DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum The dreaded, pre-mature, useless 53 man roster prediction

Bibbs in on the 53 man roster. I believe he should and will stay there.

Browns practice squad per NFL.com:

Cleveland Browns

DB Kendall James, WR Darius Jennings, OL Erle Ladson, OL Andrew McDonald, OL Darrian Miller, LB Hayes Pullard III, DB De'Ante Saunders

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000523505/article/practice-squad-tracker

Why do people get offended when you mention that there are multiple threads addressing the same topic[s]?

It gets hard to follow. Too many threads discussing the same things. But who cares, as long as you get your name on the front page, right?

So Jennings made the PS and Lenz did not ?

Neither Mayle nor Lenz made the PS (there are still two slots, but I'd bet they won't be)

I haven't heard anyone suggest that teammates vouching for him may well have been a message to other teams if Lenz were to get cut. Kind of a letter of recommendation.

Would you shut the hell up? The truth is that guys like you can't debate by talking football, so you continually bash posters who don't put their noses in Farmer's butt.

I disagree w/many of your takes, but at least you debated w/some class.

I can deal w/that.

I am just sick of guys like 88 and tab always pulling the agenda card every time I try to have a conversation.

If anything, they are the ones w/the huge agenda..........which is.............let's make fun of anyone who ever questions any of Farmer's moves.

It's a freaking joke!!!

I totally agree with you. The rule against "duplicate threads", which was observed for many years, kept all pertinent information one one issue in one thread. That made it easy to follow and discuss. Now, this particular information is scattered throughout several threads causing confusion, at least with me.

I've seen other, crappy, boards have 5 or 6 threads on the same subject making it impossible to have a meaningful conversation on the topic.

Yep, it used to be that we had one thread for each topic. The qb battles always went out of bounds, but for the most part, you knew where to go to to discuss a certain topic.

I wasn't even insulting Milk. I just made a suggestions and thought he would understand. We all make honest mistakes, but of course, he got offended.

It stinks because we now have more posters saying........"as I said on another thread...." or, "I thought I read on another thread..."

What gives?

There should have been one thread for Brown's cuts and another separate thread for the cuts from all the other teams other than the Browns.

That would have been much cleaner. Instead, we have about four of them going on w/out any parameters.

Some still pay attention to the suggested limit of 8 pages before starting a new thread.

Lenz is not on anyone's PS as of now. Neither is Mayle.

The original rule, on the original board, was no more than 2-3 threads on the front page of any forum (40 threads) with similar themes.

Using today's forum, we would allow a thread with NFL Roster moves, one with Browns roster moves, one with Browns Practice Squad moves, and maybe one or 2 with individual player cuts, if significant.

I believe that this is still the case today, though a ref on this board can either confirm or refute this.

Are you saying that there aren't a lot of duplicate posts that are hard to keep track of due to the multiple threads of a similar nature?

If not, perhaps you should have kept quiet...........

I am merely stating how we originally handled such things. 2 threads with similar topics were not automatically combined.

I also thought that this message board allowed for all people to express their opinions. I was not aware that the rules had changed.

I will say that a lot of threads go way off topic, and it is sometimes hard to remember whether I posted about Manziel on the Manziel thread, the McCown thread, the WR thread, the thread about a new PK or Punter, or one about the defense.

Neither was I.

Browns' best player in preseason was DL Jamie Meder, per Pro Football Focus
19h

Pat McManamon, ESPN Staff Writer


Jamie Meder was the Cleveland Browns' best player in the preseason.

That’s the word from ProFootballFocus.com, which gave Meder its best grade by far in ranking Browns players. Meder was the team’s best defensive player, best run defender and third-best pass-rusher. That's why he made the roster of 53.

One caveat: Meder did it playing against mainly backups. The next step in his growth is to play against starters.

It also should be considered that backup center Nick Easton was the Ravens' best preseason player, per PFF, and he was traded on Saturday. Easton was an undrafted rookie from Harvard. Pittsburgh’s best player was linebacker Howard Jones, who is on the Steelers' practice squad.

That being said, Meder deserves credit. He was active, aggressive and impressive in the opportunities he received. The backup nose tackle earned his way on the roster the old-fashioned way -- by being productive on the field.

Diving deeper into the 53, it's interesting that PFF's worst run-blocker also made the team: Undrafted rookie tight end E.J. Bibbs, whose grade was by far the lowest of the run- blockers. Bibbs has been very productive in the passing game, but a tight end has to block.

That issue led to Bibbs being the lowest-ranked offensive player overall. Bibbs, who had a very positive grade on pass offense, was dragged down by the run blocking.

Among other tidbits about the Browns' preseason provided by PFF:

The Browns' best pass-blocker was Joe Thomas, whom the site also called the best pass-blocker in the league. More greatness from Thomas, who doesn't even take a play off in preseason.

Thomas was not the best overall player on offense, though. That honor went to quarterback Josh McCown, whom PFF rated was the sixth-best quarterback in the league.

The next three best Browns offensive players were TE Jim Dray and WRs Travis Benjamin and Brian Hartline.

The worst pass-blocker? Terrance West. Which would make clear why coach Mike Pettine seemed exasperated with West’s inconsistent play this preseason.

The lowest ranked pass-blocking offensive lineman: First-round pick Cam Erving. PFF raves about Danny Shelton, but also says Erving struggled far more than Shelton.

The highest-rated offensive player to not make the team was wide receiver Josh Lenz. He earned the respect of coaches and teammates with his work. That had to be a tough cut for Pettine. It would be a huge surprise if Lenz is not on the practice squad.

While Xavier Cooper’s sacks stood out, PFF gave him the team’s lowest grade in run defense.

Cornerback Justin Gilbert ranked third lowest in overall defensive play, and second lowest in pass defense.

The highest ranked defensive player not to make the 53: Cornerback Kendall James. Gilbert and Paul Kruger (?) were the lowest ranked defenders to make the roster.

In overall play, PFF calls Karlos Dansby the best coverage linebacker in the league, and said McCown ranked ninth in the league in deep passing in 2014. Problem is McCown ranked 31st against the blitz, 28th in short throws and last in intermediate throws.

ProFootballFocus uses its own analytics and metrics to assess the performance of each player, breaking each down by play, then assessing a grade. Their formula can be found here.
ESPN blog

I too believe Meder was very effective. He didn't play with the 1's so how well he would do against better competition is up for debate. But his aggressive, high motor type play was wonderful to see.

Meder will give you what Taylor failed to do. 100% effort every play.

Big man can run sideline to sideline too...

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns...t-53-man-roster

Lack of playmakers remain glaring on Browns' first 53-man roster

Here's a position-by-position look at the Cleveland Browns 53-man roster:

QUARTERBACK (2)

Josh McCown: Browns hope he can come through this season in a way he has never come through before.

Johnny Manziel: A backup -- with no No. 3 on the depth chart -- coming off an elbow injury in preseason.

RUNNING BACK (3)

Isaiah Crowell: The job is there for him to take with the trading of Terrance West. He's the best the Browns have.

Duke Johnson: Team retains high hopes for him despite injury-filled preseason.

FULLBACK (1)

Malcolm Johnson: One of eight draft picks to make the team.

TIGHT END (4)

Gary Barnidge: Team promotes from within to replace Jordan Cameron and has an underrated, dependable starter.

Jim Dray: The best blocking tight end on the roster.

Rob Housler: Coach Mike Pettine said Housler overcame a slow start with late preseason production.

E.J. Bibbs: Only undrafted free agent to make the roster. Still needs to improve his blocking.

WIDE RECEIVER (7)

Travis Benjamin: One of the team's three best players in camp. Looks like his knee and confidence are back.

Dwayne Bowe: Preseason disappointment needs to live up to his talk in the regular season.

Taylor Gabriel: Never a doubt that he'd make the team. Will be used in various personnel groupings.

Brian Hartline: Emerged as true pro in camp. Very few negatives here.

Andrew Hawkins: Solid third receiver should move into slot role that fits him best.

Marlon Moore: Special teams ability puts him on roster; that matters this season with the team depending so much on Andy Lee's punting.

Terrelle Pryor: Huge potential, but has a player who has never played receiver made the roster after not even having a pass thrown to him in preseason?

OFFENSIVE LINE (6)

Joel Bitonio: Many Pro Bowl visits ahead in his career.

Cam Erving: Right now the only backup offensive lineman on the roster.

John Greco: Was never really a doubt he'd be opening-day starter at right guard, even with Erving opening camp at his spot.

Alex Mack: Attempting to return to Pro Bowl status after missing 11 games last season to broken ankle.

Austin Pasztor: Claimed on waiver from Jacksonville, where he had 20 starts.

Mitchell Schwartz: Entering free agent season.

Joe Thomas: No reason not to expect ninth Pro Bowl in his ninth season.

DEFENSIVE LINE (8)

Armonty Bryant: Coming back from ACL tear; did well in preseason games.

Desmond Bryant: Overall, the team's best defensive lineman.

Xavier Cooper: Browns liked his first-step quickness and explosion when they drafted him, and he showed that in a strong preseason.

John Hughes: Pretty much assured a spot in the offseason when team gave him a contract extension.

Jamie Meder: Stood out in preseason to earn roster spot, but has yet to take field against a starting offensive line.

Danny Shelton: First-round pick will be a starter at nose tackle.

Randy Starks: Free-agent upgrade to defensive line group, figures to start at end opposite Desmond Bryant.

BIlly Winn: Earned spot on roster with his production after he returned from an ankle sprain. Fits mold of athletic linemen who can move.

LINEBACKERS (8)

Tank Carder: Another strong special teams player.

Karlos Dansby: ProFootballFocus calls him the best coverage linebacker in the league.

Chris Kirksey: Expected to improve in his second season. Began camp as starter; will be interesting to see if he starts opener.

Paul Kruger: Along with Dansby, perhaps the most dependable player on the defense.

Barkevious Mingo: Drafted to rush passer, now used to drop in coverage. Also coming off knee scope in preseason.

Nate Orchard: Rookie showed in preseason that the learning curve can be steep.

Craig Robertson: Coaches love him. Vastly improved from two seasons ago, also a leader.

Scott Solomon: Will start outside. Showed good things in third preseason game, but still needs to prove himself as starter.

CORNERBACKS (6)

Pierre Desir: Impressive early in camp, but progress stopped by hamstring injury.

Charles Gaines: Aggressive corner who improved every week the way Campbell did. The two of them could become significant special teams players this season.

Justin Gilbert: The Browns decided to cut Vince Mayle, which deserves credit. With Gilbert, you really wonder if he'd be around if he weren't the eighth overall pick.

Joe Haden: Primed for his best overall season.

K'Waun Williams: It'll be interesting to see if he, Desir, Gaines or Gilbert opens season as nickel back.

Tramon Williams: Solid veteran addition in the offseason.

SAFETIES (5)

Johnson Bademosi: The Browns believe his special teams play should be rewarded with a trip to the Pro Bowl after the season.

Ibraheim Campell: Played smart, played well and improved every game during the preseason. Could be a strong draft pick.

Tashaun Gipson: Lost in the preseason was how little he took part. He doesn't need an injury-plagued season in his contract year.

Jordan Poyer: Coaching staff loves his work ethic and dedication. At some point it all has to come together on the field.

Donte Whitner: Veteran presence in the middle of the secondary.

SPECIALISTS (3)

PK Travis Coons: Browns are showing great confidence in an inexperienced first-year player.

LS Charley Hughlett: Team needs to be able to depend on this position, and Browns can.

P Andy Lee: Unusual to trade for a punter, but when you see the rockets that Lee sends downfield you can see why.

They should retitle this as "Lack of a Big Name Playmaker... etc"

Gabriel is a playmaker. Hartline is a playmaker. Barnidge is a playmaker. So are Hawk and Crow. Duke may be, Gabriel can be, and Bibbs probably will be.

This comes from the "Here's an idea: let's write another article demeaning the Browns in some way" school of journalism. Hell, McManamon in this case only needed to actually write one sentence beyond the title then just plugged in the roster. Hey but it's ok. If sport journalists were extremely smart and extraordinarily classy, they'd be doing something else.

This has been talked about over and over since the draft. Since we don't have a Dez Bryant or Calvin Johnson, we have no "play makers" and we should all panic.

I'd rather have two/three average/above average WRs than just one single elite playmaker. It not as much concern to me as it was initially. I like Hartline, Gabriel, Hawkins and Travis has also been warming me up at WR.

Could the situation be better with a Dez/Calvin/other beast WR, yes of course... but I don't think it's a deal breaker like these articles and etc seem to make it out.