DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Can Massaquoi catch on with the Browns? (article)

Can Massaquoi catch on with Browns?
By Steve Doerschuk
CantonRep.com staff writer

BEREA —

Here’s the checklist on Mohamed Massaquoi, the wideout the Browns obtained as a result of the Kellen Winslow trade.

- Handles complicated playbooks. Check.

- Isn’t a diva; positive influence on team concept. Check.

- Courageous under threat of getting belted on throws over the middle. Check.

- Intense work ethic; takes coaching. Check.

- NFL-caliber athleticism, size and speed. Check.

- Holds onto the football. Uh ...

During his welcome-to-Berea minicamp, Massaquoi responded to the biggest rap against him, that he suffers concentration lapses that led to too many dropped balls at Georgia.

“I think that was blown out of proportion,” he said. “That was an experience that happened over my sophomore year when we had a quarterback carousel.”

He spoke of 2006, when he caught 30 passes for 366 yards, a drop from his 38-catch, 505-yard year as a freshman.

By 2007, Matthew Stafford was entrenched as Georgia’s quarterback. In 2008, Massaquoi caught 58 passes for 920 yards and eight touchdowns. The Browns were convinced he was correcting bad habits and was worth the No. 50 overall pick in last weekend’s draft.

As his NFL career moves out of the draft gate, Massaquoi doesn’t seem too worried about a problem that ruined Braylon Edwards’ 2008 season. Massaquoi outlined his plan for keeping footballs in his mitts:

“Just make sure I stay on the JUGS (ball-throwing machine). Make sure you’re focused. Make sure you don’t try to go for the home-run play every time. Secure the catch.”

Massaquoi is running minicamp routes in jersey No. 11, previously worn by Ken Dorsey. He caught the ball well Saturday, used a lot of “yes sirs” in responding to coaches, and showed only one tiny sign of flamboyance — after some catches, he playfully switched the ball from his right hand to his left and flipped it back to the ballboy.

It remains to be seen how much the No. 52 pick overall bought the Browns for 2008. The Steelers spent last year’s No. 53 pick on wideout Texas’ Limas Sweed, whose dropped balls worried his coaches. Sweed caught six passes in the regular season.

Here’s what General Manager George Kokinis sees in Massaquoi:

“He can run vertical and also work underneath routes. He’s a good route runner with good quickness out of his breaks. Good size ... plays on special teams ... and he’s a willing blocker, which helps your running game.

“He’s a physical kid with size. He caught some fastballs from (Matthew) Stafford, so you know he can catch it when he goes up for it.”

As Massaquoi settled into minicamp, he declined to share a perspective on any current NFL wideout he thinks he resembles, but he did share the short list of players he studies.

“You look at the guys like (Randy) Moss,” he said. “I’m a big Torry Holt fan. I’m a Braylon fan.

“I’ve talked with Braylon. I’ll pick his brain when he gets here.”

Brian Robiskie, the wideout drafted 14 spots earlier than Massaquoi, is here.

Robiskie is regarded as more NFL-ready than Massaquoi, partly because his father, Terry, is a veteran NFL wide receivers coach.

“Me and Robo are both rookies, trying to learn the tricks of the trade,” Massaquoi said. “His dad ... I mean, he’s respected around the country. Robo has been able to learn a lot. I’m just trying to take what I can from him.”

Including the No. 2 wideout spot, behind Edwards?

The Browns picked wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi at No. 50 in last weekend’s draft. A look at some of the better wideouts drafted in that range:

- Anquan Boldin, Cardinals, No. 54 overall, 2003

- Chris Chambers, Dolphins, No. 52 overall, 2001

- Joe Jurevicius, Giants, No. 55 overall, 1998

- Bobby Engram, Bears, No. 52 overall, 1996

- Webster Slaughter, Browns, No. 43 overall, 1986

50-SOMETHING

- Wideouts drafted at No. 50-59 in the previous five drafts:

2008: Malcolm Kelly, Redskins; Limas Sweed, Steelers; Dexter Jackson, Buccaneers.

2007: Steve Smith, Giants.

2006: Greg Jennings, Packers; Devin Hester, Bears.

2005: Roscoe Parrish, Bills; Terrence Murphy, Packers.

2004: Devery Henderson, Saints; Darius Watts, Broncos.

link

It's a funny thing, but with this coaching staff in place, I get the feeling that a rookie will actually get a chance to show his stuff in a meaningful way.. So maybe this kid will get the opportunity..

Should be interesting to compare Biskie and Massaquoi with Limas Sweed...more specifically Massaquoi because of the similarities in draft selection.

Sweed was overrated coming out of college, even though he 'slipped' in the draft.

And since he's from Texas, you know he's a feminine hygeine product. Signs point to MM not being that.

Unfortunately, signs also point to him not being a right tackle :deadhorse:

I know, I just want to believe we outdrafted the Steelers for once.

BE, MM...hey, let's wait and see how they are coached up by the new regime... what'ya say.

These guys got talent and quite possibly when matched upwith the correct coach they'll improve on their mishandled passes.

Seems every negative becomes soooo magnified in this city. We know BE is capable of producing and now the media wants MM to climb his way out of a hole they already have him in!

Limas Sweed is HORRIBLE!! Probably why they drafted another WR.... He drops wide open passes...

Massaquoi will do his thing... I can see him scoring a few TD's this year...

Massaquo is solid. Good size, goes over the middle, BLOCKS, has some quickness. If he's ambitious to learn like all the reports say he is. I think he will do well in this league.

Unless this guy really screws the pooch he is a lock to make the team.
Just hope he can contribute this year.
Also, anyone who thinks the receivers aren't an improvement over last year is in lala land.
Even though our two second round picks are rooks, they HAVE to be better than Stallworthless and Stubtoe and heel-less Braylon were last year.
If Bray can hold onto the ball, you know that defenses will have to at least put SOMEONE on the other receivers, especially Robo as he can at LEAST hold onto the ball.
And Winslow. Don't get me started.
We played our best games when he wasn't even on the field.
Giants game ring a bell.
Just trying to make a point I guess.
Oh, and JMHO.
GO BROWNS!!!!!!!!!!!

Catch on or not, he will, I believe, show us what he's got, be that good or bad or mixed. Two of the (many) cardinal sins of the RAC Diversion were these: A) People drafted for skill sets seldom used them. Deep threats and no bombs or drops, blitzers (less said the better); and B) The double-sin in my eyes: The drafts didn't see the field. for example, after NFL years BQ is a source of mystery and contention still; I chalk it up to coaching, whether keeping or marketing him, game grind of SOME film would be helpful. The second side of the sin is simply misplaced loyalty and accommodation of team cripplers. We gave leash to continue unacceptable performance such as drops, fumbles, penalties, and staying with the flavor of the day QB too long, or T or G or LB or BE and it goes on. THis is biz, not a student council election. Play/sit/ split: The Law of Diminishing Returns in the NFL. I LOVE the Six-Gun Justice Rules in the ManCamp, running and all. Immediate consequences, game-like rehearsals.

In my opinion the success of the passing game at wide receiver position hinges on a couple things.
Keeping Braylon Edwards who is a proven #1 threat and has the best hands in spite of whats often spoken, and can score vs good defense and double teams.

Keeping Edwards so that Massaquoi, and Robiskie, face #2,and #3 db's and defensive schemes as opposed to being the #1 focus a pass defense, in their rookie years.

The ability to integrate and make the right decision on who to use of the following and in the correct roles, David Patton, Paul Hubbard? and Syndric Steptoe.

Whoa? That's Right I actually LIKE STEPTOE, he can be a great receiver if he is the #3, #4, or #5 option, ok 4, or 5, and if he is used situationally like in 2 minute situations, and such. The problem I've always had in complaining in the past is if he faces the #2 focus of the pass defense in this league he is overmatched.

This is why I'm so adamant that they need to keep Edwards, because the moment he leaves, EVERYONE else will face tougher defensive focus from the Browns opponent.
This is not like the situations where there is a #2 player ready to take that role or who rightly drew it with their play with two recent easy to see examples. Reggie Wayne outdid Marvin Harrisson in Indy in recent years and TJ Houshmanzadeh outdid Chad Johnson/Ocho Cinco in recent years.

The defensive focus to stop your #1 receiver, #2 receiver in the NFL means you start to get an advantage on offense when you have great talent at whoever is your 3rd best receiver.
Your only as good as your 2nd best RB and 3rd best Wr.

It is incomplete to not include that it is helpful in both ways to have 3 great receivers, because the PRESENCE of threats in Robiskie, and Massaquoi will allow for fewer times when Braylon Edwards will face tripple coverage and automatically improve his production to 2007 levels.

This is obvious to me, elementary. So Not only does keeping Edwards help Massaquoi and Robiskie, Massaquoi and Robiskie help Edwards.

And Hubbard, Patton, Steptoe , help Massaquoi and Robiskie. as much as Massaquoi/ Robiskie help Stepoe Patton Hubbard.

To touch on that, I'd like to note that we needed a guy with questionable hands really bad. - It's not like we drafted a reciever before him or anything.

Now, had we drafted a reciever before Massaquoi, then I'd be scratching my head. I mean, suppose we drafted Brian Robiskie ahead of Massaquoi, and then drafted Massaquoi, then I'd be worried about the people running this team.

Dude, do you not understand that Braylon cannot catch the football when he needs to?

Do you not understand that Massaquoi has the same issue?

These guys are recievers - and they have problems catching.

Come on dude, "astounding" is such a strong word.

I'm upset man. I am absolutely fed UP!!!


I know, I know, I need to shut up already. - I'll try.

Quote:

---

To touch on that, I'd like to note that we needed a guy with questionable hands really bad. - It's not like we drafted a reciever before him or anything.

---

Your sarcasm (if that's what it was) isn't lost on me and it's funny... But, I think if you go back and check the kids record, you will find that he had a rough first year,, then settled down and started catching the ball way better..

Not sure it's fair to label him with the dropsies just yet...

I yhink that he is in unless he breaks a leg, or like cuts his foot doing something stupid. These wideouts are possibly here to serve notice to BE to catch or sit, threaten his field time. Or they might be here to cover up if a trade goes forward. If a player, possibly even a Pro Bowler, has to have pressers saying how hard they werk in practice and share their feelings and emotional barometers, then it isn't enough. Just catch the ball!
Routes and hands are all you are here for. Do it.
We had nobody else (Steptoe? Nah) to sit BE. I think it may be an option under the new regime and regimen. Merely a hunch; nothing whatsoever to base it on, but hope I am right.

I think you are on to something... I think there was a presser after one of the games Braylon dropped like 10 passes, and reporters were asking Romeo why he didn't bench Braylon... And Romeo was like... well I could have, but who would have taken his spot and been even somewhat effective...

Now the coaching staff have that advantage....

Quote:

---

"Do not try...do"

---

Yes master Yodda...

nordawg

J/C

Last year, I felt like Braylon never got on rhythm after the foot incident. He missed most of the training camps, when there was no call for a QB yet, then he got thrust into the fire as being the only viable wideout on the squad when the season started.

Massaquoi had his dropsie season when there was a bunch of QB controversy, and then when he had a stable QB situation he flourished.

There seem to be some parallels between the two situations.

I think if they both avoid injuries and we get the QB thing nailed down early, both are set up to play to their potential this season (not necessarily counting on MM to be a starter or anything, but I don't think he proves to be a bust).

It seemed like every game I watched last season, I was thinking "boy, if Braylon had worm his darn shoes, things might be way different."

If I'm reading your question correctly,how many Butch draft picks are still here?And of those how many are improving?
I'm thinking Pontbriand is the only pick left.
That guy was pretty good when he arrived,so it would be difficult to say whether or not he's improving.
What will be more a interesting exercise,speculate on how many of PS's picks will be here in a coupla of years.
Note to Ballpeen,
Thanks for your help in securing my release from dawgtalkers purgatory.

Sort of j/c

I haven't done the research...and I could not stand Butch...but I think quite a few of Butch's draft picks are still in the NFL

Of course, many of the "big" ones flopped and are out of the league...but it seems that there are a lot of 2nd tier guys drafted by Butch who are still hanging on.

Sort of off-topic and shame on me for not doing the detailed research...just saying.

Everybody Can Catch, !! The expressed views otherwise detract.

Thought this was as good a place to list . This was a quick look at the stats pages, I think these were the first years of each player with the team. The point is to get some direction on what to expect and how to evalutate the progress of the FIRST YEAR receivers, Massaquoi and Robiskie.

99... K Johnson 66, 986 14.9 64long 8 tds

00... Jujuan Dawson 9, 97 yds 10.8 avg 26 long 1 td

00... Dennis Northcutt 39 catches, 422 10.8 avg 37 long 0 td's

01 Quincy Morgan 30 c 432 yds, 14.4 78 long 2 td's

2002, Andre Davis (WR) 37 420 11.4 31 long 6 td's

04 B Edwards 32 catches, 512 yds 16.0 avg 80 long 3 td's

Joe Jurevidious, (veteran) 40 495 12.4 avg, 52 long 3 td's

S Steptoe 19 182 yds 9.6 avg 53 long 0 td's

So maybe to expect too much is just that, but I believe Randy Moss had 12 td's his rookie year, ... yet he was joining a threesome of Wr's that were all pretty decent Chris Carter #1, Mathew Hatchett #3 and #2 always I forget, the point Moss as a rookie faced #3 pass defenders.

Bottom line, if the rookies can average about 6 catches and 75 yds a game they're doing very well.

Quote:

---

I haven't done the research...and I could not stand Butch...but I think quite a few of Butch's draft picks are still in the NFL

---

There are a number of them I'm unsure of, perhaps some are still in the league, but for the most past, Butchs picks have proven not to have been too good..


Butchs first draft in 2001

1.Warren, Gerard (gone)
2 Morgan, Quincy (not sure)
3 Jackson, James (gone)
4 Henry, Anthony (detroit)
5 Pharms, Jeremiah (jail)
6 Jameson, Michael (not sure)
7a Zukauskas, Paul (not sure)
7b King, Andre (gone)

Butchs Second Draft in 2002

1 Green, William (gone)
2 Davis, Andre’ (last I heard, Dallas)
3 Fowler, Melvin (last I heard, Buffalo)
4a Bentley, Kevin (last I heard Arizona or Seattle, not sure)
4b Taylor, Ben (Not sure)
4c Sanders, Darnell (Not sure)
5 Davis, Andra (denver)
7 Gonzalez, Joaquin (not sure, last I heard, Indy)

2003 Draft

1 Faine, Jeff (Tampa)
2 Thompson, Chaun (Houston)
3 Crocker, Chris (Not sure)
4 Suggs, Lee, Jr. (Gone)
5a Pontbriand, Ryan (Best draft pick by Butch, Browns)
5b Lehan, Michael (Not sure)
6 Garay, Antonio (Gone)

2004

1 Winslow, Kellen (Tampa)
2 Jones, Sean (Philly)
4 McCown, Luke (Tampa)
5 Gordon, Amon (Not sure)
6 Chambers, Kirk (Not Sure)
7 Echemandu, Adimchinobe (Last I heard, Raiders,, but I think he's gone also)

Some of them that I think are out of the league, may not actually be.. I think for the most part I'm close..

But, if you see one that I'm incorrect on, please correct me..