Tag Archives: NFL

Browns, Draft, NFL

2018 NFL Draft Positional Rankings: Offense

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*All rankings final and based upon at least three watched games as well as combine and pro days.

Quarterback

  1. Baker Mayfield,Oklahoma
  2. Sam Darnold, USC
  3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
  4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
  5. Josh Allen

Running Back

  1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
  2. Derrius Guice, LSU
  3. Ronald Jones II, USC
  4. Nick Chubb, Gerogia
  5. Sony Michel, Georgia

Wide Receiver

  1. DJ Moore, Maryland
  2. Courtland Sutton, SMU
  3. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
  4. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
  5. Anthony Miller, Memphis

Tight End

  1. Mike Gesicki, Penn State
  2. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
  3. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
  4. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
  5. Troy Fumagali, Wisconsin

Tackle

  1. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
  2. Connor Williams, Texas
  3. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
  4. Kolton Miller, UCLA
  5. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma

Interior O-Line

  1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
  2. James Daniels, Iowa
  3. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
  4. Will Hernandez, UTEP
  5. Billy Price, Ohio State
Browns, Draft, NFL

OAB 365 Final 2018 NFL Mock Draft

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  1. Cleveland Browns- QB Sam Darnold, USC- Dorsey loves raw talent and Darnold has a ton of it. He can make all the throws and do so from any platform, but will he be able to develop into the franchise QB the Browns have so desperately needed?
  2. New York Giants– DE Bradley Chubb, NC State- Saquon Barkley is an option here but running back is no longer a premium position in the NFL. Passers, those who protect them, and those that get to them are the premier spots on a roster. Chubb is the best at getting to the QB in this draft.
  3. New York Jets– QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma- In my opinion Baker is the best QB in this draft. He can make all the throws, is insanely accurate, and knows how to lead a team.
  4. *TRADE* Buffalo Bills– QB Josh Rosen, UCLA- With Chubb off the board Dorsey trades the fourth pick to Buffalo for picks 12,22, and 53 this year and the Bills number one pick in 2019. The Bills then fill their QB position with the most polished passer in the draft in Rosen.
  5. Denver Broncos– CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State- After dealing Aqib Talib to the Rams this offseason, John Elway grabs a young and talented replacement to keep the Broncos defense strong.
  6. Indianapolis Colts– LB Roquan Smith, Georgia- The Colts need talent all over their roster and with Andrew Luck (hopefully) as the leader of their offense, the grab Smith to be their defensive stud. He is a heat seeking missile.
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State- Tampa gets Jameis some help in the backfield with the player many feel is the best in this draft.
  8. Chicago Bears– OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame- The Bears got their franchise QB in 2017 and will focus on protecting him with the most can’t miss prospect of 2018 in Nelson. Nelson is a monster who will likely visit the Pro Bowl on a regular basis.
  9. San Francisco 49ers– S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama- With their franchise QB locked up, the Niners begin this draft by building their defense up. Fitzpatrick is a safety who can cover and blitz and will be a big player in the back end of the San Fran D.
  10. Oakland Raiders– LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech- The Raiders are in the market for more talent at LB and Edmunds has a ton of it. He is an instant upgrade for their defense and can make an immediate impact for Gruden and the boys.
  11. Miami Dolphins– S Derwin James, Florida State- James can play at all three levels of a defense. He can cover tight ends, blitz, tackle, and do anything a coordinator asks. He will be a versatile star in South Beach
  12. Cleveland Browns- EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College- After trading down the Browns get their hands on the second best edge rushing prospect in this draft in Landry. The mix of Landry, Emmanuel Ogbah, and last years number one overall pick Myles Garrett should give AFC North QB’s nightmares for years to come.
  13. Washington Redskins- DT Vita Vea, Washington- The Redskins need help on the defensive line and were terrible against the run last year. Vea should be able to come in and help them against some tough running backs in the NFC East.
  14. *TRADE* New England Patriots- OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame- The Patriots trade up to get a new book end tackle to help the ageless Tom Brady stay upright and the Packers add a second round pick while dropping to 23.
  15. Arizona Cardinals– QB Josh Allen, Wyoming- With Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon on the roster, there is little hope for the future of the position. Allen is big, athletic, and has a cannon on his arm. He is inaccurate but given the proper amount of time to master an offense, he may be able to hide that.
  16. Baltimore Ravens– QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville- Joe Flacco is a shell of his Super Bowl self and Jackson is an athletic freak who played in a system with a lot of pro style concepts at Louisville. If Baltimore can build the offense around him, he could be a star.
  17. Los Angeles Chargers– DL Da’Ron Payne, Alabama- Payne adds another monster o the Chargers already very talented defensive line and will help stop the run.
  18. Seattle Seahawks- WR DJ Moore, Maryland- Moore is an instant upgrade to the Seahawks WR core. He is big, fast, and strong and in time will make a great duo with Russ Wilson.
  19. Dallas Cowboys– WR Courtland Sutton, WR SMU- The redshirt junior is a deep threat and a redzone specialist who can fill the void of the departed Dez Bryant. He will need to get quicker off the ball and focus on separation but he could be a steal
  20. Detroit Lions- EDGE Marcus Davenport, UTSA- The Lions need to get stronger on the defensive line and grabbing a guy who can come off the edge like Davenport who can start instantly across from Ziggy Ansah.
  21. Cincinnati Bengals– C James Daniels, Iowa- The Bengals need to get stronger on the interior line and drafting a player of Daniels caliber is a great step in the right direction. It may not be a flashy pick but it is the right call here for Cincy.
  22. Cleveland Browns– CB Jaire Alexander, Louisville- Alexander is an instant starter in this draft and gives the Browns the number one CB they’ve been missing since Joe Haden’s healthier days.
  23. Green Bay Packers-CB Josh Jackson, Iowa- The Packers trade back and still upgrade their secondary with one of the best prospects in this draft. Jackson should be able to fill the massive void in the Green Bay secondary from day one.
  24. Carolina Panthers– TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State- Gesicki is a freak. He can split wide or play on the line and give Cam another option in the passing game.
  25. Tennessee Titans– WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama- After Corey Davis and Rishard Matthews the Titans wide outs are sketchy at best. Ridley can step in immediately as a deep threat and make a difference.
  26. Atlanta Falcons– DL Maurice Hurts, Michigan- Hurst is a monster on the defensive line who can get to the QB and will be a welcome addition on the Falcons roster.
  27. New Orleans Saints– TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State- Benjamin Watson isn’t getting younger and Goedert is an all around good tight end who is smooth and athletic and has very good hands. He can help instantly and also fill a void for the future.
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers– LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State- Vander Esch is big, strong, and athletic and can help fill the Ryan Shazier sized void for the Steelers instantly.
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars– LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama- Paul Posluszny retired this offseason, leaving a void in the vaunted Jags defense. Evans lives in the backfield and is extremely instinctive and should be able to start immediately.
  30. Minnesota Vikings– C Billy Price, Ohio State- Price is talented enough to come in and start at guard and fill an immediate void for the Vikings. He can play all three interior line spots.
  31. New England Patriots– QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State- After getting their left tackle earlier in the first round, the Pats grab the heir apparent to Tom Brady with Rudolph. He doesn’t have the strongest arm but is more than accurate enough to step in and learn from the future first ballot hall of famer and become the future of the Patriots for years to come.
  32. Philadelphia Eagles– RB Derrius Guice, LSU- An instinctive wrecking ball of a ball of a back to add to an already talented backfield for the world champs. Guice may be the best RB in this draft when all is said and done.

Round Two

33. Cleveland Browns- OT Connor Williams, Texas

34. New York Giants- RB Ronald Jones II, USC

35. Cleveland Browns- DL Taven Bryan, Florida

 

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, Draft

Pre Free Agency 2018 NFL Mock Draft

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  1. Cleveland Browns- QB Josh Rosen, UCLA
  2. New York Giants-RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
  3. Indianapolis Colts- DE Bradley Chubb, NC St.
  4. Cleveland Browns- DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
  5. Denver Broncos- QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
  6. New York Jets- QB Sam Darnold, USC
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
  8. Chicago Bears- OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
  9. San Francisco 49ers- LB Roquan Smith, Georgia
  10. Oakland Raiders- LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
  11. Miami Dolphins- S Derwin James, Florida State
  12. Cincinnati Bengals- OT Connor Williams, Texas
  13. Washington Redskins- RB Derrius Guice, LSU
  14. Green Bay Packers- TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
  15. Arizona Cardinals- QB Josh Allen, Wyoming
  16. Baltimore Ravens- WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama
  17. Los Angeles Chargers- DL Da’Ron Payne, Alabama
  18. Seattle Seahawks- OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
  19. Dallas Cowboys- WR Courtland Sutton, WR SMU
  20. Detroit Lions- EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College
  21. Buffalo Bills- OT Kolton Miller, UCLA
  22. Buffalo Bills-QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
  23. Los Angeles Rams-EDGE Marcus Davenport, UTSA
  24. Carolina Panthers- S Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
  25. Tennessee Titans- DT Taven Bryan, Florida
  26. Atlanta Falcons- CB Josh Jackson, Iowa
  27. New Orleans Saints- DE Arden Key, LSU
  28. Pittsburgh Steelers- LB Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars- TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
  30. Minnesota Vikings- DL Maurice Hurst, Michigan
  31. New England Patriots- QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
  32. Philadelphia Eagles- EDGE Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Thoughts

“Sons of bitches” or Not, We All Need to Unite as Americans

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When I go to a sporting event, or any other place for that matter, and the national anthem of the United States plays, I place my hand over my heart and face the flag.

It’s just what I’ve always done and what I’ve come to believe is the proper thing to do when the national anthem is played. Now, as a father, I’ve taught my young children to do the same and I hope that in the future they also teach their children to do the same.

My children and I watch sporting events together, both in person and on television. Recently, during many of those games on TV or in person we have seen athletes make the decision to kneel during the playing of our national anthem. Though my kids are young they’ve noticed the players kneeling. My daughter, who is only eight years old, asked me last week, “why is the guy on the TV kneeling during the Star-Spangled Banner? Does that make you mad?”.

My response to her was simple, he’s kneeling because that’s what he feels is right just as we hold our hands over our hearts and face the flag because that is what we feel is right. I continued to tell her that I wasn’t mad, it’s his right as an American to do as he pleases with his freedom of speech and if she ever felt the same way she could also do that. But I hope that she does not have to.

Even though I believe that everyone should stand for the playing of our national anthem, as a tribute to those who gave their lives for this country and allow us to be here demonstrating our freedom of speech, it would be hypocritical of me to tell someone else what to do when they’re only doing what they feel is right.

When Colin Kaepernick first began kneeling for the national anthem, my immediate reaction was that he should stand and respect the flag and those that died protecting it, thus allowing him the opportunity to play a game and make millions of dollars. However, after listening to him and hearing what he wanted to accomplish by protesting silently, I began to understand exactly what he felt. He wasn’t kneeling because of his own injustice or because he was ungrateful for the millions of dollars he has made or the opportunities he has been given, but more so to bring into the light, the darkness that those without such a stage were dealing with.

What started as Colin Kaepernick doing what he felt was right, has turned into a fairly large following of mostly NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustices in this country.

Until tonight, I never felt Like it was something I should write about. As I stated earlier in this piece, I don’t necessarily agree with kneeling, but I understand it. However, comments by President Trump about firing the “sons of bitches” who kneel during the national anthem, while at a rally of his in Alabama struck a chord with me and made me think maybe it’s time I use my freedom of speech and let these thoughts pour out of my head.

There is one thing that bothers me immensely more than someone kneeling for the national anthem ever could and that is hypocrisy.

President Trump’s comments tonight should allow him to be a first ballot member in the hypocrisy Hall of Fame. This is a Man who talks about freedom of speech and how great of a country United States is all while trying to silence anyone who disagrees with him.

Enough is enough.

If you truly want to make America great again, then we need to stop dividing this country and once again become the United States of America by acknowledging that everyone has their basic freedoms such as the freedom of speech that are constitution has given us And because of that has a right to do or say what they feel is necessary. Trump has his right to call anyone sons of bitches, just as those who feel social injustices have the right to kneel during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

The biggest difference is that the comments of the leader of the free world come across as angry, spiteful, and hateful. This is a man who called neo-Nazis in Charlottesville “very fine people” before coming out days later stating that there was blame on “both sides” and yet called those who stage peaceful and quiet protests “Sons of bitches” that deserve to be fired.

What bothers me the most about it, is that maybe these men are trying to make America great again, trying to make the flag stand for everything that it should, a united, peaceful country, where those of all colors and cultures are given the freedom to live as they please. Isn’t that the idea that this country was founded on?

Even more confusing, is why these comments are needed by the president as we are country trying to heal from multiple hurricanes that affected Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. Millions of people need help, food, shelter, and especially in Puerto Rico face months without electricity.

The more bothersome fact is that these comments are not even the most recent batch of ridiculous blabber coming from President Trump when it comes to something other than politics or fixing this country.

Last week, the White House and Trump came out saying that ESPN host Jemele Hill should be fired for a tweet where she called the President a “white supremacist”. While I do not necessarily agree with that statement, when you hold a rally, in Alabama, and get a rise out of calling out black men as “sons of bitches”, the needle starts to sway a little more towards Hill being closer to right than wrong.

jemele

Stop focusing on getting a rise out of people at your rallies and begin to focus on fixing the things that truly matter. The actions of this administration are getting harder and harder to understand or defend.

Whether we are white or black, Asian or Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, or whatever race or nationality we are, the divisiveness needs to stop and we need to realize that there are good and bad people of every race and culture.

Can that happen while Trump is in office? For the sake of my children, I hope so, but I am beginning to lose faith in that.

If this country truly wants to be great again we need to come together not as a race or a culture but as a country and as Americans. Just because you don’t believe in something and you may find it wrong, doesn’t mean that it is wrong. We can have a difference of opinion’s, but if we are going to truly believe that we have the freedom of speech to do or say what we please then we need to stop being hypocrites and allow everyone else those same thoughts and ideals.

This Sunday, when the NFL is set to play its slate of games, here is to hope that ALL players stand or kneel united as one group of “sons of bitches” and as Americans.

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.

Browns, NFL

Browns-Ravens Pregame Thoughts

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  • The Browns held the Steelers and all world running back Le’Veon Bell to just 35 yards rushing last week. The Ravens only threw the ball three times in the second half against Cincinnati last week in a 20-0 victory over the offensively challenged Bengals. QB Joe Flacco only completed one pass of more than 10 yards. Something will have to give. Are the Browns as good against the run as they showed? If so, they could make it a long day for the Ravens offense.
  • Flacco threw just 17 times last week but is notorious for destroying the Browns. Last season he threw for nearly 600 yards and five touchdowns in two games.
  • DeShone Kizer looked very solid last week against a really good Pittsburgh front seven. He will have to be even better today against the Ravens defense which has excellent linebackers. Terrell Suggs seems to be an ageless wonder and CJ Mosley is really coming into his own as an NFL player. Along with youngsters Kamalei Correa and Patrick Onwuasor they are deep and instinctive. The Ravens linebackers all read play action extremely well and also get their hands up quick when rushing which can force even the veteran quarterbacks of the league to throw nearly a handful of interceptions (looking at you Andy Dalton).
  • The Ravens secondary is also very good. It’s a veteran mix that will prove to be a challenge for the Browns young wide outs. Safeties Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle are extremely talented ball hawks who can also tackle.
  • Cleveland will have seven wide outs dressed for Sunday’s game after bringing Rashard Higgins up from the practice squad. The Ravens will have only a few corners healthy for the game with Jaylen Hill and Sheldon Price both ruled out. That leaves talented corners Brandon Carr, Jimmy Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and nickel back Ladarius Webb as the only healthy corners. Maybe by adding Higgins the Browns are hoping to beat the talented secondary by using fresh men on a consistent basis against an undermanned unit.
  • While they may try to use their depth to win in the passing game, it’ll be the running game they determines whether or not the Browns win this game. Isaiah Crowell carries 17 times last week for just 33 yards and looked hesitant at the line of scrimmage. The Browns and especially Kizer will need him to be more decisive. If the line opens holes for him, he needs to stick his foot in the ground and go. They can’t win this game without a solid contribution from Crowell.
  • The play above accounted for a loss of yards. That is a huge hole to run through by NFL standards.
  • Kenny Britt’s drop on second and 19 last week may have cost the Browns the game. Yes, there were other factors that contributed to the loss, I get that. On the play before Britt’s drop, Browns center JC Tretter was destroyed by Steelers defensive linemen Javon Hargrave who pushed Tretter back like he was on roller skates for a sack of Kizer and a nine yard loss. On the next play, the rookie QB moved forward in the pocket, went through his progressions, and found a wide open Britt near the first down marker only to see his vet wide out drop it. Drops are a part of the game but that play needs to be made. All the momentum was trending in the Browns direction and that hurt.
  • The Browns are a much improved team all around. They proved that last week. In order to beat this Ravens team they will have to shut down the run game and keep veteran wide outs Mike Wallace and Jeremy Marlin from making big plays. Look for Greg Williams to use a similar strategy to what he used last week against the Steelers where he sent his safeties back 20-25 yards from the line of scrimmage to keep the corners from getting beat deep. The game plan all but nullified deep threat Martavis Bryant last week.
  • While I think the Browns have an excellent chance at winning this game, there is just as good a chance that they get blown out. The Baltimore defense is really talented. The linebackers look like they can give a rookie QB nightmares whether they are hitting him or knocking his passes around to cause turnovers. Kizer will have to take what the defense gives him which means Duke Johnson could be the key to a win with Kizer completing dump-off passes to the Swiss Army knife out of Miami. If Duke can break one or two, flip the field, it would go a long way to helping his QB and team.
  • With all things considered I think the Browns will play well, but fall short in a 16-13 loss in Baltimore.
  • Fantasy guys to have in this game: Duke in PPR leagues. Corey Coleman and Kizer have a connection and he will likely lead the Browns in targets. He could be a high WR3. You could also run out Maclin or Wallace in deep leagues as WR3 or flex. Javorious Allen is the Ravens version of Duke and also gets carries out of the backfield, he could be a deep flex guy. The real wildcard here is Flacco, who always kills the Browns. He’s a risk due to his back, but could be high reward if you roll with him.
  • Pictures in this article courtesy of the NFL, CBS, and NFL Gamepass app.
Browns, NFL

Predicting the Browns 53 Man Roster

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Following a 4-0 preseason, the Browns will be faced with some tough decisions as they cut the roster from 90 players to 53 by 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

Here are my predictions for each spot:

QB (3)

DeShone Kizer, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan

RB (3)

Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, Matthew Dayes

FB (1)

Dan Vitale

WR (6)

Corey Coleman, Kenny Britt, Rashard Higgins, Ricardo Louis, Jordan Leslie, Rannel Hall. Could also see Hall or Leslie being let go in favor of a waiver wire pickup.

TE (3)

David Njoku, Seth DeValve, Randall Telfair

OLine (8)

Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, JC Tretter, Kevin Zeitler, Shon Coleman, John Greco, Austin Reiter, Rod Johnson

DE (5)

Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, Tyrone Holmes, Carl Nassib, Nate Orchard

DT (5)

Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder, Larry Ogunjobi, Trevon Coley, Caleb Brantley

LB (6)

Christian Kirksey, Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert, Dominique Alexander, probably two waiver guys.

CB (5)

Jason McCourty, Jamar Taylor, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Marcus Burley, Trey Caldwell

S (5)

Jabrill Peppers, Derrick Kindred, Ibraheim Campbell, Kai Nacua, Calvin Pryor III

Special Teams (3)

K Zane Gonzalez

P Britton Colquitt

LS Charlie Hughlett

Practice Squad players from current roster: Channing Stribling, Najee Murray, Kenneth Olugbode, BJ Bello, Karter Schult

Browns, NFL

Haden Says Goodbye to Browns, Hello to Steelers

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Berea— Earlier on Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of seven-year veteran and two-time pro bowler Joe Haden. The move saved the Browns $7 million, leaving them to pay just $4 million of the $11.1 million he was owed for the 2017 season. Of course they would only owe that money if Haden signs a deal for less with another team.

Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers who signed Haden to a three-year, $27 million contract just after 4 p.m. eastern time on Wednesday. The deal is basically a one-year deal worth $7 million that allows the former first round pick to play with a winning team for roughly the same he would’ve been paid to play for the rebuilding Browns.

Haden, who three years ago may have been the best cornerback in the league, has dealt with a number of injuries that have slowed him down. The injuries to his groin and legs have restricted his change of direction ability and forced him to change the way he plays. If he can get his mind and body right, a big if, he can be a huge addition for the Browns AFC North rival.

In a statement, Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Sashi Brown said,

We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field. He has been a great teammate and true asset to the Cleveland community.

These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe, and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown.

Haden added a statement on his Instagram account, stating,

I’d first like to take the time to thank Browns fans all around the world from the bottom of my heart for making Cleveland a happy home for the past seven years. I want to thank my coaches, the organization, and especially my teammates who have become family.

My god doesn’t make mistakes and I know the future is bright.

Good luck Joe. It’s been a pleasure.

For more of my thoughts, check out the video below where I discuss Haden, Cam Erving whom the Browns dealt to Kansas City for fifth-round pick, Chicago, and Cody Kessler.

 

Browns, Draft, NFL

Browns Sign Njoku

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The Cleveland Browns announced that they have  signed first-round pick TE David Njoku to his four-year rookie contract on Thursday. 

The Browns have now signed nine of their 10 2017 draft picks, including DL Myles Garrett (first round), QB DeShone Kizer (second round), DL Larry Ogunjobi (third round), DB Howard Wilson (fourth round), OL Rod Johnson (fifth round), DL Caleb Brantley (sixth round), K Zane Gonzalez (seventh round) and RB Matthew Dayes (seventh round). Only first round selection Jabril Peppers remains unsigned. 

Njoku, the 29th selection overall in the 2017 NFL draft, played 26 career games at Miami (Fl) and finished his career with 1060 yards on 64 catches. He is expected to challenge for immediate playing time on the Browns offense. 

Browns, NFL

Kizer Signs Rookie Deal

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The Cleveland Browns and rookie QB DeShone Kizer have agreed to terms on four-year rookie contract. The deal is worth just under $5 million and includes a $1.7 million signing bonus. 

Kizer, the 52nd overall pick in the 2017 draft out of Notre Dame, is expected to begin the season as the third quarterback on the depth chart. He has seen most of his snaps in this weeks minicamp with the first teamers however and has looked decent, but like a rookie, in his limited action. 

The Toledo native will be a project but has the skills to be a very good quarterback in the NFL.