LB Leon Williams CLE (1 Viewer)

[Big Log]

Just wondering what other guys thoughts were on Leon. I have him on a Taxi Squad from last year and I was impressed with what he did in a few starts to end the year while playing for an injured D'Qwell Jackson. He was a 4th Round pick and there isn't a ton of info on him. Any have any feedback on his possible future?

Thanks...

 

[Biabreakable]

Well to fill in the details Williams actualy played LILB where Andra Davis normaly plays. Davis moved over to RILB to replace Jackson.

Davis's numbers took a big hit with the move and Williams performed like Davis normaly would from that position.

Davis is signed long term so it is hard to know what the future holds for Williams/Davis/Jackson.

 

[Peak]

Well to fill in the details Williams actualy played LILB where Andra Davis normaly plays. Davis moved over to RILB to replace Jackson.Davis's numbers took a big hit with the move and Williams performed like Davis normaly would from that position.Davis is signed long term so it is hard to know what the future holds for Williams/Davis/Jackson.

Very ture. As a Browns fan, I've heard that Williams' production last year has caused a few Davis trade speculations. I wouldn't mind that at all, as Williams and DQ in the middle would be a solid young duo in Crennel's system. Davis was the best LB on the team prior to last year. Now that we have solid young talent at depth, I wouldn't be surprised to see Davis moved to allow for Williams to flourish.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Williams just seems like the kind of guy who will find his way onto the field despite there being no obvious place for him to fit in. They might try him at OLB if Peek disappoints. They could use him early on to ease Jackson back id his severe turf toe is still gimpy. He was good when he had a chance to play last year, and I doubt the coaches forget that.

 

[JoeSteeler]

What do you guys see for D'Quell Jackson?

 

[Rozelle]

Well to fill in the details Williams actualy played LILB where Andra Davis normaly plays. Davis moved over to RILB to replace Jackson.Davis's numbers took a big hit with the move and Williams performed like Davis normaly would from that position.Davis is signed long term so it is hard to know what the future holds for Williams/Davis/Jackson.

Anymore, a long term contract means very little after the first couple of years. If a younger, less expensive player can do the job ... your expendable

 

[Rozelle]

Interesting thoughts by Doerschuk.

Question 17. pertains to Leon Williams/Andre Davis.

LINK

Quarterback is far from only minicamp question

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

By Steve Doerschuk

REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA Welcome to the minicamp with a million questions.

At least one notable issue shadows all 22 starting positions as the Browns launch into a three-day, five-practice session.

To wit:

1, Will Romeo Crennel start Charlie Frye, Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson at quarterback?

"He's a very fair coach,'' Frye says. "I think the best player will play.'' Good luck figuring out who that is now.

2, Who will share the load with No. 1 running back Jamal Lewis?

"We are counting on Jerome Harrison,'' GM Phil Savage said of the 2006 Round 5 pick who disappeared after a monster rookie preseason.

3, Who replaces Terrelle Smith at fullback?

While emceeing a Browns Backers dinner, I introduced audience member Lawrence Vickers as the probable No. 1 fullback. Later, Crennel grinned during a speech and said, "I see the sports writers are handing out starting jobs."

Presumably, Alan Ricard, who blocked for Lewis in Baltimore, is in the hunt.

4, Can tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. (9.8 yards per catch) kick it up to Alge Crumpler (13.9), Antonio Gates (13.0) and Tony Gonzalez (12.3) country?

Where there's a will like Winslow's, there's a way, but a knee might be in the way. His microfracture surgery will be a mystery until he starts practicing in August.

5, Who is Braylon Edwards?

Still a good question 25 1/2 months after he was a No. 3 pick.

6, Can 2006 Round 3 pick Travis Wilson push Joe Jurevicius for the No. 2 wideout job?

"In my heart and in my mind, I compete for No. 1," says Wilson, but his receptions total as a rookie was two.

7, Will rookie No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas start at left tackle right away?

"I was real excited when they drafted Joe," Frye said. "Just looking at him, he looks like a great player." But what if he holds out?

8, How big an upgrade will $49.5 million free agent Eric Steinbach be at left guard?

Crennel likes the guy's "tremendous attitude" and track record. No way Steinbach can crash land in the Bermuda Triangle with Gary Baxter and LeCharles Bentley, right?

9, How much better can Hank Fraley be at center?

The Eagles kept reaching NFC title games with him. He's had a chance to catch his breath after arriving Sept. 2 and starting against the Saints eight days later.

10, Will Seth McKinney, Isaac Sowells, Fred Matua, Lennie Friedman, Kevin Shaffer, Ryan Tucker or Rob Smith replace Cosey Coleman at right guard?

Yes, one of them will.

11, How well is Tucker bouncing back from mental issues that wrecked his 2006 season?

His 32nd birthday is today. He seems to have handled the offseason well. His 93 NFL starts count for something.

12, Is new right end Robaire Smith an upgrade over Alvin McKinley, who followed the stampede of ex-Browns to Denver?

Smith, 29, started for the 12-4 Titans in 2004. He's bigger than McKinley and fits the scheme.

13, Is left defensive end Orpheus Roye washed up at 34?

Knee issues ruined his 2006. He weighs 300-plus and has been in 161 NFL games.

14, Is nose tackle Ted Washington washed up at 39?

If he is after 231 games, former Bengals backup Shaun Smith is no sure thing. Washington did start all 16 games in '06.

15, Is outside linebacker Willie McGinest washed up?

Not necessarily. He's almost three years younger than another No. 55 from USC, Junior Seau, who still is kicking.

16, Can outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley grow into stardom?

Wimbley is as sure a bet as one finds in the world of orange helmets. He'll get more attention and, if healthy, handle it.

17, Will 2006 Round 4 pick Leon Williams take playing time away from veteran Andra Davis at inside linebacker?

Probably. Davis is competent, but he was a Round 5 pick drafted for Team Butch.

18, Will D'Qwell Jackson build on his respectable 2006 as a starting inside linebacker?

A key to the "D" will be how well Davis, Williams and Jackson find a groove as a three-man rotation.

19, How will Brodney Pool handle his first full-time shot at being a No. 1 safety?

Savage has trumpeted his talent. Time to start talking about production.

20, Can safety Sean Jones build on his breakout year and bond with Pool?

Brian Russell was Jones' safety net, but the veteran is in Seattle now.

21, How big a gamble was spending a Round 2 pick on cornerback Eric Wright, whose off-field problems prompted a transfer from USC to UNLV?

"I feel pretty good about his ability to stay clean and be a good player," Crennel said of the youngest (21) among 92 players on the spring roster. "I think he's gonna prove us right."

22, Coming off arthroscopic surgery, how ready is Leigh Bodden to be a No. 1 corner?

Ankle woes marred his would-be breakout year. He played four games then missed two, played two then missed three, played three then missed two. No conclusions emerged from that mess.

 

[pretender]

Interesting thoughts by Doerschuk.

Question 17. pertains to Leon Williams/Andre Davis.

LINK

Quarterback is far from only minicamp question

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

By Steve Doerschuk

REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA Welcome to the minicamp with a million questions.

At least one notable issue shadows all 22 starting positions as the Browns launch into a three-day, five-practice session.

To wit:

1, Will Romeo Crennel start Charlie Frye, Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson at quarterback?

"He's a very fair coach,'' Frye says. "I think the best player will play.'' Good luck figuring out who that is now.

2, Who will share the load with No. 1 running back Jamal Lewis?

"We are counting on Jerome Harrison,'' GM Phil Savage said of the 2006 Round 5 pick who disappeared after a monster rookie preseason.

3, Who replaces Terrelle Smith at fullback?

While emceeing a Browns Backers dinner, I introduced audience member Lawrence Vickers as the probable No. 1 fullback. Later, Crennel grinned during a speech and said, "I see the sports writers are handing out starting jobs."

Presumably, Alan Ricard, who blocked for Lewis in Baltimore, is in the hunt.

4, Can tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. (9.8 yards per catch) kick it up to Alge Crumpler (13.9), Antonio Gates (13.0) and Tony Gonzalez (12.3) country?

Where there's a will like Winslow's, there's a way, but a knee might be in the way. His microfracture surgery will be a mystery until he starts practicing in August.

5, Who is Braylon Edwards?

Still a good question 25 1/2 months after he was a No. 3 pick.

6, Can 2006 Round 3 pick Travis Wilson push Joe Jurevicius for the No. 2 wideout job?

"In my heart and in my mind, I compete for No. 1," says Wilson, but his receptions total as a rookie was two.

7, Will rookie No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas start at left tackle right away?

"I was real excited when they drafted Joe," Frye said. "Just looking at him, he looks like a great player." But what if he holds out?

8, How big an upgrade will $49.5 million free agent Eric Steinbach be at left guard?

Crennel likes the guy's "tremendous attitude" and track record. No way Steinbach can crash land in the Bermuda Triangle with Gary Baxter and LeCharles Bentley, right?

9, How much better can Hank Fraley be at center?

The Eagles kept reaching NFC title games with him. He's had a chance to catch his breath after arriving Sept. 2 and starting against the Saints eight days later.

10, Will Seth McKinney, Isaac Sowells, Fred Matua, Lennie Friedman, Kevin Shaffer, Ryan Tucker or Rob Smith replace Cosey Coleman at right guard?

Yes, one of them will.

11, How well is Tucker bouncing back from mental issues that wrecked his 2006 season?

His 32nd birthday is today. He seems to have handled the offseason well. His 93 NFL starts count for something.

12, Is new right end Robaire Smith an upgrade over Alvin McKinley, who followed the stampede of ex-Browns to Denver?

Smith, 29, started for the 12-4 Titans in 2004. He's bigger than McKinley and fits the scheme.

13, Is left defensive end Orpheus Roye washed up at 34?

Knee issues ruined his 2006. He weighs 300-plus and has been in 161 NFL games.

14, Is nose tackle Ted Washington washed up at 39?

If he is after 231 games, former Bengals backup Shaun Smith is no sure thing. Washington did start all 16 games in '06.

15, Is outside linebacker Willie McGinest washed up?

Not necessarily. He's almost three years younger than another No. 55 from USC, Junior Seau, who still is kicking.

16, Can outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley grow into stardom?

Wimbley is as sure a bet as one finds in the world of orange helmets. He'll get more attention and, if healthy, handle it.

17, Will 2006 Round 4 pick Leon Williams take playing time away from veteran Andra Davis at inside linebacker?

Probably. Davis is competent, but he was a Round 5 pick drafted for Team Butch.

18, Will D'Qwell Jackson build on his respectable 2006 as a starting inside linebacker?

A key to the "D" will be how well Davis, Williams and Jackson find a groove as a three-man rotation.

19, How will Brodney Pool handle his first full-time shot at being a No. 1 safety?

Savage has trumpeted his talent. Time to start talking about production.

20, Can safety Sean Jones build on his breakout year and bond with Pool?

Brian Russell was Jones' safety net, but the veteran is in Seattle now.

21, How big a gamble was spending a Round 2 pick on cornerback Eric Wright, whose off-field problems prompted a transfer from USC to UNLV?

"I feel pretty good about his ability to stay clean and be a good player," Crennel said of the youngest (21) among 92 players on the spring roster. "I think he's gonna prove us right."

22, Coming off arthroscopic surgery, how ready is Leigh Bodden to be a No. 1 corner?

Ankle woes marred his would-be breakout year. He played four games then missed two, played two then missed three, played three then missed two. No conclusions emerged from that mess.

Thanks for the information!

 

[chook]

Thanks Rozelle, great read all round.

As for the topic in focus, I'm keen to see how this one pans out. Davis is fairly consistent so I wonder how much the fact he's from Butch's regime counts against him.

 

[Rozelle]

Thanks Rozelle, great read all round.As for the topic in focus, I'm keen to see how this one pans out. Davis is fairly consistent so I wonder how much the fact he's from Butch's regime counts against him.

Hard to say, but the combination of that, his contract, and the play of Williams and Jackson, would concern me if I was a Davis owner.

 

[Rozelle]

More news on the Leon Williams / Browns ILB front.

LINK

Staying inside

Second-year linebacker Leon Williams is easing his way back to practice as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. He will not be used at outside linebacker in training camp, even on an experimental basis. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said Williams is strictly an inside backer. Williams, D'Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis will compete for two starting jobs.

 

[The Man With No Name]

More news on the Leon Williams / Browns ILB front.

LINK

Staying inside

Second-year linebacker Leon Williams is easing his way back to practice as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. He will not be used at outside linebacker in training camp, even on an experimental basis. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said Williams is strictly an inside backer. Williams, D'Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis will compete for two starting jobs.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's Williams and Davis starting, with Williams in the 'prime' spot.

 

[pretender]

More news on the Leon Williams / Browns ILB front.

LINK

Staying inside

Second-year linebacker Leon Williams is easing his way back to practice as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. He will not be used at outside linebacker in training camp, even on an experimental basis. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said Williams is strictly an inside backer. Williams, D'Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis will compete for two starting jobs.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's Williams and Davis starting, with Williams in the 'prime' spot.

With all the predraft hype on DQ Jax - has his injury dragged him down this far that he will be relegated to back-up duty? He was pretty high up on the ladder and the starter opposite Davis before he was hurt and I thought he was doing ok.

(would love this as a Williams owner but.....is it really a possibility that this scenario plays out?)

 

[The Man With No Name]

More news on the Leon Williams / Browns ILB front.

LINK

Staying inside

Second-year linebacker Leon Williams is easing his way back to practice as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. He will not be used at outside linebacker in training camp, even on an experimental basis. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said Williams is strictly an inside backer. Williams, D'Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis will compete for two starting jobs.

Wouldn't surprise me if it's Williams and Davis starting, with Williams in the 'prime' spot.

With all the predraft hype on DQ Jax - has his injury dragged him down this far that he will be relegated to back-up duty? He was pretty high up on the ladder and the starter opposite Davis before he was hurt and I thought he was doing ok.

(would love this as a Williams owner but.....is it really a possibility that this scenario plays out?)

Probably not, but it's possible. It could be Williams, Jackson, too. Jackson and Williams are young and should improve (Jackson was pushed around too much) with experience and better knowledge of what they are supposed to do. I just read their profiles, and some of what was said is that Jackson "has very good instincts" and Williams "lacks the instincts to play middle linebacker". Jackson did seem to dissapear in some games, from my memory of watching him close because I owned him. Hopefully Jackson has bulked up this offseason as it seems that is his only weakness.Of course some in here have speculated that Davis could be on his way out of Cleveland, so that would solve everything if it happens.

(I drafted Jackson, picked up Williams when Jackson got hurt, then traded Jackson a couple months ago.)

 

[Rozelle]

If push come to shove, I think Davis would be the odd man out.

 

[The_Hunchback]

Thanks Rozelle, great read all round.As for the topic in focus, I'm keen to see how this one pans out. Davis is fairly consistent so I wonder how much the fact he's from Butch's regime counts against him.

Williams was drafted last year which wouldn't make him a carryover from the Butch regime. He was picked by Crennel in the same draft that they got D'Qwell Jackson.I thought about getting Williams in a league or two last year but him being a later pick and the notes on him saying he didn't appear to be a good fit inside pushed me away.

 

[Rozelle]

Thanks Rozelle, great read all round.

As for the topic in focus, I'm keen to see how this one pans out. Davis is fairly consistent so I wonder how much the fact he's from Butch's regime counts against him.

Williams was drafted last year which wouldn't make him a carryover from the Butch regime . He was picked by Crennel in the same draft that they got D'Qwell Jackson.I thought about getting Williams in a league or two last year but him being a later pick and the notes on him saying he didn't appear to be a good fit inside pushed me away.

Chook was talking about Davis being a part of Butch's regime, not Williams. I think Williams surprised a alot of people.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Thanks Rozelle, great read all round.

As for the topic in focus, I'm keen to see how this one pans out. Davis is fairly consistent so I wonder how much the fact he's from Butch's regime counts against him.

Williams was drafted last year which wouldn't make him a carryover from the Butch regime . He was picked by Crennel in the same draft that they got D'Qwell Jackson.I thought about getting Williams in a league or two last year but him being a later pick and the notes on him saying he didn't appear to be a good fit inside pushed me away.

Chook was talking about Davis being a part of Butch's regime, not Williams. I think Williams surprised a alot of people.

Shouldn't have...he's a LB from the U!

 

[chook]

Thanks Rozelle, great read all round.

As for the topic in focus, I'm keen to see how this one pans out. Davis is fairly consistent so I wonder how much the fact he's from Butch's regime counts against him.

Williams was drafted last year which wouldn't make him a carryover from the Butch regime . He was picked by Crennel in the same draft that they got D'Qwell Jackson.I thought about getting Williams in a league or two last year but him being a later pick and the notes on him saying he didn't appear to be a good fit inside pushed me away.

Chook was talking about Davis being a part of Butch's regime, not Williams. I think Williams surprised a alot of people.

Yep, what Rozelle said