DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2013 NFL Season NFL Draft (2013) Heckert: "We'll get one of our top two guys'' at No. 4

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/04/cleveland_browns_gm_tom_hecker_14.html

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Oh. -- Browns general manager Tom Heckert conducted his pre-draft press conference at the Browns facility this morning.


* Heckert said the Browns are happy to stay at No. 4 and take a really good player. He didn't rule out trading down.

* "Everybody's on the same page here,'' Heckert said of the front office and coaching staff in regard to No. 4.

* Heckert said he knows who the Browns will take at No. 4 if they stay there, He didn't share.

* He stressed the draft is not just about No. 4. The Browns also the have the No. 22 and No. 37.

* He said it's a misconception that Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill flew up boards after a great workout. He said he's about the same as where he's been. "I've never really seen a bad workout,'' he said. "It's a workout.''

* As for trading back, he said "if there's a similar player, why not? Why wouldn't you do it.''

* On drafting a right tackle: "If you can get a good one, it's great. We do have guys that can play there, but we're looking for one.''

* He said he views the top three or four picks as starters next season.

* He added that the Browns would have no problem taking a running back despite so few running backs going high anymore.

* He said he has enough guys rated similarly at No. 4 to get a position of need in addition to the best available player. The question was about whether or not the Browns would go defense and draft Morris Claiborne at No. 4.

* He admitted that "you have to be careful'' about drafting receivers high. "That position's been up and down'' in the league.'' Does that mean he's leaning away from Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon?

* He said the Browns have 18 players with a first-round grade and that one of them should be available at No. 22.

* He said "you have to have three legit corners in this league.'' (That means the Browns will most likely add a couple somewhere in this draft).

* He said Morris Claiborne stacks up well with last year's first-round pick and former LSU teammate Patrick Peterson. "Patrick's superfast, but they're both really good players.''

* He said "we know we'll get one of our top two guys.'' Of course, he wouldn't reveal who the top two are.

* Heckert said of Justin Blackmon "He's a great kid and a great football player.'' (In response to some analysts saying Blackmon is a character concern).''

* He said "we like Colt. He looks great by the way. If we find a guy we like better, we'll bring him in.''

* He said quarterback Brandon Weeden's age (28) is a factor, but not necessarily a dealbreaker. He wouldn't say if he views him as a starter.

* He didn't completely rule out coming out of this draft with a starting quarterback.

* He said the Browns went to work out USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil because he could slide to the Browns at No. 4. The Vikings are expected to take Kalil at No. 3, but are considering their options.

* Heckert said Mike Holmgren lets him do his job, but that they're in constant communication and on the same page.

* Heckert said from a college standpoint, Blackmon stacks right up there with the caliber of an A.J. Green or Julio Jones.

* He said it's not a great linebacker draft. That's not to say the Browns won't draft one or two.

* He said the Browns top running backs on their board (which includes Trent Richardson, Boise State's Doug Martin and Virginia Tech's David Wilson) can all catch and block too.

* He described Blackmon and Richardson as "class, class guys. We're hoping we can get a guy like that.''

* He said he wouldn't do the same trade this year that he did last year with Atlanta, trading down from No. 6 to No. 27 and picking up a bunch of extra picks, including this year's No. 22 overall.

Or he said that to make it sounds like we have this down to a science and have it narrowed to just 18 premium players...no matter who we draft at 22, how much you want to bet the guy is one of the "fantasy" 18

yessir.

silly season has fully descended upon us and it only gets sillier from here on out.

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* Heckert said he knows who the Browns will take at No. 4 if they stay there, He didn't share.

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As I'd quipped several days ago, the Browns already have their board set and know who they want to take...but Heckert ain't sharing.

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* He said it's a misconception that Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill flew up boards after a great workout. He said he's about the same as where he's been. "I've never really seen a bad workout,'' he said. "It's a workout.''

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Sooner or later the fans will learn to get past the media hype machine and realize these workouts mean very little. They are "get to know you" sessions which don't reveal greatness that wasn't there with a player.

As for Tannehill, we talked about this a couple of weeks ago, where players who go shooting up the boards too early tend to suffer from the rebound effect and the over-valued optimism ebbs. Tannehill is absolutely a high pick, but the groundswell of his rise has dissipated.

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* On drafting a right tackle: "If you can get a good one, it's great. We do have guys that can play there, but we're looking for one.''

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Hey, Tom, sign me. I can play there! But you know what? If you did, sure, you'd have a guy that could play right tackle, but God forbid you want me playing right tackle.

The question is not if we'll take one, it's how quickly we'll go after one, and contrary to the popular opinion that we'll be taking (read: wasting) a 2nd rounder on a project like Weeden, I think right tackle is going to be addressed before we get to round 3. We don't have one single guy on the roster that can be a starter.

And now for my favorite quote of this post, and one that will get me taken off of Mourg's and Hel's Xmas card list:

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* He said he views the top three or four picks as starters next season.

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Folks, that solidifies the thought that we are NOT going to take Tannehill at #4.

While people have differing opinions on Tannehill, the one common theme from all of the voices is that he is NOT going to be a starter right out of the gate. That's a unanimous viewpoint. So, if virtually everyone says he's not a starter right out of the gate, and Heckert says the top-4 guys are starters, well, that's even more evidence that we're not taking Tannehill at #4.

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* He added that the Browns would have no problem taking a running back despite so few running backs going high anymore.

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My man.

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* He admitted that "you have to be careful'' about drafting receivers high. "That position's been up and down'' in the league.'' Does that mean he's leaning away from Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon?

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At #4 in most drafts, you gotta take the guy with the fewest questions if he matches a position of dire need. Heckert knows that Blackmon has more questions than a few others guys that may be available to us.

But...

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* Heckert said from a college standpoint, Blackmon stacks right up there with the caliber of an A.J. Green or Julio Jones.

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From a "college standpoint." ?? Meaning...he doesn't stack up quite as well as a pro prospect? That's how I view it.

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* Heckert said Mike Holmgren lets him do his job, but that they're in constant communication and on the same page.

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He better, because if Walrus butt's in too much, we're not likely to be a playoff team anytime soon. He already forced McCoy on this team. We cannot afford another gamble like that...

Thanks for the read. Sure sounds like QB

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* He stressed the draft is not just about No. 4. The Browns also the have the No. 22 and No. 37.

* He said it's a misconception that Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill flew up boards after a great workout. He said he's about the same as where he's been. "I've never really seen a bad workout,'' he said. "It's a workout.''

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Sure sounding like he is preparing Browns fans for Tannehill and RT and RB with out first 3 picks.

And already we have posters saying it reads NO Tannehill and YES, Tannehill.

Yeah, but mine was in first, and mine is right, so it's not Tannehill.

Mourg, I don't see how you get Tannehill out of that quote...

I'll admit if you try to read between the lines going through it (as we all do), then it sure seemed like he was discussing T-Rich as our pick at #4 (that's how I read it too on first pass before you posted).

but, if it's that easy to read between the lines, then are the lines made out of smoke?

Tannehill had already settled into the mocks before his terrific workout. Workout had nothing to do with his slotting, he was already there. As for getting a starter, i have never figured out why he isnt a day 1 starter if he already has a pretty good grasp of the offense. His knock is experience and you cant get experience watching Colt other than what not to do.

I found the "Colt looks great by the way" comment the most intriguing of the post.

Wonder if he's bulked up a bit ... maybe showing some additional arm strength.

I think they are 50/50 on the fence about giving McCoy one more shot to prove he can be the guy. It will probably depend on how the draft plays out and who they can get at their picks.

I don't get how some of you guys talk about how McCoy was forced on anybody.

He was there in the third and we took him because he slid that far. Yes, Holmgren pulled the "I'm the boss" card, but it was a "hey, this guy is still there, we should just grab him and sit him" situation. It wasn't a "I want this guy, so go and get him". He was a 1-2 round prospect, depending on who you talked to at the time, and we got him in round 3 so it doesn't sound like anyone was forcing anything.

Just sayin'...

it was also a "the guy Heckert wanted went a couple picks ahead of us" thing too. so, Holmgren was willing to let Heckert take the guy he wanted, that guy just didn't happen to be there.

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Tannehill had already settled into the mocks before his meaningless workout.

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Fixed it for ya.

Sorry man, couldn't resist. Just having fun before I go in for work.

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As for getting a starter, i have never figured out why he isnt a day 1 starter if he already has a pretty good grasp of the offense.

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I don't mean this in the way it'll sound, I really don't, but you're surprising me here. It seems like the world recognizes he isn't ready to walk right in and play, but you believe he should.

I believe that all the negative information which stems directly from his lack of finishing ability and lack of positive work against the piers and teams in his conference are clear indicators that he needs time to absorb the finer points of his position.

To explain it in simpler terms, he became over-matched to a certain degree in college. If you throw him right into the fire in the NFL, he's going to be even more over-matched, and that could easily ruin him.

He's gotta sit for at least a year. If Heckert says the top 3 or 4 guys are starters, and the vast majority of scouts and talking heads say Tannehill isn't a day-one starter, well, sometimes 1 + 1 = 2...

I just want to point out that we most definitely will NOT get one of our top two guys. Our top two guys are Luck and Griffin. Heckert is trying to conveniently ignore the fact that they couldn't get the guy they really wanted. We'll get one of our 3rd or 4th favorite guys.

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Yes, Holmgren pulled the "I'm the boss" card, but it was a "hey, this guy is still there, we should just grab him and sit him" situation. It wasn't a "I want this guy, so go and get him".

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Oober, I believe Holmgren actually said he threw his weight around to get McCoy. That doesn't suggest he "asked" to get him. That states he went to Heckert and gave an order.

People can talk and debate the risk versus reward of that selection, but it's a very VERY dangerous slope to ride when the President decides to step in at the last moment and order a change in draft strategy.

If we hadn't kept Mangini, we might have kept Wimbley. (who would have fit the 4-3 better) If we had kept Wimbley, then we wouldn't have acquired the 3rd round pick we used to draft McCoy.

It's all Mangini's fault.

He said the first 3 or 4 picks are viewed as starters next year...I don't see that from any QB outside of Luck or RG3...so, I'll assume the following:

If Claiborne is the pick at #4, we pick a RB, RT, and WR in some order the next 3 picks meaning 4 starters.

If Richardson or Blackmon is the pick at #4, RT and either RB or WR (the one not taken at 4) are the 3 starters, plus maybe the 3rd rounder, whatever that position is (presumably CB in this scenario).

Based on everything I've read on the draft over the last 4 months, as well as my own personal feelings about the guys projected to Cleveland, I think the 2 guys Heckert is talking about are Richardson and Claiborne.

i disagree. I believe the kid made a couple mistakes because he tried to make a play instead of throwing it away. Experience. He also had a few plays where he made the right read but he hesitated and when he did the route was jumped. Again that is experience.

This kid is so far ahead of colt in all areas that is unreal and not good for the colt fans even though He said "we like Colt. He looks great by the way. If we find a guy we like better, we'll bring him in.'' That wont be hard.

It's gonna be Richardson or Claiborne. Those are the only two guys worth the 4th pick.

I disagree with that second part. I think Blackmon, Richardson and Claiborne are all worth the 4th pick when you look at our team. Of course, I have my preference of which one I'd prefer, but I can't complain about taking any of those guys, as long as there's a plan to fix the offense.

If you are drafting based on needs, yes, Blackmon is worth the fourth pick. But only because he is the best wide receiver available and we need a wide receiver. Heckert strikes me as the type of guy who will take the best player available no matter the position.

Off the Xmas card list implies that you were on it right???

If you don't want Tannehill then the interview confirms your view. If you want Tannehill it also confirms it. Just depends on your perspective reading the tea leaves.

I already debunked the day 1 starter issue so I won't rehash that.

Tannehill is far ahead of RG3 in terms of starting an NFL game.

I will say I haven't been this excited for a draft since I was a kid. Heck I feel like a kid right now. 13 picks is a whole lotta ammo. We can really help lay the foundation this year for future success.

I want to live in the penthouse of the AFC North long term.

Make it happen Heckert!

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Tannehill is far ahead of RG3 in terms of starting an NFL game.

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Sorry .... but only in your world.

Tannehill is at least a year away from doing anything productive on an NFL football field, and I have my doubts about then. His best chance for success is to wind up in a position like Rodgers did, where he could sit and learn for 3 years before ever setting foot on the field. He is nowhere near ready.

RG3 is ready, and he will start day 1 of training camp, and won't stop for probably 15 years. (barring injury) Tannehill is nowhere near that level of prospect. Not even in the same universe. If he was, some one would have already traded up to 3 to make sure that they get him like the Redskins (may the rot in hell forever) did with RG3.

No one is making any movement to try and get him though.

Every year a "top" player drops, and many times it is a QB. It would not surprise me if Tannehill drops into the late 1st/early 2nd.

I don't want him there either, just for the record.

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I will say I haven't been this excited for a draft since I was a kid.

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Me too. I remember this one time when I was about 12 we drafted a LB out of Duke who our coach said was like a "mad dog in a meat market". I couldn't wait for the next issue of Browns News Illustrated to arrive to read about this Junkin guy! I know he was a bust, but in those days the BNI was the only real link I had to Browns news here in PA.

And seriously, I haven't been this into a draft probably since the retun in '99!

people only hear what they want to hear, the rest they cast off as a smokescreen..

I've given up trying to figure out what they'll do or why..

See I was a kid for that draft too and I remember thinking... "WHO??????? From DUKE??????? The last good football player to come out of Duke was Sonny Freakin' Jurgensen."

I read all the tweets from the press conference as I try to shake off getting over served last night..uggh Very interesting stuff to say the least but to try and get a good read on anything or what they are going to are about as good as chances as me hooking up with those two fine 22 year olds next to me last night. I will do my best.

Heckert said Tannehill hasn't moved up their board after his workout. Do I think Tannehill was rated one of the top 4 Prospects by the Browns..Nope. Heckert added Tannehill is obviously very new to the position. I take more from that than anything because we all knew he only started 19 games but I think this tells a lot after a guy comes in for a visit. I think Tannehill slides on draft day with a possibility of trading back into round 1 to get him.

Heckert said this years group of DB's "is not a great group" Which would strengthen the case for Claiborne. also adding that you need three CB's to survive in this league. Calling Claiborne a "really, really good one".

Heckert said they wouldn't Hesitate to draft a RB @4 but drafting Montario 2 years ago plays a roll.

Heckert said the Height of the receiver doesn't matter if he can play and added that Blackmon measured up to other receivers drafted in the top 5 in the past. This is a biggie for me. I believe they wanted Green last year but went to Cinci before he got to us which is why we traded down.

Of course he told us what they wanted everyone to hear but if I had to guess today..

I would say Blackmon..