ASK WUNKLE: 2009 POST-SEASON EDITION

ASK WUNKLE: 2009 POST-SEASON EDITION
Author: Bill Wunkle – Senior Draft Analyst for dawgbones.com

Even though the Cleveland Browns 2009 season is officially official in terms of what happens on the field, there’s still a plethora of questions surrounding the future of the organization. Thus, I felt obligated to submit another edition of Ask Wunkle; where my fellow site members can feel free to ask me any football related question.

For those of you who are relatively new to the site or may not be familiar with my work, allow me to give you a little bit of background information about me. I’ve been an active contributing member of dawgbones.com since June of 2005 and have been glossed by owner/operator Jim Giles as the site’s “resident draft expert extraordinaire”. While I’m honored by the title, what I really am is a football fan with a real passion for the NFL draft. My mock drafts are typically a combination of what players I think will be drafted by which NFL teams and what players I think should be drafted by those teams (obviously, those two don’t always coincide). Before joining dawgbones.com I was a regular contributor on the now defunct website profootballdraft.com as their team correspondent for the Cleveland Browns as well as chief writer for the AFC North.

Now, let’s get on with the questions!

DawsonsTouchbacks leads off this edition with the following: What is a fair contract offer to Cribbs?

This is why I like and respect you, Dawson, because you’re not afraid to get up in my grill and ask the tough questions. First off, Josh is one of the very few players on the current roster that opposing teams have to find a way to stop, and he still gets the job done. As a kickoff/punt return specialist, Cribbs is the best in the business, with more career touchdowns in NFL history. He’s also an elite gunner on kickoff/punt coverage. Also to Josh’s credit, he’s a dangerous wildcat formation quarterback. Is he a legitimate NFL receiver? No, but once the ball gets into his hands, he’s potentially lethal. So, what salary would his skill level command on the open market? The 1.4 million dollar offer from the Browns is definitely a lowball offer. I’m of the opinion that his worth to the team is more on the lines of somewhere around 2 million dollars a year. I wish him well getting more than that from the Browns because he is still primarily a special teams player and not a finished product as a receiver. You see, Josh signed a six-year deal three years ago, so he’s already halfway through his current contract and NFL teams typically don’t renegotiate contracts with three years remaining on their contract regardless of whether they’ve outperformed that contract. It was a bad contract, and Josh has only himself to blame for signing it.

Dawson also asks: Who is going to give the Browns the best bang for their buck at RT?

To draft or not to draft, that is the question. Of all the unrestricted free agents, (UFA’s) Michael Roos of Tennessee is the best of the class. Unfortunately, he’s a left tackle and wants to be paid accordingly. Other possibilities might include Eric Winston (Houston) and Winston Justice (Philadelphia). Only one restricted free agent (RFA) would make sense from a talent perspective, and that’s Baltimore’s Jared Gaither. The only problem is that the Ravens will probably give Gaither an offer sheet that would require giving up a first and a third in the 2010 draft. Now, as far as the draft goes, it depends on when you want to draft an OT. The best OT in the draft is Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung, but he’ll be off the board long before the Browns draft at seventh. Oklahoma’s Trent Williams or Rutgers underclassman Anthony Davis might be there, but seventh is still early in terms of drafting a RT. Idaho’s Mike Iupati can play either OG or RT, but will be off the board long before the Browns come back in round two. So, here are my candidates: Charles Brown (USC), Tony Washington (Abilene Christian), Jason Fox (the U), Kyle Calloway and underclassman Bryan Bulaga (Iowa). Players to avoid at the position include Ciron Black (LSU) and Selvish Capers (West Virginia).

BrownsFan4Life has a similar question by asking: Who should the Browns draft or sign to be RT and RG?

I think I’ve already covered the RT position, so we’ll look at RG. As for free agents, I might want to look at Arizona’s Deuce Lutui, Baltimore’s Chris Chester or Seattle’s Rob Sims. As for the draft, many consider the aforementioned Mike Iupati the best guard in the draft. Others to consider might include Vladimir Ducasse (UMass), Jon Asamoah (Illinois) and Mike Johnson (Alabama) if you’re looking for one in the top three rounds.

BF4L also expressed his concerns with Josh Cribbs: Is there precedent to rip up a special teams players contract after 3 years into a 6-year deal (or half way through or less)? Cribbs has complained every season of the contract extension. If they do decide to trade him, what can we realistically expect to get for him?

I cannot think of any precedent. Then again, I can’t think of any special teams player getting a six-year deal before Josh Cribbs; so, we’re in unexplored territory here. I’m all for keeping Josh here if it’s at all possible. However, if I absolutely have to trade him, I’m going to squeeze that orange for all the juice that I can get. Depending on what teams may come calling, I’m asking for a first and a third and I’m demanding no less than a second and a fourth – at least at first. If someone wants to take Josh Cribbs off my hands, they’ll have to make it worth my while.

Ice chimes in with this three-part question: In your opinion, should we add a QB to the roster? If so, then how (high draft pick, mid-level draft pick, low draft pick, free agency, trade)? And if we add one, which QB should we let go of and what could we get for them?

I definitely think that the Browns should add a QB to their roster. I cannot see Mike Holmgren or Eric Mangini wanting to spend a high draft pick on a QB this year. I understand that I’ll receive some criticism for this one; but if the Browns are looking to add a QB late in the draft, I’d like to see Matt Robinson (Oklahoma State) wearing brown and orange in 2010. Now as for the free agents this year, maybe Chad Pennington (Miami) isn’t such a bad idea for one to two years after all; but nobody else at the position really pushes my hot button. There is one QB the Browns would have to trade for that intrigues me, and that’s Green Bay’s Matt Flynn. So, with any of these possible additions, who’s the odd man out? I think it’s clear that Derek Anderson has played his last game as a Cleveland Brown. While we’re at it, what exactly has Brett Ratliff done this year to secure himself a roster spot in 2010?

Bowman chimes in with: If the Browns do switch to a 4-3, do we have the depth at DE to be successful? Whom should we target in FA/draft?

Now that the President Holmgren has decided to retain Eric Mangini and his coaching staff, I think it’s kind of a moot point. As far as whom the Browns should target, I think they should pretty much take the PBA regardless of position (with the possible exception of QB early) because this team is so void of talent.

Bowman adds: Also, why do we drive on a parkway, and park on a driveway?
That, my friend, seems to be one of the greatest mysteries of the English language since the early twentieth century. Frankly, I don’t have a clue.

Dillinger asks the following question: Why do Cleveland Browns fans have absolutely no patience?

I think it’s partly due to the microwave instant gratification mindset that’s so prevalent in today’s society and partly due to the root of what it means to be a fanatic. However, I think it’s mostly from them having to eat crap sandwiches (metaphorically) year after year in hopes that the ownership of this once proud franchise finally gets a clue and gets it right.

The Chosen One brings us back to the draft with: Would you be opposed to adding Jonathan Dwyer in the 2nd if he were to fall there?

Jonathan Dwyer would be the thunder to Jerome Harrison’s (if re-signed) lightning, so I would have to give that very serious consideration. However, we really don’t know what James Davis has to offer the Browns. Depending upon who’s still on the board, I would be open to taking Dwyer. It also depends on what positions the Browns address in free agency.

Connbrownfan comes to the table with: How do we fix our secondary? Wright seems to be the only bona fide starter back there as B-Mac was too prone to getting burned all the time. Plus, at Safety, Brodney Pool may be gone due to concussions and Elam seems to be a mediocre Safety at best.

Brandon McDonald would be okay if he were a nickel or dime back, but the problem is that he’s one of our starters. The Browns could use their first round pick on Florida’s Joe Haden to lock down that position, but I suspect they’ll address the defensive front seven with that pick. Brodney Pool’s concussion history greatly concerns me, as does Abram Elam’s mediocre play, so your concerns are well founded. Suffice to say that, between the draft and free agency, there are players available to fill those voids.

He also asks: What is the purpose of Braille on drive-up ATM’s?

My guess is that it has to do with the manufacturers complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act passed by our government some time ago. So, what is a blind person doing behind the wheel of any motorized vehicle? That part I don’t get either.

And thirdly: What is with the “Beware of Blind Curve” signs? I don’t know any curve that can see.

They can’t see, which is why you have to watch out for them.

Nyeguy wants to know: Why is Baloney spelled with a G?

Because Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A. Come on, get with the program.

Brownsmopar wants to know: Why ask why?

Why not?

UGAbrown78 presents the following scenario: Lets say Josh Cribbs’ temper tantrum is not a bluff, what could the Browns get for Cribbs? I’m thinking two first round picks. I would trade him in a second, but for no less than some team’s first round picks in consecutive years.

Good luck getting that much for a return specialist and gunner, my friend. I understand that Cribbs is a difference maker, but you’ve got to be more realistic with your expectations. Heck, I thought I was going out on a limb asking for a first and a third, but you’re really way out there, my friend. Should we try to get as much as possible if we have to trade him? Absolutely, but the demands have to at least appear reasonable.

Big Bubba Brown comes in with this tri-fecta: A – What is the most glaring need on the offensive side of the ball? B – What is the most glaring need on the defensive side of the ball? C – Which side of the ball should the Browns first round pick be used to address?

A – the right side of the O-line
B – it’s a tie between impact LB and a pair of safeties
C – whatever player will have the greatest immediate impact for the team

Stray_Dawg wants to know: What are the Browns most pressing players that they need to re-sign that are to become free agents. Which ones should walk? Does free agency on the Browns own roster significantly affect their draft strategy?

As I understand it, these are the Browns UFA’s for 2010:

Jerome Harrison
D’Qwell Jackson
Brodney Pool
Matt Roth
Ryan Tucker
Lawrence Vickers

That said, Ryan Tucker needs to just hang up his cleats and ride off into the sunset before he injures himself beyond repair. I love Tuck’s mean streak when he plays, but he’s just too injury prone at this point of his career. Maybe he can get into coaching. Brodney Pool may have to retire because of all the concussions he’s suffered. He really needs to start thinking about life outside of football while he can still have one. Jerome Harrison and Lawrence Vickers may be the only two “must re-signs” on the list, even though I really like what Matt Roth has brought to the Browns. I’m really torn about D’Qwell Jackson. He makes a lot of tackles, but how many of them are behind the line of scrimmage and how many of them are ten yards downfield? I think that the Browns can do better at the position, and maybe with the seventh overall pick (hint, hint). As to your third question: free agency always has an impact on a team’s draft – some by signing and others by walking.

Chicago John asks a series of questions:

1 – How much will it cost for us to re-sign Matt Roth?

2 – Assume the NFL goes to an uncapped salary structure for longer than next year. Do you think an owner like Randy Lerner would pay out whatever it took to win a Super Bowl? In other words, would we benefit (in the short run) from an uncapped salary structure?

3 – I heard you say in the chat room during the Jacksonville game that if the NFL went to an uncapped year next year, you felt the NFL may not return to a salary cap. Could you discuss why you feel that might be the case? (Hopefully I didn’t put words in your mouth through this question)

4 – Assuming we are sitting at #7, would you trade the pick? If no, who would be the top two players on the board defensively and offensively (realistically) at that point and which direction to do you think the Browns will go?

5 – Was a substantial part of BQ’s problem this year BQ’s talent level or the offensive talent (excuse the pun) that he had around him?

6 – What’s a Wunkle?

1 – My guess is three years at about 2.5-3 mil per year, but I’ve been wrong before.

2 – Randy Lerner wants to win almost as much as he wants his next breath, so I think he’ll do whatever it takes to win the Lombardi Trophy. Yes, we could very well benefit from an uncapped year or two (or maybe ten).

3 – You’re correct, John, I did say that and here’s why I believe it. The NFLPA is not interested in reverting to a salary cap once it’s removed because it’ll only make its best players richer. Never mind what’s in the best interest of the league, it’s all about the Benjamins for this generation – even if it means that its membership will drastically decrease in numbers because several teams could fold from the eventual removal of league-wide revenue sharing.

4 – This team has so many needs that, if the right package were presented to the Browns, I wouldn’t be opposed to trading down. It all depends upon what’s being offered in terms of picks/players, and what players I can expect to see available when those picks are on the clock. Mangini did the nearly impossible last year by trading down three times in the first round, so I wouldn’t expect that to happen for Cleveland two years in a row. Besides, I’m actually quite comfortable with us picking seventh overall. In short – yes, I’m open to it, but let the other team make it worth our while. Now if we keep the pick, I’m looking very Seriously at Alabama LB Rolando McClain, Tennessee S Eric Berry and Florida CB Joe Haden (depending on who’s already off the board). However, with the influx of so many quality underclassmen, I might have to look at something a bit unconventional – like OT. At that thought, DawgSoldier just spat out his morning coffee. Finally, part of it will depend upon how the final edition of my draft board looks – which is currently far from being a finished product.

5 – I think that part of it was the whole team having to learn another system with new terminology. Some players caught on more quickly than others, and it was one big mess. Brady also had to deal with the right side of the O-line not being able to effectively run block or pass block through the first twelve games. To top things off, he was dealing with a group of receivers that had trouble catching the football. Actually, I think the mix is about 50/50. Is Quinn a bad QB? No, but he may not end up being the right QB for this team. That said, perhaps a second year in the same system would help all parties involved.

6 – Wunkle is a very seldom-used Old English colloquial past tense derivative of the verb “to winkle”, which means “to pry something out of a place” or “to question or interrogate”. A modern day example would be a nosey neighbor trying to find out your business or what’s going on in your personal life.

And we’ll wrap up this edition of “Ask Wunkle” with this question from Choco: can Jerome Harrison take 300 carries a year?

If he re-signs with Cleveland, I most certainly hope so.

Thanks again to all my fellow contributors for submitting their questions. Dawgbones.com wouldn’t be what it is without you. Most importantly, my sincere thanks go out to the website’s owner/operator Jim Giles for making all this madness possible. Until we meet again, this is Bill Wunkle saying God bless and so long folks!