DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Free Agency II

Most of the good tight ends can't block. Most also don't even try. I would try and sign a guy like Kevin Boss and pair him with Cameron.

My impression from the little that I have seen is slow but with good hands and a knack for getting open. Good blocker. Agin, only limited amout of watching him but he would be a solid pickup. Cook would bring an explosive element to the TE position, Myers would be that JJ guy to move the chains and thrive in the red zone.

I think it's conceivable to believe that some of our FA signings, whether to start or provide depth, will be coming from teams who most recently employed our coaches and front office staff over the past couple of years- Panthers (Chudzinski), Chargers (Turner + Chudzinski), Cardinals (Horton), Steelers (Horton), and Eagles (Banner).

Like Savage, Crennel, Mangini, Holmgren, Heckert, and Shurmur- all brought in players from the organizations they previously worked for.

Considering the apparent needs of this football team from this poster's POV- LB, CB, FS, TE, OG (possibly)- these are the players I will be tracking as possible candidates to arrive in Cleveland. Now these aren't necessarily the people I want or the volume of FA signed, rather, the players who logically could be targeted in the first days of free agency based on pre-exisiting relationships with people already in Cleveland.

Panthers
Captain Munnerlyn CB
Sherrod Martin S

Chargers
Chris Carr CB
Antonie Cason CB
Shaun Phillips LB
Dante Rosario TE
Louis Vazquez OG

Eagles
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB

Cardinals
Quentin Groves LB

Steelers
Keenan Lewis CB
Ryan Mundy S

Nice work!

Here's my wishlist/best values (based on the perceived $ they'll demand) with PFF comments:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/01/07/2013-pff-free-agency-tracker/

OLB Paul Kruger

2012 Grade: +10.4
2012 Snaps: 1,068

Summary: After the Ravens’ wildcard victory over the Indianapolis Colts this January there was one pass rushers name on everybody’s lips and that was Paul Kruger. However Kruger then didn’t back that up with similarly dominating displays against elite pass protection offensive lines in Denver and in particular New England (-3.0 pass rush). To add to this, Kruger has an awful habit of blowing contain in run defense when he tries to crash down on run plays.

However, to his credit after a very up-and-down start to the season, from mid-season onward he was a force for the Ravens’ defense. The question teams will have to ask themselves when considering handing him the big contract he is surely in search of is whether he is a slow-developing player just starting to reach his peak or a player putting forth a massive effort in a contract season who might not live up to his next payday.


OLB Antwan Barnes

2012 Grade: -0.2
2012 Snaps: 189

Summary: This free agent class is long on run defenders and players that you’re playing a little bit of a guessing game as to what they have left in the tank. Now to round out our Top 10 we have a situational player who whenever he has been given the opportunity he’s been a tremendously productive pass rusher.

With the Chargers completely re-tooling their outside linebacker corps last season, Barnes was a victim of the numbers game, but teams should still be interested in just what he brings to the table. You only need look back to 2011 when Barnes was one of the most productive pass rushers, per pass rush, in the entire league. That season he recorded 45 total pressures on only 265 pass rushes including 11 sacks which gave him a Pass Rushing Productivity rating of 13.8. That number was bettered by only two edge defenders (Trent Cole and Aldon Smith). With so many teams starved of pass rushers they could do far worse than give Barnes some snaps to get after the quarterback in obvious passing situations.

ILB Brad Jones

2012 Grade: +9.0
2012 Snaps: 688

Summary: After some underwhelming play as a 3-4 outside linebacker, the Packers moved Jones to inside linebacker. Then Green Bay had injures at the position which allowed Jones to emerge as an every-down starter. He managed a positive run defense rating in nine of 11 regular season games. In coverage, he allowed a 68.4% Catch Rate, which was fifth best for middle/inside linebackers who were targeted at least 30 times. He might lack highlight plays, so fans might not be excited to have someone like Brad Jones on their team, but the fact that he can play both run and coverage well makes him a valuable option.


DE Mike Devito

2012 Grade: +11.5
2012 Snaps: 635

Summary: Defenders who get by on a high work rate rather than overawing physical and athletic ability tend to be overlooked in the NFL when it comes to the draft and handing out money. One such victim in that equation could well be Mike Devito, who proved this season the value of effort and production over hype. In theory Devito should’ve been pushed aside by first-round pick Quinton Coples in New York, but as Devito continued to stuff runs and make stops in the run game next to Muhammad Wilkerson the Jets just couldn’t stop giving him snaps.

Devito isn’t flashy, and he’s not going to crash the pocket from the inside, but he is a consistent force as a run stopper and has graded extremely well in that regard ever since 2009 when he became a more prominent member of the Jets’ run defense. Devito is the kind of interior run defender who goes unnoticed, but he’s a great value addition for any run defense.


CB Chris Houston

2012 Grade: +7.4
2012 Snaps: 931

Summary: Chris Houston has been the one shining light in a bad Lions secondary for a few years now, and always quietly impressed me when he was with the Falcons before that. His performance has been impressive enough that he progressed last season into the rare air of players who are asked to track top receivers (although he only did this rarely). The Lions are likely to try hard to keep him around, but in a free agent class devoid of stars, Houston might be the safest pick out there and could command the best contract if he is allowed to escape.

Last year he was targeted 94 times, allowing 53 catches but for only 11.9 yards per reception. He is a fundamentally sound corner who is rarely beaten badly and will make receivers work for every yard, which given the rest of this class is in and of itself an impressive trait. Houston’s biggest negative is that he has a fairly concrete ceiling, and will never be confused for Darrelle Revis. There aren’t many corners in the league that are clearly better than he is, and some teams will prefer the reliable nature of his play than the all-or-nothing nature of some others.


CB Keenan Lewis

2012 Grade: +3.2
2012 Snaps: 943

Summary: At one point last season Keenan Lewis was pretty upset when beat reporters presented him with his PFF ranking and asked his opinion on it. Whether coincidence or not, from that point on he began to climb the rankings with some impressive displays and ended the year playing some excellent football. Lewis, like his Pittsburgh teammate Ike Taylor, does not have great ball skills, but does seem to have impressive coverage ability and there are teams out there that will be happy with that.

Though he didn’t intercept a pass in 2012, Lewis actually led the NFL with 16 passes defensed and passers throwing at him had a rating of only 80.7 despite going after him to the tune of 112 targets on the season.

CB Greg Toler

2012 Grade: +6.8
2012 Snaps: 308

Summary: Our good friend Pete Prisco listed Toler as one of his underrated upcoming free agents and he nailed it, hitting on a player who will likely slip under the radar but has played well whenever he has seen the field for the Cardinals in the past.

Toler is physical and has coverage skills and could be a great signing for someone who misses out on some of the bigger names.


FS/SS William Moore

2012 Grade: +6.7
2012 Snaps: 774

Summary: Our top free agent option among safeties, Moore ranked 18th overall at the position, a year after ranking 11th overall. He did not excel in any particular area but showed a well-rounded game in coverage (+2.6), run defense (+3.2), and as a pass rusher (+2.1). His Run Stop Percentage of 3.7 ranked 22nd in the league and he made an impact with nine pressures on just 29 blitzes. If there’s a concern, Moore was an average tackler as he missed 10 of his 64 attempts. Still, coming off a season where he proved to be the best all-around player in the Falcons’ secondary, he should command quite a haul on the open market this offseason.


FS Dashon Goldson

2012 Grade: +6.5
2012 Snaps: 1049

Summary: It was a close call between Moore and Goldson for the top spot, especially after the season Goldson had in coverage, grading at +7.1. His 0.33 Yards per Cover Snap ranked seventh among safeties as he built on a 2011 season that saw him grade at -3.3 in coverage and allow 0.86 YPCS. Teams targeting Goldson will be looking at a true free safety as he only spent 12.3 percent of his run snaps in the box. When he’s at his best, he can play any coverage on the back end and he really excels at breaking downhill on short and intermediate routes. Like Moore, Goldson has lapses as a tackler as he missed one every 6.6 attempts, a mark that ranked 44th out of 58 qualifying safeties. Depending on the scheme, Goldson might be the top free safety on certain teams’ free agent boards.


FS Kenny Phillips

2012 Grade: +7.4
2012 Snaps: 304

Summary: Despite playing only 304 snaps, Phillips was off to a monster season as the Giants’ free safety. He only gave up 14 yards in coverage on seven targets and got his hands on two of those passes. He also added two hurries and a batted pass on his six pass rushes and proved a sure tackler by not missing on his 16 attempts. This was not new territory for Phillips who ranked as our No. 6 safety in 2011 when he boasted a +6.5 coverage grade that also ranked sixth in the league. In the Giants’ system, Phillips has been asked to play a lot of single-high, center field looks, so once again, scheme may determine his value to potential suitors. He has emerged as one of the best young free safeties in the league and with his ability to make the sure tackle, don’t be surprised if Phillips is the most coveted safety for a few teams in free agency.

FS/SS Chris Clemons

2012 Grade: +4.4
2012 Snaps: 1120

Summary: Clemons is coming off the best season of his four-year career as he paired with fellow safety Reshad Jones to comprise one of the best duos in the league. His 0.35 Yards per Cover Snap ranked eighth in the league and he was sixth among safeties in Tackling Efficiency, missing one every 12.3 attempts. He posted a solid +4.4 run defense grade despite playing over 75 percent of his snaps “out of the box” as a free safety. The only thing holding down Clemons’ overall grade was the -3.0 he posted as a pass rusher, but prospective teams will gladly make that sacrifice in order to bring in the run stopping and coverage ability that Clemons showed in 2012.


FS Stevie Brown

2012 Grade: +4.1
2012 Snaps: 846

Summary: After Phillips went down, Brown took the reins and made big plays on a near-weekly basis on his way to leading all safeties with eight interceptions. Despite his ability to be around the ball, he missed one out of every seven tackle attempts to rank 39th out of 58 qualifiers at the position. The former seventh-round pick had played on 146 career snaps coming into the season so any team willing to pay him will be doing so on only 13 games of production, but if Brown continues to find the football, he could become a free agent steal.

OG Brandon Moore

2012 Grade: +21.3
2012 Snaps: 1,087

Summary: Don’t let one of the league’s most infamous fumbles, which happened to involve Moore’s buttocks, distort your view. He was one of the best interior linemen in the league and part of a New York Jets offensive line that surprisingly ranked near the top of the league. His +21.3 grade ranked fourth among guards, and, as Moore mentioned to our own Sam Monson, his goal was to finish the season on a strong note — which he did with nine straight positive grades to top off 2012.

Success is nothing new for Moore who has now posted a positive grade every year since PFF’s inception in 2008. His +12.8 run blocking grade will be attractive to any team looking to move the ball on the ground, though he’s also more than capable in pass protection. He graded at +5.6 as a pass blocker with a Pass Blocking Efficiency (PBE) of 97.2 that ranked 18th among all guards. Moore’s all-around game has him as our top interior lineman heading into free agency.


OG Geoff Schwartz

2012 Grade: +5.8
2012 Snaps: 160

Summary: We called for Schwartz to receive more playing time all season as he was stuck in a one-sided platoon with guard Brandon Fusco. Schwartz played at least 10 snaps in eight different games, though 36 was his season high and he rarely saw the field for more than a short cameo. Fusco, on the other hand, started all 16 games while posting a -11.9 overall grade including a -13.6 in pass protection. Schwartz outplayed him in all facets — he surrendered only four pressures on his 84 pass blocks, while posting a +5.1 grade on his 75 snaps as a run blocker.

Schwartz will now have a chance to find full-time work as he heads to free agency. He has more than just this season’s small sample size to work off, as his last starting gig was in 2010 when he graded at +19.3 at both right guard and right tackle for the Carolina Panthers. It’s a safe bet that Schwartz will be on the field for more than 160 snaps in 2013.


OG Donald Thomas

2012 Grade: +10.2
2012 Snaps: 616

Summary: Thomas has shown well when called upon in a backup role with the New England Patriots the past two years, and it may be enough to garner interest around the league. His last starting job was in 2009 when he graded at +5.3 as the Miami Dolphins’ right guard.

In 2012, Thomas showed his versatility by filling in at various times throughout the season. He got the nod at right guard in Week 2, posting a +1.6 grade before getting called upon to start at left guard five times in a six game stretch where he graded at +10.9. His ability to play on either side will only increase his value and he may be in line for a starting job somewhere in 2013.

OG Chad Rinehart

2012 Grade: +3.4
2012 Snaps: 170

Summary: Rinehart was coming off a promising 2011 campaign that saw him start 12 games and grade at +16.1, but found himself back in a swing role behind Levitre and right guard Ketih Urbik coming into 2012. When Urbik went down in Week 3, Rinehart stepped right in with more stellar play before going down for the season with an ankle injury in Week 7. He gave up only two pressures on his 97 pass blocks, while also pulling a +1.3 run block grade during his limited time. Like Levitre, Rinehart’s pass blocking numbers were helped by the Bills’ system, but he’s shown enough in his five years in the league that a starting spot may be waiting for him in free agency this offseason.


QB Matt Moore

2012 Grade: +2.5
2012 Snaps: 56

Summary: Poor old Matt Moore. He wasn’t ready to start for the Panthers in 2010 and with crazy high expectations, he flopped… in the kind of way that had people writing him off for good. It’s a shame then that his play in 2011 didn’t get the press it deserved. He took over a failing Dolphins franchise and breathed life into it with some composed play that none of us expected to see from him.

When it was all said and done, he finished the year our 11th-ranked quarterback on the back of some impressive passes. What he offers that nobody else on this list does is his ability to challenge defenses. He’s no dink-and-dunk merchant as evidenced by the fact 17% of his attempts went over 20 yards in the air (what’s more, his 47.5 Accuracy Percentage on those throws was ninth-best in the league).

This guy looked like a starter in 2011, and he has earned the right to legitimately battle for one of those jobs.


RB Danny Woodhead

2012 Grade: +10.4
2012 Snaps: 424

Summary: The diminutive Woodhead has used his time with the Patriots to establish himself as one of the premier third-down backs in the league. He’s not going to push a pile, but his nose for the first-down marker is what separates him from the rest. Indeed, of all running backs with at least 75 carries, his 26.3 conversion percentage on runs into first downs or touchdowns, is the third-highest mark.

What’s more, he offers a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. In fact, 44% of his targets turned into first downs, the second-highest percentage of any running back. You need to commit to him in a way the Patriots have, but Woodhead is an incredibly productive player.

FB Jerome Felton

2012 Grade: +9.3
2012 Snaps: 402

Summary: Where did that year come from? As is often the case, a big year from a back ensured big praise for his lead blocker, with Felton earning most of it with a +7.9 blocking grade. The Vikings averaged 6.3 yards per carry when he was lined up at fullback, the highest figure of all his peers. Still, it’s worth noting Rhett Ellison actually had a higher grade and the Vikings average 0.2 yards per carry more with him at fullback (he didn’t have enough snaps at the spot to qualify for the study). Felton is a good fullback, but is he a great one?

FB Corey McIntyre

2012 Grade: +1.3
2012 Snaps: 103

Summary: Due to the Bills’ offensive plan, McIntyre hardly ever saw the field. Which is a shame given how solid a blocker he has proven over the years. In 2011 he only saw 104 snaps and he has faced a moderate workload since the 2010 season where he again graded positively for his run blocking. Perhaps a change in coaching staff might make him valuable in Buffalo once again. Perhaps another team is going to make use of him.


TE Martellus Bennett

2012 Grade: +12.5
2012 Snaps: 945

Summary: After spending the first part of his career as a backup in Dallas, Bennett signed a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal with the Giants, and, by season’s end, he proved he could do it all. He had already shown himself as a great run blocker, and this year proved he can support the passing game as well, as he posted 70 or more yards in four games. While he may never lead the league as a receiving tight end, it is rare to find someone who can truly do it all at the position.


TE Anthony Fasano

2012 Grade: +4.2
2012 Snaps: 921

Summary: Another multi-talented tight end who is coming off a down year. He went through a rough patch midseason with six straight single-catch games. However, he has been incredibly consistent with just three dropped passes over the past three years. From 2008-2011, he ranked in the Top 6 each year in terms of run blocking. He wasn’t as dominant in 2012, but that is more likely an exception rather than a new trend.


WR Domenik Hixon

2012 Grade: +8.2
2012 Snaps: 389

Summary: With the Giants hit by injuries this season, Domenik Hixon found himself with an unexpected opportunity to get back into the lineup and contribute, and he again showed himself to be a capable receiver. He caught 67.2% of the passes thrown his way, topping 500 receiving yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns on his 39 receptions. Hixon is another player that won’t be confused for a stud any time soon, but could easily start for some teams and upgrade plenty of receiving groups. He has an unfortunate syndrome of refusing to run under deep passes, choosing almost every time to instead turn and catch the ball facing back to the quarterback.


WR Danny Amendola

2012 Grade: +13.0
2012 Snaps: 524

Summary: If it wasn’t for being built like a high-school kid, Danny Amendola would be one of the league’s better receivers and be commanding a serious payday. The Rams were visibly better on offense when he is on the field, and he operates over the middle in a way only Wes Welker can arguably do better. Amendola led Rams receivers last season in receptions by a dozen, despite playing at least 117 fewer snaps than two of his teammates. Unlike Welker, Amendola does have legitimately impressive hands, especially on those inside routes that routinely come at him at speed. He had just a single drop last year from 75 targets when he lined up in the slot, a mark bettered by just four receivers, none of whom saw as many passes thrown their way.

If you want a perimeter threat, then you need to look elsewhere, but if you need that reliable slot weapon, Amendola is an intriguing option, albeit one that does have durability concerns.



Also: CB Munnerlyn, RB R.Brown, CB Cason, CB Arrington, ILB Ellerbe, OLB Barwin, FS R.Johnson

I think asking for 5 of those (with 2-3 cheapies/depth) isn't asking for too much with themost cap room available...

Not worth the money imho: TE Cook, G Vazquez, G Levitre, WR Wallace, WR Welker, CB Talib, CB S.Smith, CB DRC, CB Asomugha, RB R.Bush

Torn on: CB Williams, WR Jennings, CB Grimes, TE F.Davis

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/inde...#incart_m-rpt-2

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself about the Browns as free agency looms . . .

Question: Would you re-sign Phil Dawson?

Answer: The fact that the first question about retaining a Browns free agent is about a kicker is significant.

Q: Meaning what?

A: Meaning the Browns have 16 free agents, and Dawson (a kicker) is the most prized by the fans. The second is Joshua Cribbs, a special teams player. Part of the reason is they have actually been with the team for a while: Dawson since 1999, Cribbs since 2005.

Q: So would you re-sign Dawson?

A. Yes, to a lucrative two-year deal. I doubt they will.

Q: Why?

A: Because Dawson is 38. At the end of the 2010 season, Eagles President Joe Banner decided not to keep 36-year-old kicker David Akers, who had made the 2010 Pro Bowl. Instead, the Eagles picked Alex Henery in the fourth round from Nebraska, and paid the rookie kicker $2.5 million over four seasons. Akers signed a three-year, $9 million deal with the 49ers. In 2011, Akers was a Pro Bowler again. While the 49ers made the Super Bowl this season, Akers had a rocky season -- connecting on 29-of-42 attempts -- and was cut.

Q: You think Banner will take the same road with Dawson?

A: My guess is he'd rather drop a player a year too early than a year too late. I also wouldn't be shocked if Dawson ends up with the 49ers to kick for Brad Seely, the Browns' former special teams coach.

Q: What about Cribbs?

A: He'll be 30 in June, considered old for a return man. The new kickoff rules also have hurt his value because more are kicked out of the end zone. But my point wasn't to dwell on Dawson and Cribbs.

Q: OK, what is the point?

A: That one of the free agents leaving is Mohamed Massaquoi. That means the Browns had three picks in the second-round of the 2009 draft -- Brian Robiskie, David Veikune and Massaquoi. All are gone. None made any real impact. The Browns wasted those valuable choices.

Q: You've been writing how the new Browns coaching staff loves tight ends, so why not keep Ben Watson?

A: He caught 49 passes and played in every game, but Watson is 32 and has a history of three concussions. They want younger players. They will look at free agent tight ends such as Dustin Keller and Jared Cook.

Q: They need linebackers who can play in the 3-4 defense, what about Scott Fujita?

A: Fujita will be 34 in April. The Browns signed him to a three-year deal at the age of 31. He was on the injured list to finish all three seasons with the Browns. This front office seems to want to avoid signing a 30-something free agent to a significant deal. With the Eagles, Banner was always worried about being stuck with older players.

Q: Is that why he traded Sheldon Brown to the Browns?

A: Yes, he shipped Brown (then 31) and Chris Gocong to the Browns for Alex Hall and a fifth-round pick. Brown is a free agent and won't be back. Gocong signed a four-year, $17 million deal ($8 million guaranteed) in 2011. He missed all of 2012 with an Achilles injury. He can be a 3-4 linebacker, assuming he stays healthy.

Q: Aren't the Browns $48 million under the salary cap?

A: Yes, that's the second most cap room in the NFL. The Browns have so many needs. While some fans would say linebackers, I think the prime need is a starting corner, and a strong backup cornerback to join Joe Haden in pass coverage. Other than T.J. Ward, I don't like any of the safeties -- although the last coaching staff thought Johnson Bademosi had real promise.

Q: Doesn't the switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 create more vacancies?

A: At first, I thought it was a major mistake. But looking at the linebackers, they have four on the roster: D'Qwell Jackson, James-Michael Johnson, Craig Robertson and Gocong. They were going to need to add one or two for the 4-3. So they need linebackers, period.

Q: Why switch defenses again?

A: At the NFL Combine, Banner said, "The game is fundamentally about preventing pressure on your quarterback and putting pressure on the opponent's quarterback." He believes the Browns didn't create enough defensive pressure from the 4-3 defense. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton blitzed on 42 percent of his plays, second most in the NFL. He did it out of the 3-4 set. That's what Banner wants, and they need to add players to make that happen.

Q: So Paul Kruger from the Ravens would fit?

A: He had eight sacks, played in the 3-4 and is 27 years old. He also played in the AFC North. Seems like a good fit with the Ravens having salary cap problems.

Q: Do you see them keeping anyone?

A: Long snapper Christian Yount is a restricted free agent and he did a good job. Kaluka Maiava may return if the price is cheap, as he's a backup linebacker and special teams player. They don't like Reggie Hodges and have already brought in punter Spencer Lanning, so Hodges is gone.

Q: Didn't Juqua Parker have a good year?

A: He had six sacks as a backup defensive end. But he's a 4-3 defensive end and he'll be 35 in May. He doesn't fit.

Q: So the shopping list is long?

A: It may be at least two defensive backs, two linebackers, a kicker, a veteran receiver and a veteran offensive guard. And yes, maybe two tight ends. They probably will spend through the $48 million quick.

Q: What about a quarterback?

A: I've written for weeks that they may sign free agent Matt Moore, and I think that remains a real possibility. So Banner, General Manager Michael Lombardi and his assistant general manager Ray Farmer will have to be smart in how they spend their free agent money -- but the situation demands that they spend it because the team has so many needs.

Quote:

---

However, to his credit after a very up-and-down start to the season, from mid-season onward he was a force for the Ravens’ defense

---

U know why?

He was toast until Suggs came back. Look it up. Sheard's no Suggs.

I'm telling you. There will be an Asah or Jordan sitting there at 6. Go for it and leave Kruger and the BS dollars he wants to someone else.

Man this is the year we need to secure a real FS. Impressive list with so few players Tagged this year.

We can make some serious noise both on Offense (TE and maybe a Guard) and defensively (CB/FS/ELLERBE) if we leave the high dollar OLB for pick 6 in this draft.

And get 2 players who are experienced in Horton's D and Turner's O.

Toler
Vasquez

You wanna talk "Value"? THAT'S VALUE.

As I've said, I want no part of Levitre or Vasquez. They're above AVG to good OGs but want Top 5 G money = bad value, especially 2 years from now when they've declined back to AVG and we still pay them 7-9mil annually....we have to re-sign Mack soon and I just don't see how you can field a winning team with 4 of your top 5 salaries coming from the OL

B.Moore for 3 years as a stop gap at 5-7mil is the max I'd go for one of the top Gs. Thomas, G.Schwartz and Rinehart represent much better bang for the buck imho

Welker to test Free Agency Market

Bengals Lawson & Maluga Unlikely to Return

I have no problem getting the most bang for the buck in Free Agency. However I really think this front office will try to make a splash by going after Mike Wallace as their top priority FA.

Maluga sucked, so I'm not surprised that the Bengals aren't bringing him back.

He was so incredibly overrated by some people it's not even funny.

Goldson wants to remain a 49er but ready to go anywhere.

Specifically mentions Cinci.

Oober...Ravens CB Williams. Over priced...pretty much most FA are over priced. Keep in mind CB is a position that is considered one of the rare ones for skill set needed. But it also happens to be the one on that list that finds them going into the FA market which is why the price on that position in FA just goes up n up on all tier levels.

Oh those rare positions I n many NFL personnel people have stated likewise.

1. QB
2. Left Tackle
3. Pass Rusher Extraordinaire (corner edge OLB/DE)
4. CB Cover Corners.

Also with the increase of 3-4 Defenses another to the list and that is NT.

Franchise QBs...FA? nah LT...I think Long is the first? OLB/DE...Peppers n Mario both DEs

But every year we get a lot of CBs...n the price seems to go up n up...first big money was an Ohio kid leaving Buffalo from then on I think the nego price went up so teams would decide to draft more n develop. And also many in the NFL say there is no such thing as a Cover Corner anymore due to the rule changes.

Williams seems to be 2nd tier but he came out to me at least as very thugish. Looking for a fight n (assuming he was the guy) was shocked he didn't get thrown out of the game or suspended for pushing a referee...No excuse for that. But he was in the middle of Personal Foul areas what seemed to be the entire game??? I don't know what character persona the new regime will take a stance on.

If they feel comfortable we got a good locker room n can take character risk on so that they will change n not change our players (cancer). I don't know what there policy will be for Talent vs. Character is. We'll find out. I mean that kid Honey Badger has crazy skills if there for a 3rd round pick??? Do we take a risk on him???

Williams...maybe if he doesn't go right away n his price comes down the Risk Reward thing will turn in his favor...but then he should sign back to the Ravens???

But good question. We'll soon find out

Browns expected to target Cliff Avril & Desmond Bryant

I know somebody mentioned Avril before as Ihad thought no answers in FA.
Not knowing him that well my first Impression was to stop n think of Avril as I remember him having good attack skills but was an Underachiever to his expectations. Don't know if it was injuries or what. But maybe he could be a winner.

I see Rubin n Hughes as NT possibly Kitchen also...leaving us mostly with Winn n Taylor as the DEs. Bryant from Raiders. I don't know, I remember some kick butt Bryants on the DL with my age I don't know if this is one of them...but I can see us going for another DE type. 290+ w/explosion.

Glad to read we are at least interested. But wonder where that info comes from - I know Kffl but they basically read it somewhere? Can't wait till FA starts n we become movers. I think we have to spend 89% of the cap (avg next 3 years) which means we don't have to be 89% exact this year but I assume a little under/over can be expected. That would be around 38mil we got to spend. Doesn't seem like we are signing any of our own back...PLEASE SPEND SOME $$$ on DAWSON!!! Thats at least 5 pretty talented FAs we can add. I'm getting excited...Also who on the Chiefs is available? Farmers old team.

JMHO

It came from Mary Kay Cabot.

Would figure that Avril would stand up at OLB and Bryant would work mostly at end in the 3-4. When we go to a 4-3 alignment, Bryant could move inside to tackle and Avril could put his hand on the ground at end.

Vikings expected to battle Dolphins for Mike Wallace

Cullen can utilize his expertise

Browns will pursue Paul Kruger, Expected to be interested in Quentin Groves

Groves is more of a 3rd OLB (I hope), but a good one to have.

Hopefully, this signals our FO/coaching admittance that we must address OLB in FA (as well as the draft).

At least it looks like they are going to be active in areas of need, at least in the front seven.

Avril is coming off that wide 9 scheme the Lions use. So probably not a huge adjustment to move to OLB. I am pretty sure he only rushes from the left side. He also sucks against the run.

Kruger plays the left OLB role and Sheard also rushes from that side.

I wonder if they plan on moving Sheard back over to the right.

BTW I do like Groves and believe he could be a good one in the right system.

Cleveland Browns will pursue Baltimore Ravens' Paul Kruger, Detroit Lions' Cliff Avril in free agency, sources tell Plain Dealer
CLIFF-AVRIL-LIONS-HOR.JPG
Cliff Avril, shown celebrating a sack for the Detroit Lions in a game against Minnesota, is a target of the Cleveland Browns in free agency, sources have told The Plain Dealer. (Photo by AP)
Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer
on March 06, 2013 at 3:23 PM, updated March 06, 2013 at 4:19 PM
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will pursue two of the biggest-name pass-rushers in free agency in Baltimore's Paul Kruger and Detroit's Cliff Avril, league sources told The Plain Dealer.

They're also likely to go after Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant and Cardinals linebacker Quentin Groves, sources said.

Kruger, who helped the Ravens defeat San Francisco in the Super Bowl last month, will be one of the most sought-after pass-rushers on the market if the Ravens don't re-sign him by Tuesday. A second-round pick of the Ravens in 2009 out of Utah, Kruger (6-4, 270) had nine sacks in five starts at outside linebacker last season, and added 4.5 in the playoffs. Kruger could command as much as $9 million a year on the open market.

Avril, a defensive end, will also be a hot ticket come Tuesday. But the Browns might have the inside track, because their new defensive line coach Joe Cullen helped draft Avril, 26, in Detroit in 2008 and developed him as a rookie. That season, Avril led all rookies with six sacks and four forced fumbles.

Franchised by the Lions last season for almost $11 million a year, Avril, the former third-round pick out of Purdue, has averaged nearly 10 sacks a year over the past three seasons, including 9.5 in 2012 and 11 in 2011. Avril (6-3, 252) could play outside linebacker in Ray Horton's 3-4, multi-front scheme.

Groves, 28, played last season in Arizona for Horton, where he had four sacks in seven starts at left outside linebacker. A second-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008 out of Auburn, Groves (6-3, 265) has also played for the Raiders (2010 and 2011).

Bryant, who was arrested Feb. 24th in Miami on a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief, had four sacks in eight starts last season. He was originally signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Harvard.

Teams can begin negotiating with other teams' free agents at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, and can begin signing them Tuesday.

On list of the top 2013 free agents compiled by CBSsports.com, Avril is ranked No. 3; Kruger No. 14; and Bryant No. 15. web page

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: 6 probably make final roster maybe 7 tops

What we got:

Rubin 330lbs, Taylor 335 lbs, Winn 295 lbs, Hughes 320 lbs, Kitchen 330 lbs: Rubin makes a lot of dough for ?? production. Assuming Kitchen makes the team...that leaves 1 to 2 spots.

Who I hope we get:

D. Bryant is a massive man, young, good production, and fits the 3/4. Rubin+Taylor+Bryant+Kitchen+Hughes = a lot of beef up front....Winn should make good transition to DE.

Position outlook:

Looks good with one FA signing. Big beefy guys who can move.



LINEBACKERS: Probably 9 to 10 make final roster

What we got:

Jackson 6 240, Gocong 6'2 260, Johnson 6'1 240, Fort 6 230, Maiava 6 230, Robertson 6 230, Acho 6'1 240, Elmore 6'5 255, Stephens 6'3 255, English 6'3 250, Sheard 6'2 255
Starters Sheard, Jackson, Gocong
Potential Johnson, Fort, Robertson, Acho

Who I don't like:
Kruger: one hit wonder.....horrible against the run.....disappeared.....over priced
Avril: Declining production in 2011, 2012 suspect against the run.....over priced
Sure hope the Browns FO doesn't bite on either of these guys........waste of money

Who I like:
Daryl Smith....should get rigth price.....coming off injury.....but rock solid 3/4 LB.

Who I like in the draft:
Jarvis Jones: SEC production, impact player, nice combo with Sheard.....assuming he gets med clearance.

Position outlook: Sheard should make the transition nicely to OLB, Jackson should thrive behind the beefy line, Gocong is a ? got some young guys in Fort, Robertson, Johnson, Acho, English, Stephens, Elmore.....but can any of them be anything more than a back up and special teamer. Need a ton of LB's in the 3/4 but have a ton of ? marks.


DEFENSIVE BACKS: Probably 9 to 10 make final roster

What we got:

Basically we have Haden and I guess Ward.....that's about it 2 DB's. Some young guys on the roster in Bademosi, Gipson, Miller, Wade and Skrine but can they be counted on.

Who I hope we get:

B. Grimes probably will cost a lot plus he's older and coming off achilles injury but he's a good one and would pair nicely with Haden, D. Cox young corner with Jax has potential, G. Toler young corner with Ariz could continue to develop in Cleveland, G. Quin perfect combo to go with Ward...this guy can cover up the tight ends and 3rd / 4th wide outs,
Grimes high priced fa signing
Cox and Toler young developing guys to play the nickel and dime
Quin perfect cover safety to pair with Ward

need to sign at least 4 Defensive backs in free agency......IMO the biggest need on the team besides obviously QB.

Position outlook: Not good if it doesn't get drastically addressed in free agency and draft. Weakest area on the team well besides QB.


OFFENSIVE LINE: Probably 8 make the final roster

What we got:

Thomas+Mack+Schwartz in my opinion the best LT+C+RT in the game right now.
Lauvao improved some, Pinkston is a big ?, Greco loves the Browns and can play, Cousins is awful, Miller and Shaw not much.

Who I hope we get:

G. Schwartz for some reason he barely saw the field last year but the guy can play.....Schwartz+Schwartz for the right side of the line.

Position outlook: Thomas, Mack, Schwartz again IMHO the best there is as a combined group. Greco can play, Lauvao improved....some........Pinkston is a big ? need some depth at the tackle position but the Browns need to address Starters before even thinking about depth. Schwartz would be a nicely priced up grade.


TIGHT ENDS: 3 will probably make final roster

What we got:

Cameron and A. Smith

Who I hope we get:

F. Davis local boy or D. Keller both are athletic down field / seam tight ends fitting Turner's new O.

Position outlook: It needs some help if Davis or Keller can be signed at a reasonable price the Browns should do it.


RUNNING BACKS: Probably 5 make the final roster

What we got:

Richardson, Hardesty, Ogbonnaya, Smelley, Marecic

Who I hope we get:

J. Foresett if he comes cheap

Position outlook: Richardson is a stud but injury prone and not a home run hitter, Hardesty hasn't shown much of anything consistently.....except for very bad hands, Ogbonnaya is depth, Smelley nor Marecic are the answer at FB.


WIDE RECEIVERS: Probably 5 to 6 make final roster

What we got:

Gordon, Little, Benjamin, Cooper, Norwood...........Massaquoi won't be resigned.

Who I hope we get:

Amendola if the price is right......injury prone but tough with great hands

Position outlook: Gordon and Benjamin can stretch the field. Little is the underneath guy......Cooper could develop as a 3rd specialist. Amendola would be a nice security blanket for Weeden assuming he comes at a reasonable price and stays healthy.


Obviously Quarterback is the most important need on the team.....no long term answer will be found in free agency. Browns will never be consistent winners in the NFL without finding a franchise quy.

My list

B. Grimes: My big money signing....he's older but a great corner
D. Cox CB
G. Toler CB
G. Quin S.....all three guys are young entering their prime with lots of up side and with a nice reasonable price

D Smith LB.....older guy but perfect for 3/4..........no Kruger no Avril please....way way over priced

G. Schwartz G

F. Davis or D. Keller TE

7 free agent signees!

Tuna I like your list.

I like Toler and Cox a lot. I wouldnt sign grimes because he will be overpriced and I dont like his age. We would be in a simular situation we were in with S. Brown. That and I dont think we need to sign 3 CBs. I would add A. Cason to the list. I think anyone of the 3 would be a great fit opposite Haden. Move Skrine to the Nickle and draft a CB to develop. Tyrran Mathieu.

I would be happy with G. Quin. I prefer L. Delmas but Quin would be a great addition.

At first glance I agreed with your assesment that Avril would be overpriced and not a great fit being that he played in a 4-3 but after doing some research I found a scouting report on him going into the draft that said he would be a good fit as a 3-4 OLB a position he played at Purdue. Hes 26 and has 29.5 sacks over the last 3 seasons. I like him better than Krueger. Another name I would add is C. Barwin HOU.

I would have to pass on D. Smith. Hes an injured aging vet. I think Gocong should be released if he doesnt rework his current deal. Hes not a 4 mil a year player and is coming off a major injury. Cut bait and apply the funds in a more dynamic pass rush OLB.

I like Schwartz at OG.

Im not a big F. Davis guy. Coming off injury, past drug suspension. I would rather have Keller off you list. I also like M. Bennett. A little bit of a headcase but in the right environment I think he could be great.

I like Amedola but I dont think he will come cheap and his injury concerns are bothersome. I think Hartline would be the best option, again not cheap, but can streach the field and has good hands and wont complain if he isnt getting the looks which is a quality lacking in many WRs these days.

My list would be:

Avril OLB
Cason or Cox or Toler CB
Delmas FS
Keller or Bennett TE
That would be the key FA signings.

Then we could draft Warmack after trading down in the 10-15 range and picking up a 2nd. Thats my dream scenerio .

Good work all in all. FA cant get here soon enough. Im just glad to here we have some legit targets and not being cheap, aaahhh I mean building through the draft.

The Free Agent Hot 100
Posted by Mike Wilkening on March 6, 2013, 7:05 PM EST

1. Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace

2. Lions defensive end Cliff Avril

3. Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (RFA)

4. Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings

5. Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long

6. Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

7. Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger

8. Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith

9. Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib

10. Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker

11. Buccaneers defensive end Michael Bennett

12. Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola

13. Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt

14. Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin

15. Patriots offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer

16. Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez

17. Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith

18. Titans tight end Jared Cook

19. 49ers safety Dashon Goldson

20. Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline

21. Giants tight end Martellus Bennett

22. Ravens cornerback Cary Williams

23. Falcons safety William Moore

24. Seahawks defensive end Jason Jones

25. Giants defensive end Osi Umemyiora

26. Bills offensive guard Andy Levitre

27. Lions cornerback Chris Houston

28. Chargers outside linebacker Shaun Phillips

29. Dolphins running back Reggie Bush

30. Rams running back Steven Jackson

31. Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes

32. Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney

33. Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant

34. Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch

35. Ravens safety Ed Reed

36. Jets tight end Dustin Keller

37. Giants safety Kenny Phillips

38. Texans safety Glover Quin

39. Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe

40. Saints offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod

41. Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis

42. Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour

43. Ex-Falcons defensive end John Abraham

44. Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox

45. Ex-Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson

46. Falcons offensive tackle Sam Baker

47. Jets safety LaRon Landry

48. Lions safety Louis Delmas

49. Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore

50. Chargers offensive guard Louis Vasquez

51. Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason

52. Redskins tight end Fred Davis

53. Chiefs defensive end Glenn Dorsey

54. Rams defensive end William Hayes

55. Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins

56. Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall

57. Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander (RFA)

58. Lions offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus

59. Jaguars defensive tackle Terrance Knighton

60. Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (RFA)

61. Ex-Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty

62. Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards

63. Jaguars outside linebacker Daryl Smith

64. Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher

65. Raiders tight end Brandon Myers

66. Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis

67. 49ers tight end Delanie Walker

68. Titans defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks

69. Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington

70. Ex-Eagles defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins

71. Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie

72. Lions outside linebacker Justin Durant

73. Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer

74. Chargers outside linebacker Antwan Barnes

75. Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (RFA)

76. Ex-Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw

77. Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery

78. Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin

79. Bears defensive end Israel Idonije

80. Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs

81. Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga

82. Colts cornerback Darius Butler

83. Ex-Packers cornerback Charles Woodson

84. 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois

85. Dolphins safety Chris Clemons

86. Titans placekicker Rob Bironas

87. Bengals punter Kevin Huber

88. Patriots safety Patrick Chung

89. Ex-Bills inside linebacker Nick Barnett

90. Raiders defensive end Matt Shaughnessy

91. Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn

92. Raiders punter Shane Lechler

93. Jets running back Shonn Greene

94. Lions defensive end Lawrence Jackson

95. Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers

96. Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry

97. Jets offensive guard Brandon Moore

98. Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones (RFA)

99. Cowboys outside linebacker Victor Butler

100. Colts quarterback Drew Stanton web page

Got all the way to 80 on that list before I saw a Cleveland Brown - and it wasn't Dawson!

Also curious why they'd list Wallace higher than Cruz at WR. I'm not a big Wallace fan.

They had the Bengals punter on the list - but not Dawson!

I recall posting my choices for TE as Jared Cook and Martellus Bennett, and I am unreasonably happy to see that this list agrees with me. I got some skeels.

Why does everyone say Greg Jennings is a "West Coast Offense" receiver, as if that implies he couldn't produce in a "vertical" offense? I like Jennings better than Wallace too.

Who I'd like to see the Browns acquire in this free agency period.

26. Bills offensive guard Andy Levitre

28. Chargers outside linebacker Shaun Phillips

49. Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore

67. 49ers tight end Delanie Walker

That's about it. Then you could seek to extend the contract of Alex Mack for the long-term.

Maybe we signed Dawson ... Secretly

Anarchy I forgot about Walker. He would be a solid pick up. Man there are some good TEs available.

I like Levitre but I worry he is going to get a payday like Grubbs got last offseason. I would rather pay the money to a rush OLB and trade back to get Warmack.

Phillips would be a good aquisition if we missed out on one of the top OLB (Barwin, Krueger Avril) However he will be 32 at the begining of the season and we would more than likely still have to address the position in the draft.

I keep hearing M. Moores' name being mentioned. I havent watched many Fin games would he fit what it sounds like Chud wants to do?

Guys I'd like the Browns to sign from this list and not getting into where I'd have them rank (obviously would only get 3-5 at most):

2. Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (just not for anything anywhere near Mario Williams money or Julius Pepper money)

14. Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin (don't think he's getting away)

17. Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith (don't think he leaves Miami)

18. Titans tight end Jared Cook

19. 49ers safety Dashon Goldson

39. Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe

41. Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis

50. Chargers offensive guard Louis Vasquez

57. Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander (RFA)

65. Raiders tight end Brandon Myers

67. 49ers tight end Delanie Walker

83. Ex-Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (as a FS)

I have one question about your list ......

You have Kruger listed as "disappeared" ..... do you mean that he disappeared in general?

He was excellent in the playoffs, with 4.5 sacks in the playoffs. (including 2.5 in the Super Bowl) He also had 14 tackles in the post season, with a forced fumble, and a recovered fumble.