Cleveland Browns (12 Viewers)

[amnesiac]

Ugh....say it isn't so....

PFT Report: Browns showing interest in Josh McCownThe Browns have vowed to look high, low and everywhere in between for quarterback options this offseason and Josh McCown is looking for a job after being released by the Buccaneers.

To little surprise, it looks like those two paths will cross. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns have expressed interest in McCown’s services. They have not yet set up a visit with the veteran quarterback, but could do so soon.

McCown worked with new Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo in 2007 when DeFilippo was the Raiders’ quarterbacks coach. McCown started seven games for Oakland that year, throwing nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and Cabot reports that the two men enjoyed working together that season.

McCown has visited the Bills and is expected to meet with at least one team in Indianapolis during the combine before making other visits as he weighs his options around the league. As the only quarterback currently on the open market who could be a starter in 2015, McCown should have several such options available to him.

if they signed him, would they need to add him to the jersey, or could they skip him because Luke McCown is already on there?

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I find it hard to fathom getting Mariotta and still having one of the 1sts (likely 19). Were gonna need both to get into the top 6 unless the team wants to gamble on our 2016 1st. Might not be a bad bet either.

imo, IF they stay healthy, with Hoyer plus Mariotta, they're easy 8-8.trading next year's first might not be a bad move.

This is not a team that should ever trade their future 1st. Ever.

Only time to even consider is if there is a some Luck type prospect at QB.

Right now, there is not

they flushed a first on Manziel.i'd have no problem spending next year's first on a legit QB prospect.

but like i said, haven't watched any film on these QBs yet.

If we can't move up for one of these QBs without giving our 2016 1st, then no thanks.

yeah they flushed a 1st on manziel but it was a pick in the 20s. I could easily see this team stink it up at QB for an entire year and get a top 3 pick

they went 7-9 with a ton of injuries.i will go on record now that there is no way they have a top 5 pick next year.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Dawg-Pound-Journal-NFL-Network%E2%80%99s-Ian-Rapoport-thinks-Browns-will-be-in-2015-playoff-hunt/b146abd7-850e-446b-8778-ef15da797885

Dawg Pound Journal: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport thinks Browns will be in 2015 playoff huntPosted 8 hours ago

INDIANAPOLIS – Count NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport among the national voices who think the Browns are headed in the right direction.

On Wednesday at the NFL Combine, Rapoport shared with ClevelandBrowns.com the reason why he firmly believes the Browns can improve upon their 7-9 record, and it starts with one person: Mike Pettine.



“Mike Pettine has established himself as a pretty sound, sure decision maker who doesn’t allow the outside clutter to make decisions for him,” Rapoport said.

“You look at the quarterback decision, come out of camp, everyone expects it to be Manziel. Welp, Pettine knew he wasn’t ready – and he was right. He didn’t listen to all the clutter about Manziel.”

Rapoport was quick to point out he remembers a Browns team on NFL Network that pummeled the Bengals, 24-3, not too long ago and sat atop the AFC North in early November. Rapoport is a believer in the Browns’ foundation – three Pro Bowlers in the secondary, Joe Thomas and a healthy Alex Mack – so much so, that he thinks Pettine and company will return to the playoff hunt.

“Cleveland was in great position until they faltered down the stretch,” Rapoport said. “I would be surprised if they are not in a similar position this coming year. They’ll basically have the same team, except a little bit better. How do you handle those last games? Can you bring it home? Those are the questions, but the tools will absolutely be there.”

As for Cleveland’s draft needs, Rapoport says the Browns will have to craft a plan around who will be under center next season. Could that player be in this draft?

“Is it going to be a quarterback?” Rapoport said. “I would tend to say probably not high. But I think that’s a question if you are in the organization you are weighing. How hard do we need to address the situation? Obviously, Johnny Manziel is taking the right steps for the betterment of his career and for the betterment of the Browns, but how secure is that?

“To me, the need is at the wide receiver position. You’ve got to get better there, and there is going to be talent in this draft. There was last year, and there’s just as much talent this year. Wide receivers are going to be going early and often in the first round. But the foundation for the Browns is actually pretty good – especially when you get Alex Mack back.”

 

[MAC_32]

The schedule is significantly harder, we don't have a qb, now have an oc with zero experience, and haven't won a game since before thanksgiving.

I like Pettine, but put that p word away til November.

 

[RC94]

From Rotoworld:

Browns GM Ray Farmer admitted at the NFL Combine that he attempted to text playcalls in to the sidelines during 2014 games.


"Sometimes, the emotions get the best of you," was Farmer's explanation. The Browns will likely face league-imposed sanctions in the very near future. Farmer's foibles led directly to the departure of OC Kyle Shanahan. When combined with blowing first-round picks on Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel, Farmer's first year as Browns GM was a rough one to be kind.

 

[amnesiac]

so do we know Gilbert was a wasted pick after one year?

not defending him, just asking the question.

 

[The Man With No Name]

From Rotoworld:

Browns GM Ray Farmer admitted at the NFL Combine that he attempted to text playcalls in to the sidelines during 2014 games.


"Sometimes, the emotions get the best of you," was Farmer's explanation. The Browns will likely face league-imposed sanctions in the very near future. Farmer's foibles led directly to the departure of OC Kyle Shanahan. When combined with blowing first-round picks on Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel, Farmer's first year as Browns GM was a rough one to be kind.

One season and they are busts already? Give them a chance to play more first.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

so do we know Gilbert was a wasted pick after one year?

not defending him, just asking the question.

Pettine is gaining a reputation as a straight shooter and Mike says that Justin Gilbert has 'very-personal' issues that he would not go into any detail about and I respect that answer and Gilbert's privacy.

Without knowing details this admission hints that Justin's off-field personal issues impacted his performance on the field. Not knowing the details this admission hints Justin can get help and after receiving assistance that a player like Justin Gilbert might solve or be able to deal with any issues and that could lead to a better on-field performance.

=====================

Daryl Ruiter @RuiterWrongFAN · 22h 22 hours ago

Pettine described CB Justin Gilbert's issues as "very personal" - had good meeting with him before he left town for offseason #Browns

 

[Bobcat10]

Pettine's comments re: Shanny are fantastic.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Cleveland Browns beat writer Tony Grossi interview from the Combine in Indianapolis yesterday was asked about his impressions of QB Marcus Mariota. He weighed-in on Mariota and other Combine topics. Here's a blurb on what he said about Mariota.

LINK to the audio clip and the Mariota info is the first question he was asked.

===============

DawgPress @DawgPressNet · 29m 29 minutes ago

[Audio] @TonyGrossi w/ The Golden Boyz http://dlvr.it/8dnWdk #Browns

Rough transcription:

Q: "What were your impressions from Marcus Mariota and did he talk at all about how he would feel playing for the Browns?"

Grossi: "He did he talked a lot about Kevin O'Connell (O'Connell is the newly hired Browns QB coach who worked with Mariota helping him prep for the draft) so the natural question from our end was... ah.

Did you talk about how cool it would be if you wound up re-joining him in Cleveland? And his eyes actually LIT UP AT THAT and said...

'Hey that would be AWESEOME! I would love to play for the Cleveland Browns.'

So there it is, its out there. Here we go again. Lets chase that pot of gold."
==============

Later in the interview Grossi clarifies his take and actually says he believes it would be a mistake to pay the amount of draft picks that it would take to trade-up to land Mariota but Mariota says he would love to play for the Browns.

One other interesting tidbit he mentions in the interview is that he ran into Norv Turner and Norv told him that he loves Teddy Bridgewater. Grossi said that Turner stated that Teddy is the first guy in the building and the last to leave and Grossi said that if you have a guy like that as your QB 'you have a chance'.

In the above audio interview Grossi mentions his first mock that he just put out this morning.

http://espncleveland.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=17&post_id=42501

1. Tampa Bay: QB Jameis Winston, Florida State

Right now, the Bucs are not scared off by all the character issues.

2. Tennessee: QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon

They profess to like Zach Mettenberger, so let him play himself to the bench.

3. Jacksonville: DT Leonard Williams, Southern California

Their third straight year in the top five, and this time they get the draft’s best defensive prospect.

4. Oakland: DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska

New coach Jack Del Rio collects a pass rush complement to Khalil Mack.

5. Washington: OLB Dante Fowler, Florida

A relentless pass rusher to succeed free agency-bound Brian Orakpo is the order.

6. N.Y. Jets: DE Shane Ray, Missouri

New coach Todd Bowles is going to get what he wants in his first draft.

7. Chicago: DT Danny Shelton, Washington

New coach John Fox plus new coordinator Vic Fangio equals top defensive player on the board.

8. Atlanta: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson

Another new defensive-oriented coach, Dan Quinn, completes a run of six consecutive defensive players.

9. N.Y. Giants: OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa

In the tradition of former GM George Young, a classic Big Ten O-lineman.

10. St. Louis: WR Amari Cooper, Alabama

Tough call over an offensive tackle, but Rams can’t pass him up.

11. Minnesota: WR Kevin White, West Virginia

In major surprise, Vikings pass on Teddy Bridgewater’s favorite receiver for White.

12. Cleveland: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville

Ray Farmer surprises everybody by conceding wideouts can impact games.

13. New Orleans: DE-OLB Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Saints have to upgrade that awful defense.

14. Miami: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford

Second year in a row Dolphins tab offensive tackle first.

15. San Francisco: DE Arik Armstead, Oregon

New head coach Jim Tomsula, formerly the D-line coach, is taken care of.

16. Houston: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Top-rated cornerback in draft gets the easy nod.

17. San Diego: OT La’el Collins, Louisiana State

QB Philip Rivers needs more protection for Chargers to make a run before he’s through.

18. Kansas City: WR Breshad Perriman, Central Florida

Earth to Chiefs: You had no receiver with a touchdown reception last year.

19. Cleveland: DT Malcom Brown, Texas

Fills top defensive need and scores high on maturity meter: He’s married with two daughters.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Stumbled upon a great Combine interview that Jason Zegura did with NFL film Greg Cossell.

I think many would like to see this and hear Cossell's unique takes on the top prospects that might interest the Browns.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-center/videos/Cosell-Lists-Draft-Prospects-That-Fit-Browns/01cea104-c599-40db-8c19-01e181a3ba68?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Posted:

Feb 20, 2015 Cosell Lists Draft Prospects That Fit BrownsGreg Cosell of NFL Films talks about the prospects at the Combine that could be a fit for the Browns

 

[Bobcat10]

Didn't they try to go bright orange before and people liked the flat orange?

I like the brown facemasks, I think.

I thought they'd integrate some metallic/chrome/silver whatever you call it into the helmet. I assume that will be in the uniform in some fashion. We're gonna look "bright".

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/2015_Logos.html

 

[MAC_32]

This is the pay off?

How about instead of worrying about logos, scoreboards, uniforms, and the stadium sound system you worry about winning some ####### games.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I heard the team sent out e-mails to Browns Backer clubs that it was only going to be the color change to the facemask and for some insane reason some people really do care and lost their freak'n minds and that is why the story gained momentum till it was a train going downhill without breaks. I guess people are really that desperate to throw rocks at the team.

FWIW I just saw this concept helmet and its actually pretty cool, the only one that I saw that I liked.

-------------------------------------------------------------

D!rtD@wg‏@DirtDawg_31 31m31 minutes ago

Now that #browns revealed logo, im revealing that I created this mockup floating around. They shld hire me nxt time!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-nyc00UYAAjkvD.png

 

[amnesiac]

This is the pay off?

How about instead of worrying about logos, scoreboards, uniforms, and the stadium sound system you worry about winning some ####### games.

they could wear hot pink and i'd not give a single #### if they were consistently making the playoffs.

 

[SteelerMurf]

Safety orange

Nice.... crossing guards in Cleveland are set now

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Some laughs in here at the Browns' expense.

 

[Old Smiley]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 22m22 minutes ago

Cleveland is giving former Buccaneers QB Josh McCown a 3-year deal, per source. Cleveland went after him hard.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Ugh

 

[Soulfly3]

Draft DGB at 19 now.

If there's one thing McCown can do, it's properly utilize a big ### WR

 

[Old Smiley]

I'm trying to figure what it means. Bye bye Johnny?

 

[MAC_32]

Draft DGB at 19 now.

If there's one thing McCown can do, it's properly utilize a big ### WR

you're schtick, right?

 

[MAC_32]

I'm trying to figure what it means. Bye bye Johnny?

The opposite.

 

[Old Smiley]

I'm trying to figure what it means. Bye bye Johnny?

The opposite.

So you're saying Brian's gone?

 

[MAC_32]

I'm trying to figure what it means. Bye bye Johnny?

The opposite.

So you're saying Brian's gone?

Oh, yeah. He's being brought in to mentor Johnny.Why? Beats the hell outta me.

 

[Soulfly3]

Draft DGB at 19 now.

If there's one thing McCown can do, it's properly utilize a big ### WR

you're schtick, right?

It's the Browns, man.. What doyou think they'll do? The right thing? Also, I was dead serious about McCown and big WRs. But regardless of my feelings about DBG (which are positive), I wouldnt want us to draft him

Wouldnt shock me tho

 

[Bobcat10]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there.

McCown is a bad QB.

 

[Old Smiley]

I think Hoyer can be right for the right sort of team. You'll have to run and you'll have to play good D. I like that kind of team.

 

[ghostguy123]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there.

McCown is a bad QB.

And Hoyer is..........................??

 

[amnesiac]

i'd rather take my chances with Hoyer now that Shanahan is gone.

oh well.

 

[ghostguy123]

i'd rather take my chances with Hoyer now that Shanahan is gone.

oh well.

I can see preferring Hoyer to Mccown, but I can also see HOyer not wanting any part of this place.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there.

McCown is a bad QB.

And Hoyer is..........................??

Hoyer is 29 and McCown is 35. At least there is the slight upside all be it small with a guy like Hoyer who could still be improving and in 2 years you can decide if you want to see at 31 where Hoyer is at then and if Manziel has matured and improved. What good is McCown doing you?

 

[Bobcat10]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there.

McCown is a bad QB.

And Hoyer is..........................??

Hoyer is 29 and McCown is 35. At least there is the slight upside all be it small with a guy like Hoyer who could still be improving and in 2 years you can decide if you want to see at 31 where Hoyer is at then and if Manziel has matured and improved. What good is McCown doing you?

What does being a bad QB have to do with being a good mentor (or a better mentor than Hoyer)? There are many veteran QBs that are not good..yet they are good mentors and go on to be good coaches.

I personally think the Browns are drafting another QB to be the 3rd (or 1st or 2nd) with McCown and Manziel. Let's see how this unfolds before we completely judge what they are doing.

 

[amnesiac]

i'd rather take my chances with Hoyer now that Shanahan is gone.

oh well.

I can see preferring Hoyer to Mccown, but I can also see HOyer not wanting any part of this place.

yeah i think he was pissed at the end of last season.

 

[Old Smiley]

It's not like he can write his own ticket, though.

 

[MAC_32]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there. McCown is a bad QB.

And Hoyer is..........................??

Hoyer is 29 and McCown is 35. At least there is the slight upside all be it small with a guy like Hoyer who could still be improving and in 2 years you can decide if you want to see at 31 where Hoyer is at then and if Manziel has matured and improved. What good is McCown doing you?

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

 

[Bobcat10]

It's not like he can write his own ticket, though.

No he can't. He's taken some risks with his career over the past year and I wish him the best. I think if Pettine REALLY wanted Hoyer to come back, then Pettine and Farmer would be working to get Hoyer to come back. The divorce is likely mutual.

 

[ghostguy123]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there. McCown is a bad QB.

And Hoyer is..........................??

Hoyer is 29 and McCown is 35. At least there is the slight upside all be it small with a guy like Hoyer who could still be improving and in 2 years you can decide if you want to see at 31 where Hoyer is at then and if Manziel has matured and improved. What good is McCown doing you?

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

Yep.

Hoyer seems to be the complete opposite of this

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Doesn't matter who he will mentor the next 3 years, he will be better at it than Hoyer.

Disagree there. McCown is a bad QB.

And Hoyer is..........................??

Hoyer is 29 and McCown is 35. At least there is the slight upside all be it small with a guy like Hoyer who could still be improving and in 2 years you can decide if you want to see at 31 where Hoyer is at then and if Manziel has matured and improved. What good is McCown doing you?

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

How do you know this?

Regardless is it such a bad thing to have a guy like Hoyer competing and pushing to be the starter?

 

[ghostguy123]

How do you know this?

Regardless is it such a bad thing to have a guy like Hoyer competing and pushing to be the starter?

How do you know Mccown won't do just that same thing?

The reasons Hoyer won't be here don't have anything to do with football. If they did, then he DEFINITELY wouldn't be here.

He sucks, AND isn't good for us regarding grooming a new QB (whoever that might be). Double edge sword of suckness with Hoyer.

 

[MAC_32]

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

How do you know this?Regardless is it such a bad thing to have a guy like Hoyer competing and pushing to be the starter?

Tea leaves. Hoyer has continued to say starter in every interview. First tweet I read about McCown said mentor.I don't believe in quarterback competitions. You have one or you don't. If you don't you aren't going to find one having a bunch of kids fighting for the job. How many times has this yielded a successful qb? If a franchise guy isn't there and you need to manufacture one I think getting a vet to lead a project will better set the team up for a chance at success.

I just hope the Browns aren't banking on that project being Johnny.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

How do you know this?Regardless is it such a bad thing to have a guy like Hoyer competing and pushing to be the starter?

Tea leaves. Hoyer has continued to say starter in every interview. First tweet I read about McCown said mentor.m

I don't believe in quarterback competitions. You have one or you don't. If you don't you aren't going to find one having a bunch of kids fighting for the job. How many times has this yielded a successful qb? If a franchise guy isn't there and you need to manufacture one I think getting a vet to lead a project will better set the team up for a chance at success.

I just hope the Browns aren't banking on that project being Johnny.

I guess I just don't understand bringing in a guy like McCown who has zero upside and is 35 years of age and you can see him as mentor but a mentor to a wasted pick imo. I am a firm believer that Manziel was a wasted pick so in a year or two you have a crappy old QB and a busted pick. This is a recipe to be bad for a long time.

 

[MAC_32]

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

How do you know this?Regardless is it such a bad thing to have a guy like Hoyer competing and pushing to be the starter?

Tea leaves. Hoyer has continued to say starter in every interview. First tweet I read about McCown said mentor.m

I don't believe in quarterback competitions. You have one or you don't. If you don't you aren't going to find one having a bunch of kids fighting for the job. How many times has this yielded a successful qb? If a franchise guy isn't there and you need to manufacture one I think getting a vet to lead a project will better set the team up for a chance at success.

I just hope the Browns aren't banking on that project being Johnny.

I guess I just don't understand bringing in a guy like McCown who has zero upside and is 35 years of age and you can see him as mentor but a mentor to a wasted pick imo. I am a firm believer that Manziel was a wasted pick so in a year or two you have a crappy old QB and a busted pick. This is a recipe to be bad for a long time.

What free agent qb has any upside?

 

[Old Smiley]

I also think if there were questions about Hoyer's attitude last year, it could well be because he was seeing what Manziel was looking like in practice. Ticked to lose his job to a guy that didn't even know the terminology.

I wonder how he'd fit in Buffalo...

 

[ghostguy123]

Neither is the answer, but McCown is more receptive to being the backup/position group leader.

How do you know this?Regardless is it such a bad thing to have a guy like Hoyer competing and pushing to be the starter?

Tea leaves. Hoyer has continued to say starter in every interview. First tweet I read about McCown said mentor.m

I don't believe in quarterback competitions. You have one or you don't. If you don't you aren't going to find one having a bunch of kids fighting for the job. How many times has this yielded a successful qb? If a franchise guy isn't there and you need to manufacture one I think getting a vet to lead a project will better set the team up for a chance at success.

I just hope the Browns aren't banking on that project being Johnny.

I guess I just don't understand bringing in a guy like McCown who has zero upside and is 35 years of age and you can see him as mentor but a mentor to a wasted pick imo. I am a firm believer that Manziel was a wasted pick so in a year or two you have a crappy old QB and a busted pick. This is a recipe to be bad for a long time.

WHy do you assume he is a Mentor for Johnny?

 

[ghostguy123]

I also think if there were questions about Hoyer's attitude last year, it could well be because he was seeing what Manziel was looking like in practice. Ticked to lose his job to a guy that didn't even know the terminology.

I wonder how he'd fit in Buffalo...

Probably. But even if he has every reason to be upset about it, he isn't good enough to have any say about it.

 

[Phenomena]

Didn't Hoyer win something like 60-65% of his games? I don't get it.

If the front office left football decisions to the football people he'd probably be locked in as the starter and that 22nd overall would have drafted a solid contributing skill position player. Kelvin Benjamin went 6 spots later. Man that franchise has a way to f*** up the easiest stuff. Glad I'm not a Browns fan.

 

[MAC_32]

Didn't Hoyer win something like 60-65% of his games? I don't get it.

He had an opportunity to keep his job and get the big pay day, but then November happened.

 

[ghostguy123]

Didn't Hoyer win something like 60-65% of his games? I don't get it.

He also sucked horribly almost the whole year. Sometimes teams win when a QB sucks....see the Tebow year

 

[mr fancypants]

Nice in depth pre combine write up of the top DT's available in this years draft and how they may pertain to the browns.

http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/2/15/8016607/defensive-tackle-draft-part-1