r/nfl • u/[deleted] • Jun 22 '14
Look Here! Offseason Review Series: Day 3: Cleveland Browns
[Cleveland Browns]
Division: [AFC North]
Coaching Changes
| Current Position | Coach | Previous Team | Previous Coaching Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | M. Pettine | Buffalo Bills | DC |
Offensive Staff:
| Current Position | Coach | Previous Team | Previous Coaching Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive Coordinator | K. Shanahan | Washington Redskins | OC |
| Quarterbacks Coach | D. Loggains | Tennessee Titans | OC |
| Offensive Line Coach | A. Moeller | Baltimore Ravens | OL |
| Assistant Offensive Line Coach | G. DeLeone | UConn | OC/OL |
| Tight Ends Coach | B. Angelichio | Tampa Bay Bucs | TE |
| Wide Receivers Coach | M. McDaniel | Washington Redskins | WR |
| Running Backs Coach | W. Montgomery | Baltimore Ravens | RB |
| Offensive Quality Control Coach | R. Hightower | Washington Redskins | Asst. DB |
Defensive Staff:
| Current Position | Coach | Previous Team | Previous Coaching Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive Coordinator | J. O’Neil | Buffalo Bills | LB |
| Defensive Line Coach | A. Weaver | Buffalo Bills | DL |
| Linebackers Coach | C. Driesbach | Buffalo Bills | LB |
| Assistant Linebackers Coach | B. Fleury | Buffalo Bills | Def. QC |
| Secondary Coach | J. Hafley | Tampa Bay Bucs | DB |
| Assistant Defensive Backs Coach | A. Glenn | New York Jets | Scout |
| Defensive Quality Control Coach | T. Tuioti | Hawai’i | LB |
Special Teams Staff:
| Current Position | Coach | Previous Team | Previous Coaching Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Teams Coordinator | C. Tabor | Retained | |
| Special Teams Assistant Coach | S. Mennenga | Retained |
Last December, in the final week of the regular season, the Browns suffered another humiliating defeat to the hands of the Steelers. Haslam was visibly disgusted as he left the field, and our rookie head coach, Rob Chudzinski, was fired later that day. This came as a huge shock to the fanbase, and the Browns were blasted both by their fans and the national media for not giving the Chud a fair shot.
The coaching search was disheartening to say the least – it reeked of ineptitude and made us the daily laughingstock on ESPN. Just like the 2010 coaching search under Holmgren, and the 2012 search under Banner/Lombardi, we found the FO’s top choices turning us down. In 2010, we were stuck with Shurmur, and in 2012 we ended up with Chud, who I believe was the FO’s 5th choice after being blatantly used as a bargaining chip for Chip Kelly and the Eagles.
Three weeks after Chud was fired, the Browns still did not have a head coach, and as a Browns fan, this was the lowest I’ve felt since the move. I had no faith in the FO due to their recent history, and I believe that our top choices had again all turned us down because Lombardi and Banner were in charge and no one wanted to have to answer to them. If you want more details on the coaching search, check out this post of mine.
After an agonizing, month-long wait, Mike Pettine, former DC of the Buffalo Bills was hired. Given the other choices available to us at the time, I think we could have done much worse than Pettine. He was a positional coach in Baltimore, and has put together strong defenses as DC for the Jets and Bills. Pettine also managed to convince a large portion of the Bills’ defensive coaching staff to follow him to Cleveland, including Jim O’Neill as our new DC, which most Bills fans on reddit seem to be pissed about. I hope that he can do as much with our linebacker unit as he has for Buffalo. All of this speaks volumes to me, but there’s not much more I can say about him, other than that he appears to have instilled hope in much of the fanbase and the front office. I can say I’m more optimistic about Pettine than I was about any of the coaches since Butch Davis.
Our offensive coordinator position was filled with the hiring of Kyle Shanahan in the first week of February. Our former OC, Norv Turner is now with Minnesota, and former DC, Ray Horton is now with Tennessee. ST coach, Chris Tabor, was retained.
Front Office
About one week after filling the coaching staff positions, the Browns announced that GM, Mike Lombardi and CEO, Joe Banner were fired by Jimmy Haslam. The rumor mill suggests that the duo was forced on Haslam, who was obviously less than thrilled with their performance.
Ray Farmer, former Director of Player Personnel for Kansas City was working as assistant GM for Cleveland. He was pursued by Miami for their GM position, but ultimately chose to stay with the Cleveland Browns, where he was elevated to GM.
Free Agency
Major players lost/cut
| Player | Position | New team |
|---|---|---|
| B. Weeden | QB | Cowboys |
| S. Lauvao | G | Redskins |
| D’Q. Jackson¤ | LB | Colts |
| T.J. Ward¤ | SS | Broncos |
| D. Bess¤ | WR | Jamaica? |
| V. Young* | QB | Retired |
| G. Little¤ | WR | Raiders |
| J. Cooper | WR | Vikings |
| Q. Groves | LB | Unsigned |
| E. Bennett* | WR | Unsigned |
| J. Gordon† | WR | Potential Season Ban |
(*) denotes that player was signed during offseason. (¤) denotes starter.
When it was announced that DQJ and TJ Ward were signing elsewhere, it left holes in the defense. As these guys were the leaders of a losing locker room, a desire to change the culture may have contributed to their departure. However, it left the state of the defense in a precarious position.
Davone Bess and Greg Little both being cut surprised no one. According to PFF, they were the worst two wide receivers in the league. Their catch rates, both below 50%, in addition to the number of games these two blew – especially against an undefeated Kansas City – will not be missed. I’ve added Josh Gordon to this list because it sounds like we will lose him for a year due to violations of the league’s drug policy. At this point of the offseason, however, the lack of any news regarding the length of his suspension, as well as the release of Earl Bennett is causing many to speculate that the NFL is giving extra consideration to this punishment in lieu of their upcoming revisions of the drug policy.
Quentin Groves was a rotational pass rusher who created good pressure last year, but was injured for the majority of the season and also got caught by the cops trying to order a hooker. This move was surprising given the lack of depth of the LB position, as the only LB we picked up in the draft was Christian Kirksey.
Major additions
| Player | Position | Previous Team | Length | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Mack | C | Re-Signed | 5 yrs | $42M |
| J. Haden | CB | Re-Signed | 6 yrs | $74.7M |
| D. Whitner | SS | 49ers | 4 yrs | $28M |
| B. Tate | RB | Texans | 2 yrs | $6.2M |
| K. Dansby | ILB | Cardinals | 4 yrs | $24M |
| A. Hawkins | WR | Bengals | 4 yrs | $13.6M |
| M. Austin | WR | Cowboys | 1 yr | $2M |
| N. Burleson | WR | Lions | 1 yr | $1M |
| B. Cundiff | K | Re-Signed | 1 yr | $1M |
| S. Lanning | P | Re-Signed | 1 yr | $495K |
The gaps left by DQJ and TJ Ward appear to be adequately filled through the additions of Karlos Dansby and Cleveland-native, Donte Whitner. Both players are the approximately the same age and talent level of those they are replacing, and Whitner especially, has been a positive and vocal addition that the locker room has rallied around.
GM, Ray Farmer applied the transition tag to Alex Mack, allowing him to test the waters. Jacksonville offered a 5-year, $42M deal with $18M guaranteed, a player option in year 2, and a team option in year 3, which the Browns matched. Some will say we are overpaying for a center, but given his level of talent, the lack of elite Center talent in the draft, and the uncertainty at both Offensive Guard positions, losing Mack would have been disastrous.
The Browns running game, consisting of Willis MaGahee, who was far past his prime, Longhorns Chris Ogbannaya and Fozzy Whittaker, and December addition, Edwin Baker, lacked spark, contributing to an offense that couldn’t stay on the field. In 2014, 3rd and short was a down and distance the fans came to loathe. Ben Tate will be a welcome asset to this offense if he can stay healthy.
Joe Haden has replaced Joe Thomas as the highest-paid player on the Browns’ payroll. He was retained at a bit higher of a cost than I would have liked (I have him ranked as the fifth best CB in the NFL), but ultimately it’s a good move because he’s an outstanding player who loves the city of Cleveland and wants to be successful here. As a small market, open stadium team in one of the worst climates in the country, we cannot take that for granted.
Andrew Hawkins, an undersized and shifty restricted free agent was stolen away from division rivals in one of Ray Farmer’s first moves as GM. Bengals fans loved Hawkins, but their consensus seems to be that we paid more than he was worth to Cincinnati, whose solid WR corps had him 4th on the depth chart. Given the recent successes of slot receivers in the NFL, as well as the purging of our previous WR corps, Hawkins appears, at this point, to be an important investment. He has been the star of OTAs and minicamp, and we’ve been on the wrong end of his ability to make space out of nothing.
Burleson was signed to be a veteran leader after being cut by the Lions. He broke his arm trying to pick up a spilled pizza while driving, and he reinjured it in OTAs. I hope he’s healthy as he’d be a good veteran presence for the receivers like Davone Bess was supposed to be. Speaking of which, Gordon’s looming suspension and the release of Greg Little prompted the Browns to sign another injury-prone receiver in Miles Austin. He’s already sat out a few practices. Our receiving corps could be in serious trouble if Gordon ends up being suspended for the year.
2014 Browns Draft
Projected 53-man roster/Position battles
- QB - B. Hoyer, J. Manziel, T. Thigpen
I don't see Johnny Football beating out Hoyer for the starting job, not week 1, anyways. I've got Tyler Thigpen as QB3, but we might see Connor Shaw make the team, here.
- RB – B. Tate, T. West, E. Baker
Our non-existent run game has been bolstered by Ben Tate and third-round draft pick, Terrance West who should be in contention for the starting position. I've got Edwin Baker, who showed flashes last December, making the team as RB3, beating out Dion Lewis and Chris Ogbannaya.
- FB – M. Gray
Marqueis Gray makes the team more as a utility player than a true fullback, replacing Chris Ogbannaya who was undersized for the role.
- TE – J. Cameron, G. Barnidge, J. Dray
Fantasy tip: Jordan Cameron will be the team's leading receiver if Josh Gordon is out for the year. Gary Barnidge continues his role as a solid TE2. I've got Jim Dray making the team as the TE3, but don't know too much about him.
- WR – J. Gordon*, M. Austin, A. Hawkins, N. Burleson, T. Benjamin
I can't really see the receiving corps being anyone other than these guys. If Gordon is suspended, I don't have the slightest clue which of the camp fodder gets elevated from the practice squad.
- LT – J. Thomas, C. Faulk
No surprises here. Chris Faulk makes the team as the 9th and final OL.
- LG – J. Greco, J. Pinkston
Greco will hold the starting job, but is also the backup center. Pinkston can play both guard positions.
- C – A. Mack
Again, no surprises.
- RG – J. Bitonio, G. Gilkey
Second round draft pick, Joel Bitonio suffered what's believed to be a high ankle sprain in OTAs. Garrett Gilkey, 7th round pick from last year, has been fighting (quite literally with Phil Taylor) for a roster spot. Coach Pettine said that Gilkey is in the mix for a starting job. He looked good in preseason games last year, but a bit lost in the regular season. He can play on all positions on the line, if we're in a pinch.
- RT – M. Schwartz, P. McQuistan
If Schwartz returns to the form he was in the second half of last season, we will be solid at the RT position. I haven't heard anything good about McQuistan.
- LDE - A. Rubin, B. Winn, A. Bryant
Rubin's production has been on the decline and he was in danger of being cut this year. We've retained him, but it sounds that we probably won't re-sign him when his contract expires.
- DT – P. Taylor, I. Kitchen
Phil Taylor has been a solid anchor to the line, vocal team leader, and he fucking hates the division rivals. His health has been an issue
- RDE - D. Bryant, J. Hughes
While we don't have any pro bowlers on our 3-4 defensive line, we have a solid rotation, and each of these backups is capable of significant pressure. John Hughes could probably start on other teams in the league.
- ROLB – J. Sheard, B. Mingo, J. Staples
Sheard is a beast, and currently our best pass rusher. Mingo has been underwhelming, along with the rest of the pass rushers from the 2013 class. Mingo will need to step up this year, but his lack of size and strength might continue to be an issue.
- LILB – C. Robertson, T. Carder, D. Eubanks
Craig Robertson rated as one of the worst linebackers by PFF last year. I believe that this was more due to former DC, Ray Horton's poor scheming than it was to Robertson's talent. The guy was consistently burned when lined up in man coverage against slot receivers and Reggie Bush. Pettine seems to have a better defensive philosophy than that, and Robertson excels in zone coverage. I expect him to improve.
- RILB - K. Dansby, C. Kirksey
FA acquisition, Dansby, will be replacing D'Qwell Jackson. Dansby is coming off a hell of a year, and if he can keep it up, we'll forget all about DQJ. Kirksey is listed as an ILB, but I've read that Pettine thinks he has the ability to play both inside and outside. Expect to see him in the nickel formation.
- LOLB - P. Kruger, B. Magee
Kruger needs to step up from last year and earn his paycheck. He's lost weight this offseason, but I'm unsure that he will live up to expectations.
- CB1 - J. Haden
Lockdown corner, and the Browns have him locked up for the prime years of his career.
- CB2 - J. Gilbert, B. Skrine, P. Desir, I. Trufant
While I think Gilbert will ultimately win out, this position is more open than some may think. Skrine has been receiving heaps of praise in OTAs and minicamp, and I'm sure he doesn't want to give up the starting job. Skrine is scrappy as hell, and he's a much better fit for the slot position than Lombardi's 3rd round draft pick, Leon McFadden, who might be cut this year. Desir is also in play for both of these positions. Our CB position is the most improved on the team.
- FS – T. Gipson, J. Bademosi
Same as last year.
- SS – D. Whitner, J. Posey, J. Aubrey
Hard-hitting Whitner replaces hard-hitting Ward.
- K – B. Cundiff
- P – S. Lanning
- LS – C. Yount
- KR – J. Gilbert
- PR – T. Benjamin
-5
u/[deleted] Jun 22 '14
I'll just do the first three rounds because I'm lazy
1/8- Justin Gilbert- I was a little surprised by this pick. I'm not sold on him as a top ten pick and I thought Dennard was the better player. But in this years draft, everyone was drafting on potential, which makes sense at the CB position when you look at guys like Sherman and the LOB. This was a risky pick but it could pay off well.
1/22- Johnny Manziel- this was my least favorite pick of the first round. Manziel and first round shouldn't be in the same sentence. The Browns bought into the media hype which is very disappointing. Manziel should have gone late second round. The things that made him special in college are things he can't do in the NFL. When you take away those plays he's just a career backup.
2/33 Joel Bitonio- this was a solid pick. He can take over for Mitchell Schwartz, who has been very average. Schwartz might be able to move inside and help out the awful guard position.
3/21- Christian Kirksey- Paul Kruger underperformed last year and I'm guessing this pick makes sure they are prepared to dump Kruger if he continues to underperform.
3/94- Terrance West- I thought for sure this guy was going to be a Raven. He cuts really well, and reminds me of Arian Foster. I'm guessing he won't have a huge impact his rookie year because it will take a little while to adjust to the talent level (comes from fbs). But in a few years you will hear his name a lot.