Position Battle #1 - CB

We all know Joe Haden is the top DB but who will be starting opposite him on opening day and who will be the starting nickel?  

Buster Skrine 5’09” 185 – After what I saw last year, Buster scares me.  He has tons of talent but hasn’t shown that he can cover without being overly aggressive.  He cost us that game in Dallas and I can’t get over it. 

Leon McFadden - 5’10” 193 - The 3^rd round rookie out of San Diego St. has a real shot at becoming a starter for the Browns this season.  I don’t know if he will be ready to be thrust into that role by week 1 though, especially since he hasn’t signed a contract yet and is missing out on quality time. 

Chris Owen - 5’9” 181– The Browns signed Chris from Atlanta this off season and he has mostly played the nickel corner.  Rumor has it that during mini-camp Chris showed up determined to win the spot opposite of Haden and has looked really good.  Chris could be the sleeper in this battle, watch out. 

Trevin Wade - 5'11" 192 - Trevin could be a big surprise this preseason.  He plays bigger than he is and has the ability to cover the bigger receivers in the league. 

Johnson Bademosi -6'0" 200 - I really liked watching him play last year.  His ability to rotate between Safety and Corner showed his flexibility. Will he be platooned at Safety because of the lack of depth or does he have a legit shot to play Corner?

This is going to be a fun battle to watch during training camp and the preseason games.  We have a plethora of young talented guys that want to prove their worth.

please join us @ wtfbrowns.com to discuss

Post Draft 2013.

It all starts back before the draft in 2012 when the Browns couldn’t muster up enough “marbles” to get their guy, RGIII.  The fans, the media, they all went crazy because Heckert and his brain trust fell short, or so the story goes.

The moral of the story is if you want a guy, you can’t sit around on your hands.  You have to put your best foot forward and make it happen no matter what the price is. The Browns front office fell short of doing so and I’ve heard about it for the past 12 months.   

Fast forward to draft 2013. 

What did the Browns do?   

Exactly what they didn’t do in 2012. 

It’s said that Mingo was the guy that this front office wanted, so what did they do?  They got him.  They didn’t fall to temptation and trade down to 16 and grab a second rounder from St. Louis which was on the table, they stuck to their guns and got their guy.  Guess what, the dumb fans are pissed again, go figure.  We don’t have to agree with the Browns talent evaluators but can we stop contradicting ourselves just to bitch?   

The only thing that changes in Cleveland more than the coaches and the weather are the fans personalities. 

Let’s face it, this draft pool was very shallow.  The fact that the front office is smart enough to go against the grain and stock up for next year’s draft says a lot about the integrity of this organization.  Next year has the potential to be one of the best draft classes we’ve seen in a while and as of now the Browns have 9 picks.  Not too shabby.

In summation, I like what the Browns have done this off-season.  The front 7 on defense are going to be a force.  The addition of Bryant and Kruger in free agency immediately made that defensive front very strong.  Pieces were added on both sides of the ball that will impact this team immediately.  David Nelson and Devon Bess are huge additions to our offense and their presence will be felt on day 1. 

I realize that there are still holes on this team.  Middle linebacker and tight end stand out the most to me but would a 4^th and 5^th round pick really of made a difference there? 

Mingo – Not my favorite player in the draft, I had him rated as a mid-late first round selection.  That means nothing though because Mingo has the skill set to be a very good pass rusher.  I’ve said it since the beginning of the draft talk this off-season, if Mingo finds the motivation and drive to better himself, he’s a top 5 pick in this draft.

Josh Gordon – No matter how you look at it, we got him for a second round pick this year.  He’s one year ahead of the curve and he’s a damn good receiver.  I don’t care who drafted him, he cost this new regime a pick.

Leon McFadden – I’m already tired of hearing about how this kid is too small.  McFadden is a good talent.  He’s quick and very good in man coverage.  He should be the starter opposite of Haden when the season starts. 

Jamoris Slaughter – This might be the best pick of the draft.  Jamoris is a stud.  He’s smart and he’s got a lot of talent to back it up.  If he hadn’t blown out his Achilles he would have been taken much earlier in this draft, keep your eyes on him. 

Armonty Bryant – I know nothing about him and I won’t act like I do. 

Garrett Gilkey – I love this kid, if you haven’t read his story please do so.  http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/9101543/laughing-now-garrett-gilkey  I really thought some team was going to pull a quick one and jump on this kid in the 3^rd.  Needless to say, I can’t wait to watch his progress and see what he’s capable of.  I will be watching this kid’s career, wherever he may go. 

Candidly, it’s a process.  Go Browns.