Any 2015 Buckeyes Going To Be 2016 Browns?

Growing up in the Cleveland area, I have memories of the Cleveland Browns that are quite vivid. I will passionately argue that The Fumble hurt far more than The Drive. I remember being so disgusted when the Browns traded Chip Banks and drafted Mike Junkin. And I proudly wear and own a Brian Sipe jersey, having been in the stands for Sipe’s last game as a Brown versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983, before Sipe jumped to the USFL.

The heartaches and frustrations of the Cleveland Browns fanbase are too many to write; it is painful enough that I remember them. One of the most puzzling decisions the Browns have made since their NFL return in 1999 has been to continually ignore and neglect selecting players from Ohio State.

Yes, I know that the Browns have former Buckeyes Brian Hartline and Terrelle Pryor on the roster. Former Buckeye Simon Fraser played for the Browns as an undrafted free agent from 2005-2007. And I also remember that the Browns drafted former Buckeyes Darnell Sanders in 2002 and Brian Robiskie in 2009. But that’s it – 2 players on the current roster, with a grand total of 5 Buckeyes from 1999 through 2015.

Compare and contrast that with the Pittsburgh Steelers. From 2001, when the Steelers selected Rodney Bailey in the sixth round, the Steelers have picked a total of 8 Buckeyes. The most recent selection was in the 2015 NFL Draft, when Pittsburgh picked Doran Grant in the 4th round. Mike Adams, Doran Grant, Cameron Heyward, and Ryan Shazier are all on the Steelers roster – considering Grant grew up in Akron, and the Browns have a need at cornerback, wouldn’t it be nice to see Grant playing for Cleveland instead of Pittsburgh?

Back to my point. With so many talented Buckeyes in the 2016 NFL Draft, could the Browns wise up and improve their roster with some Buckeyes?

I will quickly add that I do not believe all of the Buckeyes would make sense for the Browns. For example, while Joey Bosa should be a tremendous pro, the Browns are running a 3-4 defense, which would transition Bosa from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker. I am not sure if that would be in Bosa’s best interests as a pro.

Could Vonn Bell be in the Browns’ draft plans?

I'm told #OhioState safety Vonn Bell has (or has had) meetings, workouts and/or visits with the #Browns, #Bucs, #Lions and #Saints.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 25, 2016

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Browns selected Michael Thomas in the second round? How about Nick Vannett in the third round? On day 3 of the draft, picking Jalin Marshall late in the sixth or seventh round? Chase Farris? Tyvis Powell?

Hue Jackson is the latest Cleveland Browns head coach to try and turn around this once proud franchise. A good place to start is to add players from about two and half hours south on I-71.

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Conclusions

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

For the past couple months, beginning in February, every Friday at 8am EST has begun with this quote on this site. I have written about what I perceived concerns about various position groups, and it culminated in a glorious 2016 Ohio State Spring Game on April 16th in Ohio Stadium.

Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer must be pleased with one crucial area as it relates to spring football – the Buckeyes left the spring game with no injuries that could impact the 2016 season. Fifth-year senior running back Bri’onte Dunn did not play in the spring game with a sprained ankle, but will be back in the mix for the starting running back spot for fall camp.

Showing my age, I can vividly recall Ohio State spring game performances that were tremendous, yet did not translate into fall game production. It is important to keep things in proper perspective. With those caveats in mind, below are three distinct impressions that were made upon me as I sat in D Deck of Ohio Stadium…

1. The 2016 Ohio State Defensive Line Will Rotate Frequently ~ Yes, Ohio State was playing as many offensive and defensive linemen as possible in the spring game. It was challenging for either the Gray’s or Scarlet’s offensive lines to protect Joe Burrow or Stephen Collier whenever either was playing quarterback. With all of that on the table, the defensive linemen who have been waiting in the wings used the spring game as an opportunity to show what they could do if given the opportunity. For example, I don’t want to call him a sleeper, but Jashon Cornell, a moved defensive end to defensive tackle, seemed to emerge during the spring game.

On a somber note, Donovan Munger’s Ohio State career has come to an end, due to health concerns. Best of luck to Munger in all of his future endeavors, and many thanks for all of his contributions to Ohio State football…

Donovan Munger's football career at Ohio State over because of blood clots. Wrote about his battle with them in '14 https://t.co/TCEDgWZURN

— Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) April 20, 2016

For the first time since Coach Meyer came to Columbus in 2012, Ohio State has so many defensive linemen that will allow Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson to continually refresh players who will be able to harass the opposition’s quarterback. Think about this – Nick Bosa is not yet on campus, and Coach Meyer has stated Bosa will play in 2016.

2. Do Not Sweat J.T. Barrett’s 2016 Spring Game Performance ~ J.T. Barrett had an uneven day during the spring game, but there were several extenuating circumstances that impacted his performance. First of all, Barrett wore a black jersey that did not allow him to scramble or face contact. As stated up above, the offensive line was more of a ragtag collection, with projected starters Pat Elflein and Billy Price being withheld from competition. And projected starters Noah Brown and Corey Smith did not play this spring as both are still recuperating from their respective 2015 injuries.

Did Barrett make some throws in the 2016 spring game that were puzzling? Absolutely. Do I believe Barrett would have made those same throws in actual game competition? Absolutely not. Look at Barrett’s spring game as someone who was dealt some specific restrictions, and was testing the boundaries of what was possible, with a mandate to avoid injury at all costs. Look for Barrett to come out impressively against BGSU on September 3rd looking more like his typical self.

3. The 2016 Team Will Continue To Improve Every Week ~ It bears repeating, but with so many young players, the competition for playing time will be fierce and continuous all year long. Will inexperience sometimes be frustrating, especially in the secondary? Without question. The game at Oklahoma in week three will be must-watch TV for not just Ohio State and Oklahoma fans, but the nation –

@jbook37 Youth & inexperience. Wk 3 at OK looms large. By season's end, this team will be fearsome with speed & aggressiveness.

— Chip Minnich (@ChipMinnich) April 20, 2016

Don’t take my word for it; go back and listen to the podcast link that included Clair Crawford. Read my man Tony Gerdeman’s thoughts on Ohio State following the spring game. Remember that I wrote this in April – this is going to be a team that will be feared by the end of the 2016 season.

On Second Thought: Emptying My Ohio State Spring Game Notebook https://t.co/22ZcIZvBit pic.twitter.com/AmPy8Qm5Gt

— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) April 18, 2016

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – Safety Preview

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli
 
Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

1st – Safety

Players Lost – Tyvis Powell, Vonn Bell. Both players had eligibility remaining, and both decided to forego a final year as Buckeyes to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Say what you want about either player, but Powell and Bell were steady veteran players at the last line of defense.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Malik Hooker (Redshirt Sophomore), Damon Webb (Junior), Erick Smith (Junior), Cam Burrows (Redshirt Junior), Eric Glover-Williams (Sophomore).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Damon Webb has been moved to safety this spring, after primarily playing as the nickel cornerback. This may be a move to get the talented Webb on the field by new secondary coach Greg Schiano.

· Webb’s move may also be a concession to the fact that both Erick Smith and Cam Burrows, both with playing experience, are still recovering from injuries that derailed their respective 2015 seasons.

· The same could be said for Eric Glover-Williams, who has seen time at safety this spring. Glover-Williams is listed at 5’9″, 175 lbs., which may be better suited for cornerback.

· If there is anyone who seems to be a lock to start at safety in 2016, it is redshirt sophomore Malik Hooker. Hooker has never started, but played more and more in spot duty in 2015.

· Reinforcements are on the way, but will not arrive until the summer. Players such as Jahsen Wint, Rodjay Burns, and Jordan Fuller may all get long looks at safety during fall camp. The point I am making is all of these players are true freshmen, and untested on the college level.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State concludes spring practice with the Ohio State Spring Game on April 16th. Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer hopes to have at least 100,000 fans in Ohio Stadium. Let’s not disappoint him, Buckeye fans.

They're back! Saturday, The 'Shoe, 1:30PM ET #SpringGame@markpantoni @CoachZachSmith #GoBucks #SammySilvDesigns pic.twitter.com/qWQyUOvZ5A

— Samuel Silverman (@SammySilv) April 12, 2016

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – OL Preview

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli
 
Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

2nd – Offensive Line

Players Lost – Taylor Decker, Jacoby Boren, Chase Farris. Boren was undersized for the offensive line, but as tough and tenacious as any offensive lineman Ohio State has ever seen. Decker was a three year starter at left tackle, and will be difficult to replace. Farris was a converted defensive lineman who played well at right offensive tackle in his last year of eligibility for the Buckeyes. Best of luck to all of these young men in their respective futures.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Pat Elflein (Redshirt Senior), Billy Price (Redshirt Junior), Jamarco Jones (Junior), Isaiah Prince (Sophomore), Michael Jordan (Freshman), Branden Bowen (Redshirt Freshman), Matthew Burrell (Redshirt Freshman), Kevin Feder (Redshirt Freshman), Tyler Gerald (Freshman), Demetrius Knox (Redshirt Sophomore), Evan Lisle (Redshirt Junior), Grant Schmidt (Redshirt Freshman), Brady Taylor (Redshirt Sophomore), Kyle Trout (Redshirt Sophomore).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· If Pat Elflein or Billy Price had entered the 2016 NFL Draft, this position group would rank as my number one concern heading into the 2016 season. 

Urban Meyer paying close attention to OSU's o-line this spring: "We can't drop off. We're not going to drop off." https://t.co/WEZHUabwLd

— Austin Ward (@AWardESPN) April 5, 2016

Fortunately for Ohio State, Elflein is not only staying, but will move to center, allowing Ohio State to focus on the other three open spots that have emerged along the offensive line. Price has played predominantly left guard, but has experimented at the right guard spot this spring at times.

Just finished #OhioState OL/RB player/coach interviews. Billy Price said his spring move to right guard is just springtime experimentation.

— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) March 31, 2016

· Early enrollee Michael Jordan has emerged as a possibility at left guard. It is highly unusual for an offensive lineman to start as a freshman, but Jordan could win a spot. Jordan was running with the first team offense on April 2nd…

The Buckeyes had two true freshmen running with the ones on offense the entire time we watched practice: LG Michael Jordan, WR Austin Mack.

— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) April 2, 2016

· On the flip side of Jordan’s development, what does that say about all of the returning offensive linemen? Are these players behind?

Michael Jordan has impressed, but if a true freshman starts on Ohio State's 2016 offensive line, something's wrong https://t.co/SsBw2fraTh

— Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) March 31, 2016

· Perhaps it is just me, but I was surprised that Jamarco Jones was listed at left tackle, and Isaiah Prince was at right tackle. I would have guessed it would have wound up the opposite. JUCO signee Malcolm Pridgeon arrives this summer, and could force his way into the lineup at one of the tackle positions.

· Something to keep in mind is that this spring is not only important due to the loss of three starters, but this is the first spring with new offensive line coach Greg Studrawa. Developing a sense of chemistry with the players is important for the coaching staff also.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State resumed spring practice on March 22nd.

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – DT Preview

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

3rd – Defensive Tackle

Players Lost – Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt, Joel Hale. Say what you want about how it ended, but Ohio State lost a great deal of experience and dependability when Washington, Schutt, and Hale all exhausted their eligibility as Buckeyes.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Malik Barrow (Freshman), Jashon Cornell (Redshirt Freshman), Michael Hill (Redshirt Junior), Dre’Mont Jones (Redshirt Freshman), Donovan Munger (Redshirt Junior), Tracy Sprinkle (Redshirt Junior), Dylan Thompson (Redshirt Sophomore), Joshua Alabi (Redshirt Freshman), Davon Hamilton (Redshirt Freshman), Robert Landers (Redshirt Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· The 2016 Fiesta Bowl actually gave Ohio State coaches and the fans a glimpse at what the 2016 season would be like, without the aforementioned Washington, Schutt, and Hale. Michael Hill, Donovan Munger, and Tracy Sprinkle all seem poised to rotate at these interior defensive line spots. With teams such as Oklahoma and Wisconsin on the schedule in 2016, teams that can and have run the ball effectively between the tackles, having a strong interior defensive line is a must for the Buckeyes. Nothing can be more discouraging for a defense than to have the opposing team be able to run the ball at will, killing the clock, while maintaining possession. Hill, Munger, and Sprinkle will all need to rise to the occasion for the Buckeyes this season. The lack of experienced depth at this position is why I have ranked defensive tackle third in my concerns of most pressing questions for the Buckeyes this spring.

· If there is a player along the interior defensive line I am most anxious to see in the upcoming spring game on April 16th, it is Robert Landers. Landers was a later addition to the 2015 recruiting class, and did not play at all in 2015. Landers nearly played in 2015, but was able to be withheld from game action.

· Ohio State has moved Dre’Mont Jones and Jashon Cornell from defensive end to the interior defensive line positions this spring. Just like Robert Landers, neither Jones or Cornell played in 2015. Jones redshirted due to a knee injury sustained in high school basketball, so it will bear watching to see how much, if any, that he plays in the upcoming spring game on April 16th.

· Malik Barrow is an early enrollee at defensive line, participating in spring practices. Barrow sustained a knee injury in high school that may impact how much, if any, that he will play in the spring game on April 16th.

· Davon Hamilton seems to have caught the eye of Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer, in a positive light ~

I asked Meyer which young players stood out at scrimmage "Davon Hamilton, Sam Hubbard, Jalyn Holmes, Austin Mack, Michael Jordan." #Buckeyes

— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) March 29, 2016

· If there is a player who seems to be in the doghouse of the coaches, Dylan Thompson may qualify. Thompson redshirted his freshman season in 2014, due to a knee injury. Thompson did not play in 2015, and seems to be in the now or never mode of making a move on the depth chart. When asked about Thompson, Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer stated his desire of Thompson as spring practices began was “do something. Underline that, do something.”. That does not sound like an endorsement bathed in warmth and love from the head coach.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State resumed spring practice on March 22nd.

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – QB Preview

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli
 
Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

4th – Quarterback

Players Lost – Cardale Jones. Yes, I know that Braxton Miller made far more plays at the quarterback position in his career at Ohio State than at wide receiver, but I listed Braxton Miller’s loss on the squad as a wide receiver in a previous post. Besides, Miller did play at wide receiver in 2015 for the Buckeyes, not at quarterback.

As for Cardale Jones, the hero of the 2014 run to the national championship gave up his final year of eligibility to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. While Jones struggled at times for Ohio State in 2015, it was reassuring to know that there was a quarterback on the roster who could fill in, with experience, if needed.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – J.T. Barrett (Redshirt Junior), Stephen Collier (Redshirt Sophomore), Joe Burrow (Redshirt Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· It was not an oversight that led me to not list Torrance Gibson as a quarterback. While I am speculating that Gibson may get some opportunities in 2016 to play some quarterback in wildcat formations, or in the red zone, Gibson has been listed on the spring football preview as a wide receiver.

· For the first time in his career, J.T. Barrett enters the spring football season as the unquestioned starter at quarterback. Barrett has also already been named a team captain by Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer. No more worries about if the offense will allow Cardale Jones or Braxton Miller to be involved as the quarterback – this is J.T. Barrett’s team, as 2016 commences.

· Joe Burrow is the leading favorite to be the backup quarterback. While Burrow was overshadowed by Gibson in the recruiting hoopla of last year, Burrow impressed the coaching staff throughout 2015. While Barrett is the leader of the offense, it is going to be imperative for Ohio State’s success on the field for Burrow to continue to grow as a possible quarterback.

· Stephen Collier may be in a now or never type mode as it relates to his Ohio State career. While Burrow may have the inside track to be the top backup quarterback, Collier needs to do whatever possible to impress the coaching staff. Highly-touted freshman quarterback Dwayne Haskins will arrive this summer, and could leapfrog Burrow to become the third-string quarterback.

· My rationale for listing quarterback fourth on the list of concerns? Quite simply, it was only two short years ago that Ohio State’s improbable run to the national championship involved going down to the third-string quarterback that season. J.T. Barrett did have a suspension last season, and Cardale Jones was able to play during Barrett’s suspension – unlike last season, there are no backup quarterbacks with any appreciable game experience. Look for Burrow, and possibly Collier, to get playing time this season, early and often, in the event something happens to Barrett.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State resumed spring practice on March 22nd.

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – WR Preview

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli
 
Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

5th – Wide Receiver
Players Lost – Braxton Miller, Michael Thomas, and Jalin Marshall. Braxton Miller exhausted his eligibility in 2015, and showed glimpses of brilliance along the way as he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver. Somehow, this move will remain etched in my memory for years to come…



Michael Thomas had a year of eligibility, but gave it up to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Thomas displayed reliable hands and a physical style to the position that will be missed.

Jalin Marshall actually gave up two years of eligibility to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Of all the Buckeyes who entered the NFL Draft, Marshall seemed to be the player who could have benefited from another year in Columbus. Oh well – best of luck to Marshall as he prepares for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Corey Smith (Redshirt Senior), Noah Brown (Redshirt Sophomore), Parris Campbell (Redshirt Sophomore), Johnnie Dixon (Redshirt Sophomore), Terry McLaurin (Redshirt Sophomore), James Clark (Redshirt Junior), Alex Stump (Redshirt Freshman), K.J. Hill (Redshirt Freshman), Austin Mack (Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Corey Smith and Noah Brown are penciled in as starters at the wide receiver spots. Neither are expected to play much this spring, as both players are coming off injuries that ended both players’ 2015 seasons. Smith enters the 2016 college football season as the leading returning wide receiver, with 5 receptions. No, that is not a misprint. 5 receptions. Curtis Samuel had 22 receptions in 2015, and is listed as an H-Back on the roster. More importantly, Samuel is going to miss portions of spring practice, due to an offseason surgery.

· Johnnie Dixon has battled nagging injuries throughout his Ohio State career. With so many players hungry for playing time, this spring may be a now or never type of moment for Dixon to emerge.

· Parris Campbell has also been mentioned prominently by Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer. Campbell may be able to make a move with the depth chart, with Smith and Brown sitting out throughout the spring practices.

· True freshman Austin Mack has been singled out by Coach Meyer after the first two practices. Mack will be a player to keep an eye out for during the upcoming spring game on April 16th.

· Other players who may be in the mix are Terry McLaurin, James Clark, Alex Stump, and K.J. Hill. Clark has played sparingly ever since his injury that took place in 2013. McLaurin played sparingly in 2015. Both Stump and Hill redshirted in 2015.

· The biggest wild card of the position group is Torrance Gibson. Gibson was one of the crown jewels of the 2015 recruiting class…at quarterback. Gibson redshirted last season, and is listed in the official program spring football guide as a wide receiver.

· Binjimen Victor is another highly-touted freshman, but will not be on campus until the summer. All of the players listed above will want to take advantage of the spring, as it seems that Mack will be in the mix for playing time in 2016.  Victor could get a look this summer if the players do not take advantage of the spring practices.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State will resume spring practice on March 22nd.