Offensive Roster Bracing for Training Camp Survival

Flugel

I always like to put on paper who will be competing for starting jobs and active roster spots in our training camp ahead. I'll start off with the offensive side of the ball and some important special teams duties.

Offensive Line:

Joe Thomas LT

Joel Bitonio OG

Cam Erving C

John Greco OG/C

Austin Pasztor RT/OG

Alvin Bailey RT

Charley Hughlett - Long Snapper on Special Teams

Spencer Drango OG/OT

Shon Coleman OT

Mike Matthews C/OG

Michael Bowie OT

Kaleb Johnson OG

Connor Boffeli OL

Dan France OL

Garth Gerhart OL

Erie Ladson OL

Wide Receiver:

Corey Coleman - Could also be a dangerous punt return man like the similar built Antonio Brown

Andrew Hawkins

Rashard Higgins

Jordan Payton

Terrelle Pryor

Marlon Moore - Also Special Teams punt coverage gunner

Ricardo Louis - Could be bigger, faster, stronger version of kick coverage gunner than M. Moore

Darius Jennings - Could also return punts/kickoffs

Taylor Gabriel - Could also return punts/kickoffs

Rannell Hall

Dennis Parks

Josh Gordon

Tight End/Fullback/H-back:

Gary Barnidge

E.J. Bibbs

Seth DeValve - who might also play some red zone WR

J.P. Holtz

Connor Hamlett

Randall Telfer

Patrick Skov FB

Malcolm Johnson FB

Running Back:

Isaiah Crowell

Duke Johnson, Jr.

Terrell Watson

Raheem Mostert - Also returns kickoffs on STs.

Glenn Winston - I thought this guy was released but he's still listed on the roster leaving me still questioning if he exists in Cleveland.

Quarterback:

Robert Griffin III

Josh McCown

Connor Shaw

Cody Kessler

Austin Davis

Punter:

Andy Lee

Place Kicker:

Travis Coons

Patrick Murray

If I missed any players or left some on that have already departed - please feel free to let me know. I thought this would present a nice opportunity for discussion we can spit ball ideas at each other or examine the strength of competition at various positions.

Who stays vrs who sprays?

Who starts vrs who shouldn't?

Since there's a lot of situational football - who's gonna be our Brian Brennan/Joe Jurevicius/Herman Fontenot/Calvin Hill on 3rd downs?

How will the new offensive scheme fit our line and running game?

What position do you feel is our strength?

What position concerns you most?

What players excite you heading into 2016?

Are there any guys you've grown stale with?

What 1 guy do you think brings the most sudden impact - rookie or FA? And why?

What guy, who is already here, do you expect to play far better than he did in 2015? And, is he the only one?

If you want to answer some or all of those questions or anything else you want to add - I'd love to read your thoughts.

calfoxwc

Who stays vrs who sprays? JOSH GORDON SPRAYS

Who starts vrs who shouldn't?

Joe Thomas LT

Joel Bitonio OG

after that, I don't know. I hope Irving starts at center and dominates...

Wide Receiver:

Corey Coleman - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Andrew Hawkins gone?

Rashard Higgins - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Jordan Payton

Terrelle Pryor - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Marlon Moore - Also Special Teams punt coverage gunner

Ricardo Louis - Could be bigger, faster, stronger version of kick coverage gunner than M. Moore

Darius Jennings - Could also return punts/kickoffs

Taylor Gabriel - Could also return punts/kickoffs

Rannell Hall

Dennis Parks

Josh Gordon Gone like yesterday, gone like rotten hay, gone, gone, really, really gone

Tight End/Fullback/H-back:

Gary Barnidge - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER of course

E.J. Bibbs

Seth DeValve - This kid is going to be well known for his addition to the offense quickly

J.P. Holtz

Connor Hamlett

Randall Telfer

Patrick Skov FB

Malcolm Johnson FB

Running Back:

Isaiah Crowell starter - may really surprise this year

Duke Johnson, Jr. - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Terrell Watson

Raheem Mostert - Also returns kickoffs on STs.

Glenn Winston - Not sure, but I think Glenn Winston could be a huge surprise this year,

if his knee is 100 percent. Just a hunch.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/10/cleveland_browns_glenn_winston.html

Quarterback:

Robert Griffin III \Who knows how it ends up? Griffin may become a star, but has a legit INT problem in his career

Josh McCown / if RGIII doesn't get it, it will be just because he doesn't have it. Josh would start... RGIII, who knows what hapens with the qb situation.

Connor Shaw if this kid had a big arm, he'd have a big career. has it all besides that. Cody takes the backup role, depending.

Cody Kessler - just might be the backup qb - depending on what happens ahead of him.

Austin Davis Not a Davis fan. gone.

Punter:

Andy Lee

Place Kicker:

Travis Coons

Patrick Murray

Since there's a lot of situational football - who's gonna be our Brian Brennan/Joe Jurevicius/Herman Fontenot/Calvin Hill on 3rd downs? Higgins...

How will the new offensive scheme fit our line and running game? brilliantly, since the wr position has serious

new weapons added to the mix. Hue knew the Browns wr's were weak as any other team in football. FIXED.

What position do you feel is our strength?

on offense, besides the obvious ...LT....

I think we have a new strength - WR.

What position concerns you most?

Center. We'll see - boom or bust?

What players excite you heading into 2016?

Seth, the oline, Higgins and Coleman, Pryor and Duke "supertailback" Johnson

Are there any guys you've grown stale with?

Gordon. Like months-old pond water.

What 1 guy do you think brings the most sudden impact - rookie or FA? And why?

Might be a tie between Coleman and Higgins. Pryor as the "veteran" wr...

What guy, who is already here, do you expect to play far better than he did in 2015? And, is he the only one?

McCown and Pryor, depending on RGIII surprising

If you want to answer some or all of those questions or anything else you want to add - I'd love to read your thoughts.

Hue knows full well the value of legit wr's to the offense. they fixed that - the players they drafted will

make a dramatic difference. This coaching staff will know how to make the offensive line a solid unit.

Flugel

@calfoxwc said:

Who stays vrs who sprays? JOSH GORDON SPRAYS

Who starts vrs who shouldn't?

Joe Thomas LT

Joel Bitonio OG

after that, I don't know. I hope Irving starts at center and dominates...

Wide Receiver:

Corey Coleman - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Andrew Hawkins gone?

Rashard Higgins - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Jordan Payton

Terrelle Pryor - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Marlon Moore - Also Special Teams punt coverage gunner

Ricardo Louis - Could be bigger, faster, stronger version of kick coverage gunner than M. Moore

Darius Jennings - Could also return punts/kickoffs

Taylor Gabriel - Could also return punts/kickoffs

Rannell Hall

Dennis Parks

Josh Gordon Gone like yesterday, gone like rotten hay, gone, gone, really, really gone

Tight End/Fullback/H-back:

Gary Barnidge - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER of course

E.J. Bibbs

Seth DeValve - This kid is going to be well known for his addition to the offense quickly

J.P. Holtz

Connor Hamlett

Randall Telfer

Patrick Skov FB

Malcolm Johnson FB

Running Back:

Isaiah Crowell starter - may really surprise this year

Duke Johnson, Jr. - DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER

Terrell Watson

Raheem Mostert - Also returns kickoffs on STs.

Glenn Winston - Not sure, but I think Glenn Winston could be a huge surprise this year,

if his knee is 100 percent. Just a hunch.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/10/cleveland_browns_glenn_winston.html

Quarterback:

Robert Griffin III \Who knows how it ends up? Griffin may become a star, but has a legit INT problem in his career

Josh McCown / if RGIII doesn't get it, it will be just because he doesn't have it. Josh would start... RGIII, who knows what hapens with the qb situation.

Connor Shaw if this kid had a big arm, he'd have a big career. has it all besides that. Cody takes the backup role, depending.

Cody Kessler - just might be the backup qb - depending on what happens ahead of him.

Austin Davis Not a Davis fan. gone.

Punter:

Andy Lee

Place Kicker:

Travis Coons

Patrick Murray

Since there's a lot of situational football - who's gonna be our Brian Brennan/Joe Jurevicius/Herman Fontenot/Calvin Hill on 3rd downs? Higgins...

How will the new offensive scheme fit our line and running game? brilliantly, since the wr position has serious

new weapons added to the mix. Hue knew the Browns wr's were weak as any other team in football. FIXED.

What position do you feel is our strength?

on offense, besides the obvious ...LT....

I think we have a new strength - WR.

What position concerns you most?

Center. We'll see - boom or bust?

What players excite you heading into 2016?

Seth, the oline, Higgins and Coleman, Pryor and Duke "supertailback" Johnson

Are there any guys you've grown stale with?

Gordon. Like months-old pond water.

What 1 guy do you think brings the most sudden impact - rookie or FA? And why?

Might be a tie between Coleman and Higgins. Pryor as the "veteran" wr...

What guy, who is already here, do you expect to play far better than he did in 2015? And, is he the only one?

McCown and Pryor, depending on RGIII surprising

If you want to answer some or all of those questions or anything else you want to add - I'd love to read your thoughts.

Hue knows full well the value of legit wr's to the offense. they fixed that - the players they drafted will

make a dramatic difference. This coaching staff will know how to make the offensive line a solid unit.

Interesting Cal! On top of your points about the WR position - Al Saunders is a great WR Coach.

One Post

DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER. Lol not only is this player going to start but will make an impact ...dramatically.

Zombo

"One said:
DRAMATIC IMPACT STARTER. Lol not only is this player going to start but will make an impact ...dramatically.

I love that Hollywood Higgins is classified as DIS. Gotta love Browns fans.

Oh ... and I agree.

Zombo

miktoxic

half of the 'analytic' draft picks won't make it to see a sunday afternoon football game.

thanks jimma!

Flugel

VesnaKociper said:
Does it really matter who stays and who goes?

You just watched the Cleveland Cavaliers win their 1st championship in team history and you're asking me this? Aside from the parade that hosted over a million people, do you know how many Cleveland fans celebrated the 12th of Never including you?

Yes, it really matters that the previous coaching staff and front office is gone along with Manziel, Weeden, Richardson. Hear me out here before you choose the most convenient sentence to attack back with hind sight 20/20. They were saying all this stuff when Eddie DeBartolo Jr came out to SF and fired people right and left until he finally got the right guys in charge. And spare me the my dad was best friends with his dad bullshit. It all started with an owner willing to self-evaluate mistakes above ego. The same Jimmy Haslam who sent a plane to steal Peyton Manning away from the Manning family tradition at Ole Miss and jacked up the recruiting enough for a National Championship the year after manning departed - told us it all started with him needing to be better.

We now have a new FO, new coaching staff, 14 draft picks coming in, and some young FAs that can definitely raise the bar in how this team competes. They also added to next year's draft volume and round 1 in particular.

2014 was only 2 years ago and that team won 7 games in spite of a big injury volume. Of the 9 games lost, Cleveland had 2nd half leads in 4 of them and 2 of them had tie scores in the 2nd half. Effort was never in question. What was missing? Play makers. Isn't that what you always bellyache about? 2 WRs we just drafted: Coleman scored 33 TDs in his last 2 years while Higgins scored 25 TDs (17 in the jr year when he had an experienced QB). Edge Rushers just drafted: Carl Nassib led the country in sacks with 15.5 and Ogbah was next with 13 while your Joey Bosa had 5 sacks. Something tells me you would be reminding me how over-decorated Bosa was if we never traded out of #2 and drafted him. Reggie White never needed excuses like "that little 200 lb RB blocking me was a real show stopper after I got through the OT and TE."

I can't blame this front office or coaching staff for the sins of the past Tom.

gumby73

Get Joel Bitonio contract extension done NOW. Quit sitting on cap to pay more later..Pay The Man!! (back with more fatass updates VK)

Flugel

@miktoxic said:

half of the 'analytic' draft picks won't make it to see a sunday afternoon football game.

thanks jimma!

Only about 4 of the 11 draftees (below) made it to see a Sunday afternoon game. Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson all became starters in the secondary for a team about to begin a dynasty. Does that draft suck OR did they draft enough goodies to change the way SF played defense moving forward?

Round

Overall Player Position College 1 8 Ronnie Lott DB Southern California 2 36 John Harty DT Iowa 2 40 Eric Wright DB Missouri 3 65 Carlton Williamson DB Pittsburgh 5 121 Lynn Thomas DB Pittsburgh 5 122 Arrington Jones KR Winston-Salem State 6 147 Pete Kugler DT Penn State 8 203 Garry White RB Minnesota 11 286 Ron DeBose TE UCLA 12 313 Major Ogilvie RB Alabama 12 322 Joe Adams QB Tennessee State

Flugel

Zombo said:

I love that Hollywood Higgins is classified as DIS. Gotta love Browns fans.

Oh ... and I agree.

Zombo

Lindy's Pro Football Draft lists Rashard Higgins as the Sleeper To Watch with this:

Higgins dropped off the national radar after Head Coach Jim McElwain and QB Garrett Grayson left for greener pastures in 2015, but he's a fluid athlete with size and natural ball skills who could surprise with how high he's drafted.

Here's his numbers:

2013 68 rec 837 yds 12.3 ypc 6 TD

2014 96 rec 1,750 yds 18.2 ypc 17 TD

2015 75 rec 1,063 yds 14.2 ypc 8 TD

Now, try to imagine Higgins, Coleman, Barnidge and Hawkins in the slot. Doesn't sound bad.

Other guys that could challenge for playing time/situational roles are Terrelle Pryor, Jordan Payton, Darius Jennings and Ricardo Louis. I'd say Potsie Gordon but I saw exactly how interested he is in making a difference here when he got his 8th life in 2014 joining our pleasant surprise of 6-4 in progress. Didn't know the playbook, quit on plays and got suspended by the coaching staff for another episode of not caring enough about the only professional team that gave him a chance, then another, then another, then another...

Tour2ma

Clear weakness: QB group

When your top performer is at the end of his career.... The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that McC is around to be traded to the team suffering the greatest QB loss during TC.

Clear strength: ???

Just can't squint that hard...

Most promise: WR group

Even four random draftees would win for this group and I think we did a lot better than random.

Least promising: RB group

I like Crow and think the swap to a power gap scheme will help him, but...

- the line is a question mark...

- TE blocking is a question mark... and

- FB???

That's three strikes.

Flugel

@tour2ma said:

Clear weakness: QB group

When your top performer is at the end of his career.... The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that McC is around to be traded to the team suffering the greatest QB loss during TC.

Clear strength: ???

Just can't squint that hard...

Most promise: WR group

Even four random draftees would win for this group and I think we did a lot better than random.

Least promising: RB group

I like Crow and think the swap to a power gap scheme will help him, but...

- the line is a question mark...

- TE blocking is a question mark... and

- FB???

That's three strikes.

I remember the day we signed Barnidge - I read his greatest addition here would be blocking. And then I witnessed what kind of Receiver he became in 2015.

Like that video I shared of the Bitonio press conference in the Drango thread - the offense becomes a product of the OC's philosophical agenda. Bitonio hinted they tried to adapt to a change from run first to pass first mentality. That's gonna change what you get out of your TEs as exemplified by Barnidge.

gumby73

@tour2ma said:

Clear weakness: QB group

When your top performer is at the end of his career.... The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that McC is around to be traded to the team suffering the greatest QB loss during TC.

Clear strength: ???

Just can't squint that hard...

Most promise: WR group

Even four random draftees would win for this group and I think we did a lot better than random.

Least promising: RB group

I like Crow and think the swap to a power gap scheme will help him, but...

- the line is a question mark...

- TE blocking is a question mark... and

- FB???

That's three strikes.

Get out of my head.. QB--The more I hear about Fitz turning down 12M with Jets. The more I think JMC fits their cap situation & not Fitz. Better OL for now too? When Josh pushed to name starter, full indication was Josh knows he's got few years to play & ain't sitting behind anybody. Maybe he does want out.. WR--better than random-spot on..RB/OL--Not sure if you caught the new article from same writer at Fanside? But either writer or Hal Hunter is speaking crazy stuff again on OL personnel imo. Proof shall be in the pudding

miktoxic

@flugel said:

Only about 4 of the 11 draftees (below) made it to see a Sunday afternoon game. Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson all became starters in the secondary for a team about to begin a dynasty. Does that draft suck OR did they draft enough goodies to change the way SF played defense moving forward?

Round
Overall Player Position College 1 8 Ronnie Lott DB Southern California 2 36 John Harty DT Iowa 2 40 Eric Wright DB Missouri 3 65 Carlton Williamson DB Pittsburgh 5 121 Lynn Thomas DB Pittsburgh 5 122 Arrington Jones KR Winston-Salem State 6 147 Pete Kugler DT Penn State 8 203 Garry White RB Minnesota 11 286 Ron DeBose TE UCLA 12 313 Major Ogilvie RB Alabama 12 322 Joe Adams QB Tennessee State

pfft,

you're saying there's a ronnie lott amongst our draftees?

can you point him out to me pleez?

One Post

@tour2ma said:

Clear weakness: QB group

When your top performer is at the end of his career.... The more I think about it, the more likely it seems that McC is around to be traded to the team suffering the greatest QB loss during TC.

Clear strength: ???

Just can't squint that hard...

Most promise: WR group

Even four random draftees would win for this group and I think we did a lot better than random.

Least promising: RB group

I like Crow and think the swap to a power gap scheme will help him, but...

- the line is a question mark...

- TE blocking is a question mark... and

- FB???

That's three strikes.

The RB's... This is why they need to bring a vet in. D. Murray or A. Morris can be had via trade for a draft pick. We have the $$ to let this happen as well. It will keep the qb upright as well. Crow is a fan fav but let's get a RB that earns respect from opposing defenses.

Flugel

@miktoxic said:

pfft,

you're saying there's a ronnie lott amongst our draftees?

can you point him out to me pleez?

What a clever detour so I'll re-post my point and question to you again: Only about 4 of the 11 draftees made it to see a Sunday afternoon game. Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson all became starters in the secondary for a team about to begin a dynasty. Does that draft suck OR did they draft enough goodies to change the way SF played defense moving forward?

The year Ronnie Lott was drafted - he was coming off an All American season. Nostradamus wasn't available at the time of the pick to let us know if he was a lock for the NFL Hall of Fame or not before NFL down #1. It looked like a very good pick especially if you saw the highlights and the productivity behind the reasons he earned All American honors.

Speaking of Lott's promising college football accomplishments in terms of what they projected ahead, we drafted some similar college football resumes:

1) a guy who made All American as well as being named Pac 12 Player of the Year with 14.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles plus winning the Bednarik, Lombardi and Nagurski Awards in 2014 (Scooby Wright).

2) a guy that led the nation in sacks with 15.5, 6 forced fumbles and 19.5 tackles for loss (Carl Nassib)

3) a Big 12 Defensive player of the Year and All American (Emmanuel Ogbah),

4) a 2 time All American and 2 time Big 12 Offensive Linemen of the year (Spencer Drango),

5) a guy that made All American and won the Biletnikoff Award as the best WR in college football after scoring 20 TDs in his final season at Baylor (Corey Coleman)

You don't want any of these guys to have a chance? Let's just cut em now Mik?

gumby73

@flugel said:

I always like to put on paper who will be competing for starting jobs and active roster spots in our training camp ahead. I'll start off with the offensive side of the ball and some important special teams duties.

Offensive Line:

Joe Thomas LT

Joel Bitonio OG-Pay this Guy

Cam Erving C-Hal Hunter, Listen to Gumby Damn it. A Fat NT will put this man in our QB's lap on a 4 step drop. Put Cam at G

John Greco OG/C-Hal Hunter, Listen to Gumby again Damn It. Big Grec he's your Center

Austin Pasztor RT/OG

Alvin Bailey RT

Charley Hughlett - Long Snapper on Special Teams

Spencer Drango OG/OT

Shon Coleman OT-Camp Battle with Alvin Bailey

Mike Matthews C/OG-Cam or PS?

Michael Bowie OT-Camp Battle RT also

Wide Receiver:

Corey Coleman -Hate the risk at PR Andrew Hawkins-Friends in hometown Toledo tell me he is All In with Hue. working out at UT.

Rashard Higgins-Our new Gabe

Jordan Payton

Terrelle Pryor-If Gordon Back,Tag your OUT

Marlon Moore - A Also Ran at Special Teams punt coverage gunner. Gunna be close

Ricardo Louis - They say bad hands. That's why we have PS?

Darius Jennings

Taylor Gabriel -Can't keep them all in 1 slot. I hurt watching this Hobbit get hit

Josh Gordon-Put the shit down. Far to much wasted Talent

Tight End/Fullback/H-back:

Gary Barnidge

E.J. Bibbs-Camp Battle of 2 Spots

Seth DeValve-Camp Battle of 2 Spots

Connor Hamlett-a player-Camp Battle of 2 spots

Randall Telfer-Now or never Camp Battle or IR waiver

Running Back:

Isaiah Crowell-Contract year.$$ drives

Duke Johnson, Jr.-Pick back up right where last season ended.Do it Pruitt

Terrell Watson-He did not come to keep Hue's nails manicured? Did he?

Raheem Mostert -This kid has none nothing wrong yet.Let's just see

Glenn Winston - leaving me still questioning if he exists in Cleveland.---1 carry 1 fumble in 3 years. Quit stealing $$ & just quit Futball, PLEASE

Quarterback: Hue can drive the truck on this one. I got McCown starter, better tude when a young WR makes mistakes & accuracy..

Robert Griffin III

Josh McCown

Connor Shaw-Good Luck,you been thru hell but your better than A. Davis

Cody Kessler

Austin Davis

Punter:

Andy Lee--BOOM-A Punting God

Place Kicker:

Travis Coons--Always take the DAWG!!

Patrick Murray-BYE-We play in snow not TB

If I missed any players or left some on that have already departed - please feel free to let me know. I thought this would present a nice opportunity for discussion we can spit ball ideas at each other or examine the strength of competition at various positions.

Who stays vrs who sprays?Hollywood Higgins sprays Gabe.

Who starts vrs who shouldn't? RG3 but it worth every gamble out there

Since there's a lot of situational football - who's gonna be our Brian Brennan/Joe Jurevicius/Herman Fontenot/Calvin Hill on 3rd downs?GET THE BALL TO COLEMAN. Speed Kills!!

How will the new offensive scheme fit our line and running game? Patience was not our friend in ZBS. Power Scheme should help both but better vision & balance to any hole even if its wrong make the greats Great

What position do you feel is our strength?TE-Barney--Following Carolina also, I know where Barney comes from. He's nobody's backup no more

What position concerns you most?-Center & anything to the right of it.

What players excite you heading into 2016? BOTH COLEMAN'S. The story Corey can write & SHON the story that he can continue to write. I lost my mom to Leukemia

Are there any guys you've grown stale with? Malcolm Johnson or use of. Gordon of course

What 1 guy do you think brings the most sudden impact - rookie or FA? And why? DEMARIO DAVIS. Dansby lead it tackles. OK Sashi Prove it..

What guy, who is already here, do you expect to play far better than he did in 2015? And, is he the only one? KRUGER it's on a even # year

If you want to answer some or all of those questions or anything else you want to add - I'd love to read your thoughts.

So why quit now. The Cavs ain't on & the Tribe already kicked some Tiger tail..

Orion

Actually I thought Austin Davis did a nice job when he had to play. For guy who hardly got any reps during the season he was pretty good.

He DID however lack in time management.

He's gone though. There's no room for him.

Conner Shaw? I too was impressed with his college completion percentage and lack of INT's (lotta fumbles though as I recall) but he seemed rather ordinary to me. I think his fate is tied to McCown's.

...would be nice if a TE arose to compliment Barnidge...but he needs to be able to block too.