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It’s NFL Draft Week.

Happy NFL draft week for those who celebrate. Now begins the complete nonsense of leaks about players falling or rising on team’s draft boards. Some are from teams hoping a player will fall to them, some are from agents hoping a team will get desperate and trade up for their clients. I can’t think of any rational person who thinks Will Levis or Anthony Richardson is a better quarterback then C.J. Stroud. I’ve seen all three play and Stroud is much better then the other two. I know why teams like Bryce Young. He’s said to have the “it” factor, but so did Baker Mayfield coming out of college.

As for the Browns, their first pick isn’t until the eleventh pick in the third round. Doing mock drafts for the Browns is not easy this year, but if certain positions are drafted with pick 74 and 98, then it will tell me certain players might need to get their resumes updated. If a defensive tackle is taken with pick 74, the Browns might be tired of Perrion Winfrey’s act. I’ve said in previous blogs the Browns could roll out a 53-man roster without drafting a single player. Of course, they’re going to draft players, to help with depth and future starters. Right now, they could add rookies to the running back room, the defensive line room, the wide receiver’s room and linebacker’s room.

A lot has been made of the fact that Browns GM Andrew Berry hasn’t drafted pro-bowl players. I don’t care about that; all I care about is wins. I could care less if CB Martin Everson makes the Pro Bowl and takes part in the balloon toss. Speaking of Everson, he was a great third round pick that no one saw coming, and I mean no one. He was targeted 89 times, never gave up 81 yards in a game and never gave up over 23 yards in YAC. Thanks to @tha_buffalo for those stats.

I’ve also said in previous blogs, that Berry would trade for future picks, both in 2024 & 2025. I’m not sure he’ll only draft five players. He might draft eight players and still get future picks. I’m very intrigued with picks 140 & 142. Could Berry just sit there and pick up two players the team desires or trade one of those picks to move up slightly or down slightly. As for next year, the Browns have seven picks in 2024.

Some players I like: WR, Marvin Mims, WR Tyler Scott, RB Tyjae Spears, RB Tank Bisby, RB Zach Evans, TE Brenton Strange, TE Davis Allem, DE Derick Hall, DE Isaiah McGuire, DT Karl Brooks, DT Moro Ojomo, LB Dorian Williams, LB Ivan Pace, CB Kei’Trel Clark, CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, S Rashad Torrence and S Brandon Hill.

During the draft on Friday and Saturday, I’ll be joining my fellow team mates on The Fanatical Elfz Network. Enjoy the draft, stay safe and Go Browns.

News & Notes.

The first off-season programs have begun in Berea. I love watching the videos of the players walking into the facility. It tells me Browns football is right around the corner. As all NFL fans wait for the draft next week, there’s still news happening. Let’s go.

Player Signings. Prior to the players reporting, it was announced wide receiver Marquise Goodwin signed his contract. It’s a one-year deal worth $1.7 million. He has a signing bonus of $250,000 and a guaranteed salary of $150,000. The $400,000 in guarantees makes him a lock to make the roster, barring injury. It was also announced guard Michael Dunn, cornerback Thomas Graham, Jr. and defensive tackle Ben Stille signed one-year contracts. Currently the Browns have $7.1 million in cap room with $9.75 million (John Johnson, IIII) and $1.65 million (Jadeveon Clowney) added to the cap after June 1.

New Stadium. Browns twitter exploded yesterday with the news the team might have to play in another city while a renovated or new stadium is being built. Not. Going. To Happen. Are the Haslam’s and the city discussing stadium plans? Yes. The key to the deal is the redevelopment of north shore and a land bridge from downtown to the north shore. The Browns have nothing to do with the land bridge, that’s the city’s responsibility. I’ll wait until there’s an official announcement from the city and the Browns. Anything being reported now is baseless speculation. If I were to guess, the stadium project construction will be staggered to not interrupt football season. This is the NFL and cash is king. The Browns will not be playing in Columbus or a smaller stadium.

Free Agency. The Browns still need to address a couple of positions, defensive end and safety. I know they could draft some players, but it makes more sense to sign some veterans. The price will come down after the draft. Players to watch: DE: Carlos Dunlap, Dante Fowler, Melvin Ingram. S: Adrian Amos, Rodney McLeod, Andrew Adams, Joshua Kalu. They still need a number three safety and a rotational edge rusher.

Watch for my mock drafts at https://clesportstalk.com/ I’ve done two and will have another on this week and my final mock next week. Also watch the shows on the Fanatical Elfz Network, http://@ElfzNetwork. The next one I’ll be on will probably drop Friday. Stay safe and Go Browns.

Browns Draft-Players To Watch.

As I said in previous blogs, Browns GM Andrew Berry will not use all eight picks the team has in the 2023 NFL draft. He might use picks to move around in this year’s draft, but more than likely he’ll use them to acquire future draft picks. Because the Browns addressed various needs in free agency, I’m of the opinion the most likely positions that will be draft are, running back, wide receiver, tight end, edge, linebacker, safety and offensive tackle. So what players should you be watching for?

Day Two (picks 74 & 98). Running backs: Duce Vaughn, Kansas State, Roschon Johnson, Texas, Tyjae Spears, Tulane.

Day three picks (111, 126, 140, 142, 190 & 229). Running backs: Zach Evans Ole Miss, Chase Brown, Illinois, Kenny McIntosh, Georgia, Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina.

Day Two. Wide Receivers: Josh Downs, North Carolina, Tyler Scott Cincinnati, Marvina Mims, Oklahoma, Nathaniel Dell, Houston.

Day Three. Wide Receivers: Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss, Jaylen Reed, Michigan State, Trey Palmer, Nebraska, Parker Washington, Penn State.

Day Two. Tight Ends: Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan.

Day Three. Tight Ends: Zach Kuntz, Old Dominion, Camerom Lata, Alabama, Brenton Strange, Penn State.

Day Two. Edge: Derick Hall Auburn, Andre Carter, Army, Zach Harrison, Ohio State, Byron Young, Tennessee.

Day Three. Edge: YaYa Diaby, Louisville, K.J. Henry Clemson, Brenton Cox, Florida.

Day Two. Linebackers: Henry To’oto’o, Alabama, Noah Sewell, Oregon, Jack Campbell, Iowa.

Day Three. Linebackers: Nick Herbig, Wisconsin, Owen Pappoe, Auburn, Yasir Abdullah, Louisville, Cam Jones, Indiana.

Day Two. Safety: Sidney Brown, Illinois, James Robinson, Florida State, Chris Smith, Georgia.

Day Three. Safety: Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame, Ronnie Harrisson Ohio State, Jarvis Martin, Illinois.

Day Two. Offensive Tackle: Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse, Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland.

Day Three. Offensive Tackles: Nick Suldiver, Old Dominion, Ryan Hayes, Michigan, Jaxson Kirkland, Washington, Warren McClendon, Georgia.

The most likely positions for day two are wide receiver, safety and edge. The rest would be more likely on day three, with tight end and offensive tackle late on day three. Remember it’s all about the value. Stay safe and Go Browns.

Browns Draft Strategy.

The Browns currently have eight draft picks for the 2023 NFL draft. Picks number 74, 98, 111, 126, 140, 142, 190 & 229. With the success of the 2023 free agency period, the team could roll out a 53-man roster right now without adding any more players. But they will draft players for depth. So what’s going to happen?

Trade Up Or Down. Browns GM Andrew Berry rarely trades up. If a player the team really covets falls late into the second round, he might pull the trigger. The more likely scenario is trading down to accumulate more picks in the 2024 & 2025 draft. The Browns will still be in good shape in 2024 with the salary cap, however in 2025 there might be some problems due to current contracts. Berry always trades current picks for future picks.

Current Roster. Looking at the contacts the current free agents have signed, if a player has guaranteed money, the Browns are anticipating the player is making the roster. An example is quarterback Josh Dobbs. He signed to a two-year, $2 million contract fully guaranteed. Dobbs will be on the roster this year and the next. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst has no guarantees, he’s fighting for a roster spot.

Team Visits. It’s being reported which draftable payers are taking visits to the team facility in Berea. This isn’t a sign these players will be drafted. Andrew Berry likes to use these visits to show potential undrafted rookie free agents the Browns are interested in them if they go undrafted. Cornerback A.J. Green is a perfect example. He went undrafted and signed with the with the Browns shortly after the draft.

Tonight, I’ll be part of podcast on the Fanatical Elfz Network, http://@ElfzNetwork with my good friend John Suchan, http://@JohnSuchan to discuss the Browns draft strategy. Also, my first mock draft will be published soon on Cleveland Sports Talk, http://@CLEsportsTalk. Tune in and look for my article. Stay safe and Go Browns.

The Curious Case of Lamar Jackson.

Wait a minute, this is a Browns blog why are you writing about the soon to be former Ravens quarterback? It seems the Browns giving their franchise quarterback a fully guaranteed contract has caused a disturbance in the NFL force. First of all, any pain caused by the Browns to other AFC north teams, especially the Ravens is a good thing. And any complications to the league because of the Browns is also a good thing. My thoughts and prayers to Baltimore fans and NFL owners.

For years Browns fans were told the Ravens were a well-run organization, while, because of the hole the league placed the Browns in in 1999, Cleveland was always dysfunctional. There were years when I thought they were worse than dysfunctional. During 1-31, dysfunctional would have been an improvement. But now the league owners are blaming the Browns for doing something that if the other 31 teams had an opportunity to do, they would have done it. Just a reminder, 13 teams inquired about Deshaun Watson and the final four teams (Saints, Falcons, Panthers & Browns) all offered the same contract. Only Cleveland guaranteed the money. If the Cowboys or the Patriots had done the same thing, they would have been lauded as trail blazers and smart, well-run franchises. I don’t blame owner Jimmy Haslam for wanting a big upgrade at quarterback and doing what was necessary to build a winning team. I want the Browns to win as well. Hell, I’m not getting any younger.

The Ravens had the opportunity to extend Jackson prior to this year. The Buffalo Bills (well-run organization) picked up Josh Allen’s fifth-year option in May of 2021 and on August 6, 2021, gave him a six-year contract worth up to $258 million with $150 million guaranteed. The current Browns front office tries to extend their core players before they hit their final year. Chubb, Garrett, Teller, Bitonio, Njoku, Ward and Conklin are just a few examples. The Ravens (not a well-run organization) had the opportunity prior to the Watson contract. Ravens’ fans will argue that Jackson seems to get injured at the worst time, late in the season. Yes, his last full season was 2019, however that was the year he won the MVP. Fans say he’s a running quarterback. Have you seen Josh Allen and Partick Mahomes?

In summary, according to everyone, except Browns fans, this all Cleveland’s fault. Yep, and I’m loving every minute of it. Karma baby, karma.

One final note, I’m joining the Fanatical Elfz Network podcast (http://@ElfzNetwork) as a regular contributor. This will transition into my own podcast on the same network. I’ll still write my blog (Dawgpoundsouth – A blog about the Cleveland Browns) and continue to write articles for https://clesportstalk.com/. This is great opportunity to talk even more about the Browns.

So Far, So Good.

The Browns are off and running addressing team needs in free agency. The defensive line needed work, okay, sign four defensive linemen, so far. Created a hole at free safety with the release of John Johnson, III, no problem. Wanted to keep the continuity with the offensive line, okay you got it. Need to keep two key contributors on defense and special teams, check. Like I said, so far, so good.

Some in the Cleveland media, I’m looking at you Tony Grossi, are criticizing the Browns for their lack of a big swing signing. I thought there might be one as well. They were in on defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, but he picked the 49ers over the Browns. Actually, I’m shocked Browns GM Andrew Berry was willing to throw big money at the best DT in this year’s free agency. The signing of DT Dalvin Tomlinson makes me very happy. He’s a run stopper who can create pressure. Pressure up the middle so the pass rushers can clean up the mess. Speaking of pass rushers, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was high on my list. An ascending player who is just coming into his own. Five sacks in the last six games he played, including one against the Browns. Next came the free safety this team needed. Juan Thornhill was the guy I wanted. He’ll allow Grant Delpit to stay a strong safety, where he’s a better player. Here’s a link for an article I wrote Sunday, https://clesportstalk.com/ready-set-and-go/

The biggest shock was the resigning of center Ethan Pocic. I thought for sure he was gone because he was asking for $ 10 million a year. The Browns got him for a little more than $ 6 million. Today it was reported that tight end Jordan Akins is visiting Berea. Both made my wish list article for Clevelandsportstalk.com ,https://clesportstalk.com/my-offensive-free-agency-wish-list/. As for the other two defensive linemen, Maurice Hurst and Trysten Hill, they are both low risk, high reward signings. Both are very talented but injury prone. Will they make the team? I’ll wait to see their contracts. If they have guaranteed money, then they’re making the team. I was glad to see the resigning’s of A.J. Green and Sione Takitaki. Green is key backup and great special teamer. Takitaki played very well when he took over the middle linebacker spot. The team still needs to sign another LB. Either Anthony Walker or Reggie Ragland would be fine with me.

Other positions that need to be addressed are wide receiver (Mecole Hardeman or Trent Sherfield), backup QB (Josh Dobbs or Teddy Bridgewater) and possibly another DT (Matt Ioannidis). Right now, all Browns fans are on wide receiver watch. A trade is possible, but a signing makes more sense. Andrew Berry uses free agency to fill holes and to allow the team to be very fluid during the draft. Stay Safe and Go Browns.

Here. We. Go.

Now that the Franchise and Transition Tag period has ended, the “illegal” tampering period goes into high gear. Rumors will run rampant, players will post cryptic messages on social media and people who say they have reliable sources, don’t. The voices in their heads aren’t reliable sources. Clickbait season has begun. Just remember, Browns GM Andew Berry can be unpredictable. No one knew the Browns were going to trade for Amari Cooper before it happened. With new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on the coaching staff, Berry will go heavy on the defensive side of the ball. That’s no surprise, the uncertainty comes from how he’ll attack the situation. Conventual wisdom tells you, he’ll spend the free agency money wisely, t0 maximize the value of the money. But there’s a nagging feeling he might just swing big for a “name ” free agent. All I know, if a signing doesn’t happen right away, I’ll have to scroll past a lot of memes on my twitter timeline. Like a stick figure poking a Browns helmet or pictures of Mr. Bean waiting.

The Browns aren’t going to trade Nick Chubb. Not this year at least. Sure, the Browns have to clean up their salary cap, they’re currently $ 14 million over. But trading Nick Chubb doesn’t help that situation. As for acquiring more draft picks for this year, who knows what you could get for Chubb. All I know is this is a deep draft for running backs and if a team needs one, financially a rookie contract is much more affordable. Like I’ve said before, the Browns are in “win now” mode and Chubb helps that mode. Finally, the Browns are going to restructure Watson’s contract. Recently he said he would agree to it, however he already has, it’s written in his contract that the Browns have that option. The public will find out about it prior to the start of the league year.

The Deshaun Watson contract is starting to look like a good deal. Daniel Jones is going to get $40 million a year, $ 6million less than Watson. Just a reminder, Jones is 21-23-1 as a starter. As for Lamar Jackson, he should have hired an agent prior to last season and worked out a contract then. If he didn’t get what he wanted, he could have held out. It doesn’t help his case that the last time he played a full season was 2019 and hasn’t played in December the last two years. It’s amazing how so many quarterback needy teams, within an hour of the announcement Jackson was being tagged, said they weren’t interested. Yep, the NFL loves to collude. My problem with all this mess, some experts are blaming the Browns. First of all, if Baltimore is in disarray because of the Browns, GOOD. Second of all, why blame the Browns for doing something the other 31 teams could have done. Thirteen teams inquired about Watson and there were three other teams to make the cut. These teams knew his contract demands and were willing to do the contract. Watson chose the Browns.

The legal tampering period begins Monday March 13 at noon EST. The official signing period starts Wednesday March 15 at 4:00 pm EST. Enjoy the ride. Stay safe and Go Browns.

Quick News & Notes.

The Browns have been busy since I wrote my last blog. They hired veteran coach Bill Musgrave as an offensive assistant. Personally, I would have preferred someone who is more familiar with quarterback Deshaun Watson, but I’ll take a fresh set of eyes looking at the offense. Especially someone who head coach Kevin Stefanski knows and respects. Musgrave spent 19 seasons in the NFL as either a quarterback coach or an offensive coordinator. The team also made some minor moves on the coaching staff.

The Browns started the process of restructuring contracts with WR/KR Jakeem Grant. They took the remaining two years on his contract and turned into a one-year contract with a voidable year. They saved $1.7 million and made his cap number the same amount. It was also announced the team will cut safety John Johnson, III and designate him a post June 1 cut. This wasn’t a surprising move as I’ve said it might happen and saves the team $9.75 million in cap space. I thought at the time this was a great free agent signing, however I don’t think they Browns utilized Johnson’s talent properly.

As expected, Washington franchised tagged DT Daron Payne. No surprise and still don’t believe he was ever a free agent target for the Browns. There’s a lot of talk about the Browns and Bengals safety Jessie Bates. Just don’t see the Browns spending $15 million on Bates when they could use that money on two or three much needed players. Just a reminder the Franchise & Transition designation period ends March 7. Expect the Browns to announce a Watson restructure after the Ravens tag Lamar Jackson.

The combine has started and the only player I’ve heard who has talked to the Browns is Michigan DE Mike Morris. Other possible targets for the Browns: Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern, Zach Harrison, Ohio State and Tuli Tuipulotu, USC. All would be potential third round picks. Yesterday, Browns GM talked to the media. My takeaways are: Would not name Nick Harris as the starting center, a Watson restructure is on the table (Yes), there are other options for restructures (no surprise), kicker Cade York will have no competition and the age guardrails for draft picks is still in use. For those who don’t know, Berry doesn’t draft players over the age of 22.

Finally, it was announced the Browns and the Jets will play in the Hall of Fame game. Again, no surprise. So the Browns and the Jets report a week early to training camp and play four pre-season games as opposed to three. The start of the league year is two weeks from today, March 15, so expect a lot of articles stating the Browns have this free agent or that free agent on their radar. They should have every free agent on their radar. Stay safe and Go Browns.

So Far So Good.

Fire the defensive coordinator. Check. Fire the Special Teams coach. Check. Hopefully the Browns will hire a couple of coaches who are upgrades. Big check. It’s being reported today that the Browns have hired former special teams ace Bubba Ventrone. Just like the Jim Schwartz hire, this is a major upgrade. In his five years as special teams coach with the Colts, they finished in the top ten four times. If Cleveland’s special teams had been average last year, I contend they could’ve won three more games. Been then again, both Joe Woods and Mike Priefer would probably be still employed by the team. The Colts wanted to keep Ventrone, so the Browns also added assistant coach to his title. The Browns this week also hired Ephraim Banda as their safeties coach. Now the emphasis is on hiring a QB coach (Sean Ryan or James Urban) and some defensive coaches. They should have the staff complete by the start of the NFL combine on February 28.

In other news, the franchise tag period started on February 21. So far there’s only been speculation on those getting the big money tags. There have been reports DT Javon Hargrave, DT Da’ron Payne and DT Dre’Mont Jones may be tagged. I’m not concerned about these players because I’m of the believe they aren’t Browns targets. Too expensive. Think Matt Ioannidis, David Onyemata, Sheldon Rankins and Jarren Reed.

The first fire sale started yesterday. The Tennessee Titans released LT Taylor Lewan, WR Robert Woods, K Randy Bullock and LB Zach Cunningham. There are rumors edge Bud Dupree maybe designated as a post June 1st cut. Of these players, I know Browns GM Andrew Berry tried to acquire Woods before the Rams traded him to the Titans and I might take a flyer on Cunningham on a cheap contract. Because Jim Schwartz was employed by the Titans last year, players from the Titans will catch the eye of Browns fans. Of their free agents, LB Rashann Evans would be an upgrade as a starter, center Corey Levin, edge DeMarcus Walker and safety Andrew Adams would be good backup/rotational players. I have no interest in Lewan, he’s missed 18 games over the last three years and as for Dupree, only as a situational pass rusher at the league minimum.

As I said the combine starts next Tuesday. I’ve heard rumors the Browns are scheduling meetings with agents of pending Browns free agents. I’m not interested in how the draftable players perform; I’m interested in who the team meets with. Always a good indicator. Stay safe and Go Browns.

Next Year Is Here.

With the completion of Super Bowl 57, the 2023 NFL season has officially started. As for the game, one play didn’t decide it, but the field conditions really hurt the Eagles. The league spent $800,000.00 growing the grass specifically for the Super Bowl. The NFL should ask for its money back, what a mess. It naturized the Eagles pass rush. You can’t give Pat Mahomes that much time. I hope Browns Kevin Stefanski was watching the Chiefs redzone offense because it was a thing of beauty. A lot of motion, a lot of speed and a franchise quarterback who has time to throw.

Now begins the Browns quest to get to Super Bowl 58. First up, hiring new coaches to replace Jeff Howard, Chris Kiffin and possibly Drew Petzing. The Colts and the Cardinals have decided on their new head coaches, so the Browns can finish out their coaching staffs. I have a feeling new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz knows who he wants to hire, and it’ll be happen pretty quickly.

Next up for the Browns will be contract restructures. Remember, a restructure is not a pay cut if the owner can afford to pay the upfront money. Jimmy Haslam can afford it even after he buys a 25% stake in the Milwaukie Bucks. The date to watch is the beginning of the Franchise tag period. Once Baltimore officially tags quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Browns will restructure Watson’s contract. The Browns want to force the Ravens to pay the full tag for quarterbacks, $32.42 million. It doesn’t matter if Jackson signs the offer or not, once the team applies the franchise tag, the amount is set. The Franchise and Transition period begins on February 21 and runs through March 7.

Now that Joe Thomas is in the NFL Hall of Fame, as if there was any doubt, I know a lot of you are wondering if the Browns will play in the Hall of Fame Game. We should find out sometime during the NFL combine, which is February 28 through March 6. My money is on Jets vs. Browns and no there isn’t a rule that teams who play each other in the regular season can’t play in the pre-season. It’s happened before.

The fun really gets started on March 13, when the legal tampering period begins. The illegal tampering period begins at the Combine. Shh, don’t tell anyone. Then on March 15 free agency begins and large amounts of money will be thrown around. Day one is always big contracts for big names and day two is always what I like to call “fool’s gold day.” Big money given to average players. As I’ve said before, Browns GM Andrew Berry will attack the defensive line first. The team needs at least a DT1, DE2 & DE3. A trade for a wide receiver wouldn’t surprise me either.

Next year is officially here Browns fans. Stay safe and Go Browns.