Owner: Dawg Pound South URL:http://dawgpoundsouth.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:33:07 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: News and opinions about the Cleveland Browns, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. Written by a life-long fan for the most tortured, die-hard fans in the world. Site statistics:Click here
Antwan Peek to boost pass rush 2007-03-13 15:43:00 A day after landing Steinbach, the Browns announced the signing of LB Antwan Peek from the Houston Texans. Personally, I love this signing. One, it could be the best "sleeper" signing of free agency. Second, Peek is a fellow alumnus of my alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, and I've been a fan of his for years. Peek's signing reunited him with defensive coordinator Todd Gratham, who coached him while with the Texans.Peek has great speed, quickness, and athletism. In fact, in high school he was a two-sport star in basketball and as a wide receiver in football. He still holds the Bearcats' career records for sacks (27.5) and tackles for loss (56) despite being double teamed his last two seasons. His draft prospect profile can be found here.Peek was drafted in the 3rd round of 2003 by the Texans and spent his first two seasons battling nagging injuries and learning the transition from a 4-3 college DE to a 3-4 pro LB. His third season (2005) he began to show his potential as he s
First signing: Steinbach to aid O-line 2007-03-13 04:54:00 Ok, so let's review the signing
s thus far. The first guy the Browns nabbed was former Bengals offensive lineman Eric Steinbach. He started 62 of the 63 games he appeared in, and while primarily a guard, he also saw time at left tackle and center. Steinbach was drafted in 2003 in the 2nd round out of Iowa by the Bungles. He was reportedly on the Browns draft radar that year, but after taking center Jeff Faine in the 1st round, the Browns chose not to pick another lineman and instead drafted LB Chaun Thompson in the 2nd.According the the Plain Dealer, Steinbach was so impressed with the Browns that he cancelled his planned visits to other teams and signed immediately with the Browns. "This is my first visit and I kind of had a gut feeling. As soon as I sat down and talked to the coaches and the personnel people up in the front office, I knew this was the right place for me." Steinbach said. His contract is reportedly worth $49.5 million, with $17 million guaranteed.I think this is a goo Read more:First
Browns Free Agency Frenzy 2007-03-12 03:29:00 What a couple of weeks it has been! I've been thinking about starting this blog for a couple of months, but thought, "Ehh..its the off-season, there's not much to talk about....I'll wait until training camp." Now I wish that I had started a few weeks ago! Phil Savage has been very active this off-season. Over the next few days, I'll give my reaction and opinion of the moves made thus far. Read more:Browns
Browns add another offensive lineman 2007-03-15 16:29:00 The Browns
signed free agent G/C Seth McKinney to a one-year contract.McKinney was a 2002 3rd round pick by the Miami Dolphins out of Texas A&M. He has played all 5 years of his career with Miami, starting 34. He's listed as 6'3" and 305 lbs.My guess is that he will compete for a starting guard spot and also serve as a backup to C Hank Fraley. One possible scenario: If RT Ryan Tucker is unable to return and Eric Steinbach is moved to tackle, then this acquisition becomes even more important as McKinney would then likely start at guard. Read more:lineman
Browns sign DT Robaire Smith 2007-03-15 04:36:00 After a few quiet days of free agency, the Browns
struck again, this time landing DT Robaire Smith
from the Tennessee Titans. Smith was a player the Browns had targeted from the beginning and addressed a huge need.Smith has 8 years of NFL experience, playing his first 4 with the Titans before going to the Houston Texans (where he was coached by Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham) as a free agent. He played for 2 years with the Texans before being cut when new coach Gary Kubiak switched to a 4-3 defense. Smith has 246 career tackles, with a high 68 in 2005. He has 15.5 career sacks, with a high of 4.5 in 2003. He is listed as a DT, but is projected to play DE for the Browns. Although not a household name, this should be a good signing for the Browns. Smith knows Todd Grantham and should step in and be an immediate upgrade over Alvin McKinley. In addition, he hasn't missed a game since 2002, which means he is due for a season ending knee injury followed by a staph infection.
Terrelle Smith released 2007-03-15 03:58:00 FB Terrelle Smith
has had his contract terminated by the Browns. Smith was due a roster bonus of an undisclosed sum this week and, with the emergence of 6th round draft pick Lawrence Vickers, was seen as expendable. Last year the Browns indicated that they wanted their fullback to be more versatile, that is, capable of running and catching the ball out of the backfield. Vickers fits that bill more so than Smith, plus he's less of a cap hit.Smith was signed away from the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 2004. A bruising blocker, in his 3 seasons with the Browns he had only 18 carries for 32 yards rushing and zero TDs. He caught 27 passes for 118 yards and 1 TD. My favorite Terrelle Smith moment is from his first regular season game as a Browns. The Browns were playing the Ravens, and on their first play from scrimmage handed off to William Green. Smith went through the hole, found Ray Lewis, and drove him to the ground. That play set the tone for the game and the Browns won 20-3.
Off-season analysis 2007-03-16 16:02:00 The Akron Beacon Journal's Patrick McManamon provides a nice overview and analysis of free agency so far.It's encouraging that even after Eric Steinbach signed, the Browns offered Kris Dielman of the San Diego Chargers $49 million to sign. Its nice to see the Browns putting some emphasis on building the o-line, but free agency hasn't proven an effective way to build a good line thus far. I would like to see the Browns also add a linemen during the first day of the draft. If LT Joe Thomas is available the Browns should take him. If not, they should look at the best lineman available in round 2.
Best RB Tandems 2007-03-15 21:13:00 I found a reference on one of my favorite NFL news sites, Profootballtalk.com, to an article on the Sports Illustrated site ranking the top 10 running back tandems in the NFL. What Profootballtalk found odd (and I agree) is that LaDanian Tomlinson and Michael Turner didn't make the list. Come on! You could pair my mother-in-law with LT and still have a top 10 backfield (she's pretty nimble for 83).What I also found interesting is that the #10 pair is Brandon Jacobs & Reuben Droughns. Droughns is coming off a down year with the Browns and Jacobs has a limited resume to say the least. I would think that there would at least a couple of teams with a better tandem than that (but at this point, the Browns aren't one of them).
Browns add another DT Smith 2007-03-17 21:32:00 The Browns
acquired defensive tackle Shaun Smith
from the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday. Smith was a restricted free agent, giving the Bengals a chance to match the offer sheet Smith signed with the Browns. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement, "For our offseason and future planning, we have chosen to allocate our cap resources in a different direction." Generally, when restricted free agents are signed, the signing team has to compensate the players original team with draft picks. However, because Smith was undrafted, the Browns owe the Bengals nothing. Smith, signed as a free agent out of South Carolina, has been in the league three years as a backup DT with the Bengals. He recorded 14 tackles in 13 games last year. His best season was 2005 when he had 25 tackles. He has never recorded a sack in his NFL career.At 6-2, 325 lbs, the Browns project Smith as a nose tackle in the 3-4. He is expected to compete with Ted Washington for the starting spot. I think this says
Terrelle Smith almost traded 2007-03-17 05:04:00 Per Profootballtalk.com, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Green Bay Packers were one of four teams who were interested in trading for Terrelle Smith
before the Browns cut him.My only thought is that maybe the roster bonus that Smith was due would have had to be paid regardless of if he was traded, and nobody, including the Browns, wanted to pay it so the Browns cut him. Otherwise they certainly would have traded him, even if just for a 6th or 7th round draft pick....wouldn't they?
Top 10 Free agent moves 2007-03-19 03:23:00 This article which appeared in the Detroit Free Press last week lists their opinion of the top 10 free agent moves
so far. They list the signing on Jamal Lewis as #6 and the signing of Eric Steinbach as #8. Personally I would have listed those the other way around. Among trades, they rank the Droughns-Carter trade at #4.
Phil on the way out? 2007-03-18 14:28:00 Phil Dawson may be on his way out of Cleveland. The Miami Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely in free agency and are no longer in need of the services of Olindo Mare, but the Dolphins are trying to trade Mare rather than release him and receive nothing. The Miami herald reports that the Browns are one of 4 teams that have expressed an interest in Mare.An 8-year veteran, Dawson has made 82.1% career field goals. Last season he went 21 off 29 (72%), his worse season ever. In his 10 season, Mare has made 80.9% of his FG attemps and went 26 of 36 (72%) last year.I can't see the Browns giving up a draft pick for Mare. In doing so, they would be acquiring someone 2 years older with nearly identical career and last-season stats. There are usually a few decent unsigned kickers available around the start of training camp if the Browns want to bring in someone to compete with Dawson. Another possibility is that the Browns could use a late round draft pick on a kicker or sign an undrafted ro
Comings & goings 2007-03-18 04:31:00 Ace Davis has a nice analysis on his blog of who's come and gone so far during free agency for Cleveland. Read more:Comings
Rumors: Good news & Bad news 2007-03-19 14:46:00 I heard & read a couple of rumors today. Keep in mind, these are just rumors and haven't been verified by the players or by the Browns.First the good news: A friend told me that The Orange & Brown Report (Scout.com) reported that LeCharles Bentley won't need another surgery and should be ready to play by October. I looked all over the site and couldn't find a word about this, so I am skeptical. This would be great news if true!Now the bad news: Profootballtalk.com is reporting that the Browns have concerns about whether Kellen Winslow will be able to play in 2007 or ever again for that matter. While this is a possiblility, as the microfracture surgery is a major one, it seems to me that it is too early to determine Winslow's availability next season and especially beyond. One small possibility is that this information is erroneous, but was intentionally leaked to increase the speculation that the Browns would draft play-maker WR Calvin Johnson. Some mock drafts have Johnson fal
Friedman adds to Offensive Line Depth 2007-03-21 03:19:00 The Browns announced that they resigned C/G Lennie Friedman
to a one year contract. Friedman was a free agent who received little interest from other teams.Resigning Friedman is a smart move. He will help provide depth, versatility, and experience to a line that seems to be ravaged by injuries every year. Read more:Offensive
, Depth
Winslow debunks rumor 2007-03-21 03:11:00 On the Browns official website is an interview with Kellen Winslow
, in which he states that his rehab is progressing well saying, "As far as my rehab goes, I am ahead of schedule. I'll be back by training camp, if not before."Earlier in the week a rumor on the internet claimed that Winslows season, and possibly career, were in jeopardy. "I don't even know where that came from - I don't know who said that," he said. "But I love to prove people wrong. That's fuel for me. I'll be back. People continue to count me out, and that lights my fire."Whew.
Free Agency Grades 2007-03-20 16:17:00 So how have the Browns done in free agency relative to everyone else? The Huddle Report grades each team and rates Cleveland's efforts at an A-. This report was prepared before Smith & Smith were signed however, so it's probably more like a solid A now.Also, if you are keeping score at home, the Browns are tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for most players signed during free agency, with 7. In the AFC North, the Steelers and Bengals have each signed 1 player, while the Ravens have zero (although they did make a big trade for Bills' RB Willie McGahee).
NFL Draft Speculation 2007-03-22 20:28:00 This time of year is absolutely crazy with speculation and rumor about who teams are going to draft. And 99% of the time the speculation is nothing more than a wrong guess. It's the NFL's own version of March Madness.For some time, the consensus among NFL draft "experts" (often anyone with a website or blog), was that the Browns were leaning toward drafting RB Adrian Peterson. This compilation of mock drafts, the "Mock Draft
Muncher" shows as much. However, this was compiled 2 weeks ago, and a lot has changed in two weeks.One persistent rumor is that the Oakland Raiders, who own the #1 pick, plan to trade WR Randy Moss (possibly to Green Bay). If this were to happen, Oakland would have a need for WR Calvin Johnson, thought to be the best player in the draft by many. This could possibly drop QB JeMarcus Russell into the Browns lap at #3, assuming Detroit takes OT Joe Thomas, as predicted.I have also read that some teams think that decent running backs can be found throughout the Read more:NFL Draft
What a joke! 2007-03-28 02:14:00 Just days after announcing their desire to enact a new, tougher personal conduct policy in lieu of all the arrests league-wide the past couple of years, the NFL released their primetime schedule which features the Ravens at Bengals to open the Monday night football schedule.What better way to show that crime doesn't pay then to rewards two teams that have been the poster-children for bad behavior with a nationally televised week 1 primetime game.
Browns FA Grades, Part 1--Who's gone 2007-03-27 04:44:00 Since most of the big free agency action is likely over, I thought I'd give my own grades on how the Browns
have done. First up, who Cleveland didn't resign.**Free agents lost: S Brian Russell (Seattle), WR Dennis Northcutt (Jacksonville), DE Alvin McKinley (Denver). While Jones and Pool bring more athleticism to the safety positions than Russell, the Browns will miss his leadership in the secondary. Plus, he is responsible for one of the best hits of the reborn Browns, when he nearly knocked Chad Johnson's head off. Dennis Northcutt is still one of the most dangerous punt returners in the league, but as a WR he drops too many passes, and overall is not worth nearly what the Jaguars are paying him. McKinley is better suited as a situational backup than a full-time starter. He likely won't be missed. GRADE: B. Would be an A if they had kept Russell.**Status unresolved: CB Ralph Brown, G Cosey Coleman, DE Nick Eason, T Nat Dorsey, DT Ethan Kelley, LB Mason Unck. Brown and Do
Green to Browns? 2007-03-30 14:23:00 The latest news coming out of the NFL meetings in Phoenix is that Cleveland GM Phil Savage has talked to the Kansas City Chiefs' GM about acquiring QB Trent Green
. This comes just days after Savage proclaimed that the team had no plans to bring in a veteran QB, and were comfortable with either Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson.I don't see this happening for a couple of reasons. First, Green can veto any trades. He has already expressed his desire to play for the Dolphins and head coach Cam Cameron, who coached him in Washington. Also, the guy is coming off of a major head injury. The last place he's going to want to be is behind the Browns
offensive line, until the unit can prove that it is finally functional.Second, Green is owed $7.2 million next season. Unless he takes a pay cut, I can't see the Browns picking up that tab.If the Browns do go after a veteran QB, I think it would be a younger player who needs a change of scenery or a chance to start. Joey Harrington & David Ca
I'm back 2007-04-22 23:12:00 Sorry for not posting for so long. My wife just had our second child 10 days ago. The weeks leading up to it were a frenzy of getting things wrapped up at work and getting the house ready. The 10 days since have been crazy as we try to balance keeping our 3-year old happy and re-adjusting to the schedule (or lack thereof) of a newborn. I plan to start posting some final thoughts about free agency and previewing the draft, starting tonight.
Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin 2007-04-24 04:40:00 The consensus best lineman in the draft is Joe Thomas
, the freakishly athletic left tackle from Wisconsin
. He is expected to be drafted in the top 5, and possibly as early as 2nd by Detroit. Experts think that while Thomas is worthy of such a high pick, he is still not at the elite level of guys like Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, or Jonathan Ogden.Personally, this is who I want the Browns to pick. Its not a flashy, sexy pick, but it would address the biggest need of the reborn Browns and provide a solid starter for the next 10 years.
Draft needs 2007-04-23 23:32:00 Looking at the team following the recent free-agent acquisitions, I think the biggest team needs, in order are:Offensive line--free agency made it better, but still no stars.Defensive line--same story. Could use a young end and dominate nose tackle.Cornerback--what seemed to be the strongest spot a year ago has been devastated by injury.Running back--Jamal Lewis is a big question mark and is only signed for 1 season.Quarterback--Neither Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson looked like the answer last season, but between the awful line and change in offensive coordinator even Peyton Manning would have looked bad.Wide receiver--Braylon Edwards is talented, but a distraction last year. Joe Jurevicius is solid but probably only has a few years left. Travis Wilson barely saw the field last year and Tim Carter has yet to live up to his billing.At CB & DL there are no players worthy of being drafted #3, so unless the Browns trade down, its likely they will take one of the "fab five": QB JaMarcu Read more:Draft
Browns FA Grades, Part 2--New Arrivals 2007-04-23 05:05:00 Eric Steinbach--G--One of the best lineman available in this free agency and the Browns
biggest area of need. Not a superstar, but solid and young. Grade: A.Antwan Peek--LB--Quiet career so far. Just starting to blossom in Texans 3-4 when they switched to 4-3. Great upside. Grade: B+.Robaire Smith--DT/DE--Another casualty of the Texans switch to a 4-3. Should provide an upgrade over Alvin McKinley on the line. Grade: B+.Seth McKinney--C/G--After missing a year due to injury, not sure what level he be playing at, but may challenge for a starting spot, or at the least will serve as a versatile backup capable of playing any of the interior line positions. Grade: B.Shaun Smith--DT/NT--A career backup for the Bengals, Smith has good size & youth. Browns hoping that after a year learning from Ted Washington, he will be ready to start. Browns taking a gamble, but there is good upside and very little risk. Grade: B.Jamal Lewis--RB--I've had a hard time with this one. I've disliked Lewis for
What I hope happens 2007-04-28 05:49:00 My wish list for the Browns first pick in order of preference:Trade down (1 to 10 spots) and pick up a couple extra first day picksDraft Joe ThomasDraft Calvin Johnson (and possibly trade him)Draft Adrian PetersonDraft Brady QuinnDraft Jamarcus RussellIf the Browns do trade down a few spots, they still may be able to get one of the players above. If they trade down 6 or more spots, I think they might draft OT Levi Brown or a defensive lineman or cornerback.If the Browns take anyone other than Joe Thomas in the 1st, they should definitely take an offensive lineman in the second, possibly G Ben Grubbs of Auburn, and then take a CB or D-lineman in the 3rd. If the Browns do take Thomas in the 1st, they should take a CB or D-lineman in the 2nd, and RB Michael Bush of Louisville in the 3rd.
The case against drafting a QB 2007-04-28 05:36:00 As I've said before, I hope that the Browns don't draft a quarterback in the first round, for a couple of reasons.First, taking a QB is risky, as they tend to have a high probability of being a bust regardless of their college resume. Taking one early in the first round only means that a team must spend millions in guaranteed money before they know if they have a bust. An analysis on ESPN.com's Page 2 shows that since 1989, QBs drafted in the first round have been busts 53% of the time. I don't like those odds, and the Browns have been anything but lucky lately. This team cannot take the risk of wasting millions of dollars and several more years of mediocrity with so many other glaring needs.Second, Charlie Frye (or possibly Derek Anderson) has not been given time to establish himself. The team committed to Frye as their QB of the future just 2 years ago, and it is too early to give up on that. True, he has won only 5 of his 18 starts, but Peyton Manning only won 4 of his fi Read more:against
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU 2007-04-28 05:31:00 As I've said before, I think that choosing JaMarcus Russell
would carry the biggest risks, but also have the biggest potential upside. Phil Savage has known Russell since he attended his football camp in Mobile, AL as a 14 year old. I hope that Savage judges Russell objectively and based on what is in the best interest of the team, rather than his long time personal relationship with Russell. Read more:JaMarcus Russell
Quinn at #1? More draft drama 2007-04-27 16:46:00 According to Profootballtalk.com, the Raiders are talking to the agents for JaMarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, and Brady Quinn
. No surprise here, its common for the team with the #1 pick to try to get a deal done before the draft. Rumor has it, that the Raiders have made a "low ball" offer to Quinn, since he is the least likely of the 3 to go #1. If true, the dilemma for Quinn is to decide if he wants to get paid on the low side as a #1, or get paid a "normal" amount for being drafted at some lower position--possible very low if both the Lions and Browns pass on him.Normally you would think that the players agent, having their clients best interests in mind, would never advise the player to take a "low ball" offer. Here's where things get interesting. Quinn is represented by CAA sports agenty who also represents Adrian Peterson. So in theory, it would be in CAA's best interest to have Quinn take the offer and go at #1, so that Peterson might get picked by the Browns at #3. Othe Read more:drama
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