@ballpeen said:

I disagree but he sure hasn't played up to his potential. The weak link has always been ILB/MLB on this team. have always needed a urlacher,derrick brooks,like presence in the middle...Robert L. Jackson is the last stud MLB we've had and he got hurt after 3 seasons.

Either way....I still don't think he is very good......but I will give him a pass. As long as he plays for Romeo, who knows what these guys get in practice?

pool's concussion history worries me. not just for the team, but for his long-term ability to think.

@wpb-dawg-fan said:

DT S.Rogers

ILB R.Maualagu

ILB D.Jackson

SS Chung

FS Pool

It would be hard to do anything against the middle of that defense.

HALLELLUYAH!!!

DT S.Rogers

ILB R.Maualagu

ILB D.Jackson

SS Chung

FS Pool

It would be hard to do anything against the middle of that defense.

tyson jackson is a 3-4 end playing in a 4-3. he can get away with it in college, but he'll need to be a 3-4 end in the pros. either that or he'll have to convert to DT. i think he'll be a good 3-4 player, a guy in the mold of richard seymour but less polished at this point.

george selvie's scouting report makes him sound like an absolute monster, the kind of pass-rushing threat we desperately need. i'm torn about drafting pass rushers. they wash out more often than not, but 3-4 prospects tend to be a bit more of a sure thing than do pure defensive ends. the speed/strength combo seems easier to identify. 3-4 rushers don't seem to be able to get by on pure speed like 4-3 guys do.

we need a good draft this year. this team is getting old far too quickly.

@jewdago said:

Here you go!

Player Evals

Wimbley comments

He is the Right Side OLB...which lines up across for the LT of the offense. Not only that, but he has consistently drawn a shift from the OL and had the RB chip on his side.

Head coach Romeo Crennel and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker are constantly put in the position of saying the statistics do not reflect how well Wimbley is playing.

Rookie Alex Hall has three sacks, but only 19 tackles. Willie McGinest has 32 tackles, no sacks and seven quarterback pressures. Crennel said starting Monday in Buffalo, Wimbley might be moved around so offenses will have more difficulty blocking him.

“Kamerion brings a lot to the table,” Tucker said. “He’s doing a lot for us and maybe the numbers haven’t shown that so far, but I do feel good about the direction he’s going.

“He’s done a good job against the run. He’s very consistent versus the pass. They’ve slid the line to him and they’ve done a good job of chipping with the back to his side. I think Kamerion is going to make his fair share of plays before the end of the day.”

Wimbley is more concerned about team success than his own. To that end, he plays in the team concept instead of running around trying to improve his own stats.

He is NOT a situational pass rusher either...as he does a pretty good job of dropping back into coverage.

Anyway, we start moving him around and he will get a shot at the RT...and I expect him getting a few more looks at the QB over the coming weeks.

@solon16 said:

Miller was a lot bigger from what I remember and a real linebacker.

Wimbly is a situational pass rusher no matter where you line him up.

As it stands, we have him, in theory, up against the slowest of the linemen...the RT.

If he goes to the other side the LT will eat him up and he simply isn't that strong to line up in the middle....he would be there to rush...it wouldn't be play MLB against the run...which is what teams would do if they saw him lined up there...check into a draw play or line plunge and let some massive guard maul him in some run block.

William Moore S 6’1 230 Missouri

By: Robert Davis

Moore had a solid freshman season, tallying 30 tackles and an interception in 2005. He was more active as a sophomore, finishing the year with 51 tackles, while picking off another pass. Moore had a breakout junior year though, where he had 117 tackles and eight interceptions on his way to All America honors.

Strengths

Moore is a physical safety that is a playmaker as a run and pass defender. He has excellent size in the secondary, and uses it to lay receivers out over the middle of the field. Moore is aggressive in attacking the action and delivers a blow when he meets the ball carrier. What separates Moore from most 230lb safeties is his cover ability. He is a good athlete that has tremendous ball skills. He easily locates the ball in the air and shows the ability to go up and make plays on the football.

Weaknesses

Moore does not have many shortcomings on the field, but he does lack tremendous closing speed. He is not in poor shape, but operating in the 220 range may give him an extra step and ease this concern but he can have problems recovering when a player beats him.

Future

Moore is a legitimate first round pick at the safety position. He has the skills, toughness, and instincts to be a perennial pro bowler in the NFL. This could be a very good safety class if a couple underclassmen declare, and where Moore goes exactly will depend on those decisions and workouts in the post season. Wherever he is selected, he will make his team happy and be a high impact defender.

Compared to Maualuga

Rey Maualuga LB 6'2 260 USC

By: Robert Davis

Maualuga had a very productive true freshman season for USC in 2005. As a reserve inside linebacker, he tallied 37 tackles, 4.5 for loss, a sack and an interception. He stepped into a starting role as a sophomore, earning All Pac 10 1st team honors while posting 78 tackles, five for loss, two sacks, and an interception on the year. Maualuga became a two time honoree on the Pac 10 1st team as a junior, posting a team leading 79 tackles, 10.5 for loss, six sacks and a pick.

Strengths

Maualuga is the type of player you fear as an offensive player. He is very strong, aggressive, and plays with a real mean streak on the field. If you are carrying the ball or are in his way of getting to the ball carrier, he will do whatever it takes to make the tackle. His size and demeanor on the field make him a force between the tackles. He isn’t afraid to take on a lineman and is strong enough to fight off the block and make the tackle.

What separates him from most middle linebackers is the speed and athleticism he displays on the field. Maualuga easily chases plays down from behind and can run sideline to sideline to make plays. His athleticism allows him to match up in coverage and make plays with the ball in the air. All of his experience is inside, but Maualuga has the ability to move outside and perform at a high level there if the situation calls for it.

Weaknesses

While his aggression is mostly a positive thing on the field, it can get Maualuga into trouble at times. He plays so hard and moves so fast that he can overrun plays at times, allowing the carrier to slip by and pick up big chunks of yardage. He is so intent on reading the action that he can’t wait to react, and jumps too early. He will need to be a more disciplined player to take his game to another level.

Future

Maualuga is a part of the most talented linebacking duo in some time in college, teaming with Brian Cushing. The two are as physically gifted as any pair and will cause opposing coaches nightmares this season. Maualuga can do everything you want an inside linebacker to do and more, along with having the versatility to move outside. His all around game is going to entice some team to take him in the first round of the draft in April, barring any unforseen incidents.

Either way, you get a headhunter!!!

@ballpeen said:

I don't know about all that...I have been a proponent of using him all over the field like we did Jamir miller. I would never line him up in one position like the Browns have most of the time.

@wpb-dawg-fan said:

Injuries:

1. Robaire Smith on the IR: He is KNOWN as a run stopper. His loss was bigger than most would admit.

2. Antoine Peek: I know he is always injured, but we were relying heavily on him and he went down 3 days before the season

3. Sean Jones: His knee injury was devastating to BOTH the run and pass defense. He is obviously not up to speed even now...and no telling if he will ever get there.

4. Corey Williams: He continues to play, but with a bad wing (shoulder) it is hard to control the line...especially when learning a new position

5. Wimbley: He had an inner thigh injury that was bothering him for the first half of the year...but he has come on since the Washington game. He has even gotten to the QB a few times and seems to be playing better in space since then as well.

6. Shaun Smith: Broken hand missed three games.

When you combine the injuries on the DL (Smith/Smith/Rogers/Williams), the ENTIRE DL STARTING ROTATION has been dinged nearly the entire season. With the rotation relying on 2 players new to the system, a third on the IR, and the fourth playing out of position....what do you really expect.

And as we know, DL play affects the LB play. With the shear size of our DL it also puts pressure on our OLB's to maintain proper lanes instead of going full out on pass rushing. Williams and S.Smith do NOT have the quickness to hold the edge in the 3-4...so our OLB's are being used more as like they would in a 5-2 than a true 3-4. They are run first, pass rush second. THAT is the main reason Wimbley is not getting sacks. He is forced to control the edge first...then read and rush. Also, the lack of a true pass rushing OLB on the opposite side (sure, Hall has had moments...but no sacks since week 6 and only 3 tackles since week 7. The loss of Peek hurt us bad. Maybe Orr can step it up this week.

On the ILB's, I agree Davis is done. He just doesn't have it anymore. DQ on the other hand seems to fit nicely...but he needs a thumper next to him and Davis isn't giving us that...maybe Bell will....or maybe we just need to get another guy in here for that.

Personally, I like the 3-4...but we NEED to get a smaller, faster guy at one of the DE positions (R.Smith is getting old at 31). I like the size of Pittman and Thomas for that spot. Williams, once he gets healthy...may be the guy for the L side.

At OLB, we need to get Hall up to speed for next year, and feel out Orr to see if he can add something. Peek is just to injury prone. I am not ready to write Wimbley off yet...I still think playing next to a slow-DT at DE in S.Smith is part of his problem.

At ILB, we need to see if Bell can bring it. If he can...great, if not, get into the Rey Maualuga sweepstakes.

S...believe it or not I would like this as a top pick. I like a guy who can play like Polly-needs-a-haircut. If we don't have a big gunner at ILB, he can bring the wood on blitzes and run D. Someone like William Moore from Missouri (6'1" 230) or Taylor Mays from USC (6'3" 230). I prefer Moore as he is a popper!!!

Anyway...I really believe we have the BASE for a nice 3-4...but we NEED that one guy who is a difference maker. And that needs to be down the middle, either ILB or S!!! The DE's and OLB's will benefit from that.

Great analysis....I agree with you on Safety but a Stud ILB is what has been missing on a Browns defense since Mike Johnson. And he was just above decent.

Injuries:

1. Robaire Smith on the IR: He is KNOWN as a run stopper. His loss was bigger than most would admit.

2. Antoine Peek: I know he is always injured, but we were relying heavily on him and he went down 3 days before the season

3. Sean Jones: His knee injury was devastating to BOTH the run and pass defense. He is obviously not up to speed even now...and no telling if he will ever get there.

4. Corey Williams: He continues to play, but with a bad wing (shoulder) it is hard to control the line...especially when learning a new position

5. Wimbley: He had an inner thigh injury that was bothering him for the first half of the year...but he has come on since the Washington game. He has even gotten to the QB a few times and seems to be playing better in space since then as well.

6. Shaun Smith: Broken hand missed three games.

When you combine the injuries on the DL (Smith/Smith/Rogers/Williams), the ENTIRE DL STARTING ROTATION has been dinged nearly the entire season. With the rotation relying on 2 players new to the system, a third on the IR, and the fourth playing out of position....what do you really expect.

And as we know, DL play affects the LB play. With the shear size of our DL it also puts pressure on our OLB's to maintain proper lanes instead of going full out on pass rushing. Williams and S.Smith do NOT have the quickness to hold the edge in the 3-4...so our OLB's are being used more as like they would in a 5-2 than a true 3-4. They are run first, pass rush second. THAT is the main reason Wimbley is not getting sacks. He is forced to control the edge first...then read and rush. Also, the lack of a true pass rushing OLB on the opposite side (sure, Hall has had moments...but no sacks since week 6 and only 3 tackles since week 7. The loss of Peek hurt us bad. Maybe Orr can step it up this week.

On the ILB's, I agree Davis is done. He just doesn't have it anymore. DQ on the other hand seems to fit nicely...but he needs a thumper next to him and Davis isn't giving us that...maybe Bell will....or maybe we just need to get another guy in here for that.

Personally, I like the 3-4...but we NEED to get a smaller, faster guy at one of the DE positions (R.Smith is getting old at 31). I like the size of Pittman and Thomas for that spot. Williams, once he gets healthy...may be the guy for the L side.

At OLB, we need to get Hall up to speed for next year, and feel out Orr to see if he can add something. Peek is just to injury prone. I am not ready to write Wimbley off yet...I still think playing next to a slow-DT at DE in S.Smith is part of his problem.

At ILB, we need to see if Bell can bring it. If he can...great, if not, get into the Rey Maualuga sweepstakes.

S...believe it or not I would like this as a top pick. I like a guy who can play like Polly-needs-a-haircut. If we don't have a big gunner at ILB, he can bring the wood on blitzes and run D. Someone like William Moore from Missouri (6'1" 230) or Taylor Mays from USC (6'3" 230). I prefer Moore as he is a popper!!!

Anyway...I really believe we have the BASE for a nice 3-4...but we NEED that one guy who is a difference maker. And that needs to be down the middle, either ILB or S!!! The DE's and OLB's will benefit from that.

andra davis is far better suited to the 4-3. solon's right. he had his good years in the 4-3 and has been nothing but horrible in the 3-4. he's just better as a second line of defense than a playmaker.

as far as d'qwell goes, you don't lead the NFL in tackles by sucking. if you suck, then you're fourth on your own team in tackles and have two sacks.

@ ballpeen: i agree that the 4-3 can be effective. look at what the giants have done with it. that being said, i vastly prefer the 3-4, likely because of the steelers and madden. it's the D that i've run for years. i like its variation and unpredictability.

Rey in 09"

I agree Rich.....it is the players playing it and the coaches coaching it.

All in all, I prefer a 3-4. It gives you a faster team with more options...we just don't utilize any options.

The Browns do not have the right personnel to run the 4-3.

I remember 5 years ago everyone was crying for a 3-4 because the 4-3 wasn't working. Stick with the 3-4 and get players that can play it and a coach who can motivate.

I have seen a lot of 4-3 projections out there that are flat out wrong anyway. For one, Corey Williams would be a DT in a 4-3, not a DE. Second, the Browns linebackers would be terrible in a 4-3. Who would start? Jackson, Davis and Williams would all project to be inside guys in a 4-3.

What this team needs is to execute the way a 3-4 is supposed to. There is too much confusion between players on the field and that goes back to coaching. Does anyone really think the 3-4 would look this bad if Cowher or Marty were coaching? I doubt it. In fact, I am willing to bet you would see completely different personnel on the field instead of guys like Willie Mac and Andra Davis.

I agree with WPB on this. Robaire was a big blow, but this defense has not played well when Smith has played and I think it's more than a coincidence.

Smith = all talk and no action = sucking wind and standing still wrestling with a tackle.

@ masters & 88fingers: the problem is definitely the scheme and aggression. we're too passive and our blitzes are way, way, way too obvious. with the Qb seeing them, the line can see them, too, and easily pick them up. tucker's a good DB coach and could someday be a good DC, but for right now, he's just not creative enough and rac's not taking charge the way he should.

the teams that run good 3-4s are baltimore and pittsburgh. san diego did for a while, but that fell apart when wade phillips left for dallas. new england's version is too passive; i'm not a fan of it at all, and that is, unfortunately, the version of the 3-4 that romeo runs.