 games mainly at center, however also played left guard?Named 2005 CoSIDA Academic All-District second-team selection?In 2004, was the only offensive lineman to start in all 13 games and lined up at left guard for the first time in his career?Earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors vs. Georgia and at Vanderbilt?Garnered Academic All-SEC honors in 2004 and 2003?Redshirted in 2003?Played in nine games in 2002.

[/color]
He started at center in a few preseason games...actually held his own..

I believe he was talking about Bentley to guard.....

Is Bentley the better center? There is no doubt about that. Even Hank would tell you that I'm sure. However, I would be completely happy with the FO if they announced they are moving him back to Guard. He is a proven Pro Bowl guard as well. I'd take an O-line of Hank at C and Bentley at G every single day over a line with Bent. at C and either 'Druzzi or Coleman at G.

can we draft some new fans?

i know you said it in jest, but theres alot of people ive talked to on the street who will say that with a stone cold serious look. i dont get it.

[color:"white"]Too many fans think loyalty plays a big role in these kinds of things. They play a role, but only if all things are equal, and that's rarely the case.

If we offer him the most money, he'll stay. If we don't, he won't. That's where the story ends. [/color]

I hope the numbers work... I think we haven't seen the best football he can play. Imagine id he had a offseason to relax and not think about our calls and plays... yeah he's gonna be a lot better the second year for us! I think there isn't one reason we don't keep him. He is better then any healthy center we have and the sooner we nab him the sooner we can put everything behind us in the offseason about out starting center for the next year.