Tag Archives: Cleveland

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Sign Thomas and Callaway

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Berea— The Cleveland Browns have come to terms on contracts with two more of their 2018 NFL draft selections as DE Chad Thomas and WR Antonio Callaway have signed their rookie deals.

The team now has six of their nine draft picks under contract.

Thomas, a defensive lineman from Miami (FL), was the Browns third round pick (67 overall). He started 33 games at the U where he totaled 103 tackles, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his career.

Callaway, a talented yet troubled pass catcher from Florida, was the Browns fourth round selection (105 overall). When he was on the field he showed big time playmaking ability. During his college career he caught 89 passes for just under 1400 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

The remaining unsigned players for the Browns draft class are first round picks Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward, as well as second round running back Nick Chubb.

Browns, NFL

Taylor Dealt to Arizona

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The Cleveland Browns have traded CB Jamar Taylor to the Arizona Cardinals for a sixth-round draft pick.

Taylor, a 2013 second-round choice by the Miami Dolphins, was acquired by Cleveland in a trade that saw them deal the 223rd selection in the 2016 NFL Draft for Taylor and the 250th pick.

With the addition of the 5-foot-11, 192 pound Taylor, the Cardinals instantly gain an experienced corner to a roster in need of just that. He will likely battle to start across from perennial All-Pro CB Patrick Peterson.

Taylor, 27, started 29 games for the Browns over the last two seasons , tallying three interceptions.

With the off-season signings of cornerbacks EJ Gaines, Terrance Mitchell, and TJ Carrie, and the selection of Denzel Ward with the fourth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Taylor was likely the odd man out and probably would not have made the Browns final roster out of training camp.

This is the third trade made by new GM John Dorsey that saw him get value in return for a player that would have likely been cut before the season when you factor in the trades of quarterbacks Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler to Washington and Jacksonville respectively.

Browns, NFL

Browns to be Featured on Hard Knocks

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Berea, Oh— The Cleveland Browns have been selected to be featured on the Emmy Award winning HBO show “Hard Knocks”.

A 30-person NFL Films crew will be in Browns training camp at team headquarters in Berea, Ohio shooting more than 2,000 hours of footage over the course of the series. Camera and sound crews will have unencumbered access to players’ and coaches’ meeting rooms, training rooms, living quarters and practice fields.

HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE CLEVELAND BROWNS will be filled with interesting story lines as they follow head coach Hue Jackson and his football team as they attempt to turn around the teams misfortunes, including an 0-16 record. Other storylines will include number one overall pick Baker Mayfield adjust to the NFL, wide receiver Josh Gordon and his continued return to the NFL after missing time to drug suspensions and putting his life back together, as well as the relationship between Jackson and GM John Dorsey.

“NFL Films has always been exceptional at bringing fans closer to the game and they do an outstanding job with every show they produce, including HBO’s Hard Knocks,” said Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.  “We have been asked multiple times about being featured on Hard Knocks, and we really felt like it was our turn this year and the timing was right. We want to be great partners in this league, and we also recognize Hard Knocks gives fans a special opportunity to learn more about our team and players. Organizationally, we are confident about where we are headed, but we have a lot of work to do in order for this franchise to earn the respect of our fans on the field. We understand winning is ultimately most important to our fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with HBO and NFL Films to show how our team is working hard at training camp to prepare for the 2018 season.”

“I’ve been a part of Hard Knocks and when you experience it first hand, you come to appreciate the inside look it really gives fans,” said head coach Hue Jackson. “We are excited about what we are building within our organization and feel good about the progress we have made this offseason. Being able to bring our fans in so they can get to know our players and our organization in a different way will be a huge positive for us. I want people to see how much our players and coaches care, how hard they work and how badly they want to win for Cleveland. This will be a great opportunity for our team.”

“Like many, I was reluctant about being the featured team on Hard Knocks but once we sat down and talked about it as an organization, I feel a lot better and understand why the time is right,”  said general manager John Dorsey.  “Hue and I both feel like this team is in a good place and that we are in the process of building something that will lead to success. Being a part of Hard Knocks will give our fans the opportunity to see how passionate the people in our building are about winning and how excited we are about getting to work and preparing for the 2018 season.”

Narrated by Liev Schreiber, the show will debut Tuesday August 7 at 10 p.m. with new episodes debuting on subsequent Tuesdays until the finale on September 4.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Get Avery Under Contract

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The Cleveland Browns have signed LB Genard Avery.

Avery, a fifth-round pick out of Memphis, played in 50 career games, starting 34 of them. The 150th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft recorded 232 career tackles with 45.5 of them for a loss.

He is expected to be an immediate contributor on special teams and could work his way to a regular member of the Browns defense as well.

The Browns have now signed four of their 2018 draft picks, as Avery joins OT Austin Corbett (second round), WR Damion Ratley (sixth round), and CB Simeon Thomas (sixth round) as picks under contract.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Sign Three Draft Picks

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On the final day of rookie minicamp in Berea, the Cleveland Browns reached terms with three of their 2018 draft picks.

Tackle Austin Corbett, a second round pick out of Nevada, wide out Damion Ratley, a sixth round selection from Texas A&M, and cornerback Simeon Thomas, a sixth rounder from Louisiana-Lafayette all signed their first NFL contracts.

Corbett’s deal is worth about $7.5 million, while the pair of sixth rounders deals will be worth about $2.5 million.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Add 13 Undrafted Free Agents

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The Cleveland Browns have announced the signings of 13 undrafted free agents.

The list includes three wide outs, three offensive lineman, three defensive backs, two defensive lineman, a running back, as well as a punter.

The 13 rookies will join the rest of the teams rookies from the 2018 NFL Draft at rookie mini camp which runs from May 4-6.

The list of undrafted free agents can be found below.

Evan Berry

WR

5-11

202

11/4/95

Tennessee

Fairburn, Ga.

Elijah Campbell

DB

5-11

190

8/24/95

Northern Iowa

St. Paul, Minn.

Michael Carrizosa

P

5-10

227

9/18/95

San Jose State

Salinas, Calif.

Christian Dilauro

OL

6-6

300

11/11/94

Illinois

Uniontown, Ohio

Daniel Ekuale

DL

6-3

300

1/13/94

Washington State

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Micah Hannemann

DB

6-0

195

8/15/94

BYU

Alpine, Utah

Desmond Harrison

OL

6-6

295

10/8/93

West Georgia

Houston, Texas

Dontrell Hilliard

RB

5-11

202

2/26/95

Tulane

Baton Rouge, La.

Fred Lauina

OL

6-4

315

5/17/95

Oregon State

Nuuuli, American Samoa

Montrel Meander

DB

6-2

215

9/20/94

Grambling State

Amarillo, Texas

Da’Mari Scott

WR

6-0

205

8/8/95

Fresno State

Muskegon Heights, Mich.

Trenton Thompson

DL

6-3

288

7/27/96

Georgia

Albany, Ga.

Derrick Willies

WR

6-4

207

10/17/94

Texas Tech

San Bernadino, Calif.

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Get Edge Rusher Thomas in 3rd Round

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DALLAS— After trading the 64th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to Indianapolis for the 67th and 178th in this years draft, the Cleveland Browns have chose Chad Thomas, and edge rusher from Miami, with the 67th pick.

Thomas, a 6’5″ and 277 pound athletic freak, has outstanding speed off the edge and shows excellent hand usage. He is a fairly raw prospect, with an inconsistent motor, so it will be up to the coaching staff to get the most out of Thomas.

In his senior season at Miami, he had 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. Expect him to be a situational pass rusher early on in Cleveland who can rush from inside or out.

The Browns next selection is in the 4th round.

Browns, Draft, NFL

2018 NFL Draft: Top 10 Available on Day Two

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After selecting Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick and Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the fourth overall pick on day one of the draft, the Cleveland Browns enter day two of the draft with picks 33,35, and 64 in the second round. They do not have a third round pick after trading it to Buffalo for Tyrod Taylor.

With that being said, here are my 10 best players remaining on day two of the draft:

  1. EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College
  2. RB Derrius Guice, LSU
  3. DT Maurice Hurst, Michigan
  4. OT Connor Williams, Texas
  5. CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
  6. TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
  7. G Will Hernandez, UTEP
  8. RB Ronald Jones II, USC
  9. C James Daniels, Iowa
  10. EDGE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Select Denzel Ward with Fourth Pick

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DALLAS— With the fourth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns selected Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward.

Ward, a native of Macedonia, Ohio recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions for the Buckeyes in 2017. Seen by many as the top press corner in this years draft, Ward will be an instant starter in the Browns revamped secondary.

At 5’10” and 185 pounds, Ward ran a 4.32 yard 40-yard dash at this years combine. Ward is physical, athletic, and is excellent at not allowing receivers to get separation in routes.

On a team that has not had a shutdown corner since Joe Haden was healthy a few years ago, Ward will be a welcome addition.

Browns, Draft, NFL

2018 NFL Draft RB Rankings

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*Rankings are based on watching at least three full games on each running back during the last two seasons

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn St. 6’0 233 

Barkley was the biggest winner at the underwear Olympics known as the NFL Scouting Combine. His size, speed, and athleticism are all top-notch. His tape is also top notch in most areas.

While there may be no such thing as a perfect prospect, Barkley looks as close as they come. He is a big, strong, shifty back, with great lateral explosion. As good as he is in the run game, he is just as good out of the backfield in the passing game.

I like Barkley, and I do think he is worthy of a top 10 pick, but he does have some downside that is rarely mentioned. He forces the issue when bottled up and tries to make big plays rather than take what is given to him, causing a lot of negative gains and a lot of his frustration shows during games. He also is more shifty than he is strong in the tackle. He plays like a smaller back. Was that part of his need to dominate at Penn St. in order to give them a great chance every week or is that part of his downfall as an NFL player? We will find out in 2018

Pro Comparison: David Johnson

2. Derrius Guice, LSU 5’10” 212

Guice is a monster when healthy. He struggled with injuries in 2017, but in 2016 he showed an amazing blend of power, speed, balance, and vision. In my opinion, he is every bit as good as Barkley.

As patient a runner in college as you’ll see, Guice has a great ability to let his blocks set up before hitting the hole. At times he does need to be more decisive in hitting hole as he can be a little too patient. He is also very underrated as a pass catcher because he was not asked to do that much at LSU.

Guice does not get all of the recognition that Barkley does but do not be surprised to see him find success sooner in the NFL than his draftmate.

Pro Comparison:  Edgerrin James

3. Ronald Jones II, USC 5’11” 200

Jones is a slasher. He hits holes and goes. He also fights for yards like someone who is bigger and heavier than he is.

He has a narrow frame that could cause him issues at the next level, but he has shown the ability to take a beating and keep on going, as he took on a big load during his career at USC. Jones is a more than capable pass catcher and is also a very willing pass blocker, two things that will help him at the next level.

If Jones can stay healthy and learn to trust his instincts and vision he can be a solid pro for a long time.

Pro Comparison: Kenyan Drake

4. Nick Chubb, Georgia 5’11” 229

Chubb is a solid one-cut runner who stays low and shows great balance. He has a quick feet and very good vision that allows him to get to the edge of the defense and to also hit the hole when working inside.

The biggest downside with Chubb is his lack of top end speed that is due in part to his 2015 knee injury. After struggling in 2016, Chubb showed he was much healthier in 2017 as he ran for more than 1300 yards.

Chubb may end up being a two down back in the NFL, but if 2017 was any indication about where he is headed, he could also be a steal in a deep running back class.

5. Sony Michel, Georgia 5’11” 220 

Michel is a north-south runner. He is what he is. He is a guy who will hit the hole and go, not going to be someone you see dance around in the backfield.

The lightning to Nick Chubb’s thunder in the Georgia backfield is a strong zone runner and has flashes of great burst as many of his touchdowns this past season went for 15 yards or more. Michel also possesses great lower body strength which when mixed with his desire to block, makes him an above average blocker in the backfield.

At times Michel misses the hole if it does not open immediately for him and does not look like the most agile runner on tape.

Pro Comparison: Isaiah Crowell

Others:

6. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

7. Mark Walton, Miami

8. John Kelly, Tennessee

9. Jordan Wilkins, Mississippi

10. Josh Adams, Notre Dame

Browns, Draft, NFL

2018 NFL Draft QB Rankings

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*Rankings are made based on watching three full games on each quarterback from the past two seasons

1. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma 6’0 215

Mayfield is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NCAA history. All this coming after being a walk on at Texas Tech who would later transfer to Oklahoma where he became a legend, a Heisman winner, a Davey O’Brien award winner, a Maxwell Award winner, and a Big 12 champion. In case you missed that, Mayfield is a winner.

His lack of size held him back from getting serious college looks, but the size of his heart, will, and leadership were overlooked, and NFL teams cannot afford to make the same mistake college coaches did. Often compared to Johnny Manziel by those who don’t take the time to watch him, Mayfield is a firey competitor who is much more Philip Rivers than Johnny Football.

Adding to his leadership, heart, and will, Mayfield is the most accurate quarterback in this draft. His ball placement, as well as above average arm strength, mixed with his leadership characteristics are what truly sets him apart for me and is the reason he has maintained the number one spot in my QB rankings.

Pro Comparison: Philip Rivers

2. Josh Rosen, UCLA 6’4″ 226

Much like Baker, Rosen is often misunderstood. He has been mentioned as uncoachable due to an issue with Trent Dilfer at the Elite 11 camp and others have questioned his love of the game of football. While not the leader of men that Mayfield is, the off the field questions with Rosen seem strange to me. He is his own man and expects perfection from him self. He is much more Peyton Manning in that aspect than an uncoachable football hater.

Rosen demonstrates great footwork and excellent touch and accuracy with the football. The biggest issue with Rosen is that he does tend to force things at times when the pocket breaks down as he tries to do to much with the football. This causes poor throws and bad decisions. If he can learn to trust those around him, Rosen has all of the skills to be the best quarterback in this draft.

Pro Comparison: Matt Ryan

3. Sam Darnold, USC, 6’4 220

Darnold is possibly the cleanest prospect in this quarterback class. No off the field worries. Outside of his turnovers, he looks great on tape. But for me, he is not yet as polished a passer as Rosen or Mayfield.

Darnold has great size, accuracy, ball placement, and is very athletic. The only downside to Darnold is the rate in which he turns the ball over. He had 13 interceptions and nine fumbles in 2017 and has 20 interceptions in his last 20 college games. Part of the reason for his turnovers may be his elongated delivery which at times may allow defenders to make a break on the ball and cause the interceptions.

In a few years, Darnold may be the best quarterback in this class. His ability to anticipate throws and see guys open is the one thing that he is far better at than anyone else in this class. A season on the bench would do him wonders, but like Rosen and Mayfield I believe he is good enough to take the field immediately.

Pro Comparison: Tony Romo

4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, 6’3 200

Lamar Jackson is the most elite playmaker in this draft. He ran for more yards than Saquon Barkley and won the Heisman in 2016. He is a home run threat with his arm and his legs.

Jackson throws the ball with ease and elite velocity. However, it does not always go where he wants it to. His accuracy is average at best. The biggest downside with Jackson is that his god given abilities are so good that he some times relies on them rather than staying true to technique, thus allowing the ball to sail and for him to bail on plays rather than take what the defense is giving him.

If a team is willing to build an offense around him and work on his technique, Jackson can be a superstar in the NFL.

Pro Comparison: Michael Vick

5. Josh Allen, Wyoming 6’5″ 235

Wow. Allen’s arm is incredible. He can sling the ball with ease. He is also the prototypical size you want in an NFL quarterback. He also has above average athleticism which allows him to make plays when the pocket breaks down.

Allen is the biggest boom or bust prospect in this draft. He could grow to be an amazing NFL passer or he could fizzle out in a few years. His arm strength is off the charts, he can throw far, he can throw hard, but it does not always go where he needs it to. He has an issue of not resetting his base and relies solely on his rocket arm which causes the ball to sail and fly all around the field. He has never had an accuracy percentage above 56%.

Very few quarterbacks become more accurate once reaching the NFL, Matt Stafford is the last one that comes to mind. While Allen could eventually become like Stafford or Ben Roethlisberger, a team is going to need to be patient with him.

Pro Comparison: DeShone Kizer

Others:

6. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State

7. Mike White, Western Kentucky

8. Luke Falk, Washington State

9. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond

10. Kurt Benkert, Virgina

Browns, NFL

Ravens Give Browns Headaches in 24-10 Stomping

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DeShone Kizer threw three interceptions as the Baltimore Ravens (2-0) gave the rookie headaches all afternoon long en route to a 24-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns (0-2) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday.

Kizer, who missed more than a quarter while dealing with a migraine, was unable to gain much traction against a Baltimore defense that has no forced 10 turnovers in just eight quarters this season.

With the Browns trailing 14-0 midway through the second quarter after Joe Flacco found Javorious Allen for a nine-yard Ravens touchdown, Kizer exited the game, giving way to back up quarterback Kevin Hogan. Hogan gave the Browns life, leading the sputtering offense on a six-play and 83-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Hogan to rookie tight end David Njoku that pulled the Browns within one score at 14-7.

That was the peak of the Browns offensive day as Hogan took a step backward on his next two drives, the first ending on a three and out, and the next ending on an ugly Hogan pass that was intercepted by Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser. The Bowser interception set Baltimore up with a chance to capitalize on the Browns mistake, and that they did, when Flacco found Jeremy Maclin in the endzone to end the first half with the home team ahead 21-7.

Kizer returned with just over eight minutes remaining in the third quarter with the Browns trailing 21-10 but threw two of his three picks after returning. His second pick came at a crucial moment of the game when the Browns clinging to hope. Deep in Ravens territory, Kizer looked to hit Rashard Higgins in the endzone but was late and Baltimore corner Ladarius Webb snared the pass to put the Browns chances on life support.

His final interception came with just over six minutes left in the game and essentially was the nail in the coffin in a two-possession game on the road.

Kizer finished 15 of 31 for 182 yards and three picks and a QB Rating of 27.3. Hogan was 5 of 11 for 118 yards with one touchdown and one pick and a QB rating of 77.1. Neither was helped by the run game which was nowhere to be found once again as the team only ran 14 times. Not exactly the type of game plan to help a rookie QB in his first road start against a tough division foe.

Flacco threw for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and had one interception. Allen added 66 yards on the ground on 14 carries, while former Browns tight end Ben Watson served as Flacco’s biggest target on the afternoon as he snagged eight balls for 91 yards.

The Browns receiving core got a boost from Higgins, who was just elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, as he pulled in seven catches for 95-yards. Set DeValve, who had a 49-yard catch that spurred the Hogan touchdown drive, finished with 61 yards receiving.

Cleveland will look to get the elusive w next week when they travel to Indianapolis to face the winless Colts.

Thomas Reaches 10,000 Snaps

On the fourth offensive play of the day for the Browns, standout left tackle Joe Thomas reached 10,000 consecutive snaps for his career. The ironman from Wisconsin has battled countless nagging injuries, 22 quarterbacks, and countless enemies, but always manages to be on the field for a franchise that has been rebuilding for his entire career.

Congrats Joe. Here is to 10,000 more…and maybe some victories to help ease the pain.

Collins Leaves with Concussion, Coleman with Hand Injury

Browns linebacker Jamie Collins, who had one of his worst games in an orange and brown uniform, left the game with an injury in the third quarter. Following the game, it was determined that the former pro bowler is dealing with a concussion.

Receiver Corey Coleman, who has seemed to build a connection with Kizer, left the game with a hand injury. The former first rounder out of Baylor, broke his hand last season and the fear is that he has done it again.