Early last week, SB Nation released the latest edition of their 2012 NFL Mock Draft, serving as their first mock draft of the year in which the exact order of the first round of the draft was known. Even though nothing really happened that should've changed the Browns' picks in a span of two weeks, that's exactly what did happen. In the previous mock draft, SB Nation has the Browns taking WR Justin Blackmon and QB Ryan Tannehill. This time, the picks were changed to CB Morris Claiborne and WR Michael Floyd. The explanations are after the jump.
4. Cleveland Browns, Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
If Cleveland does keep this pick and Griffin is off the board, they have some choices to make. Trent Richardson or Justin Blackmon are both viable options here. But Claiborne upgrades what was already a solid defense, which should pay immediate dividends.
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta), Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Will the Browns really go into the 2012 season with Colt McCoy as their quarterback? Maybe not. Then again, maybe they wait a year to find McCoy's replacement, choosing instead to tweak around the edges of the roster in the hopes of being more competitive this season. Floyd would pair nicely with Greg Little, giving the Browns a legitimate top receiver.
If the Browns do go defense early on, it would seem like Claiborne is the likely pick. With all the needs this team has offensively though, I just don't see it happening with the risk that we don't get a highly-touted offensive prospect with our other first-round pick.
Side note: we'll be launching the sign ups for the 2012 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft any day now. Don't make your reservations yet, but be on the looking some time in the coming week!
0 recs | 274 comments
Last year on the 2012 DBN Community Mock Draft I did the Bengals. I did well too, I mocked for AJ Green, and Christian Ponder.
macdowellm03 - February 11, 2012
I picked Blaine Gabbert for the Vikings last year. (Ultimately, in real life Gabbert went two picks before and the Vikings were forced to settle with Christian Ponder.)
Jon @ DBN - February 11, 2012
“Settle” is clearly the wrong word. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
I did Carolina and predicted Newton.
Too bad THAT never happened.
BrownDawg1409 - February 12, 2012
no.
pwndabear - February 11, 2012
Not a big Floyd fan, but he would be ok. We need a WR there.
Brownie's Year - February 11, 2012
Can I ask why not? I think Floyd may be my favorite WR in this draft. Depending on his performance at the combine, I think he could jump above Blackmon.
I have admit my opinion is biased because I’ve watched far more ND games than OK State games, but I haven’t read or heard anything that would make me sad about picking Floyd.
BiggieBrown - February 11, 2012
multiple DUIs
multiple injuries
Enough for you? If not, let’s keep going
Doesn’t have elite lateral ability
Doesn’t get great separation. So much so that it was so frequent that I have seen “catches the ball with the DB all over him” as a positive.
I think that’s enough…
bross09 - February 12, 2012
So what does everyone else see in him to make him a first round projection? All that info makes him a 5-6th rounder to me.
macdowellm03 - February 12, 2012
I can still see why he is a 1st rounder. The guy is 6’3’’ 225 pounds, put up some elite production, has great route running, maybe the best hands outside of Blackmon, and great body control.
His lateral ability and ability to separate are much better than that you find in the 5th/6th round, but not at all great and not what I like to get with a 1st rounder (which is why I see him as a 1st/2nd round guy).
bross09 - February 12, 2012
He hasn’t had a DUI in a few years. I am not sure what injuries you are talking about, and being chronically under thrown has helped the DB catch up to him constantly. Plus, in a league where everyone is fast, being able to out jump DBs definitely seems like a positive to me.
Also, I said I would like to see his 40 time at the combine. I think he might be a little faster than people think. I might be wrong, but I think he could surprise people.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
His 3rd DUI was last year. Had 3 in a 3 year span.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I don’t want to defend DUIs believe me. Floyd worked hard to get back on the team and kept his nose clean after his last DUI. When he gets millions to play in the NFL all his bad habits might come back. Maybe they are a good reason to pass him up, I just think his physical talents are currently undervalued. The combine will either prove me right or wrong.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
The DUIs don’t really concern me. I wouldn’t hate taking him with our second pick. He’s a big kid.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
His last DUI was a year ago, but he’s “kept his nose clean” since? Here in PA, he wouldn’t even be close to being terminated from his parole for having 3 DUIs in the last 3 years, which gives a person more incentive to stay out of further trouble to avoid significant jail time. What would happen after he no longer has a court to answer to?
Also, a large percentage of those who I see for multiple DUI offenses have serious alcohol problems/are alcoholics. I’m not interested in this kid.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
How has he not done jail time for getting a 3rd one? Here in CA it’s like 3 months minimum.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I’d like to point out that he had one DUI, and two citations for underage drinking, one in Minnesota where he is from and one on campus. After the DUI in order to be reinstated he agreed to live in the ND’s freshman dorm his senior season. He claims to have given up drinking. I don’t know if its true or not, but he doesn’t have three DUI’s. He has one on March 20, 2011.
He might have problem with alcohol. I think there is also some evidence after the DUI he tried to clean up his act. I can understand why it would make people hesitate to draft him.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
Correction: He was cited for underage drinking twice in Minnesota and the DUI was one block from ND campus.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
Only one?! That’s what I get for listening to people on here.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Here is the article I read about it. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/independent1a/2011-08-03-notre-dame-reinstates-michael-floyd_n.htm
I think any DUIs are bad news. No one should drive drunk. I just think he may be better than currently rated. Plus I admitted in other posts I am totally biased because I am an ND fan.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
I just read an ESPN article.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Foolish lad.
JustBob - February 12, 2012
There was some evidence Josh Hamilton was fully recovered too, but he relapsed…and I have never seen anyone work harder to overcome addiction than him.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
it was his 3rd DUI in 3 years and it hasn’t been a year since the incident. I don’t know the details, but he was most likely on some sort of probation anyways and had to keep his nose clean or he could go to jail.
it’s very likely those habits come back.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
It wasn’t his third DUI. Two were underage drinking. I know plenty of people who aren’t alcoholics who got cited for underage drinking in college.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
Yes, I got cited for underage drinking too…I just didn’t do it twice and proceed to get a DUI.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
This.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Nope, read the article.
The ones that caused him to miss games in 2008, 2009, and one game in 2010. And the injury he suffered in the last game of the college season.
Those balls were not chronically underthrown back when he was getting throws from Clausen…and there were still these questions then,
There is seriously no way you are not a ND fan…but that shouldn’t create this kind of bias and ignoring facts. I am not going to say Devier Posey should be a first round WR.
You also seem to be under the impression that if he can run a good 40, all of a sudden he can create separation deep.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
I did read the article. I am an ND fan. In a few weeks he won’t have had a DUI in a year. Nothing to be proud of I agree. I think he might be better than currently rated. Didn’t mean to personally offend anyone with my opinion.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
not a shocker…
I am not offended…maybe only by the extent of homerism.
I think Floyd is a good talent, but not top-5 elite imo and comes with some serious question marks. Great value in the 2nd round for us if he falls.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
I never understood that term “homerism.” I am totally biased, but at the some time I can offer a more informed opinion about Floyd than Blackmon because I watched more ND games than OK State games. I am not knocking Blackmon. If we draft him before Floyd, good for us. I just think Floyd might be underrated, especially his speed. If the combine shows otherwise than I’ll admit I was totally wrong.
BiggieBrown - February 12, 2012
I think you have watched a good amount of tape on Floyd, but at the same time you seemed to just brush off character/injury concerns as if they were nothing. Those are the things keeping him out of the top 15.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
One DUI isn’t a character issue. It’s just a mistake.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
No it’s not. Don’t try to trick yourself into think it is.
It’s not a mistake you drank enough to go over the legal limit. It’s not a mistake he got behind the wheel. To think it was a mistake is to be ignorant.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
This is complete BS. First of all, you don’t always get a chance to blow, and if you do the level is ridiculously low so that if you just rinsed your mouth with mouthwash you could potentially fail it. I had dinner with a co-worker last year who had 1 beer and half a shot of whiskey. He’s at least 6’1" and over 200 lbs and he had them early in the dinner. He got pulled over going home and administered a ridiculous sobriety test of having to stand on one leg and say the alphabet backwards, which he failed in the officers estimation and got a year long licence suspension. I’m not advocating driving drunk but the tolerance is so low now a one off is almost excusable.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Your co-worker should have gotten another test at the station that would have cleared him.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
I told him that too, but I guess the whole situation was pretty confusing for him.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
I’m a probation officer, I deal with DUI offenders on a daily basis, and I used to teach Alcohol Highway Safety School for DUI offenders; I’m not sure what state it was in, but if your friend got a license suspension, it was probably because he refused a blood test after the field sobriety tests.
At 200+ lbs, he wouldn’t be over the legal limit even if he drank as much as you said he did within a few minutes, and shortly before being tested. After he failed the field sobriety tests, he would have been taken for a blood draw and been found to have been well under a .08 BAC. Here in PA, if you refuse any of the tests, you get a license suspension even if you aren’t subsequently charged with DUI.
Are you sure he didn’t drink more than you think he did? It takes more alcohol to get to a .08 BAC than what most people think it takes.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Well I’m sure he was not even at .08 and that’s why I was asking him why he didn’t demand to blow. He said he wasn’t sure why he didn’t. This was in Ohio. Unless he drank after we left, and I have no reason to think he did since his commute is an hour long, we were face to face at a dinner table eating sushi. He ordered a scotch and even that pour was really weak (they just have waitresses, not a real bar or bartender) and he spilled part of the shot on his shirt. Then he had a beer.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
You have never had a sip of alcohol before. You literally have no idea what you’re talking about.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
Since you’ve never had a drink in your life, you don’t know what it does to people. It’s very easy to get drunk when you didn’t mean to. It’s very easy to make stupid decisions while drunk. That doesn’t excuse those decisions, but it puts them in context. Nobody who drinks and drives is purposely putting people in danger. They usually think they are perfectly fine and don’t think what they are doing is stupid or dangerous.
They’re wrong, of course. But to anyone who has been drunk it’s very easy to see how someone could think otherwise.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
I personally fear the texters and cell phone users more than I do the drunks.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Someone correct this if I’m wrong, but I think I remember reading they’re close to as dangerous.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
I heard that too.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Texters are generally more dangerous. It’s drunk textures that are the problem.
TheDriveStillHurts - February 12, 2012
They’re so blurry they’re hard to make out.
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
This. We often tell DUI offenders that getting 1 can be a mistake. But then, after they’ve gone through the system and taken our classes that teach them about drinking and driving, and the effects of alcohol, it’s more likely that people that get subsequent DUIs have alcohol issues.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
I have been through those programs. I tend to agree with you. Since I turned 21, I have driven a few times with a couple drinks and because of my size, I have a high tolerance…and I am still very careful.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
So that means you can question people’s character because you haven’t been caught yet? That’s bullshit.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
No, I am saying that even if I am at a .04, I am extremely careful of what I am doing because of my experience going through a diversion program.
I will never drive with more than 2-3 drinks in me and depending on what they are, that isn’t anything more than a .05-.06 (and that’s pushing it)
bross09 - February 12, 2012
You’re wrong on this. Even if you blew a .02, you can get arrested. If you fail one little field test, you’re done. Don’t sit there and say it’s ok for you to have a few drinks and drive. You’re guilty if DUI but haven’t been busted yet. Stop acting like your better than anyone.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I was physically fine enough to pass a field test. Wouldn’t even be close to failing except for spelling the alphabet backwards, but I can’t do that sober.
I am not acting like I am better than anyone. I am talking specifically about how the state diversion program made me more cautious.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
Everyone thinks they’re fine after drinking.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Which is exactly why you designate a driver before you start drinking
macdowellm03 - February 12, 2012
you are still missing the point.
WTF are you saying, in all seriousness. I have been drunk enough to know how it is affecting me physically. The situations I am talking about, I am easily less dangerous on the roads than if I was kinda tired.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
I couldn’t pass a field test sober.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
That’s the point.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
What? Not if you’re over 21.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
If you fail a test the cop can do what ever the hell he wants.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I don’t know guys, none of this is really swaying me. I’ll still take Blackmon over Floyd.
nickjs21 - February 12, 2012 via Android app
Favorite comment of the thread.
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
and didnt blackmon get busted for DUI?? in texas no less, hes lucky they didnt give him the chair for that one! But I would still take blackmon over floyd. if floyd would happen( I know very unlikely) to fall to the third, i would say give him a shot, at playing… not of scotch.
findlaybrownslover - February 13, 2012
I would say some of it does come down to your base common sense.
I do understand how someone can think it would be okay to drive, but I was arrested for underage drinking. I had to get piss tested (because of other things) and go through probation and a diversion program. I was also in a car during the process.
I will never forget the experience and will never be stupid about drinking because of it. my worry is that he was arrested twice before for underage drinking. Either they knew he was a star athlete and treated him differently or he just didn’t care. Either way, it worries me.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
Okay I wanted to not post anything but, you do NOT have to have ever had a single drink to know what it does to people. All specialbrownie is saying is that a DUI is ALWAYS a choice that you make. People should know as soon as the receive the first drink, that they shouldn’t drive. Yet some people do anyway, and sometimes it leads to terrible things. I don’t think the risk is ever worth it, but I would believe that a ton of people drink and drive all the time and nothing ever happens.
macdowellm03 - February 12, 2012
Yes. To choose to drink and then later drive under the influence it the person’s own choice. If you made the choice while inebriated, you still put yourself into that state.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
I’ve never murdered anyone either.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
And as far as you know, neither have I.
JustBob - February 13, 2012
You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I know exactly what I’m talking about. I don’t need to get a DUI to “understand” why it’s a mistake. It’s ignorant to say it’s a mistake. This long line of people bashing me is just a line of biases because you all drink and want an excuse to what it can turn you into. You drink, you accept the responsibility it brings.
I don’t need to murder someone to understand that murdering is wrong and something I shouldn’t do.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
Yeah, because everyone who drinks ends up killing someone. Get off your high horse.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I think I’d probably kill someone if I couldn’t drink
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
There’s a higher probability though. Especially when driving.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
Yeah, old people, 16 year olds, people on meds aren’t problems either.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Teen drivers scare the shit outta me. I know how I drove when I was a teenager, and I’m terrified of the day my daughters start driving.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
One DUI is an isolated mistake. The whole situation shows precedent to believe he may have a problem.
I have drank underage, but I didn’t do it a lot and was at least smart about it. I wouldn’t have racked up 2 underage drinking charges and a DUI.
I’d also say his blood alcohol level depends on if it was just a mistake or really dumb and dangerous. Supposedly he blew a .19 which is starting to get into the range where I consider it “dumb and dangerous”. I’d say anything double the legal limit is probably dumb/dangerous vs. a mistake, but anything over .2 is definitely dumb/dangerous.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
Alcohol effects people in different ways. I’m not proud of it, but I have 2 DUIs. A .14 and a .21. I have a high tolerance and can drive under those circumstances. Not saying it’s cool that I do, but I know when I can’t.
1- 6/6/06 (.14) The clutch burned out on my 2002 WS6. Cop pulled up behind me to see what was wrong. I passed all the tests but failed the breathalyzer.
2- 3/27/09 (.21) Coming home from the driving range and some jerk slammed in to my Dakota. Cop pulled up behind me to see what was wrong. I passed all the tests but failed the breathalyzer.
Both cops knew I was fine, apologized and said they had to do their job (revenue is more important). So I don’t hate them for it.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
that’s very true. Some people I know can drink a lot and not be “shitfaced” in how they act. most people don’t have your tolerance and you weren’t pulled over under any suspicion either of those times.
Floyd ran a stop sign stupidly and failed the field tests too.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
This conversation reminded me that I need to get to the liqour store before 9.
DBN, is there anything you can’t do?
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Solve arguments.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
He big, produced at a high level in college, and makes pretty good plays with DBs draped all over him.
rufio - February 12, 2012
Multiple DUI’s No thank you! I wouldn’t want ANYONE that hasn’t learned their lesson after the first one!
ctowndawgpound - February 12, 2012
Keep reading the comments. One DUI.
Legoman0721 - February 12, 2012 via Android app
And?
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
One DUI can be a mistake.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
Nope. People know THROUGHOUT LIFE all the way to 21 that drinking and driving is a no-no. That is brings about HUGE CONSEQUENCES including possibility of manslaughter.
No mistakes, no excuses.
SpecialBrownie - February 12, 2012
This is true every time you drive a car. I see people who may or may not be drunk driving recklessly, driving while exhausted, and driving while distracted. Everyone of those is just as bad, if not worse than having a drink or too then driving.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Basically this. SB, I know you like to do work on your honda. Did you put in a loud muffler? That’s a risk. If you get in an accident because you didn’t hear a siren will it be a mistake or not?
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
He wouldn’t hear the sirens because the Lady Gaga is too loud.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
There was an exhaust on it anyways but it no way inhibits my driving. Besides, the DBs it produces isn’t illegal. So, it’s not really a substitutive situation
SpecialBrownie - February 13, 2012
This argument seems oddly familiar.
I don’t see why not. Legality doesn’t change whether or not something impairs driving. Loud noise impairs driving, so does booze. Obviously booze is worse, but the logic and morals involved are the same.
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
No, drinking while driving is illegal. Not all exhausts are illegal. Also, I didn’t install it myself. Exhausts sit at different tones throughout a drive, you can’t fluctuate your sobriety on a dime.
It’s not really the same at all.
SpecialBrownie - February 13, 2012
If you’re below .08, driving after drinking is legal. It’s not always against the law to be under the influence and driving.
Legoman0721 - February 13, 2012 via Android app
How do you know that THROUGHOUT LIFE he has been told how bad drinking and driving is? For all we know, he did exactly what his parents showed him to do. I don’t know Floyd, and neither do you. Maybe he screwed up and learned from it. I’m not going to demonize somebody for a mistake they made when they were young and then learned from.
Legoman0721 - February 13, 2012 via Android app
I think I may want to try the DBN Mock this year. Do we pick the team to represent or is that done at random?
Brownie's Year - February 11, 2012
If I recall correctly, last year we picked our team. I had a good time making the Bucs pick, and I still think I chose well even though they went a different direction.
Legoman0721 - February 12, 2012 via Android app
OT, I am watching Pebble and thinking this is going to be a loooong winter. I’m ready to play some golf again.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
I was watching it off and on. Tiger putted like crap. Lefty just won. I hate that guy. Changed the channel after his final put.
I’ve never played Pebble because I’ve heard from a lot of people that it is overrated. So $250 just never seemed worth it. But I do live about 20 minutes from Torrey Pines ($240) and we have plans to play that in the future.
We’re getting in to rainy season here. I played on Monday and got sick. This week is gunna be rainy so I probably won’t get out till Friday.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I’m really pissed at you right now.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
You’re always pissed at me when I talk golf.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I haven’t left my house since 2:30pm yesterday, it’s cold as shit outside, and the ground is covered in snow. It’s not you, it’s me.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Stop bitching and get a golf simulator!! That’s what I would do if I were you.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I’m thinking about setting up one of those in my basement. Get a cheap projector and screen, grab an old laptop and the simulator you see on Golf Channel and practice all winter. That’s the worst part of living in cold weather – just when you’re swing is rounding out I quit for 5 months and have to start back over again with my natural crap swing.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
I never even considered that. I always assumed they were crazy expensive.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
The one HD mentioned above is $400. You don’t need a drop screen. You can use one but all you need is a computer. It seems pretty legit with all the censors it has.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I’m on an indoor Monday night league. The simulators we use can’t be the $400 ones you’re referring to, very high tech. Amazing how they can pick up ball spin and trajectory. If you know how to vary your ball flight – this thing is spot on. Good way to keep the swing up when there’s 6" of snow on the ground anyway.
DaveDawg09 - February 12, 2012
Wow, like a bowling league? That’s pretty awesome. Never heard of those before. The one HD and I are talking about is called OptiShot. It’s a home thing. A mat with censors that hooks up to your comp via usb.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Yup, kinda like a bowling league. It’s a smaller place – just a driving range in the summer, but they installed 2 simulator booths inside for the winters. They have play on 4 nights a week that add up to a “league” of 40-50 people. They keep handicaps, play pinshots and skins, have an “A” and “B” flight based on a handicap cut point and everything It’s a great way to spend a snowy weeknight.
I won the “B” flight 3 years ago. First place was a brand new Cleveland Hi-Bore driver. I love that club. I probably would never have bought one, but man can I hit the thing.
DaveDawg09 - February 12, 2012
Damn, that sounds cool as hell.
Brownie's Year - February 13, 2012
That is awesome, what a great idea. I’m pretty sure the ones you use at the range are much more expensive.
HenryDawg - February 13, 2012
I had to leave my house yesterday and froze my ass off.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
It’s like $400+ now and I’ve heard the same thing – about 4 great holes and a bunch of average ones. I still want to play it once. Wish I wasn’t always broke when I lived in Norcal.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Woah, it was 250 like 7 years ago.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I know its ridiculous. Last time I went to Vegas the cheapest course we could find under $200 was a average Palmer designed resort course.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Vegas has some sic ass courses.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
There are courses in Vegas that people don’t know about. For a large roll of cash you can take a limo out to a course and your caddy is a hot chick.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I also should mention that they are brothel courses. Every guy’s fantasy.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
So can you, uh, you know…on the golf course?
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
That’s what i’ve heard. It cost a lot of money though.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I say when the Browns win the Super Bowl, we meet in Vegas and play a few of those courses. The type of celebration we’ll have earned for putting up with this shit for so many years.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY
bross09 - February 12, 2012
DBN, is there nothing you can’t do?
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
It brings people together in mysterious ways.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
“Hey BY, $100 you slice it into the woods!”
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Hey Whitey, where’s your hat?
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Torrey Pines is awesome, don’t you get a discount for living in SD county or something?
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
The courses here do give city or county discounts. I have check what TP’s is.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I think its a lot, my brothers friend moved out there and when he visited it was like $50
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
There are two courses there. The TP North is pretty cheap. TP South is the major one. $292 for non-residents. $150 for San Diego residents.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
That’s worth it for a course that’s a regular on the tour and the major rotation.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
The only tour course I’ve ever played was Coyote Creek in Morgan Hill, CA. It’s a Jack Nicklaus course and the Champions Tour used to play the Siebel Open at. Not sure if they still do that though. I think I paid around $120 for a weekend rate.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I don’t know if I can pay $300 to play a course. 150 would be fine but I don’t live in San Diego.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Claiborne over Blackmon would be a terrible decision in my opinion. I if this mock turned out to be true, it would be a pretty atrocious draft on the Browns part considering the other options that were very much available.
Jon @ DBN - February 11, 2012
What i’ve heard from quite a few scouting report is that Blackmon is not really elite – not the physical freak that Dez Bryant or Julio Jones was, nor the speed-demon with hands of glue ala Green. If we keep the 4 pick and don’t draft a top QB, I would much rather have a true elite player (Claiborne) than a non-elite one, even if it’s an area of DIRE need. Besides that, we’ve all heard how wonderfully deep this draft is at the WR position. Further, it would make more sense to me to grab a K. Wright type that would stretch the field. Blackmon seems too similar (though probably better) to Little in his skillset.
We need elite talent with that #4 pick. If that type of talent at a skill position isn’t available at 4, I hope we’re able to trade down for more picks.
That said, I’m still in the camp that would have us go for RG3 (barring the need to sell the farm to get him)
Vududawg - February 12, 2012
Claiborne would not be a game changer for the Browns whether he’s an elite CB talent or not. I think Blackmon has for more potential to be a game changer for the Browns.
On this we agree.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
I think you are right – but you could say the same thing about Jerry Rice. Really was attention to detail, competitiveness that made him great.
realmccoy - February 12, 2012
Blackmon is a better prospect than Dez Bryant.
rufio - February 12, 2012
watch the sports science on him. He doesn’t run a 4.35 and isn’t 6’5’’, but has some incredible skills nonetheless. He is about as skilled as Bryant and is pretty darn physically gifted.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
He definitely has the best ball skills in the draft this year. I wouldn’t call him a can’t miss WR though. Possibly not even a #1
The Licensed Pessimist - February 12, 2012
If we went defense, I think I’d rather take a DL or LB than a CB, but they’re may not be one worth picking that high. Maybe in this scenario, with RGIII off the board and not wanting Blackmon, it would be better to trade down.
BiggieBrown - February 11, 2012
Perhaps. But, who would be trading up with us to get what player? If the two QBs are off the board at 4 I’m not sure who I see dealing with us; hadn’t really thought on that scenario much.
Mal Reynolds - February 11, 2012
That is a pretty good point. I don’t anyone has thought about this scenario because, unless some bombshell hits before the draft, its unreasonable to think the Browns would not be interested in Blackmon, Floyd, or the #1 WR.
I would like to offense with 4 and defense with 22.
BiggieBrown - February 11, 2012
Good point. There are too many variables to do anything but speculate, but… maybe one of the trio of Kalil, Claiborne, or Coples. There’s usually a couple elite players on the board at the 4 spot though.
Vududawg - February 12, 2012
Because upgrading already solid secondaries payed immediate dividends for the Eagles and Jets?
Jon @ DBN - February 11, 2012
Apples and oranges. Those were FA acquisitions where expectations were only exceeded by the enormous egos of players. Building an elite D backfield through the draft would be completely different.
Vududawg - February 12, 2012
Shouldnt our priority be more on the front seven though? Most trams just ran over us.
FrenchToast979 - February 12, 2012 via Android app
Yes.
nickjs21 - February 12, 2012
I don’t see how it’s different. The Eagles and Jets clearly have elite secondaries. It didn’t help them all that much.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
They should have elite secondaries, Nnamdi was terrible this year.
rufio - February 12, 2012
Fair point. The explanation floating around is that they had him playing too much zone, does that seem legit to you? I think it’s odd that he would be that good at man coverage and that bad at zone.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
Man coverage guys are usually the ones you covet. I don’t understand why Philly would line him up in zone if that was really the problem. Just friggin lock him on his guy and roll coverage everywhere else or blitz everyone.
It doesn’t make sense to pay that much for a guy that good and then just not use him as a key piece of what you are doing.
rufio - February 12, 2012
Well the defensive coordinator was their O line coach the year before.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
I forgot about that.
rufio - February 13, 2012
I am pretty sure this was a large factor. The D coordinator was clueless.
Roger Dorn - February 13, 2012
Zone blocking schemes. Zone coverage schemes. Sounds similar — how hard can it be?
TheDriveStillHurts - February 13, 2012
Yeah, it’s worse.
But the results/impact, or lack there of, would be the same. If you already have a solid secondary, and the Browns do, you use the 4th overall pick on a DB, especially with a great WR prospect on the board when you need a WR.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
So building through the draft is worse? If you mean we would miss out on a top offensive player…I see what you’re trying to say, but still disagree. I’m not clamoring for a DB with our first. All i’m advocating is drafting as many elite players as possible.
I am no scout, just a voracious reader of scouting reports, all of which seem to share the opinion that the “great” WR you speak of is only good. Atl drafted a WR last year who was rated higher by many than Blackmon is, and that didn’t help at all.
Again, I understand our dire needs on offense, but that doesn’t mean we should panic and commit ourselves to anything less than the bpa. We have plenty of needs everywhere. Address the pass rush as bross09 suggests if that is where the best impact talent is at 4, or go get what may be an elite QB. But if you’re looking for Blckmon to come in and be a savior, I just don’t see it happening.
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
Adding a CB where there is no need for one is not building through the draft.
Jon @ DBN - February 13, 2012
Point taken and appreciated. Our difference seems to stem from my poor opinion of Sheldon’s play and the notion that in an increasingly pass friendly league, one can never have too many DBs. Maybe I’m just mooncamping for corners…
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
That’s fair.
Jon @ DBN - February 13, 2012
Not unless you want fullbacks to play there because of their bicep to calf length ratio.
Adrock2099 - February 13, 2012
Yeah, that’s pretty hilarious. I wasn’t calling myself mooncamping, more using it as a verb meaning – to obsess over a certain position group against all logic and wisdom.
Vududawg - February 14, 2012
I think that is appropriate for the DBN glossary. Make it so.
JustBob - February 14, 2012
I think I am with you here if the evaluation is that Claiborne is elite and Blackmon is not.
Roger Dorn - February 13, 2012
I would rather take the better player regardless of position.
Roger Dorn - February 13, 2012
I understand your logic. However, I do think position should be a factor, even if it’s a minor one. For example, I don’t think we should take a player at a position we don’t need just because they may or may not be a slightly better prospect.
Jon @ DBN - February 13, 2012
Its a factor for me, definitely. What you gain by drafting a player is partially dependent on what you lack. Certain positions have a bigger impact on the field. Certain positions are harder to find than others.
All of that comes into play.
rufio - February 13, 2012
That’s perfectly reasonable, and each pick has to be judged in terms of the trade off between need and talent.
Taking it further, some believe that looking for specific talents, rather than positions, that fit what the team wants to do, whether its causing mismatches, drafting guys with a lot of versatility, or guys that do one thing better than most anybody is the best scouting system. My guess is a good mixture of the above is probably best.
Vududawg - February 14, 2012
In which case, if Kalil is on the board when we pick, there’s a strong possibility he’s the best player available. Do we take him?
Jon @ DBN - February 13, 2012
Now, with that example I wholeheartedly agree. When you’ve already got His Holiness at LT, drafting an elite pass-protector with deficiencies in run-blocking makes absolutely no sense. If there is one potential pick that would have me do a Scooby-Doo, that would be it.
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
I think in the scenario that he is clearly the best value, assuming your evaluations of the other guys are far below, then you would select Kalil.
Roger Dorn - February 13, 2012
If we’re picking regardless of position, it wouldn’t matter if the other prospects are far below or just slightly a hair behind.
Jon @ DBN - February 13, 2012
an elite secondary doesn’t mean as much if the Browns have a below average pass rush again.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
I would not understand using the 4th pick on anyone other than the player most likely to increase scoring. Although I would like another really good DE, I would hope that the Browns would also use the 22nd pick to improve the offense.
JamesPowell - February 12, 2012
Huge ND fan here. I love Mike Floyd and think he’s one of the top 2 or 3 WRs in ND’s history, but I don’t see him being a big time game breaker in the NFL, or at least not a perfect fit for the Browns. He definitely has the hands and size to be a great possession receiver, but what the Browns need now are fast WRs who can blow the tops off defenses (obviously before we can “blow the tops off” or any defenses we need a QB who can get the ball there, but that’s another conversation), and I just don’t think Floyd has the ability to do that. I’m not saying I’d be upset with the pick, I just don’t think he’s perfect for our situation and we could probably do better.
tr1betime - February 12, 2012
I’ll drink to that…hic
Poppawolf - February 12, 2012
I would agree to this if the WCO really needed burners. But I do think of you are picking a WR at #4 he does need elite speed (sub 4.5) and I’m seeing Blackmon quoted at 4.55, which is just OK.
If this is a weak year for WRs I hate the thought of burning high picks on reaching, though as we desperately need WR I cant see what else we can do either. I’d go D with the #4 then, if Coples doesn’t look good take Claibourne and shift Brown to FS.
LondonBrown - February 12, 2012
There is a pretty deep class of FA wide receivers. I would love to get Steve Johnson, Robert Meachem or Pierre Garcon.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Blackmon has not run a 40 in a combine setting. “Quoting” him at something at this point is just some guy making a guess and posting it on the internet.
rufio - February 12, 2012
And I’m not really all that concerned if guys are a few places after the decimal point apart after they run in the Combine. They’re not wearing pads, they’re not running routes, they’re not getting bumped by a DB.
Their speed matters, but I think game speed and Combine speed are two completely different things.
nickjs21 - February 12, 2012
Also the timers aren’t very accurate.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
I heard they use sundials.
Adrock2099 - February 12, 2012
They use pretty sophisticated timing systems, and no one trusts those so everyone uses their own timers too. That way you get a range of times and you can figure out how much deviation there is from the official time.
rufio - February 12, 2012
This just means there’s a speared of opinions on how good Blackmon is. I wouldn’t want to waste a high pick (#4) on the #1 positional player if they’re not seen as game changers- especially if the positions is expected to draft deep.
If you’re not taking a QB in the top handful they do need to be “freaks”- Adrian Peterson, Mario Williams; etc
LondonBrown - February 12, 2012
I would have went Blackmon.
rufio - February 12, 2012
Blackmon all the way if RG3 is gone. Wouldn’t be upset with Floyd with the #22 pick if Blackmon is also gone. Only reservation with Floyd is that apparently he has had 3 DUIs. Not far from an NFL suspension.
Aussie Brown - February 12, 2012
I read something about him moving into an freshman dorm to try and clean up his act, although I don’t see how that would.
macdowellm03 - February 12, 2012
Lol… freshman dorms are the epitome of clean livin’!
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
I know I certainly never got into trouble!
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
apparently the last one was a real wake up call and he’s been an angel since
tr1betime - February 12, 2012
I learned about the DUIs here. I liked this draft a lot until I learned that. Now, not so much.
I don’t want to trade up for RG3. So if he’s not there, I guess I am for Blackmon now. (Maybe neither will be there?)
DPS - February 12, 2012
Really like the idea of Claiborne addition to an already decent D. But, not at number #4. He’s not going to score TDs.
DawgsNHawgs - February 12, 2012
Can’t leave Blackmon on the board without a trade back offer. Then, only if we’ve addressed WR and QB in free agency.
DawgsNHawgs - February 12, 2012
Nobody is trading up for a CB or LT so you put those trade back and draft DeCastro fantasy to bed.
HenryDawg - February 13, 2012 via mobile
People would definitely trade up for a left tackle.
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
Has that ever happened?
HenryDawg - February 14, 2012
Baltimore traded up for Oher off the top of my head.
Bernie19Kosar - February 14, 2012
LOL that he is now their RT.
HenryDawg - February 14, 2012
I’de rather see DE or LB upgrades since our run defense was pretty weak, but not at #4. Since trading down is highly unlikely, BPA available on offense at #4….What happens in FA will clear things up little…anyone like to see Trent Richardson in a Browns uniform? :)
Poppawolf - February 12, 2012
Later in the first. A trade up from #22 wouldn’t bother me at all. That’s only if we don’t sign Hillis.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I just dont see how RG3 wont be avail, colts are selecting luck, rams used a qb first overall a couple years ago and vikings have ponder…I see either the Rams or Vikings getting Blackmon..but if somehow RG3 is taken then Blackmon would have to be the Browns pick. Have you seen him play, he’s like Terrel Owens in his prime.
If the browns draft a qb 1st then I see them getting an OL at 22, theres also a possiblity that Richards will still be avail. or even the RB from Oregon is pretty good. I just wish the draft was next weekend
Dawge - February 12, 2012
LaMichael James* will most likely go in the second. We could wait for him.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
Washington will trade up to #2 or 3, giving up far more than we will for RG3. I wish the draft was next weekend too. It would put an end to all these draft speculation threads.
Aussie Brown - February 12, 2012
I dont think there is any way Blackmon gets past us and all the way to the skins pick, unless it turns out there is more to that injury than we know today.
Red-Right-88 - February 12, 2012
Biggest question that I have about jining the Mock is: Are we allowed to make trades that would be realistic to what you would see on draft day? If so, I’m in and I don’t care which team. I’ll just need to know the date/time, since I work really weird hours
J. W. - February 12, 2012
jiningjoining.J. W. - February 12, 2012
Don’t get their “wait” til next year concept. This year we have the extra pick, a QB who would be the overall number 1 in a normal year. The only way we will be positioned for a top QB is if we really suck again. If that happens, Shurmur’s buns will be glowing bright red from sitting on the hot seat, and Holmgren’s rotund arse will be warming up at rapid rate.
realmccoy - February 12, 2012
I like the way you put it.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
And even as a person who doesn’t want to trade away #22, I’d still rather give that up to get RG3 than be stuck with Claiborne and Floyd.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
I have heard from the LSU crowd that Claiborne is a much better CB than Peterson – but you don’t get the extra 10 TDs on special teams. What a bunch of studs they are producing there with Peterson, Claiborne, and Honey Badger.
realmccoy - February 12, 2012
If we needed a cornerback, I’d love to pick Claiborne. But we don’t and considering what’s likely to be on the board, I don’t think Claiborne is our best option. It pains me to say it, but I’d even rather have Trent Richardson. At least in that case, there is some potential for us to have that game changing offensive play maker.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
Depends on where we think Browns is going. There’s a school of thought (which I think I’m in) that if he slows too much too play corner he has the wisdom and hitting to make a good FS.
The other side of that is he’s never played centrefield.
LondonBrown - February 12, 2012
Claiborne is too slow?
rufio - February 13, 2012
Think he’s referring to S. Brown and his possible transition to safety.
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
Ah, “where Brown is going”, not “where the Browns are going”. Got it.
rufio - February 13, 2012
I don’t think Mattieu will be as good in the NFL, but they are killing it in college. Their safeties will play in the NFL too.
Claiborne is a great man-to-man cover corner, but he’s not as strong as Peterson at the line, and he isn’t the height-weight-speed combo freak that Peterson is. In man coverage down the field, Claiborne is pretty damn good.
rufio - February 12, 2012
Do you have enough reservations about S. Brown at corner to be ok with burning a top pick on Claiborne if other options are gone?
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
No I don’t. Brown isn’t amazing, but he is more than solid as a 2nd CB.
I’d take him right now over Drayton Florence, RJ Stanford, Zach Bowman, Terrance Newman, Eric Wright, Kareem Jackson, Chris Rucker, morgan trent, Benny Sapp, Lito Sheppard, Kyle Arrington, William Gay, Antoine Cason, and anyone on the Seahawks, or Rams easily.
You have about half the League’s #2 WRs that I would take him over and there are a handful (best guess, 5-6) #1 CBs I think he is better than. There are not a lot of solid QBs out there. If I’d have to guesstimate where he ranks in the league in terms of CBs, I’d say around 35th-40th in terms over 62 starters.
bross09 - February 13, 2012
Seahawks have Brandon Browner, I would be totally fine with him. Pretty much agree on all the others though.
HenryDawg - February 13, 2012
is Browner their #1 or #2 though?
bross09 - February 13, 2012
Wow, that’s pretty generous. I admittedly have an untrained eye for evaluating DB performance, but I watched every snap this season and saw him give up more than his share of big plays, and he seemed to be the slowest player there as well as the poorest tackler.
I’m not going to argue with your assessment, but I remember (especially towards the end of the season) saying to myself more than once – Christ almighty, we need to find a replacement for Brown!!
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
Sheldon Brown had a few plays where he got beat, but you didn’t hear his name a lot which was a good thing. A while back, there was an article about how Brown was among the league leaders at DB for comp % against. He held QBs to under 50% of throws thrown his way. He made some pretty awesome plays and shut down some solid WRs.
We need to find a replacement for Brown…eventually. That guy though might be on the roster in Patterson or Skrine.
bross09 - February 13, 2012
Good to know. I do think Patterson is pretty dependable, and Skrine is one of the more intriguing young guys on the team so i guess we’re not in too bad a shape there.
Vududawg - February 14, 2012
Our DB situation is the best it’s been in years. If Skrine built up a bit more muscle and smarts he could turn out.
Brownie's Year - February 14, 2012
Good WRs almost always beat good CBs. There are some exceptions — like Nnamdi, Bailey and Reevis — but those are the exceptions. Good CBs get beat sometimes. Brown is a good cornerback. No doubt about that. Is he elite? No. But he is good. Just because WRs score on him sometimes doesn’t change that. The rules are written for WRs.
TheDriveStillHurts - February 13, 2012
If the draft was tomorrow, my board is:
1. Luck
2. RG3
3. Trade up for Luck
4. Trade up for RG3
5. Blackmon
6. Claiborne
7. Coples
Brown has been slowing down, but he’s still one of the best CBs we’ve had since returning who isn’t Joe Haden. And I’m not worried about CB2 all that much, we can find someone decent to play there. I’d be ok with leaving Haden in more man coverage and rolling safeties to help the other CB out, even.
rufio - February 13, 2012
Mine would look something like this:
1. Luck
2. RG3
3. Blackmon
4. Trade Down, gain another 1st round pick for the franchise LT that is Kalil
5. Coples
6. Richardson
7. Claiborne
Jon @ DBN - February 13, 2012
I did forget trading down. Put that right after Blackmon.
rufio - February 14, 2012
As soon as I read the “wait until next year” for a QB I had to ask how we would be in the position to get the guy we want. Pulling an Indy would be one way, but if we end up at anything around 4-12 again, there are going to be teams ahead of us in the draft and they aren’t going to swap spots with us just because we say please (though that is awfully civil of us).
In the scenario painted with this mock, or rather with the reasoning given for it, we would want to have some way to get back up in to the top of the draft next year and the surest way to do that would be to find a suitor to trade our #22 for their 1st in the 2013 draft. I’m not saying that I’m too keen on that idea, but if the FO is not sure that Colt is the guy (and they really shouldn’t be at this point what with the lack of anything to support such a notion) then they have to be prepared to move on and up after the 2012 season if he doesn’t cut it.
JustBob - February 12, 2012
If RG3 and Blackmon are gone at 4 I would like to see us nab Coples, or Zach Brown to add some speed and end closing ability before going for a DB right away. 22 in my opinion should go to a solid tackle to help close the line. maybe Mike Adams from OSU? If Lfoyd goes 2nd round grab him at that time. Couldn’t hurt to help secure the base on both sides….
Raytaliation - February 12, 2012
If this is the official SBN mock, why aren’t they consulting the mods of their respective SBN football sites before doing it?
nickjs21 - February 12, 2012
In this case I would go Blackmon as many have said. I do not see Claiborne as an option for us that high. That being said, what do we do if in the top 3 Luck, RG3, and Blackmon go and we cannot trade down? Seems pretty worst-case-scenario to me, but as a possibility no matter how slim. If that does happen, I would have to give strong consideration to Coples. I doubt they would choose Kalil, though I guess it “could” happen
-bobby- - February 12, 2012
If RG3 and Blackmon are off the board, I still think we can get a great deal trading down with a franchise that needs a star LT.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
Agree with the scenario – but if the Browns like RGIII – they will pull the trigger on the trade up.
realmccoy - February 12, 2012
I’d be a million times happier with that than picking Claiborne.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
Trading into the 7-10 range and letting another team take Kalil would put us in an excellent spot for Coples et al.
nickjs21 - February 12, 2012
But like I said if you cannot find a bidder then what? do you take “less” then perceived value to get out of the spot? or if you are truly stuck at 4 and no QB or Blackmon available, what do you do?
-bobby- - February 12, 2012
Kalil is the best LT in the draft. I can’t picture a scenario no team is willing to trade up for him.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
Forgive me, but I just can’t look at having the #4 overall pick as being “stuck.” Even in a worse case scenario, we’re in position to draft someone that can have an immediate impact on our team. If we don’t trade up for RG3, and he, Luck, and Blackmon are all gone, we pick who we think is the BPA, then get excited about our next 1st round pick.
We are in a beautiful draft position, regardless of what we do with the picks.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
agreed.
notthatnoise - February 12, 2012
I’d say the chances of both RG3 and Blackmon being gone are less than 5%. I’d say not being able to find a trade partner for the best LT prospect since JT would also be less than 5%.
So imo, the chances of this scenario happening are about .2%.
What if Luck falls to us? I think that even though it’s highly unlikely, it is more unlikely than this scenario.
bross09 - February 12, 2012
The Apocalypse will occur if Luck isn’t picked first. Teams will start trying to give up 3 first rounders to trade with the Rams.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
I doubt it, teams aren’t going to give up a lot to get Kalil when they can take Rieff or Martin for free. Someone will trade up to 2 for Griffin and that should be us.
HenryDawg - February 13, 2012 via mobile
I would probably go Coples. As much as I think there will be someone to trade down with for Kalil, I wouldn’t be terribly upset with Coples or Ingram. Claiborne would probably be next on my list, then Kuelechy (I know, I know, he doesn’t rush the passer), and then I’d really be searching for the next guy on the board.
The next few guys I would consider are either semi-positional mis-matches for us (Upshaw, Barron) or places where we don’t really have a need that matches up with that position (Kalil, Reiff, Martin, Still, Brockers).
rufio - February 12, 2012
I think we will see a Linebacker picked with one of our first 3 picks. That area seems to be the oldest and could use an infusion of youth.
dirtyjoe - February 12, 2012
I just dont see how RGIII wont be there at four. If the rams trade down with anyone except us, then its kind of a toss-up as to who will be avaliable for them. If the rams do trade down with say washington, then Blackmon will still be there. I do not like this mock at all.
FrenchToast979 - February 12, 2012 via Android app
RGIII or Blackmon
Grockcubs - February 12, 2012
Would much rather have Griffin than another DB or WR w/ issues (Floyd). Trading the 22 pick doesn’t concern me if it means we get a high quality QB. But I understand how some feel that would just be wasting the gift of a second 1st round pick, but I try not to look at it that way.
I think it makes sense to lean towards offense in the draft while addressing the D through free agency…. not strictly though.
DB is up there on the list of priorities, but I don’t think its at the very top. Heckert did a good job at getting Patterson in here… hope he can hit on another good secondary player through FA.
LocalMan - February 12, 2012
The secondary isn’t a big enough concern to use early draft picks on. A DE and LB is really a priority in the first 3 rounds.
Brownie's Year - February 12, 2012
This.
Dawg Nuts - February 12, 2012
Agreed, especially on LB.
LocalMan - February 12, 2012
I not only expect that we will all wear each other out with this subject between now and the draft, I also expect to enjoy it because when it comes to the Browns, I am not sane, I am not even an adult.
That said, my hope for this draft is that it can be like 1978 when we got Matthews at 12 and Newsome at 23. Now I realize I am biased because those two are tied for No. 2, after Jim Brown, as my favorite Browns of all time, but I know that adding two guys who were not only outstanding players, but outstanding people, made the Browns a better team for years. The Browns have enough spaces to fill that if they could only fill two of them with players of that caliber, I think we will all be very happy.
The worst thing, the cruelest thing, to give to a Cleveland sports fan is hope.
JamesPowell - February 12, 2012
My avatar agrees with one of your choices for top brown too.
LondonBrown - February 12, 2012
I heard Pluto saying that he learned “from sources” that the Browns were thinking of going defense. He specifically mentioned Claiborne and I believe Couples.I’d have to find the interview again re Couples but for sure Claiborne.
Kaner - February 12, 2012
Smokescreen.
Jon @ DBN - February 12, 2012
Double dawg smokescreen: they’re going to trade down from four, then use those picks to trade back up to four and pick Claiborne.
Adrock2099 - February 12, 2012
I would love to see a DE with top-5 talent on our line. Sheard is good, but throw a top-5 guy on the other side…wow.
rufio - February 12, 2012
Is there one? Coples seems like the best but he disappears at times, that’s not good. I would try to trade back to 10-15 and take Mercillus, pick up an extra 2nd rounder and whatever else you can get for trading back 10 spots. Hopefully another #1 next year.
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
From what I read he was consistent in his junior year but for some reason (coaching churn?) didn’t commit last year. Still a red flag though. If he commits to the team… whoa.
Mercillus looks good too. I think our new 4-3 needs more DL to excel; I think we might be thin at LB but we have three capable starters and one reasonable situational player (maiava).
LondonBrown - February 12, 2012
I think I read somewhere he moved inside in his junior year to DT, which is interesting that he could be stout enough in the middle but still have the athleticism to play the outside. I wonder if he frog stance?
HenryDawg - February 12, 2012
Yeah, what I hear about Coples scares the crap out of me too, despite the skillset.
Vududawg - February 13, 2012
Terry Pluto spoke of Clairborne and this:
Kaner - February 12, 2012
I thought this was a good brief introduction to Coples and the dilemma regarding whether or not he’s a top ten pick.
nickjs21 - February 12, 2012
Interesting post. But if the article is accurate, there is no way you can spend the number 4 overall on a guy with questionable motor and passion. One thing I did enjoy about Manginini was his green sticker concept. Take chances late, get green stickers at number 4 overall.
realmccoy - February 12, 2012
This thread has made me not want to drive anymore with you nuts on the road! :)
Red-Right-88 - February 13, 2012
It’s everyone else that’s bad at driving, not me!
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
Ugh.
Bernie19Kosar - February 13, 2012
AND THEY JUST CHANGED THE MOCK AGAIN. Who on earth is responsible for these every-few-days mocks, and why do they keep giving us bad picks?
nickjs21 - February 13, 2012
If you have an entire website dedicated to mockingthedraft, I would assume you might as well need daily mocks.
Roger Dorn - February 13, 2012
My favorite part is where they use Micheal Lombardi as the reason to declare the Redskins as the “favorite” to trade up for RG3.
Has Micheal Lombardi ever gotten something correct?
Bernie19Kosar - February 13, 2012
Excellent question. He is Grossiesque in his wrongness.
TheDriveStillHurts - February 13, 2012
Grossi down, Hoynes to go.
notthatnoise - February 13, 2012
Let’s hope that trend continues. I see no reason it should change.
HenryDawg - February 13, 2012
On the subject of Floyd and not drinking and driving, I saw a good comparison for him. Kenny Britt.
Neither one had elite footspeed coming out though Britt had a good 40 at the combine. People also thought Britt had character concerns coming out of college and was a bit of a diva. He was also banged up a bit in college.
In his case, injuries and run-ins with the law have plagued his career so far. Floyd is definitely a risk that high, but a good talent. He could end up being the player Britt is (though I think Britt is a little more athletic) or the player Britt has shown he might be if the distractions don’t get in the way.
bross09 - February 13, 2012
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