Monthly Archives: April 2017

Browns, Draft

Browns Get Defensive in Round Three

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The Cleveland Browns selected Charlotte defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi with the first pick in the third round, 65th overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The senior interior lineman is 6’3″ and 305 pounds and very athletic for a man his size. He had 13.0 career sacks in his career and showed that he can not only get to the passer but also set the edge in the run game. He plays with a low center of gravity and has great hands. He will be thrown into the mix on a deep defensive line squad and could start between Danny Shelton and Myles Garrett.

The son of Nigerian immigrants, Ogunjobi did not start playing football until his sophomore year of high school.

Cleveland does not have anymore picks on day two of the draft, they will not pick again until the 5th round (145 overall).

Browns, Draft

Browns Get QB at 52

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With the 52nd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer.

Kizer a 6’4″, 233 pound, redshirt sophomore from Toledo, Ohio, was looked at by some as the number one quarterback in the draft at the beginning of the scouting process. He looks the part of a QB with size, strength, and above average arm talent, but he does not come without issues.

His issues are the reason many dropped him to their fourth ranked QB in this draft and that he slid out of the first round to 52nd overall in the second round. He has severe mental lapses. He holds the ball too long at times and takes unnecessary sacks in a clean pocket. He lets his mechanics go to the wayside and throws the ball all over the field and that is why he had an interception in 15 of 23 starts.

Overall, it is really a low risk, high reward draft pick and could pan out nicely. To this point the Browns have done an excellent job in acquiring talent, gaining four very good players and first round pick next year.

The Browns will pick next at 65 overall, the first pick of the third round.

Browns, NFL

Browns Cut Barnidge

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After the Browns moved back into the first round last night to select tight end David Njoku, Gary Barnidge, being the excellent human being and teammate that he is, tweeted out a welcome to the rookie.

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Less than 18 hours later, Barnidge sent out another tweet that shows the awful truth of the NFL as he said goodbye to the team that gave him his chance to showcase his talents.

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Barnidge, a pro bowl player in 2015, was not as good in 2016 with less than 630 yards recieving. In fairness, nobody was good on the Browns in 2016.

The move isn’t that surprising after the addition of Seth DeValve in the 2016 draft and Njoku in 2017. The Browns as a team are getting younger with only four players above the age of 28 and Barnidge was being pushed out by the rookies, so rather than leave him on the roster as a mentor who wouldn’t see the field much, the team has let him go so that he has time to join someone else and for his sake, hopefully win.

Barnidge was a good player during his time in Cleveland, but was an amazing man in the community off of the field. His twitter page was always full of fan interaction, including chances for movie nights with his teammates and a group of lucky fans.

OAB365 and this writer wish Barnidge the best in the future.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Trade For Another First Round Pick

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The Cleveland Browns added a third first round pick on Thursday night as they traded the first pick of the second round, 33rd overall, and the first pick of the fourth round, 108 overall, for the Green Bay Packers first round pick, 29th overall.

With the pick the Browns selected athletic tight end David Njoku from the University of Miami. More of receiver than a blocker, Njoku is an athletic freak at 6’4″ and 246 pounds. He has the ability to find the soft spot in the zone and creates great separation. He has improved as a blocker but still struggles while working as an inline tight end.

The Browns next pick will be at 52nd overall.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Pick Peppers at 25

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With the 25th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected S/LB Jabrill Peppers from the University of Michigan.

Peppers, a Heisman trophy finalist in 2016, played nearly every position with the Wolverines, and was the Big 10 defensive player of the year. He will likely play as a in the box strong safety in the Greg Williams led Browns defense in a role similar to that of Mark Barron with the Rams last season.

He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, but does not have great ball skills in the secondary. Williams will likely use him in a variety of roles, in the box, as a nickel corner, and as a blitzing safety.

On the field, he is an energizing difference maker and can be an immediate difference maker.

The negative on Peppers, other than his choice of college, is that his drug test at the combine, where he did both linebacker and secondary drills, came back as diluted.

Browns, NFL

Browns Trade 12th Pick to Texans

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With Malik Hooker, Johnathan Allen, O.J. Howard, and Deshaun Watson all on the board with the 12th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns elected to pass on all of them and deal the pick to the Houston Texans, who selected Watson.

For Watson the Browns received the 25th overall pick in 2017 and the Texans first round selection in 2018. They now own the Texans first and second round picks next season and have five picks in the first two rounds.

Browns, Draft

Browns Grab Garrett First Overall

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Months of rumors and speculation are finally over.

With the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett.

Garrett, the consensus top player in this draft, is a 6’5″, 262 pound monster who specializes in getting to the opposing teams quarterback. The junior had a career high 4.5 sacks against UTSA in November and finished an injury plagued final season in College Station with 8.5 sacks in all, while adding 15.0 tackles for loss.

A highly touted high school player, Garret stepped onto campus in 2014 and led the team with 11.0 sacks. He got even better in 2015 when he reached 12.5 sacks and 19.0 tackles for loss, while also improving as a run defender.

Despite battling injuries in 2016, teams built their game plans around stopping Garrett, including perennial powerhouse Alabama who had two to three players focused on him, while continually rolling the pocket away from the star defender.

Off of the field Garrett is an all-around student athlete. He was active in Aggies Athletes Involved and regularly spent time with young kids around the local community. He also served as a volunteer at the Twin City Mission, serving meals to needy families and did landscape work around the facility.

Born in Arlington, Texas Garrett is the son of Audrey and Lawrence Garrett. His older sister, Brea Garrett, was a NCAA champion thrower for for the Texas A&M track and field team and his older brother is former NBA first round pick Sean Williams.

When Garrett steps on the field in Cleveland, he will instantly make the team better, but off of the field he will also do his part in making the community a better place.

Draft, NFL

OAB365 Final Mock (Two Rounds)

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  1. Cleveland Browns- EDGE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Garrett is the biggest stud in this draft. The Browns do not need more draft picks. They need stars. The card is ready to be turned in.

  1. San Francisco 49ers- S Jamal Adams, LSU

 

Adams is a do it all safety who can immediately help the back end of the Niners defense. I believe they’d prefer to trade down though.

  1. Chicago Bears- CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State

The Bears secondary needs help. Lattimore has the ability to become a shutdown type CB.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars- DL Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Tom Coughlin won Super Bowls with great defensive lines. I believe he will build the Jaguars in the mold of those teams.

  1. Tennessee Titans- DL Solomon Thomas, Stanford

Thomas is a monster and an immediate upgrade inside and out on the Titans defense.

  1. New York Jets- RB Leonard Fournette, LSU

A QB could go here, as could Malik Hooker, but they need to improve their offense and Fournette is the fastest way to do it

  1. Los Angeles Chargers- S Malik Hooker, Ohio State

For the second year in a row, the Chargers head to Columbus to take an instant impact defender. Hooker is the best centerfielder in this draft.

  1. Carolina Panthers- RB Christian McCaffery

Cam needs help on offense. He has big targets around the field, but a swiss army knife like McCaffery would do wonders for the Panthers.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Mike Williams, Clemson

A stud wide out to pair with A.J. Green and to help open up the passing offense for the Bengals.

  1. Buffalo Bills- TE O.J. Howard, Alabama

Tyrod Taylor is staying in Buffalo, so maybe the Bills should get him some weapons. Howard is a pure tight end who can do everything.

  1. New Orleans Saints- EDGE Charles Harris, Missouri

Harris is a very good pass rusher who needs to get better against the run, but can be a double digit sack guy immediately.

  1. Cleveland Browns- QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina

Trubisky, despite only starting 13 games, has shown the ability to be an NFL QB with above average accuracy, arm strength, and athleticism.

  1. Arizona Cardinals- CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama

Getting Pat Mahomes to be the heir apparent to Carson Palmer would be great, but Arizona is still capable of being a playoff team so getting Humphrey’s immediate impact would be huge.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles- WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan

Even with the signing of Alshon Jeffery, the Eagles need to get Carson Wentz more help. Davis has the talent to be a number one guy for a long time.

  1. Indianapolis Colts- DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee

Barnett, at times, was as good a pass rusher as Myles Garrett. His rush ability will immediately improve the Colts defense

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  1. Baltimore Ravens- WR John Ross, Washington

After losing Steve Smith to retirement, the Ravens need help at the WR spot. Adding the fastest man in the draft with big arm Joe Flacco could make for an exciting duo.

  1. Washington Redskins- DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State

McDowell has the skills to be a star. The Redskins could use a monster in the middle of their defense and McDowell

  1. Tennessee Titans- CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado

Awuzie can play CB or FS and excel at either. Even with free agent additions Cyprien and Ryan, adding Awuzie and Thomas in round one would be a coup for the Titans.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State

Cook’s draft stock has been slipping, but reuniting with Jameis Winston could be a perfect fit for him and the Buccaneers.

  1. Denver Broncos- OT Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin

The Broncos still have a loaded defense, so this pick will likely be offense. Adding Ramczyk to their offensive line could be a weapon for them on offense. His strength and athleticism are perfect fits for Mike McCoy’s offense.

  1. Detroit Lions- LB Haason Reddick, Temple

Reddick can play off the edge and be a stud weak side LB. Perfect fit for the Lions.

  1. Miami Dolphins- OG Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky

Miami needs to keep Ryan Tannehill upright and open holes for Jay Ajayi if they want any chance of winning. Lamp will help them do that day one.

  1. New York Giants- QB Pat Mahomes, Texas Tech

 

Eli won’t play forever. Mahomes, in time, could be the best QB in this draft. He has amazing arm talent.

  1. Oakland Raiders- TE David Njoku, Miami

The Raiders could pick a linebacker, like Jarrad Davis, or go secondary with this pick, but Njoku is someone they cannot pass on at this point. Tight end size with wide out ability, Njoku would be a great addition to the Raiders young and potent offense.

  1. Houston Texans- QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson

A Super Bowl caliber defense and a giant hole behind center. The Texans take Watson here and hope he develops quickly behind Tom Savage.

  1. Seattle Seahawks- CB Kevin King, Washington

Whether Richard Sherman is dealt or not, King with his combination of size and talent is a perfect fit for the Seahawks defense.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- EDGE Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

The Chiefs do not have any glaring needs which will allow them to take McKinley late in round one and allow him to develop into a Tamba Hali clone.

  1. Dallas Cowboys- LB Reuben Foster, Alabama

The top LB in this draft falls to the Cowboys due to a mix of off the field issues. He is an immediate impact player.

  1. Green Bay Packers- RB Joe Mixon, Oklahoma

The Packers need a running game behind Aaron Rodgers and there may not be a more talented runner in this draft than Mixon. He does come with baggage, but I believe the Packers would have the support system around him to allow him to succeed.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers- S Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Peppers will give the Steelers and in the box safety who can also move around the defense for them.

  1. Atlanta Falcons-DE Taco Charlton, Michigan

An edge rusher to add to the young Falcons defense. Charlton doesn’t set the edge well against the run, but he can get to the QB.

 

  1. New Orleans Saints- CB Quincy Wilson, Florida

After averaging almost 30 points per game and losing nine times in 2016, the Saints double up on defense in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.

ROUND TWO

  1. Cleveland- S Obi Melifonwu, Uconn
  2. San Francisco- EDGE TJ Watt, Wisconsin
  3. Jacksonville- TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss
  4. Chicago- S Budda Baker, Washington
  5. LA Rams- WR Zay Jones, East Carolina
  6. LA Chargers- Curtis Samuel, Ohio State
  7. NY Jets- QB DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
  8. Carolina- CB Adoree Jackson, USC
  9. Cincinnati-LB Jarrad Davis, Florida
  10. New Orleans- QB Davis Webb, Cal
  11. Philadelphia-RB Alvin Kamara, Tennesee
  12. Buffalo-WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
  13. Arizona- EDGE Tyus Bowser, Houston
  14. Indianapolis- S Marcus Maye, Florida
  15. Baltimore- CB Tre’Davious White, LSU
  16. Minnesota-LB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
  17. Washington-LB Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
  18. Tampa Bay-OT Garrett Boles, Utah
  19. Denver-Pat Elflein, Ohio State
  20. Cleveland-S Marcus Williams, Utah
  21. Detroit-OT Cam Robinson, Alabama
  22. Miami- EDGE Tim Williams, Alabama
  23. NY Giants-RB D’Onta Foreman, Texas
  24. Oakland-OG Dan Feeney, Indiana
  25. Houston-DL Chris Wormley, Michigan
  26. Seattle-EDGE Carl Lawson, Auburn
  27. Kansas City-QB Nathan Peterman, Pitt
  28. Dallas-CB Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson
  29. Green Bay-EDGE Derek Rivers, Youngstown State
  30. Pittsburgh-CB Sidney Jones, Washington
  31. Atlanta-TE Adam Shaheen, Ashland
  32. Carolina- EDGE Terrel Basham, Ohio
Browns, Draft, NFL

2017 NFL Draft Defensive Positional Rankings

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EDGE Rusher

  1. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
  2. Charles Harris, Missouri
  3. Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
  4. Taco Charlton, Michigan
  5. T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

Summary: Garrett is the stand out in this class. He is my number one overall player and has been for nine months. Harris has great hands and when his motor is going can be unstoppable. McKinley and Charlton are both very good players with the talent to develop into great players. Watt, the younger brother of J.J. Watt, has only been on defense for 18 months and could develop into one of the top rushers in this class.

Defensive Line

  1. Solomon Thomas, Stanford
  2. Jonathan Allen, Alabama
  3. Malik McDowell, Michigan State
  4. Caleb Brantley, Florida
  5. Carlos Watkins, Clemson

Summary: Thomas and Allen are both capable of playing inside or out and are two of the best players in this entire draft class. McDowell, when he wants to be, is as good as the top two guys. Brantley and Watkins both have motors that can be hot or cold, with Watkins being a better rusher. Brantley may go undrafted after being charged with misdemeanor battery in an incident where he allegedly knocked a woman unconscious.

Linebacker

  1. Haason Reddick, Temple
  2. Reuben Foster, Alabama
  3. Jarrad Davis, Florida
  4. Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
  5. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State

Summary: Reddick is an explosive athlete who can cover and tackle. Foster, if not for a few off of the field issues, would probably be my top linebacker. He is a heat seeking missile at the linebacker spot. Davis, if he gets better at releasing from blockers could be the best in this class. Cunningham and McMillan just make play after play but also struggle at times with tightness.

Cornerback

  1. Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
  2. Quincy Wilson, Florida
  3. Gareon Conley, Ohio State
  4. Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado
  5. Tre’Davious White, LSU

Summary: Lattimore has the athleticism and ball skills to develop into a shut down corner. I love Wilson’s size and the way he battles on every play. Conley, who will drop after being accused of sexual assault, is long and athletic. Awuzie is a swiss army knife and can do a little bit of everything but I believe lacks great ball skills. White is as consistent a guy as I watched, but I do not think he likes being physical. If not for a knee injury Washington CB Sidney Jones would be number two on this list.

Safety

  1. Malik Hooker, Ohio State
  2. Jamal Adams, LSU
  3. Budda Baker, Washington
  4. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
  5. Obi Melifonwu, UConn

Summary: Hooker is a single high, ball hawking, Ed Reed type, do it all safety. Adams is an all-around safety, who I do not think is as physical as some others will give him credit for. Baker is my draft crush. An undersized guy who plays with incredible heart and determination and shows great ball skills. Peppers, a man with no position, is best suited as an in the box safety in my opinion and is an athletic freak. Melifonwu at 6’4″ is a huge center fielder, with absolutely unbelievable athleticism and can develop into a mix of KAm Chancellor and Earl Thomas.

 

Browns, Draft, NFL

QB Search Player Profile: Davis Webb

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*This is part eight of a 10 part series where we will take a look at the Cleveland Browns options for the elusive quarterback of the future.

Name: Davis Webb

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 229 pounds

Throws: Right

School: Cal

NFL Team: N/A

Draft Spot or Projection: 2nd round- 4th round

Strengths: Great size at 6’5″…throws ball with accuracy and from high release point…decent athlete…has ability to roll out…has patience in the pocket…makes some good decisions…poised kid, started at Texas Tech and Cal…

Weaknesses: Panics in the face of the rush…most of his offense was throws within 10 yards…smaller hands for his size…arm is not overly strong…seems to make decisions where the ball is headed before getting to the line and stays with it even when it is not open…needs help with mechanics as he will tend to let the ball sail…does not anticipate long throws well…

Summary: Webb has great size and seems to be a coachable kid. Has all the ability to be a very good NFL quarterback with the proper coaching, but he is going to be a project. As a second round or later prospect, he could be worth the time and patience it is going to take. He is the best of the bunch after the top four quarterbacks in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Browns, Draft, NFL

QB Search 2017: Player Profile DeShone Kizer

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*This is part seven of a 10 part series where we will take a look at the Cleveland Browns options for the elusive quarterback of the future.

Name: DeShone Kizer

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 233 pounds

Throws: Right

School: Notre Dame

NFL Team: N/A

Draft Spot or Projection: Mid Round 1-Early Round 3

Strengths: AFC North size at 6’4″ and 233 pounds…can add to frame still…big arm…can make all of the throws…atheltic…throws catchable ball with tight spiral…good arm motion…strong hands…mostly accurate…stands in pocket and takes hit when necessary to find open receiver…

weaknesses: INCONSISTENT…ditches mechanics at times and relies on strong arm causing the ball to fly all over the field…sticks on primary targets…not a great field general…makes awful decisions with the ball…takes unnecessary sacks even with time and clear and clean pocket, loves to hold the ball looking for big play rather than take what defense gives them…

Summary: If you were going to build the perfect quarterback, you’d want size, arm strength, and a strong build. Kizer has that. However, you’d also want the guy to have field smarts and Kizer is lacking at times. He can be a really good pro, just needs to get out of his own head or at least let someone in to help him out.

Up Next: Cal QB Davis Webb

Previously: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson

Dawg Biscuits

Dawg Biscuits: Draft Edition

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***Dawg Biscuits is a daily rundown of thoughts, news, and opinions on the Cleveland Browns.***

  • Rumors continue to swirl that the Browns are thinking about taking North Carolina QB and Mentor, Ohio native Mitchell Trubisky with the number one overall pick. While I wrote the other day that the Browns draft is about more than just 2017 and that taking he QB, if you believe he is a franchise type, is a no brainer, this pick should still be Myles Garrett.
  • Speaking of rumors…now there is talk that the 49ers are thinking about taking Trubisky at 2. I don’t buy that. I think the Niners want to trade out of the 2 spot and would prefer to add picks. If they are unable to move back, I think Solomon Thomas from Stanford would be the pick.
  • Watched a lot of Davis Webb this weekend. While he has some arm talent, he is Brandon Weeden-esque against the pass rush. He panics and instantly gets happy feet. I still have him currently as my fifth ranked quarterback, but he is a project and not only because of the panic and happy feet, but most of his throws were inside 10 yards.
  • There are only four quarterbacks in this draft I would take in the first 65 picks, Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer, in that order. Only Trubisky and Mahomes have first round grades on my board.
  • Watson’s 45 mile per hour throw at the combine has been brought up a lot, mainly because that is a really weak mark for an NFL quarterback. However, I don’t believe it was indicative of his actual arm strength. On film it looks like he is throwing a lot harder, while leaving something to be desired, but remember Dak Prescott threw soft at the combine last year (due to a later disclosed injury) and ended up being pretty damn good.
  • NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah selected Garrett and Alabama LB Reuben Foster for the Browns in the NFL Network Live Mock Draft last night. While I love Foster’s ability, he is falling fast due to off the field issues so 12 would be a little high for him most likely. More importantly however is that the NFL is now a passing league more than ever and because of that teams are in nickel defense 60-70% of the time. The Browns two best defenders Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins will be on the field in nickel, making Foster a part-time player. Not what the Browns want from the 12th overall pick.
  • Don’t be surprised if the Browns take the best available at 1 and 12 and do not force the quarterback issue. I like Mahomes and Trubisky, but love next years class.
  • I think Foster and Washington WR John Ross both fall to round 2.
  • Watson may be the first QB taken because of his intangibles and will be an easy sell to a fan base…(looking at you New York Jets)
  • Mahomes is the biggest boom or bust player in this draft. Is he Favre or Jay Cutler?
  • The Jaguars will NOT take Leonard Fournette at 4.
  • Fournette might go after Christian McCaffery.
  • Anything you want to add? Argue about? Get off your mind? Follow me on twitter @SomervilleCLE or email us at OAB365@gmail.com