Written by Chris Hutchison

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The draft is only a week old, and already you are getting my "analysis" on the players the Browns selected.  The magic of modern technology!

 

With hundreds (OK, one) of people clamoring for a post-draft article, I was finally able to cobble together my "thoughts" and present them to you for consideration, the first and foremost being that the NFL Draft has become to me what Christmas was when I was a kid:  You wait with eager anticipation for it to come, it takes forever to get here, and when it finally arrives it's over way too quickly and is strangely unsatisfying.

 

Not that I am unhappy with the draft.  Quite the contrary.  But the passing of the draft reminds me of how many holes the Browns had, and how many more they have yet to fill.  2012 mock drafts have begun to spring up around the country with anticipated 2012 draft slots, and I've seen the Browns as high as #1 overall and as low as #3 overall, so obviously no one seems to think that Cleveland will be anything but dog-poo this season. 

 

And it's hard to really argue with them.  There are still many positions of need, the Browns are implementing both a new Offensive and Defensive scheme with a bunch of new coaches, and the QB is still a major question mark.  The longer this lockout keeps the team from exploring their new systems with their new personnel - not to mention acquiring key Free Agents - the less likely it is the Browns will be non-terrible.

 

But that's sheer speculation and hardly worth yapping about.

 

As you know, the Browns started the draft at #6 overall.  In my opinion, there were 4 "elite" players in this draft (Marcell Dareus, Patrick Peterson, Von Miller, AJ Green), and when the last of them was selected at #5, the Browns had every right to explore a trade down to maximize the value of the slot.  Fortunately, there was a team out there (Atlanta) that felt that they were only one impact player away from Super Bowl-dom, so they were willing to pay a King's Ransom to move up from 27 to 6, surrendering the following to Cleveland in return:

 

2011 1st Rounder (27 - became Phil Taylor)

2011 2nd Rounder (59 - Greg Little)

2011 4th Rounder (124 - Owen Marecic)

2012 1st Rounder

2012 4th Rounder

 

I'm not going to compare the points via the draft chart since that chart is straight retarded.  Let's just say it was Phil Taylor, Greg Little, and Owen Marecic (and 2 players yet to be named) for Julio Jones.  3 (possibly 5) starters for one talented but unproven player.  One of those starters (Little) plays the same position as Jones, and there's no logical reason to think that they can't have similar rookie production.  The only way this backfires is if Jones goes on to a Hall of Fame type career.

 

The Browns came out big winners right from the get with that swap. 

 

So what looked like an early night for many turned into a waiting game through the 1st Round like we were fans of a Playoff team.

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Phil Taylor - DT - Baylor - 1st Round (21) 

 

First, let's address the trade up to get Mr. Taylor.  The Browns were sitting at 27, then traded that pick and a 3rd Rounder to KC to move up to get him at 21.  This was immediately met with remorse along with the customary calls that "he would've been there at 27".

 

This is one of my draftnik analysis pet peeves.  How do YOU know that he'd be there at 27?  If you're gonna start making facts up, why not just claim that we can pick up Andrew Luck next year in the 4th Round - "He would've been there."

 

Now, I can see claiming that a player "would've been there" if he was projected as a 3rd Round pick and the Browns moved up to 21 to take him, but Phil Taylor was a late 1st Round pick according to many, and there several teams (Baltimore, Philly, New Orleans) in between 21 and 27 that were supposedly eyeing him.  So it ain't overly-effective sit at 27, lose the guy you want (to the Ravens, of all teams), then claim "Hey!  He was supposed to be there at 27!"

 

Yeah, it sucks they had to give up that 3rd to move up 6 spots.  Wish it had been a 4th, but it wasn't - that was the price that KC demanded, and if you're Tom Heckert and you've had a good idea for a while that you were going to be moving back to 27 and you also have a good idea of who you want to nab there, you don't want to lose that guy at the last second due to inaction, especially if you just extracted and extra 2nd and 4th to somewhat make up for losing that 3rd.

 

Let's talk Phil Taylor himself.  Huge dude.  Makes Bigfoot look like a squirrel.  Can climb Mt. Everest in 13 steps.  He's 6'4, 335, and looks almost svelte at that.  Highlight from his scouting report:

 

Explosion: Explodes from four-point stance into blockers, consistently getting push up front. Gets off low and quick near goal line to set the line backwards. Despite his size, flashes the quickness to penetrate the "A" gap. Requires double-teams to keep him out of the backfield.

 

Strength: Huge frame and upper-body development give him the strength to be a 3-4 nose tackle at the next level. Moves offensive linemen to either side with relative ease when covering two gaps. Forces fumbles with one hand punching at the ball while ballcarrier comes through the hole. Uses leverage to hold the line against double teams.

 

Tackling: Running backs get swallowed up when crossing his path, and he can separate the ball from a ballcarrier with pure strength. Stays low despite his height and will capture backs from behind if they have not yet hit their stride. Chase and hustle are impressive for his size, will chase backs down the line, help linebackers make stops at the second level, and takes deep angles to chase down running backs 20 yards down the sideline.

 

Taylor originally played at Penn State, but was suspended and eventually kicked off the team for getting into a fight at a frat party.  I've heard many people talk about this being a black mark character-wise, but, honestly, how many college students HAVEN'T gotten into a fight at a frat party?  There are character issues that raise red flags for me, and then there is fighting.  "Got into fight as a 19 year old" is right up there with "Doesn't floss" and "Farts in elevators" as far as how worried I am about it.

 

What I am worried about are the holes on the Browns' Defensive Line, and Phil fills a big (tongue-in-cheek) one.  Most people projected him as a 3-4 Nose Tackle, but that's just because of his size; he played in a 4-3 in college.  He and Ahtyba Rubin will be charged with clogging the middle of the line and beating down the run game - any QB pressure out of those two will be an added bonus.

 

Not that I'll mind if he "takes POS down", to paraphrase Taylor from his initial press conference.  Every Defensive player the Browns draft is the one I dream is destined to remove that guy's head from his shoulders.

 

This move solidifies the middle of the Defensive Line with talented young players - a dire need.  Sure, depth will still be a problem there, but Taylor will likely play more snaps than huge DT's usually do - he once ballooned up to 385 while at Baylor, but, after thinning down to 335, was playing (reportedly) 80 snaps a game.  Of course, he was gassed at the end of those games, but the fact that he was still on the field at that size... can you imagine Shaun Rogers playing 80 snaps a game?

 

(Can you imagine Shaun Rogers playing 80 snaps a season?)

 

The fact that he once fattened up to 380+ is a valid concern, and the Browns will have to stick some kind of weight incentive into his contract.  But there's no reason to believe that Phil can't maintain a solid 335-345 and his explosiveness.

 

There was some pre-draft concern about his foot, something about the bones having grown together or being made of sandstone or something, but this rumor was dispelled by both the Browns medical team and Phil himself (who suggested it was a tactic floated by a late round team to try and get him to fall to them - certainly not unheard of).

 

Anyway, you can obviously pencil Taylor in as a starting DT, meaning the move from 6 down to (eventually) 21 didn't cost you a quality long-term starter at a position of great need and got you the extra picks to boot.  No problems at all with this pick.

 

Jabaal Sheard - DE - Pitt - 2nd Round (37)

 

With Da'Quan Bowers still on the board, many a Browns fan was calling for him.  However, if you listened to Tom Heckert's DE comments pre-draft, you had to know that an End of Bowers' size (6'3, 280) wasn't what Cleveland was looking for, so he probably wasn't a big option even without the funky knee.

 

Instead, Heckert went with a guy that did fit his prototype DE - 250-260 lbs (Sheard is 6'3, 260), fast (ran a 4.68 forty), and disruptive (14.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 4 forced fumbles in 2010).  Sheard likely won't be the best run stopper in the world, but his job is to do something that no one in Cleveland has been able to do consistently since The Return - put the opposing QB on his ass.

 

A little of his scouting report:

 

Pass rush: Hustling power rusher who can be a tough task for right tackles. Nice bull rush, gets under the blocker's pads and pushes them into the backfield. Gives great effort to get to the quarterback, even when he's all but tackled by blockers. Sniffs out misdirection and quick screens to his side; not exceptionally agile in space, but he reads cut blocks well and contains and drops to affect passing lanes. Very active moving and jumping to affect passing lanes if unable to reach the quarterback. Keeps his feet moving after initial contact, but is inconsistent disengaging from the blocks of better linemen. Needs to be more violent with his hands and take advantage of his speed against slower tackles. Only adequate flexibility and change-of-direction agility to turn the corner or be effective on twists. Must learn counter pass-rush moves to get past tackles at the next level; loses his balance and backfield awareness when attempting the occasional spin move.

 

Sheard also had the "off-field incident" earmark; he reportedly threw some dude through a glass door at an art gallery.  Again, what 19-20 year old hasn't thrown a man through a glass door?  (Actually, who has?  That's some Hollywood-type shit right there.)  Like Taylor, his red flag is for fighting, and you don't really have a big problem if your football players - especially Defensive football players - get into a scrap or two.

 

Plus, dude also helped an old woman escape a burning house, so he can't be all bad.

 

In all likelihood, Sheard will line up at LDE (over the Right Tackle), so he won't be the perceived #1 pass rushing threat (that is usually the RDE who rushes the QB's blind side and matches up against the LT), but he will likely be a Day One starter at another position of need.  It's still a need - the only other DE of note that the Browns have under contract right now is Marcus Benard, and I'm not sure you'd consider him a premiere pass rusher quite yet (to put it gently).

 

Still, Heckert can't fix all the holes in one draft, no matter how many times they trade down for extra picks (especially with no Free Agency).  Fixing (hopefully) a big one like Pass Rusher at the top of the 2nd Round is a very good step.

 

Greg Little - WR - North Carolina - 2nd Round (59)

 

Despite little red flags that would've had Eric Mangini shaking in his Crocs, Taylor and Sheard looked downright safe compared to this pick.  This was one of two swing-for-the-fences selections that Heckert made, presumably because the upside was impossible to resist.

 

There's little question that, potential-wise, Little was a 1st Round talent.  He's big (6'2, 220), strong, and, although not necessarily "speedy", plenty fast enough (4.53 forty).  He's a classic yards-after-the-catch guy, good enough at carrying the ball that they played him at RB for a while.  He's very athletic.

 

Having been moved around throughout his career, Little is understandably rough around the edges as a receiver. He possesses rare athleticism to go along with his prototypical frame, however. He is an intriguing physical specimen whose best football may be ahead of him.

 

Positives: Has rare body control to contort in space and make the spectacular catch. Shows the ability to extend and pluck the ball outside of his frame. Long strider with good build-up speed, especially considering his size. Can track the ball over either shoulder. Good leaping ability to compete for jump-balls. The experience at running back is clear once he gets the ball in his hands. Good vision to set up blocks. Isn't afraid to cut back into inside traffic. Physical runner who fights for additional yardage. Keeps his feet churning and has a spin move to break free from tackles.

 

Negatives: Still developing as a route-runner. Has the speed, balance and agility worthy of development, but rounds off his routes and is inconsistent with his spacing. Isn't the physical blocker that his size and athleticism would lead one to believe. Gets in the way and provides some effort as a blocker, but needs to take this part of his job more seriously, especially when blocking the cornerback near the line of scrimmage. Lets too many passes into his chest, resulting in some ugly drops.

 

And he's also reportedly kind of a diva, which, partnered with his size and athletic ability and drawbacks, makes me wonder if Cleveland didn't just draft Braylon Edwards again.  God, I hope not.

 

On top of that, Little was suspended the entire 2010 season for inappropriate contact with an agent (hopefully the clothes-on kind), so he's got that to go with the whole million-dollar-arm-ten-cent-head persona.  Missing 2010 is also part of his appeal - his route-running and blocking inconsistencies can easily be chalked up to not having the necessary WR experience to this point.  Some coaching-up can correct those issues, allowing for him to possibly be all that he can be - which is considerable.  I'd even go as far as to suggest that he has just as much potential as the guy the Falcons sacrificed this pick for - Julio Jones.

 

Little does fit the classic West Coast Offense prototype for WR - physical enough to get off of jams, get position, and run after catch.  Yet the Browns now have Little, Brian Robiskie, Mo Massaquoi, Jordan Norwood, Carlton Mitchell, Johnathan Haggerty, Josh Cribbs, and possibly Chansi Stuckey at WR (might as well throw in Evan Moore too).  Which of those guys is the deep threat?  Which of those guys stretches the Defense?

 

You've got a fairly tall WR corps, but none of them is going to back those Safeties up.

 

So I guess I'm just a little uneasy about this pick in the sense that it doesn't really bring a new dynamic to the Browns Offense, and it really needed one.  However, I am excited to see how Little does as a Pro, and I think it's safe to count him as likely the 3rd starter in 3 picks.

 

Jordan Cameron - TE - USC - 4th Round (102)

 

Let's look a moment at Cameron's career stats:  16 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD.

 

OK, fine, if you count his junior college stats, he's got:  38 catches, 474 yards, 6 TD.

 

He's a converted basketball player, 6'5, 254, super-athletic, tons of talent and potential... but very little production to this point.  He's a flyer of the first order - a guy that you take because of the tremendous upside, but also a guy that has a LOT to prove.  Especially for being picked this high.

 

If you watch videos like this one, it is apparent how much raw athleticism a guy like Jordan has.  And he wouldn't be the first converted roundball player to be a success at TE in the NFL:  Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, hell, the ultra-similar Jimmy Graham from last year (Saints).

 

But I've seen these projects come and go a thousand times.  Talent and athleticism don't always make you a football player.  And then there's the fact that Tight End is hardly the most pressing need for the team - this must've been a pick where Heckert truly had him as Best Player Available on the board.

 

The words:

 

Positives: Long, lean muscular frame with prototypical upper- and lower-body shape and proportion. A versatile athlete who has played both wide receiver and tight end at USC. Displays quick, light feet and nice agility to shake defenders and create separation coming out of his breaks. Can stretch the field with good straight-line speed and second gear. A former USC basketball player, Cameron possesses great leaping ability, body control and timing to catch the ball at its highest point. Extends his arms to catch balls thrown outside his frame, and is a natural, soft-handed pass catcher. Turns upfield quickly after the catch and shows good acceleration to pull away from defenders. Could add 15-20 pounds of bulk without sacrificing speed or agility. Aggressive, fearless competitor who isn't afraid of contact. Still developing as a tight end after making the switch from receiver just before the 2010 season.

 

Negatives: Limited time on the field and late position switch has made it difficult to gauge development. Didn't catch a single pass until his senior season. May need to add some bulk in order to be an effective run blocker and get a consistent release against NFL linemen and linebackers. Inconsistent route-runner who tends to round off his patterns. Iffy run blocker who comes off the line too upright and struggles to seal off his edge.

 

If I read into that, he won't be playing a ton of true Tight End his first season until he adds some weight and some practice blocking versus NFL talent.  His athleticism will make him dangerous to some Linebackers, however, so he could be a good WCO weapon in the Receiving capacity.  Perhaps it would be best to think of him as a rich man's Evan Moore - a glorified WR in a TE uniform.

 

Obviously, this is a developmental pick, so it would be a shocker if he was starting this year, but he might be a guy that really pays off down the road.  At least, Heckert hopes so.

 

Owen Marecic - FB/LB - Stanford - 4th Round (124)

 

Despite the fact that the guy becomes an instant starter, this might've been the biggest head scratcher of them all.  You've got Peyton Hillis, who can play Fullback in a WCO.  You've presumably got Lawrence Vickers, who may or may not be a Restricted Free Agent this year.  And then you go out and pick a FB in the 4th Round?

 

It is very apparent at this point that the Browns are done with Vickers.  I have to assume this is because he is not a good fit for the WCO - his pass catching ability has gone down proportionally to his bulking up.  But is this a move that had to made now?  Couldn't you ask Vickers to slim down a bit and work on his receiving skills and make him work for one more year, thus filling a spot of greater need with this pick?  It just seems like the Browns were filling a hole that didn't need to be dug in the first place.

 

But that has little to do with Marecic, who started at both FB and LB at Standford.  He'll be a FB with the Browns (although Mike Holmgren mentioned on a radio interview that he foresaw Owen playing both ways at some point this season), probably joining a 3 back rotation with Hillis and Hardesty.  I imagine that he'll be in on downs where Hillis is the Tailback, and maybe half the snaps when Hardesty is (with Hillis getting some FB snaps too).

 

Marecic seems to be a solid blocking FB, although little used in the rush or pass games at Stanford.  He had 23 rushes for 46 yards and 5 TD's last year (obviously a goal line guy) to go with 9 catches for 75 yards.  I'd assume that he'd need to be a little more adept at receiving in a WCO, because if the Browns were just looking for a good lead blocker, they could've stuck with Vickers.

 

More stuff:

 

Enters the season atop the depth chart at both fullback and middle linebacker … saw the majority of his reps during the spring at linebacker … earned time at middle linebacker last season in goal line and short-yardage situations … three-time Pac-10 honorable mention selection as a fullback … has made huge contributions to Stanford's running game over the last three seasons as one of the best blocking fullbacks in the nation … tough, hard-nosed competitor has gained ultimate respect from his teammates and coaches due to his unmatched work ethic and attitude … quietly goes about his business without fanfare.

 

Yes, then-coach Jim Harbaugh loved Mr. Marecic.  He's a coach's dream, a big special teams guy, and a player that will probably be starting here for quite some time (and no doubt a fan-favorite to boot).  As I've said, I don't hate that we got this guy, I just hope that Free Agency can help fill some of the holes that were left unplugged due to the 4th Round choices.

 

Regardless, pencil him in as the 4th starter drafted so far.

 

Buster Skrine - CB - UT-Chatanooga - 5th Round (137)

 

I want to bust out some weak rendition of "Bust A Move", but even I can't find the energy to be that lame.  CB was a definite need for this team (you can't have too many good CB's), and it seemed that Heckert might've forgotten about getting one, but lo and behold, we finally got one in the 5th.

 

Which means he can't be counted on to contribute in any special way.

 

Right off the bat, I just want to announce how impressive I found his highlight reel.  Busta only rolls in at about 5'10, 186 - not tiny, but not able to cover, say, Calvin Johnson - but he didn't shy away from contact.  I saw him laying some wood, and he was excellent on Special Teams - both ways.  With his reported 4.2 speed, Busta might be replacing Josh Cribbs as the Kick Returner at some point (I know, God forbid).

 

His 411:

 

Positives:  Plays off coverage, press and press-bail. Has change of direction ability to handle nickel spot, as well. Generally low in his backpedal. Closes quickly and is flexible enough to attack plays in front of him as a zone corner. Willing cut or shoulder tackler behind the line of scrimmage, or even when engaged with receiver on a block outside. Good recovery speed, catches receivers down the sideline even after taking a false step on pump fake. Owns hand-eye coordination to knock away passes in front of receivers. Good vertical to battle for jump balls. Gives some kickoff return ability with good straight-line speed and enough elusiveness to make the first man miss to get to the open field.

 

Negatives: Only adequate size and build for the position. Lacks strength as a tackler, duck-and-swipe at legs on the outside. Aggressive corner who can be fooled on double moves. Loses his balance in transition at times, missing tackles and giving up too many catches. Only fair hands for the interception, needs to improve to be a playmaker. Allows too many receptions, as he gives a lot of cushion to slower receivers. Lacks great vision as a returner, will not bounce them outside as easily at the next level. Must work on ball security.

 

I'm guessing that the size of his body and the size of his school caused a guy like Busta to be available this late.  There's no doubt that he could fizzle out, but even Mr. Kotter can't teach 4.2 speed, and, as we all know, one of Heckert's life goals is to increase the team speed across the board.

 

I admit to being intrigued by this guy and have muted hopes that he might emerge a diamond in the rough.

 

Jason Pinkston - OT/G - Pitt - 5th Round (150)

 

Finally, a freakin' Offensive Lineman.  I'd been begging for one all Day 3, and my hopes were finally realized as the Browns traded both of their 6th Round picks to move up and get this developmental prospect.

 

Pinkston is 6'3, 313, and is purported to be able to play any position along the line.  He played LT in college, but is more likely a Guard candidate in the NFL, with a possible grooming towards eventual RT.

 

Here's what "they" say:

 

Pass blocking: Looks more like a left guard than a left tackle, but he is solid in protecting the blind side. Owns a strong initial punch, can be dominant when locking his hands onto ends and extending his arms. Uses his size and length to take quicker rush ends around the pocket. Generally bends his knees and gives very good effort to mirror his man throughout the play. Has extra weight in the middle. Needs to improve the consistency and depth of his kick-slide before taking on quicker rushers. Will let up after first contact, reaching instead of moving his feet, which allows for upfield push on a secondary rush. Protects the inside lane well off the snap, but lacks great footwork to recover on outside-inside pass-rush moves.

 

Run blocking: Wide-body who looks like a guard and is capable of run blocking like one. Strong enough punch and upper-body strength to turn ends out of the hole or even pancake when his hands are active. Reaches linebackers and blocks well on the move, should be a good fit in a zone system. Uses foot quickness to get in position to seal the edge, his wide frame makes it tough for ends to get around him. Too often throws his body into defenders off the snap, failing to lock his hands.

 

To me, this is as solid a pick as you can get this late.  You can't have enough O Line depth, and if he can turn into an eventual starter at G, then this was a great choice.

 

And dude - a life-long Steeler fan from Pittsburgh - donated all his Steeler gear to charity upon being drafted by the Browns.  That, my friends, is dedication.  I know I couldn't do it.  I wouldn't change my allegiances if the Steelers drafted me.  Hell, my phone call from their War Room would probably go like this:

 

Steeler Schmuck:  Chris?

 

Me (excited):  Yes?

 

Steeler Schmuck:  We're about to take you here.

 

Me (yelling):  Yes!  Thank God!  I've been waiting so long!  You can't imagine what a relief it is to finally be getting this call!

 

Steeler Schmuck:  Yep.  Welcome to the Steelers.

 

Me (pausing, face falling):  Wha... what'd you say?

 

Steeler Schmuck:  Welcome to the Steelers.

 

Me (distressed):  Steelers?

 

Steeler Schmuck:  Yes.  The Steelers.

 

Me (rolling eyes):  Awwwwww shit!  (yelling off the phone) Ma, you didn't tell me it was the Steelers!  (back into phone) No, no, don't do it.

 

Steeler Schmuck (surprised):  Come again?

 

Me:  Don't you say my name.  Don't you pick me.  I don't wanna be a Steeler.

 

Steeler Schmuck:  I don't... understand...

 

Me:  I'll go undrafted.  I'll join the UFL.  I'll bag frickin' groceries, just don't you dare pick me!  You hear me?  Got it?  DON'T PICK ME.

 

Steeler Schmuck:  But...

 

Me:  Wrong number!  Wrong number!  Goodbye!

 

And that's how I would start out my exciting career in the bagging industry.

 

Eric Hagg - S - Nebraska - 7th Round (248)

 

And because no draft is complete without a late round Nebraska Safety (see Larry Asante from last year), we would like to welcome Mr. Hagg as the Cleveland version of Mr. Irrelevant.  Which is probably exactly what he'll be.

 

It's not like we don't need depth at the DB position, though, so let's see what Eric the Hagg (6'1, 206, 4.55 forty) has going for him:

 

In 2007, Hagg started 10 of 13 games, including the Gator Bowl win over Clemson, a victory sealed by a late pass breakup and a sack in a fourth-quarter, goal-to-go situation. His heady play led to Honorable mention All-Big 12 honors and a spot on the second-team Academic All-Big 12 squad. He again played in every game as a junior, this time starting 10 of 14 and finishing with 40 tackles, including his second and third career sacks.

 

In his final year in Lincoln, Hagg set career marks with 49 stops and five interceptions, adding a school-record 95-yard punt return for a score, Nebraska's only touchdown in a 20-13 loss to Texas. His role as a hybrid safety/linebacker was instrumental for a Huskers defense that finished fifth against the pass and 11th in total yards allowed, and he was named a third-team AP All-American. Although he's not suited for consistent man coverage, he possesses excellent range and the size necessary to track down and win jump balls as a centerfielder at the next level.

 

Well, that don't sound too bad, not too bad at all.  Still, if I started falling in love with every 7th Rounder that waddled through the door, I'd be heartbroken every Cut-Down Day.  In all likelihood, he'll be fortunate to make the team.

 

Good luck, Hagg.

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Regarding Free Agency

 

Depending on the courts, Free Agency could start next week.  It could also start in 2012.  It's hard to say, and it's not like the headlines are just dripping with news on the topic.  Dragging this thing out in court is even less exciting than dragging the thing out at the negotiation table.  Naming blades of grass while mowing seems less fruitless.

 

Anyhoo, the draft was unable to fill all the needs that this team has.  The Browns still need another Corner, another Linebacker or two, at least one more DT and DE, probably another solid backup Guard or Tackle, a WR that can stretch the field, and a 3rd Down little speed back (I still have visions of getting the undrafted Noel Devine despite the fact that he's smaller than that miniature giraffe from the DirecTV commercials).

 

And let us remember that Free Agency isn't a shopping mall of dreams - it is a conglomeration of players that other teams didn't want badly enough.

 

So, of these 8-10 players the Browns need to sign, perhaps only 2 of them will be anything more than the stopgap variety.

 

Cheer up - at least your team didn't draft Christian Ponder at #12.

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Person I Like Aaron Goldhammer More Than

 

Osama bin Laden

 

I lived in NYC for 4 years.  Part of me still calls it home.

 

If you attack that city, you're not only attacking my home, but you're attacking every single friend I have that still lives there.  One of my friends' mother was on one of the planes that hit the Twin Towers.  The rest of the people I know made it, but thousands of people just like them - that could easily have BEEN them - didn't.

 

Assassinated, executed, killed accidentally... I don't really care.  I rarely involve myself with politics if I can help it, but on this occasion, I can't help but state that I'm glad that this man is dead.

 

It is odd to see people celebrating someone's death, but sometimes an individual is so clearly a blight on the world that his/her removal from it is to the benefit of all.  Bin Laden was one of those people.

 

Sadly, his death really ends nothing... except his foul existence.  That's something, at least.