National Football League Draft

Drafting QB Kizer was a good First step BUT…

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 DeShone Kizer was my top QB in a very weak class.  Clearly what happened to the Notre Dame program had a lot more to do with very bad coaching, even worse recruiting, and a brain-dead staff than what Kizer did or didn’t do.  But there are a bunch of issues that the Browns will have to address.

The first issue is Kizer’s mechanics.  A combination of a very pathetic O line, the lack of a consistent run game, and a group of wide receivers that couldn’t catch a cold standing naked in a sleet storm on Lake Michigan, his mechanics went south in a hurry.  But we saw him in 2015 and he as much better.

The question is can the Browns coaching staff get him back to his 2015 throwing motion and footwork?

The personnel department did a good job fixing the O line issues (except for RT) in free agency.  That was a good move because the O line in the draft was below average.  Kizer or whoever starts for the Browns will have better protection than last year.  That should also help the running game.  But this will be as difficult a test for the coaching staff … Read more at FryingPanSports

The Browns personnel staff is GUTLESS!

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Memo to EVP Brown:  You and your staff are GUTLESS.  They won’t pick a QB in fear they will screw it up.  I hope you are GONE before the next NFL Draft.

Too cute for your own good.

While the 1st pick should have been a no brainer, someone in the Browns “brain trust” was leaking comments about taking a QB with that pick.  All Browns fans now know that was a bald-faced lie.  This group DOESN’T HAVE THE GUTS TO TAKE A QB!

If you think the clock doesn’t start until you take a quarterback, YOU ARE WRONG!  Thanks to your blunders and bad draft picks, we fans suffered through a 1 win season!  Watson was graded below last year QB Myles Garrett that you gave to the Eagles.  He then beat you in the 1st game of the season.

This year you not only bailed the Texans out of a HORRIBLE contract they gave to Brock Osweiler, but then you gave them their new QB in Deshaun Watson.  The Texans will make EVP Brown their MVP of the season.  The down side is the Browns will face the Texans the week before they … Read more at FryingPanSports

What will the Browns do in the draft

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NOTE:  On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, Tony Williams of Metro NY and I discussed the news of the day and the NNR Mock draft on fryingpansports.com/radio-show.

My view of the world tells me past actions are a good indication of future events.  That does not bode well for Browns fans.  The Browns have had more 1st round picks than any team in NFL history over the last several years.  And for the most part, those guys are not on the roster.  That is what happens when you put a lawyer in charge of the draft.

Part of that was due to the failure of the top draft people to go to the pro days.  When you go to a player’s pro day, you get to talk to those around the player.  A perfect example was the 2014 draft.

In that draft, the Browns had 2 1st round picks.  With the 8th overall pick they selected Justin “No tackle” Gilbert.  Had they gone to his pro day, they would have heard him say “check my film” when someone asked him to catch some punts.

At #22 they selected Johnny “Wreck this league” Manziel… Read more at FryingPanSports

Last Chance for Analytics

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For Browns fans, these are the times that try men’s souls.  This Browns front office has 1 more chance to turn the team around or it will be gone.  I believe that HC Jackson has some time but not the front office.

My experience tells me when someone thinks they are the smartest guy in the room, very often they are not even in the running.  The Browns Front office is trying something different—Analytics.  The do think they are smarter than the rest of the league.  While Analytics works in baseball or basketball, it will not work in football.

One of the things that analytics suggests is trade down to get more draft picks.  That might work if the front office had any idea what they are doing with the extra picks.  Last Monday we detailed the picks that this administration made in 2016.  None of them were ranked in the top 60 in terms of production.  This year began with that same FO failing to get a deal with Pryor who got 1000 yards in his first season as WR with a bunch of nobodies throwing to him.  Instead they got an 8 year veteran who has just … Read more at FryingPanSports

2017 NFL Draft prospects Offense From NNR podcast

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QBWeak at the top
1DeShone Kizer ND 6-4 233 R1-2
Above agr arm QB that takes care of the ball. 47TDs 19X Don’t blame him for ND bad season. That’s on Kelly
2Deshaun Watson Clm 6-3 215 r1
Acc but trusts his arm too much.  76TD 32X Also runs too much. Can he survive in the NFL?
3*Mitch Trubisky NC 6-2 233 R1
Tall, solidly built passer. Outstanding athlete BUT 1 year starter Lack of experience is a big issue with me
4Patrick Mahomes II TTK 6-2 225 R1-2
Top arm but inconstant mechanics. Played with no O line or WRs in a league with NO D. Perfect for CL
5Davis Webb Cal 6-5 230 R2
Lean body with inj hist Out early in 15.  pressure alters his mechanics. Little D in Pac12
WCChad Kelly Ole Miss 6-2 224 R6-7
Above avg arm & acc but lots of baggage too.
RBDecent depth but too many questions about this group
1Leonard Fournette LSU 6-0 240 R1
5.5 Y/C Heavy runner with power & speed. Not as well used as most LSU RBs.
2Dalvin Cook Florida State 5-11 213 R1
Good rec
… Read more at FryingPanSports

Determined Quarterback Joe Licata

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Joe Licata just received a huge opportunity by being signed by the Cincinnati Bengals. Licata has been noted by the ESPN television network to be one of the top eighty best prospective quarterbacks in the nation. He started off as a determined quarterback, that many didn’t think would make it into the draft at all, but Licata was strong in the belief that he was capable of excelling, and now he has his place on a team.

As a sophomore in college, this now known football player had to go through hip surgery during his time playing at the University of Buffalo. When the season came, Licata was determined to play, whether people thought he could or not. He played his season well, set records for the Bulls, and is as healthy as can be.

Licata has always wanted to remain home, where he went to college, and play with the Buffalo Bills. When he was not accepted, he was warmly welcomed by Cincinnati. Many disagree with the decision made by the Bills, but Licata is doing well right where he is. His strengths, such as his ability to anticipate, his consistent accuracy, and his intelligence and knowledge … Read more at FryingPanSports