Browns Draft Needs
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Article from wkyc.com:
5. Safety
In theory, the Browns already know who their starting safeties will be in 2021. After being acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason, Ronnie Harrison should return for his second season in Cleveland, while 2020 second-round pick Grant Delpit will be set to make his NFL debut after missing his rookie campaign with a torn Achilles.
But between Harrison entering the final season of his rookie contract and the nature of Delpit's injury, it would make sense for the Browns to continue to invest in the safety position. With Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo set to hit free agency, Cleveland also currently lacks depth at a spot that saw uneven production in 2020.
4. Linebacker
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception. Last offseason, Cleveland's linebacker acquisitions included a third-round pick (Jacob Phillips) and a pair of one-year contracts given to veterans B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith.
Still, that doesn't make linebacker any less of an offseason need for the Browns, especially if they fail to re-sign Goodson, who played well as Cleveland's starting middle linebacker. While it's unlikely the Browns will use a first-round pick or spend significant money at the position, don't be surprised if they use multiple mid-round picks on athletic, high-upside linebackers.
3. Wide receiver
Between Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.'s contracts alone, the Browns already have plenty invested at the wide receiver position. But Beckham's injury-induced absence exploited the unit's overall speed -- or lack thereof -- especially in comparison to teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
What Cleveland is willing to spend at the receiver position will likely depend on a combination of Beckham's future with the franchise and whether or not it re-signs Rashard Higgins. But regardless of what happens with either player, the Browns could stand to add some vertical speed to their offense.
2. Cornerback
Denzel Ward is a cornerback of the Browns' defense and could be in for a long-term extension as early as this offseason. But Terrance Mitchell and Kevin Johnson are set to hit free agency and Greedy Williams just missed the entirety of the 2020 season with a shoulder injury.
Even Williams returns in 2021, which Berry said he expects to happen, Cleveland could use both an upgrade opposite Ward, a new starting nickel back and overall depth. With the No. 26 pick in the draft, the Browns could have some intriguing options and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them also be a player at the position in the trade and free agency markets.
1. Defensive end
Despite the presence of Myles Garrett, Cleveland ranked just 15th in the NFL in sacks in 2020 with 38. With Olivier Vernon having suffered a torn Achilles' and set to hit free agency, Garrett is the only Browns players set to return in 2020 to have recorded more than five sacks last season.
As a result, Cleveland finds itself in need of not just a new counterpart for Garrett, but overall depth at one of its most important positions. Look for the Browns take multiple swings on pass-rushers in the draft and explore their options both via trade and free agency in the months ahead.
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So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
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So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
Because the modern trend is they get replaced on third down by another DB.
Bigger stronger Mike Backers were more prevalent with traditional schemes but Now you have teams 4 wide on 1st down incorporating short pass games as their running game.
Regarding the list, DT is a need too.
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So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
That's the new wave rippling along the NFL defensively. Go with more safety's and corners.
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It's why I can't see them taking LB Zaven Collins of Tulsa, no matter how much sense it makes or how many mocks have us going with him.
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So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
Linebackers are the Runningbacks of the defense. Not worth the investment.
Invest in hybrid DBs, safeties, etc. Base sets have less and less LBs now, not worth the money
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So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
Linebackers are the Runningbacks of the defense. Not worth the investment.
Invest in hybrid DBs, safeties, etc. Base sets have less and less LBs now, not worth the money
Base sets have less and less LBs now, not worth the money
...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
BEING A BROWNS FAN IS A TEST TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN TAKE -
Base sets have less and less LBs now, not worth the money
...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
Because the analytics are showing it's more valuable to throw, so offenses pass the ball more, so defenses spend more time defending the pass.
I guess this could keep shifting so far that direction that in 5 years the best offense in the league is running behind a Brandon Jacobs like Runningback that just throws the hybrid DBs off of him haha
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...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
Because the analytics are showing it's more valuable to throw, so offenses pass the ball more, so defenses spend more time defending the pass.
I guess this could keep shifting so far that direction that in 5 years the best offense in the league is running behind a Brandon Jacobs like Runningback that just throws the hybrid DBs off of him haha
Because the analytics are showing it's more valuable to throw, so offenses pass the ball more, so defenses spend more time defending the pass.
I guess this could keep shifting so far that direction that in 5 years the best offense in the league is running behind a Brandon Jacobs like Runningback that just throws the hybrid DBs off of him haha
There's a large reason the last decade+ many offenses in college and NFL base their running games on "spread for power".
Brian Westbrook types and perimeter runners gave way to the Marshawn Lynch and Michael Turner backs.
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Base sets have less and less LBs now, not worth the money
...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
Most teams, since we're speaking of analytics, have a stable of running backs with various skill sets. Look at the Patriots the last 7-8 years a primary example. Unless you find a very special runner, front offices don't like paying 10+mil for ball carriers.
And even when you have that special runner, said teams are still rather, Shall I say... leary? - of paying that kind of cash.
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So, OK, explain this comment from above to me:
Analytically-driven front offices don't typically invest heavily at linebacker, and the Browns are no exception.
So WTF is that all about? Why would analytics say "don't invest in LBs".
Because the modern trend is they get replaced on third down by another DB.
Bigger stronger Mike Backers were more prevalent with traditional schemes but Now you have teams 4 wide on 1st down incorporating short pass games as their running game.
Regarding the list, DT is a need too.
Because the modern trend is they get replaced on third down by another DB.
Bigger stronger Mike Backers were more prevalent with traditional schemes but Now you have teams 4 wide on 1st down incorporating short pass games as their running game.
Regarding the list, DT is a need too.
OK, sure, that makes sense what all of you have said, More passing begets the need for more pass defenders, except for one thing:
When a team, like the Browns can't stop the fucking run because they don't have decent linebackers. And they lose games because of it, Then what do you do?
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Because the modern trend is they get replaced on third down by another DB.
Bigger stronger Mike Backers were more prevalent with traditional schemes but Now you have teams 4 wide on 1st down incorporating short pass games as their running game.
Regarding the list, DT is a need too.
OK, sure, that makes sense what all of you have said, More passing begets the need for more pass defenders, except for one thing:
When a team, like the Browns can't stop the fucking run because they don't have decent linebackers. And they lose games because of it, Then what do you do?
OK, sure, that makes sense what all of you have said, More passing begets the need for more pass defenders, except for one thing:
When a team, like the Browns can't stop the fucking run because they don't have decent linebackers. And they lose games because of it, Then what do you do?
The unit needs attention...that’s why you hear the name Lavante David and lots of Analyst saying LB early. I’m not saying forget it.
For starters, I keep Wilson off the field. He was awful last year tackling and effort.Also we were top 10 fewest rushing yards allowed. Granted we had some awful games. Ravens x2, Raiders game that showed us we aren’t really that good. And teams were more occupied with taking advantage of our pass defense and injured secondary.
Phillips may show you something in a full healthy season, Taki appears to be a competent rotational piece as are/were Goodson and Smith if they are in the plans still.
I’d love to see a linebacker make a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. I think Phillips made one at the end of last year. Maybe sprinkle in some coverage where the QB has to come off of a RB or TE because they are covered by our LB.
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Because the modern trend is they get replaced on third down by another DB.
Bigger stronger Mike Backers were more prevalent with traditional schemes but Now you have teams 4 wide on 1st down incorporating short pass games as their running game.
Regarding the list, DT is a need too.
OK, sure, that makes sense what all of you have said, More passing begets the need for more pass defenders, except for one thing:
When a team, like the Browns can't stop the fucking run because they don't have decent linebackers. And they lose games because of it, Then what do you do?
OK, sure, that makes sense what all of you have said, More passing begets the need for more pass defenders, except for one thing:
When a team, like the Browns can't stop the fucking run because they don't have decent linebackers. And they lose games because of it, Then what do you do?
How many games we lost because we couldn't stop the run?
And in those games, how many were the result of not having "decent" linebackers?
And what is the tradeoff in other areas if we were to put in linebackers that were better against the run but worse in other areas?
Ja.brill Peppers - Cleveland Brown OldBrownsFan, on 02 Jun 2017 - 5:09PM said: "No you are not the work of the devil but you are deceived by the devil." Who's got it better than us? Nooooobody! -
...and that's why it's slightly easier to run the ball of late. The catch is, today's RB's are being asked to be good receivers and route runners, so LB'ers would have to be able to cover them in space...so that makes the LB'er more of a Safety.
Most teams, since we're speaking of analytics, have a stable of running backs with various skill sets. Look at the Patriots the last 7-8 years a primary example. Unless you find a very special runner, front offices don't like paying 10+mil for ball carriers.
And even when you have that special runner, said teams are still rather, Shall I say... leary? - of paying that kind of cash.
Most teams, since we're speaking of analytics, have a stable of running backs with various skill sets. Look at the Patriots the last 7-8 years a primary example. Unless you find a very special runner, front offices don't like paying 10+mil for ball carriers.
And even when you have that special runner, said teams are still rather, Shall I say... leary? - of paying that kind of cash.
This is the football world that we live in. We have to take full advantage of our time with Chubb and Hunt in the same RB room. One really isn't the backup to the other. They are both 1st string players. We never have to rest the feature back. They're both feature backs. That's weaponry.
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OK, sure, that makes sense what all of you have said, More passing begets the need for more pass defenders, except for one thing:
When a team, like the Browns can't stop the fucking run because they don't have decent linebackers. And they lose games because of it, Then what do you do?
How many games we lost because we couldn't stop the run?
And in those games, how many were the result of not having "decent" linebackers?
And what is the tradeoff in other areas if we were to put in linebackers that were better against the run but worse in other areas?
How many games we lost because we couldn't stop the run?
And in those games, how many were the result of not having "decent" linebackers?
And what is the tradeoff in other areas if we were to put in linebackers that were better against the run but worse in other areas?
To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
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How many games we lost because we couldn't stop the run?
And in those games, how many were the result of not having "decent" linebackers?
And what is the tradeoff in other areas if we were to put in linebackers that were better against the run but worse in other areas?
To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
Yes, why don't we just get players that are good at everything? Genius! It's so simple!
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We only put up 6 points against the Raiders. Was that loss really because we couldn't stop the run?
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To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
Yes, why don't we just get players that are good at everything? Genius! It's so simple!
...
We only put up 6 points against the Raiders. Was that loss really because we couldn't stop the run?
Yes, why don't we just get players that are good at everything? Genius! It's so simple!
Not at everything...at the position they play. Yes, players should be good at the functions of their positions.
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We only put up 6 points against the Raiders. Was that loss really because we couldn't stop the run?
Partly, yes. The Raiders completely controlled the ball and sure, our offense didn't have a good day, but they had limited opportunities.
Note the time of possession:
Time of Possession Raiders 37:43 Browns 22.17 That was accomplished by running the ball down our throats.
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How many games we lost because we couldn't stop the run?
And in those games, how many were the result of not having "decent" linebackers?
And what is the tradeoff in other areas if we were to put in linebackers that were better against the run but worse in other areas?
To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
One of these doesn't belong on the list (ahem, SB loser).
Sure, if you want to isolate 1 play on a scramble then yes. But the reason for that loss was passing.
Ravens led the league in rushing, and only playing the Browns twice, that isn't ALL on the Browns.
None of that means the Browns didn't have a bad defense, but it also doesn't mean that every game they lost was on the run defense, in fact the only loss you didn't name was the 1 to the Steelers. And they outrushed both Ravens 1st game and Chiefs. And I believe around 5 yards lower than Jets
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Trend of all Browns defensive alignments 2007-2020
If LB is the solution, I don't know what problem is being identified.. We were in 4-2-5 by far the most [2/3] of any formation last season. Competent assignment execution is always required for any play to not bust in the NFL.
If we didn't have such incompetence&injury at DB in 2020, we likely would have played even fewer LB snaps than what we saw.
The more labels you have for yourself, the dumber they make you. "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." Paul Brown -
To your second question: How about getting some LBs that are good in all areas of the position? Or at least try.
To the first question: Raiders game, Jets game, both Ravens games. Chiefs game.
One of these doesn't belong on the list (ahem, SB loser).
Sure, if you want to isolate 1 play on a scramble then yes. But the reason for that loss was passing.
Ravens led the league in rushing, and only playing the Browns twice, that isn't ALL on the Browns.
None of that means the Browns didn't have a bad defense, but it also doesn't mean that every game they lost was on the run defense, in fact the only loss you didn't name was the 1 to the Steelers. And they outrushed both Ravens 1st game and Chiefs. And I believe around 5 yards lower than Jets
One of these doesn't belong on the list (ahem, SB loser).
Sure, if you want to isolate 1 play on a scramble then yes. But the reason for that loss was passing.
Ravens led the league in rushing, and only playing the Browns twice, that isn't ALL on the Browns.
None of that means the Browns didn't have a bad defense, but it also doesn't mean that every game they lost was on the run defense, in fact the only loss you didn't name was the 1 to the Steelers. And they outrushed both Ravens 1st game and Chiefs. And I believe around 5 yards lower than Jets.
Sure, the pass defense also left a lot to be desired. But 3 of their 5 losses were games in which they gave up the most rushing yards.
Something that "helped" our run defense is the fact that in several games the Browns got huge leads...Dallas, Steeler playoff game and a few others, so the other team was forced to throw the ball all over the yard.
And just because the Ravens did have a good run game does not mean that the Browns could not have put up a better fight there. 231 yards was the nadir of their performance in the late game against the Ratfuckers. Our overall offense actually fairly well outperformed the Raves, Gaining 493 total yards compared to 385 for them. That, in a 5 point loss.
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