Here's An Article for Mud... Cleveland Browns need a safety - 7 best NFL Draft options
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Complete article below, but here's link to the posted article... with pictures...
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http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/04/cleveland_browns_need_a_safety.html
Cleveland Browns need a safety - 7 best NFL Draft options
Updated April 05, 2017 Posted April 05, 2017
Seattle All-Pro Earl Thomas has set the recent standard for NFL safeties, and the Browns should be aiming to acquire that kind of secondary game-changer in the 2017 NFL Draft. (AP)
Browns need a safety, like Earl Thomas, who can change their secondary
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland, home of Pro Bowl safeties.In the not-so-distant past, this claim could be made, after T.J. Ward, Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner gave the Browns three different safeties in the Pro Bowl over a two-year span in 2013 and 2014.
In the spring of 2015, Whitner was claiming the Browns featured one of the top two secondaries in the NFL.
Two years later, Ward, Gipson and Whitner are gone and the Browns missed on safeties Bradley McDougald and Tony Jefferson in free agency. The position continues to grow in importance and value in the pass-happy NFL.
"The safety has to be the quarterback of the defense," Utah safety Marcus Williams, a potential second- or third-rounder who may interest the Browns, said at the NFL Combine. "So if you don't have a smart safety, your defense might not be in tune."
It now stands as the weakest position on the Browns defense. They need to draft a starting safety, maybe two.
The good news for the Browns is that there are plenty of options for a team that needs to be safety conscious. NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah called this safety class "incredibly talented and deep."
With Jamal Adams of LSU, one of the top two safeties in this draft, the only option almost sure to be out of the Browns' reach, here are my top seven safety options they should target.
The players are ranked with the draft position where the Browns should be able to take them and are in order of greatest value at that draft position, not in overall ability.
No. 1: Budda Baker at No. 33The 5-foot-10 Baker is undersized but tops my list by offering the greatest combination of coverage, tackling, instincts and experience among the safeties who should or could be available with the first pick in the second round.
This seems the ideal spot for the Browns to attack this position, if they take defensive end Myles Garrett at No. 1 and either go quarterback or another offensive position at No. 12 in the first round. Yes, Adams and Malik Hooker are better safety prospects. But Baker would be ranked higher if he had another couple inches or pounds in him.
At No. 33, he very well may be there, and the Browns would be getting a first-round football player.
No. 2: Malik Hooker at No. 12Hooker's a better player than Baker. But it's unlikely he'll fall to No. 12, with most mock drafts projecting him in the top 10. And if he does, the Browns will have other pressing needs they could address with their second first-round pick.
If he someone slides because an hip injury has limited his ability to work out this offseason, then this could be a great pick for the Browns. But it might not be the best pick. And it probably won't happen anyway.
But the Ohio State All-American, with the best ball skills of any safety in the country, is going to make some defense very happy.
No. 3: Gerbil Peppers at No. 33Peppers is a great football player. Will he be a great safety?
For the Michigan star who served as a linebacker and return man in 2016, and who might be a better running back than anything else, that's the question.
No. 12 would be too high for Peppers, because there is some risk with his position inexperience. But if he'd get through the first round and be there at 33?
Then you can take that kind of player without hesitation, and know he'll work out somewhere. Maybe you wouldn't take him ahead of Baker. But you could take him.
No. 4: Obi Melifonwu at No. 33Melifonwu, at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, is being looked at as a cornerback by some teams. As a safety, he has the size that could make him him exceptional. But the UConn grad doesn't have the football instincts, yet, of Baker or Peppers.
If Baker and Peppers are gone, he could be a smart pick for the Browns at 33 after lighting it up at the NFL Combine. But he's more of a risk, because his college film doesn't show the kind of game-after-game impact you might want from a projected rookie starter.
But if he hits? He could be unbelievable.
No. 5: Montae Nicholson at No. 142Now we're dropping down a bit in the draft for a Big Ten safety with oodles of talent who never quite lived up to it at Michigan State.
Nicholson is 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds and ran a 4.42 40 at the NFL Combine. That's an ideal size-speed combo. But NFL.com quoted a scout that said Nicholson had "no impact on the game whatsoever," with the Spartans. This would be an upside pick, not a production pick.
He was a four-star recruit who hit a plateau in East Lansing. If the Browns take him at No. 142, which is their second pick in the fourth round, and coach him up, they could be getting a second-round talent at a great draft value.
No. 6: Marcus Williams at No. 52Williams could be in the mix at No. 33 if Baker, Peppers and Melifonwu are gone, but that might seem like a reach. But if the Browns pick a different position at 12 and 33, then Williamson at No. 52, with the Browns' second pick in the second round, could be a target.
The two-time All-Pac 12 safety was a three-year starter at Utah with 11 interceptions. At 6-foot-1, he has decent size and he's effective making plays on the ball. He's smart and athletic and would be a logical pick in the second or third rounds.
No. 7: Eddie Jackson at No. 108Jackson broke his leg in his eighth game of his senior season for Alabama, and his draft stock has dropped as a result. Thinking he might be available at No. 108, the first pick of the fourth round, might be a reach. Third round may be more like it for him.
Jackson intercepted six passes during Alabama's national title season in 2015, and the 6-foot, 200-pounder also has experience playing corner for the Crimson Tide. Throw in his punt return abilities, and the fact that he should be fairly healthy by the draft, and Jackson is a player that shouldn't be forgotten.
NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said Jackson's "combination of instincts, range and ball skills is outstanding."
Other names to considerOther safeties to watch and where the Browns might find value in picking them.
• Jadar Johnson, Clemson, No. 183 (he's the guy who talked about Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett before the Fiesta Bowl, and was right)
• Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville, No. 187
• Josh Jones, North Carolina State, No. 108 (he's the guy who faced both Deshaun Watson and Mitch Trubisky in the ACC this year. Watch the video.)
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... and in a related article...
Malik Hooker in the 2017 NFL Draft: 5 reasons the Browns should not pick him
Summary of article's "points" in answer to opening question: Should the Browns draft Malik Hooker at No. 12?- If your QB is available, forget it.
- Do you really take a one-year starter this high?
- What about his injury?
- The downside of Hooker's game. (tackling ability)
- Can you maximize value and get a safety later?
http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2017/04/malik_hooker_in_the_2017_nfl_d.html
"When you have a shared vision it is a lot easier to make unpopular decisions." - Paul DePodesta "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." - Paul Brown Complete 2017 Browns Board Mock: http://thebrownsboard.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=46196 -
Safety is a position of importance but I don't see anyone outside of Adams, Hooker, or Baker making an impact day 1. Adams would be my pick @ 12.
We can get Mahomes or Webb in the 2nd if we really wanted to..
Cleveland shot themselves in the foot by not signing a S. Letting go of TJ Ward was a big mistake.
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The sleeper may have already been found in 6'3" 211 Tyvis Powell. A better sure tackler than I. Campbell imo. All Buckeye DB's have waited for their time behind some good one's. Same with Hooker. We go Hooker or Adams your giving up picks to get there.Obi 6'4" M Williams 6'1" but both on tape take some bad tackling angles..Josh Jones is the best physical guy that that is no reach at 108.Just to watch the kid pound somebody i would not be hesitate at #65 1st pick of 3rd.But I like taking Jake Butt at 65 cause 108 won't happen..Tuff choices all around my friends
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Safety is a position of importance but I don't see anyone outside of Adams, Hooker, or Baker making an impact day 1. Adams would be my pick @ 12.
We can get Mahomes or Webb in the 2nd if we really wanted to..
Cleveland shot themselves in the foot by not signing a S. Letting go of TJ Ward was a big mistake.
. Letting go of TJ Ward was a big mistake.
Easy to say that now.
TJ Ward was basically a small LB here, great against the run, but just so-so in pass coverage. I wasn't crazy about their decision to not match Denver's offer in FA- they took a chance and it back fired.
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Have to admit... I did not see TJ performing in Denver like he did under "SonOfBum"... which is one of the best twitter handles there is and a helluva DC.
"When you have a shared vision it is a lot easier to make unpopular decisions." - Paul DePodesta "When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." - Paul Brown Complete 2017 Browns Board Mock: http://thebrownsboard.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=46196 -
Have to admit... I did not see TJ performing in Denver like he did under "SonOfBum"... which is one of the best twitter handles there is and a helluva DC.
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I'm all for anyone named Gerbil playing for the browns. that kid probably got made fun of so much growing up, it's ridiculous. I bet he's a beast. #allingerbil
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Im all good with this one Tour.....and you KNOW Im praying for a FS......and, if I can have Adams, Ill take a SS too......
One thing I see a lot of folks saying(pundits and all) is the Browns need a "safety"......and, in my world, the Browns REALLY REALLY need a FREE Safety......specifically......and that would be Hooker, Baker or Williams......
Im infatuated with Adams and would take him in a heart beat....BUT, if we do take him, it does NOT resolve our safety problem. So, we still will need to tap a FS along the way.....(guys noted above).....and middle round guy I also like is Marcus Maye. FS with some back bone(ss traits)....
Im not too high on our current SS group....BUT....they are 2 youngsters who have shown some potential....so, if we are going to address only one safety position, lets make it FS and see if Campbell and Kindred can grow into the SS role.....especially since SS is more smash mouth tackler and requires a little less coverage skills and technique.....
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Im all good with this one Tour.....and you KNOW Im praying for a FS......and, if I can have Adams, Ill take a SS too......
One thing I see a lot of folks saying(pundits and all) is the Browns need a "safety"......and, in my world, the Browns REALLY REALLY need a FREE Safety......specifically......and that would be Hooker, Baker or Williams......
Im infatuated with Adams and would take him in a heart beat....BUT, if we do take him, it does NOT resolve our safety problem. So, we still will need to tap a FS along the way.....(guys noted above).....and middle round guy I also like is Marcus Maye. FS with some back bone(ss traits)....
Im not too high on our current SS group....BUT....they are 2 youngsters who have shown some potential....so, if we are going to address only one safety position, lets make it FS and see if Campbell and Kindred can grow into the SS role.....especially since SS is more smash mouth tackler and requires a little less coverage skills and technique.....
Im all good with this one Tour.....and you KNOW Im praying for a FS......and, if I can have Adams, Ill take a SS too......
One thing I see a lot of folks saying(pundits and all) is the Browns need a "safety"......and, in my world, the Browns REALLY REALLY need a FREE Safety......specifically......and that would be Hooker, Baker or Williams......
Im infatuated with Adams and would take him in a heart beat....BUT, if we do take him, it does NOT resolve our safety problem. So, we still will need to tap a FS along the way.....(guys noted above).....and middle round guy I also like is Marcus Maye. FS with some back bone(ss traits)....
Im not too high on our current SS group....BUT....they are 2 youngsters who have shown some potential....so, if we are going to address only one safety position, lets make it FS and see if Campbell and Kindred can grow into the SS role.....especially since SS is more smash mouth tackler and requires a little less coverage skills and technique.....
If we go SS with Adams, I'd like to see more of a center fielder from my FS.
I think we need a guy back there who is rangy, quick, can challenge receivers in the air, and has a nose for the ball.
I think Williams fits that profile the best.
I'm awesome, and I fuck dolphins. Ghoolie 12/2/2012: I have absolutely no skills, training or pride -
Im all good with this one Tour.....and you KNOW Im praying for a FS......and, if I can have Adams, Ill take a SS too......
One thing I see a lot of folks saying(pundits and all) is the Browns need a "safety"......and, in my world, the Browns REALLY REALLY need a FREE Safety......specifically......and that would be Hooker, Baker or Williams......
Im infatuated with Adams and would take him in a heart beat....BUT, if we do take him, it does NOT resolve our safety problem. So, we still will need to tap a FS along the way.....(guys noted above).....and middle round guy I also like is Marcus Maye. FS with some back bone(ss traits)....
Im not too high on our current SS group....BUT....they are 2 youngsters who have shown some potential....so, if we are going to address only one safety position, lets make it FS and see if Campbell and Kindred can grow into the SS role.....especially since SS is more smash mouth tackler and requires a little less coverage skills and technique.....
If we go SS with Adams, I'd like to see more of a center fielder from my FS.
I think we need a guy back there who is rangy, quick, can challenge receivers in the air, and has a nose for the ball.
I think Williams fits that profile the best.
If we go SS with Adams, I'd like to see more of a center fielder from my FS.
I think we need a guy back there who is rangy, quick, can challenge receivers in the air, and has a nose for the ball.
I think Williams fits that profile the best.
6'1>5'10 when the nose for ball meets challenge receiver in air..am just not sold on Budda's 5'10.watching Haden getting beat repeatedly on high throws outside may have done it
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Im all good with this one Tour.....and you KNOW Im praying for a FS......and, if I can have Adams, Ill take a SS too......
One thing I see a lot of folks saying(pundits and all) is the Browns need a "safety"......and, in my world, the Browns REALLY REALLY need a FREE Safety......specifically......and that would be Hooker, Baker or Williams......
Im infatuated with Adams and would take him in a heart beat....BUT, if we do take him, it does NOT resolve our safety problem. So, we still will need to tap a FS along the way.....(guys noted above).....and middle round guy I also like is Marcus Maye. FS with some back bone(ss traits)....
Im not too high on our current SS group....BUT....they are 2 youngsters who have shown some potential....so, if we are going to address only one safety position, lets make it FS and see if Campbell and Kindred can grow into the SS role.....especially since SS is more smash mouth tackler and requires a little less coverage skills and technique.....
If we go SS with Adams, I'd like to see more of a center fielder from my FS.
I think we need a guy back there who is rangy, quick, can challenge receivers in the air, and has a nose for the ball.
I think Williams fits that profile the best.
If we go SS with Adams, I'd like to see more of a center fielder from my FS.
I think we need a guy back there who is rangy, quick, can challenge receivers in the air, and has a nose for the ball.
I think Williams fits that profile the best.
Righto....I definitely see FS as that rangy center fielder you're describing.....and agree we we need that guy, Adams or not...
To me, Williams looks great.....along with a few others(just a really talented group this year).....and Id say he is the most "prototype" of the group....just looks like a FS should look and has the most balanced game(yes, even more balanced than Hooker).....
6'1>5'10 when the nose for ball meets challenge receiver in air..am just not sold on Budda's 5'10.watching Haden getting beat repeatedly on high throws outside may have done it
Budda might be short in stature....but he isnt short on making plays or knocking your teeth out......He has the best short game of ALL the FS group....plays the run well.....a complete safety, less 2 inches
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If we go SS with Adams, I'd like to see more of a center fielder from my FS.
I think we need a guy back there who is rangy, quick, can challenge receivers in the air, and has a nose for the ball.
I think Williams fits that profile the best.
Righto....I definitely see FS as that rangy center fielder you're describing.....and agree we we need that guy, Adams or not...
To me, Williams looks great.....along with a few others(just a really talented group this year).....and Id say he is the most "prototype" of the group....just looks like a FS should look and has the most balanced game(yes, even more balanced than Hooker).....
6'1>5'10 when the nose for ball meets challenge receiver in air..am just not sold on Budda's 5'10.watching Haden getting beat repeatedly on high throws outside may have done it
Budda might be short in stature....but he isnt short on making plays or knocking your teeth out......He has the best short game of ALL the FS group....plays the run well.....a complete safety, less 2 inches
Budda might be short in stature....but he isnt short on making plays or knocking your teeth out......He has the best short game of ALL the FS group....plays the run well.....a complete safety, less 2 inches
as long as am not forced to watch a 5'11" no wrap,arm tackling,bounce off a guy like a gerbil peppers..I think I can fight my way threw it.
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Budda might be short in stature....but he isnt short on making plays or knocking your teeth out......He has the best short game of ALL the FS group....plays the run well.....a complete safety, less 2 inches
as long as am not forced to watch a 5'11" no wrap,arm tackling,bounce off a guy like a gerbil peppers..I think I can fight my way threw it.
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I don't hate Jabrill as a defensive weapon with some creative uses in sub packages.
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... and in a related article...
Malik Hooker in the 2017 NFL Draft: 5 reasons the Browns should not pick him
Summary of article's "points" in answer to opening question: Should the Browns draft Malik Hooker at No. 12?- If your QB is available, forget it.
- Do you really take a one-year starter this high?
- What about his injury?
- The downside of Hooker's game. (tackling ability)
- Can you maximize value and get a safety later?
http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2017/04/malik_hooker_in_the_2017_nfl_d.html
Couple of things I read the article and its hard to argue with the guys first point. If you really believe the qb of the future is sitting there at 12 you have to take him, but if the browns are so sure of said qb being the guy why wouldn't they have taken him at number one instead of risking him falling to number 12.... and in a related article...
Malik Hooker in the 2017 NFL Draft: 5 reasons the Browns should not pick him
Summary of article's "points" in answer to opening question: Should the Browns draft Malik Hooker at No. 12?
- If your QB is available, forget it.
- Do you really take a one-year starter this high?
- What about his injury?
- The downside of Hooker's game. (tackling ability)
- Can you maximize value and get a safety later?
The one year starter thing is just complete garbage as in his first point he is advocating taking a one year starter at the qb position if he is your guy. So doesn't the same ring true for Hooker?
You never know how a player is going to recover from surgery but it is considered minor surgery now a days. The fact he played the last half the season with a sports hernia and bowl game with torn labrum and did so very well speaks to his toughness.
The tackling thing is very nitpicky. He is more than willing to stick his nose in on run plays and hit receivers coming over the middle. He would just rather make a play on the ball thrown over the middle. He's not a huge hitter by any stretch but he was a pretty sure tackler in college. I don't recall very many missed tackles from him unlike the free safety we just picked up from osu who played in front of him the previous year.
Edit I read report said he had 13 missed tackles which is more than i expected. Report is wrong on tackles though as it said he had 17 when he actually had 74.
The draft is very deep at safety. I fully agree you could be able to maximize value and go safety later. Literally can't argue this lol. Unless you try to solve both positions by going hooker at 12 and Jones with a pick in second round
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Keep your eye on Eddie Jackson from Bama-I had him as my "steal" of the draft @ 108 for a reason, but I think he's gone before then. He dropped only because he broke a leg and that means nothing in the long run. Not a knee or a neck. Normally he goes in round 2 IMO.
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