BEREA, Ohio – In his first day of rookie camp, outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo exhibited the quickness that helped make him the No. 6 overall pick.
While speed is one of Mingo’s greatest assets – particularly his initial burst – he can’t outrun questions about his weight. His lean frame became the topic of conversation again Friday as he donned a Browns helmet for the first time and joined fellow rookies on the practice fields.
Some believe the edge rusher must pack on pounds to play effectively at the NFL level. He is listed at 6-4, 240 pounds. Six of the 25 questions Mingo answered Friday concerned his weight and his diet.
“Whatever they ask me to do I’ll do,” Mingo said about the potential of bulking up. “As far as how much, I think I can hold a pretty good bit and still be effective. “
Mingo added he doesn’t consider himself “skinny” and that he eats whatever he desires, although he’s eliminated fast food. Asked if too much was made of his slender frame, Mingo responded: “Exactly. You hit, you catch, you tackle. It’s football.”
Coach Rob Chudzinski downplayed the issue, but said players will be assigned optimal weights before training camp. He’s not looking for Mingo to add 15 or 20 pounds.
“Different guys have different body types and different weights they play the best at,” Chudzinski said. “You look at guys from Jason Taylor (who played at 6-6, 244) all the way to some of the bigger guys. It’s a matter of getting him in here and spending time with (strength coach Brad) Roll. All those things will work themselves out.”
Injury update: Neither safety Jamoris Slaughter (torn Achilles) nor offensive lineman Chris Faulk (knee) was a full participant Friday. Chudzinski expects both players to be ready for the start of training camp.
Oh brother: The weekend camp might be for rookies, but two veterans attended practice Friday. Joe Haden and Paul Kruger were spotted on the sidelines watching their younger brothers performing drills.
Dave Kruger (6-5, 285) is an undrafted defensive lineman from Utah. Josh Haden (5-9, 190) is a camp tryout .
"The big brothers were real interested in those guys,” Chudzinski said. “Josh came running by and I think I asked him who was faster, him or Joe. I made sure Joe heard it when I asked him. He moved around, he can run, he's quick and he made a couple nice runs out there. Dave, I didn't notice him as much but it's harder until you get a chance to watch the tape.”
Jackson joins cause: Linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and former teammates Chris Gocong and Eric Barton have joined Athlete Ally, an organization dedicated to ending homophobia in sports.
Recently-retired Browns linebacker Scott Fujita is an Athelte Ally ambassador and recruited Jackson, Gocong and Barton. In a statement released by the Athlete Ally, Jackson indicated he would welcome a gay teammate.
“I believe that everyone should be treated the same,” Jackson said in the release. “That's my thought as a person and as a teammate. Joining Athlete Ally is my way of letting it be known that I would respect any teammate -- gay or straight. It just doesn't matter.”
Dream opportunity: As a child, Midpark standout Jamaine Cook attended some Browns training-camp sessions and also participated in a youth camp. Years later, Cook has an opportunity to make his favorite team.
The Youngstown State running back is one of 18 undrafted free agents taking part in rookie minicamp. He’s downplaying the fan-boy angle.
“I don't want that to be a distraction,” said the 5-9, 210 pound back. “I want to come out here and work and compete. That's the stamp of Jamaine Cook.”
Cook was asked if he even imagined buckling a chinstrap to one of the orange helmets. “I never thought about it,” he said. “God works in mysterious ways. This is obviously a blessing. I just love being here. This is my comfort zone because this is where I'm from.”
He is motivated and encouraged by the fact players such as linebacker L.J. Fort, who he faced in college, have taken a similar path to the NFL. Fort told Cook to work hard and study the playbook.
Brownies: Owner Jimmy Haslam, whose family-owned Pilot Flying J company is the target of a federal probe, attended practice on Friday but did not speak to the media. ... Mingo does not plan to return home until after the NFL rookie symposium in late June. ... The rookies will practice again Saturday and Sunday.
Quote: In his first day of rookie camp, outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo exhibited the quickness that helped make him the No. 6 overall pick.
While speed is one of Mingo’s greatest assets – particularly his initial burst – he can’t outrun questions about his weight. His lean frame became the topic of conversation again Friday as he donned a Browns helmet for the first time and joined fellow rookies on the practice fields.
Some believe the edge rusher must pack on pounds to play effectively at the NFL level. He is listed at 6-4, 240 pounds. Six of the 25 questions Mingo answered Friday concerned his weight and his diet.
I think his weight is more of an issue w/the media and some fans than it is w/the football people. I think the strength and conditioning coach will work w/him and get him playing at his optimal playing weight.
The last thing I want is for him to put on a lot of weight so he can take on blockers in the running game and lose the explosiveness that makes him a dangerous pass rusher.
The comparison to Jason Taylor was a good one...anyone who followed Taylor's career, the guy created a lot of issues for opposing offenses, mainly due to his speed and quickness.
As for Mingo's size...he will get bigger if he hits the weights, but I don't want him to sacrifice his speed just get bigger.
Some players are able to increase their size with little effect on their speed...finding the ideal weight and maintaining quickness and speed will be the job of the trainers.
I do have a concern about Mingo's strength due to the fact he did not bench at the combine or at pro day... I was not able to find anything on his bench press performance, so if anyone has those numbers, could you post them?
I wonder if Mingo might not be dealing with some type of injury that limits his ability to do the bench press?
Quick thoughts on 30 minutes of viewing Browns rookie minicamp May 10, 2013 -- 3:30pm By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com
Extra Points …
The new guys: Media were ushered off the field at Browns rookie minicamp after 30 minutes. Here are some instant observations …
* Pass rusher Barkevious Mingo was super quick negotiating the stand-up bags in a linebacker drill. Quick with his feet but also quick with his hands. Physically, Mingo stood out among the five linebackers on hand, which is no big deal considering none of the others was drafted. But the good thing I noticed was that while Mingo is lean and rangy, his legs are not pencil-thin. They are packed with muscle.
* Cornerback Leon McFadden, wearing Hanford Dixon’s old No. 29, was the shortest DB out there, but he didn’t appear overly so. He also displayed quick feet in the little time I watched him in a drill.
* Defensive end Armonty Bryant, he of the recent DUI arrest, worked out exclusively with the linemen. Some draftniks projected the 6-4, 265-pound Bryant as a possible 3-4 outside linebacker. The Browns did not and it’s easy to see why. Bryant looked like he would have no trouble adding 15 pounds. Right now, though, he is a situational pass rusher in a four-man front.
* Owner Jimmy Haslam attended, as promised. Haslam spent some time visiting on the sidelines with Paul Kruger, whose younger brother, Dave, was signed as an undrafted free agent. Dave Kruger is a 6-5, 285-pound defensive end from Utah.
* Joe Haden’s younger brother, Josh, is participating on a tryout basis. Josh Haden is a 5-9, 190-pound running back from Boston College.
* Highly touted undrafted free agent Chris Faulk participated only on a stationary bike. The 6-6, 330-pound offensive tackle from LSU had surgeries on two knee ligaments last year and surprised some by not returning to school for his senior season. Also on the bike was Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter, the sixth-round pick who said on draft day that he was 90 percent recovered from Achilles surgery in September.
* There are 49 players participating in the rookie camp. The breakdown: five draft picks, 18 undrafted rookies under contract, 20 undrafted rookies on a tryout basis and six previously signed players. The “veterans” on hand are punter Spencer Lanning, punter Jake Schum, kicker Brandon Bogotay, cornerback Kent Richardson, guard Dominic Alford and defensive end Kendrick Adams.
* To accommodate the receivers, two quarterbacks were brought in on a tryout basis. They are Kyle Frazier of Monmouth College and Ryan Aplin of Arkansas State.
* For numeralogists, here are the jersey numbers assigned the rookie draft picks: 29 Leon McFadden, 30 Jamoris Slaughter, 51 Barkevious Mingo, 65 Garrett Gilkey, 95 Armonty Bryant.
The legs contain the biggest muscle groups in the body. A strong foundation makes for a strong player.
QB Aplin - Arkansas State QB Frazier - Monmouth RB Robbie Rouse - Fresno State RB Josh Haden - BC WR Andrew Helmich - Lindenwood TE Cordale Scott - Toledo OL Korian Chambers - New Mexico DT Nicholas Jean-Baptiste - Baylor DL Zack Anderson - Northern Michigan LB Mike Niam - Wofford LB Tommy Smith - Boise State LB Ausar Walcott - Virginia DB Abdul Kanneh - New Mexico Highlands DB Ryan McWethy - Wisconsin-Platteville DB Akeem Auguste - South Carolina DB Jamaal White - Northwestern State DB Keronte Walker - Missouri DB Robert McCabe - Georgetown P T.J. Conley - Idaho LS Sean Flaherty - BC
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
By Vic Carucci, Senior Editor Here are my five biggest takeaways from the first day of the Browns’ three-day rookie minicamp: >Speed is the clear emphasis with the rookies the Browns drafted, signed as undrafted free agents, and brought in on a tryout basis. This is an extremely fast and athletic group of players, who seamlessly handled the fact that what began as an outdoor practice moved inside the Browns’ indoor facility because of thunderstorms. How many of them can make it in the NFL? That remains to be seen, but they run well and generally show superb body control. One of the fastest players was wide receiver Andrew Helmick, a tryout player from tiny Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. >For someone who is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Garrett Gilkey, the second of the Browns’ two seventh-round draft picks, looks remarkably lean and moves with great fluidity. The former standout at little Chadron (Neb.) State surprised the Browns by checking in with exceptionally low body fat. Gilkey could be a real hidden gem by providing solid depth at offensive tackle. >Armonty Bryant, the Browns’ other seventh-round choice, drew as much attention as any of the rookies in minicamp – and for all of the wrong reasons. Bryant was arrested before the draft for selling drugs to an undercover officer and then was arrested after the draft on a DUI charge. He seemed contrite and remorseful in answering numerous pointed questions from reporters. His primary theme: let his actions speak for themselves. Bryant seemed to understand that no one would believe him if he said he “learned his lesson,” because that was what he told Cleveland reporters soon after he was drafted. By all accounts, Bryant is an exceptionally talented athlete. The question is, can he stay out of trouble and allow that talent to help his new team? >One of the more impressive parts of the first day of practice was that players mostly remained on their feet through drills. You’d be surprised at how difficult that can be with players working together and with a new coaching staff and new offensive and defensive systems for the first time – all while dealing with the inherent jitters that go with trying to make a favorable first impression. >It was fun to see Browns cornerback Joe Haden and outside linebacker Paul Kruger watch practice while focused on their respective younger brothers: Josh Haden, a running back from Boston College who was brought in for a try out, and Dave Kruger, a defensive lineman from Utah signed as an undrafted free agent. Joe and Paul were focused on every move their brothers made on the field, and offered them encouragement and words of advice after Friday’s workout. Paul told me that he had never been much for lifting weights, and only got into it because of the influence of Dave.
This article presents a few interesting nuggets. The report on Gilkey was a positive insight. I wonder if he'll get a shot at an OG position at some point? Maybe Faulk, it'll be interesting to see. By this report players were both fast and under control as evidenced by keeping their feet during drills. Speed at the expense of football ability would make the Browns Raider-like. But finding football players who can bring increased speed to the field will go a long way toward team building. I imagine Paul Kruger has been blessed with a lot of natural athletic ability so coming up he might not have been a weightlifting enthusiast. I'm sure at this point he's come to terms with it as a necessary part of being ready to play.
I think his weight is more of an issue w/the media and some fans than it is w/the football people. I think the strength and conditioning coach will work w/him and get him playing at his optimal playing weight.
The last thing I want is for him to put on a lot of weight so he can take on blockers in the running game and lose the explosiveness that makes him a dangerous pass rusher.
Grossi flocks a lot of sheep! Seriously, does anyone really know players playing weight? I'm sure what is printed in the media guides isn't anywhere near.
Fans also are hung up on Mangini's 3-4. I not sure what one needs to do to convince people there are differences. Horton = speed! Mangini = strength!
I think his weight is more of an issue w/the media and some fans than it is w/the football people. I think the strength and conditioning coach will work w/him and get him playing at his optimal playing weight.
The last thing I want is for him to put on a lot of weight so he can take on blockers in the running game and lose the explosiveness that makes him a dangerous pass rusher.
Grossi flocks a lot of sheep! Seriously, does anyone really know players playing weight? I'm sure what is printed in the media guides isn't anywhere near.
Fans also are hung up on Mangini's 3-4. I not sure what one needs to do to convince people there are differences. Horton = speed! Mangini = strength!
We have a brain trust that is supposed to know football right? They apparently aren't worried about his weight. What is it that some fans and the media know that the brain trust doesn't?
Personally, he looks darn chiseled and the little I saw of film from yesterday seemed to show he's got speed.
they'll get him stronger and in the process he may put on some weight. But hey, the guy has something that the brain trust wanted,, speed. Why would anyone want to put 20 lbs on him?
Won't that slow him down? I mean, if it's only a little, it's important right? so why?
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
I think too many people are hung up on the media's take. I just looked up a very good OLB and similar things were said about him. He turned out pretty good....his name is James Harrison. Below is from wikipedia.
Harrison went undrafted in the 2002 NFL Draft, fearing he was too short (six feet) to play linebacker, and too light (240 pounds) to play on the defensive line. A few teams did send him training camp invites.[5] The Steelers signed Harrison as an undrafted rookie in 2002, making him the first Kent State alumnus to play at linebacker for the team since Hall of Famer Jack Lambert.
So Harrison and Taylor both played around 240. I see no problem for Mingo. Most scouting reports claim he plays a lot stronger than he looks.
I hope Mingo has a career comparable to Jason Taylor's ... I think he will ... JMHO
John 3:16 Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
I think his weight is more of an issue w/the media and some fans than it is w/the football people. I think the strength and conditioning coach will work w/him and get him playing at his optimal playing weight.
The last thing I want is for him to put on a lot of weight so he can take on blockers in the running game and lose the explosiveness that makes him a dangerous pass rusher.
Grossi flocks a lot of sheep! Seriously, does anyone really know players playing weight? I'm sure what is printed in the media guides isn't anywhere near.
Fans also are hung up on Mangini's 3-4. I not sure what one needs to do to convince people there are differences. Horton = speed! Mangini = strength!
Barkevious Mingo says his playing weight is 'just fine'
By Dan Hanzus Around the League Writer
Published: May 11, 2013 at 06:10 p.m. Updated: May 11, 2013 at 07:14 p.
Barkevious Mingo was drafted by the Cleveland Browns to bring fire off the edge on defense.
Mingo certainly has the tools to thrive at the next level, but is his size an issue?
Mingo's first meeting with reporters at rookie minicamp became an in-depth Q-and-A about his diet. There's a belief that Mingo needs to add some bulk to his frame to keep from getting bullied in the NFL.
"Naw, I think I'm just fine the way I am," he told Cleveland reporters, according to ESPN.com.
Mingo is listed at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, a size not dissimilar to Dion Jordan, the 6-6, 248-pound defensive end taken No. 3 overall by the Miami Dolphins.
Browns coach Rob Chudzinski said the team hasn't settled on a weight they'd like Mingo to play at. He dismissed the notion Mingo needs to add 15-20 pounds to his frame.
"Different guys have different body types and different weights that they play the best at," Chudzinski said. "You look at guys from Jason Taylor (who played at 6-6, 244 pounds) all the way to some of the bigger guys. Really, it's a matter of getting them in here, spending some time with (strength) coach (Brad) Roll and bringing them up to speed. All those things will work themselves out."
Pairing Mingo with free-agent signing Paul Kruger gives the Browns some serious potential in their base pass rush. If Mingo is an instant contributor, the Browns' defense on the whole could become a story in 2013.
Football aside, some of the strongest people I've known in my life have been skinny looking guys who didn't have muscular bodies. It's all about body type not about how much muscle you can pack on.
BEREA, Ohio -- Robbie Rouse is short, stout and built like a bottle of Red Stripe beer.
The Browns list the muscular running back at 5-6, more than a half-inch taller than he measured at the NFL Scouting Combine. He's also 190 pounds, with biceps the size of grapefruits.
"I always play with a chip on my shoulder because I'm a smaller back," Rouse said of not being drafted. "I can only control what I can control. When I get the opportunity like I do now I have to take advantage of it."
The Browns signed Fresno State's all-time leading rusher Saturday a day after he arrived at rookie minicamp as a tryout. The deal likely was in the works as Rouse confirmed he had tryout invitations from Minnesota and Dallas as well.
The club is committed to Trent Richardson, and also has Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Dion Lewis under contract. But coaches want a longer look at a halfback who rushed for 4,168 yards over his final three years at Fresno State. He also caught 63 passes last season for 435 yards to help earn a Senior Bowl invite.
Rouse was asked about his strengths.
"I'd say my quickness and ability to catch the ball," said Rouse who ran a 4.58 at his pro day after clocking a disappointing 4.75 at the combine. "And, my size. My linemen are 6-6, 6-4. You can't see me and by the time you can it's too late. I use my change of direction to make them miss."
While he compiled big numbers in the Mountain West Conference, Rouse also produced against major-college opposition. He ran for 115 yards on 27 carries against Oregon last season and 169 yards on 36 carries versus Nebraska in 2011.
A San Diego native, Rouse is excited about playing for offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who coached the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles with the Chargers. Rouse admires the multi-dimensional Sproles and Ray Rice, who also are vertically challenged. He's always been a big fan of the little guy, regardless of the sport.
"Not only in football but in basketball as well like [Chicago Bulls guard] Nate Robinson," said Rouse, who had 42 career touchdowns at Fresno State. "Barry Sanders is my favorite running back of all time and he wasn't the biggest running back as well. ... I look up to those guys because they opened the door for guys like me."
Several longtime Browns observers were trying to recall the last the franchise listed a player at 5-6 or shorter on a roster. Both Gerald McNeil and Dino Hall were 5-7, according to ProFootballReference.com.
Rouse has many obstacles to overcome, but one day into his Browns career he's been upgraded from mini-camp tryout to signed rookie free agent.
"It's a dream as a child to be a professional football player and now it's here," he said. "I'm grateful for this and thankful."
Brownies: Safety Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles) and offensive lineman Chris Faulk (knee) continue to be part-time participants. Slaughter believes he's ready, but is following the medical staff's recommendations. ... Faulk had 16 teams inquire about him after the draft ended. He said his friendship with LSU teammate Barkevious Mingo helped lead him to Cleveland.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Dino was listed at 5"7 but is is a hair shorter than me so he had to be a little shorter than that. He was the first NFL player I met who I didn't have to look up at
Quote: What is it that some fans and the media know that the brain trust doesn't?
Now there is a statement just crying out for an incendiary response...
Why?
I mean, I can see that you are using the Angel graemlin and all so I'm assuming your just kidding around a bit or being sarcastic.
Far be it for me to make a "politically incorrect" (i.e. bashing the FO) response, so yes, I'm just kidding around...
Ok,, I don't get that either. Oh well.. No answers for me I guess
Hmmm....I was merely pointing out that the way you phrased the sentance offered an opportunity for someone to comment that we, the fans/media, know more than our FO.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
Quote: What is it that some fans and the media know that the brain trust doesn't?
Now there is a statement just crying out for an incendiary response...
Why?
I mean, I can see that you are using the Angel graemlin and all so I'm assuming your just kidding around a bit or being sarcastic.
Far be it for me to make a "politically incorrect" (i.e. bashing the FO) response, so yes, I'm just kidding around...
Ok,, I don't get that either. Oh well.. No answers for me I guess
Hmmm....I was merely pointing out that the way you phrased the sentance offered an opportunity for someone to comment that we, the fans/media, know more than our FO.
Ahh,, Sarcasm, cool.. LOL
Anyway, it occurred to me that if someone predicts failure, they will more than likely be right more often than not. At least in terms of the NFL player selection process.
All things being equal, we have an average of about 7 draft picks per team or roughly 224 drafted players, I'm guessing roughly 18 UDFA per team or roughly 579 players for a grand total of 800 new faces getting a chance to make a team each year.
Probably fewer than 200 actually make a teams opening day roster, so if you said that this player or that player won't make it, you have a way better than even chance of being correct. If you factor in Practice Squad and IR guys, then your chances shrink a bit.
That's just an example of being negative and that it means you are probably right more than you are wrong.
So,, the real gurus are the ones that get it right by saying player "A" will make an opening day roster. I feel it's the guys in the FO of teams that get it right more often than not.
So, I'd say we don't know anything
Conclusion: if all you want is to be right, if being right makes you better and more knowledgeable than any front office staff, then all you have to do is be negative.
If you want to prove you are better than front office teams, predict the players that will be part of the 200 or so that actually make a roster.
Which leads us back to Mingo and his weight. The Browns drafted him. Some were ticked off about it, some weren't. Now we hear from the Media types (and some fans) that he has to add weight. I figure there is little doubt he'll bulk up a bit. But 15 to 20 lbs, I don't think that's in the cards nor do I see it as necessary. At least on the surface, neither does Chud.
I'd guess that there is probably agreement on that subject in the brain trust. Just a guess of course. Because I don't believe I'm smarter than the front office. Well, actually, I probably am, but there are two things missing from my background, First hand Data on each player and the experience to use it wisely.
Something most all of us lack....
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
Quote: "I'd say my quickness and ability to catch the ball," said Rouse who ran a 4.58 at his pro day after clocking a disappointing 4.75 at the combine. "And, my size. My linemen are 6-6, 6-4. You can't see me and by the time you can it's too late. I use my change of direction to make them miss."
I love stories like this and I like small, quick backs who can catch. Really want him to succeed and hope he sticks but don't know where we'd have room for him.
"I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski
"Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield
Quote: "I'd say my quickness and ability to catch the ball," said Rouse who ran a 4.58 at his pro day after clocking a disappointing 4.75 at the combine. "And, my size. My linemen are 6-6, 6-4. You can't see me and by the time you can it's too late. I use my change of direction to make them miss."
I love stories like this and I like small, quick backs who can catch. Really want him to succeed and hope he sticks but don't know where we'd have room for him.
I like small and quick backs too. Like I wanted to see more of that Armond Smith when we had him in 2011 I believe. Few fumbles yes, but he was shifty and just blazing quick.
Robbie Rousie can play football. I dont know if he can handle the pounding of the NFL, but he can play. I remember the Oregon game and he just lit up that defense. I actually had a late 4 early 5 round grade on him even with his small stature.
Quote: I said it first, Gilkey in at guard before the end of the season.
On the official Browns site there is a Day 2 minicamp video interview with Gilkey. Right from his own mouth he says he's working at ROG right now. So you win!
Quote: "I'd say my quickness and ability to catch the ball," said Rouse who ran a 4.58 at his pro day after clocking a disappointing 4.75 at the combine. "And, my size. My linemen are 6-6, 6-4. You can't see me and by the time you can it's too late. I use my change of direction to make them miss."
I love stories like this and I like small, quick backs who can catch. Really want him to succeed and hope he sticks but don't know where we'd have room for him.
I like small and quick backs too. Like I wanted to see more of that Armond Smith when we had him in 2011 I believe. Few fumbles yes, but he was shifty and just blazing quick.
He was fun to watch.
"I am undeterred and I am undaunted." --Kevin Stefanski
"Big hairy American winning machines." --Baker Mayfield
Quote: Dino was listed at 5"7 but is is a hair shorter than me so he had to be a little shorter than that. He was the first NFL player I met who I didn't have to look up at
Well, for someone his size he has good field vision, makes quick decisions and anticipates well. He has road blocking down, lol. I guess that's all you can do being that small. On the other hand, he sure does seems to go down easy. There were a couple plays where he just disappeared when Jordan got hold of him.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. - John Muir
I'll be following this kid. Two of my favorite RB's of the past few years has been Sproles and Jones-Drew. Two Oompa-Loomps that are fast and built like tanks.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
I would love to find a truly dynamic "scatback" type RB, who could really help on long down/distance situations. I would love having 2 RB who can catch being released into the pattern, along with a pair of big, fast receivers, and a TE who can destroy the Safety down the seam. We could also substitute in Bess for one of the RB ...... or bring in a 2nd TE ........ the more options, and looks off of each option, the better.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
leon mcfadden is my main interest. I expect it to stay that way all the way through preseason. Our secondary is very thin this year.......
" Now here you are running these dirty old streets tattoo on your neck fake gold on your teeth, got the hood here snowed but you can't fool me, we both know who you are"
To be fair it is Dion Jordan.. Not a lot of guys are going to escape his grasp. Certainly not a lot of UDFAs. He actually made Jordan look silly on a few plays, blew right past him on a cut back.
I'm not sure if this guy has the blazing speed or burst I want in a scatback. But man he looked really good on a few cut backs, blocking, and receiving in that game. Rouse up the middle wouldn't be my gameplan with him. All counters and screens / flats.
It is a shame to me we are so heavily invested at RB right now. My key piece at the position is a guy with blazing speed. I loved Lee Suggs and Jerome Harrison for that reason. But for pure scatback we had some nice ones in Jamel White and Jason Wright a few years back. I would have loved to pull a trade for Bryce Brown, that dude is a phenom, a fumbling phenom, but a phenom none the less.
Quote: I said it first, Gilkey in at guard before the end of the season.
On the official Browns site there is a Day 2 minicamp video interview with Gilkey. Right from his own mouth he says he's working at ROG right now. So you win!
Which means that Lauvao should wonder if he'll keep his job. Frankly, I think that Lauvao should be relegated to backup status or even traded.
Quote: I said it first, Gilkey in at guard before the end of the season.
On the official Browns site there is a Day 2 minicamp video interview with Gilkey. Right from his own mouth he says he's working at ROG right now. So you win!
Which means that Lauvao should wonder if he'll keep his job. Frankly, I think that Lauvao should be relegated to backup status or even traded.
Anarchy,,if your are anything like me, you don't care who gets the job, you just want the best man to win.. Am I right? I'd hope that's the way the Browns are looking at it. I really hate favoritism. and so far this regime doesn't seem to have any favorites. At least not ones that are fan favorites. gone are Dawson and Cribbs and to a degree Watson (only because he's proven whereas everything else we have at TE isn't really)
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
Quote: Dino was listed at 5"7 but is is a hair shorter than me so he had to be a little shorter than that. He was the first NFL player I met who I didn't have to look up at
Quote: I said it first, Gilkey in at guard before the end of the season.
On the official Browns site there is a Day 2 minicamp video interview with Gilkey. Right from his own mouth he says he's working at ROG right now. So you win!
Which means that Lauvao should wonder if he'll keep his job. Frankly, I think that Lauvao should be relegated to backup status or even traded.
Anarchy,,if your are anything like me, you don't care who gets the job, you just want the best man to win.. Am I right? I'd hope that's the way the Browns are looking at it. I really hate favoritism. and so far this regime doesn't seem to have any favorites. At least not ones that are fan favorites. gone are Dawson and Cribbs and to a degree Watson (only because he's proven whereas everything else we have at TE isn't really)
I see that trend of adding competition being repeated all over the roster. By extension this results in improved depth. The signing of Rouse to an already crowded backfield, The signings of Bess and Nelson added to the pile of Benjamin, Norwood and Cooper. Gilkey, Faulk and Butler being added to Miller and Greco will affect depth of the OL. Armonty Bryant along with Hughes, Winn, Des Bryant and Taylor. The highest profile example of this, of course, is Mingo being mixed in with Sheard, Kruger, Groves. I'm certain there are more examples that aren't coming to mind right now.
I'm excited about what this team will be like this season.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/hfMNC7T.jpg)
