Monthly Archives: March 2017

Browns, Draft, NFL

Cleveland Browns Full Six-Round Mock Draft Version 1.0

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We are 44 days from the 2017 NFL Draft and with the Cleveland Browns holding the first pick, just about anything is possible. Over the next  six and a half weeks I will be posting a mock draft each week. On alternating weeks, I will post an NFL mock draft and on the other weeks I will post a Browns only mock.

Today begins the first Browns only mock draft of the season here on OrangeandBrown365.com. With the Browns having zero picks after the sixth round, this will only be a six-round mock.

*Note: Fanspeak’s mock draft simulator was used for this along with Matt Miller’s Big Board

Round 1 Pick 1: EDGE Myles Garret, Texas A&M

Garrett is a pass rushing monster. A better prospect at this point in his career than Jadaveon Clowney was. There are very little guarantees in the draft, but Garrett just may be as close as you can get. Power, finesse, speed, agility, he is the total pass rushing package and will be a guy the Browns can plug in and play day one.

Round 1 Pick 12: QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina

In my opinion Trubisky is the best quarterback in this draft with Patrick Mahomes following directly after. Trubisky has a blend of touch and power on his passes and his accurate in and out of the pocket. The former Mentor Cardinal is also a very good athlete and shows good escapability in the pocket. He will be able to handle the pressure of being the Browns QB, my only worry is if fans will be able to handle their own expectations.

Round 2 Pick 33: S Budda Baker, Washington

Baker is an instinctual athlete with a lot more power than it looks like his small frame can produce. He is smaller than you’d like a safety to be at 5’10” and just 195 pounds, but he is a centerfielder with heart who can also play in the slot.

Round 2 Pick 52: CB Adoree’ Jackson, USC

Jackson is an elite athlete who showed greatly improved ball skills and coverage in his final season as a USC Trojan. He can start out in the slot and work his way outside later in his career, while being a huge bonus on special teams as a return man.

Round 3 Pick 65: TE Evan Ingram, Ole Miss

An explosive athlete at tight end in the mold of Washington’s Jordan Reed. Ingram ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the combine. He will be a chess piece for Hue Jackson to move around the field. He needs to get better at sitting in zone coverage, but manages to find himself open at all levels of the field in man.

Round 4 Pick 108: EDGE Tarell Basham, Ohio

Athletic and strong off of the edge, Basham has an NFL body at 6’4″ and 270 pounds and shows flashes of explosion. His stiffness and lack of a full arsenal of pass rush moves will allow him to slide here where he can be a steal for the Cleveland Browns.

Round 5 Pick 145: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Smith-Schuster has very good size and average speed for the WR position. He is a very aggressive target and has great body control. At this point in the draft Smith-Schuster would be a steal as he as all the talent and ability to be at worst a very good number two WR in the NFL.

Round 5 Pick 175: SS Delano Hill, Michigan

A perfect fit for a Greg Williams defense as Hill is aggressive and physical at the point of attack and loves to live near the line of scrimmage. His coverage skills leave something to be desired, but he does have the ability to become an average zone defender.

Round 5 Pick 181: DT Davon Godchaux, LSU

Godchaux is a space eater and will be a rotation guy who will probably rarely, if ever, get much of a pass rush. He has the ability to use his hands, leverage, and reaction times to fill the hole.

Round 6 Pick 185: LB Alex Anzalone, Florida

A very talented and fluid linebacker who just cannot seem to stay healthy. Anzalone can be a steal at this point in the draft or at minimum a guy who can help on special teams. If he can stay healthy, he could develop into a very good player, however, given his history that is a very big if.

Round 6 Pick 188: RB Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State

A small (5’8″, 176 pounds) but very fluid runner with great agility. He is the all time leading rusher in NCAA history and has proven he is able to take a beating. His size will hurt him against NFL blitzers but his heart will help him in the run game.

 

Browns, NFL

Browns Release RGIII

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In a move that should come as no surprise, the Cleveland Browns have released quarterback Robert Griffin III. 

The former number two overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Washington Redskins, came to Cleveland looking to revive his career. Unfortunately, for Griffin and the Browns, 2016 was not a good year for either. 

The move comes a day after the team acquired quarterback Brock Osweiler from the Houston Texans. 

While the move to bring in Osweiler has no part in the release of Griffin, the team will save more than $8 million by releasing the former Heisman Trophy winner. 

After being injured in the season opener, Griffin returned to the lineup in December but still looked out of place. He finished his Browns career with a 72.5 rating as a starter. Only Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick of the New York Jets had a worse rating. 

Browns, Draft, NFL, Uncategorized

Stunner: Browns Acquire Osweiler

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In a move that stunned the NFL the Cleveland Browns have acquired quarterback Brock Osweiler from the Houston Texans via trade on Thursday.

In the deal, the Browns sent a 2017 fourth-round pick to the Texans who in return for Osweiler, a 2017 sixth-round pick and a 2018 second-round pick.While the move surprised many it is actually one of the rare deals that works out great for both parties involved.

The Texans get out from under the $16 million in cash owed to Osweiler and the $10 million cap hit he would have had after they signed him to a four-year $72 million contract in 2016. The money can now give the team the flexibility to sign Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo whom the team feels can lead them deeper into the playoffs than their defense has over the past two seasons.

The Browns give up a late fourth-round pick, most likely a compensatory pick, and now have added a third second-round pick in the 2018 draft and have already fielded calls for Osweiler who they are not looking to keep. If they fail to trade Osweiler, the team will likely release him. His $16 million would count as dead money on the cap in 2017, but if the team also releases quarterback Robert Griffin they would save nearly $7 million and in turn only be forced to take the hit for $9 million of Osweilers contract after subtracting RGIII.

While most think that it would be impossible to find a taker for Osweiler,the Browns are willing to pay half of his 2017 salary. At $8 million for 2017 it’s not a terrible option, especially after seeing Mike Glennon get $15 million per season from the Chicago Bears. Osweiler is guaranteed $16 million this season but nothing in 2018 or 19, so any team trading for him could pay $8 million for one season and then move on if they do not want to pay the $18 million he is due in 2018 or $13 million base and $4 million roster bonus in 2019.

The original trade was shocking, but after seeing the details it looks like a very smart trade for the Browns front office, essentially buying a 2018 second-round pick for possibly $9 million and whatever else they can get from the deal. It is an NBA like trade for an MLB like front office in the NFL.

Browns, NFL

Browns Add Zeitler and Tretter in O-Line Overhaul

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After losing two offensive linemen last season in free agency to begin 2016, the Cleveland Browns have set out to restock their offensive line in 2017.

On the first day of free agency, the team locked up left guard Joel Bitonio to massive $51.2 million extension and then made former Bengals right guard Kevin Zeitler the highest paid guard in NFL history when they signed him to a five-year $60 million deal with $31.5 million of that guaranteed.

The $12 million annual average value surpasses the $11.7 million per season that the Raiders gave guard Kelechi Osemele.

Guard was not the only position the team wanted to sure up to begin the new NFL league year as they also added former Packers center J.C. Tretter on a three-year deal that will allow the team to upgrade at center a year after seeing a massive downgrade in play at that position.

The addition of Zeitler not only strengthens the Browns offensive line, but also weakens a division rival who lost their starting left tackle as well on Thursday.

Browns, NFL

Browns Sign Bitonio to Massive Extension

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While the Browns spent the first day of the new league year signing other teams free agents, they also made sure that one of their own players won’t reach free agency in 2018.

The team reached an agreement on a five-year, $51.2 million deal that will guarantee the 2014 second-round pick $23.7 million and keep him in orange and brown until 2022.

While Bitonio has missed 17 of the last 32 games the team has played, when healthy he teams with perennial All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas to give the Browns one of the top left sides of the offensive line in the NFL.

While some may see it as a risk due to his injury history, Browns Executive Vice President of Football Sashi Brown sees the move as a building block for the future.

“It’s important for us to identify the young talented players on our roster, who fit our culture, and make sure they remain with the Cleveland Browns.” said Brown. “Joel has proven that he is a smart , tough, physical football player and we view him as one of the best young linemen in the league.”

Regardless of what critics say, the move does show that the team is looking to keep home-grown talent, which is something many of criticized them for failing to do in the past. It also gives the Browns one shining piece out of the awful 2014 draft.

Browns, NFL

Browns, Britt Agree to Deal

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According to various reports the Cleveland Browns and former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt have agreed to terms on a free agent contract. 

The deal is said to be a four-year pact worth $32.5 million. 

The six-foot-three Britt is coming off a season where he caught 68 balls for 1002 yards and five scores. 

At 28 years-old, Britt has been in the NFL for eight seasons, five with the Titans and three with the Rams. 

The addition of Britt could be the end of Terelle Pryor’s time in Cleveland, as the deal Britt agreed to is similar to the one the team was offering Pryor, as I reported Tuesday. 

Browns, NFL

Browns Will Allow Market to Set Price for Pryor

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With NFL free agency set to begin on Thursday at 4 p.m. the Cleveland Browns still have one of their best offensive weapons about to set the market in wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. 

According to someone with knowledge of the negotiations between Pryor and the team, the Browns have offered Pryor no more than $8 million per season on any offer, while Pryor and his representatives are seeking more than $10 million per season. 

The Browns, rather than bid against themselves, are looking to allow the market to set Pryor’s value. It’s a dangerous move for a 1-15 football team who has struggled to keep talent in the past, but it also is something many teams such as the Patriots tend to do. While it works out for the best in New England, if Pryor walks it could be another black eye for the fledgling orange and Brown and another kick in the teeth to the teams overly loyal fan base. 

There are at least five teams very interested in Pryor, led by the Philadelphia Eagles, who would welcome the 6’4″ former quarterback with welcome arms. 

Will it work out for Cleveland? Only time will tell. 

Browns, Draft

OAB365 2017 NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

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We are 55 days from the 2017 NFL Draft and with the Cleveland Browns holding the first pick, just about anything is possible. Over the next 7 weeks I will be posting a mock draft each week. On alternating weeks, I will post an NFL mock draft and on the other weeks I will post a Browns only mock.

Today begins the first NFL Mock draft of the season here on OrangeandBrown365.com, it will be interesting to see how things change following the NFL Combine, free agency, as well as pro days. One thing I do not think will change is my number one player, Myles Garrett. Will he remain the number one overall pick though? We shall see over the next 55 days.

This weeks mock will show the team and their pick only, later versions will add in depth analysis…

  1. Cleveland Browns- DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
  2. San Francisco 49ers- QB DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
  3. Chicago Bears- S Jamal Adams, LSU
  4. Jacksonville Jaguars- RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State
  5. Tennessee Titans- WR Mike Williams, Clemson
  6. New York Jets- RB Leonard Fournette, LSU
  7. San Diego Chargers- WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan
  8. Carolina Panthers- DT Jonathan Allen, Alabama
  9. Cincinnati Bengals- DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford
  10. Buffalo Bills- QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
  11. New Orleans Saints- S Malik Hooker, Ohio State
  12. Cleveland Brown- QB Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina
  13. Arizona Cardinals- CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
  14. Philadelphia Eagles- TE O.J Howard, Alabama
  15. Indianapolis Colts- WR John Ross, Washington
  16. Baltimore Ravens- CB Sidney Jones, Washington
  17. Washington Redskins- S Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
  18. Tennessee Titans- S Budda Baker, Washington
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Taco Charlton, Michigan
  20. Denver Broncos- OT Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
  21. Detroit Lions- CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
  22. Miami Dolphins- LB Tim Williams, Alabama
  23. New York Giants- QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech
  24. Oakland Raiders- CB Tre’Davious White, LSU
  25. Houston Texans- OT Garett Boles, Utah
  26. Seattle Seahawks- DT Caleb Brantley, Florida
  27. Kansas City Chiefs- DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee
  28. Dallas Cowboys- DE Charles Harris, Missouri
  29. Green Bay Packers- RB Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
  30. Pittsburgh Steelers- LB Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
  31. Atlanta Falcons- LB Haason Reddick, Temple
  32. New England Patriots- OG Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky
Browns, NFL

Browns Playing with Fire as Pryor Heads Towards Open Market

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Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, Cleveland Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said that the teams plans regarding wide receiver Terrelle Pryor have not changed.

The teams still wants him back.

Then, during the same press conference, Brown said that the team “won’t panic” if their leading receiver in 2016 is not on the roster in 2017.

Hmmm…you’re kind of sending mixed signals there Sashi.

Wednesday was also the deadline for teams to tag players with the franchise or transition tags. The Browns chose to do neither with Pryor and with no deal reached, the 6’4″ wide out is now seemingly headed towards the open free agent market if they cannot reach a deal by March 7 at 4 p.m. when teams can begin contacting unrestricted free agents.

Had the Browns chosen to place the franchise tag on Pryor, he would’ve received a one-year deal worth $15.7 million. Pryor and the Browns would have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal or allow him to play out the one-year deal. If another team signed Pryor the Browns would also have the opportunity to match or receive a first round draft pick.

Had they chosen to use the transition tag on Pryor, the one-year deal would be for $13.3 million. The team would still have an opportunity to match any deal Pryor received but would get no compensation if they let him go. The deadline for a long-term deal would also be extended an extra week to July 22.

By choosing to use neither tag, the Browns are playing with fire. Pryor has zero reason to agree to a contract by March 7 after the team failed to complete a deal while they had basically exclusive rights on the emerging playmaker. On top of that, the comments made on Wednesday by Brown, who in most cases I have given the benefit of the doubt, makes it sound like the Cleveland Browns are once again the smartest team in the room.

Pryor is not an elite number one receiver at this point in his career and one of the tags would have been likely overpaying a guy with only one season of production, but they would have allowed the team to maintain nearly exclusive rights on one of their best players and given the team a chance to continue to change the way other teams look at the fledgling franchise.

Once his time comes on the open market, what will keep Pryor true to Cleveland? Yes, he has stated his love for the team, the city, and head coach Hue Jackson, but Pryor, more than anything, wants to win and get paid. If a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, who have their quarterback in place for the 2017 and look to be on the rise offers Pryor a deal for anything near what the Browns offer, why wouldn’t he be intrigued?

The Browns are still years away from contending. They have no answer to the never-ending quarterback question. They are still looked as a joke of a franchise who has let talent walk away year after year. After reaching a deal with LB Jamie Collins, they had a chance to remove that stigma briefly if they could also bring back their number one offensive free agent as well. Now, it is anybody’s guess where this ends up going, but the ball is no longer in the hands of the Browns. It is going to be passed around like one of the franchises failed draft picks.

Pryor may be back. He may not. Either way, the fire department should be on speed dial in Berea.

Browns

Browns, Pryor at Stalemate as Deadline Passes

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The deadline to place franchise or transition tags for free agents came and went at 4 p.m. on Wednesday with no deal in place for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor.

Pryor, who led the team with 77 catches for 1007 yards, is seen as a priority for the team this offseason. However, Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that the team “won’t panic if he’s not on our roster” entering 2017.

With no deal and the deadline passing, Pryor is now headed towards free agency where an extremely rich market will await him. The team does have until March 7 to reach a deal before other teams can legally begin talking with Pryor.

Browns, NFL

Gordon to Apply for Reinstatement…Again

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Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon plans to apply for reinstatement to the NFL once again.

Gordon was conditionally reinstated prior to last season and was eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games but faced a four-game suspension to begin the regular season. However, before he was activated he went into rehab and remained suspended indefinitely.

The former second-round pick in the 2012 Supplemental Draft was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2013 when he led the league in receiving yards with 1646 yards despite missing two games due to suspension. Over the past three seasons he has missed 43 of 48 possible games.

Gordon has been posting various videos and pictures on social media and according to his business manager Michael Johnson, Gordon is “in the best shape of his life.”

If reinstated, Gordon is still property of the Browns. However, it would be shocking if he remains with the franchise entering he 2017 season.