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Franchise tag is for guards and centers, not tackles. With money not being an issue, I don't see why we wouldn't franchise either.




The franchise tag is for offensive linemen. There is no breakdown by position. If you are a franchised offensive lineman, you get the franchise tag for offensive linemen.

$11,126,000 is the one year tender for an offensive lineman.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foot...a-franchise-tag


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Quote:

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Franchise tag is for guards and centers, not tackles. With money not being an issue, I don't see why we wouldn't franchise either.




The franchise tag is for offensive linemen. There is no breakdown by position. If you are a franchised offensive lineman, you get the franchise tag for offensive linemen.

$11,126,000 is the one year tender for an offensive lineman.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-foot...a-franchise-tag




You're right. My mistake. Looks like wiki lied to me. Anyway, we still have to spend ~30 mil this off season so hitting Mack with a franchise won't be that bad.

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With money not being an issue, I don't see why we wouldn't franchise either.




Money is always an issue. Always. We may seem to have plenty and also have to spend it this year. But I don't believe Banner is going to allow any sort of foolish spending.

I'm not saying I think your idea is foolish. I'm saying I think Banner thinks that idea is foolish.


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I don't see a situation where the Browns franchise Mack.

$11M+ for a Center?....nah, thats well above the market right now. He knows it, his agent knows it, and the Browns know it.

The Browns have the capacity to provide a reasonable, long-term deal w/ Mack without the need to rely on a tag.

A more reasonable use of the tag is for TJ Ward IMO but that figure still seems steep.

One thing that caught my eye in the article was this:
First-year Browns CEO Joe Banner was aggressive in retaining key players when he ran the Philadelphia Eagles. That approach hasn't applied to Mack and Ward, Cleveland's two best impending free agents.

I'm hoping this is just because it's his first year here and wanted to get a "temperature check" of the organization and it's not indicative of his feelings for both players' future here.

Last edited by MemphisBrownie; 12/26/13 08:50 AM.

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One thing that caught my eye in the article was this:
First-year Browns CEO Joe Banner was aggressive in retaining key players when he ran the Philadelphia Eagles. That approach hasn't applied to Mack and Ward, Cleveland's two best impending free agents.





Last word in that sentence should be "YET"

When is Hadens contract up? I thought it was this off season also?


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Quote:

Quote:

One thing that caught my eye in the article was this:
First-year Browns CEO Joe Banner was aggressive in retaining key players when he ran the Philadelphia Eagles. That approach hasn't applied to Mack and Ward, Cleveland's two best impending free agents.





Last word in that sentence should be "YET"

When is Hadens contract up? I thought it was this off season also?




Joe Haden Defensive Back
7/31/2010: Signed a five-year, $42.2 million contract. The deal contains $25.6 million guaranteed, including a $12 million signing bonus and a second-year roster bonus of $4 million. An annual $200,000 workout bonus is available in years two through five. Another $8 million is available through incentives.
2013: $6,936,429,
2014: $6,678,193,
2015: Free Agent
Link


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Hard to say if Ward and Mack really want to be back.

Mack really hasn't said anything. Joe T was speaking for him and I believe Joe said he "thinks" Mack wants to be back.

Ward did make the comments you posted, but for some reason, a few sources chose to omit the rest of what Ward said. Here is an excerpt from another article on Ward's comments:


Quote:

The Browns can keep Ward or Mack off the open market by using their franchise tag to lock one of them into a one-year contract. Ward would be the more logical choice from a financial standpoint because, according to CBSSports.com, the projected cost to franchise safeties in 2014 is $8 million compared to a projected $11 million for offensive linemen – centers, guards and tackles are included in one category and not broken down by specific positions for the tags. Teams may franchise players from Feb. 17-March 3.

“If I get the tag, I get the tag,” Ward said. “That would just be one more year here. It is a sort of free agency, but you’re still with the team. So it’s like a one-year contract, and I’ve just got to continue to do the things that I’ve been doing.”

Although Ward insisted he wants to stay with the Browns and he wouldn’t mind being tagged, there’s also a part of him that’s eager to test free agency.

“It is an opportunity, an opportunity I haven’t had,” he said. “It’s exciting kind of, but who knows? I could be franchised or whatever, but right now, I’m just looking forward to Pittsburgh this week.”

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/browns...season-1.454914



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http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ss...t_river_default

Pro Bowl center Alex Mack will give Cleveland Browns right of first refusal if he hits market

CLEVELAND -- Pro Bowl center Alex Mack wants to return to the Browns, and will give the team right of first refusal if he hits the free agent market.

Asked if he'd give the Browns the chance to match or exceed any offer he receives in free agency, Mack said "Oh, absolutely.''

He also made it clear he wants to return to see the Browns turn things around.

"Being in Cleveland is nice,'' Mack told cleveland.com last week. "I have good friends on the team, I like the coaches, it's a nice place.''

As for whether or not he wants to hit the market, he prefers not to get into it.

"This is where I'm going to be mum on things,'' he said. "Most of it is trying to not get distracted during the season.''

Fellow Pro Bowl linemen Joe Thomas stressed the importance of re-signing Mack, the 21st overall pick in 2009.

"He’s one of the best centers in the NFL, and if we don’t bring him back, now we have a big hole to fill at center, which is one of the most important positions on the offensive line,” Thomas said. “And (on this) offense, the way we run it, (the centers) have a tremendous amount of responsibilities as far as directing the offense and the pass protection and the run blocking, even sometimes a greater role than the quarterback in the way that the offensive line and the tight ends are blocking everything.”

Like Thomas, Mack is an ironman on the Browns' line. In 79 starts, he hasn't missed an offensive snap.

"I think Alex is an outstanding player and he works awfully hard at it,'' said offensive coordinator Norv Turner. "He cares a great deal about it. He’s got a demanding job, and particularly, when you play three different quarterbacks and you have a lot of change, and playing the defenses we play, he’s got a lot of responsibility in terms of getting us into the right calls, right protections. So, he’s awfully valuable to this team.”

If the Browns don't re-sign Mack, he'll hit the market March 11 and figures to be one of the hottest commodities in free agency.


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And that worries me. Ward at least said he'd like to be back, but I'm concerned with Mack. I know he said he isn't going to discuss things during the Season, but I really wonder if he wants to be here. I'm sure there are at least playoff contenders needing a beast center, and I guess in a players perspective, nothing beats getting paid AND going to the playoffs.

IMO, the FO needs to do whatever it takes to keep these 2. We aren't in a position, or nearly even good enough to just let 2 of our best players walk. If we want to see significant improvement next year, it starts by NOT having significant holes to fill in the first place.


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Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

One thing that caught my eye in the article was this:
First-year Browns CEO Joe Banner was aggressive in retaining key players when he ran the Philadelphia Eagles. That approach hasn't applied to Mack and Ward, Cleveland's two best impending free agents.





Last word in that sentence should be "YET"

When is Hadens contract up? I thought it was this off season also?




Joe Haden Defensive Back
7/31/2010: Signed a five-year, $42.2 million contract. The deal contains $25.6 million guaranteed, including a $12 million signing bonus and a second-year roster bonus of $4 million. An annual $200,000 workout bonus is available in years two through five. Another $8 million is available through incentives.
2013: $6,936,429,
2014: $6,678,193,
2015: Free Agent
Link




Thanks Tulsa.. What I'd like to see is Ward and Mack signed ASAP. Then when it's possible, Joe haden before the year is up.


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Quote:

Mack really hasn't said anything. Joe T was speaking for him and I believe Joe said he "thinks" Mack wants to be back.




FWIW.. He has spoken out on the subject.





Quote:

Pro Bowl center Alex Mack will give Cleveland Browns right of first refusal if he hits market
Alex Mack
Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack would love to stay in Cleveland to see the team turn things around. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group
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on December 26, 2013 at 9:42 AM, updated December 26, 2013 at 9:49 AM

CLEVELAND -- Pro Bowl center Alex Mack wants to return to the Browns, and will give the team right of first refusal if he hits the free agent market.

Asked if he'd give the Browns the chance to match or exceed any offer he receives in free agency, Mack said "Oh, absolutely.''

He also made it clear he wants to return to see the Browns turn things around.

"Being in Cleveland is nice,'' Mack told cleveland.com last week. "I have good friends on the team, I like the coaches, it's a nice place.''

As for whether or not he wants to hit the market, he prefers not to get into it.

"This is where I'm going to be mum on things,'' he said. "Most of it is trying to not get distracted during the season.''

Fellow Pro Bowl linemen Joe Thomas stressed the importance of re-signing Mack, the 21st overall pick in 2009.

"He’s one of the best centers in the NFL, and if we don’t bring him back, now we have a big hole to fill at center, which is one of the most important positions on the offensive line,” Thomas said. “And (on this) offense, the way we run it, (the centers) have a tremendous amount of responsibilities as far as directing the offense and the pass protection and the run blocking, even sometimes a greater role than the quarterback in the way that the offensive line and the tight ends are blocking everything.”

Like Thomas, Mack is an ironman on the Browns' line. In 79 starts, he hasn't missed an offensive snap.

"I think Alex is an outstanding player and he works awfully hard at it,'' said offensive coordinator Norv Turner. "He cares a great deal about it. He’s got a demanding job, and particularly, when you play three different quarterbacks and you have a lot of change, and playing the defenses we play, he’s got a lot of responsibility in terms of getting us into the right calls, right protections. So, he’s awfully valuable to this team.”

If the Browns don't re-sign Mack, he'll hit the market March 11 and figures to be one of the hottest commodities in free agency.

© 2013 cleveland.com. All rights reserved.




So, basically, he says he wants to be back (no second hand info here) yet he won't say he doesn't want to hit the market.

Personally, I was thinking about this, I think he wants to hit the market to see what his worth is then allow the browns to match or exceed the best offer he gets. can't say I blame him at all.


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Personally, I think Mack is in the realm as Dawson was. Money won't keep him here as his mindset to get off this team is already choosen.

JMO, but I don't think Alex will be retained... and it won't be b/c the front office doesn't want him, or make him a elaborate contract offer - just he wants off this losing team. Can't blame the man whatsoever either.

He's done a great job. The only thing I can recall was that bad high snap that one game. Rarely flagged, good at blocking and he gets upfield pass blocking which is AWESOME from the center.

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Personally, I think Mack is in the realm as Dawson was. Money won't keep him here as his mindset to get off this team is already choosen.




You didn't notice/read the article Daman just posted before you posted this, did you?

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He's on my ignore list so I do not see Daman's posts, but I did see the article above where he states he "wants to return" and "give Brown's first option" and all that, but truthfully I think it's all a big smoke screen.

Saying that on the outside, when inside is already excited for seeing what other teams, non-Cleveland, will throw contracts his way... JMO, but I think he'd take less to goto a more stable/qualified team. This is an instance where I will happily admit being wrong, as I hope that I am dead wrong! I am a big Alex fan. Have been since I listened to his first interview

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So you're calling him a liar . . .

Just funnin' w/ you.

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So you're calling him a liar . . .

Just funnin' w/ you.




I disagreed with him a couple of times and he puts me on the ignore list.. Thats funny..


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So if Mack leaves do we get a compensatory pick in a future draft?


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So if Mack leaves do we get a compensatory pick in a future draft?




It would depend on who we sign in return.


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Personally, I think Mack is in the realm as Dawson was. Money won't keep him here as his mindset to get off this team is already choosen.




Personaly your wrong.


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Personally, I think Mack is in the realm as Dawson was. Money won't keep him here as his mindset to get off this team is already choosen.




It sure seems that way. First, you have Thomas speaking for him. Then when he does speak he says he'll give Browns first right of refusal. Doesn't sound like he wants to be here to me ... just words to placate the fans a little. He's going to get an offer from a team that is better than we are. Mack will not be back, IMO.

Maybe the Greco signing was really about this eventuality anyway.

This FO has a big job this offseason. I hope they are up for it.


LOL - The Rish will be upset with this news as well. KS just doesn't prioritize winning...
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Maybe the Greco signing was really about this eventuality anyway.




I think the Greco extension is a possible backup plan. I really think there is a chance they could move him over to Center if Mack walks and, no matter what, look to upgrade the LG position. A clause in Greco's contract states that if he loses his starting job in base salary goes down significantly....somewhere in the mid-six figures. So, maybe Greco's best chance to keep his high salary is to see Mack leave because I think the Fo would like to address both guard spots.


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Probably just me for not knowing this, but hey Memphis, where did you get the info on Grecos contract?

I see lots of theories on what the FO wants, what Mack wants, what Greco wants.. Lots of speculation. Fun to read..


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Probably just me for not knowing this, but hey Memphis, where did you get the info on Grecos contract?

I see lots of theories on what the FO wants, what Mack wants, what Greco wants.. Lots of speculation. Fun to read..




John Greco Guard 7/23/2013: Signed a five-year, $13.2 million contract. The deal contains $3 million guaranteed. Another $800,000 is available through Pro Bowl incentives. If Greco loses his starting job, the contract's max value drops to $6 million. 2013-17: Under Contract, 2018: Free Agent


Link


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Quote:

Quote:

Probably just me for not knowing this, but hey Memphis, where did you get the info on Grecos contract?

I see lots of theories on what the FO wants, what Mack wants, what Greco wants.. Lots of speculation. Fun to read..




John Greco Guard 7/23/2013: Signed a five-year, $13.2 million contract. The deal contains $3 million guaranteed. Another $800,000 is available through Pro Bowl incentives. If Greco loses his starting job, the contract's max value drops to $6 million. 2013-17: Under Contract, 2018: Free Agent


Link




Thanks, Tulsa.

I must have misread the the contents of the deal regarding the six-figure amount. But either way, his contract decreases significantly if he loses his starting job. If he would lose his job next year, we'd have to check back to rotoworld and see what his annual salary amounted to.


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Lots of speculation. Fun to read.




Oh yeah, it's about that time for all to speculate what the FO is gonna do. I have to admit, I love playing this game.


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j/c:

I think losing Mack would be significant for the Browns. Here's why:

--The guy makes all the line calls. How many times have you really seen guys run in unabated? He puts us in the right scheme. When our QBs are pressured, it is due to someone getting beat, not due to a poor line call. Mack was known as a very intelligent player in college and that has carried over to the pros.

--Mack is powerful enough to contain some of the larger NTs in this league and more specifically, in our division. He is a physical player who does not get overwhelmed by power guys.

--He has not missed a game in his career. Heck, he has not missed a snap. That durability is impressive. He's a guy who will be there week-in and week-out for you.

--Mack does have the ability to get downfield and block, as evidenced by the play where him and Joe T were leading Little on that WR screen way downfield a couple of weeks ago.

I hope he wants to stay and that the FO wants to retain him.

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j/c:

I think losing Mack would be significant for the Browns.




This ties in with what you were stating earlier about mental toughness. Mack played through an attack of appendicitis; that's tough enough for me...


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It's even tough enough for The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

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j/c:

I think losing Mack would be significant for the Browns. Here's why:

--The guy makes all the line calls. How many times have you really seen guys run in unabated? He puts us in the right scheme. When our QBs are pressured, it is due to someone getting beat, not due to a poor line call. Mack was known as a very intelligent player in college and that has carried over to the pros.

--Mack is powerful enough to contain some of the larger NTs in this league and more specifically, in our division. He is a physical player who does not get overwhelmed by power guys.

--He has not missed a game in his career. Heck, he has not missed a snap. That durability is impressive. He's a guy who will be there week-in and week-out for you.

--Mack does have the ability to get downfield and block, as evidenced by the play where him and Joe T were leading Little on that WR screen way downfield a couple of weeks ago.

I hope he wants to stay and that the FO wants to retain him.




they have to. really there isn't a question. isn't he the highest rated center in the NFL? then he should get highest center money.

we have 2 GREAT OL, unfortunately the other 3....ugh.


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I admit to having to look that one up on You Tube...


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Quote:

Quote:

Personally, I think Mack is in the realm as Dawson was. Money won't keep him here as his mindset to get off this team is already choosen.




Personaly your wrong.




Oh, and you know this because you and Alex talk on the phone daily huh? You and Joe Banner exchange texts at-will? You and Lombari have tea parties on the weekend where you're told all this?

None of us know what is going on/the facts. Trying to act like you do is almost pointless. Hence why I said "I think". we all are granted our opinion(s)

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I agree with you on Mack. I hope that we are smart enough to bring him back long term.


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isn't he the highest rated center in the NFL?




I've seen one article report he is the #1 rated Center, and another report he's #3. Either way, he is up there.

Not sure where the sources of rating are coming from but every site has their own method.


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Cleveland Browns could have changing faces on their offensive line next season

BEREA, Ohio – Browns left tackle Joe Thomas spoke last week about the importance of continuity and how it’s a staple of successful franchises.

The Browns are the antithesis of that statement. They are the neighborhood pizza shop that’s always under new management. Thomas has lost count of the quarterbacks, halfbacks, offensive coordinators and coaches who have breezed in and out of Berea in the past seven years.

His Browns unit has demonstrated more stability than most. Center Alex Mack has taken every snap since 2009. Guard Shawn Lauvao has been a three-year starter when healthy. Mitchell Schwartz is finishing up his second season at right tackle.

But following Sunday’s season finale in Pittsburgh, there’s potential for significant change to the offensive line. Mack is an unrestricted free agent enjoying a Pro Bowl-caliber season. Lauvao also is a free agent. It’s unclear what management thinks of Schwartz, although the Browns reportedly had interest in obtaining tackle Eugene Monroe, whom Jacksonville traded to Baltimore in October.

“Change always happens in the NFL,” said Lauvao, who’s unlikely to be re-signed. “There’s always lots of turnover. At the end of the day whatever opportunities are given to us we’ll just try to make the most of them.”

While the Browns (4-11) have crumbled down the stretch, the offensive line is playing its best as the season ends. It’s affording quarterback Jason Campbell more protection and opening some holes for Edwin Baker, the Browns’ latest patchwork halfback.

“I think we’ve made great progress in understanding the system, understanding what we’re doing,” offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. “Obviously, early in the year, when you’re having changes – we went through that stretch where we played (three) different quarterbacks – I think it was a challenge for them, but I think they handled it. Obviously, over the last period of time, we’ve protected a lot better than we did early.”

Overall, it’s been a trying season for the line, which had to adapt to Turner’s system, adjust to three quarterbacks, endure numerous backfield changes and overcome injuries at guard.

The result: The Browns have yielded 46 sacks, tied for fourth-most in the NFL, and rank 27th in rushing. The Browns are 15th in total offense and 27th in scoring.

“When you don’t have the same offense or defense for more than one or two seasons in a row it’s difficult to get everyone on the same page,” Thomas said. “The teams that win consistently in the NFL are the ones building through the draft and signing their players who are coming up in free agency.”

Thomas hopes the Browns re-sign Mack, 28, one of the NFL’s top centers. Mack has told cleveland.com he wants to remain with the Browns and would give them right of first refusal if he hits the free-agent market on March 11.

The Browns have ample salary-cap space, but might decide they don’t want to cede top dollar for a center. Placing a franchise tag on him would be costly because offensive linemen are lumped together and it would involve paying Mack the kind of money top-five left tackles earn.

Left guard John Greco, who signed a four-year extension this season, could switch to center, but prefers to remain at his current position.

Several draft analysts said the Browns, with needs at quarterback, receiver and halfback, would have to invest a high draft pick on a center to find someone even approaching Mack’s quality.

Replacing Lauvao would not be as difficult. Among the candidates are: Jason Pinkston, who’s missed most of the past two seasons due to injury and a blood clot in his lung; seventh-round pick Garrett Gilkey; and tackle/guard Chris Faulk. The club also could draft another guard.

Last week, the Browns gave Gilkey 27 snaps at guard as he rotated with Pinkston in place of an injured Greco (knee).

“I’m very confident in how I progressed,” Gilkey said. “Personally, it took longer than I would have liked, but I feel where I’m at is a big step from where I was at last year. But still there are things I’m working at every day to improve on.”

The 6-foot-6, 323-pound Faulk remains the Browns’ most intriguing offensive-line prospect. He’s essentially a medical redshirt after suffering a serious knee injury during his junior season at LSU. The Browns signed him as an undrafted free agent and expect him to be ready for spring practices. Faulk has spent this fall attending all the offensive line meetings, immersing himself in the system.

“I’m learning as much as I can and trying to stay out of the way,” Faulk said.

He could be in the mix at right tackle should they jettison Schwartz, a 2012 second-round pick, or open his job to competition. Draft analysts predict the tackle class will be a deep one should the Browns choose to go that route.

Schwartz’s slow start to the season – he experienced a similar one in his rookie year – fueled speculation the club might upgrade at position. He’s played hurt and had to deal with instability at right guard due to injuries early in the year.

Most agree, Schwartz has been much better in the stretch run.


“Mitchell Schwartz, I think he’s improved in understanding our offense and the way he’s played throughout the season,” Turner said.

Is it enough to keep him in place for a third straight season? It’s all part of the offseason of intrigue with the Browns offensive line.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ss...t_river_default

________________

Most assuredly, I'll be very interested to watch the activity on our offensive line in the offseason. Also, the Chris Faulk factor really intrigues me at this point. Let's just say for argument's sake, it's clear that Faulk has rebounded from his injury and is more talented than Schwartz to play RT...I'm not sure how much this has been discussed at length but is it a possibility we could move Mitchell over the RG? Or conversely, can Faulk move inside to play RG?

If I am not mistaken, Schwartz's scouting reports indicated that he was very versatile on the line and could be moved inside. Not sure what the reports said about Faulk. Does anyone think this is a legit possibility? Don't get me wrong, I like Schwartz at RT but if someone is better than him, it be nice to be able to plug him elsewhere and still be productive for this team. Plus, with my personal speculation that Lava Man will be gone, it helps that we don't have to look at the FA or draft to find a competent replacement...that and the fact we may have to use those avenues at Center or Left Guard.

Just a thought......

Last edited by MemphisBrownie; 12/27/13 12:25 PM.

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I think Faulk is really overrated around here. I got excited reading about him as a potential late-round steal last year leading up to the draft, but then when I went back and watched him play, the guy is a major plodder. I am not excited about the prospect of him as a potential starting RT. I could see keeping him as a backup or a last-resort plan at RG, but I'd prefer he not see the field for us.

JMO.

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Quote:

Quote:

Probably just me for not knowing this, but hey Memphis, where did you get the info on Grecos contract?

I see lots of theories on what the FO wants, what Mack wants, what Greco wants.. Lots of speculation. Fun to read..




John Greco Guard 7/23/2013: Signed a five-year, $13.2 million contract. The deal contains $3 million guaranteed. Another $800,000 is available through Pro Bowl incentives. If Greco loses his starting job, the contract's max value drops to $6 million. 2013-17: Under Contract, 2018: Free Agent


Link




Thanks Tulsa..


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Quote:

Quote:

j/c:

I think losing Mack would be significant for the Browns.




This ties in with what you were stating earlier about mental toughness. Mack played through an attack of appendicitis; that's tough enough for me...




He's an iron man that's for sure. Remember he had surgery for something and didn't miss any games.. Wow,.


#GMSTRONG

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I have read a lot about how he was still recovering from a major knee injury, and wasn't anywhere near 100% in training camp.

That said, he is more of a power blocker than a finesse blocker.


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I have read a lot about how he was still recovering from a major knee injury, and wasn't anywhere near 100% in training camp.

That said, he is more of a power blocker than a finesse blocker.




power blocker? that be nice, i'm tired of seeing our OL losing the battle at the LOS when it comes to run blocking. more power, please.


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BEREA, Ohio – Browns left tackle Joe Thomas spoke last week about the importance of continuity and how it’s a staple of successful franchises.

The Browns are the antithesis of that statement. They are the neighborhood pizza shop that’s always under new management. Thomas has lost count of the quarterbacks, halfbacks, offensive coordinators and coaches who have breezed in and out of Berea in the past seven years.

His Browns unit has demonstrated more stability than most. Center Alex Mack has taken every snap since 2009. Guard Shawn Lauvao has been a three-year starter when healthy. Mitchell Schwartz is finishing up his second season at right tackle.




Quote:

“When you don’t have the same offense or defense for more than one or two seasons in a row it’s difficult to get everyone on the same page,” Thomas said. “The teams that win consistently in the NFL are the ones building through the draft and signing their players who are coming up in free agency.”




Frankly, this is our best player, a Pro Bowler and a franchise LT trying to tell us something. I think we should listen.


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