DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Time for the Small Signings

Well, we've certainly made a splash in free agency thus far, looking at our team position by position, I think we have an average to above average starter every position besides an OLB and a CB. But it's really the small moves that get you through the grind of the NFL season. Getting the right backups that melt in with the team chemistry is every bit as important as a Stallworth or Rogers.

Our team, broken down by position:

QB - Anderson, Quinn, Dorsey

Status - Ready. Neither Anderson or Quinn are going anywhere, save a ridiculous deal given by a team with a top 10 pick who doesn't like Matt Ryan. We need a juggernaut offense in order to power this team, and it's nice to have some resilience against injury at the QB position.

RB - Lewis, Wright, Harrison

Status - Ready We could probably use a replacement (think first round pick in 2009, since we'll be a major contender and RBs mature faster than any other position). But for now, Lewis is our bruising every down runner, Wright provides 3rd down ability, plus the consistency to be a backup. Harrison (if his blocking improves) has great balance and would provide a good change of pace in this rushing attach.

FB - Vickers, Ali

Status - Ready Vickers did a sensational job in his first full season last year. We'll expect the same again.

WR - Edwards, Stallworth, Jurevicius, Carter, Cribbs, Wilson

Status - Ready A real strength for this team. We combine Edwards playmaking ability with Stallworth's field stretching ability. Jurevicius is one of the best in the league for those 7 yard routes on 3rd and 6. Expect Wilson or Carter to be gone by the beginning of the season.

TE - Winslow, Heiden, Dinkins

Status - Ready Winslow is a dominant force in the game, and Heiden is an above average backup. Dinkins is here for the 3rd and short situations, where he basically functions as an OL with some hands.

OL - Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Shaffer, (Bentley), Sowells, Clifford Louis, Marvin Phillip

Status - Need Backups I clumped the OL together because of the number of players able to play multiple positions, broken down it looks like this:

LT - Thomas, Shaffer, Louis
LG - Steinbach, (Bentley), Sowells,
C - Fraley, (Bentley), Philip
RG - Tucker, (Bentley), Sowells
RT - Shaffer, Tucker, Louis

The big wildcard in this group is Bentley, who appears to be in our plans, but only LeCharles, Phil and the team doctors know in what respect. (Please, before things turn into wild speculation on whether he can or can't be counted on, remember that we have absolutely no clue what the medical reports say.)

Even with Bentley, we have only 9 lineman signed to a contract right now, and I highly doubt Louis or Phillip will be in the team plans long term. Given the number of backups that are starters at other spots, an injury to any of our starters could lead to dramatic changes along the line, which is why I think another backup is needed.

Options:

I think two backups are required, one to play C/OG and one to play OG/OT, versitility is what we're looking for, because I like our starters very much as they are, and don't want many moves if one goes down.

For OG/C:

1.) Resign Lenny Friedman - He's smart, reliable, has already gelled with the current group. He backs up C and both OG spots for us.

2.) Rex Hadnot - We've brought him in already, though nothing has been worked out. A better run blocker than Friedman by far, and brings more versitility to our team as he could replace Steinbach (who is a weak run blocker) on obvious 3rd and short runs.

For OT/OG:

I think this is the more important of the two, as we don't have a quality backup who isn't supposed to be starting at another position. Our options are:

1.) Resign Nat Dorsey - He's not looked good, actually he's looked bad, but he does know the rest of the line, and gelling is worth something.

2.) Kwame Harris - Busted as a first round pick with the 49ers, but a change of scenery and learning behind some of the best for a year or two, might do a world of good.

3.) Shane Olivea - His name comes up for the Ohio State connection, but his inability to play LT would make him a bad fit for this club.

4.) Maurice Williams - Would come more expensive than the others, probably to the point that he is priced out of our range, but can back up every position except center and provide the team with a lot more flexibility for the season.



DL - Rogers, Williams, Shaun Smith, Robaire Smith, Purcell, Pittman, Leonard,

Status - Need Backups This could be a legitimate rotation, but I'd like one more big body as Pittman and Purcell are not every down DEs right now, and we need a good rotation of our big bodies.

Options:
1.) Resign Ethan Kelley - This seems like a no-brainer in my opinion. He played fairly well in his limited time, can play both NT and DE, and already knows the defense. Experience doesn't really matter much for the DL, but I think Kelley is a pretty decent player for our system, and we'll get him cheap.

2.) Larry Tripplet - Another guy who, while not having played in the 3-4, is used to taking double teams, and is very effective at taking up blockers in the run game.

LB - Davis, Jackson, Williams, Wimbley, McGinest, Peek, McMilian, Kris Griffen

Status - Need OLB starter opposite Wimbley If we do get a starter, then we have solid backups at OLB in McGinest and Peek, but neither demonstrated starting ability last year. I believe we should try to resign Chaun Thompson, who not only can back up both OLB and ILB competantly, but is a great special teamer, which was really a strength of our team last year.

Candidates-

Unforunately there aren't any strong OLB candidates at this time, so our options are very limited.

1.) Clark Haggans - Former Pittsburgh OLB who has never been starter quality at a location where Linebackers play their best.

2.) Brandon Chillar - An interesting ILB/OLB candidate who has little experience in the 3-4, but might be suited to it. Not a strong pass rusher however.


CB - Eric Wright, McDonald, Holly, Kenny Wright

Status - Need experience, another starter There's a lot of risk in a group like this. Wright and McDonald have both shown starting potential, but both are going into their second seasons. Holly has also shown skill, but has limited starting experience as well. We need a reliable backup starter, in case one totally busts or is injured.

Options:
1.) Andre Dyson - Titans CB who has been a starter for several years.

2.) Travis Fisher - Detroit CB who is consistent if not spectacular.


Safety - Jones, Pool, Adams, Sorenson

Status - Pool is on shaky ground Both our safeties underperformed last year, likely due to a drop in QB pressure from previous years. Hopefully Jones returns to his 2006 self.

Options:
1.) Chris Crocker - He was pretty decent a couple years ago when he played here, he's good in a deep zone, which is what we're missing, and also what we should fear the most, given our high powered offense.

2.) Marlon McCree - Another safety with starting experience and a history of solid coverage.

3.) Yeremiah Bell - A solid starter before a serious injury in the first game of last season, depending on the doctors he might be worth a look, especially as we plan to start with Pool at the beginning of the season, giving him more time.


So what are the small ball moves you would all make?

~Lyuokdea

first and foremost i 100% agree with Re-signing Lennie Friedman. I think we're letting him test the waters to ee if he can garner starter attention, which i dont think he'll find. Thats ok, because then we get him back.

We do also need an OLB as you stated, but you forgot to mention Travis LaBoy who has been here and maybe sign with us (I hope), and I dont think we have Chaun under contract right now. I'm guessing the same situation as Fredman.

for Safety, Yeremiah Bell re-signed with the Dolphins.


For corner, I agree we need an additional CB who could start if need be. I'm not sure of the options, but i know Aaron Glenn is out there, and while old and not as good as he was in the past, he still isnt bad. Also, I'd imagine we'll tab a late round pick of a CB to solidify the spot and go forward.

I think our needs left are

OLB
OL (preferably a tackle because i never wanna see Nat Dorsey play here again)
and CB, but for CB, i think its depth we need, or maybe someone who hasnt started and will be open to a competition and maybe losing out.

In all...good break down of the state of affairs here.

Browns to host LB Blackstock; LaBoy has deal with Cardinals



Posted by By Mary Kay Cabot March 03, 2008 23:31PM

Linebacker Darryl Blackstock, a three-year veteran of the Arizona Cardinals who was not tendered by the team, will visit the Browns today and work out Wednesday, a source said.

Blackstock (6-3, 244) is a rush linebacker with experience in the 3-4 defense, thereby familiar with Romeo Crennel's defense and philosophy.

Blackstock, a third-round pick in 2005 out of Virginia, played there under former Browns defensive assistant Al Groh, who coached with Crennel under Bill Parcells.

Blackstock has been primarily a backup and special-teams player in Arizona, but some scouts think he can develop into an every-down player in the right system. Last season, he had 21 tackles, one forced fumble and three sacks. Miami and Cincinnati are also believed to be interested.

Scouts Inc.'s analysis on ESPN.com said Blackstock "looks more effective going forward than he does dropping into coverage. He can be explosive with his first step and accelerates off the edge with a good burst of speed. He is active and not afraid to throw his body around with abandon."

Blackstock's former team, the Cardinals, agreed to terms Monday night on a five-year deal with rush linebacker Travis LaBoy, whom the Browns had hoped to sign when he was in town over the weekend. Reports said the deal was worth $22 million with $7.5 million guaranteed.


There's still plenty of good players out there. Phil is being very deliberate to make sure he gets the guys who will fit our system.

Link

Your title says it all Time for the Browns to get some depth now that the starters are at least competent across the board. How to accomplish this? :

1) Re-sign some of our own back- ups.
2) Second tier FAs from other teams. Phil has a history of back- filling the roster with this type of player. He has until September to bring in "better options" if RAC feels the need.
3) The draft positions left ( 4-7) are good for depth and developmental players.


OL: I agree that re-signing our own vets may be the way to go. I'm writing off Bentley.Option: Sit tight or one draft pick on a developmental tackle or guard.

DL: Kelley would be the best option, but what about his injury? Some of our own current back- ups may be the answer for one or two of the positions. Option: Let TC take care of it and/or a draft pick.

OLB: This is where I disagree. IMO the duo of Peek and McGinest can work for one more year. I agree that re-signing Thompson is also a good idea. Option: Sit tight or a developmental draft pick.

ILB: I'm bucking a minor trend on this board that believes we desperately need an ILB. Option: IMO who we have now is good for at least one more year.

CB: I like the trio of E. Wright, McDonald and Holly. The last two and the departed Bodden prove that a CB need not be high priced FA or high round draft pick. Option: Let camp competition take care of the problem. It seems that every year a walk-on or low round pick is the darling of TC.

S: Pool seems to be a lightning rod. Some swear by him and others swear at him. He is a starting quality player none-the- less. Sorensen was signed long term,so Tuck and RAC must like him. Who knows about the others? Option: draft pick, current players or a FA . Let TC take care of the details.

Practice Squad:

TE: Phil needs to have one here b/c of KW2's knees. Another Heiden type will do just fine!

PR/KR: Cribbs runs into the wedge with reckless abandon. Keeping a Steptoe type on the PS is a good idea.

IMO this is the year the Browns finally get running on all cylinders.

I remember several posters here being high on Blackstock before the draft that year. If we're able to get him at a bargain price, we should go for it. Sounds like he could at least be a decent situational player for us.

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WR - Edwards, Stallworth, Jurevicius, Carter, Cribbs, Wilson

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Carter isn't under contract.

also, I thought Sorenson was a FA as well, did we resign him and I missed it?

very cool. a good back up S, and a great special teamer. thanks for updating me.

3 years $2.5 mil.

Why can't we just resign Chaun Thompson?

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Why can't we just resign Chaun Thompson?

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i think Savage would like too, but he was also honest with Chaun and told him if he re-signs he would probebly not be in the starting line-up, but special teamer like before, Chaun wants to test the market and see if there is a starting role out thier. He might re-sign.

These little signings are big when you look at the whole picture, I do see us bringing in 2 more DB veterams, ty law maybe, I do see us signing another LB, There has been talk of possibly re-signing O roye to a lesser contract based upon him passing a physical roye would be strictly a rotation situation player, so if we do that it will be later in the year, after we see whats yout thier availbe.

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Very nice breakdown Lyuokdea! But you didn't mention the possibiliy of resigning Orpheus Roye to fill in as a back-up. If we could get him back cheap, I think it's a no-brainer. Yeah, his knees are getting bad, but he would provide great depth and he knows the system well. Give a two-year deal and let him retire a Brown. No??

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See post above, I did....

I think of the players from last year's team to re-sign, Thompson is the most important. The thing nobody is talking about (although the original poster mentioned it) is that without our special teams last year, we might have lost a few more games.

This team lived off of the field position the return teams gave us and the coverage teams gave the opposition. CT is one of the best players on special teams for us. Outside of Cribbs, I would say he is our most important special teamer and that includes Ponti and Phil. He is in on every tackle and throws a ton of blocks. He has the speed and fearlessness that you need on special teams.

He is serviceable as an LB, so I think maybe you have to overpay him compared to what you would pay a straight special-teamer, but hopefully you don't have to go so far as paying him like a regular LB. Maybe something long -term and incentive-laden would be the ticket. That way, if he develops more as a from-scrimmage player, he earns his due.

Kelley had a knee injury last year, and had off-seson microfracture surgery.

I think that it's unlikely that the team re-signs him at this point.

Nice breakdown overall.

I would like to up grade and not have to resign Chaun, nothing wrong with him, but he is very easily replaceable, if Chaun goes elsewhere, in two years were gonna be saying chaun who where is he know ....I do hope we resign him, he's a solid player, but nothing special and we better sign him for a fair deal, not even close to overing pay.

sorry just my .02

Nice job Luke.

I agree on DL......one more would be nice. I suspect we will look at the draft(that 4th rounder) and take a guy like Nick Hayden of Wisconsin. Other than that, I think the hope there is twofold. First...we have for guys for a 3 man rotation and those 4 have some flexibility in where they can play. Second is we are probably hoping those 4 hold up. I don't want to jinx anything here, but DL is a position where injuries seem to be less frequent....don't remind me of Courtney .

On the O-line, I think we are pretty good at the tackle slots. Thomas is at LT and i would assume he could play RT if needed(I don't know why we would do that....just saying). Schaffer can go back to the left if needed. Tucker who will play guard can go to RT....and Steinback has played some tackle. I don't think it a stretch to see him play ourside if needed.

The interior is where we are thin. If Sowells doesn't have a breakout this season, he is pretty much a guy and little more than that.

I like the idea of signing Friedman, and I wouldn't mind having McKinney back. Center seems to be the weak spot after Fraley.

Savage has said you can get good guards and centers in the middle rounds. If we don't go defense with the 4th pick, round 4 is a good round to get guard/centers. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we took a center/guard in round 4.

At backer....I suspect we will throw some serious money at Blackstock or one of the other 2nd tier backers.....and hope we can get 1 more year out of Willie.

Just clickin'
Good job.
I think if there is one still available I think Savage will go for a tweener pass rushing outside linebacker.
I also would not be surprised if one of the good RB's fall that could be the choice in the fourth.
I also think you are right about Blackstock.
I think it will be him or the linebacker from the Rats, name slips me right now.
Those are just my thoughts though.

Great post.

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QB - Anderson, Quinn, Dorsey

Status - Ready.

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We were considered one of the worst teams at QB. I think we are near the top 10 now. We have a legit starter in this league and an unknown who is highly thought of. If Quinn does beat out DA we will be in great shape. Also, it seems that Dorsey is a very important player because of his ability to mentor.

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RB - Lewis, Wright, Harrison

Status - Ready

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I love what Harrison has shown when it comes to his running. He has shown great quickness and cutting ability. I also think he can run up the middle. I keep hoping he can spell Lewis more and use Wright as a third down back. The problem is Wright has never given Romeo a reason to demote him. Wright isn't a big name, he doesn't have great speed. What he has is the willingness to do whatever it takes to be successful.

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WR - Edwards, Stallworth, Jurevicius, Carter, Cribbs, Wilson

Status - Ready

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I don't agree, at least not long term. Edwards and Stallworth are very good as 1&2. I love JJ as a 3rd down reciever. He was in the top of the league in 3rd down catches. He has hinted about retirement, if not this year maybe next.

I think Cribbs needs to be taken off kick coverage (even though he is our best player) and get more reps with the offense. I'm not sold that he can be a legit offensive player but he can be used more often then he has.

The only reason that Carter or Wilson makes this team is because we can't find anyone who sucks less. My hope is that Sanders can step up and get a roster spot.

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OL - Thomas, Steinbach, Fraley, Tucker, Shaffer, (Bentley), Sowells, Clifford Louis, Marvin Phillip

Status - Need Backups

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I would agree. If we can resign McKinney and Friedman I would be happy. I have no idea where Sowells stands. I know that Dorsey was much better then in years past, and beat out Butler.

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TE - Winslow, Heiden, Dinkins

Status - Ready

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I'm happy with the three, but I'm also worried. I don't have much faith in Winslow's knee. I love what Heiden brings but IMO he is not a starter in this vertical offense. He does not hve the ability to step in and do a lot of what Winslow does. Dinkins is just a blocker and special teamer.

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DL - Rogers, Williams, Shaun Smith, Robaire Smith, Purcell, Pittman, Leonard,

Status - Need Backups

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I agree. The first four are pretty tough, but we need a six man rotation. Purcell only made the final roster after we were in dire need of lineman. He and Pittman have been putting on weight and I hope one of them can step up. I really don't know much about Leonard. My hope is we resign Kelley. I don't really care for him but at least we know what he can bring to the table.

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LB - Davis, Jackson, Williams, Wimbley, McGinest, Peek, McMilian, Kris Griffen

Status - Need OLB starter opposite Wimbley

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I agree. I think if we can't find a starter opposite Wimbley, Peek can step in and do the job.

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CB - Eric Wright, McDonald, Holly, Kenny Wright

Status - Need experience, another starter

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Kenny Wright can't play, period. Adams stepped in a lot last year as a dime back. He is way undersized to be a free safety but he is versatile.

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Safety - Jones, Pool, Adams, Sorenson

Status - Pool is on shaky ground

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We need help. A lot of help. Sorenson is not signed right now and is only a special teamer. Adams is not big or physical enough to play a full season as a starter. Pool bothers me.
I really thought my boy Hamilton could have stepped up and backed up both safety positions. He got hurt, and although he was told they wanted him back they haven't and aren't going to sign him. I am anxious to see what he will do in KC if he chooses to take them up on their offer.

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Sorenson is not signed right now and is only a special teamer

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I think he is signed, just within the last few days, we inked him.

Thanks, I didn't see that. Did we resign any other role players?

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LB - Davis, Jackson, Williams, Wimbley, McGinest, Peek, McMilian, Kris Griffen

Status - Need OLB starter opposite Wimbley


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I agree. I think if we can't find a starter opposite Wimbley, Peek can step in and do the job.

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Correct me here if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that Peek was hurt most of the year.. he played, but played hurt..

Are you impling he was injuried in TC,and didn't heal until after week 17?
That's a looong time to be injured.

I'm pretty sure Daman is right. He was hurt...something about his foot maybe? Hey some things take time to heal. He would have to basically stop putting pressure on it to heal...kinda hard to do when you are trying to play and to the best you can for a new team. I want to say it happened game 3.

Post deleted by Referee2

Sweeet!!!! Go Brownies!!!

I don't know what to think. So much talent and so many injuries. Sort of sounds like C. Brown. Just couldn't stay healthy.

nordawg

Yah, but not a 3 million per!

I don't think his signing would be that high, not with his injury history. If the price is right then so is the risk.

nordawg

You wrote this yourself?

Damn man, that's a damn fine job!

I don't agree w/everything you wrote, but so what? You put a lot of thought into this and used logic and reason as your guide. I am very impressed.

Browns sign Sorensen
Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer
03.04.2008
He might not be Derek Anderson or Jamal Lewis, but he's a key part of the Browns' special teams units -- and he, like Anderson and Lewis, is now locked up through the 2010 season.

Safety Nick Sorensen, who appeared in nine games for the Browns in 2007 after signing with the club on Oct. 24, signed a three-year contract with the team, the club announced Tuesday.

Sorensen finished fifth on the team last season with 14 special teams tackles.

"Nick joined us midseason last year and did an excellent job on special teams and also provided veteran leadership," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "He will be a part of our core special teams unit and serve as a quality backup safety in our secondary."

Sorensen, 29, is an eight-year NFL veteran with 84 games of experience with St. Louis, Jacksonville and the Browns. Sorensen originally entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Virginia Tech.



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Which means they probably aren't going to replace Pool.

I didn't think they would, but I was sure was hoping they were.

We've upgraded the D, but this guy compromises schemes.

Maybe Baxter gets a shot. That'll certainly be interesting to follow. If he gets a contract, he almost certainly gets slotted at safety. Nick was making some nice plays on STs... be interesting to see how he comes along.

I dunno why theres so much dislike for Pool. He started off rough but by the end of the season he was making the right moves and playing the safety spot like he should.

A direct correlation was the amount of times Sean Jones blitzed in the 2nd half of the season. Theres no chance theyd do that if they didnt trust Pool to play back there alone.

Dont worry about Brodney. It was written al over his scouting report coming out of college that he possessed all the talent, but was green. He left as a junior, and had only started a year and a half. It was going to take time for him to become a lights out player, and towards the end of the year he was showing flashes of it.

It'll be there this fall. Dont give up on Brodney just yet. This year is going to be his Sean Jones break out year. you heard it here first...or 2nd, or if other people have said it, nevermind. But this year Brodney is gonna breakout.