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Battles of Berea: After converting to outside linebacker, Jabaal Sheard favored to start for Browns opposite Paul Kruger


Published: July 13, 2013 - 11:13 AM | Updated: July 15, 2013 - 11:08 AM
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Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a 12-part series in which Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich analyzes players who will vie for starting jobs or other important roles during training camp, which opens to the public July 25 in Berea.

BATTLES OF BEREA: OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Players to watch: Quentin Groves (6-foot-3, 265 pounds, sixth year); Paul Kruger (6-4, 270, fifth year); Barkevious Mingo (6-4, 237, rookie); and Jabaal Sheard (6-2, 255, third year).

2012 stats: Groves (with Arizona Cardinals — 16 games played, including seven starts, 46 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble); Kruger (with Baltimore Ravens, including postseason — 19 games played, including eight starts, 56 tackles, 13½ sacks, seven passes defensed and two forced fumbles); Mingo (with Louisiana State — 13 games played, including 10 starts, 38 tackles, 4½ sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries); Sheard (started all 16 games, 36 tackles, seven sacks, four passes defensed, one forced fumble).

Analysis: All eyes will be on Mingo because he was the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, but that doesn’t mean he’ll start as a rookie. Kruger and Sheard will enter camp atop the depth chart at left and right outside linebacker, respectively, and they’re clear favorites to secure those jobs.

Throughout organized team activities and minicamps, Mingo served primarily as Sheard’s backup, and Groves played mostly behind Kruger. Mingo hopes to push for a starting spot, though it seems more likely he and Groves will be used as rotational players this year. Kruger, the team’s most expensive free-agent acquisition of 2013, is a virtual lock to start, and the coaching staff has been pleasantly surprised thus far with Sheard’s transition from playing defensive end in a 4-3 scheme to outside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4, multi-front system.

Mingo played defensive end in college, so he could benefit from receiving time to develop into an every-down outside linebacker. Aldon Smith, the seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft who’s long and lean like Mingo, didn’t start a single game for the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie, but he still compiled 14 sacks. The following season, he started every game and racked up 19½ sacks. The Browns obviously wouldn’t complain if Mingo produces at a similar rate.

Coming Monday: Inside linebackers



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Battles of Berea: Browns giving Craig Robertson shot to prove himself as starting inside linebacker alongside D’Qwell Jackson

Published: July 14, 2013 - 07:42 PM | Updated: July 15, 2013 - 11:08 AM
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Editor’s note: This is the second installment of a 12-part series in which Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich analyzes players who will vie for starting jobs or other important roles during training camp, which opens to the public July 25 in Berea.

BATTLES OF BEREA: INSIDE LINEBACKERS

Players to watch: Tank Carder (6-foot-2, 235 pounds, second year); L.J. Fort (6-foot, 230, second year); D’Qwell Jackson (6-foot, 240, eighth year); James-Michael Johnson (6-1, 240, second year); and Craig Robertson (6-1, 229, second year).

2012 stats: Carder (15 games played, including one start, one tackle, one pass defensed); Fort (16 games played, including one start, eight tackles, one sack, one interception, three passes defensed); Jackson (started all 16 games, 119 tackles, 3½ sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries); Johnson (10 games played, including eight starts, 32 tackles); and Robertson (16 games played, including three starts, 83 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, three passes defensed, two fumble recoveries).

Analysis: For the most part, the projected starters in the defensive front seven are safe bets to remain atop the depth chart heading into the regular season. Phil Taylor is the nose tackle. Desmond Bryant and Ahtyba Rubin are the ends. Jabaal Sheard seems capable of holding off rookie Barkevious Mingo and starting opposite Paul Kruger at outside linebacker.

Jackson is a lock, barring injury, to start at one of the inside linebacker spots, but who will be stationed beside him? The picture at inside linebacker isn’t quite as clear as some of the other positions in new defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s front-seven. Throughout organized team activities and minicamps, Robertson practiced alongside Jackson with the first-team defense.

Robertson’s speed and coverage skills, which he displayed last season while receiving consistent playing time in the nickel package, have helped him position himself in the driver’s seat. The main challengers appear to be Carder and Fort, both of whom failed to impress as much as Robertson last season.

On paper, Johnson, a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, should have established himself as a serious contender by now, though he did not make a strong case for himself this spring in the team’s new 3-4, multifront scheme. That could change when the team begins practicing in pads and hitting during camp and preseason games. If it doesn’t, Johnson could find himself on the bubble for a roster spot.

Coming Tuesday: Guards.

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Battles of Berea: John Greco has upper hand in Browns’ 3-man race for starting guard jobs


Published: July 15, 2013 - 02:58 PM | Updated: July 16, 2013 - 09:39 AM

Editor’s note: This is the third installment of a 12-part series in which Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich analyzes players who will vie for starting jobs or other important roles during training camp, which opens to the public July 25 in Berea.

BATTLES OF BEREA: GUARDS

Players to watch: John Greco (6-foot-4, 315 pounds, sixth year); Shawn Lauvao (6-3, 315, fourth year); and Jason Pinkston (6-4, 305, third year).

2012 stats: Greco (14 games played, including 10 starts at left guard); Lauvao (started all 16 games at right guard); Pinkston (started all six games at left guard before being placed on injured reserve with a blood clot in his lung).

Analysis: In one of the team’s most intriguing position battles, the three aforementioned players will compete for the two starting jobs. Lauvao and Pinkston were the starting guards in every game during the 2011 season and the first six games last year until a blood disorder cut Pinkston’s season short. Greco replaced Pinkston in the starting lineup, and his performances impressed the new coaching staff and front office so much that he actually appears to be the front-runner heading into camp.

Greco, Lauvao and Pinkston, who returned to practice in May during organized team activities, rotated at both guard spots this spring. Greco spent the most time with the first-team offense this offseason, followed by Lauvao and then Pinkston. The scheme employed by new coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner calls for the guards to move, pull and operate in space more than the system used by former Browns coach Pat Shurmur the past two seasons. So the guards who block best on the move should have an edge.

At this point, Greco looks like the safest bet, meaning Lauvao and Pinkston could be left to fight for the final starting job on an offensive line led by six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, center Alex Mack and second-year right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

Coming Wednesday: Kickers and punters.


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Battles of Berea: Brandon Bogotay's power gives him leg up in Browns’ kicking duel
Published: July 16, 2013 - 03:28 PM

Editor’s note: This is the fourth installment of a 12-part series in which Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich analyzes players who will vie for starting jobs or other important roles during training camp, which opens to the public July 25 in Berea.

BATTLES OF BEREA: KICKERS AND PUNTERS

Players to watch: Kickers — Brandon Bogotay (6-foot-3, 207 pounds, rookie) and Shayne Graham (6-foot, 210, 12th year). Punters — T.J. Conley (6-1, 215, second year) and Spencer Lanning (5-11, 200, first year).

2012 stats: Kickers — Bogotay (did not play last season) and Graham (with Houston Texans, including postseason — 37-of-44 on field goals, 84.1 percent, 48-of-48 on extra points, 102 kickoffs with 29 touchbacks). Punters — Conley (did not play last season) and Lanning (did not play last season).

Analysis: Graham earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2005 and ranks fifth in league history with a career field-goal percentage of 85.4 (245-of-297). However, resumes won’t matter as much as production in camp and preseason games while the competition to replace standout kicker Phil Dawson continues to unfold. Bogotay, who hasn’t played since his final season at the University of Georgia in 2011, has a stronger leg than Graham, giving him an early lead in the race. In practices open to the media this offseason, Bogotay had a slight edge on long field goals and a noticeable advantage on kickoffs. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor has indicated that he doesn’t expect to keep two kickers, so one job is up for grabs.

Although Bogotay has impressed in the kicking duel, neither punter trying to succeed Reggie Hodges has clearly separated himself thus far. Conley was the New York Jets’ main punter in 2011, but inconsistent performances last preseason led to him being cut Sept. 4. He then sat out all season. Conley and Lanning have actually competed against each other before. Lanning was with the Browns last year in training camp before being cut Aug. 26.

The Jets claimed him off waivers two days later. Conley beat out Lanning but was then jettisoned in favor of Robert Malone, who held the job all last season with the Jets. It’s possible the Browns could still acquire other kickers and punters because several specialists throughout the league are released every year before the start of the regular season.

Coming Thursday: Return men

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led by six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, center Alex Mack and second-year right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

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That has a nice ring to it

I believe Nate Ulrich to be the best writer on the Browns' beat.

Totally digging the Jaball snippet... seems like the conversion from hand in dirt to standing isn't all that extreme for Jaball as some were predicting (myself including). Also indicates even more than Mingo will be a situational player.

IMO, I assumed all along that Roberston would be in the forefront for the other ILB position. MAN I CAN'T WAIT FOR FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Mingo and Groves are backups I would say we are alot better off than last year or any other year since our return ... JMHO

I for one was happy we signed Groves. I think he's an underrated free agent signing because he fits our scheme so well. I see him having as much effect as Kruger/Mingo

I don't think to see as big of a jump on the defensive side of the ball, because I still hold a high opinion of the players that were backups in the past.

I think these guys will be super, but the old ones were too. Who
Marcus Benard, Juqua Parker, Frostee Rucker, Kaluka Maiava, and Emmanuel stephens.
I don't think any of those guys were practice squad material.

Battles of Berea: Johnson Bademosi, Travis Benjamin favorites to inherit Josh Cribbs' duties in return game

Published: July 17, 2013 - 03:00 PM

Editor’s note: This is the fifth installment of a 12-part series in which Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich analyzes players who will vie for starting jobs or other important roles during training camp, which opens to the public July 25 in Berea.

BATTLES OF BEREA: RETURN MEN

Players to watch: Kickoff returners — free safety Johnson Bademosi (6-foot, 200 pounds, second year); wide receiver Travis Benjamin (5-10, 175, second year); running back Dion Lewis (5-8, 195, third year); and cornerback Buster Skrine (5-9, 185, third year). Punt returners — Benjamin; wide receiver Davone Bess (5-10, 190, sixth year); cornerback Joe Haden (5-11, 190, fourth year); and wide receiver Jordan Norwood (5-11, 180, third year).

2012 stats: Kickoff returners — Bademosi (no returns); Benjamin (three returns, 76 yards, 25.3 average); Lewis (with Philadelphia Eagles — one return, 33 yards); Skrine (no returns). Punt returners — Benjamin (three returns, 149 yards, 49.7 average, 93-yard touchdown); Bess (with Miami Dolphins — four returns, 30 yards, 7.5 average); Haden (no returns); and Norwood (no returns).

Analysis: In the wake of Josh Cribbs’ departure, the Browns are trying to replace him on both of these fronts. Bademosi hasn’t returned kicks since his high school days, but special teams coordinator Chris Tabor is intrigued by his traits. Bademosi worked as the first-team kick returner in spring practices, followed by Skrine, Benjamin and Lewis.

If Bademosi falters, the Browns have other options. Skrine and Benjamin are the fastest players on the team. Lewis is also worth watching because he’s the most experienced kick returner of the group. Lewis tallied 669 yards on 31 returns (21.6 average) as a rookie with the Eagles in 2011.

Benjamin, meanwhile, is the overwhelming favorite to become the primary punt returner because of the dynamic playmaking ability he showed with limited opportunities last season. But because of his delicate build, Benjamin must prove durability and ball security won’t be issues.

He served as the first-team punt returner during organized team activities and minicamps. Bess, Norwood and Haden practiced as his backups, and Bess provides solid insurance. He returned more than 20 punts in each of his first four NFL seasons.

Coming Friday: Fullbacks
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I would love to see Benjamin 1st and Norwood 2nd on KO returns and Norwood 1st then Benjamin 2nd on Punt Returns ... DO NOT expose Joe Haden on either one ... JMHO

I don't like starters playing on special teams other than defensive players on PAT's and Field Goals.

j/c...

I really really would love for Mingo to come on strong and earn the starting OLB position sometime this season.

In turn I would REALLY REALLY love to see Sheard move Inside along with DQ. I'd love to see what he brings in blitz packages and the transition from Outside to inside is not that difficult.
Facing the O from left to Right.
Rubin - Taylor - Bryant
Kruger - Sheard - DQ - Mingo

I don't know - I'm sure I'll read a lot of Yada yada about why it won't be so.

Still my mouth waters thinking about it! I think Sheard can be great in "ATTACK" mode from many areas n dominate with others! Hey an old Dawg can dream can't he.

+ 1

Agree with 100% of the comments made. Travis could earn his keep very much so as a returner.

that's interesting.. wonder if we'll see that LB lineup? Horton says he's going to mix it up a lot.. So maybe?

I have wondered all day what groves would be like inside. his size and speed is scary.
any reason why he would not fit?

As for it possibly happening - Sheard playing inside.

As of yet I do not think I have read one report on mini camps where he has taken any reps at ILB.

I can understand why...they wish him to learn the OLB position right now. But I'm hoping to read about it here n there from Training camp.

So right now the likelihood is not there. I'm not suggesting it WILL HAPPEN...but my laymen judgment is pretty good. I think we would be pretty darn dangerous if it did.

Yeah I was pretty much going to say something of the same....he was in the system already in Zona and I don't think he was moved inside there...so maybe not.

I just think Sheard could be special where as Groves could be OK??? I haven't really seen him play as I have seen Sheard n have a bead on his potential.

JMHO - maybe on passing downs we will see a wide array of Speed Rushers...2 n 3 point!

No need to make a thread for this, Owen isn't worth that likes of that... lol BUT it's fitting so here we go.

Make or Break season for Owen:

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f you wanted to look at the Browns roster, and say what is wrong with the offense, you could name plenty of things. Poor performances have consistently shown up at the quarterback position, inexperience at wide receiver, and a usually patched offensive line are a quick few. But in 2012, none were more apparent than the FB position.

Owen Marecic, drafted in 2011 by the Browns, has spent the most time at the position over the last few years. I would love to give him the benefit of the doubt, but from what I saw in 2012 this may be his last year in Cleveland.

In 2012 Owen Marecic was called to help block for the top draft pick Trent Richardson, but he disappointed in one of the most important fullback functions. That key function is blocking. In addition, he dropped every pass thrown to him albeit maybe one or two attempts. In those scenarios, Brandon Weeden would dump off an easy pass for Owen as he faced pressure, and it was almost a guaranteed drop by Marecic.

But all is not lost, just yet. Jim Harbaugh recently admitted he wanted to draft Marecic in that 2011 draft, except the Browns took him off the board before he could make the pick. Given the recent success by the 49ers organization, you have to think they also saw some talent in Marecic.

Apparently, according to Tony Grossi, the first and last player at the camp has been Owen. What is he working on? Owen wasn’t very happy that he gained the “brick hands” tag, and after practice he has been on the jugs machine. Greg Little had a similar problem in previous years, and his extra devoted time to the jugs machine made the difference. Lets hope that Owen also will improve at blocking in this upcoming 2013 season, or else he will just be another failed Browns draft pick.

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http://brownscountry.com/2013/07/18/make-or-break-season-for-owen-marecic/

... personally I think it has already been on the break side... I mean even Pat ended up benching him LOL!

Outside, I think we will see pretty much a 3 man rotation, with Groves occasionaly getting a rep or two here and there.

Inside, I like what we have in DQ and Robertson but the depth behind those 2 are a concern. I want to see what those two guys can do blitzing as well. With our big hogs in the middle, a guy like robertson who has an insane initial burst, could produce some sneaky numbers. He can cover 5 yards probably quicker than anyone on our team. Sheard or Kruger inside oesnt really excite me to be honest.

I don't see Sheard or Kruger as a fit inside in Horton's defense.

I think that Horton likes a speedy ILB who can go sideline to sideline, along with a thumper type. Both guys inside have to have some pass rush ability as well.

I just don't see many players on this roster who for the role that Robertson is competing for. Carder might be a backup there, as might Fort ... but I think that Horton wants speed at that spot.

I also believe that Kruger could easily put on an additional 10-15#, and move to DE in the future if/when Sheard and Mingo are ready to be full time OLB.

Behind DQ is another mystery. I thought that JMJ might be a contender there, but reports are that he has severely under-impressed thus far. I suspect that Fort and Carder might be the backups here as well. It's really hard to tell, because the Browns really didn't do much to improve the ILB spots. I suspect that they could only address so many needs in one off-season, and frankly, I think that the Browns hope desperately that DQ and Robertson fit, and remain healthy, because they appear to be in trouble if they don't.

I really don't have a feel for how much Groves will play this coming year. I suspect that he'll play a fair amount, because I do think that Horton likes him quite a bit ...... maybe primarily on running downs. It probably depends on how fast Sheard and Mingo acclimate to the OLB position.

Should I be grateful that the #1 pick might not start Game 1 because of depth? We might see a very, very good defense this year.

I'm more concerned with O.

I can't see Sheard on the inside at all. He is an edge player. I like what we have at OLBer, but I am concerned about the ILBers. Thought we should of drafted one.

I like Robertson, but I see him more of a nickel guy. Not sure he has the bulk to stand-up in the running game play after play after play. Not sure about the guys behind him, either. Fort looks to be the most promising.

Remains to be seen on the field, but I agree. If we are much more aggressive on the sideline and faster, I think we are indeed better.

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he dropped every pass thrown to him albeit maybe one or two attempts.

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I believe it was 4 but ehhh why bother checking on a simple stat - again lazy journalism. Unless this was just a poster not a professional, just another example of why I call them out.

Sheard...nobody will know if he is destined to fail inside until we see some reps there...preferred in a preseason game at least. Also I can be wrong on how much I envision us attacking Gaps with LBs which is why I covet to see Sheard there. If the ILB are to be more disciplined n in read react mode rather than attack. Probably not worth a look-see.

Owen...well he's working hard. Heard/read also he worked hard on his body in the off season.
Without having a sneak peek at our Playbook I have a sneaky suspicion that we will be seeing 2 RB sets rather than the I-form w/FB. Trent n Hardesty? Trent n Lewis? Hardesty n Ogb? I can see a lot of stretch n concern of the Defense with that than having ONE out of 11 positions wasted on an average FB that even if he catches the ball...so what. Lewis catches that same ball watch out or any of our other RBs.

JMHO

The one thing that Robertson has going for him in this defense is his speed. I look at Washington in Arizona, and he's a smaller ILB, with a ton of speed and athletic ability. I think that speed is more important to Horton at that spot than size. (and year, I'd greatly prefer a 250# guy with speed there myself)

As far as Fort, I seem to recall that Robertson was slightly bigger than Fort was. (taller anyway) I just looked, and Robertson is 6'2" and 230#, and Fort is 6' even and 230#.

To add, I thought that Roberston did a somewhat decent job actually when asked to go into coverage. This is a big plus for him... He looked like a fool on the play where it was a wheel route to the RB, and he came up with the INT but he got the job done. Good hip movements/knack for finding where the ball is/is going.

I actually wouldn't mind seeing all our inside lb'ers getting reps with the first teamers cause who knows, JMJ or Fort or whoever younging Horton wants to line up there has the potential to be good IMO. It's a good problem to have!

I have high hopes for Robertson this year, he showed lots of promise last year and I thought he was the most exciting LB on the team last year. Sheard in the middle is a interesting thought, I think his size and speed would help stop the run.


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Robertson is the Donnie Edwards of 3-4 LB's Tons of speed and drops into coverage 98 percent of the time. Don't send him againest a 315 lb guard and he will do fine.

It will not be the blitzburg defense, unless he comes out and someone who may be able to rush/cover is in his place.

I think he is the kinda kid u can send on a delayed blitz that can truly wreck havoc. I feel this DL is going to give teams a lot of trouble and then you have what should be some damn good edge rushers. A guy like Robertson with his insane burst is just the perfect type to run on that delayed blitz and really blow people up. He isnt going to lock on a guard and beat him but let him come free and its gonna be fun. The guy has a quicker 5 yard burst than Ward and thats saying something.

Phil is the last guy that should be talking about everyone pulling in the same direction. Savage and RAC were rarely on the same page talent wise. He over spent in free agency, he traded up to take Quinn, which was a huge mistake. And he traded away most of his last draft for Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.