Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

4/25/06

GM's yardstick: Playing Steelers

Savage wants players who measure up in rivalry

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->Browns coach Romeo Crennel sat at breakfast at the NFL meetings in March and brought up the embarrassment of last season's Christmas Eve loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The question he was discussing at the time had little to do with the Steelers.
That game really sticks in your craw, doesn't it, Crennel was asked.
``Sure it does,'' Crennel said in his typical matter-of-fact style. ``They beat us 41-0. I just mentioned it, didn't I?''
Flash forward to last week, when General Manager Phil Savage summed up the Browns' approach to Saturday's NFL Draft this way:
``Can the guy help us beat Pittsburgh?'' Savage said. ``That's the question that has been imposed on every player we have evaluated thus far.''
It's about time.
One of the great disappointments of last season was listening to Browns players talk about the Steelers game as if it were a scrimmage against Copley High.
The same players who walked around the locker room touting the importance of their college rivalries saw no difference between playing the Steelers or the San Diego Chargers.
The attitude revealed itself on the field in the 41-0 humiliation, when the Steelers outmuscled, outhustled and outplayed the Browns.
``They blew our doors off,'' Savage said.
That loss was one for the ages. Established NFL teams rarely lose games in such a one-sided fashion.
It should be remembered much more than the season-ending win over the Baltimore Ravens.
In a real sense, that loss might become the benchmark for the Crennel-Savage era -- because the future will show how far the Browns have come.
The Browns have lost 11 of their past 12 games against the Steelers, and most times they have been beaten physically.
Former coach Butch Davis tried to draft athletes who could be football players, but Savage and Crennel have recognized the need to bring in people who can compete with the Steelers. The team that is the best in the league and -- no matter what the players say -- the Browns' main rival.
Savage and Crennel, at least, recognize that reality, and they are trying to address it.
Their first move came in free agency, when center/guard LeCharles Bentley was signed. The genesis of that move came as the team watched Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton control the middle of the line.
Hampton is a classic Pittsburgh draft pick.
He wasn't an exciting or sexy pick, but he's a Pro Bowler, one of the best nose tackles in the game.
Pittsburgh makes a habit of drafting or signing players like that, guys such as Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca or center Jeff Hartings. They let receivers such as Plaxico Burress and Antwaan Randle El go in free agency, but they usually keep their linemen.
``In our division, it all comes down to controlling the line of scrimmage,'' Steelers coach Bill Cowher said.
The Browns tried to address that area the past two years. Savage signed two starting guards, a center and a left tackle.
Now he turns to the draft, where he and his staff have assessed players in regard to Pittsburgh this way: ``Are they fast? Are they physical? Do they have the right kind of demeanor?''
And most important, what is the player's mental makeup? This could be the most underrated element of the pro game. When the Steelers come to Cleveland, they come with a swagger.
They play hard, they hit, and when they boast (a la Joey Porter), it's usually with good reason. Savage seems to be looking for that kind of player.
``What is this player's reaction going to be when he goes to Heinz Field as a Cleveland Brown?'' Savage said. ``How is he going to respond? Is he going to shrink up or stand tall and go toe to toe with a Joey Porter or Ben Roethlisberger?
``I think it's an important question for us to ask.''
The danger in pointing to Pittsburgh the way that Savage did is not recognizing the other teams in the division.
Crennel pointed out that the Cincinnati Bengals lost quarterback Carson Palmer in the playoff game against Pittsburgh, and Savage has a way of stating things without insulting another person or team.
To Savage, the Steelers were the team that shellacked the Browns, and when they played Baltimore and Cincinnati, the games were a little more competitive.
``We've tried to put the most emphasis on Pittsburgh because they were the team that beat us the worst last year,'' he said. ``We don't want to see that happen again.
``The division could change. The Ravens could emerge next year, but who knows? Going into this 2006 offseason, (Pittsburgh's) going to be more of our focus.''
Which should be symphonic to the ears of Browns fans.With the Browns, competing with the Steelers should -- and will -- always be a little more important.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

4/25/06

Tony Grossi scouts the NFL Draft: Offensive lineman


Monday, April 24, 2006


The offensive line class is deep at tackle and guard, but there is only one sure thing at the top. The lone franchise tackle will have to be taken in the top five picks. The other tackles have talent and a lot of question marks. As usual, there is only one center that stands out, and he may last until the second round.

BROWNS NEEDS

The signings of LeCharles Bentley, Kevin Shaffer and Bob Hallen reduced the urgency to draft a lineman early. But the team should always be on the hunt to groom a tackle. Nat Dorsey and Kirk Chambers are the incumbent backups. Dorsey will be under the microscope in his first Browns training camp.

BEST FIT FOR THE BROWNS

They have visited with Charles Spencer, a 6-5, 352-pound guard from Pittsburgh who started at left tackle as a senior. He is a fourth-round consideration.

1. D'BRICKASHAW FERGUSON LT Virginia 6-6 312 5.08
A franchise tackle with four years' experience on the left side. Always struggled to add weight. Packed on 15 pounds since the Senior Bowl and still looks lean. Exceptional character, work ethic and intelligence. A guy you can justify giving millions.

2. WINSTON JUSTICE RT USC 6-61/8 319 5.16
Best player on Trojans' outstanding line. Played right tackle to protect left-handed quarterback. Missed 2004 season after off-field pellet gun incident — his second law skirmish in two years. Would have benefited from another college season.

3. MARCUS McNEILL RT Auburn 6-75/8 336 5.07
Massive drive blocker who had the nimble feet to pass protect ably at demanding left tackle spot. Probably destined for right tackle. Has stenosis — narrowing of the spine. Weight problem affects his stance and stamina.

4. DAVIN JOSEPH G Oklahoma 6-3 311 5.09
Has played left tackle and both guard spots rather well. Found a home at Senior Bowl at left guard and then impressed teams in face-to-face interviews at NFL combine. Probably will be the first guard drafted.

5. MAX JEAN-GILLES G Georgia 6-33/4 355 5.48
Gargantuan physical mauler who does at least one thing exceptionally well — clearing running lanes. He just overpowers opponents. Conditioning and weight training could always be a problem.

OTHERS OF NOTE
Ohio State's Nick Mangold is the draft's best center, but he's no LeCharles Bentley. Miami's Eric Winston, a converted tight end, is the No. 3 tackle. An experienced group comprises the next wave, including Jeremy Trueblood of Boston College, Andrew Whitworth of LSU and Jonathan Scott of Texas. A pair of USC guards, Taitusi Lutui and Fred Matua, could go on the first day.

DID YOU KNOW
Ohio State guard Rob Sims of Macedonia, the son of late-1970s Browns defensive tackle Mickey Sims, could be taken in the third round. Pros see him as a potential starting guard and swing tackle.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

4/25/06

<H1 class=red>Tony Grossi scouts the NFL Draft: Running backs

</H1>

Sunday, April 23, 2006



Running back is one of the draft's deep positions, but there is no undisputed franchise back at the top. The depth is filled out by a number of smaller backs who may be typecast as change-of-pace specialists.

BROWNS NEEDS

After Reuben Droughns topped the 1,000-yard mark in his 12th game, he averaged 50 yards and 2.9 per rush over his last four games. The Browns want to add a change-of-pace back to spell Droughns and make some plays on third downs. Lee Suggs would be perfect for the role, but his inability to say healthy could lead to a newcomer via the draft.

BEST FIT FOR THE BROWNS

The team has met with Drew, who is a shade over 5-6, but probably would not be willing to take him in the second round. If they earmark the fourth round, Hall could be there for them.

1. Reggie Bush USC 5-10 201 4.37
The top playmaker of the draft and one of the most exciting players in a long time. But size, durability and workload are concerns with the Heisman Trophy winner. Phil Savage, for one, believes he should be limited to 15 rushes a game to avoid wear.

2. Laurence Maroney Minnesota 5-11 217 4.48
First Gopher and only third back in Big Ten to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Cutback runner with great vision and patience who might lack initial quickness but can go the distance. Will benefit from NFL strength program.

3. Lendale White USC 6-0 238 4.51
Concerns about his weight and a recently diagnosed hamstring muscle tear have caused a late slide. He hasn't been able to run a 40 since the Rose Bowl. When healthy, he is a powerful inside runner who can carry an offense.

4. Deangelo Williams Memphis 5-9 214 4.45
Averaged 1,780 yards over his last three years. Surpassed record shared by Archie Griffin with 34 100-yard rushing performances in 44 career games. Some se him as a glorified third-down back because of his size and durability concerns.

5. Joseph Addai LSU 5-11 214 4.40
An all-purpose back whose stock improved at the NFL combine. Has not been a durable No. 1 back and might be destined to the change-of-pace role in NFL. Is more powerful than elusive and might be the most polished blocker of the group.

OTHERS OF NOTE
The next wave is sprinkled with more smaller backs who can be productive in the NFL initially as third-down specialists. These include Wisconsin's Brian Calhoun, FSU's Leon Washington, UCLA's Maurice Drew and South Florida's Andre Hall.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

4/25/06

Tony Grossi scouts the NFL Draft: Defensive linemen


Saturday, April 22, 2006


The Browns divide this position into space-eating nose tackles, 300-pound ends and quick, designated pass rushers to fi t their 3-4. There are plenty of ends to choose from, but few natural nose tackles. Underclassmen greatly helped this position's depth.

BROWNS NEEDS

Is Ethan Kelley the team's nose tackle of the future or must a better one be found to groom behind Ted Washington? That question must be answered because the Browns might be in position to choose between Ngata and Bunkley. Another end also must be found to press Alvin McKinley and pace Orpheus Roye.

BEST FIT FOR BROWNS

Bunkley could start his career as an end and grow into the nose tackle role over time. If linebacker consumes the team's first two picks, Cofield could be a choice in Round 3.

1. MARIO WILLIAMS DE N.C. State 6-7 295 4.70
Some believe he is the best player in the draft, offense or defense. A true franchise defensive end whose wingspan and athletic ability draw comparisons to Julius Peppers - but also Courtney Brown. Whose NFL path will he follow?

2. HALOTI NGATA NT Oregon 6-41/8 338 5.13
His combination of size, speed and quickness makes him a perfect nose tackle. Not just a space-eater, he broke school record with six blocked kicks and knocked down seven passes.

3. BRODRICK BUNKLEY DE Florida State 6-23/4 306 5.01
A player on the rise. Has the strength and power to defeat double teams and disrupt a blocking scheme. Overcame two major injuries to left knee, including ACL surgery in high school. Browns see him as an end who can also play the nose.

4. MATHIAS KIWANUKA DE Boston College 6-53/4 266 4.70
Premier 4-3 edge rusher who shattered school record with 37 1/2 sacks in four years. Uses very long arms to block passing lanes and has the long strides to make up ground in pursuit. Not great at the point of attack or against the run.

5. TAMBA HALI DE Penn State 6-3 275 4.87
Came into his own after shifting from tackle to end his junior season. Doesn't have elite size or speed, but makes good use of his quickness. Most teams see him as a 4- 3 end. Browns view him as a designated rusher who could convert to outside LB.

OTHERS OF NOTE
The next wave of nose tackles includes Gabe Watson of Michigan and Baba Oshinowo of Stanford. Players suited for end in a 3-4 include Claude Wroten of Louisiana State, John McCargo of North Carolina State and Rodrique Wright of Texas. The Browns see Cleveland native Barry Cofield, of Northwestern, as an end.

DID YOU KNOW?
Kiwanuka's grandfather, Benedicto Kiwanuka, was Uganda's first elected prime minister and was assassinated in 1972 by dictator Idi Amin. Hali fled civil war-raged Liberia as a 10-year-old to join his father, and longs to be reunited with his mother, whom he hasn't seen in 12 years.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

4/25/06

Tony Grossi scouts the NFL Draft: Linebackers


Friday, April 21, 2006

Phil Savage calls projecting an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense "the meat and potatoes of scouting." Savage's list of outside 'backers includes some college defensive ends whose speed warrants a look. Several linebackers listed as outside types in the 4-3 are projected by Savage to play inside in the 3-4. Overall, it's a good year to be looking for linebackers.

Browns needs

The signing of Willie McGinest increases -- not lessens -- the urgency for another rush linebacker. A young edge rusher on the weak side would benefit from McGinest's knowledge of Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense. An inside linebacker to play next to Andra Davis is still a major need. He is more likely to come in Round 2 or 3.

Best fit for Browns

Given their druthers, they would probably take the pass rusher in Round 1 and come back in Round 2 with the inside 'backer. A Wimbley-Hodge combination would make an instant impact on Crennel's defense.

Ranking the top five

Player College Height Weight Time in 40

1. A.J. Hawk Ohio State 6-1 248 4.59
Has every quality of a potential superstar -- high-level intensity, relentless motor, football instincts and intelligence, work ethic, all-America character -- except preferred height. Browns see him as an inside linebacker.

2. Kamerion Wimbley Florida State 6-3 248 4.61
He's the prototypical college end to convert to outside linebacker. His status is built more from his athletic numbers than production. Made only 12 starts in 49 games and finished with 12 sacks. Has spotless character record.

3. Ernie Sims Florida State 5-11 231 4.50
Outstanding producer whose below-average size poses a dilemma. Is he the next Derrick Brooks? Or a run-and-hit linebacker who will play with reckless abandon and suffer injuries? His speed and toughness may overcome his size.

4. Manny Lawson North Carolina State 6-5 3/8 241 4.43
A former long and triple jumper with a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump. Much like Wimbley, his athleticism casts him perfectly at rush linebacker. Evokes memories of former Akron star Jason Taylor, a third-rounder who matured into a star pass rusher.

5. Chad Greenway Iowa 6-2 1/2 242 4.76
Recruited off a hog farm and became one of Hawkeyes greatest defensive players. Scores high in football instincts and intelligence, but doesn't appear physical enough. Not the greatest tackler. Browns project him inside.

Others of note
A slew of projected inside 'backers includes Ohio State's Bobby Carpenter, Alabama's DeMeco Ryans, Miami's Roger McIntosh, Iowa's Abdul Hodge and Maryland's D'Qwell Jackson. Projected outside 'backers by the Browns include Penn State's Tamba Hali (an end on most boards), Tennessee's Parys Haralson and Purdue's Rob Ninkovich.

Did you know?
Combine bench press champion Mike Kudla of Ohio State should attract 3-4 teams as a rush linebacker in the middle rounds. Ohio State inside 'backer Anthony Schlegel should be called late. Mid-American Conference hopefuls include Terna Nande and John Busing of Miami (Ohio), Justin Parrish of Kent State and Jay Rohr of Akron.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

4/26/06

Browns may build using a Carpenter
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>By Steve Doerschuk REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER
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Penn State running back Tony Hunt, left, pushes away from Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter, right, during the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005 in State College, Pa.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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