The Browns & The 2012 NFL Draft: "Interesting"

When I am asked what I think of the selections made by the Cleveland Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft, the word "interesting" is what comes to my mind.  Not "disappointing".  Not "frustrating".  "Interesting".

For example, the Browns have been criticized by some national media pundits as well as local fans for trading up from the fourth pick to the third pick, when the Browns selected Alabama RB Trent Richardson.  Without a doubt, Richardson was the player I wanted the Browns to select, and I am willing to suggest most Browns fans did as well.  Can you imagine how the media would have crucified the Browns if they did not make that deal?  Yes, the Browns may have been hoodwinked by the Minnesota Vikings, but honestly, giving up three later draft choices to ensure your organization is able to secure the player your offense desperately needs was an easy decision to make.

The selection of QB Brandon Weeden was the first of the "interesting" twists.  I believed the Browns were going to select Weeden in the second round, but from what I understand, the Browns were scared some other team may have picked Weeden before their second round pick, so the Browns selected Weeden with their second first-round pick.

The remainder of the Browns' selections seemed to me a reflection and a belief in their scouting board.  Instead of selecting wide receivers in the second and third round, the Browns instead selected OT Mitchell Schwartz and DL John Hughes.

Again, I truly do not know what type of grades Schwartz and Hughes held, but Tom Heckert and the Browns' scouting department obviously believed both players were of higher value than any of the wide receivers available in either scenario.  Reaching to fulfill a need at a position is where teams get in trouble, and the Browns did not select a wide receiver until the fourth round.  Even so, Miami WR Travis Benjamin is more of a special teams returner going into training camp.

Even after selecting Benjamin, other receivers were bypassed in order to select other positions.  Again, I applaud Heckert and the Browns for staying true to their scouting board.

We shall see this fall, and in future years, how the Browns fared in this draft.  The 2012 NFL Draft was "interesting" because of the Browns, and Browns fans can only hope those thoughts translate into victories on the field this coming fall and winter.

The 2012 NFL Draft & The Browns - I Want Trent Richardson, But I Am Prepared For Morris Claiborne

At the onset, my love of the NFL Draft comes primarily from my love of college football, especially Ohio State and The Big Ten. I do watch the NFL, but it would be accurate to say that the majority of my NFL viewing takes place during preseason before college football starts, in December after college football's regular season concludes, and during the NFL playoffs. College football reigns supreme in my heart, mind, and soul.

Back in 2007, the Browns sat at number three overall in the first round, with debate raging if the Browns would take Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas, Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson, or Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn. I vividly recall how excited I was when the Browns made a great value pick in Joe Thomas, who has emerged as arguably the best left tackle in the NFL since that selection.  Of course, I was at Great Lakes Brewery with friends, drinking my favorite beverages, so that may have also played a part in my happiness with the selection.

Picking fourth tonight, the Browns could be faced with another conundrum. Should the Browns take the best running back in Trent Richardson of Alabama, or the best defensive back in Morris Claiborne of LSU?

There are arguably five elite players in this draft: Stanford QB Andrew Luck (who will be picked by Indianapolis first), Baylor QB Robert Griffin III (who will be picked by Washington second), Trent Richardson, Morris Claiborne, and USC OT Matt Kalil.

Why not fight for the Browns to take Matt Kalil? I will argue that Kalil is a better left tackle than right tackle. Kalil's run blocking is not on par with his pass blocking. Yes, the Browns would have strengthened their offensive line, but would have missed out on the other elite prospects such as Richardson or Claiborne who could have made an even bigger impact.

Trent Richardson should be the pick if he is available at number four. While I understand and respect the arguments that running backs can be found in later rounds, Richardson is a special player. Similar in stature to the Ravens' Ray Rice or the Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew, Richardson could step right in and immediately upgrade the Browns' stagnant offense. Richardson is a three-down player, capable of playing in both running and passing situations. Richardson fumbled once in his college career - that's right - once.

Morris Claiborne is a physical defensive back who can also come in and make an immediate impact. The benefit for the Browns would be to play Claiborne at one corner, with Joe Haden at the other cornerback spot. Veteran Sheldon Brown could be moved to safety, thus strengthening the Browns' secondary. The big downside to this entire scenario is the Browns' offense has not been improved with these moves, and the Browns are desperate for improvement across the board offensively.

You may notice I did not include Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon in my elite player rankings. Quite frankly, Justin Blackmon is a good receiver, arguably the best in this year's draft, but I will argue that the difference between Justin Blackmon and other receivers in this draft is not as substantial as the difference between Trent Richardson and other running backs in this year's draft. The Browns can address their needs at wide receiver with their other picks over the course of the draft. The Browns also have the twenty-second selection in the first round, and can potentially take Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright with this pick. Maybe the Browns can even address their need at right tackle with this selection.  LSU's Rueben Randle could be available in the second round at the wideout position.  I can easily picture players such as Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins, Wisconsin WR Nick Toon, Iowa WR Marvin McNutt, or Ohio State WR DeVier Posey being picked among the Browns' remaining selections in the third through seventh rounds.

If a team trades up with Minnesota and takes Trent Richardson before the Browns pick at number four, look for the Browns to take Morris Claiborne. If Morris Claiborne goes to Minnesota, the Browns should sprint to the podium and take Trent Richardson. And if the Browns decide to take WR Justin Blackmon, even if Trent Richardson is available? Prepare for the fans to start gnashing their teeth. Worst case scenario? The Browns take Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill at number four, bypassing Richardson, Claiborne, and Blackmon, for a quarterback who will not be able to come in and make an immediate impact. If the Browns do this, I would suggest Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert, and Pat Shurmur prepare themselves for the onslaught of Browns fans with their torches and pitchforks attacking the football complex in Berea, Ohio.

From The Mind Of Minnich - Observations From The First Spring Game Of The Meyer Era

Before discussing the 2012 Ohio State spring game, let me emphasize one quick point.  I have never been accused at being good at math, but I have a pretty good idea what 81,000 people looks like within Ohio Stadium.  Yesterday's announced 81,000 attendees were closer to 60,000.  I am guessing the Ohio State ticket office was using tickets sold as their figure, not actual attendees.  It was still better than That Team Up North did a week ago, even with the somewhat blustery weather conditions...

Ohio State concluded its first spring practice series under new head coach Urban Meyer.  Ohio State fans were promised by Coach Meyer that the Buckeyes would throw the ball a lot in the spring game, and Coach Meyer was true to his word.  Both starting quarterback Braxton Miller as well as projected backup quarterback Kenny Guiton, Jr. threw the ball throughout the contest.

I sat through the game with my cousin John, as well as my friends Greg, Jim, and Bob.  Some of the questions that came up...

1.  Will Jordan Hall be the Percy Harvin of the Ohio State spread offense?  I read today that Hall has been nursing a sprained foot, which explains why Hall did not participate in the spring game.  Considering the emphasis Coach Meyer placed upon the passing game, it makes me wonder what exotic formations are in store for Jordan Hall this upcoming season.

2.  Was there a reason why Cardale Jones did not play?  I recognize that Miller and Guiton are the top two quarterbacks, but it would seem plausible to use Cardale Jones as well. 

3.  Will Rod Smith be involved in the new offense?  A year ago, Rod Smith was one of the ballyhooed freshmen people were excited to see.  With the arrival of Bri'onte Dunn this spring, Smith has seemingly been pushed aside.  Smith ran well yesterday for about 46 yards and a touchdown, so I will be curious if he will get opportunities come fall.

4.  Where was Jeff Heuerman yesterday?  Jake Stoneburner was limited in participation during the spring game, allowing redshirt freshman Nick Vannett opportunities to showcase his receiving abilities.  Heuerman would seem likely to be a primary target in the offense as well from the tight end position.

5.  Has Michael Thomas emerged at one of the wideout spots?  Thomas was the leading receiver in the spring game with twelve receptions.  Considering Ohio State's leading receivers a year ago had fourteen receptions for the entire season, that is noteworthy in itself.  Thomas did not show to be a burner, but a solid possession receiver in the mold of former Buckeye Michael Jenkins.  I would suggest Ohio State fans refrain from anointing Thomas as a starter, lest they forget how Bam Childress used to be the spring game superstar year after year.

I was especially pleased that Coach Meyer is continuing the tradition of singing "Carmen, Ohio" upon the conclusion of the game in the end zone.  I always enjoyed that under Coach Tressel, and I am happy that Coach Meyer has embraced that tradition.

All things considered, Coach Meyer should be pleased with the conclusion of spring practice.  No major injuries were sustained, and the players can now focus upon summer conditioning before camp resumes in August.  The arrival of several talented freshmen on both sides of the ball, as well as the ongoing development of the offensive unit, should provide Ohio State fans guarded optimism heading into the season opener versus Miami University on September 1st.

2012 Ohio State Spring Football - Questions To Be Answered (Part 3)

Ohio State began spring practice on March 28th, and will conclude with the Scarlet and Gray game on April 21st. In the first two articles, areas of concern such as Ohio State's running game, increased usage of the tight end position in the offense, and improved linebacker play were among the concerns addressed. Below are the top four questions Ohio State will want to focus upon for the remainder of spring practice, and possibly throughout the summer until Ohio State begins fall camp.

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4. Who Will Emerge As Ohio State's Wide Receivers? ~ Even Coach Urban Meyer has been asking and concerned about who will be catching passes for the Buckeyes this season. Returnees include Corey "Philly" Brown, Chris Fields, Verlon Reed, Devin Smith, Evan Spencer, and Tyrone Williams. Recruit Michael Thomas enrolled early for spring drills, with Frank Epitropoulos and Ricquan Southward joining the team for fall camp drills.

A possible wild card in the receiver equation is using running back Jordan Hall as a slot receiver. Former Florida Gator Percy Harvin lined up in various positions for Coach Meyer, and Hall could possibly fulfill that role for the Buckeyes this season. "Philly" Brown was a high school running back, so Brown could also be a possibility in this role.

The biggest concern Coach Meyer has, and for good reason, is the overall lack of experience the entire receiving corps possesses. Of the returning wide receivers, both Devin Smith and "Philly" Brown led the Buckeyes with fourteen receptions in 2011.

Early word out of spring practice has had players such as "Philly" Brown, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer among the starting wide receivers. Will it remain like this for the season opener against Miami University on September 1st? Only time will tell.


3. Will Ohio State's Backup Quarterbacks Develop For 2012? ~ Braxton Miller had moments of brilliance as a true freshman in 2011, encouraging Ohio State fans and exciting the incoming offensive coaching staff about future possibilities. In the new offense, Miller will be the catalyst, as former Urban Meyer quarterbacks Josh Harris, Alex Smith, and Tim Tebow were.

Here is where the concern lies - will backup quarterbacks Kenny Guiton, Jr. and Cardale Jones be ready to play if Miller is injured? After all, the spread option offense requires or usually involves the quarterback as a runner, thus increasing the possibility of the quarterback getting hurt. Something else to keep in mind - Braxton Miller was injured periodically in his high school career.

Coach Meyer publicly stated that he was not a fan of Kenny Guiton, Jr. at the onset of winter condtioning, but that he is now behind Guiton as a quarterback. Cardale Jones is a true freshman who enrolled early, after spending a year at Fork Union Military Academy.

While Guiton has game experience, and is the likely backup quarterback, it still should make Ohio State fans uneasy to contemplate how Ohio State's season will go if Braxton Miller is unable to play. It will be imperative for Coach Meyer to play Kenny Guiton, Jr. as much as possible this spring, as well as throughout the early season games, to lower the concern about the backup quarterback position.

2. Can Ohio State Survive Its Lack Of Offensive Line Depth? ~ A valid concern and complaint Ohio State fans held against former Buckeyes offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman for several seasons was the lack of numbers on the offensive line. Bollman often plugged in walk-on players, mixing and matching players to fill out the unit. It was common for players who were natural guards to play at tackle, due to a lack of numbers. This season, the lack of numbers are an issue that Coach Meyer and the new coaching staff must confront.

Returnees with experience include Jack Mewhort, Andrew Norwell, Corey Linsley, Marcus Hall, and Antonio Underwood. Coach Meyer made offensive line recruiting a priority, signing tackles Kyle Dodson and Taylor Decker, with guards Jacoby Boren, Pat Elflein, and Joey O'Connor. Tommy Brown, Brian Bobek, and Chris Carter are redshirt freshmen who will also compete for playing time, with Bobek the likeliest of this group to emerge as a viable option. Senior tight end Reid Fragel, as well as redshirt freshman defensive end Darryl Baldwin, have moved to the offensive line to help with the depth issue.

The offensive line will probably remain in flux throughout the spring, and possibly throughout the season. The early starters have been Jack Mewhort at left tackle, Andrew Norwell at left guard, Corey Linsley at center, Marcus Hall at right guard, and Reid Fragel at right tackle.

New offensive line coach Ed Warinner has been cited by Coach Meyer as Meyer's second most important hire, behind strength coach Mickey Marotti. If Warinner is able to develop a strong offensive line, and cultivate the depth behind the starters, Coach Meyer's faith in Warriner will probably be validated by Ohio State fans.

1. How Will Ohio State Transition To Coach Meyer's New Offense? ~ Ohio State fans are excited about the hiring of Coach Meyer, a proven winner with a track record of explosive offenses, after a decade of Coach Jim Tressel's conservative and predictable approaches to offense. While fans are certainly entitled to approach Ohio State's new offensive style with eager anticipation, will the move to the spread option offense be an easy transition?

A case history could be Coach Meyer's first season at Florida in 2005. Chris Leak was not the ideal quarterback for Coach Meyer's spread option offense, and Florida had to wait until 2006 for Coach Meyer to assemble more players better suited for the offensive attack.

As stated in earlier portions of this series, Ohio State has a strong stable of running backs, a talented tight end in Jake Stoneburner, and a promising quarterback in Braxton Miller. Will Coach Meyer be able to put all of these pieces together to have the dynamic offense Ohio State fans are envisioning for 2012? The answer to this question may not be answered until the conclusion of the 2012 season.

2012 Ohio State Spring Football - Questions To Be Answered (Part 2)

Ohio State began spring practice on March 28th. In part 1, areas of concern Ohio State will want to address such as the running game, the role of the tight ends in Coach Meyer's new offense, and the secondary were raised. Part 2 continues with questions that Coach Urban Meyer, his staff, and assistants will want to focus upon this spring, with questions 7 through 5.

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7. Can Ohio State fix its pass rush issues this spring?~ In 2011, Ohio State struggled to adequately apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While John Simon and Johnathan Hankins played well along the defensive line in 2011, hope remains that 2012 will allow for even better play with the return of DE Nathan Williams.

Nathan Williams played sparingly in the 2011 season opener versus Akron, then was forced to take a medical redshirt year. A hybrid linebacker/defensive end, Williams could potentially line up all over the defensive line, if his health permits. Williams is sitting out during spring drills, and hopefully will be ready to go for fall camp.

John Simon returns for his senior season and has emerged as both a fan favorite, as well as a favorite of Coach Meyer. Simon's intensity and tenacity will potentially land him a role as a captain for this upcoming season. Simon has played both end and tackle, and could fluctuate between positions, depending on the situation.

Coach Urban Meyer singled out Johnathan Hankins for his physical transformation during winter conditioning. Hankins is best-suited for an interior position, as he is listed at 6'4", 317 lbs. Coach Meyer would prefer Hankins to continue to trim down even more.

While Ohio State fans are excited about the incoming true freshmen who will arrive this season, such as Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt, and Noah Spence, it will be interesting to see which of the sophomores and redshirt freshmen who may emerge this spring. Michael Bennett, Steve Miller, Joel Hale, Kenny Hayes, and Chase Faris were all heavily recruited players from the 2011 class, and all return with Garrett Goebel, Adam Bellamy, and J.T. Moore. Darryl Baldwin has moved from the defensive line over to the offensive line this season. Se'Von Pittman is an early enrollee true freshman whom Coach Meyer was excited to discuss when Pittman signed with Ohio State in February. Depth is not the issue. It is if Ohio State's talent on hand can emerge to effectively and consistently rush the opposing quarterbacks.

Former Ohio State standout Mike Vrabel, who debuted last season as a linebacker coach on the staff, was retained by Coach Meyer as the defensive line coach. It will be interesting to see what Coach Vrabel is able to impart to his talented crop of players.

6. Can Ohio State fix its long-standing special teams issues?~ Ever since the 2010 Rose Bowl, Ohio State fans have viewed the special teams with anxiety. Long kickoff returns by opposing teams, punt blocks (a punt block was sustained in the 2012 Gator Bowl loss to Florida), and missed field goals over the last two seasons are examples of the bad special teams play Ohio State has experienced.

Punter Ben Buchanan returns for his senior season, while place kicker Drew Basil overcame a shaky beginning in 2011 to establish himself as a consistent field goal kicker for the Buckeyes. Jordan Hall, Devin Smith, Chris Fields, and Corey "Philly" Brown have all contributed as kickoff and punt returners for Ohio State.

In his previous coaching stops, Coach Meyer handled this key area himself. For players looking to make a name for themselves with the new coaching staff, special teams could be their ticket to playing time. This could be an interesting area to keep an eye on this spring and throughout the upcoming season.

5. Will Ohio State's linebackers emerge in 2012?~ A staple of Coach Jim Tressel's Ohio State's teams from 2001 through 2010 was strong linebacker play. Think about linebackers such as Cie Grant, Matt Wilhelm, Robert Reynolds, A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Schlegel, Larry Grant, James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Austin Spitler, Brian Rolle, and Ross Homan. All were linebackers who excelled at Ohio State and were eventual NFL draft choices.

The 2011 linebackers, led by Andrew Sweat, Etienne Sabino, and Storm Klein, were largely inconsistent. Sweat battled injuries during the latter portion of the season, opening the door for Ryan Shazier to emerge as arguably the best linebacker on the roster as a true freshman. Shazier will man one of the outside linebacker spots, lining up at weakside outside linebacker this spring. Sabino has been lining up at strongside outside linebacker during spring drills.

Depth was an issue for the linebacker position, as Sweat's eligibility expired, and Chad Hagan's and Scott McVey's Ohio State's careers concluded due to injury issues. Connor Crowell was redshirted in 2011, due to a rehabilitation from a high school injury. Curtis Grant was arguably the highest-rated player in the 2011 recruiting class, but struggled to pick up the defensive scheme, playing primarily on special teams. Grant has been lining up at as the starting middle linebacker during the initial spring practices.

Addressing the linebacker depth issues with recruiting, Ohio State signed five players in its recruiting class such as Camren Williams, David Perkins, and Jamal Marcus. Early enrollees from this group for the spring include Joshua Perry and Luke Roberts. Perry was the first player to commit to Ohio State's 2012 recruiting class, and will probably line up at one of the outside linebacker spots. Roberts looks to be practicing with the middle linebackers this spring.

Luke Fickell, retained by Coach Meyer, will resume coaching linebackers this season. It remains to be seen if the linebackers return to their customary dominant role that they traditionally held while Coach Fickell tutored the position.

In part three, we will conclude looking at the top issues Ohio State must confront this spring, ranging from wide receiver play, the backup quarterback position, offensive line depth, and the new offense being installed by new offensive coordinator Tom Herman.