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Understanding the Browns 2012 Draft

Ice — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:04:59 +0000

Understanding the 2012 Browns Draft

Bill Wunkle’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft – Version 3.0

dune — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:23:06 +0000

Well football fans, it’s that time again where all the discussion goes to the draft and all the misinformation that NFL teams are leaking in an effort to camouflage what their true intentions really are. What will the Browns do? Read on and find out what this Joe-Bag-O-Donuts has to say.

Of course the Browns might have more luck winning at roulette or blackjack online then picking a superstar in round 1! lol

Round One

No.	Team	Name – Position – College	Comments
1	Colts	Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford	Is there anyone that follows the draft who thinks that Luck won’t be the pick?
2	Redskins	Robert Griffin III – QB – Baylor	Washington paid a heavy price to move up to this spot, so they had better be right.
3	Vikings	Matt Kalil – OT – USC	The void at LT from the departure of Bryant McKinnie is finally filled.
4	Browns	Trent Richardson – RB – Alabama	I’m not normally a proponent of taking a RB this early in the draft, but Richardson is a complete 3-down RB with the ability to take it to the house at any time. By the way, the kid is an excellent blocker and receiver out of the backfield too.
5	Buccaneers	Morris Claiborne – CB – LSU	Whether or not he actually scored a 4 on the Wonderlic Test, the kid is a game changing shut down corner; and Ronde Barber isn’t getting any younger.
6	Rams	Justin Blackmon – WR – Oklahoma State	The Rams get Sam Bradford a legitimate #1 receiver. It’s even plausible that they could try and trade up in order to secure the player they’re targeting.
7	Jaguars	Riley Reiff – OT – Iowa	Blaine Gabbert was terrible last season, but the fault isn’t entirely his own. He barely had time to drop back, much less make a throw. This should help fix the problem. Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd is also an option here.
8	Dolphins	Ryan Tannehill – QB – Texas A&M	This is a huge mistake IMHO. Tannehill is nowhere ready to start for any NFL team and he may not be ready in 2013. He’s too mistake prone to be selected this early.
9	Panthers	David DeCastro – OG – Stanford	There are three positions that the Panthers could address with this pick – WR, OG and DT. The cats opt to give franchise QB Cam Newton better protection.
10	Bills	Melvin Ingram – DE/OLB – South Carolina	The Bills will line up Ingram on one side and Mario Williams on the other and dare the opposition to throw the football.
11	Chiefs	Quinton Coples – DE – North Carolina	Romeo Crennel will try and make a 3-4 OLB out of Coples. He will fail miserably because Coples has no heart. This pick has bust written all over it.
12	Seahawks	Luke Kuechly – LB – Boston College	Here’s another pick that will fail to live up to expectations. Sure, he made a lot of tackles; but where are the sacks, forced fumbles and TFL’s? I still think that he’s best suited as a safety.
13	Cardinals	Jonathan Martin – OT – Stanford	When was the last time that three players from Stanford were taken in the first round, much less the top fifteen? My guess would be never.
14	Cowboys	Fletcher Cox – DT – Mississippi State	The Cowboys will convert Cox to DE in their 3-4 defensive alignment.
15	Eagles	Courtney Upshaw – LB – Alabama	The Eagles have traditionally drafted LB’s that are on the small side, but that’s about to change with this selection. It’s also plausible that the Eagles could trade either up or down if the right deal comes along.
16	Jets	Michael Floyd – WR – Notre Dame	The Jets need a legitimate weapon at WR, and one falls to them in round one.
17	Bengals	Mark Barron – S – Alabama	There’s much speculation concerning which positions the Bengals will address early. Barron is the best available at a position of need.
18	Chargers	Cordy Glenn – OG/OT – Georgia	OT is clearly the biggest need in San Diego, and this kid would be a road grater at RT.
19	Da-Bears	Jonathan Martin – OT – Stanford	Jay Cutler needs better protection than that which he’s had since coming to Chicago.
20	Titans	Michael Brockers – DT – LSU	The Tennessee run defense hasn’t been the same since Albert Haynesworth left.
21	Bengals	Kendall Wright – WR – Baylor	The Bengals addressed the CB position in the off-season, so they decide to turn their attention to getting another offensive play maker. Tom Heckert blows a gasket and Mike Holmgren has a heart attack when he hears this selection.
22	Browns	Donta Hightower – LB – Alabama	After replacing the gasket that he just blew after Cincinnati’s pick, Heckert gets a blue chip defensive play maker. Scott Fujita may miss some time. Now, if only he can get a stud receiver . . .
23	Lions	Dre Kirkpatrick – CB – Alabama	How long have I been saying that the Lions need a top notch corner – five or six years?
24	Steelers	Dontari Poe – DT – Memphis	There’s not an O-lineman worth taking here, so Pittsburgh opts to groom a replacement for Casey Hampton. This pick has bust written all over it, and I’m loving it because I hate the Steelers!
25	Broncos	Stephon Gilmore – CB – South Carolina	Although Peyton Manning will want a play maker at WR, the Broncos brass makes the smart move and takes Gilmore.
26	Texans	Jerel Worthy – DT – Michigan State	Oddly enough, the Texans were probably hoping that Poe would last one more spot at this point. However, they’re still able to address the need in the first round.
27	Patriots	Stephen Hill – WR – Georgia Tech	Tom Brady needs a vertical threat, and that’s exactly what Hill gives them. Tom Heckert is choking on his bologna sandwich at this point and Pat Shurmur will need to administer the Heimlich maneuver.
28	Packers	Nick Perry – DE – USC	The defense gave up far too many points over the last couple years. Hopefully this will be the first step in reversing that trend.
29	Ravens	Janoris Jenkins – CB – North Alabama	This kid’s off the field issues are enough for me to take him off my board completely, but he is a legitimate shut-down corner.
30	49ers	Peter Konz – OC/OG – Wisconsin	The analysis comes down to a need for an interior O-lineman. I think that he’ll initially be groomed as a guard.
31	Patriots	Whitney Mercilus – DE – Illinois	My guess is that the Hoodie will stand him up and make him an elephant rush-backer.
32	Giants	Devon Still – DT – Penn State	They may make a move for a WR, but I think that Tom Coughlin will eventually opt for a front seven rotational player.

Round Two

No.	Team	Name – Position – College	Comments
33	Rams	Mike Adams – OT – Ohio State	They got their #1 receiver, now they get Bradford some protection. Mike Holmgren just called for someone to fetch his brown pants.
34	Colts	Rueben Randle – WR – LSU	Luck is going to need some targets, so why not pick a WR here?
35	Vikings	Kendall Reyes – DT – Connecticut	Sure, they need a WR too, but they also need defensive help.
36	Buccaneers	Kevin Zeitler – OG – Wisconsin	He actually pass blocks better than run blocks, but the Bucs still need O-line help.
37	Browns	Alshon Jeffery – WR – South Carolina	I don’t know if Jeffery is the BPA, but he’s arguably the BPA at a position of need.
38	Jaguars	Chandler Jones – DE – Syracuse	Addressing the WR position will have to wait. Instead, the Jags opt for a pass rusher.
39	Rams	Brandon Thompson – DT – Clemson	I had to address the defensive front seven sooner or later, and I did it sooner.
40	Panthers	Coby Fleener – TE/WR – Stanford	While not a traditional TE, he’s more of a slot receiver that woks on getting size mismatches against smaller CB’s.
41	Bills	Bobby Massie – OT – Mississippi	I’d gladly make some moves on this mock if it means that Heckert doesn’t waste a pick on an overrated player. Buffalo reaches to fill a need on paper.
42	Dolphins	Shea McClellin – LB – Boise State	So I’m giving the fins some LB help; you have a problem with that?
43	Chiefs	Amini Silatolu – OG – Midwestern State	The O-line is still in need of help. They may even try Silatolu at OT.
44	Seahawks	Vinny Curry – DE – Marshall	I’ll get around to getting them some offensive help later.
45	Cowboys	Josh Robinson – CB – Central Florida	I could give them a guard here, but Robinson is a better value.
46	Eagles	Brandon Weeden – QB – Oklahoma State	Well, the rumors did say that they were interested in selecting a QB this year.
47	Jets	Zach Brown – LB – North Carolina	This is a great value pick for Rex.
48	Patriots	Harrison Smith – S – Notre Dame	Smith is the second best player at a position that’s considered rather thin. I think this will work once the Hoodie gets him into camp.
49	Chargers	Brandon Boykin – CB – Georgia	In spite of his injury, Boykin goes off the board.
50	Da-Bears	Doug Martin – RB – Boise State	Matt Forte is not a happy camper and may hold out. This buys Da-Bears some insurance in the event that indeed happens.
51	Eagles	Kelechi Osemele – OG – Iowa State	The Philadelphia O-line is in shambles. Enough said.
52	Titans	Lavonte David – LB – Nebraska	I’m hoping for David’s sake that they’re planning on moving him to safety.
53	Bengals	David Wilson – RB – Virginia Tech	The Bengals get a complimentary RB to go along with “The Law Firm”.
54	Lions	Ronnell Lewis – LB – Oklahoma	Solidifying the LB group is a priority and it’s too early to take another guard.
55	Falcons	Dwayne Allen – TE – Clemson	This will be a great experience for Allen to learn the NFL game from Tony Gonzalez.
56	Steelers	Zebrie Sanders – OT – Florida State	I know it’s too early, but the Steelers are desperate for O-linemen with a pulse.
57	Broncos	Alameda Ta’amu – DT – Washington	Now they have a big body to clog up the middle of the line.
58	Texans	Brian Quick – WR – Appalachian State	Hopefully the Texans will find the complimentary receiver to Andre Johnson.
59	Packers	Bruce Irvin – LB – West Virginia	I’m not thrilled about this pick, but they do need a LB.
60	Ravens	Mychal Kendricks – LB – California	They’ll move him to safety and groom him to replace Ed Reed.
61	49ers	Alfonzo Dennard – CB – Nebraska	He’ll be fine once he learns not to hold receivers downfield.
62	Patriots	Andre Branch – DE – Clemson	The Hoodie sees this as a value pick.
63	Giants	Orson Charles – TE – Georgia	Getting a DUI isn’t exactly a good way to endear yourselves to fans or your possible future employer.

Round Three

No.	Team	Name – Position – College
64	Colts	Trumaine Johnson – CB – Montana
65	Rams	Mohamed Sanu – WR – Rutgers
66	Vikings	AJ Jenkins – WR – Illinois
67	Browns	Mitchell Schwartz – OT – California
68	Buccaneers	Bobby Wagner – LB – Utah State
69	Redskins	Jamell Flemming – CB – Oklahoma
70	Jaguars	Marvin Jones – WR – California
71	Bills	Nick Toon – WR – Wisconsin
72	Dolphins	Jeff Allen – OT – Illinois
73	Dolphins	Mike Martin – DT – TSUN
74	Chiefs	Kirk Cousins – QB – Michigan State
75	Seahawks	Lamar Miller – RB – Miami
76	Texans	Brandon Brooks – OG – Miami (OH)
77	Jets	Jared Crick – DE – Nebraska
78	Chargers	Dwight Bentley – CB – Louisiana Lafayette
79	Da-Bears	Tyrone Crawford – DE – Boise State
80	Cardinals	Ben Jones – OC/OG – Georgia
81	Cowboys	James Brown – OG/OT – Troy
82	Titans	Senio Kelemete – OG – Washington
83	Bengals	Brandon Washington – OG – Miami
84	Falcons	Brandon Mosley – OT – Auburn
85	Lions	George Iloka – S – Boise State
86	Steelers	Josh Norman – CB – Coastal Carolina
87	Broncos	Brock Osweiler – QB – Arizona State
88	Eagles	Markelle Martin – S – Oklahoma State
89	Saints	Sean Spence – LB – Miami
90	Packers	Antonio Allen – S – South Carolina
91	Ravens	Tony Bergstrom – OT – Utah
92	49ers	Derek Wolfe – DT – Cincinnati
93	Patriots	Chase Minnifield – CB – Virginia
94	Giants	Nigel Bradham – LB – Florida State
95	Raiders	Leonard Johnson – CB – Iowa State

Round Four

No.	Team	Name – Position – College
96	Rams	Jayron Hosley – CB – Virginia Tech
97	Colts	LaMichael James – RB – Oregon
98	Vikings	Ron Brooks – CB – LSU
99	Texans	Billy Wynn – DE – Boise State
100	Browns	James-Michael Johnson – LB – Nevada
101	Jaguars	Isaiah Pead – RB – Cincinnati
102	Redskins	Josh Chapman – DT – Alabama
103	Dolphins	Robert Turbin – RB – Utah State
104	Panthers	Keenan Robinson – LB – Texas
105	Bills	Trevor Guyton – DE – California
106	Chiefs	Joe Adams – WR – Arkansas
107	Seahawks	Omar Bolden – CB – Arizona State
108	Broncos	Tommy Streeter – WR – Miami
109	Redskins	Matt Reynolds – OT – BYU
110	Chargers	Bernard Pierce – RB – Temple
111	Da-Bears	TY Hilton – WR – Florida International
112	Cardinals	Michael Egnew – TE – Missouri
113	Cowboys	David Molk – OC – TSUN
114	Eagles	Nate Potter – OT – Boise State
115	Titans	Jake Bequette – DE – Arkansas
116	Bengals	Phillip Blake – OC – Baylor
117	Lions	Tom Compton – OT – South Dakota
118	Browns	Malik Jackson – DE – Tennessee
119	Steelers	Michael Brewster – OC/OG – Ohio State
120	Broncos	Cyrus Gray – RB – Texas A&M
121	Texans	Jarius Wright – WR – Arkansas
122	Saints	Donald Stephenson – OT – Oklahoma
123	Packers	Joe Looney – OG – Wake Forest
124	Bills	DaJohn Harris – DT – USC
125	49ers	Kyle Wilber – LB – Wake Forest
126	Patriots	Andrew Datko – OT – Florida State
127	Giants	Levi Adcock – OT – Oklahoma State
128	Vikings	Shaun Prater – CB – Iowa
129	Raiders	Ryan Broyles – WR – Oklahoma
130	Ravens	Jonathan Massaquoi – LB – Troy
131	Giants	Terrell Manning – LB – North Carolina State
132	Packers	Marvin McNutt – WR – Iowa
133	Packers	Nick Foles – QB – Arizona
134	Vikings	Adam Gettis – OG – Iowa
135	Cowboys	Juron Criner – WR – Arizona

Round Five

No.	Team	Name – Position – College
136	Colts	Kheeston Randall – DT – Texas
137	Broncos	Demario Davis – LB – Arkansas State
138	Vikings	Chris Rainey – RB/WR – Florida
139	Browns	Dwight Jones – WR – North Carolina
140	Buccaneers	Chris Polk – RB – Washington
141	Redskins	Josh Kaddu – LB – Oregon
142	Jaguars	Coryell Judie – CB – Texas A&M
143	Panthers	Marcus Forston – DT – Miami
144	Bills	Casey Hayward – CB – Vanderbilt
145	Dolphins	Brandon Taylor – S – LSU
146	Chiefs	Jaye Howard – DT – Florida
147	Bills	Ronnie Hillman – RB – San Diego State
148	Raiders	Travis Lewis – LB – Oklahoma
149	Chargers	Ladarius Green – TE – Louisiana Lafayette
150	Da-Bears	Ryan Steed – CB – Furman
151	Cardinals	Keshawn Martin – WR – Michigan State
152	Cowboys	Lucas Nix – OG – Pittsburgh
153	Eagles	Chris Givens – WR – Wake Forest
154	Jets	Brandon Hardin – S – Oregon State
155	Titans	Trenton Robinson – S – Michigan State
156	Bengals	Hebron Fangupo – DT – BYU
157	Falcons	Matt McCants – OG/OT – UAB
158	Lions	Rokevious Watkins – OG – South Carolina
159	Steelers	Cam Johnson – DE – Virginia
160	Browns	Ryan Lindley – QB – San Diego State
161	Texans	Edwin Baker – RB – Michigan State
162	Saints	Janzen Jackson – S – McNeese State
163	Packers	Darius Fleming – LB – Notre Dame
164	Ravens	Greg Childs – WR – Arkansas
165	49ers	Devon Wylie – WR – Fresno State
166	Bengals	Mike Daniels – DT – Iowa
167	Bengals	Asa Jackson – CB – Cal Poly
168	Raiders	Ryan Miller – OG – Colorado
169	Ravens	DeVier Posey – WR – Ohio State
170	Colts	Oliver Vernon – DE – Miami

Round Six

No.	Team	Name – Position – College
171	Rams	Audie Cole – LB – North Carolina State
172	Eagles	Emmanuel Acho – LB – Texas
173	Redskins	DeQuan Menzie – CB – Alabama
174	Buccaneers	Christian Thompson – S – South Carolina
175	Vikings	Jeff Fuller – WR – Texas A&M
176	Jaguars	Rishard Matthews – WR – Nevada
177	Cardinals	Jerry Franklin – LB – Arkansas
178	Bills	Deangelo Peterson – TE – LSU
179	Dolphins	Trevin Wade – CB – Arizona
180	Panthers	Tydreke Powell – DT – North Carolina
181	Chiefs	Vick Ballard – RB – Mississippi State
182	Seahawks	TJ Graham – WR – North Carolina State
183	Chargers	Rennie Moore – DT – Clemson
184	Da-Bears	Justin Bethel – CB – Presbyterian
185	Cardinals	Quinton Saulsberry – OC – Mississippi State
186	Cowboys	BJ Coleman – QB – Tennessee Chattanooga
187	Jets	Lamar Holmes – OT – Southern Mississippi
188	Broncos	Jeff Adams – OT – Columbia
189	Raiders	Charles Mitchell – S – Mississippi State
190	Titans	Aaron Henry – S – Wisconsin
191	Bengals	Tauren Poole – RB – Tennessee
192	Falcons	Jack Crawford – DE – Penn State
193	Steelers	Brian Linthicum – TE – Michigan State
194	Eagles	Dan Heron – RB – Ohio State
195	Texans	Phillip Thomas – S – Syracuse
196	Saints	Dominique Hamilton – DT – Missouri
197	Packers	Patrick Edwards – WR – Houston
198	Ravens	George Bryan – TE – North Carolina State
199	49ers	Eric Page – WR – Toledo
200	Eagles	Kevin Koger – TE – TSUN
201	Giants	Jordan White – WR – Western Michigan
202	Jets	Josh LeRibeus – OG – SMU
203	Jets	Vaughn Meatoga – DT – Hawaii
204	Browns	Terrance Ganaway – RB – Baylor
205	Browns	Donnie Fletcher – CB – Boston College
206	Colts	William Vlachos – OC – Alabama
207	Panthers	Robert Blanton – CB – Notre Dame

Round Seven

No.	Team	Name – Position – College
208	Colts	Keith Tandy – CB – West Virginia
209	Rams	Julian Miller – DE – West Virginia
210	Vikings	Vontaze Burfict – LB – Arizona State
211	Browns	David Paulson – TE – Oregon
212	Buccaneers	Danny Coale – WR – West Virginia
213	Redskins	Rishaw Johnson – OG – California (PA)
214	Jaguars	Donte Paige-Moss – DE – North Carolina
215	Dolphins	Brett Roy – DT – Nevada
216	Panthers	Davin Meggett – RB – Maryland
217	Bills	Eddie Whitley – S – Virginia Tech
218	Chiefs	Cliff Harris – CB – Oregon
219	Lions	Markus Zusevics – OT – Iowa
220	Da-Bears	John Brantley – QB – Florida
221	Cardinals	Tank Carder – LB – TCU
222	Cowboys	Broderick Binns – LB – Iowa
223	Chiefs	Brandon Lindsey – LB – Pittsburgh
224	Jets	Evan Rodriguez – RB – Temple
225	Seattle	Akiem Hicks – DT – Regina
226	Chargers	Sammy Brown – LB – Houston
227	Titans	Duke Ihenacho – S – San Jose State
228	Bengals	Chandler Harnish – QB – Western Michigan
229	Falcons	Matt Conrath – DE – Virginia
230	Lions	Adonis Thomas – RB – Toledo
231	Steelers	Marquis Maze – WR – Alabama
232	Jets	Cory Harkey – TE – UCLA
233	Texans	Marcel Jones – OT – Nebraska
234	Saints	Russell Wilson – QB – Wisconsin
235	Packers	Bradie Ewing – RB – Wisconsin
236	Ravens	Brad Smelley – TE – Alabama
237	49ers	Kellen Moore – QB – Boise State
238	Vikings	Cordarro Law – LB – Southern Mississippi
239	Giants	Jeffrey Demps – RB – Florida
240	Steelers	Mike Harris – CB – Florida State
241	Packers	Jaymes Brooks – OG – Virginia Tech
242	Jets	Frank Alexander – DE – Oklahoma
243	Packers	Adrian Robinson – DE – Temple
244	Jets	Brandon Bolden – RB – Mississippi
245	Browns	Shaun Powell – P – Florida State
246	Steelers	Chad Diehl – FB – Clemson
247	Browns	Randol Bullock – K – Texas A&M
248	Steelers	Tyler Nielsen – LB – Iowa
249	Falcons	Trumaine Johnson – CB – Montana
250	Chargers	Alex Okafor – DE – Texas
251	Bills	Rhett Ellison – TE – USC
252	Rams	Tramain Thomas – Arkansas
253	Colts	Desmond Wynn – OG – Rutgers

Bill Wunkle’s Pre-Super Bowl Mock Draft

dune — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:23:20 +0000

With only two teams left before the 2011-2012 NFL season is officially over, I thought it was time to do another mock draft. I broke tradition with this one in that I included one trade in round one. I usually don’t do that until sometime in April. Some will look at this mock and like it, and others will wonder what I’ve been smoking. But that’s okay, I can take the heat. Besides, opinions are a lot like noses . . . everyone has one and they all smell. One more thing . . . Is it just me or is there an inordinate number of underclassmen in this year’s draft? Oh well, on with the show.

ROUND ONE

NO.	TEAM	PLAYER NAME	POS.	COLLEGE
1	IND	Andrew Luck*	QB	Stanford
2	WAS/STL	Robert Griffin III*	QB	Baylor
3	MIN	Matt Kalil*	OT	USC
4	CLE	Justin Blackmon*	WR	Oklahoma State
5	TB	Morris Claiborne*	CB	LSU
6	STL/WAS	Devon Still	DT	Penn State
7	JAX	*Riley Reiff	OT	Iowa
8	CAR	*Dre Kirkpatrick	CB	Alabama
9	MIA	Trent Richardson*	RB	Alabama
10	BUF	Jonathan Martin*	OT	Stanford
11	KC	Quinton Coples	DE	North Carolina
12	SEA	*David DeCastro	OG	Stanford
13	AZ	Michael Floyd	WR	Notre Dame
14	DAL	Alfonso Dennard	CB	Nebraska
15	PHI	Kendall Wright	WR	Baylor
16	NYJ	Courtney Upshaw	LB	Alabama
17	CIN	Cordy Glenn	OG	Georgia
18	SD	*Fletcher Cox	DT	Mississippi State
19	CHI	Zach Brown	LB	North Carolina
20	TEN	Janoris Jenkins	CB	Northern Alabama
21	CIN	*Lamar Miller	RB	Miami
22	CLE	Alshon Jeffrey*	WR	South Carolina
23	DET	*Nick Perry	DE	USC
24	PIT	Melvin Ingram	DE	South Carolina
25	DEN	Michael Brockers	DT	LSU
26	HOU	*Mohamed Sanu	WR	Rutgers
27	NE	*Jerel Worthy	DT	Michigan State
28	GB	Zebrie Sanders	OT	Florida State
29	BAL	*Peter Konz	OC	Wisconsin
30	SF	*Donta Hightower	LB	Alabama
31	NE	*Luke Kuechly	LB/S	Boston College
32	NYG	*Dontari Poe	DT	Memphis

ROUND TWO

NO.	TEAM	PLAYER NAME	POS.	COLLEGE
33	IND	Brandon Thompson	DT	Clemson
34	STL	*Vontaze Burfict	LB	Arizona State
35	MIN	Mike Adams	OT	Ohio State
36	TB	*Whitney Mercilus	DE	Illinois
37	CLE	Ryan Tannehill	QB	Texas A&M
38	JAX	Jared Crick	DE	Nebraska
39	STL/WAS	*Brandon Washington	OG	Miami
40	MIA	*Dwayne Allen	TE	Clemson
41	BUF	Chase Minnifield	CB	Virginia
42	CAR	Lavonte David	LB	Nebraska
43	KC	*David Wilson	RB	Virginia Tech
44	SEA	*Rueben Randle	WR	LSU
45	DAL	Mark Barron	S	Alabama
46	PHI	Billy Winn	DT	Boise State
47	NYJ	Kelechi Osemele	OT	Iowa State
48	NE	*Chris Polk	RB	Washington
49	SD	*Orson Charles	TE	Georgia
50	CHI	*Stephon Gilmore	CB	South Carolina
51	PHI	Kevin Zeitler	OG	Wisconsin
52	TEN	Bobby Wagner	LB	Utah State
53	CIN	*Jayron Hosley	CB	Virginia Tech
54	DET	*LaMichael James	RB	Oregon
55	ATL	Alameda Ta’amu	DT	Washington
56	PIT	Bruce Irvin	LB	West Virginia
57	DEN	Nick Toon	WR	Wisconsin
58	HOU	Markelle Martin	S	Oklahoma State
59	NO	Andrew Datko	OT	Florida State
60	GB	Vinny Curry	DE	Marshall
61	BAL	Cam Johnson	DL	Virginia
62	SF	Dwight Jones	WR	North Carolina
63	NE	Brandon Mosley	OT	Auburn
64	NYG	Travis Lewis	LB	Oklahoma

Note: an asterisk (*) following a player’s name identifies him as an underclassman.

DawgSoldier Sounds Off On 2012 Defensive Needs

dune — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:56:23 +0000

Greetings to denizens of Boneyard. This is the companion article to my most resent one. In this article I will address the defensive needs I see on this team. Right Defensive End, Number three Defensive Tackle, Middle Linebacker (If DQ isn’t resigned or if the team feels that shuffling linebackers around will better the team), Outside Linebacker, and number two Corner. So lets get down to it.

Well lets’ get started. Right Defensive End is absolutely devoid of any threat and or talent at this time. I think the original plan was for Shread to be the Right Defensive End but that didn’t work out as we all know. So I am going to operate from the basis that Shread is the Left Defensive End exclusively and that the coaching staff has no plan to move him back to the right side. Here is my top five Right Defensive Ends potentially in this year’s draft.

Whitney Mercilus*, DE/OLB, Illinois
Height: 6-4. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.

Mercilus has been one of the most productive pass rushers in college football in 2011. Mercilus has one more game to improve on his fabulous production. Thus far in 2011, he has 52 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles. Mercilus leads the nation in sacks and forced fumbles. All year, he has steadily improved his draft stock after entering the year with only two career sacks. He has been relentless at getting to the quarterback. Mercilus’ first-step is very explosive, and he quickly gets up field. His speed and ability to cut to the inside is excellent. All season, Mercilus has been getting to the quarterback, recording sacks in 10-of-12 games for Illinois. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder combines surprising strength to go with great speed. He has a good repertoire of pass-rushing moves that combines bull rushes with speed rushes and is lightning fast off the edge. Mercilus isn’t just a speed rusher who looks to turn the edge on every play. He probably has the athleticism to stand up and play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. With his consistent production of splash plays, Mercilus is making the case to be a to be a top-20 pick, if he decides to enter the draft. Assuming Illinois gets a bowl invitation, we might get one more chance to evaluate Mercilus furhtor.

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.

Upshaw has been a disruptive force for Alabama. For the season, he has 39 tackles with 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, an interception and two forced fumbles. Each week, the 6-foot-2 265-pounder is showing the skill set to be an edge rusher at the NFL level while also being a quality run defender. Midway through the first half of the season, Upshaw put on a display against Florida. First, he rocked and blew by left tackle Xavier Nixon for a tackle for a loss. A few plays later Upshaw found himself blocked but was in good position since a screen pass flew right to him. He caught the pass and raced around the edge, sprinting 45 yards downfield for a touchdown. Just before halftime, Upshaw recorded a sack that twisted quarterback John Brantley awkwardly. It knocked the Gators starting quarterback out of the game. Against Florida, Upshaw totaled four tackles with three tackles for a loss, one interception and one sack.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.

For the season, Coples has totaled 37 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a plethora of quarterback hurries. He has faced consistent double teams but has steadily pressured the quarterback. Coples has played the run well all season and has shown a steady motor. In many games this season, Coples has been pounded with double teams, yet he has held up well. That has hurt his production. He is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end who has a special combination of power and speed. Coples also has the ability to rush from defensive tackle on passing downs. At times, North Carolina plays a 3-4 defense and he has done well as a five technique. Coples is a versatile defender who has shown that he has some versatility. However watching Coples closely, one sees that he has dealt with consistent double teams this season, and still has gotten pressure on the quarterback in games he didn’t record sacks. Against Miami and a deep-drop passer in Jacory Harris, Coples had the opportunity to make plays in the backfield and he did it. Coples recorded one sack and 2.5 tackles for a loss against Hurricanes. He also had six tackles in the game, and was one of the few Tar Heel defenders who stepped up and produced against Miami. Coples’ strong game against Miami should help solidify his status as high draft pick in the first round next April.The 6-foot-6, 285-pounder has prototypical size and speed to be a 4-3 defensive end. North Carolina also plays a 3-4 defense at times, and he has shown the ability to execute well as a five-technique defensive end. Though there is the fact that he couldn’t produce versus double teams may raise some eyebrows as the ACC isn’t home to hardly any dominant offensive tackles.

Brandon Jenkins*, DE/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.

For the season, Jenkins has 29 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Jenkins has gotten pressure on the quarterback in games even though he hasn’t registered big numbers. After breaking out with 13.5 sacks in 2010, Jenkins has had a difficult time matching that production in 2011. The speedy defensive end has seen some extra blocking attention and has fought hard in many games to get pressure on the quarterback. The 6-foot-3, 265-pounder If the junior decides to enter the draft, he has made the case to remain as a potential first-round pick. Though there is the fact that he couldn’t produce versus double teams may raise some eyebrows as the ACC isn’t home to hardly any dominant offensive tackles.

Nick Perry*, DE/OLB, USC
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.57.

Perry has really improved and has been a force this year for USC. He has 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss with two passes batted and three forced fumbles. Perry 6-3, 250 is thriving in Monte Kiffin’s Tampa-2 scheme and showing the ability to be a dependable pass rusher to help make their zone coverage effective. As the season has progressed, Perry has steadily improved his play. He has a nice combination of power and speed. He is thriving in Monte Kiffin’s Tampa-2 scheme and showing the ability to be the dependable pass rusher to help make their zone coverage effective. Perry had four sacks last season after eight sacks as a redshirt freshman. The junior could enter the 2012 draft, and if he does, would probably be a second-day pick. If Perry 6-3, 250 returns to school and adds some weight while continuing to get better, he could easily move into first-round consideration in 2013.

I have not been impressed at all with the run defense of this new system as it is ranked thirty second. Perhaps a third legit run stuffing Defensive Tackle that can rotate in and keep Rubin and Taylor fresh. I am going to operate off the basis that a third defensive tackle would similar to Rubin and Taylor.

Alameda Ta’amu, NT/DT, Washington
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.42.

Ta’amu has taken over as the one of the top senior defensive tackle in the 2012 draft class. Against Colorado, he had a good game with five tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and .5 sacks. Ta’amu is a load at the line of scrimmage who takes on double teams well. Colorado only blocked him efficiently when they sent Miller over to double team him with the center. Typically, Ta’amu lines up over the center and rocks him off the snap to disrupt the play. He got his sack from running over the center in a one-on-one block. Offensive linemen have a hard time moving Ta’amu. At times, they keep him from collapsing the pocket, but they struggle to move him at the point of attack. He shuts down his gap as a hole to attempt to run through. Another impressive attribute on display against the Buffalos was Ta’amu’s motor. He turned and ran to pursue plays downfield and was not taking plays off. Schematic versatility is one of the reasons why Ta’amu is the top tackle in the class. He could be a nose tackle and run stuffer in a 4-3 defense. In that role, Ta’amu could be a Pat Williams-type defender. He might be an even better fit as a 3-4 nose tackle. Effective 3-4 nose tackles can be hard to find, but the 6-foot-3, 337-pounder has the size and strength to execute as a one technique. Ta’amu has put together a strong senior season and looks like a top-25 pick.

Josh Chapman, NT/DT, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 315.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.

Chapman he has recorded 17 tackles with three tackles for a loss and two passes batted down. He is a quality run defender but is limited as a pass rusher. Chapman looks like a strong nose tackle candidate for a 3-4 defense in the NFL. Josh Chapman was a backup to Terrence Cody in 2009 and 2008. Last year, Chapman broke into the starting lineup at nose guard and recorded 31 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. He is a strong run defender at the point of attack. Chapman could potentially add more weight. In the NFL, he looks like a potential fit as a nose tackle, or possibly as a five technique in a 3-4 defense.

Dontari Poe*, NT/DT, Memphis
Height: 6-5. Weight: 350.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.

Thus far in 2011, Poe has totaled 23 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble. He did not play well against Mississippi State in the first game of the season. Poe should drop some weight to increase his agility and to be able to make some plays that don’t go directly at him. Dontari Poe is a massive defensive lineman who could be a 3-4 nose tackle at the next level. He is a powerful force at the line of scrimmage that offensive linemen struggle to move. Poe recorded 41 tackles and with 6.5 tackles for a loss last season.

Kawann Short*, DT, Purdue
Height: 6-3. Weight: 315.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18.

For the season, Short has 48 tackles with 15.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He also has two blocked kicks and a forced fumble. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder offers quickness and strength. He has some natural pass rushing ability and could be a potential three-technique pass rusher at the next level. If Short enters the 2012 draft, he could go as high as the second round with the way he is finishing the 2011 season.

Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.

Powell has done a decent job of plugging up running lanes and getting some push when he bull rushes. For the season, Powell has 40 tackles with 4.5 tackle for a loss, one sack and one pass broken up. He has favorable matchups due to the presence of Quinton Coples and Kareem Martin. Powell could produce more than he does. Tydreke Powell is considered to be one of the better defensive tackles in the draft, despite modest production. He replaced Marvin Austin as North Carolina’s top interior lineman. Last year, Powell had 47 tackles with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss. As a sophomore, he had four tackles for a loss and two sacks. Powell needs to be productive this season with Quentin Coples and Donte Paige-Moss playing around him.

Now on to the controversial position of Middle Linebacker. No one knows for sure if D’Qwell Jackson will be resigned or even if he is does that preclude drafting a college Middle Linebacker and one of them end up playing an Outside Linebacker spot. This by the in my opinion is one of the stronger Middle Linebacker classes in recent memory in my opinion.

Luke Kuechly*, ILB, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 237.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.

In what could be his final collegiate game, Kuechly made the case to be the first linebacker selected next April. He had a superb game to cap an excellent season and, potentially, great collegiate career. Kuechly set the ACC career-tackle record and school record as well. He was a tough run defender and was phenomenal in pass coverage. Kuechly ran with Miami wide receiver Tommy Streeter on a route downfield and almost intercepted a pass intended for him. In the fourth quarter, Kuechly made the game-winning score when he read the eyes of the quarterback and cut in front of the wide receiver to make an interception and return the ball 45 yards for a touchdown. For the season, Kuechly amassed 191 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, three interceptions and three passes broken up. Over the past three seasons, he has totaled 532 tackles. Kuechly’s massive production is impossible to ignore. He has fabulous instincts and intelligence that put him in position to make plays. Kuechly should pick up an NFL defense quickly and be an instant starter.

Dont’a Hightower*, ILB, Alabama
Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.

Hightower is having a fine season for Alabama. He has been a tough, in-the-box defender and has increased his splash plays. Hightower has shown the ability to be a dangerous blitzer as well. He has 66 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception and three passes batted away in nine games this season. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder looks like he is all the way back from a knee injury. Hightower only played in four games in 2009 before being hit with that injury. Last year, he played in all 16 games, but didn’t look to have the speed and explosion that he had before. He looks like a bottom of the first to the top of second-round pick.

Manti Te’o*, ILB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.

Te’o has been solid and reasonably consistent this season for Notre Dame. His tackle total is down from 2010, but his plays behind the line of scrimmage are up. He has recorded 91 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Last year as a sophomore, Te’o lead the Irish in sacks and tackles. Manti Te’o was a tackling machine for the Fighting Irish. He was in the top 20 in the nation, with 133 tackles. He also recorded 9.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble. Te’o has the size, speed and tackling technique to adapt quickly to the NFL. Te’o recently stated he was going back to school, but he still could change his mind and redeclare for the draft.

Vontaze Burfict*, ILB, Arizona State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.

Burfit had a major fall off in production this year for Arizona State. Though to be fair Arizona State was also dropping Burfict a lot into pass coverage a lot rather than blitzing him. Even though he can get to the quarterback, Burfict is a very good pass defender who covers a lot of ground in the short to intermediate part of the field. That combination of abilities is part of what makes him such a dynamic player. Burfict should be a pick in bottom of the first to the top half of the 2nd round who can fit a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense in the NFL.

Audie Cole, ILB, North Carolina State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.

Cole has put together a solid senior season. He has 82 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four passes broken up. Cole can be a tough defender in the tackle box with good instincts. In the spring of 2011, North Carolina State moved him to the middle linebacker spot. In 2010, for the second straight year, Cole led the team in tackles. He recorded 97 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss as an outside linebacker. As a sophomore, Cole led the team in tackles with 85.

Now on to the Outside Linebacker position both Weak and Strong.

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.41.

Brown for the season, he has 62 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four passes broken up. Brown has more sacks, forced fumbles, tackles for a loss, and turnovers produced than those other linebackers. Kuechly and Te’o have more tackles, but Brown has more game-changing plays. Right now, he is moving up into the middle of the first round. There is talk that Brown can run a sub 4.4 40-yard dash, I am guessing more like a 4.5 in my opinion. Brown has shown fantastic blitzing ability. His speed and ability to redirect has been a devastating mismatch against ACC offensive linemen. Brown grades out as a first-round pick. Brown would fit best in a 4-3 attacking defense, although he could also fit in a Tampa- 2-style system.

Ronnell Lewis*, OLB/DE, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
This season, Lewis (6-2, 244) was moved from outside linebacker to defensive end. The move has paid off as he has been very disruptive for Oklahoma on the defensive line. Lewis looks like he has bulked up from his listed weight. Lewis is a physical beast who plays with a mean streak. For the season, he has 59 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes batted away, a forced fumble and an interception. He could move back to 43 OLB in the NFL on the strong side most likely. Lewis also could be a good fit as an inside or outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Lastly if Lewis continues to bulk up with muscle he could be in consideration as a speed DE that Jauron utilizes.

Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-4. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.

For the season, Thomas has totaled 37 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He has been a consistent player from week-to-week with splash plays that impact the game. Thomas is an excellent blitzer off the edge who also plays well in the tackle box. In the NFL, he would be a perfect fit to stay as a 3-4 outside linebacker. After Shane Skov went out for the season with an injury, Thomas took over as the leader of the Stanford defense. He has been extremely productive this season. Last Saturday, Thomas had big game against Oregon State. He recorded two tackles for a loss, a sack and two forced fumbles. His contributions helped lead Stanford to stay undefeated. Thomas should add some weight, but the 6-foot-4, 239-pounder has good instincts to go a long with speed, agility and intelligence. The senior is moving up in the second round. He could move to 43 OLB in the NFL on the strong side most likely. Lewis also could be a good fit as an inside or outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense also. Lastly if Thomas continues to bulk up with muscle he could be in consideration as a speed DE that Jauron utilizes.

Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.

Lewis returned early from a broken foot and I believe the injury has slowed him down all season. His production has definitely declined this season, as he is not the instinctive and the around-the-ball linebacker he has been in past seasons. In eight games, Lewis has 61 tackles with three tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass broken up. Lewis looked like he was on his way to an epic college-football career after he notched 144 tackles as a freshman with 12 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. However, Lewis’ production declined as a sophomore and junior. He had 109 tackles each of the past two seasons. Last year, he also recorded three interceptions, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and zero forced fumbles. He could be a day two prospect that Browns might be interested in.

Danny Trevathan, OLB, Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.56.

Trevathan has been one of the most productive linebackers in the nation this season. He has 135 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and three passes broken up. His tackle total is the fourth highest in the nation. The 6-foot-1, 231-pounder is a little short, but he plays with physicality and violence. Trevathan is extremely fast and instinctive. That allows him to fly around the football field and get in position to make plays. Trevathan also has the ability to make some big hits. Entering the season, one of the biggest obstacles for Trevathan to overcome was his being undersized. In previous seasons, he was listed in the 220s, but has gained some muscle and now officially is 232. In the eye-ball test, that weight gain looks legitimate. Trevathan definitely has the speed to be a starter in the NFL. If he can add another 5-10 pounds of muscle to help him fight off blocks, that would make him even better. In the NFL, Trevathan would be best in a 4-3 defense. He has sideline-to-sideline speed and good instincts. Trevathan is pushing his stock into the second-day of the draft.

Now on to the Cornerback position. Brown is old, Skrine doesn’t seem ready and Patterson is depth at best.

Morris Claiborne*, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0. Weight: 188.
Projected 40 Time: 4.40.

The 6-foot, 188-pound Claiborne is a good man corner who also plays well in zone. He is an excellent athlete with the ability to turn and run with receivers downfield. Claiborne has been one of the prospects who has improved his stock the most during the 2011 season. He showed good coverage all game. Claiborne can turn and run with any of the wide receivers, and has done a superb job of not allowing separation. Claiborne got away with some stiff arms to reroute receivers downfield and disrupt timing, but was smart about when he did it. Claiborne typically went to the stiff arm as receivers were making their cuts, making it harder for refs to see the contact. This kind of nuance will allow him to start day one as a potential number one cornerback.

Dre Kirkpatrick*, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.

This season, Kirkpatrick has recorded 26 tackles (23 solo) with nine passes broken up and two forced fumbles, but has not snagged an interception. He played well against LSU. Kirkpatrick did an excellent job of virtually shutting down wide receiver Reuben Randle. In his first season of significant playing time, Kirkpatrick recorded 53 tackles with three interceptions and seven passes broken up. Nick Saban has a reputation for having a defense that prepares players well for the NFL. Dre Kirkpatrick is a physical defender who also has very good speed. He has the height and leaping ability to play with any big receiver in the NFL.

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Height: 5-10. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.

Dennard missed the first three games of the season with a leg injury. After returning, he played very well and had an excellent senior season. Dennard is smart and doesn’t have mental mistakes that get him caught out of position. He has 27 tackles this season with six passes broken up. Even though Dennard is undersized, he is well built and is very good in press man coverage. Dennard also does well in zone coverage as well. He jams receivers well at the line of scrimmage and his rerouting skills are very advanced. Dennard looks ready to play a big role quickly in the NFL.

Stephon Gilmore*, CB/PR, South Carolina
Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.

This season, Gilmore has given up some plays but has also produced some big plays. He has 41 tackles with three interceptions, seven passes broken up and one forced fumble. Stephon Gilmore proved to be a special player with a dynamic 2010 season and was a consistent source of big plays for South Carolina. He totaled three interceptions, three sacks, and six tackles for a loss while recording 79 tackles for the season. His run defense is already at a high level for the NFL. He was a AP All-American third-teamer. As a freshman starter in 2009, Gilmore had 56 tackles with eight passes defended, six tackles for a loss and three sacks. He has some punt-return ability as well.

Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.

In 2011, Minnifield has recorded 42 tackles with eight passes broken up and three interceptions. He is a tough corner who has the speed and athleticism to be a man corner at the next level. The senior has NFL blood lines as the son of Frank Minnifield, an All-Pro corner for the Browns in the 1980s. Chase Minnifield has played his way into consideration late in the first round. After recording six interceptions last year, teams have been avoiding him this year.

Bill Wunkle’s Initial Top 20 NFL Mock Draft

dune — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:43:11 +0000

Bill Wunkle’s Initial Top 20 NFL Mock Draft

Author: Bill Wunkle – Senior Draft Analyst

Now that the Browns 2011 season is officially over, I thought I’d piece together a quick thumbnail sketch of how the upcoming draft’s top twenty could pan out. Granted, there are several underclassmen that have yet to officially file and enter the draft, and my current list of underclassmen could be out of date. As of today (January 2, 2012), we already know that USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o have already declared that they are staying in school for their Senior year. Some underclassmen will follow in their footsteps and others will opt out and cash in their opportunity to play on Sundays. With that said, here’s my first look at the draft’s potential top twenty.

NO.	TEAM	PLAYER NAME	POS.	COLLEGE
1	Colts	Andrew Luck*	QB	Stanford
2	Rams	Justin Blackmon*	WR	Oklahoma State
3	Vikings	Matt Kalil*	OT	USC
4	Browns	Trent Richardson*	RB	Alabama
5	Buccaneers	Quinton Coples	DE	North Carolina
6	Redskins	Robert Griffin III*	QB	Baylor
7	Jaguars	Jonathan Martin*	OT	Stanford
8	Panthers	Morris Claiborne*	CB	LSU
9	Dolphins	Zach Brown	LB	North Carolina
10	Bills	Luke Kuechly*	LB	Boston College
11	Chiefs	Alshon Jeffrey*	WR	South Carolina
12	Seahawks	Alfonso Dennard	CB	Nebraska
13	Cardinals	Vontaze Burfict*	LB	Arizona State
14	Cowboys	Dre Kirkpatrick*	CB	Alabama
15	Eagles	Michael Floyd	WR	Notre Dame
16	Jets	Cordy Glenn	OT	Georgia
17	Bengals (OAK)	Janoris Jenkins	CB	North Alabama
18	Chargers	Jared Crick	DT	Nebraska
19	Bears	Mike Adams	OT	Ohio State
20	Titans	Courtney Upshaw	LB	Alabama

Note: an asterisk (*) following a player’s name identifies him as an underclassman.

DawgSoldier Sounds Off On 2012 Offensive Needs

dune — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:28:51 +0000

Greetings to denizens of Boneyard. Been a while since I wrote an article for ole DB.com, so bear with me. In this article I will address the offensive needs I see on this team. Quarterback, Power Back if Hillis is not resigned (which I hope he is), Speed 3^rd down back, #1 Wide Receiver, Slot/Speed Wide Receiver and Right Tackle. So lets get down to it.

I am going to start with DawgBones.com FAVORITE position, Quarterback . Tons and tons posts have been devoted to this subject and will continue to be unfortunately. So here it goes.

Andrew Luck*, QB, Stanford
Height: 6-4. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.

Andrew Luck has first caught my eye when I was scouting Toby Gerhart a couple years back as a compliment to Jerome Harrison. Mangini did the Browns a HUGE favor and got Hillis for Quinn so that need disappeared. But I was really initially impressed with the tools Luck had. Another note about Luck and what he has been blessed with is a power running game and a nasty offensive line. This surely has helped in his success. What hasn’t helped his success is poor college wide receivers. Anyways Luck can make every throw you can think of and do it on the run as well. The most impressive thing about Luck in my opinion is his footwork. He rarely makes a throw without his feet set. He is capable of extending plays with his legs. To me the hype around Luck has been epic but he in my opinion is probably just as good as Eli Manning or Philip Rivers when they come out, possibly at the Peyton Manning/Tom Brady Level but not certainly. He is in my opinion the best quarterback to come out in the last 5 years. Oh by the way Luck has had four years exposure to Jim Harbaugh’s west coast offence as a redshirt junior. Barring a Ricky Williams/Mike Ditka type trade up Luck is most likely out of reach of the Browns. Luck would be an absolute upgrade over Colt in my opinion.

Matt Barkley*, QB, USC
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.83.

Matt Barkley first caught my eye when he and Terrell Pryor Played a game down at the shoe in Columbus. As a true freshman Quarterback playing in one of the biggest college venues in a hostile environment at night in front of the whole nation. He proved that night that he can play on a big stage on the road and win. In my opinion Barkley plays his best football in big games, which is a great trait. The knock I have against Barkley I have is he has receiving targets that are better than Browns currently possess, so is he looking this good because of the talent around him or vice versa or is it synergistic? He also runs a offence with a west coast offence themes but has more of vertical element. Some say not a USC Quarterback, they haven’t produced anyone descent since Palmer. To be fair that was Pete Carroll’s QB’s no one has any idea what lane Kiffens program will produce. Barkley like Luck in my opinion can make every throw and has excellent footwork. He also like Luck in my opinion would be and immediate upgrade over Colt.

Landry “Lance” Jones*, QB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-4. Weight: 216.
Projected 40 Time: 4.81.

Off the Jump this is where I will probably get the most disagreement from fellow posters. Jones isn’t any better than McCoy in My opinion. Jones lacks the ability to reset his feet and make an accurate throw after he is forced to move. Basically if Jones is forced to move his feet he is a subpar Quarterback. Exhibit one would be the beat down the Cowboys put on the Sooners in the Bedlam game. The Cowboys defense is average at best but shut down Jones with coverages and pressure packages. In my opinion Jones needs another year.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.90.

Weeden would be higher on this list accept there is a problem with his age he is almost 29. I am not sure many GM’s will want draft a QB with that short of a shelf life. There might be a misconception about though as the MILAGE on Wheedon is low as he tried baseball first and spent time in the minor league. Quarterbacks have been known to play till they are 40 though so it might be a calculated gamble. Weeden arguably has the best Wide Receivers in the country the last couple of years in Dez Bryant and Justin Blackmon. But when those guys have been covered he has shown pin point accuracy to hit the open receiver on back shoulder throws. I think Weeden would be an upgrade over McCoy but his age might make the pick prohibitive.

Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
Height: 6-5. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 5.01.

Nick Foles reminds me a lot of some former and present AFC north Quarterback’s. He has Roethlisberger’s feet and ability to move within the pocket and extend the play, he has Joe Flacco’s build, Carson Palmers arm and sometimes he has DA’s decisions making and stares down his targets a lot. But the kid has tons of physical talent and might be an investment for the future I don’t he could start day one over Colt but may have the ability to develop into one.

Now on to the Power back category. Hopefully this is unnecessary and Hillis will be resigned and this will not be needed. But here they are the top 3.

Trent Richardson*, RB, Alabama
Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.

T-Rich has had the luxury of one of the best lines in the nation. After his last game he told reporters that he was going back to school . I am taking that with a grain of salt till the date to declare closes. T rich is a dominant punishing runner with good hands. But so is Arian Foster who cost the Texans a 7^th rounder. T-rich deservedly has a 1st round grade but the 1^st round running back days are dwindling, see fellow alum mark Ingram lasting to bottom of the 1^st round.

Montee Ball*, RB, Wisconsin
Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.

Ball almost broke Barry Sanders TD single season record this season. A power running back with a nose for the end zone and has soft hands is something a lot of teams will consider. Those who want to lump Ball in with Ron Dayne and other Wisconsin running backs will in the end makes themselves look foolish. There is not a lot of difference between the 2 backs. Some will site that Ball has a top offensive line, and Richardson doesn’t?

Chris Polk*, RB, Washington
Height: 5-11. Weight: 222.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.

Polk is probably the best college running back you’ve never heard of. He reminds me a lot of Matt Forte is ability to accelerate and change direction. He also is an exceptional receiver.

Now to the speed backs.

LaMichael James*, RB, Oregon
Height: 5-9. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.38.

James plays in that crazy high octane Chip Kelly frantic offense. He has exceptional speed agility and change of direction. He of course is an exceptional receiver. It’s my hope that Browns resign Hillis and draft James as a thunder and lightning duo. The Browns have scouted the Ducks according to Chris Stueber of scout.com.

Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
Height: 5-10. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.

Grey doesn’t have extreme top flight speed but he is at full speed within 2 steps as his acceleration explosive as anyone you have ever seen. He is a very good receiver also. Gray also has underrated power. He kind reminds me Bradshaw for the Giants.

Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Height: 5-10. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.41.

Pead isn’t that well know outside the big East but the Browns have scouted the Bearcats according to Chris Stueber of scout.com. So this guy may be in the Browns future. He is an excellent receiver and good blocker also.

On to the three number one wide receivers in this draft.

Justin Blackmon*, WR, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 208.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.

Blackmon reminds me a lot of Andre Johnson type of receiver. He runs great routes, has fantastic body control and leaping ability. His acceleration is elite also as well as his hands. Blackmon in my opinion is a true number one wide receiver. He is a top five-ten prospect and if available for the Browns should draft him with their first pick.

Alshon Jeffery*, WR, South Carolina
Height: 6-5. Weight: 233.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.

Jeffery to a Browns fans might best visualized as combination of Joe Jurevicious and Kellen Winslow. He has Joe’s size and Kellen’s athleticism. He is an awesome redzone target and has a huge catch radius. He is a very physical receiver who gets in and out of his cuts and runs routes well. He is right now my 2a receiver in the draft.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Height: 6-3. Weight: 218.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.

Floyd to me is very physically similar to Braylon Edwards minus the gator arms and stone hands of course. He has excellent body control, leaping ability and acceleration. He catches everything with his hands and runs very good routes. He is listed 2b in my book because he has had couple DUI’s. No matter how talented a player is they don’t anybody any good suspended. So serious investigation in this guys life and incident is warranted as well as serious interviews

Now here are the deep threats/slot receivers.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Height: 5-10. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.43.

Wright has been an unstoppable receiver this season in the Big XII. He is top target for quarterback Robert Griffin III, he has burned secondaries with big plays downfield all year. His speed is hard for defensive backs to contain, and Wright has good hands with the ability to make difficult catches along the sideline and in traffic.

Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
Height: 5-10. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.

Wright has been an unstoppable receiver this season in the SEC. He has burned secondaries with big plays downfield all year. His speed is hard for defensive backs to contain, and Wright has good hands with the ability to make difficult catches along the sideline and in traffic.

A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois
Height: 6-1. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.

Jenkins has been one of the most productive wide receivers in college football this season. He has produced some big plays downfield with a lot of TD’s. Jenkins has quality size with good speed, he gets in and out cuts well has good ability to separate.

T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International
Height: 5-10. Weight: 183.
Projected 40 Time: 4.41.

Hilton is putting together an excellent senior season. His straight-line speed is a mismatch for defenses and special teams units, as he has returned eleven kicks for over three hundred return yards. Hilton gets in and out of cuts pretty well and breaks to the ball.

Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan
Height: 6-0. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.

White has been massively productive this season with eighty plus receptions for over yards and nine touchdowns. He plays bigger than his listed size from what I have seen. He has speed to get downfield and produce long touchdowns. White broke out last season with 94 receptions for 1,378 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also has some punt return skills. White is a sleeper who could be a surprise at the next level.

And lastly the big nastiness, the offensive tackles of the right side variety.

Barrett Jones*, T/G, Alabama
Height: 6-5. Weight: 311.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.

Jones is a very rare offensive line man in my estimation, he is at least a four position player, possibly a five position player. Jones has started day one at right guard for the tide paving the way for a host of very good running backs for two years. This year Jones has move over from right guard without a hitch to left tackle for the tide. That transition from right side to left side is rough but coupled with the guard to tackle transition is very impressive. Jones best game was in the loss to LSU. He was injured late in that game and some have postulated that was one of the reasons Alabama lost. Being there is a national championship rematch there will be a chance to see if that is true. Jones massive versatility in my Opinion could be invaluable to depth for any team who drafts him. If Cleveland drafted him he could immediately start at right tackle or ether guard position.

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-8. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.12.

Adams has been called a bit of dancing bear for his footwork and outright strength. He has reams of tape against some of the Big Ten’s best pass rushers over the last three years. A lot of those guys have been drafted in the first round. Names Like Brandon Grahm, Andrian Clayborn, JJ Watt, and Ryan Kerrigan. This year the best pass rusher Adams faced was Whitney Mercilus of Illinois, that was an epic battle. Mercilus got the better of Adams but Adams was just coming off his Tat five, five game suspension and seemed a bit rusty. Adams would be an awesome up grade at right tackle and be a legit backup option to Joe Thomas.

Ricky Wagner*, OT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.

Wagner is a big mauler of tackle who just destroys opposing linemen, I know it’s a bit of leap to find that quality in a Wisconsin lineman, shocker I know. Basically you could look up Gabe Camrini’s scouting report and insert Wagner’s name. Wagner has solid footwork very good technique. Basically Wisconsin is competing with Iowa for who can produce the best offensive lineman.

Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 318.
Projected 40 Time: 5.14.

Adcock has played both tackle positions for the Cowboys starting at right tackle and then moving to left tackle. Adcock has been obliterating Big Twelve defensive lineman all year. Adcock in my opinion is very similar prospect to Wagner in my opinion. Wagner edges out Adcock in the run blocking department due the fact he destroys folks when run blocking.

Nate Potter, OT, Boise State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.14.

Potter according to what I have read is a former tight end who has good feat but his functional strength is still that of a tight end. Basically Potter is kind of like a much lesser version of Athony Costanzo or De’Bricksaw Ferguson. Excellent technique and footwork but just a little on the whimpy side for guy his size. An NFL strength program would do this guy wonders. But His Pass blocking in a west coast pass heavy offence would be an upgrade over Pashos in my opinion.

Part two to follow on the defensive needs and the best draft picks to address said needs.

New York Jets Schedule – Arduous Jets Schedule is Loaded

dune — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:20:30 +0000

New York Jets Schedule – Arduous Jets Schedule is Loaded

Though it’s certainly not going to be easy to get back to the AFC Championship game, the Jets are ready to roll this season with one of the best defenses in the league and a young quarterback continuing to improve. The New York Jets schedule is packed with great matchups, ones that will test whether or not the Jets have made the improvements to get them over the hump in the AFC. Here’s a look at some of the biggest games that Jets fans will have circled on their calendars.

Week 4, Jets at Ravens:

With quarterback Joe Flacco, show-stopping playmaker Ray Rice and one of the fiercest defenses in the league, the Ravens can absolutely bring it. This one should be a defensive battle that will likely come down to who can make the big plays late in the game. Is this a potential AFC Championship game matchup?

Week 5, Jets at Pats:

The first divisional matchup for the Jets might set the tone for the whole season. Though the Pats absolutely annihilated the Jets the last time they played them in the regular season, the Jets have proven they can actually win in New England, which they actually did twice in 2010. You never know what Pats coach Bill Belichick is going to throw at the Jets and this one might come down to which team plays their style of football.

Week 7, Chargers at Jets:

The Chargers had a bizarre year last year, one in which they had a major playmaker in Vincent Jackson sit out and all-world tight end Antonio Gates go down with injury. But the Chargers still have a premier quarterback in Philip Rivers and a much better defense than most people realize, making it a great time to grab NFL tickets to see them mix it up with the Jets. The Jets will have their hands full trying to slow down the powerful Chargers offense, but they do have Darrelle Revis.

Week 10, Pats at Jets:

Any time the Jets play the Pats, it’s going to be a big deal, and it certainly will be this time, too. It will be interesting to watch how Belichick and Jets coach Rex Ryan adjust after the first matchup, and the team that can make the right adjustments will probably be the one that comes out on top. The Jets and Pats matchup is turning into one of the best rivalries in football.

Week 15, Jets at Eagles:

The Eagles have the reputation of being one of the most exciting teams in the league, led by the redeemed Michael Vick and a plethora of great playmakers in their prime. Though the Eagles still have to prove that the Super Bowl hype is warranted, they are clearly one of the better organizations in the league and the Jets will be looking to steal a huge road win late in the season. This one has the potential to be a Super Bowl preview.

Week 16, Giants at Jets:

Technically this is a home game for the Jets, but it doesn’t really matter. Both teams should be fighting for playoff spots in brutal divisions, making it a likely must-win for whichever New York team you’re rooting for.

It’s Showtime!!!

dune — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:54:08 +0000

After a very eventful off-season the NFL finally gets back too what they do best, playing football. On Sunday, the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks that changed the United States and it’s citizens forever, the Cleveland Browns and 31 other NFL teams will embark on a journey that each hopes ends hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February of 2012.

The Browns will open their season at home against their in state rival the Cincinnati Bengals. Neither team is predicted too go to the playoffs, but that does not dampen the hopes and expectations of either team or their fans. For this is week 1 and every team is in the hunt for Lombardi’s Trophy. Every team is tied for 1st place and every team has just as good a chance of being the next Cinderella in this years dance.

The Browns are, at least on paper, in better shape opening the season then the Bengals. Many of the “so-called” experts are leaning on what they saw this pre-season in predicting the Browns too win at home Sunday. The West Coast offense has been brought in by new head coach Pat Shurmur and it seems too be a perfect fit for 2nd year QB Colt McCoy and the cast that surrounds him. The defense is adjusting to new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron’s 4-3 scheme. Jauron has been an NFL head coach on 2 different occasions with little to no success. It’s as a defensive coordinator he has made an impact. Jauron’s defenses’ have always been average to good and that is something the Browns have not had since their return in 1999 to the NFL.

So with plenty of optimism the Browns and their fans enter the 2011 NFL season. They may not get to where they want too go in 2011, hoisting Lombardi’s Trophy, but for today they are neck and neck with every team in the league.

Time For Hope?

dune — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:06:18 +0000

It was only a pre-season game and it was just the first one, but many fans of the Cleveland Browns are finally wondering if this regime is one that will finally bring a winning tradition back to their team. With Mike Holmgren spearheading a west coast rejuvenation on the banks of Lake Erie the Cleveland Browns, under new head coach Pat Shurmur, looked very poised if not polished against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in their 27-17 win Saturday night.

True words like “vanilla” are tossed around in the pre-season. Most teams will not show what schemes they plan on using during the regular season. Giving your opponent a competitive advantage is not what the pre-season is for, it’s about evaluating talent and installation. This year it may also be about knocking the rust off due to the fact that there was no off-season conditioning or team activities due to the NFL lockout.

Getting back to the game and the reason for “guarded” hope in Cleveland. One needs too look no further than the QB Colt McCoy. This year it is clear that he is the offensive leader of this team. His abilities are perfectly suited for the west coast offense and the multiple options it brings. Saturday night McCoy went 9-10 for 135 yards and a beautiful TD pass to WR Josh Cribbs before leaving the game. McCoy was efficient, precise and poised leading the teams 1st team offense against the Packers defense. The Browns under McCoy actually looked like a professional offense, one worthy of being in the NFL. That alone is cause for optimism if you are a Browns fan.

Defensively the Browns struggled too get consistent pressure against the Packers 1st team offense. They are starting 3 new defensive linemen and installing a new 4-3 scheme. This is where Browns fans must remain patient. Defensive coordinator Dick Jaurun’s defense’s have always been solid and this one will be as well. It just may take some time. Seeing MLB D’Qwell Jackson back on the field and looking so instinctive was a nice surprise for Browns fans. Jackson has missed almost the entire last 2 years too injury.

Sure this team is a work in progress. Sure it was only a “pre-season”game. Sure there are still a ton of question marks. but if you are a Browns fan, at least for one Saturday night in August, there is reason for hope.

The Deal Is Done!

dune — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:21:38 +0000

After 136 days the owners and players of the National Football League have reached an agreement on a Collective Bargaining Agreement. With that said, let the 2011 NFL season begin.

Much is still too be done. Teams can start reporting to camp as soon as Wednesday.

Un-drafted rookie free agents will now be able too sign with teams.

Unrestricted free agents will now hit the open market.

The pre-season and regular season will go on without a hitch, sans the Hall of Fame game.

All in all the fans are where they are every year, waiting for camp too start. Looks like this deal got done just in time.