Browns backers

[Scott]

Yeah, a Browns fan. Me too. Who do you hope we take in the Draft this year? Me personally, I hope that we go after o-linemen in free agency (i.e. Orlando Pace) and use our 1st round pick on Sean Taylor or Kellen Winslow. I'm not sure that either guy will still be there but I'm hoping (plus I'm a Hurricanes fan).

Do you think it would be in the best interest of the team to get rid of one of the QB's before the start of the season?
I think they want to keep Couch but only if he'll accept a suitable pay cut. Kelly has said he wants a chance to start somewhere else too. I'm thinking we will draft a QB somewhere along the way.

 

[Dave...]

DKC= Browns fan 8)

If he's there, I think they'll take Sean Taylor. Most expect NY to take Gallery, and washington to take Kellon Winslow. Some have us taking Gamble out of Ohio State, that would be a mistake (I think). The perfect draft would be to get Gallery in the first, and Jenkins (WR Ohio State)in the second. Jenkins is going to be very good. He's 6'5" and runs about a 4.5 but has great hands.

I'm not too high on TC as some are. But if he takes a pay cut I've got no problem in the short term. I'd like to see us pick someone in the low rounds or maybe bring in some one from another league. High draft picks for QB's just isn't worth it these days unless Payton Manning is there. Eli's Got bad knees and Mat Mock does't look like he's going to be great, but who knows. I think a better O-line would help KH more than TC. Most of TC's interceptions come when he has time, and a lot of his sacks come frome holding the ball too long. KH never stared down receivers until this past year because of inj. on the O-line. If it were up to me, I'd give Tim 3 mill. with inscentives and tell him he needs to start earning it. Give him a year and see if there is major improvement, because at the rate he's going, he'll be great when he's 50 years old. Reports are coming out that the Browns want to cut his pay 75%. The question is, will he stay for that much? I think we keep Holcomb because there is no risk, at worst we're getting a solid backup for 1 mill. a year.

I'd like to see us upgrade our safety position and wouldn't mint Sean Taylor. Orlando Pace may come at too high of a price, I'd be happy with someone who is just better than average.

I personally think we should switch to a 3-4 defence, I think we may be better equiped to run this style of D, and Lord knows we need help in stopping the run. What do you think?

Who do you like at running back? We have some trade value there maybe?

A good QB will make his O-line look good. I think we are a better than average L tackle and a monster r- guard away from being solid on the front. I would lile to see Tucker not let the rush come clean as much as he does, other than that, he'll be ok, maybe a little tight end help.

My biggest conscern is not so much for the players as it is for those who are calling the shots in the front office.

 

[Scott]

I agree about the 3-4 defense. If we can keep our LB's healthy then we should be in good shape. Andra Davis and Ben Taylor had good years last year. I've been watching Michael Boulware from FSU (Peter's brother) and he would be a nice fit for this LB corp. Its hard keeping all the d-lineman healthy to maintain consistent pressure week after week and in my opinion Big Money has to go. He doesn't contribute all that much. I'd be more willing for Courtney Brown as injury prone as he is to stay because at least when he's healthy he is a factor.

As far as RB's go, I wanted to see Suggs play as soon as they knew he was healthy. I think Lee can be the type of RB we need in this system.

As much as I am not too high on Carmen Policy, I think he may be necessary in helping Randy Lerner. I like Butch Davis and I think he's the right guy for the job. One problem I have is that they have not given Bernie Kosar a spot up in the front office. I think he deserves a shot and the Browns won't find a more loyal person to the organization than him.

I think Jamel White should be traded because he didn't play well enough to justify the new contract he got last year. James Jackson played well and we should figure out what Willie Green is gonna do before we get rid of him.

Our WR's need to play better. QM drops way to many balls. AD needs to be a little more consistent and I think he has the most potential. I would like to see C.J. Jones get his opportunity this year. This guy has a lot of heart. I think its obvious that DN won't be back because someone will offer him the bank.

 

[Dave...]

Good post DKC,

I agree about our LB's, We have some good young talent. The D-line????, I wouldn't mind if we traded them all away and started over. I agree about Big Money, he's got the talent, he's just not a football player. C Brown, I'm not sure about him yet, again, maybe not a football player, just an athlete. Is it pos. for a Christian football player to have that killer instinct?? I'll tell you though, it seems like our D-line all have a hard time coming of there blocks and making tackles, maybe some good coaching would help.

With all the hype about Green, he was still too slow to get around the corner unless the play bounced outside. And if he did get threw the D-line he couldn't get around the last guy,and couldn't run over them either. I also agree with you about Suggs, he may not get as many ESPN highlights, but he'll get the tough yards, he has speed to get around the outside, and can run over people. I'm getting kicked off.

I'm signing out.

 

[Dave...]

Back,

I would have liked to have seen Kosar in there too, maybe we could have had some pro bowlers by now. I'm not sold on butch yet, I still think he isn't an inovator but is following the example of Jimmy Johnson in the late 80s and early 90s, Speed on defense. The problem is that the best talent evaluators are going in a different direction now, they are going after guys who love to play the game and work hard (party less). These guys may not look good on paper (slower), but are doing much better in the NFL. I think butch put the conservative chains on Arians much the same way he did with Fazio, We'll see how the new guy works out. I can say for certain this much though, as long as Policy is hear bernie is not welcome.

I like jackson and would like to keep him around. If I had to choose one too go, I'd trade Green. The problem is that his trade value is down now.

You and I both would like to see CJ Jones, We needed him in the kick retun game badly. I think we do need another WR, thats why I like Jenkins, I think he's going to be the steal of the draft if he slips into the second round. I'd let northcut is a good player but not worth top $ unless he is used more. I don't think he's good enough to return punts, CJ looked better.

 

[Dave...]

Hey, we should start the "123 Christian Browns backers thread." 8)

 

[Scott]

Its sounds like they are tentatively naming Lee Suggs as the starting RB for next season. It sounds Couch may stay but we'll see if they can work out the money issue. What did you think of the "secret weapon" they talked about in WR Frisman Jackson. He missed most of the year with a broken foot and played a little late in the season? He didn't strike me as overly special.

I was shocked that Joe Gibbs wanted Brunell so badly when he's got a really good young QB in Ramsey. I wouldn't mind seeing us pursue Ramsey if things don't work out with Tim. Not that we have the money to spare.

Gardocki and Stokes are likely gone. Losing Gardocki is a good thing I think because he's getting older and is asking for some pretty good money which we can't really shell out on a punter right now. I will say this though, he's done a great job while he's been here.

 

[Dave...]

I'm happy if Suggs starts, at least give him a shot while Green works his way out of the Dawg house. If White stays He'll be back to his old self again. He was a little banged up this last year, much like Jackson was two years back when he had a bad year.

I think your right about Couch, Radio is saying the money isn't going to be a problem as much a the commitment to Couch as a starter. I think He's going to need that.

Frisman..... The one thing I remember about him is when he would catch a pass on a slant route he never broke stride, even if the pass was off a little bit, kind of like Jerry Rice. I'm curious to see what this guy could do If he plays more.

Next to Paul Brown, Joe Gibbs has always been my favorite coach, with the league full of "I'll back into the playoffs" coaches, A guy like Gibbs is just what the NFL needs. Maybe the Browns can hire one of his assistant coaches for head coach after Gibbs wins a super bowl.

Even if Tee-um stays we can still go after other QBs, just not the best of the bunch. We'll have to find our own diamond in the ruff and keep him on ice as the third string QB. I still haven't given up on Holcomb, If he can get a little more conservative with the passing game he could be good. The qualities that make him push too much may be an asset with a good team, I think he just wants to win at any cost, he just needs to know when to go for it, and when to hold back. Tim on the other hand, needs to take some more chances down field, It's like he's so afraid of making a mistake that he never takes the chance.

Losing Garocki may be more than we're ready to deal with now, If we lose our kicking game then we're in trouble, thats the only thing we do right.LOL Seriously though, we are not as far away as some would think.

I used to go on "Beries insider" forums but the language was too much for me, too many trolls with attitudes.

 

[Dave...]

Drew Henson is the latest hot prospect to be mentioned in Browns town. He had a work out that 20 NFL teams watched. I guess Houston ownes the rights to him because they used a 6th round pick on him last year. The QBs coach for Mich. said he's more talented than Brady, he coached them both. Reports saying that Houston wants a 1st round pick for him. I'd give them Green straight up.

 

[Scott]

Good news, we won the coin flip with the Falcons for the 7th overall pick.

 

[Dave...]

8) #7 8)

Holcomb out five to eight months. Bring on Drew, we'll give you are # 2.

 

[Dave...]

Did you hear about D. Northcutt, his agent forgot to send in the paperwork by the deadline given in the contract that would have voided his last three years. He is under contract for three more years. I wonder how this is going to play out.

Tim couches deadline (March 3), no word yet.

There are rumors going around that the Browns are going to trade up in the draft using thier pick and D. Northcutt. I forget the team but the guy they want will still be there at #7.

Green is in jail for three days.

 

[Dave...]

Couch to Arizona?? News papers from Arizona are reporting trade talks with the Browns for couch. (rumors)

Jamel White is cut from the team.

Plain Dealer reports that Browns up their offer to Couch.

Browns try out Garcia.

 

[Dave...]

Garcia's the man. browns sign full back and D end.

 

[Dave...]

Couch and his agent talk to Steelers. Do you think he has paybacks on his mind?

 

[Scott]

No, they said they would allow him to seek trades only with non-conference teams. Its becoming more and more likely that a trade isn't going to happen since nobody wants his ridiculous contract. In that case we won't cut him until June 1st because we'd save an extra 2 million if we wait. I think Tim is going to find that the only way he's getting out of Cleveland soon (before June 1st) is to renegotiate his contract (which thus far, he hasn't been willing to take a pay cut).

If he waits then he can go anywhere he wants including the Steelers but June 1st is very close to the start of the season and will eliminate almost any chance of him finding a starting job.

My take on Tim is he has all the physical ability to be a good QB but his awareness and ability to read defenses are very lacking. Tim needs a tutor, whether it be a veteran QB to help him out or an experienced QB coach. He may end up in Pittsburgh or Dallas or Arizona but I don't think he'll be a starter this year and maybe not for awhile either. I think he may regret not restructuring his contract as soon as he saw Garcia on the radar.

I like Jeff and I think he will do well + he's the kind of QB we need as we continue to rebuild this o-line. He's a field general and will provide the leadership this team has lacked on offense. Hopefully he stays healthy.

Isn't it nice to finally have a fullback!?!? :bday:

 

[Dave...]

Dkc, you hit the nail on the head with that post. Dallas signs Drew Henson, Steelers are not interested. Everyone has their starters. Three QBs coming out that will go in the top 10 in this years draft. Tim's going to be a backup. I don't think the Browns want him as a backup.

Did you see or hear the interview with Garcia when they signed him? Your right, he sounds like a leader, something this offense and this team has been lacking. I think the Browns have a young QB on thier radar screen, someone to groom, but they're not showing their cards.

A full back. what's that? What can he do, block or something? :

 

[Scott]

I think the Cardinals may be his only shot left but at this point they claim they aren't interested. His chance of going to Baltimore as a backup look to be over as the Ravens resigned Anthony Wright Boller. I'm not sure about Chicago. Rex is definitely the starter but maybe Tim could fit in there as a b/u.

I think you're right about drafting a QB. We definitely need another QB as its very possible that the 3rd stringer could see playing time with Garcia's and Holcomb's history of injury problems. I think Gallery will be gone and its not sounding like we can trade up to get him. Winning that Cincinnati game really hurt our chances of getting him. I think if Taylor and Winslow Jr. are gone then we could very well use #7 on Phil Rivers. I don't think there will be any O-lineman worth drafting at 7 (it will probably be a little early to take Andrews). WR's Roy or Mike Williams may be another possibility.

To be honest, I wouldn't be dissapointed if we signed Brian Griese and used him as our 3rd stringer if we don't draft anyone.

Depending on how it all plays out, there is an outside shot that we may need Tim here and the Browns may be his only option as well.

 

[Dave...]

Dkc,

in case your interested, here is the link for "Bernies insider". If you don't already know about it, most of the articles are free to read. They also show all of the local paper articles; Plain dealer, News Herald, Akron Beacon.

http://browns.theinsiders.com/

Stokes signs with the Giants.

Look for the Browns to trade up, we need Gallery.

On the tip line.... Verba restructures his contract..YES!. chargers to take Gallery...NO!

 

[Dave...]

Verba restrucutres


Date: 3/14/2004 7:44:44 AM
Written By: bearfox44
According to Tony Grossi of the PD, Ross Verba restructured his contract. He signed through the 06 season, and reduced his 04 salary cap hit by $2MM.

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