On Thursday, general manager Tom Heckert and team president Mike Holmgren invited season ticket and club suites owners to speak directly to them via teleconference from Berea. The Plain Dealer's Bill Lubinger provided some information about select topic from the conference; a summary of those notes is below. Lubinger's full article can be found here.
- When asked what type of role QB Seneca Wallace would be in this season, Holmgren assured that Wallace was not brought here just to hold a clipboard as the backup quarterback. Brian Daboll can get creative and Wallace is excited about the opportunity.
The question regarding QB Jake Delhomme was the following: "[Why sign] arguably was the worst quarterback in the league for the last year-and-a-half?"
Holmgren stated that he really couldn't disagree with the fan's assessment of Delhomme being one of the worst quarterbacks during that span. He defended his decision by praising Delhomme's leadership ability and how his one-on-one discussion with Delhomme convinced him the veteran could help the team.
Regarding the draft, Holmgren said that the Browns will lean more towards taking the best available player in the first round -- having the pick fill a position of need would merely be a bonus. That's where our DBN draft board (minus Joe Haden perhaps) should come in handy.
This season, the offensive gameplan will try to be more run-pass balanced.
The team has no intentions of signing a veteran wide receiver. Even though David Patten isn't available, I'd still be surprised if we don't at least bring in a David Patten type of player for camp.
I'll direct quote this one:
From Heckert's perspective, after quarterback, the most important positions in football are left offensive tackle, an "edge" pass-rusher, either at defensive end or linebacker, and then cornerback.
Well, we're without a quarterback right now, but at least we don't have to worry about left tackle.
Here is another "food for thought" note: in Tony Grossi's latest mock draft published today, he has the Browns selecting DE Jared Odrick at No. 7 overall. While the results aren't officially posted yet, on our DBN Draft Board, Odrick is projected to be No. 20.
I hope DawgPoundMike and his silent buddy were among the season ticket holders who weren’t included in the Q&A. I think they should take a page from the Saints playbook and replace their seats with a couple of porta-potty sized ‘luxury suites’.
golanbatrac - April 9, 2010
Odrick is a consistent player, who is moving up the board. At 7 I don’t know. Followed his career at PSU, good citizen and a excellent player.
Grockcubs - April 9, 2010
Quaint move by Holmgren/Heckert. Meaningless, but harmless as well, I guess.
kwoog - April 9, 2010
At this point I don’t even care who we take in the draft anymore. As long as it a good player that will contribute right away, I’m fine with it.
Brownie's Year - April 9, 2010
No thanks for Odrick at #7. I’d rather reach for other players.
rufio - April 10, 2010
Wait, he couldn’t disagree with the fact that Delhomme was terrible and then says his leadership got him on board?
Well, we know how high Tebow is on the board then.
skipkirk - April 10, 2010
I saw poor leadership from Jake. While early in his career he had all the right intangibles – last couple of years he has lost confidence, and looks visibly shaken on sideline. All this with beast RBs and Steve Smith. I hope Seneca beats him out.
realmccoy - April 11, 2010 via mobile
Why is Mike Holmgren sulking?
mooncamping - April 10, 2010
Grossi also wanted the Browns to pick Rey Mauluaga at 5 last year so I don’t put much credibility in to what he says.
Buckeye Brad - April 10, 2010
This
Bernie19Kosar - April 10, 2010
Yep
jaws. - April 10, 2010
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