Mace
www.macedesigns.com

Anyways to move on…

• Lerner has publically stated the following names for General Manager- Pioli (already granted an interview by the Patriots), Mike Holmgren, and Bill Parcells (has an out-clause in his contract with the Dolphins) and could have an reported interested in Floyd Reese, Charley Casserly and Tom Donahoe.
• Browns favor a  Head Coach with previous experience. Names linked: Herm Edwards (who will be fired by the Chiefs) and Jim Fassell.
• Lerner also mention the following Head Coach candidates: Josh McDaniels and Eric Mangini.
• Marty Schottenheimer’s has been rumored as a fall back candidate Head Coach or GM. No official word from Lerner or the team.
• Billick is another fall back candidate. Most believe it will only take a phone call and a large salary.
• New Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is expected to be interview by the team this week.
• Scratch Bernie Kosar’s name off as a possible GM. When ask if Kosar is a candidate, Lerner responded “I do not believe he has the necessary experience”.
• Urban Meyer’s name was tossed to Tony Grossi. Grossi beleives the spread offense does translates to the NFL (especially the Browns). I agree.
• Lerner mention Crennel could stay on as a assistant. Not a good idea.

Whatever Lerner decides… this will be the most important off-season since 1999. With the economy and growing frustration; the team is great danger of losing its fan base.

Here are my reactions to Babylon comments-

“I’ve learned being here that I’m very unappreciated,” Edwards said.  “Not in the organization, just in the eyes of the fans, the city.  Since Day One I’ve been a marked man coming from Michigan.  It’s just gone that way.  Even when things are good, there’s heckles.”

Babylon, nobody boos you because you went to Michigan. They boo you because you can not catch the ball. Its very simple.  Several Michigan alums have gone through Cleveland (Leroy Hoard, Steve Everitt, Thom Darden, Aaron Shea) . The fans loved these guys, not because of their ala mater… because of their hard work and unselfish play on the field. Take a look in the mirror before you blame the fans, the media, Santa Claus and whoever else you want to divert your mistakes on.

“I’m not Paul Warfield, Webster Slaughter or Jim Brown,” Edwards said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.  “I’ve given my all to this city for four years, and I realize it will never be enough.  I went to the Pro Bowl last year and resurrected this team from the darkness, and nobody cared.”

Not true. People cared. Take a look at your jersey sales and you’ll see the light. One good season does not give you the right to even compare yourself to two Hall of Famers. Get real.

“People in this town believe they are entitled to too much.  They have been disrespectful to me and my family.  I’ve gone out in public with my family and have had to deal with being called foul names.  My parents have been called vulgar things at restaurants.” 

On behalf of my fellow intelligent Browns fans, I do apologize for the drunken few who allegedly has been disrespectful to your family. There is no excuse for that.

“My biggest problem is that I actually give a damn,” Edwards said.  “I’m always rushing back from surgeries and injuries, never missing games or practices.  But through this, I’ve learned how to overcome adversity.  I’m also proud of how my foundation has taken off.  I’ve been doing all this community service in Cleveland . . .  my charity efforts will only be in Detroit from now on.”

You are SUPPOSED to rush back from injury. That’s your job. What burns me the most is threatening to take away your charity efforts from Cleveland. You get booed and that’s your reaction? That’s great. True  volunteers NEVER boast about what they did for any community… they just do it and never expect any special recognition in return. Go home to Detroit. Please do.

I’m tired of these millionaires crying woe is me, while millions are out of work.

By the way… you will NEVER be the national superstar you think you are. You are not LeBron James. Actually I think if LeBron suited up he would a do better job than your sorry ass.

When it comes do to it… Edwards is upset because he will not get the new contract (he was hoping for).  No matter how much success he achieves, he will be always a LOSER in my book. Ship his ass to Detroit, be with his fellow losers on the worst franchise in the NFL (and maybe in pro sports). Let’s hope the Lions will bite on a straight up trade.. Edwards for Calvin Johnson.

Notes:

• Since the season is not over, status of free agents within this post can change by the off-season.
• They are a few underclassmen (yet to declare) listed.
• A new head coach might reflect a few changes in needs. But based on current roster I do not think there will major differences.

Linebacker

Needs: a inside linebacker who can tackle and  outside pass rusher. Top Free Agents: Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Jonathan Vilma, Mike Peterson. Top Draft Prospects: James Laurinaitus, Aaron Curry, Rey Maualuga. My Take: I highly doubt they will make a run at Lewis, but Suggs and Scott are possibilities. My thoughts are the Ravens will sign one of the three… Suggs. Peterson might be a fallback option. Both Laurinaitus and Maualuga are fits. Although Little Animal would be the fan’s choice (I can see the spiked shoulder pads in the stands now), I would go with Rey. Analysis: Any of the players mention above would be a major upgrade. I expect them to sign (or draft) at least one starter. My money is on a free agent.

Cornerback

Needs: physical corner with exceptional cover skills and size. Top Free Agents:Will Allen, Nnamdi Asomugha. Top Draft Prospects: Malcom Jenkins, Vontae Davis, Alphonso Smith. My Take: A little thin in the Free Agent market, Asomugha will be a quality signing, but he is expected to be franchised. The best move is Malcom Jenkins. If he’s there… you take him. Based on their needs… he is the best player they can draft. Davis is a good option, but I don’t like drafting one-year wonders. Analysis: I am betting they will take a hard look at Jenkins and will take him if he’s there. Instant starter is hard to pass up. As of right now… the Browns will be drafting in the 1st round around picks 7 through 10… Jenkins should be there.

Wide Receiver

Needs:#2 wide receiver with great hands and good route running. Top Free Agents: TJ Houshmandzadeh, Jabar Gaffney, Miles Austin, Bobby Engram. Top Draft Prospects:Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Derrick Williams, Brian Robiskie. My Take:Not a good year for sigining Free Agent WRs. Other than Houshmandzadeh, you are getting a #3 guy at best. Crabtree is the only vaible first round option at WR, but I doubt the Browns would waist their 1st pick on a WR. Analysis:It really depends on the Browns approach. If they go through the draft… Robiskie or Williams will be available in the 2nd or 3rd round.. a good spot to pick a receiver. If the Browns feel they need a good #3 possession type guy… Engram might be a good option (but then there’s the question of age and injury). In a perfect world they would break the bank on Houshmandzadeh… but I think he’s looking to play for a contender.

Running Back

Needs: bruiser back with size and speed. Top Free Agents:Correll Buckhalter, Brandon Jacobs. Top Draft Prospects:Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno. My Take: Not a good year to be looking for a eventually replacement for Jamal Lewis UNLESS you have a chance at Wells. Jacobs is an obivous choice, but I expect him to be franchised (or re-sign with NYG). I only mention Buckhalter, because of what Michael Turner is doing this year. The perfect choice is another Buckeye… Beanie Wells, who is often compared to a young Jamal Lewis (but bigger and faster). You can’t find a better fit for this offense. Analysis:I think the Browns KNOW Lewis is no longer the answer and Harrision is too small to run between the tackles. Wells can be the answer but with his injury history, might cause him to fall a few spots in the draft. I feel the Browns will take a wait-and-see approach. If Jason Wright re-signs, that will be the first indicator they will stick as-is.

Offensive Line

Needs: A brute who can run block and protect the QB on the right side. Top Free Agents: Matt Birk (C), Marc Colombo (T), Jordan Gross (T), Tra Thomas (T), Jon Ruyan (T), Mike Goff (G). Top Draft Prospects: Andre Smith (T), Michael Oher (T), Eugene Monroe (T), Jason Smith (T). My Take: Great year for tackle shopping. Free Agency or Draft… you can improve for sure at Right Tackle. Matt Birk should be most sought after lineman and looks like the Vikings will not franchise him. Analysis: I feel the Browns will upgrade at least one of the following positions… center, right guard, or right tackle. Kevin Shaffer is a liability (without help), so it makes most sense to sign a starting guard or replace Shaffer at tackle.

Safety

Needs: physical run stopper who is all over the field. Top Free Agents:Mike Brown, Brian Dawkins, Dawan Landry, Darren Sharper.  Top Draft Prospects: Taylor Mays, William Moore. My Take:the Browns are not expected to  bring back Sean Jones. Considering the free agent class, this could be a wise move. Brown, Dawkins are solid replacements and Landry is a up-and-coming performer. Sharper would be a short-term answer. Mays is the only rookie that is ideal, but I doubt they will use their first pick on a safety. Analysis: I think the front office considers Mike Adams a fall back replacement for Jones, and will keep Jones in mind, because he’ll come cheap. In the end, unless they can sign Landry or draft Mays… I expect them to be very quiet regarding safety.

Final Analysis: In Free Agency they will have opportunity to sign proven All-Pro talent at linebacker and offensive tackle. For the draft… they should have a shot at the following players: Malcom Jenkins, Vontae Davis, Rey Maualuga, James Laurinaitus, and Aaron Curry. Any of these players will be an instant starter. Also they have a legit chance at a #2 or #3 WR in the 2nd/3rd rounds.