DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Mini camp articles...

The best example of this is Eddie George.

Okay, I did not know that. Thanks

I remember Warren Sapp saying that about Courtney.

Btw---I thought the Browns were in camp. No articles about it? Anyone?

Gipson 'loves' new Browns defense

By Matt Florjancic, Staff Writer

Second-year safety Tashaun Gipson has embraced the changes in the Browns’ defense.

When second-year safety Tashaun Gipson reported for the start of voluntary workouts as part of the Cleveland Browns’ first offseason program under new coach Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Ray Horton, he liked what he saw.

After playing with a 4-3 scheme in front of him last year, Gipson likes the aggressiveness within the team’s new 3-4 defensive alignment.

“I love it,” Gipson said during an appearance on “Cleveland Browns Daily, Driven by Liberty Ford.” “You’re able to go out there and play fast football. That’s the name of the game. You can go out there and play aggressive, play fast, play relentless, and that’s our motto. That’s what we do and we’re going to continue to build on that. This new defense, Coach Horton brought his aggressive style of play over here and all of us adapted to it. We love it, and are out there just having fun, 11 guys to the football.

“We definitely want to get every little thing ironed out, attention-to-detail on everything, so that when June’s minicamp hits, we’re in full swing. It’s full-go, little to no mental errors. We pretty much want to make sure that we have it ironed out, have the whole defense installed, and just go from there. When you think about it, as soon as June hits, a month later, it’s training camp, and that’s when real football begins. That’s definitely our mindset, and as a defense, I feel we have the guys capable of accomplishing that.”

Gipson said he reported to the Browns’ facility on April 1 with the desire to strengthen his mind and body, while “getting bigger, stronger, faster” in order to compete for playing time in the secondary.

“I’m definitely blessed to be in this situation and thank the Browns for that,” Gipson said. “I’m going to go out and compete. I feel like my skill set is ready, and I know nothing’s going to be given to me. There’s a lot of guys in here that have to earn their stripes, and I’m one of them. I still have to prove myself, but I’m definitely ready to do that. All I can do is leave it on the field, every OTA practice, every weight rep, and training camp.”

Gipson was signed by the Browns as a rookie free agent from the University of Wyoming on May 9, 2012. After making the team out of training camp and battling through a knee injury that cost him five games, Gipson emerged as the Browns’ starting free safety in the team’s 20-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 25.

Gipson made two more starts over the season’s final five weeks and finished the year with 29 total tackles and one interception.

“It’s definitely fueled my fire,” Gipson said of being an undrafted free agent. “Coming out of college, every guy wants to be drafted. Every guy has that mindset. For you to go undrafted, you know the road is going to be a lot harder than say, your average second, third, fourth, fifth-round draft pick. It fuels you to let the naysayers know they were wrong. I can’t say that doesn’t still bother me, but at the end of the day, I’ve been blessed and fortunate to make it thus far, and hopefully, I continue to make strides.

“I feel like I’ve grown leaps and bounds, from a mental and physical standpoint. These grown men out there are fast, strong and physical. Once your body adapts to the game, and mentally, you prepare and you’re ready and you kind of know what to expect, it’s definitely encouraging for a young player coming up.”


Link

Thanks for the article, Cal. It's appreciated.

I think the Browns are high on Gipson. I also read some comments from Jauron where he stated that during the season he was looking for reasons why Gipson wasn't drafted---and he couldn't find any.

Who knows, maybe we got a steal?

I like this kid a whole lot and I believe he is the reason we did not Draft a FS early on ... JMHO

Looks like it's his job to lose if he can solidify his position before Jamoris Slaughter is ready to play.

Browns OTAs begin with Brandon Weeden in control of QB position
May 16, 2013 -- 6:00am

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

The Morning Kickoff …

The Quarterback Chronicles: Browns O(rganized) T(eam) A(ctivitie)s began this week, which means it’s time to update the quarterback situation.

GM Mike Lombardi kicked off things Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club in Canton.

Asked to comment on Brandon Weeden, Lombardi continued to be conspicuously noncommittal.

“Everything’s an evaluation,” Lombardi said. “We just have to keep going. Quarterback’s very important. I think Brandon’s a young player. It’s only his second year in the league. He’s got a great opportunity to demonstrate his talent. (Offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) has been around some really good quarterbacks. Norv and Chud (head coach Rob Chudzinski) have been able to modify their system to utilize the talent level of the player.”

What the heck does that mean? Here is my interpretation:

“I wanted Ryan Mallett, but Bill (Belichick) wants to keep him for another year. Norv and Chud say they can win with Weeden. Joe (Banner) said we’re going with Weeden, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Meanwhile, former Arizona quarterback Brian Hoyer, for whom Lombardi has had a crush, cleared league waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Hoyer is the native Clevelander who backed up Tom Brady in New England for three years. When Belichick decided to elevate Mallett to the top backup spot, Lombardi talked up Hoyer on NFL Network and his other media platforms to try to garner trade interest.

Hoyer eventually was released. He spent two weeks in 2012 with the Steelers and finished the season with the Cardinals. When Bruce Arians took over as Cardinals coach, he blocked the free agent-to-be Hoyer from leaving by giving him the second-round tender. Now with all the jobs filled, Hoyer was waived.

Would the Browns sign Hoyer and throw him into the mix with Weeden, Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis?

Stay tuned.

Weeden full steam ahead: OTAs began with Weeden the No. 1 quarterback, which was no surprise. Free agent-signee Jason Campbell is No. 2 and Pat Shurmur holdover Thad Lewis is No. 3.

The Chudzinski-Turner offense – a vertical passing game played off a power running game – would seem to be an ideal change for a team that invested first-round draft picks last year in Weeden and Trent Richardson.

On Cleveland Browns Daily on Tuesday, Weeden said to host Vic Carucci, “I looked at (receiver) Greg Little walking in and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘This is fun.’ That’s what we want. We want to go out and have fun. Usually as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging it around a little bit. That’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna throw the football down the field. We’ve got guys that can go get it. It’s fun to come to work every day.”

Weeden should be the primary beneficiary of the Chudzinski-Turner offense. I mean, it produced a Pro Bowl-alternate season out of Derek Anderson in 2007. Weeden also should benefit more than anyone from the addition of ex-Dolphins receiver Davone Bess, a six-year NFL veteran.

“He’s a stud,” Weeden said. “He’s one of those guys that runs extremely good routes. Very savvy, understands defenses, where to find the holes. He’s one of those guys, you kind of rely on. You know he’s going to be in the right spot. He wants to talk Xs and Os, what he can do to help me. That’s his veteran leadership.”

Going forward: Weeden is on a one-year trial. He has to win everyone over in his second NFL season or he will become the 18th Browns quarterback to lose his job since 1999.

Many believe that the reason the Browns traded out of the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2013 draft was to stock up on extra picks in 2014 to make a run, if necessary, at the top quarterback in next year’s draft.

There’s always the chance the Browns would use those extra picks as collateral to trade for Mallett.

There’s also the chance that Weeden could flourish under Chudzinski and Turner and put to rest, for another year, the Cleveland quarterback carousel.

Link

Not exactly a mini camp article, but since we're he's in the mix...

The shortest player in Browns modern history has a long history of beating the odds
May 15, 2013 -- 6:00am

By Tony Grossi

The Morning Kickoff …

Mighty Mouse: When you’re an undrafted free agent in an NFL camp for the first time, the plan is to stand out any way you can. So Robbie Rouse has that going for him.

The running back from Fresno State is the shortest player on the Browns’ 90-man roster. Check that. He is the shortest player to wear a Browns uniform in the expansion era.

Check that. He may be the shortest player in Browns history.

At the NFL combine, Rouse measured 5-5 ¾. That is more than an inch shorter than 1970s kicker Dave Jacobs, 1970s special teamer Dino Hall and 1980s return specialist Gerald McNeil.

That is also one-half inch shorter than Darren Sproles, the all-purpose wonder now with the New Orleans Saints who played in San Diego four seasons while Browns coordinator Norv Turner was Chargers head coach.

“I grew up in San Diego watching Darren, LaDainian Tomlinson and coach Turner,” Rouse said at the recent Browns rookie camp. “So to be here being coached by him and the rest of the staff is just great.”

Rouse may be short but he is stout, a 190-pound bowling ball with arms like Popeye and a barrel chest that can barely contain an obviously oversized heart.

Don’t count him out: “We’ve had some pretty good running backs come through here,” said Tim DeRuyter, who replaced legendary Fresno State coach Pat Hill last year. “We’ve had Lorenzo Neal … Ryan Mathews … and Robbie’s the all-time leading rusher.”

Rouse amassed 4,647 yards in four seasons at Fresno State – over 1,300 more than Mathews, who was the Chargers’ first-round draft pick in 2010. He had 816 carries over his three seasons as the starter after Mathews graduated to the NFL.

“For a small guy, he’s extremly durable and he can catch the ball,” DeRuyter said. “I don’t think he’s as fast, but he’s very similar to Darren Sproles.

“He’s the kind of player that doesn’t measure well, but when coaches turn on the tape, they like him. He’s normally a 4.55, 4.6 type of runner who has very good competitive speed. He outruns people when they’re chasing him.

“I think, obviously, the odds (of making it in the NFL) are a little bit long. There’s a reason NFL teams don’t draft backs his size, but if anybody can do it I think Robbie can. He’s never been injured in his career. He just goes. For a guy to be the all-time leading rusher at his size and not lose any games, to me that’s impressive. There’s a special something for a guy that survives like that. He doesn’t take big hits.”

Rouse has been driven to succeed all his life. His father has been in prison for kidnapping and robbery since he was very young.

“He’s had a lot to overcome,” DeRuyter said. “He’s got a huge heart. He’s the total package as far as a guy in the locker room, being a leader on the team, practicing with toughness, representing your community.

“He just shows up with a smile on his face every day. He’s gonna make an organization proud.”

Looking up: Rouse was on his way to a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys when the Browns called him and offered him a contract. That and the presence of Turner caused him to cancel his flight to Dallas and sign with the Browns.

“It’s a dream growing up as a child to be a professional football player and now it’s here,” he said, beaming in the middle of the Browns’ indoor facility. “I’m just gonna learn the playbook to the best of my abilities and bring what I can to the table, as far as catching the ball, making people miss.”

When asked to list his attributes, Rouse included his size.

“Because my linemen are 6-6, 6-4, you can’t see me,” he said. “By the time they can, it’s too late. I use my change of direction to make them miss.”

If he hangs on for training camp, Rouse will be at the end of a line of running backs that includes Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Dion Lewis, who was acquired by Joe Banner from his old Eagles team.

Indeed, the odds of Rouse making the team are long. But don’t short him. He has carried a chip on his shoulder quite a long way already.

Link

Interesting read about Tyler Wilson. A guy who in my mind was the best quarterback in this draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1637700-10-biggest-surprises-from-nfl-rookie-camps/page/5

Cleveland Browns: Coach Rob Chudzinski's press conference transcript

Branson Wright, The Plain Dealer By Branson Wright, The Plain Dealer
on May 16, 2013 at 3:54 PM, updated May 16, 2013 at 4:04 PM
Cleveland Browns 2013


BEREA, Ohio -- (Opening statement)- "Thanks for coming. We had a really productive week. I am really pleased with the tempo that the guys have practiced with. Their approach, again, has been outstanding. We got a lot done this week. As far as the OTAs themselves, the structure of it has been that we bring them in, they have a lift session.

We get a chance to meet with them for an extended period of time where we will correct the previous tape as well as install for a particular day. Then we have a chance to come out here and practice. The past three days we have done that. We've had a chance, situation primarily, where we have been working on our first and second down packages, offensively, defensively and then really getting into some third downs.

We got into some shorter third downs the first day of the week. There have been some medium third downs and some longer third downs. We are in process of installing those situations. It's been a good week for us. It's been good to get a chance to go out on the field against each other and see guy's execution. That's been the focus and really what we are trying to work on and see the execution level after being in phase two, which is basically working on air, for the past three weeks."

(On why Shawn Lauvao is playing left guard and if that change is permanent)- "We are moving guys around at the guard position. (Jason) Pinkston has been back. Just this week is his first week back so he is not getting the normal amount of reps. We will slowly work him into it. We are working all the guards at all the different spots."

(On if the guards need to get outside a lot in the run game)- "They need to be able to block inside, pass block and be able to get outside as pullers as well."

(On if they did a lot of pulling with the guards)- "We did. That's part of what the install was this particular day, the plays where you saw those guys getting outside a lot."

(On Buster Skrine)- "I think he's done a good job. Again, it's only been a couple days here going against guys. He's worked at it and he shows a lot of the skills from the corner position that you like. He's got feet, he's competitive so it's just the process of learning the defense and just honing up on the fundamentals and techniques."

(On how Brandon Weeden has been able to translate from the classroom to the field)- "I think he's done a good job with that. It starts, really with those guys with calling the play. Getting in the huddle and being able to go through that process. We had a play clock, I don't know if you guy's noticed. We've had a play clock out here on them to really try to really work on that tempo because that's the difference.

Guys can learn it indoors in the classroom and the application out here is what we are looking for. Part of that is the process of having to do it when there is a time constraint going on. That's a big part of it."

(On if the offense needs to be at the line at a certain point on the play clock)- "Not necessarily at the line. When we break the huddle, we set it for different times and that has progressively gone down as the week has gone on. We will get it down to where they are breaking it at 13 or 12, which that is kind of a stress situation where you have to move things along quickly. That is kind of what we are putting on those guys right now."

(On how much more he knows know about Weeden than he did in January)- "You get to know about him. How he picks things up. How he translates and that's what we want to see is how he is translating to decision making on the field. That's what we are looking at right now at this step. Obviously, things are slowed down up front a little bit so you are not getting the total pass rush. It's not completely 100 percent guys going against each other."

(On Brian Hoyer and if the three quarterbacks here now will be the three in camp)- "I think all of that will remain to be seen. We are coaching these guys up right now. I feel good with this group with what they are doing and how they have progressed. We will just move along and keep going in the same direction. As you saw today Brandon was working with the first group. Jason (Campbell) has been working with the second group and Thaddeus (Lewis) has gotten reps with the third group. We will continue along that way, it's just too early right now to be able to say anything. It wouldn't be smart to name a starter and all those types of things that we have gone through before."

(On if it's different world for a quarterback during his second year in the league)- "Every year is a different world for a quarterback. The minute they get comfortable – you can't do that at that position. It will help, that experience under his belt of what it's like to be in a game. It's obviously a brand new system so there are a lot of things where it will be like a first-year guy again."

(On if it is tough for Weeden because he will be compared to the elite class of rookies from last year)- "That's going to happen all the time at that position. If you are playing that position in the NFL you have to expect those things."

(On when Leon McFadden will be available)- "He is finishing up his school so he will be back next week."

(On what Jason Campbell brings to the quarterback position)- "Really if you look at him, he's a guy that's had success. He's played in the league. He's got a good arm, good mobility and that experience level that he brings to the table."

(On if Campbell has one of the stronger arms in the league)- "He has a strong arm. There are quite a few guys that have a strong arm. He has good touch and he is able to get the ball where he wants to put it."

(On if you can tell that Campbell has played in this offense previously)- "He knows the terminology. It's a little more comfortable for him. He has basically called the same things before. That definitely helps."

(On who has influenced him as a coach)- "Along the way I have been real fortunate to be around a lot of great coaches going back all the way to Jimmy Johnson. He was the first guy I played for in college. Through Dennis Erickson and Marty Schottenheimer and being around Norv (Turner), Romeo (Crennel) and Ron Rivera. I've tried to grab a little bit from each guy. The thing that we do want is to emphasize the tempo, emphasize trying to put pressure on ours guys to make it as game-like from a standpoint of them having to react to situations as quickly as we can. "

(On if he has been happy with the tempo)- "The tempo has been pretty good. We have been working them at a pretty good clip and they have responded to that. I've been pleased with that. That's the first thing, if you can create the environment of the practice and situation around them then we will get the result we want as we are working and continue to work."

(On what he has seen from Josh Gordon)- "I've really seen improvement from Josh. From his route running standpoint, he is really working at it. A lot of times that takes time. He has really embraced that. He is making plays and really, I've been pleased with his progress."


(On what they saw in Johnson Bademosi to move him to safety)- "He is a good football player, obviously on special teams. He is aggressive, good tackler and he goes 100 miles per hour on that. We felt like from an athletic and physicality standpoint, that it would be worth trying to look at him at safety. We know that he has played corner and can play corner. That is some of what we are trying to do out here now, is put some guys in some spots that they may not necessarily have been in before and just take a look at them." web page

(On what they saw in Johnson Bademosi to move him to safety)- "He is a good football player, obviously on special teams. He is aggressive, good tackler and he goes 100 miles per hour on that. We felt like from an athletic and physicality standpoint, that it would be worth trying to look at him at safety. We know that he has played corner and can play corner. That is some of what we are trying to do out here now, is put some guys in some spots that they may not necessarily have been in before and just take a look at them."

Yes! I have been hoping for him to get into the mix at Safety! He can hit, and he has, at least, 3rd CB level coverage skills. He has solid size too. He seems to be a smart, hard working kid too. I am psyched. I think that he can be a real hidden gem at FS ... especially in Horton's defense where the FS has to be able to hit and make tackles, in addition to playing coverages.

Team Report - CLEVELAND BROWNS
The SportsXchange – 6 hours ago

INSIDE SLANT

Brandon Weeden is running the first-team offense in Browns OTAs, but head coach Rob Chudzinski isn't ready to declare him the starter. Jason Campbell, who has been working with the second team, is still in the race.

"It's too early now to say anything," Chudzinski said after practice Thursday. "It just would not be smart to name a starter and all those things we've gone through before."

The Browns turned on the play clock when either Weeden or Campbell was in the huddle because offensive coordinator Norv Turner wants to run an up-tempo offense, and that means getting in and out of the huddle and to the line of scrimmage as quickly as possible. So far Weeden is adapting well.

"We flipped on the play clock and kind of challenged ourselves to play faster," Weeden said. "If you're at the line of scrimmage all you hear is, 'Let's go, let's go, let's go,' that's all that I hear and they just harp on it because it's tough on defenses.

"If you can get lined up and do your motions and stuff, it's tough for defenses to get lined up. That's where big plays come about and Norv is the main reason. That's his main focus right now is us learning this offense but doing it fast. It's helped us up to this point."

Weeden hit some throws and missed some Thursday. A deep pass intended for Travis Benjamin over the middle was picked off by safety Tashaun Gipson. He followed that by threading a pass to tight end Jordan Cameron on the left side and then hitting Benjamin on a pass to the right sideline.

Chudzinski was among those who in February seemed unsure about what he was getting in Weeden, the 22nd pick of the first round in 2012. Weeden was 5-10 as the starter. Chudzinski and CEO Joe Banner seemed to wonder how hard he would be willing to work and learn a new offense. Weeden was in Berea on the first day of the offseason conditioning program on April 1 hitting the weight room and the playbook.

"I think he's done a good job with that," Chudzinski said. "You get to know how he picks things up and how he translates it to decision making on the field. That's what we're looking at now.

"Obviously things are slowed down a little bit up front. You're not getting the total pass rush and it's not 100 percent guys going against each other."

Weeden said the offense the Browns use under Turner "makes more sense" than the West Coast offense he tried to pilot as a rookie last year. Weeden was under center more than any other quarterback in the league last year. Turner coached the San Diego Chargers in 2012. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was in the shotgun more than 75 percent of the time.

"There is a lot more up front (to learn) as far as formations and stuff, but once you get it, you can hear a play and kind of piece it together by the verbiage," Weeden said, "Plus me and my wife have spent too many hours studying. It's been crazy. So it's been good. I've been comfortable with what we're doing and the guys are in the same boat."

The Browns have two more weeks of OTAs and then a minicamp in June. Weeden will continue working with the starters, Campbell with the second team and Thaddeus Lewis with the third group. It is mid-May. Campbell isn't worried about getting his chance.

"I'm just coming out and competing every day," Campbell said. "Honestly, I'm not caught up in that. The common goal is to win. If you get caught up in that you can't go out and focus and get better. Ultimately, I do want to help but also compete and give my best. I'm still at a point in my career where I still have a lot of things in me."

--Armonty Bryant participated in the three-day minicamp that concluded recently and he will be on the roster when the Browns get together for a mandatory three-day minicamp in June - as long as he has no more brushes with the law.

Bryant is a seventh-round draft choice from Division II East Central University taken last month with the 217th overall pick. The Browns are looking at him as a right defensive end, even though he has the size at 263 pounds to play outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense.

More important, Bryant has become a test case for first-year head coach Rob Chudzinski, and how he handles Bryant going forward will send a message to the rest of the team what kind of disciplinarian he will be.

Early in the morning of May 2, Bryant was a arrested on the East Central campus in Ada, Okla., and charged with DUI. His blood-alcohol content was .098. The legal limit in Oklahoma is .08. Bryant pled no contest and was given a one-year deferred sentence.

The significance of the DUI arrest is magnified by the fact Bryant pled no contest to a felony last October when he was arrested for selling marijuana to an undercover agent in a school zone.

The Browns thought about relinquishing their draft rights to Bryant after this latest "stupid mistake," to use the phrase Bryant used both times, but Chudzinski decided to give Bryant another chance. One more mistake, though, and Bryant's NFL career could be finished before it begins, at least as far as the Browns are concerned.

"It's a serious matter," Chudzinski said. "Now that Armonty's gotten here, I had a chance to sit down with him and talk about my expectations and make those expectations clear with him. He understands me and what I expect from him and is ready to make amends.

"Time will tell. You have to give guys every chance, every opportunity, and I feel really good about the structure that we'll have around him to give him every chance. He'll be evaluated consistently and constantly just like all our players are, and time will tell."

Players were in shorts, jerseys and helmets in minicamp, where most, though not all, rookies look good. Bryant looked big and smooth running drills with the other defensive linemen. He said if down the road the Browns want him to switch to linebacker he will put in the work to make the conversion, but for now he is staying at end. He already is trying to make the jump from Division II to the NFL. He thought the Browns might tell him to take a hike following the DUI arrest just six days after the draft.

"I was (worried)," Bryant said. "I'm just fortunate the Browns still have faith in me and hopefully I can win a spot on this 53-man roster. I apologized multiple times. Hopefully we can move forward and I can prove (to) them that I'm not that type of person."

Chudzinski wants to be fair but firm with his players. The Browns were one of the youngest teams in the NFL last year and figure to be even younger in 2013, but Chudzinski is counting on veterans to keep Bryant and the other rookies on the right path.

"We have good guys in the locker room, some guys who are excellent mentors," Chudzinski said. "You look at D'Qwell Jackson, Davone Bess and those guys; anybody that follows them and follows their example will learn how to be a professional. Ultimately, Armonty needs to show that he's going to be accountable and I expect that out of him."

Bryant said he never got an offer from a Division I college. He had 10.5 sacks last year at East Central.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Shawn Lauvao, the right guard for the past three years, lined up at left guard Thursday. Jason Pinkston, the starting left guard in 2011 and at the beginning of the 2012 season, is working his way back into shape after missing most of last season with a blood clot in his lung.

--Cornerback Leon McFadden, a third-round pick from San Diego State, missed practice because he's still in school. Wide receiver Keenan Davis, running back Robbie Rouse and tight end Travis Tannahill are also still in school and unable to practice.

--Free safety Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles tendon) and offensive tackle Chris Faulk (knee) missed practice. They rode the stationary bike and went through light workouts on the sideline. Both hope to be back by training camp.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Every year is a different world for a quarterback. The minute they get comfortable - you can't do that at that position." - Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

A closer look at the Browns' picks:

Round 1/6 - Barkevious Mingo, LB, 6-4, 237, LSU

The Browns want Mingo to start on the right side with Paul Kruger on the left and pressure the quarterback relentlessly. Mingo had eight sacks in 2011 and 4.5 last year, but coach Rob Chudzinski isn't concerned about the decline. Mingo did very little pass coverage at LSU and will have to learn that with the Browns.

Round 3/68 - Leon McFadden, CB, 5-10, 193, San Diego State

McFadden can play corner or nickel. The Browns need a player at both positions. He was a four-year starter for the Aztecs and led his team with three interceptions last year. He returned two for touchdowns.

Round 6/175 - Jamoris Slaughter, FS, 6-0, 195, Notre Dame

Slaughter's left Achilles was torn in the third game last season. If he is healthy he is expected to challenge Tashaun Gipson for a starting job.

Round 7/217 - Armonty Bryant, DE, 6-4, 263, East Central University

Bryant can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He had a school-record 26.5 sacks, but he was also arrested selling marijuana to an undercover agent. "It was a stupid mistake," Bryant said.

Round 7/227 - Garrett Gilkey, OL, 6-6, 318, Chadron State

Gilkey started 12 games at left tackle in 2012 at Division II Chadron State. He can play guard. Browns offensive line coach George Warhop worked him out just before the draft. He played for former Bills receiver Don Beebe in high school.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None

TRANSITION PLAYER: None

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4)

--CB Sheldon Brown won't be brought back. He is 33 and his biggest supporter, former general manager Tom Heckert, was fired in the Jimmy Haslam regime change.

--P Reggie Hodges won't be back. He missed all of 2011 with an Achilles tendon tear and finished 31st last season with a net punting average of 37.1.

--DE Juqua Parker won't be back. He is a 4-3 end and is not a good fit in Ray Horton's defense.

--S Ray Ventrone won't be back. He is a special teams leader but has had injury problems the last two years.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

--LB Auston English (not tendered as ERFA).

--DE Emmanuel Stephens (not tendered as ERFA).

--FB Eddie Williams (not tendered as RFA) missed all of 2012 with a back injury.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--RB Brandon Jackson: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--WR Jordan Norwood: ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--RB Chris Ogbonnaya: Not tendered as RFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

--LS Christian Yount: ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--TE Gary Barnidge: UFA Panthers; $3.75M/3 yrs, $650,000 SB.

--DT Desmond Bryant: UFA Raiders; $34M/5 yrs, $15M guaranteed.

--QB Jason Campbell: UFA Bears; $4.25M/2 yrs, $500,000 guaranteed.

--P T.J. Conley: FA Vikings; terms unknown.

--TE Kellen Davis: FA Bears; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--K Shayne Graham: UFA Texans; $940,000/1 yr.

--LB Quentin Groves: UFA Cardinals; $2.4M/2 yrs.

--QB Brian Hoyer: FA Cardinals; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

--LB Paul Kruger: UFA Ravens $40.5M/5 yrs, $6M SB/$20M guaranteed.

--RB Dion Lewis (trade Eagles).

--WR David Nelson: Not tendered as RFA by Bills; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--CB Christopher Owens: UFA Falcons; $1M/1 yr.

--T Rashad Butler: UFA Texans; 1 yr, terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--LB Emmanuel Acho (traded Eagles).

--WR/KR Joshua Cribbs: UFA Raiders; 1 yr, terms unknown.

--K Phil Dawson: UFA 49ers; $2.25M/1 yr, $1M SB.

--LB Scott Fujita: UFA; retired.

--LB Chris Gocong (released).

--QB Josh Johnson: UFA Bengals; $1.895M/2 yrs, $500,000 guaranteed.

--LB Kaluka Maiava: UFA Raiders; $6M/3 yrs, $2.035M SB.

--WR Mohamed Massaquoi: UFA Jaguars; $4.7M/2 yrs.

--QB Colt McCoy (traded 49ers).

--DE Frostee Rucker (released).

--TE Alex Smith: UFA Bengals; terms unknown.

--TE Benjamin Watson: UFA Saints; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

--S Usama Young (released).

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/team-report-cleveland-browns-211200399--nfl.html

Quote:

---

What the heck does that mean? Here is my interpretation:

“I wanted Ryan Mallett, but Bill (Belichick) wants to keep him for another year. Norv and Chud say they can win with Weeden. Joe (Banner) said we’re going with Weeden, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Meanwhile, former Arizona quarterback Brian Hoyer, for whom Lombardi has had a crush, cleared league waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent.

---

Grossi is really a jerk. He allows personal feelings to infiltrate his pieces. He works hard at convincing others to dislike people if he dislikes them.

Very unprofessional.

I have no problem with Grossi. I hate his big Ego but I like his articles.

Lauvao at LG could happen if Gilkey takes over at RG. I see Greco as a good backup but still a backup. Pinky, I dont know how the time off and the medications have impacted him. Guess it is just because my last images of him were getting beat over and over and over again. We will see.

Weeden simply has to go out and show that this is his team. Solomon Wilcox said Weeden's footwork was much improved. Everyone looks good throwing the ball in OTA's but footwork translates.

--Words like "crush" have no place in sports reporting.

--What have you seen in Lava Man that makes you think he can play LG? The LG needs to be the more agile of the two. He pulls more. Traps more. Gap blocks more. Needs to get to the second level more. Lava Man has terrible feet. He spends a lot of time on the ground because his feet are so bad. He is strong at the point of attack. Great upper body and is good if he can get his hands on the opponent, but his feet are among the worst in the league. I can't see him playing LG.

--Compare Chud's comments on Weeden to his comments about Gordon. Interesting.

His feet are very underrated and he does an excellent job of blocking at the 2nd level.

Not buying that, Mourg. His feet suck. I know offensive line. And his feet are terrible.

I wasn't criticizing posting the article. We are all starved for information. I just don't like how he inserts his own opinions in to supposedly factual pieces.

Quote:

---

I don't like his style at all. You have to use your filter, but he is the only reporter that covers the Browns every day, so he does put out useful info from time to time.

---

Where did you come up with the idea that he is the only reporter who covers the Browns every day?

He is the beat reporter for the radio station that is now the radio flagship of the Browns. Last year, however, this radio station was a rather minor outlet in the scheme of things.

Mary Kay Cabot, Tom Reed, and Nate Ulrick all produce as many, or more, news and articles about the Browns as Grossi does. Grossi's main contribution to "Browns news" is his column where he answers questions. He is far from the most prolific source of Browns information.

Food for thought: we ran a zone blocking scheme with chud before.


am wondering if they are evaluating how the guards fit that.

You're right, better phrasing would have been "one of the few."

JC

Watched the most recent video of the Orange and Brown Report and it looks like Bess his beginning to illustrate his offensive leadership with Cleveland. Him and Weeden are apparently the first two in Berea each morning and the first thing Bess does with Weeden is talk X and O's from the previous day and how to improve as a unit during the installation of this new scheme.

Hearing this is great news as far as I am concerned. Not sure if Weeden or any QB for that matter in the past few years had this kind of environment with a vet receiver. Also if you haven't seen the video floating around here about Bess, it's a great watch. There is also a great interview done by The Bull and Fox Show (92.3 The Fan). I'm sure it can be streamed on their website if anyone is interested in listening to it. He sounded very intelligent, knew exactly what his role is, and came across as a very hard worker who doesn't take anything for granted!

Admittedly, I wasn't a huge fan about the Bess deal as it was originally reported. Physically, I don't see him as the most athletic, strongest or fastest guy. I think he average in about every category, physically. However, I am beginning to change my tune on this guy from the stuff I read, watched, and listened to. As a veteran presence, this trade alone may make it worth while as I'd expect him to push Weeden, Little, Gordon, & Benjamin. Any solid production from this guy as our slot will make it that much better.

Glad to have you here, Davone!

Have they specifically said that Greco is at RG? This is the third mention I have seen of Lava at LG, but nothing on RG.

SFAIK the only other guards we have are Pinkston, who is not ready yet, Miller, and Gilkey.

I am hoping that someone might be poised to replace Lava at RG, meaning that we have somebody Better.

Thanks for the articles - educated oneself is always good!

LG - Lava...at this stage I think we are looking at our options. They say Pinkston needs to get into shape??? But this is none hitting stage I don't understand what that has to do with this Pat-a-Cake stage of OL.

A won't get into a about Lava's footwork. I think he actually can be a good fit for LG. Sorely missed last year was our Runs to the right where we pulled to the offside guard to even up some numbers.

I think we will be stretching the field Vertical n horizontal - I don't see us using FB much. I see two TE with Davis in tight...but also I can see Single back with 3 WR n Cameron or just straight 4 WRs Spreading the D horizontally then run with pulling the off side guard to actually be the FB lead blocker. We'll see and know more when we start hitting. That is when they really EVALUATE the OL - this is just getting some looks at this stage.

JMHO n educated guesses, can't wait for training camp n OL...DBs 7 on 7 n 11 on 11 drills is useful in some evaluations! QBs n timing of system - but OL? Can't rely on anything happening now as significant.

This takes me back to the battles over Jeff Fain , still say he sucked

I have to side with Vers on this one (sorry EO and my pal Mourg ) .. Never a fan of Lava ..

Thats fine n Ok...memory no where near as good as yours - I have no clue on specific Faine discussions...lol

Lava...not a fan, there actually is a line you got to get in it...

Only thing waterdawg...when push come to shove its What happens on the field of play especially OL. The interior you cannot get into specific evaluations just watching the ball n replays. You got to view it several times to get the true story of what is going on. Not here but on the other board 2 n only 2 games...I was like HUH? on the Lava sucks posted in the What I Saw Thread. So I went back n broke down each n every play to actually surpass my initial evaluations of Lava. He graded out almost perfect - so from then on anyone who claims this or that - I just do a n ignore. Not to be glommed on everyone who doesn't like his play. But I cannot help it cause it was far from the HE SUCKS Evaluation.

I like him for no other reason than he is powerful, has the best explosion off the snap and is NASTY also I have seen improvement from him not only from season to season but from within the seasons.

JMHO - Faine in the long run wish we kept him although I like DQ a lot. But we traded him with the thought that Bentley would be here for like 8 years.

Quote:

---

Round 6/175 - Jamoris Slaughter, FS, 6-0, 195, Notre Dame

Slaughter's left Achilles was torn in the third game last season. If he is healthy he is expected to challenge Tashaun Gipson for a starting job.

---

This doesn't speak all that highly of Gipson, IMO. If a 6th round pick coming off an Achilles injury is expected to challenge you for the starting role, the dude is either a potential 1st rounder that slid because of that injury, or you're just not that good, period.

Maybe this is nitpicky, but I read that "if healthy" part as if it were in 72-point font.

Basically, the kid has talent, but the question is how he comes back frim that injury.

While I think Lauvao's footwork is fine, I think he has the ideal build, style and skillset of a very good RG. I believe this is year 4 for him. Three years in a NFL strength program. Three years of playing in the AFC North.

I think Year 4-8 is the prime for an interior lineman. I think it takes a little while longer for these guys because of the maturity and strength of pros.

My bet is the Lauvao was being evaluated to see if he could play LG in a pinch. But I expect a big year out of him this year at RG.

Jason Campbell reportedly outplays Weeden at OTAs

By Marc Sessler Around the League Writer
Published: May 17, 2013 at 01:34 p.m. Updated: May 17, 2013 at 02:10 p.m.

The quarterback battle in Cleveland is far from the NFL's sexiest signal-caller derby, but Brandon Weeden might want to keep an eye on Jason Campbell.

Longtime Browns writer Steve Doerschuk of The Canton Repository reported this week that Campbell showed up to organized team activities with "(Ben) Roethlisberger-like size."

"Campbell's clearly bigger than Brandon Weeden. He made (third-string passer) Thaddeus Lewis look like a shrimp," wrote Doerschuk, who added that the seven-year veteran passer "definitely had better sessions than Weeden" on Thursday. Campbell displayed a strong, deep ball on long strikes to receivers Travis Benjamin and Jordan Norwood.

Weeden -- at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds -- opened OTAs with the first team, but Campbell -- listed at 6-foot-5, 230 -- was signed as insurance with an opportunity to fight for the job. The Browns also inked Brian Hoyer on Thursday, which means Lewis (aka "shrimp") is on thin ice.

Weeden deserves a shot to show what he can do in a vertical passing offense more suited to his strengths than last year's clunky West Coast outfit. That said, when you've been searching for a franchise passer since Bill Clinton ruled the land, there should be no hesitation to go with the best guy available. It's a battle to keep an eye on.


Link