Cleveland Browns 2010 1st Round NFL Draft Preview

The 2009 version of the Cleveland Browns looked like an expansion team for most of the season and had their share of distractions to boot.  The distractions were in the form of butter fingers and bad attitude.  Each were eliminated when malcontent Braylon Edwards was sent packing to New York.  The Browns also fired GM George Kokinis during the season.  As result chaos ensued and the offense was putrid to say the least.  Then something astonishing happened in the 2nd half of the season- the Browns looked like a legitimate football team.  Head Coach Eric Mangini rallied the troops resulting in a four game winning streak to end the season.  Near the end of the season veteran Head Coach Mike Holmgren was hired as the team’s new President.  Speculation arose that Mangini would be sent packing but he survived the storm.  Former Philadelphia Eagle GM Tom Heckert, JR. was brought in at the same position with the Browns.

As the NFL playoffs continue, talk of the 2010 NFL Draft increases.  The draft “gurus” act more like soothsayers instead of football analysts in their tabloid style reports.  Their projected drafts change more than Tiger Woods’ personality and have as much substance.  Instead of the typical rhetoric and quarterback hyperbole, we will focus on team needs and player evaluations.

It has been long debated what are the most important positions in football.  Obviously, QB is the first position that comes to mind and few teams can win without at least an adequate QB.  Teams such as the 2008 Baltimore Ravens and the 2009 New York Jets have won with sub-par play behind center but their margin for error is miniscule.  Left tackle is also another position that is quick to mind.  However, like in baseball where teams build up the middle, the same applies to football where d-tackles are essential as are middle linebackers but the most important position may in fact be the safety position.

In the 2009 season the Pittsburgh Steelers lost All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu for the majority of the season.  Their vaunted defense, which led them to the 2008 Super Bowl, wasn’t the same as Pittsburgh limped to a 9-7 record.  The New Orleans Saints defense was given little respect after the 2008 season until they signed grizzled veteran Darren Sharper.  The team became more aggressive and forced turnovers behind the passion and instincts of Sharper.  The Denver Broncos also had a horrible 2008 season on the defensive side of the ball which prompted them to sign veteran safety Brian Dawkins.  Dawkins made an immediate impact as he became the emotional leader just as he was in Philly.  Granted, the safeties mentioned are extremely good but from a Browns’ perspective the same situation occurred in 1991.

The Browns drafted head hunting safety Eric Turner out of UCLA with the second pick of the draft in 1991.  His arrival coincided with the arrival of new Head Coach Bill Belichick.  Although the Browns were mired under .500 for three seasons it wasn’t a result of their play on the defensive side of the ball.  Turner dramatically impacted the defense and made wide receivers squeamish when coming across the middle.  In their lone playoff season under Belichick, Turner led the league with nine interceptions and was a member of the Pro Bowl squad.  Will the Browns follow the 1991 draft?  There are two safeties who could be elite.  The first is Eric Berry from Tennessee.  He is a ball hawking safety who lacks size but has the ball skills an instincts that defensive coordinators dream of.  He will likely be gone when the Browns pick at # 7.  Their only likely shot at safety will be hard hitting Taylor Mays.  Many pundits have dropped Mays down do to what they feel are lack of coverage skills.  The fact is the 6’3”-230lb Mays is incredibly fast for a player his size and would be very effective against the run and most importantly pack the lumber.  If they do not choose a safety the linebacker position is the obvious choice.

The Browns have the defensive tackle position solidified with monster Shaun Rogers but the linebackers struggled throughout especially with the injuries to starters Eric Barton and D’Qwell Jackson.  The Browns not only lack sure tacklers and physical enforcers but also emotional and spiritual leaders.  The signing of Matt Roth certainly helped but if they do not take a safety they should go to the best linebacker in the draft, Alabama’s Rolando McClain.  McClain was the leader of one of the best defenses in the nation both in the huddle and in the field of play.  He is smart, instinctive and a head thumper as he stands in at 6-4 and 258 lbs.  He would step on the field and start immediately.  He would be the glue to the Browns defense for years to come while calling out the pre-snap reads and being a vocal leader.

In summary, if the Browns land Berry, Mays or McClain fans will have a player they can be proud of and a player that will make a impact.  Remember Browns fans, Mangini is largely responsible for what happened with the Jets.  He turned in the same record as Rex Ryan did this season when he received overblown accolades.  With Holmgren, Heckert and Mangini-the Browns future is finally looking bright.

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

Championship Sunday

As the greatest day in sport inches closer (Championship Sunday), America looks forward to witnessing history.  The NFL plans to intoxicate the viewing public with sights they have not seen in years.  The “Old Man” (Favre) will try to crank up the heat on the “Boilermaker” (Brees) and “Rocky Top” (Manning) will look to roll over the “Men of Troy” (Sanchez).  Two teams will battle for a shot at winning their 1st Super Bowl, one tries to return after a long hiatus, and the last, wishes to cement their legacy.  When the dust settles, vision will be cast on the two at the top. 

Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets

Coach Ryan and “Gang Green” enter Sunday with confidence and momentum.  Not only do they have the #1 Rushing attack in the league, they have the #1 Defense.  This team has implemented old school football to nth degree.  It’s simple, run the ball to control the clock and stop your opponent from putting points on the board.  This game however, will not be that easy.  They will be facing one of the most explosive offenses in the game and quite possibly the best quarterback ever.  The Colts, coming off a week 16 loss to these very Jets, will be chomping at the bit to get another shot at them.  Their middle of the road defense will have to stop the run if they have any ambitions of being in Miami on February 7th.  The Cinderella Jets will put up a good fight but in the end Indianapolis will emerge victorious (27-17). 

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

As Brett Favre goes “Marching Home” (he grew up 45 minutes from New Orleans ), the fate of his Vikings go along with him.  To all the doubters, critics, and haters out there, “I told you so.”  Adrian Peterson looks to get on track and chew up some yardage against an average New Orleans front 7.  If he gets loose, it could be a long day for “Who Dat” and the rest of their faithful.  As for the Saints, their offense is ridiculous.  They can light up the scoreboard and have the ability to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.  Drew Brees has quietly become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and could climb to the top with a victory this weekend.  This is going to be a hell of a game and it’s a shame that both teams can’t go, but the “Purple People Eaters” will prevail in a close one (33-29).     

This day is about more than just football.  It’s about friendship, dedication, tenacity, and luck.  Dreams become reality, as the chosen few attain NFL immortality.  Every drill, every weight, every meeting, and every meal leads to this moment.  There are no more words that can be said to heighten this spectacle.  All you must do is prepare your feast, find your seat, and enjoy the treat that is Championship Sunday.

Todd P Coleman 01-22-10

Ohioans are no strangers to the world of Mixed Martial Arts as seen by the many big-name fighters who have come out of the state of Ohio. But to get to the top of the sport and fight in the main event at a UFC or Strikeforce event you really must be a big deal. Recently, Ohio MMA fighters have been featured in several main event fights.

UFC 99 & UFC 103 both saw Cincinnati’s Rich Franklin, the former UFC Middleweight Champion, fight in the main event for both events. Franklin defeated Wanderlei Silva at UFC 99 before suffering a KO loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 103.

Strikeforce Challengers: Jorge Gurgel, despite being a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, chose to once against and and bang as he lost a decision to Billy Evangelista in a 155 pound battle at Strikeforce Challengers4.

In the UFC 108 co-main event featured Cincinnati’s Dustin Hazelett versus Paul Daley. Unfortunately for Hazelett, the submission specialist did not get a chance to show off his jiu jitsu skill as Daley scored a 1st round KO.

Spike TV featured a free night of fights on January 11, 2010 as former Cleveland St. Edward’s wrestler Gray Maynard defeated badboy Nate Diaz by Spilt Decision in the night’s main event. Maynard, still undefeated in his pro MMA career, is now being mentioned in discussions for a UFC Lightweight title shot.

Fighting atop the UFC 109 fight card is former Miami University and Ohio State wrestler and UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman facing Randy Couture, another member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

The UFC returns to action with their second event of 2010 as fans will be treated to a free UFC event with UFC Fight Night 20 taking place on Monday, January 11th. Coming off their wins at UFC Fight Night 19 in the co-main events, Nate Diaz and Gray Maynard will now face off with each other in the UFN 20 main event. As always Pro Fighting Fans, the UFC news leaders, will provide the official UFC Fight Night 20 results after each fight is complete. Below we preview one of the many fights set for the January 11 UFC Fight Night event. Also be sure to look to UFCFightNightResults.com for historic UFC Fight Night results dating back to the first UFN event in 2005.

Gray Maynard vs Nate Diaz

In a bout that could have title implications, undefeated TUF 5 contestants Gray Maynard (9-0 1 NC) and Nate Diaz (11-4) will meet in the main event at UFC Fight Night 20 from Fairfax, VA.

Maynard, a former Michigan State wrestler, had only three bouts under his belt before his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 5. Although he didn’t win the TUF 5 tournament and had a bizarre ending in his debut that resulted in a No Contest, “The Bully” reeled off six consecutive victories to get his current main card position. Five of his six victories have ended in decisions and only his Fight Night victory over Joe Veres (TKO) ended early. His latest victory came against Roger Huerta at Fight Night 19 in September via decision.

Nate Diaz came into the organization with a little more experience than that of his main event counterpart. Prior to winning TUF 5, Diaz compiled a 5-2 record with his most notable fight being a WEC 24 lightweight title loss against Hermes Franca. He put together five straight victories to open his UFC career that saw him rest toward the top of the 155-pound division. However, after dropping back-to-back bouts to Clay Guida and Joe Stevenson, he had lost his position as a top contender for the belt. He has taken one step closer to regaining contender status with a September Fight Night victory over Melvin Guillard.

Prediction – Maynard over Diaz via decision

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Eric Mangini will return to coach the Browns in 2010.  Speculation rose, despite the four game winning streak to end the season, that new Browns President Mike Holmgren would oust the heavily scrutinized Mangini.  Mangini met the Browns brass the last two days which led to the announcement today.

This is a good move for the Browns.  Yes it was a miserable season but with consideration to the hand he was dealt, Mangini did a great job in the 2nd half of the season.  The team played hard and improved as the season wore on.  Key players such as Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison excelled over the final four contests and will be key to a successful 2010.  Mangini’s system is a complicated but his philosphy and team concept is even more difficult for players to grasp.  The fact that Mangini was able to clean house (sending malcontents Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow packing) and still show improvement is a testament to his coaching style and doctrine.  He believes firmly in high character guys who believe in team first.  The future may finally be bright in Cleveland with Holgren overseeing the organization, Mangini as the Head Coach and defensive guru Rob Ryan coaching the defense.

Keep checking in with ohiosportstime.com as we will have updated needs for the team and draft previews.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Tonight’s National Championship game will be filled with NFL prospects.  For the Browns, the one that matters is Rolando McClain.  Yes the secondary struggled and the offense was inept for most of the season; however, in a 3-4 defense linebackers are key.  None are better than the studious McClain.  He is the leader of the best defense in the nation and has a rare combination of size and speed- the kind defensive coordinators drool over.  There is no doubt the Browns defense would instantly be better with McClain on board.  The junior linebacker will have his hands full tonight against Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Browns end their season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game which only impacts their position in the draft.  The Browns look to finish the season with four straight wins under the watchful eye of new President Mike Holmgren.  The Jags are still scratching their heads on a season that got away.  Speculation grows surrounding the drafting of college phenom Tim Tebow.  Next week we will review the 2009 Browns and offer a glimpse of the 2010 draft.

The Bengals sit at 10-5 as they travel to New York to face the 8-7 Jets on Sunday night.  The only movement for the Bengals is possibly moving up to a number three seed.  All will be settled before the game kicks off so there may be little drama.  The Jets will most likely still need a win to get in the playoffs.  The Bengals best match-up in the playoffs would be a Jets team that severely struggles on the offensive side of the ball.  As result it would behooves the Bengals to rest their starters and prepare for the wild card game to be played in Cincinnati.  Next week we will have a complete preview of the Bengals 1st round game and the playoffs as a whole.

Enjoy week 17!!

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Ohio State vs. Oregon

Rose Bowl

January 1st 4:30 ET ABC

To some the 2009 season was a success as the Buckeyes won an outright Big Ten Title and earned a Rose Bowl appearance, to others it’s a season of what could have been.  The 10-2 Bucks lost to a USC team in Columbus which had a horrible season by their standards.  Their second loss was even worse as they were beaten by a sub .500 Purdue team.  Many fans will view the 2009 season as an opportunity lost; where a Rose Bowl appearance isn’t good enough to take away the sting of not playing for the BCS trophy.

The 09 season was filled with dominating performances by a defense that is one of the best in the nation.  DT Cameron Heyward, DE Thaddeus Gibson, LB Brian Rolle and Safety Kurt Coleman were stalwarts of the stingy defense.  On offense, as usual with a Jim Tressel coached team, the play calling lacked imagination; often keeping lesser teams in the game and clearly cost the Buckeyes the game against USC.  Finally, the much maligned offensive line started to gel as OSU racked up significant rushing yards in a critical three game stretch to end the season.  The two headed attack of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron controlled the clock leading OSU to victories over Penn State, Iowa and Michigan.  Sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor progressed as the season wore on showing glimpses of greatness.  Coach Tressel finished the regular season in typical fashion with a victory over rival Michigan.  The victory moved Tressel to 8-1 against Michigan.

The Oregon Ducks started the season on an auspicious note not only losing to Boise State but they also lost their stud RB LeGarrette Blount as he threw a punch after the game.  Despite all that, Head Coach Chip Kelly managed to rally the troops as Oregon put it all together.  The Ducks won seven games in a row following the Boise State loss which set up a
pseudo Pac 10 title game against rival Oregon State.  The Ducks won the civil war in dramatic fashion 37-33.  The 10-2 Ducks are led by unorthodox QB Jeremiah Masoli who threw for 2,066 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 659 yards and 12 scores.  Freshmen RB LaMichael James was sensational rushing for 1,476 yards and 14 scores.  Another addition to an already stacked cupboard is Garrett who returned to the field during the Oregon State game.

Prediction: Much has been made regarding Ohio State’s struggles with a spread offense.  They will get their chance to vindicate themselves when they face the versatile offense of the Oregon Ducks.  The Bucks will have to maintain gap integrity and prevent Masoli, James and Garrett from getting in space.  OSU will put eight in the box in an attempt to force Masoli to beat them through the air and apply pressure with a fantastic front four.  On offense, OSU will play conservatively while pounding the ball with Saine and Herron.  The key will be to get Saine as many touches as possible through the air.  When linebackers cover Saine it’s a tremendous mismatch.  Although Pryor is suffering from a knee injury he will make big plays with his feet and to fellow sophomore, WR Devier Posey.  Ohio State’s defense dominates the game as the Buckeyes break their bowl skid.  Ohio State 31 Oregon 20

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Cincinnati vs. Florida

Sugar Bowl

January 1st 8:30 ET FOX

The Cincinnati Bearcats will take the field for the first time since their thrilling victory over Pittsburgh.  The victory not only sent the Bearcats to a BCS Bowl but preserved an undefeated regular season.  On December 5th walking off of Heinz Field in the bask of a big victory, all was rosy in the Queen City.  Bearcats fans were elated with the upcoming announcement of the biggest game in the school’s history which turned out to be powerhouse Florida.  Then the ball dropped, the magic ended, the euphoria was silenced; the announcement came that Head Coach Brian Kelly had accepted the head coach position at Notre Dame.  Fans were outraged and players were stunned, yet that is the nature of the hypocritical NCAA.  With the incredible amount of time between the last game of the season and the bowl game, coaches are forced to make a decision during that time span.  Brian Kelly built the UC program then when he reaches what could be their pinnacle, leaves his team to fend for themselves.  This happens in no other sport.  The NCAA needs to forbid teams from speaking to a coach who is involved in a bowl game.  The interim coach will be Jeff Quinn who has already signed on to be the Head Coach at Buffalo.

The defending National Champion Florida Gators have experienced some drama in their own right.  The Gators suffered a tough loss in the SEC Championship game to Alabama which ended their pursuit of a repeat.  Many speculated the Gators would not be motivated for a game against the Bearcats, then the Urban Meyer news broke.  Reports surfaced quickly that Meyer was leaving Florida due to health reasons.  Not only would Gator Nation watch the last game of the greatest player in their history but they would also watch one of their greatest coaches in his last game.  The news stunned the college football world but soon thereafter Meyer had a change of heart.  Meyer is now stating he will only take a leave of absence to get his priorities and health in order.  He plans to coach against UC then take a leave of absence until August.  No doubt, despite all of the drama the Gators will come to play.

Prediction: Despite their perfect record, the Bearcats haven’t faced the talent level of Florida.  On both the offensive and defensive lines, the Gators will have the advantage.  Despite the big play ability of the Bearcats, the Gators hold the overall speed advantage on both sides of the ball and will unleash a fierce pass rush.  The Bearcats will use three step drops and quick slants routes to avoid the pressure of the Gators.  Stud WR Mardy Gilyard will need to have a big game for the Bearcats to have a chance as will QB Tony Pike who will look to bounce back from a miserable performance in last year’s bowl game.  Cincinnati may also use backup QB Zach Collaros who is a multidimensional threat.  On defense, Cincinnati will have to contend with one of the greatest players in the history of college football, Tim Tebow.  Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy Winner, has led Florida to two national championships.  Tebow is a machine on the ground and a fearless leader.  He is the heart and soul of the Gators.  The difference in the game will be the Bearcat defense which has struggled mightily of late.  They will not be able to stop the depth and speed of the Gator offense.  Tebow will have a monster game in his farewell performance as the Gators chomp the Bearcats.  Florida 47 Cincinnati 31

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns

December 27th 1:00 ET

The Cleveland Browns had a record breaking day at Kansas City, at least two of their stars did.  In the 41-34 victory Jerome Harrison set the single game Browns rushing record and Josh Cribbs broke the career kickoff return for touchdowns record.  Harrison ran for 286 yards which included three touchdowns while Cribbs broke the record then returned another kickoff for a touchdown with each 100 yards or greater.  On defense the Browns struggled mightily against both the pass and the run.  As typical when they face an average QB, the Browns defense was vanilla and as result was lit up.  QB Matt Cassel threw for 331 yards and two scores and Jamaal Charles ran for 154 yards and a score.  The defense is missing several key components due to injury but the secondary has no excuse for their performance.  Skirt (Brandon McDonald) should at the very least be benched for his obvious lack of effort.  Each week he avoids contact and gets burnt routinely.  The secondary must be addressed either in the draft or via free agency this off season.

Tom Cable’s Raiders are now 5-9 on the season and 3-2 in their last five.  In their last game, the Raiders defeated rival Denver on the road 20-19.  QB Charlie Frye was injured in the game which forced the much maligned JaMarcus Russell into action.  Russell was solid leading the Raiders to the winning touchdown but the story of the game was the running attack.  The Raiders rushing attack was tremendous and their run defense was as well.  Oakland ran for a whopping 241 yards while holding the Broncos to 80 yards.

Prediction: Charlie Frye will likely be the starter when he returns to his old stomping grounds.  In a twist of fate he will face the QB that replaced him, Derek Anderson.  The Statue will once again be the starter following the season ending injury to Brady Quinn.  The Browns defense struggled mightily last week against the Chiefs and will find no lesser of a challenge when they face the three headed rushing attack of the Raiders.  Michael Bush, Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden.  They should find some success but the Browns may be able to limit their effectiveness by stacking the line and forcing Charlie Frye to beat them.  On offense the Browns will attack the line of scrimmage with Jerome Harrison (who should have been getting the majority of the carries for the past two seasons) in a conservatively called game.  If the Statue (Derek Anderson) doesn’t turn the ball over the Browns should get the victory.  In new President Mike Holmgren’s first game, the Browns pull out an ugly victory in front of the home faithful.  Cleveland 23 Oakland 13

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer