DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Hey, Tony: Tony Grossi answers your Cleveland Browns questions

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/04/hey_tony_tony_grossi_answers_y_39.html

Hey, Tony: Tony Grossi answers your Cleveland Browns questions
by Tony Grossi/Plain Dealer Reporter
Saturday April 04, 2009, 10:43 PM

John Kuntz/The Plain Dealer
Shaun Rogers would be a big loss to the defensive line if he was traded by the Browns, and an even bigger hit to the team's salary cap.Hey, Tony: If Shaun Rogers is traded, could you please explain what the salary cap ramifications are, if any? -- Tom Thomas, Palm Coast, Fla.
Hey, Tom: A trade of Rogers is not going to happen. The cap consequences would be severe, in the neighborhood of $9 million.

Hey, Tony: Well, now it looks like the Browns need a receiver. Does this mean more playing time for Josh Cribbs at that position or do they have another hole to fill? -- Frank Galas, Los Gatols, Calif.

Hey, Frank: I've asked Eric Mangini about Josh Cribbs a couple of times. He consistently says he wants to see in camp if Cribbs can be a all-around player to touch the ball 10 to 15 times a game on offense and the same on defense. I believe his days are over as a full-time receiver on offense.


Hey, Tony: Last year I got a sick feeling about the season when I saw the schedule released with all the prime-time games and I just knew the Browns were not up to it. This year I'm getting the same feeling because of free agent signings and Mangini's approach. So my question is, can we win this year with what you currently see? -- Jack Wilson, Cortland, Ohio

Hey, Jack: Nobody can predict anything prior to the draft and training camp. Let's see what happens from now until August, at least. I wouldn't rule out anything in terms of wins and losses.

Hey, Tony: Why aren't the Browns showing serious interest in Michael Crabtree? The Bengals, Raiders (yes I know they like speedy WRs), and Jags need a WR, so what's the harm in showing interest to create a better possibility of trading down a few spots? There's no harm in trying and it gives the Browns another possible option. -- Matthew Koster, Charleston, S.C.

Hey, Matthew: Who's to say they aren't interested in Crabtree? I'm sure they are researching him along with about five or six other players for their first pick.


Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer
Lots of Browns fans think there's a big market among NFL teams for either Braylon Edwards, the team's No. 5 pick in the first round, or both. But the reality of the situation is likely far different, says Tony Grossi.Hey, Tony: I saw an article on the Internet suggesting a trade between the Eagles and Browns where we give up Braylon Edwards and our No. 5 for the Philly's 21st and 28th (and a conditional pick next year based on how Edwards performs). Philly would get the potential star receiver McNabb needs, plus a top left tackle which they also need. Cleveland would get an extra first-round pick and avoid a holdout which will probably happen with a No. 5 pick. I love this trade. What do you think, and do you feel it has any legs? -- Joe Casteel, North Olmsted
Hey, Joe: While Philadelphia may express interest in Edwards, the trade you propose will not happen. The Eagles don't want the No. 5 pick. I don't know of any team that does, including the Browns.

Hey, Tony: I like the idea of the idea of the Browns trading up from the fifth pick for USC linebackers Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews III. Do you see this happening and how? -- Brandon Leggett, Akron

Hey, Brandon: Sounds good. Now, find a team that wants the fifth pick. I can't.


Hey, Tony: Is 2008 practice squad wide receiver Lance Leggett still on the Browns' roster? -- Tom Thomas, Florida

Hey, Tom: Yes, Leggett is still on the roster. So he's a candidate to win a regular job.

Hey, Tony: We know it's hard to trade down in the top five of the draft. But ... let's say the Browns allow their clock to expire so they can pick three to five slots later. Is there past precedent for how this player would be paid? As a No. 5 pick, or where he was actually chosen? Could be a creative way to save some dough. -- Nate Whitaker, Columbus

Hey, Nate: It's a risky maneuver that would be perceived as a team not knowing what it's doing. They wouldn't save that much money picking, say, eighth.


Hey, Tony: You said trading with Denver, but not for Cutler, would be a good thing for the Browns. Rumor has it the Browns are looking at Georgia QB Matthew Stafford with the fifth pick, are not sold on Quinn or Anderson, and still has no team identity. Production-wise, Cutler is light years ahead of all three. Why shouldn't the Browns go after Cutler? Especially if they're trying to promote a winner's mentality. -- Barbershop, Euclid

Hey, Barbershop: I heard a rumor that they're actually more interested in USC's Mark Sanchez. I just think the quarterback carousel has to stop already. Commit to a guy and build around him.


Hey, Tony: If there is no collective bargaining agreement signed by next summer, would Braylon Edwards only be a restricted free agent? I would think that would decrease the likelihood that he would get traded and/or increase his trade value. -- Michael Conway, Canada, Calif.

Hey, Michael: Yes, if the NFL heads into 2010 as an uncapped year, five-year players with expiring contracts would be considered restricted free agents. Any team that would trade for Edwards now would want to sign him to an extension.

-- Tony


See more in Hey Tony

I find Mary Kay more informative about the Browns. Grossi has too many opinions and not enough fact. Like the whole trading Quinn idea. He won't let it die. Every week he has some new trading of Quinn scenario.

Grossi cant find a team that wants the 5th pick because he isnt a GM. I doubt teams are going to let a Browns beat reporter know they want the pick. Yet, NFL reporters like John Clayton reports that teams would want to move up to that position for Sanchez.

This was a lousy post. Seems long on opine and short on common sense. any team offering up draft strategies are stoopid. And why would ANY team tell Grossi or anybody else with a regular beat, especially in top half dozen picks going in, what they plan to do? straight up trades for more draft picks is OK with me.
TG had a deadline i suspect, and he is drilling overtime to trade Quinn; may happen, but seems frantic to call it out early and see it happen. IMO. Grasping at straws or sumpin?

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-10-37/The-merits-and-perils-of-passing-in-the-draft.html

Pretty good article that explains why pulling a "Vikings" is not a good option.

But in 90% of Mocks, Sanchez was going to be available, especially a week before the draft.

And since it did happen Grossi was wrong, proving even further an opinion-based report.

Grossi was not the only person that held this opinion......MANY "gurus" said the same thing.

Grossi is still a goon; how long will it be before he turns his "attention" to the QB controversy,....??