What are the chances Greedy turns out?
-
Interesting historical study -- Instead of "Defense wins championships" perhaps the slogan should be revised to "A historically good defense can, on occasion, overcome a mediocre offense to win a championship, while a historically good offense has even less of a chance to overcome a mediocre defense to win a championship."
-
Cripes, Gip, could you give a slightly easier challenge please? 1st of all, not many teams have 2 first round picks that high in one draft to begin with, so that alone really narrows the field. You'd probably most likely find an equal in futility from another Browns draft itself.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/draft.htm
2018 did have the Browns taking two 1st rounders, and let's assume Baker and Ward will not end up as bad as Gilbert and Manziel.
And even though they nabbed Myles in the 2017 draft, they had 2 other fist rounders in Peppers and Joke, and those picks are not looking like great 1st rounders at this point. Pep is gone, after doing very little and Joke hasn't done squat and is chirping to get out of town.
2016 yielded almost nothing but Schobert, in the entire draft class, 12 picks, TEN in the first 4 rounds. Insane to have that many high picks and get virtually nothing for their efforts.
2015 was almost as bad.
Well, to answer the question....there IS in fact a Browns first round that was worse than the 2014 JFF/Gilbert first round.....but before I get to that, here are the other years in which the Browns had 2 first round picks:
2012 Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden. Not good at all, but not as bad as 2 years later
2007 Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn. If you draft one HOF and one bust....that is still a good round IMO
1994 Antonio Langham and Derrick Alexander. Two pretty decent players
1978 Ozzie Newsome and Clay Matthews......one HOF, and another that could/maybe should be. The best Browns first round ever.
1973 Steve Holden and Pete Adams. Two busts, probably the worst behind 2014 and they year I will describe later
1970 Mike Phipps and Bob McKay. Truly a below average round one..but there certainly have been worse
1962 Gary Collins and Leroy Jackson. Jackson was nothing, but Collins is one of the best WRs in Browns history
1952 Bert Reichechar and Harry Agannis. Agannis never played, but Reicharchar had about a 9 year if fairly average career
No...the year that is even worse than 2014?:
1954 The Browns took QB Bobby Garrett #1 overall and OT John Bauer #12 overall. Garrett played in a total 9 games in his career, never starting a one. And Bauer played in all of 2 games in his career in the NFL.
Well, to answer the question....there IS in fact a Browns first round that was worse than the 2014 JFF/Gilbert first round.....but before I get to that, here are the other years in which the Browns had 2 first round picks:
2012 Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden. Not good at all, but not as bad as 2 years later
2007 Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn. If you draft one HOF and one bust....that is still a good round IMO
1994 Antonio Langham and Derrick Alexander. Two pretty decent players
1978 Ozzie Newsome and Clay Matthews......one HOF, and another that could/maybe should be. The best Browns first round ever.
1973 Steve Holden and Pete Adams. Two busts, probably the worst behind 2014 and they year I will describe later
1970 Mike Phipps and Bob McKay. Truly a below average round one..but there certainly have been worse
1962 Gary Collins and Leroy Jackson. Jackson was nothing, but Collins is one of the best WRs in Browns history
1952 Bert Reichechar and Harry Agannis. Agannis never played, but Reicharchar had about a 9 year if fairly average career
No...the year that is even worse than 2014?:
1954 The Browns took QB Bobby Garrett #1 overall and OT John Bauer #12 overall. Garrett played in a total 9 games in his career, never starting a one. And Bauer played in all of 2 games in his career in the NFL.
Sadly, usually a team with two 1st round picks is generally a horrible team. And then to blow those high picks....what a giant obstacle. And, wow...Trent and Weed...what a bad, bad waste.
-
Are you asking How...or Why. The How...you answered....he was terrible. The why is more of a mystery because he seemed to have the physical talent, but he completely had no heart or head for the game is my only guess.
BINGO!
At any level in the game of football, if you want to win/succeed - you better start at the heart. In a game where adversity defines you, if you show up without passion - you earn the negative labels. I wish I knew how Greedy was going to turn out. That said, I think we have a very, very underrated corner in Terrance Mitchell that I would like to see be allowed to compete for the starting job. Let's get back to making the better player earn the starting job and we'll be okay with the position.
There's always going to be someone bigger, stronger and faster than you; so you better know the ways you WILL win. You only have 60 minutes to get it done; so you better do your research and have a plan. As an OG, here's the ways I learned I could win consistently: 1) I knew the snap count my opponent didn't so I was 1st to contact 100% of the time. 2) I knew where the play was going so winning the area and position was MY advantage. 3) I was usually shorter than the guy I went against, which very often rewarded me with superior pad height, better leverage and more usage of the legs, hips and lower torso in battle. What else? The heart and passion I put into my football days was in my off season weight training and conditioning as well as the countless football camps I went to over the years.
Why ALL that? When it's the 4th quarter of a close football game and the Coach calling the plays keeps choosing to run behind you because the opponent can't stop it - there isn't a better feeling in the world. As I said, I was rarely the biggest guy in my trench wars. I know David had a sling shot as his plan to beat Goliath. I didn't have a sling shot but I had the plans that made me confident. Meatball on spaghetti, I knew there wasn't an opponent ready to outwork me especially in the 4th quarter (based on the fitness commitment I put in year round). I felt that was confidence I deserved so there was no way I would allow anyone to take that away. Again, when a coach is running the ball up your dumpster and down your opponent's esophagus for all to see - all your passion committed has been rewarded. Even better, when future opponents see this on film - and you close the next games the same way? You're addicted to the high; but well aware of the reasons you've made it happen while remaining cognizant that it could easily end the second you're satisfied/complacent. Like anything in life, you only get out of it what you're willing to put into it.
Guys like Justine Gilbert and Josh Gordon who were nightmares for their college and pro football staffs to work/deal with - never learned to appreciate the feeling of a great outcome from a strong commitment/work ethic to achieve it. That said, we've had plenty of guys on the Cleveland Browns with gigantic hearts that left us no other option but to appreciate them. Brian Sipe was a 13th round draft choice rumored to have the arm strength of a Barbie Doll. That said, he's the Cleveland Brown I've seen earn the NFL MVP honor. If you saw what he overcame, he gave you no choice but to appreciate all of the excitement he orchestrated. LOVED him and Kosar. Earnest Byner was a 10th round draft pick (which would be undrafted in today's 7 round draft). He teamed with Kevin Mack to be the only backfield here to have 2 different RBs gain over 1000 yards rushing in the same season for a franchise with a storied tradition of great RBs. Both guys were also devastating blockers also equipped with reliable hands when needed. RT Cody Risien made 2 Pro Bowls as a 7th round pick. Tony (T-Bone) Jones was a very reliable LT from the undrafted ranks that didn't start to get the league-wide cred until he won Superbowls in Denver. ILB/MLB Mike Johnson was only 6'1" and 220 lbs when he played like a bad asss worthy of 2 Pro Bowl honors; and I also liked former Louisville LB Eddie Johnson that hit like a freight train. All these guys were very easy to appreciate as well as the many others I didn't even mention.
-
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
Marion Motley was undrafted in 1946. 2 pro bowls, led the NFL in rushing in 1950 during our title run, 1940's all-decade team. He wrote to Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. His roommate at that tryout was Bill Willis who was also undrafted and whose story you should know.
Lou Groza was also undrafted in 1946. He started at OT as well as K from 1948 until someone named Dick Schafrath came along in 1958. Dick Schafrath was voted to the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2007.
Gene Hickerson was a 7th round OG in 1957 who is in Canton. 6 pro bowls, 1960's all-decade team. Hickerson was brought onstage during his HoF induction in his wheelchair, propelled by Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly. It was announced as "one last time, Gene Hickerson leads Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly."
Browns also drafted the long-time Packers C Frank Winters in the 10th round in 1987.
The more labels you have for yourself, the dumber they make you. "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." Paul Brown -
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
Marion Motley was undrafted in 1946. 2 pro bowls, led the NFL in rushing in 1950 during our title run, 1940's all-decade team. He wrote to Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. His roommate at that tryout was Bill Willis who was also undrafted and whose story you should know.
Lou Groza was also undrafted in 1946. He started at OT as well as K from 1948 until someone named Dick Schafrath came along in 1958. Dick Schafrath was voted to the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2007.
Gene Hickerson was a 7th round OG in 1957 who is in Canton. 6 pro bowls, 1960's all-decade team. Hickerson was brought onstage during his HoF induction in his wheelchair, propelled by Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly. It was announced as "one last time, Gene Hickerson leads Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly."
Browns also drafted the long-time Packers C Frank Winters in the 10th round in 1987.
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
Marion Motley was undrafted in 1946. 2 pro bowls, led the NFL in rushing in 1950 during our title run, 1940's all-decade team. He wrote to Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. His roommate at that tryout was Bill Willis who was also undrafted and whose story you should know.
Lou Groza was also undrafted in 1946. He started at OT as well as K from 1948 until someone named Dick Schafrath came along in 1958. Dick Schafrath was voted to the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2007.
Gene Hickerson was a 7th round OG in 1957 who is in Canton. 6 pro bowls, 1960's all-decade team. Hickerson was brought onstage during his HoF induction in his wheelchair, propelled by Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly. It was announced as "one last time, Gene Hickerson leads Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly."
Browns also drafted the long-time Packers C Frank Winters in the 10th round in 1987.
Well...the deal with Motley and Willis was that they were black.....and the NFL, being under the control of people like George Preston Marshall, an avowed segregationist, would not draft any black players.
Also...don't forget Ernest Byner, a 10th round draft pick and a man with great heart for the game.
-
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
Marion Motley was undrafted in 1946. 2 pro bowls, led the NFL in rushing in 1950 during our title run, 1940's all-decade team. He wrote to Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. His roommate at that tryout was Bill Willis who was also undrafted and whose story you should know.
Lou Groza was also undrafted in 1946. He started at OT as well as K from 1948 until someone named Dick Schafrath came along in 1958. Dick Schafrath was voted to the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2007.
Gene Hickerson was a 7th round OG in 1957 who is in Canton. 6 pro bowls, 1960's all-decade team. Hickerson was brought onstage during his HoF induction in his wheelchair, propelled by Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly. It was announced as "one last time, Gene Hickerson leads Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly."
Browns also drafted the long-time Packers C Frank Winters in the 10th round in 1987.
Well...the deal with Motley and Willis was that they were black.....and the NFL, being under the control of people like George Preston Marshall, an avowed segregationist, would not draft any black players.
Also...don't forget Ernest Byner, a 10th round draft pick and a man with great heart for the game.
Well...the deal with Motley and Willis was that they were black.....and the NFL, being under the control of people like George Preston Marshall, an avowed segregationist, would not draft any black players.
Also...don't forget Ernest Byner, a 10th round draft pick and a man with great heart for the game.
I mentioned Earnest Byner in the post before the one you replied to Gips; but I'm glad to see someone else remembering him.
-
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
Marion Motley was undrafted in 1946. 2 pro bowls, led the NFL in rushing in 1950 during our title run, 1940's all-decade team. He wrote to Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. His roommate at that tryout was Bill Willis who was also undrafted and whose story you should know.
Lou Groza was also undrafted in 1946. He started at OT as well as K from 1948 until someone named Dick Schafrath came along in 1958. Dick Schafrath was voted to the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2007.
Gene Hickerson was a 7th round OG in 1957 who is in Canton. 6 pro bowls, 1960's all-decade team. Hickerson was brought onstage during his HoF induction in his wheelchair, propelled by Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly. It was announced as "one last time, Gene Hickerson leads Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly."
Browns also drafted the long-time Packers C Frank Winters in the 10th round in 1987.
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
A much, much different game now.
-
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
Marion Motley was undrafted in 1946. 2 pro bowls, led the NFL in rushing in 1950 during our title run, 1940's all-decade team. He wrote to Paul Brown and asked for a tryout. His roommate at that tryout was Bill Willis who was also undrafted and whose story you should know.
Lou Groza was also undrafted in 1946. He started at OT as well as K from 1948 until someone named Dick Schafrath came along in 1958. Dick Schafrath was voted to the PFRA Hall of Very Good in 2007.
Gene Hickerson was a 7th round OG in 1957 who is in Canton. 6 pro bowls, 1960's all-decade team. Hickerson was brought onstage during his HoF induction in his wheelchair, propelled by Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly. It was announced as "one last time, Gene Hickerson leads Bobby Mitchell, Jim Brown, and Leroy Kelly."
Browns also drafted the long-time Packers C Frank Winters in the 10th round in 1987.
Well...the deal with Motley and Willis was that they were black.....and the NFL, being under the control of people like George Preston Marshall, an avowed segregationist, would not draft any black players.
Also...don't forget Ernest Byner, a 10th round draft pick and a man with great heart for the game.
Well...the deal with Motley and Willis was that they were black.....and the NFL, being under the control of people like George Preston Marshall, an avowed segregationist, would not draft any black players.
Also...don't forget Ernest Byner, a 10th round draft pick and a man with great heart for the game.
Plus Lou Groza I believe was on Okinawa or Iwo Jima when he got a contract offer from Paul Brown, trying to not get his ass shot off.
-
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
A much, much different game now.
A much, much different game now.
It wasn't that different, like from the 1940's or something. I think Minn - and Daryl Greene - would still be excellent in today's game. They might even be better, since hitting is all but eliminated and their games were all about quickness and quick twitch reaction and coordination.
-
Frank Minnifield was 5'9 180# and went undrafted in 1983 - a 12-round draft. He signed with the USFL's Chicago Blitz and had to win a court case to be able to sign with the Browns in 1984. 4 straight Pro Bowls and the NFL's all-decade 1980's team.
A much, much different game now.
A much, much different game now.
Oh yeah kids are on the radar in high school and going to camps before going to the NFL minor leagues..... college. The NFL draft is now a year long activity.
And the stakes are enormous no professional players have off-season jobs anymore.
-
Oh yeah kids are on the radar in high school and going to camps before going to the NFL minor leagues..... college. The NFL draft is now a year long activity.
And the stakes are enormous no professional players have off-season jobs anymore.
Yep, times have changed. An old favorite of mine, Browns' safety Don Fleming, was electrocuted in the early 1960's working his off season construction job.
Mike
IN DORSEY I TRUST -
ILB/MLB Mike Johnson was only 6'1" and 220 lbs when he played like a bad asss worthy of 2 Pro Bowl honors; and I also liked former Louisville LB Eddie Johnson that hit like a freight train. All these guys were very easy to appreciate as well as the many others I didn't even mention.
Great post Flug! and i got the best at the end...
If we have any Newbie Brownies fans? If ya never saw Johnson & Johnson play? find them on youtube ? 2 grown ass men and Eddie was a 7th round pick & Mike earned his way from the USFL....2 no-neck's with Heart & passion for the game..
-
ILB/MLB Mike Johnson was only 6'1" and 220 lbs when he played like a bad asss worthy of 2 Pro Bowl honors; and I also liked former Louisville LB Eddie Johnson that hit like a freight train. All these guys were very easy to appreciate as well as the many others I didn't even mention.
Great post Flug! and i got the best at the end...
If we have any Newbie Brownies fans? If ya never saw Johnson & Johnson play? find them on youtube ? 2 grown ass men and Eddie was a 7th round pick & Mike earned his way from the USFL....2 no-neck's with Heart & passion for the game..
Great post Flug! and i got the best at the end...
If we have any Newbie Brownies fans? If ya never saw Johnson & Johnson play? find them on youtube ? 2 grown ass men and Eddie was a 7th round pick & Mike earned his way from the USFL....2 no-neck's with Heart & passion for the game..
Browns problem is that the really, really have not had quality Linebacker play since those two guys.
We have had just 2 LBs make the Pro Bowl since 1999: Joe Schobert in 2018, and Jamir Miller in 2002. And we lost both of them almost immediately: Schobert gone in Free agency; Jamir Miller lost to injury the next year.
Prior to 1999 back to 1960 here is the list of Browns Pro Bowl LBs:
1995 Pepper Johnson
1990 Mike Johnson
1989 Clay Matthews
1988 Clay
1987 Chip Banks
1986 Clay and Chip
1984 Chip
1983 Chip
1971 Jim Houston
1970 Houston
1966 Houston
1965 Houston
1959 to 1963 Jim Ray Smith
-
Oh yeah kids are on the radar in high school and going to camps before going to the NFL minor leagues..... college. The NFL draft is now a year long activity.
And the stakes are enormous no professional players have off-season jobs anymore.
Yep, times have changed. An old favorite of mine, Browns' safety Don Fleming, was electrocuted in the early 1960's working his off season construction job.
Mike
Yep, times have changed. An old favorite of mine, Browns' safety Don Fleming, was electrocuted in the early 1960's working his off season construction job.
Mike
Yep. They all had jobs. Dante Lavelli had a furniture store, maybe in Rocky River or Lakewood. I think Rocky River.
They were all selling cars or beer, or driving cabs.
-
A much, much different game now.
It wasn't that different, like from the 1940's or something. I think Minn - and Daryl Greene - would still be excellent in today's game. They might even be better, since hitting is all but eliminated and their games were all about quickness and quick twitch reaction and coordination.
It wasn't that different, like from the 1940's or something. I think Minn - and Daryl Greene - would still be excellent in today's game. They might even be better, since hitting is all but eliminated and their games were all about quickness and quick twitch reaction and coordination.
I liked Minnifield a lot! That said, he got away with a lot of touchy-feeley downfield until anytime we played the Denver Broncos. Today's game feels like there's a lot more BIG WRs that can all jet. Not there weren't a few big WRs like Harold Carmichael and Dave Logan back in the day. Big speedster Calvin Johnson wasn't drafted until AFTER Minnifield retired. And now it feels like there's a lot of WRs over 6'3" today.
One of my favorite Corners at Ohio State was the 5'9" Antoine Winfield (mostly because of what a great open field tackler he was on top of being a very talented in zone or coverage). I don't know how old some of you guys are; but 1 guy he could NOT matchup with BECAUSE of the size was Michigan State's Plexico Burress. Ohio State blew a huge first half lead (28-6) because they couldn't find a way to help Winfield in the matchup. 5'9" vrs 6'6" despite the shorter guy being faster and more agile. Now you add the wing span/catch radius to Burress' height advantage; and it didn't even matter if Winfield was a 2 time All American talent. If memory serves me right, Burress was never really a speedster even before he shot himself in the leg. Having said that, he still beat NE for a game winning TD reception in the SB after the incident unless my time machine had too much beer in it. Now imagine being a 5'9" corner when a 6'4" Randy Moss showed up to the NFL with blazing speed, gigantic catch radius and an ideal vertical leap. And guess where Minnesota used to like to line Randy up when Cris Carter lined up as a WR on 1 side and the 6'3" Jake Reed on the other? In the slot, where teams often put their smaller corners at the time. There was nothing fair about that, which was why Minnesota exploited the Hell out of it....
Today, you have guys that range anywhere from 6'3"-6'6" like AJ Green, Mike Evans, D.K. Metcalf, Larry Fitzgerald, Julio Jones, Allen Robinson II, Michael Thomas, Alshon Jeffery, Courtland Sutton, Tyrell Williams, Kenny Gollady, DJ Chark Jr, Chris Conley, Devin Funchess, DeVante Parker, Robby Anderson - just to name a hand full...
-
Great post Flug! and i got the best at the end...
If we have any Newbie Brownies fans? If ya never saw Johnson & Johnson play? find them on youtube ? 2 grown ass men and Eddie was a 7th round pick & Mike earned his way from the USFL....2 no-neck's with Heart & passion for the game..
Browns problem is that the really, really have not had quality Linebacker play since those two guys.
We have had just 2 LBs make the Pro Bowl since 1999: Joe Schobert in 2018, and Jamir Miller in 2002. And we lost both of them almost immediately: Schobert gone in Free agency; Jamir Miller lost to injury the next year.
Prior to 1999 back to 1960 here is the list of Browns Pro Bowl LBs:
1995 Pepper Johnson
1990 Mike Johnson
1989 Clay Matthews
1988 Clay
1987 Chip Banks
1986 Clay and Chip
1984 Chip
1983 Chip
1971 Jim Houston
1970 Houston
1966 Houston
1965 Houston
1959 to 1963 Jim Ray Smith
Browns problem is that the really, really have not had quality Linebacker play since those two guys.
We have had just 2 LBs make the Pro Bowl since 1999: Joe Schobert in 2018, and Jamir Miller in 2002. And we lost both of them almost immediately: Schobert gone in Free agency; Jamir Miller lost to injury the next year.
Prior to 1999 back to 1960 here is the list of Browns Pro Bowl LBs:
1995 Pepper Johnson
1990 Mike Johnson
1989 Clay Matthews
1988 Clay
1987 Chip Banks
1986 Clay and Chip
1984 Chip
1983 Chip
1971 Jim Houston
1970 Houston
1966 Houston
1965 Houston
1959 to 1963 Jim Ray Smith
Thanks for the list Gips. 1 update to it. Mike Johnson made the Pro Bowl in 89 and 90. He was also an All Pro in 89.
-
Browns problem is that the really, really have not had quality Linebacker play since those two guys.
We have had just 2 LBs make the Pro Bowl since 1999: Joe Schobert in 2018, and Jamir Miller in 2002. And we lost both of them almost immediately: Schobert gone in Free agency; Jamir Miller lost to injury the next year.
Prior to 1999 back to 1960 here is the list of Browns Pro Bowl LBs:
1995 Pepper Johnson
1990 Mike Johnson
1989 Clay Matthews
1988 Clay
1987 Chip Banks
1986 Clay and Chip
1984 Chip
1983 Chip
1971 Jim Houston
1970 Houston
1966 Houston
1965 Houston
1959 to 1963 Jim Ray Smith
Thanks for the list Gips. 1 update to it. Mike Johnson made the Pro Bowl in 89 and 90. He was also an All Pro in 89.
Thanks for the list Gips. 1 update to it. Mike Johnson made the Pro Bowl in 89 and 90. He was also an All Pro in 89.
I must have missed that one....or my source did. I just checked Wikipedia.
-
I must have missed that one....or my source did. I just checked Wikipedia.
This is a cut and paste right out of Wikipedia
Mike Johnson No. 59 Position: Linebacker Personal information Born: November 26, 1962 (age 57)
Southport, North CarolinaCareer information High school: DeMatha Catholic
(Hyattsville, Maryland)College: Virginia Tech Career history Career highlights and awards -
It wasn't that different, like from the 1940's or something. I think Minn - and Daryl Greene - would still be excellent in today's game. They might even be better, since hitting is all but eliminated and their games were all about quickness and quick twitch reaction and coordination.
I liked Minnifield a lot! That said, he got away with a lot of touchy-feeley downfield until anytime we played the Denver Broncos. Today's game feels like there's a lot more BIG WRs that can all jet. Not there weren't a few big WRs like Harold Carmichael and Dave Logan back in the day. Big speedster Calvin Johnson wasn't drafted until AFTER Minnifield retired. And now it feels like there's a lot of WRs over 6'3" today.
One of my favorite Corners at Ohio State was the 5'9" Antoine Winfield (mostly because of what a great open field tackler he was on top of being a very talented in zone or coverage). I don't know how old some of you guys are; but 1 guy he could NOT matchup with BECAUSE of the size was Michigan State's Plexico Burress. Ohio State blew a huge first half lead (28-6) because they couldn't find a way to help Winfield in the matchup. 5'9" vrs 6'6" despite the shorter guy being faster and more agile. Now you add the wing span/catch radius to Burress' height advantage; and it didn't even matter if Winfield was a 2 time All American talent. If memory serves me right, Burress was never really a speedster even before he shot himself in the leg. Having said that, he still beat NE for a game winning TD reception in the SB after the incident unless my time machine had too much beer in it. Now imagine being a 5'9" corner when a 6'4" Randy Moss showed up to the NFL with blazing speed, gigantic catch radius and an ideal vertical leap. And guess where Minnesota used to like to line Randy up when Cris Carter lined up as a WR on 1 side and the 6'3" Jake Reed on the other? In the slot, where teams often put their smaller corners at the time. There was nothing fair about that, which was why Minnesota exploited the Hell out of it....
Today, you have guys that range anywhere from 6'3"-6'6" like AJ Green, Mike Evans, D.K. Metcalf, Larry Fitzgerald, Julio Jones, Allen Robinson II, Michael Thomas, Alshon Jeffery, Courtland Sutton, Tyrell Williams, Kenny Gollady, DJ Chark Jr, Chris Conley, Devin Funchess, DeVante Parker, Robby Anderson - just to name a hand full...
Today, you have guys that range anywhere from 6'3"-6'6" like AJ Green, Mike Evans, D.K. Metcalf, Larry Fitzgerald, Julio Jones, Allen Robinson II, Michael Thomas, Alshon Jeffery, Courtland Sutton, Tyrell Williams, Kenny Gollady, DJ Chark Jr, Chris Conley, Devin Funchess, DeVante Parker, Robby Anderson - just to name a hand full...
That being said, the best WR in recent years was 5-10 Antonio Brown (before he went insane). He smoked all those fools.
-
Today, you have guys that range anywhere from 6'3"-6'6" like AJ Green, Mike Evans, D.K. Metcalf, Larry Fitzgerald, Julio Jones, Allen Robinson II, Michael Thomas, Alshon Jeffery, Courtland Sutton, Tyrell Williams, Kenny Gollady, DJ Chark Jr, Chris Conley, Devin Funchess, DeVante Parker, Robby Anderson - just to name a hand full...
That being said, the best WR in recent years was 5-10 Antonio Brown (before he went insane). He smoked all those fools.
That being said, the best WR in recent years was 5-10 Antonio Brown (before he went insane).
1 exception to the rule doesn't mean teams are wrong for wanting corners bigger than 5'9" tall today. Will there be an exception to the rule? Isn't there always? However, secondaries have to defend a lot of size with speed and catch radius on the perimeter today. For example, Pittsburgh just drafted a big, fast WR out of Notre Dame (Chase Claypool) built like a TE at 6'4" for the reasons I spoke of. I say that to say this, Pittsburgh drafted Claypool in the 2nd round while they didn't draft Antonio Brown until round 6.
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better 💗
Register Login