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Tiamat's 2019 training camp observations, thoughts, ramblings (who the hell knows at this point?)

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  • any insight on TE Demetetrius Harris? Hands/blocking. Who saw Devalves snaps? Orson Charles/P.Brown?  Did RB AJ Ovellette see any touches? thanks

  • @calfoxwc said:

    a lot of us also knew not taking Thomas was one of the stupidest moves by Hue and crew.

    "On April 29, 2016, Thomas was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (47th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the sixth wide receiver to be selected that year."

    I kept waiting to hear Thomas's name........not only did the Browns pass on him, ...they took everybody knows who at wr instead. dammit. just extremely stupid.

    I think Canton Mike nearly threw his Hebrew National hotdog into the wall.

    I don't think I have ever been more pissed about a draft pick (MISS!) than Corey Coleman over Mike Thomas!!!  AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!

    I hate being reminded of that day.

    Mike

    @canton-mike said:

    I don't think I have ever been more pissed about a draft pick (MISS!) than Corey Coleman over Mike Thomas!!!  AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!

    I hate being reminded of that day.

    Mike

    More than the night the Browns traded up to take Johnny Football? 

    That was the night I almost became a Packers fan. 

  • Great insight into what is going on in camp. I really hope Callaway can fix his drop issues. He is a vital part of the offense.

    I saw on ESPN that Baker had some issues with the #1 receivers. Something about them not working back towards the ball. What a leader we got, man.

    @clevelandwantsplayoffs said:

    Great insight into what is going on in camp. I really hope Callaway can fix his drop issues. He is a vital part of the offense.

    I saw on ESPN that Baker had some issues with the #1 receivers. Something about them not working back towards the ball. What a leader we got, man.

    Callaway gives the Browns the ability to open up the top of the defense, his ability to produce is important. Maybe not vital, but important. 

    Landry and Higgins are more the move-the-chain guys, and OBJ is a spectacular talent when he's actually on the field. Callaway gives the Browns explosiveness in the pass game. 

  • So my view wasn't the greatest at times, I arrived there a bit late.     Note to self and to you - get to the gates an hour before camp starts.  So not too much scribbling aside from the mental notes but what I have so far...

    - Greedy got some run with the 1's.  Didn't look out of place, but the knock on him at LSU was dealing with longer more physical receivers.   His trouble with Higgins at times vs the body of work vs Callaway, while not something I want to overblow, only feeds that mantra.   DB, more than anything, is a mindset.   But good news is, he battled while he was out there and didn't seemingly walk around like he had been defeated.

    - Can't speak enough about tempo.  Nevermind just getting the defense into a bad personnel grouping - it gets Baker where he needs to be in rhythm.  I'm hoping the Brownies use it a bit earlier in games as opposed to the medium or latter stages beyond the 2m drill.   Baker had those 3 early inc but once he got going he was decisive and accurate the whole day through.

    - The Redwine pick.  One of my knocks on him in film was his depth, angles of pursuit and field awareness.    Can't recall the specific game but I do remember one where he's playing middle 1/3 and retreats to the middle of the endzone, when the initial snap was from the 15.  Only to have the receiver catch the ball right in front of his face.    That's depth and awareness.  He showed better fundamentals and a good opening step when going for a pick today.    He will learn a great deal behind Randall.

    - Njoku looks stronger.    Specifically in his legs and lower body.   You can tell that boy has been putting in time with the S&C coaches.   Which is good because this coaching staff believes in using their big bodies down the seams and in the middle of the field.  I'm just hoping Baker is patient and smart when delivering the ball.

    - Back to Hollywood.     Can't say enough about this kid.  He's your 3rd receiver and you can take that to the bank.   Starts with the chemistry he has with Baker, then you toss in his route command and hands.   Very happy to have him with this team.   It will be Higgy and Landry that will be the one's the Ravens worry about dealing with the most this year.     Side note - aside from Balt.  I can't think of a secondary in the AFCN that has the ability to deal with our receivers.    Even then, while the Ravens have a very talented secondary, I'm still trying to picture how the matchups work.   But if you see Rashard draw Jimmy Smith, then you know the opposing coaches are paying him the respect he deserves.   Possibly the most slept on player of this offense not named Chubb.

    - Callaway's inconsistent hands are going to cost him, if they already haven't.       Hands, feet, eyes.  If you don't have all 3 then you won't stick as an NFL WR.   As I posted before, he's your 4th receiver and 5th in targets behind Odell, Landry, Higgy & Njoku.  Might even be 6th depending on the screen game and how Hunt's suspension fares.       He's slipping down the depth chart.   Worst part is, it's not like he is having a terrible camp.   But it goes back to one of my favorite words, consistency.  You have to be a reliable target.

    - Sibert has rookie struggles.   Problem is that when you struggle as a rookie kicker, it's incredibly difficult to get the job from the incumbent.    Greg should win the starting job based on being a bit more consistent and a veteran presence who has dealt with NFL pressure.

    - Dline owned straight sets.   I guess I shouldn't say "owned", but when Baker was dropping back without the use of ball action, he was doing so frequently pressured.   Credit to Baker for getting the ball out all of camp in the manner he did.  But eventually those pressures will turn into turnovers, sacks, incompletions etc etc.     A testament to our dline and a knock on our Oline.   Speaking of....

    - The RG spot.   I said it was Kush 1a and Kalis 1b.   While I'm 100% sure the battle comes down to them, that order may be a bit reversed.   Just watch closely preseason.  Corbett is finished at that spot save for depth as a swing man.   Unless he is getting C or RT looks, he's been soundly beaten by the vets above him.

    - 11 Personnel.   Really nothing more to say.  You're going to see this team utilize space in a way it hasn't done in a long time and they'll do so in a variety of ways.    One of the many formations I had gone over in my mind to best suite this teams style was the gun trey that I first remember being the staple of the Vince Young Longhorns.     Combined with Njoku looking stronger and more explosive down low... this would fit into the hands of our receiver strength in a similar mold to the 05 Horns personnel.        (Don't ask why that came to mind, it's a weird association that just did)

    - Hilliard.  He's more than just a 'serviceable' back.   The kid could start in a pinch and I wouldn't be scared.  He runs patient, smooth and determined.  As some would say a very 'intelligent' runner.  Kid made the most of his blocking and gained yards he line didn't even block for either.   Another home grown depth talent we can be secure with.

    - Coach Holcomb.  No, not Kelly Holcomb.  Our linebackers coach.  That man DOES NOT fuck around.   I don't know who's ear he got into when the 2's were on the field, but whoever it was learned what their mistake was reaaaaal fast.   

    - Chris Smith.  Was out there a ton.  Unless somebody took his number when I wasn't looking?   I still stick with my gut that he makes a roster spot.  The battle for the dline depth will get really interesting.   I still think it shakes out with the coaching staff biting nails over who they're cutting.  Quality bodies but only so many to keep.

    That's the mental stuff mostly.   Kept looking for a few players to stand out but either didn't see them make plays (Whitehead) or didn't see them out there period (Avery).

    @tiamat63 said:

     Hilliard.  He's more than just a 'serviceable' back.   The kid could start in a pinch and I wouldn't be scared.  He runs patient, smooth and determined.  As some would say a very 'intelligent' runner.

    Remember Ogbo (Ogbonnaya)?   He was a very smart RB.  Good blocker, always knew who and where to block, a good receiving back and knew how to be open, ran smart.  -  Can Hilliard block?

    ...good to hear Higgins is doing well.  We need a solid 3rd receiver.  He's gotta stay healthy though.

  • I was listening to NFL Radio yesterday and they were discussion Njoku needing to improve his catching for balls coming in below the waste. They say he is excellent at getting open and catching anything high, but still drops the low ones in practice more often than not, especially on crossing routes over the middle. Hopefully Baker figures this out too and sends 'em high every time he's targeted.

  • any insight on TE Demetetrius Harris? Hands/blocking. Who saw Devalves snaps? Orson Charles/P.Brown?  Did RB AJ Ovellette see any touches? thanks

    @gumby73 said:

    any insight on TE Demetetrius Harris? Hands/blocking. Who saw Devalves snaps? Orson Charles/P.Brown?  Did RB AJ Ovellette see any touches? thanks

    Not sure which TE but it wasn't Njoku - Saw a gun double tight and the wing pulled across for a kickout on the backside end. Got there in a hurry and walked, I think it was Zettel?, clean out of the play.  

    So there's that...

  • @tiamat63 said:

     Hilliard.  He's more than just a 'serviceable' back.   The kid could start in a pinch and I wouldn't be scared.  He runs patient, smooth and determined.  As some would say a very 'intelligent' runner.

    Remember Ogbo (Ogbonnaya)?   He was a very smart RB.  Good blocker, always knew who and where to block, a good receiving back and knew how to be open, ran smart.  -  Can Hilliard block?

    ...good to hear Higgins is doing well.  We need a solid 3rd receiver.  He's gotta stay healthy though.

    @orion said:

    Remember Ogbo (Ogbonnaya)?   He was a very smart RB.  Good blocker, always knew who and where to block, a good receiving back and knew how to be open, ran smart.  -  Can Hilliard block?

    ...good to hear Higgins is doing well.  We need a solid 3rd receiver.  He's gotta stay healthy though.

    I remember Obby. Had the misfortune of playing for Shurmur.

    Hilliard can block, otherwise he wouldn't be getting the snaps in this offense that he has.

    Higgy is more than solid. Might have legit fantasy value.

  • @orion said:

    Remember Ogbo (Ogbonnaya)?   He was a very smart RB.  Good blocker, always knew who and where to block, a good receiving back and knew how to be open, ran smart.  -  Can Hilliard block?

    ...good to hear Higgins is doing well.  We need a solid 3rd receiver.  He's gotta stay healthy though.

    I remember Obby. Had the misfortune of playing for Shurmur.

    Hilliard can block, otherwise he wouldn't be getting the snaps in this offense that he has.

    Higgy is more than solid. Might have legit fantasy value.

    @tiamat63 said:

    Higgy is more than solid. Might have legit fantasy value.

    I don't give a rats ass about fantasy value .   -  just sayin'

  • @tiamat63 said:

    Higgy is more than solid. Might have legit fantasy value.

    I don't give a rats ass about fantasy value .   -  just sayin'

    @orion said:

    I don't give a rats ass about fantasy value .   -  just sayin'

    Point being, I believe he'll be a bit beyond just a "solid" player.  He'll produce.  To the point where other players and fans will take notice.

  • If Corbett's not starting any time soon, how about getting a 4th, 5th from Minn or Seattle?

  • @canton-mike said:

    I don't think I have ever been more pissed about a draft pick (MISS!) than Corey Coleman over Mike Thomas!!!  AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!

    I hate being reminded of that day.

    Mike

    More than the night the Browns traded up to take Johnny Football? 

    That was the night I almost became a Packers fan. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    More than the night the Browns traded up to take Johnny Football? 

    That was the night I almost became a Packers fan. 

    Was asked to leave Smokey Bones in Mentor after (drunkenly) MF'ing everyone up and down the bar who cheered the pick.  Not my finest hour, but jokes on them - i was right.

    @dutch-oven said:

    Callaway gives the Browns the ability to open up the top of the defense, his ability to produce is important. Maybe not vital, but important. 

    Landry and Higgins are more the move-the-chain guys, and OBJ is a spectacular talent when he's actually on the field. Callaway gives the Browns explosiveness in the pass game. 

    Callaway can be a vertical and YAC threat... If he actually catches the ball.

    @texasag1969 said:

    I was listening to NFL Radio yesterday and they were discussion Njoku needing to improve his catching for balls coming in below the waste. They say he is excellent at getting open and catching anything high, but still drops the low ones in practice more often than not, especially on crossing routes over the middle. Hopefully Baker figures this out too and sends 'em high every time he's targeted.

    I can see that.  But then again most players his size could be tagged the same.  Of course it helps that when Baker isn't right on he tends to put the ball a little high.  Benefits having receivers with a plus catch radius.

  • If Corbett's not starting any time soon, how about getting a 4th, 5th from Minn or Seattle?

    @unsympathetic said:

    If Corbett's not starting any time soon, how about getting a 4th, 5th from Minn or Seattle?

    *shrugs*  the article in the other camp thread has Corbett projected as RG1.  Which, by some miracle happens, will be near a Cam Erving level head scratcher for me.

  • @clevelandwantsplayoffs said:

    Great insight into what is going on in camp. I really hope Callaway can fix his drop issues. He is a vital part of the offense.

    I saw on ESPN that Baker had some issues with the #1 receivers. Something about them not working back towards the ball. What a leader we got, man.

    Callaway gives the Browns the ability to open up the top of the defense, his ability to produce is important. Maybe not vital, but important. 

    Landry and Higgins are more the move-the-chain guys, and OBJ is a spectacular talent when he's actually on the field. Callaway gives the Browns explosiveness in the pass game. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    Callaway gives the Browns the ability to open up the top of the defense, his ability to produce is important. Maybe not vital, but important. 

    Landry and Higgins are more the move-the-chain guys, and OBJ is a spectacular talent when he's actually on the field. Callaway gives the Browns explosiveness in the pass game. 

    Higgins and Landry have reliable hands, and OBJ is spectacular.. I am aware. 

    Anybody can get sidelined. AC11 is the next man up, so his development and catching the damn ball is very important

  • @unsympathetic said:

    If Corbett's not starting any time soon, how about getting a 4th, 5th from Minn or Seattle?

    *shrugs*  the article in the other camp thread has Corbett projected as RG1.  Which, by some miracle happens, will be near a Cam Erving level head scratcher for me.

    @tiamat63 said:

    *shrugs*  the article in the other camp thread has Corbett projected as RG1.  Which, by some miracle happens, will be near a Cam Erving level head scratcher for me.

    Please make it stop! Too many names in this thread like Coleman, Erving and JF!

  • @dutch-oven said:

    Callaway gives the Browns the ability to open up the top of the defense, his ability to produce is important. Maybe not vital, but important. 

    Landry and Higgins are more the move-the-chain guys, and OBJ is a spectacular talent when he's actually on the field. Callaway gives the Browns explosiveness in the pass game. 

    Higgins and Landry have reliable hands, and OBJ is spectacular.. I am aware. 

    Anybody can get sidelined. AC11 is the next man up, so his development and catching the damn ball is very important

    @clevelandwantsplayoffs said:

    Higgins and Landry have reliable hands, and OBJ is spectacular.. I am aware. 

    Anybody can get sidelined. AC11 is the next man up, so his development and catching the damn ball is very important

    I think the kid will be fine. Apparently came to camp a little out of shape, but he's surrounded by real PROS in the WR room, so I feel he'll mature & come around.

    Mike

  • This has nothing to do with training camp but it's some insight for those interested in getting to understand football scheme a lot more. There are some intermediate and higher level concepts being explained here, but done so in a way that will make sense.   Added Bonus: The man doing the breakdown is one of my all time favorite Buckeye DB's (Only behind Chris Gamble) and one of my favorite safeties in the NFL - Malcolm Jenkins. 

    The discussion starting at 0:15 with "inverted half'. Inverted is when the safeties stack down low and the corners are now back or drop into the hash responsibility that was previously the safeties job.   Inverted cover 2 was a staple for the Steelers during most of the 2000's.  Remember Larry Fitz roasting their secondary to put the Cardinals ahead in the SuperBowl? IIRC, that was off inverted cover 2.                  This is a good lesson in how defenses prioritize route threats - I.E. which route combinations they're expecting vs what the defense shows.  In this case, MJ says he's looking to take away the '7'... universally that's known as a flag or bench route To Diggs.

    If you're wondering why the defensive alignment and zone drop to outside leverage by the safety...?   it's to help the DB over the top focus on playing vertical and inside breaking routes without worrying about being beaten to the outside boundary - because his defensive help, in this case Malcolm, is there. 

    Just a great clip all around from one of my all time favorites.  Very much worth a watch even for higher level football I.Q.'s.    

  • That is one smart player there. Love how he bates throws to "open" receivers. It's an art form. There is a kid now going into 10th grade here who is one of the most talented players I've ever seen and mostly plays QB. But at times he will come in as a CB. In a close game the other team's WR was making toast out of the normal CB for catch after catch all the way down the field, but when they got to the 10 this kid asked my son to put him in with the statement, "I'll take it from him and run it back for a TD coach." He put him in and it looked like he was beaten, but just as the QB started to let it fly he broke from deep behind the receiver, stepped in front as the ball got there and scored on a 100+ yd. TD. He was watching the eyes and the arm and as soon as the QB had reached that point of no return, just sprinted to the spot he knew it would be. Amazingly smart to set that QB up into throwing a "sure" TD.

    BTW he loves OSU. I still get a word in about A&M when I go see him play though.?

  • @canton-mike said:

    I don't think I have ever been more pissed about a draft pick (MISS!) than Corey Coleman over Mike Thomas!!!  AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!

    I hate being reminded of that day.

    Mike

    More than the night the Browns traded up to take Johnny Football? 

    That was the night I almost became a Packers fan. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    More than the night the Browns traded up to take Johnny Football?

    As soon as it was announced that we'd traded up I said, "Oh Fuck!"

  • @dutch-oven said:

    More than the night the Browns traded up to take Johnny Football?

    As soon as it was announced that we'd traded up I said, "Oh Fuck!"

    @tour2ma said:

    As soon as it was announced that we'd traded up I said, "Oh Fuck!"

    With the first pick in the 2017 NFL draft the Cleveland Browns take from Texas A&M..............................

    With the first pick in the 2018 NFL draft the Cleveland Browns take from Oklahoma................................

    I think I'm cured now. ??

  • This rookie defense seems to be loaded. Greedy, Redwine, Wilson, Taki.. who knows which one will step in and make an impact.