Cleveland Browns Ongoing Thread

[SteelersPride]

I wouldn't mind Dix, if they are looking for a veteran leader Jenkins would be suitable even though he is on the decline. I trade for Harris giving up a 3rd at best is a dream scenario.

that would be absolutely great, i jsut dont know that they are going to part , or part for that Jenkins would be acceptable as well. I just think Dix has gas left in the tank, Hes not great, but hes serviceable, and can help. Ive always been a fan. I really wanted us to snag him before he want to chicago

 

[Wamu]

So what do you guys think of the Browns FA so far and what needs do they still need to fulfill? @Across The Field @Wamu @dtgold88

QB - They overpaid again a little for Keenum but this is more about having a veteran for Baker and if something were to happen Keenum has proven he can be a decent starter. So you are paying for leadership and helping out Baker...along with a safety net.

OL - They badly needed reliable tackles, they got one in Conklin on the right side and they can possibly secure the left side with the #10 pick

TE - Did they overpay for Hooper? Sure but now we don't have to rely on Njoku, he is basically a safety net and a guy that can possibly thrive in a 2 TE set so really both TE's could benefit from this move. So this was more of a strategic move to fit Stefanski's system and their gameplan.

So now they need address the defense and depth. BIGGEST NEEDS are safety/secondary and LB core.

If they can trade for Anthony Harris and somehow only give up a 3rd coupled with another pick...that would be huge. If not, who would be the best fit at safety in FA?

Options : Malcolm Jenkins, Clinton-Dix, Karl Joseph, Rashad Jones, Vonn Bell...I think at this point Randall is gone.

Also, need to figure out LB core and I'm this will be addressed in the draft for mid to late rounds but needs to be addressed in FA as well.

Options : Nigel Bradham, Mychal Kendricks, De'Vondre Campbell...no many options at least that I know

I also think CB depth needs to be addressed..right now Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams and Terrance Mitchell are the guys but Ward and Greedy have already battled the injury bug early in their career.

Nice breakdown. I'd like to see Mayfield work with a QB coach during the off season, which is bit difficult given the current situation obviously. But for some bizarre reason he doesn't think he needs to do that. The numbers say something else. Last season he was dead last in TD to int ratio- 22/21. And his passer rating was next to last, 78.8.

 

[dtgold88]

So what do you guys think of the Browns FA so far and what needs do they still need to fulfill? @Across The Field @Wamu @dtgold88

QB - They overpaid again a little for Keenum but this is more about having a veteran for Baker and if something were to happen Keenum has proven he can be a decent starter. So you are paying for leadership and helping out Baker...along with a safety net.

OL - They badly needed reliable tackles, they got one in Conklin on the right side and they can possibly secure the left side with the #10 pick

TE - Did they overpay for Hooper? Sure but now we don't have to rely on Njoku, he is basically a safety net and a guy that can possibly thrive in a 2 TE set so really both TE's could benefit from this move. So this was more of a strategic move to fit Stefanski's system and their gameplan.

So now they need address the defense and depth. BIGGEST NEEDS are safety/secondary and LB core.

If they can trade for Anthony Harris and somehow only give up a 3rd coupled with another pick...that would be huge. If not, who would be the best fit at safety in FA?

Options : Malcolm Jenkins, Clinton-Dix, Karl Joseph, Rashad Jones, Vonn Bell...I think at this point Randall is gone.

Also, need to figure out LB core and I'm this will be addressed in the draft for mid to late rounds but needs to be addressed in FA as well.

Options : Nigel Bradham, Mychal Kendricks, De'Vondre Campbell...no many options at least that I know

I also think CB depth needs to be addressed..right now Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams and Terrance Mitchell are the guys but Ward and Greedy have already battled the injury bug early in their career.

Before reading your comments one of my first thoughts is clearly the FO and coaches are on same page. Coaches tell them what they need and they go get it. Refreshing.

Next...idea by some that haslem would not spend, analytics means no stud FAs and tanking, no FAs will come here, etc. was proven to be absurd.

On to the players and your comments.....

QB - wouldn't even consider this an overpay. seems to be the going rate for a solid backup QB. He's exactly what you described. would only add in a guy who knows the offense (which I guess goes into helping out Baker)

OT - Honestly thought while he did get a lot he would get more. Everything I hear is he is among the best in runblocking in our scheme. Not great at pass blocking but seems like he's at least OK.

TE - Spent a lot of time in car the day of signings and nearly everyone said a very good signing. He's not elite but he is right behind Kittle and Kelce (and maybe Ertz). Catches everything that comes his way. seems like a lot of $$ now, but by time new CBA comes he might be considered underpaid (in a couple years).

agree it's now time to focus on D.

would also add it's clear these guys frontloaded deals so they would have flexibility in 2-3 years when it is time to pay Garrett, Ward, Chubb and hopefully Baker.

 

[dtgold88]

I wouldn't mind Dix, if they are looking for a veteran leader Jenkins would be suitable even though he is on the decline. I trade for Harris giving up a 3rd at best is a dream scenario.

I like it....but guessing they only do this if Harris is willing to sign a similar deal than the others. Frontloaded and where they value him.

 

[dtgold88]

Nice breakdown. I'd like to see Mayfield work with a QB coach during the off season, which is bit difficult given the current situation obviously. But for some bizarre reason he doesn't think he needs to do that. The numbers say something else. Last season he was dead last in TD to int ratio- 22/21. And his passer rating was next to last, 78.8.

agree more work the better, but very possible they think he is going to resemble 2018 Baker and not 2019. I doubt they take the job without having faith in him. In addition, I think they might go after a better starter than keenum if they lacked confidence in baker.

Isn't to say I don't like Keenum or that signing. He's perfect if they have faith in baker....he can teach him the offense and he's among the best backups if he had to play.

 

[Shanemansj13]

What I am really excited about is the running game. I mean look what Chubb did with below average OL play and no fullback. Now they got him one of the best FB's in the league, added Conklin a very nice run blocker then if they can add say Andrew Thomas at LT (who is a very good run blocker as well)...the sky is the limit for Chubb. Unstoppable last season when he had the ball but this year could be legendary...teams will play for the run which will open up PA (Baker's forte) and the passing game. Love the idea of this offensive scheme with these players...still got a lot of work to do on defense though imo

Defensive depth chart as of right now

DE - Garrett
DT - Ogunjobi
DT - Richardson
DE - Vernon
OLB - B.J. Goodson
MLB - Mack Wilson
OLB - Sion Takitaki
CB - Ward
CB - Greedy and Mitchell
FS - Sheldrick Redwine
SS - Karl Joseph

Safety and LB is still a huge need and the obvious weakness of this defense. But I expect them to hit these areas hard in the draft after the 1st round.

Guys I like for safety and LB:

LB
Kenneth Murray
Patrick Queen
Willie Gay Jr.
Malik Harrison
Joe Bachie

S (haven't looked at safeties as much)
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Jeremy Chinn
Jordan Fuller
Kyle Dugger


IF they want to draft a slot guy KJ Hamler or Tyler Johnson would be good options for that 3rd WR. Also I like Hodgins from Oregon St and Quintez Cephus from Wisky.

 

[dtgold88]

Not as big of a need @Shanemansj13 but like the Billings signing for depth.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Not as big of a need @Shanemansj13 but like the Billings signing for depth.

Yeah a cheap, depth signing there. Only 25 years old too

 

[dtgold88]

Yeah a cheap, depth signing there. Only 25 years old too

Seems like all their signings are coming off rookie deals in the 25-27 range.

Will say while I wouldn't overpay for a guy well past his prime, a couple guys in their 30s for leadership wouldn't hurt.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Seems like all their signings are coming off rookie deals in the 25-27 range.

Will say while I wouldn't overpay for a guy well past his prime, a couple guys in their 30s for leadership wouldn't hurt.

Yeah but it all depends on the player though imo. A guy can be a 5th or 6th year guy and they can be a veteran. But yeah I agree, the Browns need more leadership, period. Kinda why Jenkins made sense but he got $8M a year. I venture to say Joseph will get half of that or less.

 

[dtgold88]

Yeah but it all depends on the player though imo. A guy can be a 5th or 6th year guy and they can be a veteran. But yeah I agree, the Browns need more leadership, period. Kinda why Jenkins made sense but he got $8M a year. I venture to say Joseph will get half of that or less.

That's a good point...and if he wanted a guy as young as Garrett could be a leader.

But those old guys can lead not just in an emotional way but can be a huge help on the field I would think

 

[Shanemansj13]

I’m thinking the Browns will be in the running for Everson Griffen, for multiple reason. Minny guy like Stefanski. Not sure how much he is wanting but he turned down $10M from Minny. If the Browns could get him for anything cheaper than Vernon’s $15.5 I think that would be great. Imo he is an upgrade and if they could get him at a lower price as well...all the more, then they would cut Vernon

@dtgold88

 

[dtgold88]

I’m thinking the Browns will be in the running for Everson Griffen, for multiple reason. Minny guy like Stefanski. Not sure how much he is wanting but he turned down $10M from Minny. If the Browns could get him for anything cheaper than Vernon’s $15.5 I think that would be great. Imo he is an upgrade and if they could get him at a lower price as well...all the more, then they would cut Vernon

@dtgold88

Have heard he has some personality issues, but guess stefanski would know if he could deal with them.

In fact, could even sign Griffin and keep Vernon as Vernon comes off books after season.....unless they need Vernon $$ to sign someone else.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Have heard he has some personality issues, but guess stefanski would know if he could deal with them.

In fact, could even sign Griffin and keep Vernon as Vernon comes off books after season.....unless they need Vernon $$ to sign someone else.

Yeah good point. I’m not sure if they would do that or not but if they signed Griffin to say a $14M a year....I think the estimation is they would have around $16-18M of cap space which would still give them flexibility to go after some more guys, sign draft picks and even sign LarryO if they wanted to an extension during the season.

 

[dtgold88]

Yeah good point. I’m not sure if they would do that or not but if they signed Griffin to say a $14M a year....I think the estimation is they would have around $16-18M of cap space which would still give them flexibility to go after some more guys, sign draft picks and even sign LarryO if they wanted to an extension during the season.

Only going by reports, but saw a couple saying Griffin should get $7-8 mil. If it's $14 mil, I cannot imagine they'd keep Vernon as one would be a $14-15 mil backup.

I really hope their eyes are on the Rams to see what NOT to do. Thinking our FO is trying to win now and prepare for the future.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Only going by reports, but saw a couple saying Griffin should get $7-8 mil. If it's $14 mil, I cannot imagine they'd keep Vernon as one would be a $14-15 mil backup.

I really hope their eyes are on the Rams to see what NOT to do. Thinking our FO is trying to win now and prepare for the future.

Even better, I thought he turned down the last year in Minny at $10M but I think it was more about he just wanted to move on from the franchise

 

[Shanemansj13]

This Browns-Lions Draft Trade Could Actually Net Cleveland Isaiah Simmons

Saw this little article. IMO I think the Browns are more likely to trade down than up but if the Browns were to trade for Trent Williams I think somehow trading up to get Isiah Simmons is the BEST move (not all the way up to #3 though, that seems very unrealistic) but adding Kareem Hunt in the trade makes it a little more realistic. I just don't see Hunt being traded.

Now, as far as Isiah Simmons. I think he can be a monster. If the Browns get Trent or another reliable OT in FA I am ALL-IN in trading up to get Simmons. The Browns major weakness is LB. Pairing Mack Wilson and Simmons could be exciting to watch.
BUT if the Browns do not go after an OT in FA...they need to draft it with their 1st RD pick.

 

[PaPadresfan]

I don't try to guess "What If's" with new players, I just want this team to play like they want to win a damn football game every week. Then maybe the dark cloud that lingers over this team will finally move away and smiles will be here like the days of the past.

 

[Shanemansj13]

I don't try to guess "What If's" with new players, I just want this team to play like they want to win a damn football game every week. Then maybe the dark cloud that lingers over this team will finally move away and smiles will be here like the days of the past.

And we know Freddie wasn’t that guy to instill the fire in these young guys...so many “what if” games they should have won. I’m a fan of Stefanski’s system and it’s a style the 49ers used. It just reminds me of the days of hard nosed football. It could help open up the offense and imo the best player on the team more touches, Nick Chubb. The guy is a monster.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Something I saw that was interesting, betting odds on Baker’s numbers. Probably what we thought last season and in this offense anything can happen but do these not seem to low...

Passing TD’s

• Over 23.5 -110
• Under 23.5 -110

Passing Yards

• Over 3857.5 -110
• Under 3875.5 -11