Local product Brian Hoyer begins his Browns career as No. 3 quarterback behind Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

A circuitous path home: Brian Hoyer was 10 years old when he sat with his father, Axel, at the final game of the old Browns in Cleveland Stadium on Dec. 17, 1995.

The sound of M-80s exploding in protest of the team being stolen to Baltimore and the sight of fans uprooting wooden seats to take home as relics frightened Hoyer. It was the ugliest day in Browns history.

Seven years later, as a quarterback of powerhouse St. Ignatius High School, Hoyer visited a practice of the new Browns at the same facility in Berea which is now his professional workplace.

“I’ve been here before,” Hoyer said after his third OTA practice on Thursday as a member of the Browns. “I didn’t need directions on the first day of work.”

Hoyer, now 27, was all smiles as reporters spoke with him for the first time since signing a two-year contract last week.

“It’s really a dream come true,” Hoyer said. “I always grew up wanting to be Bernie Kosar. Now to get a chance to play quarterback for the Browns, it’s definitely an exciting time.”

Hoyer doesn’t have time to revel in his dream, however. Although his arrival seemed inevitable, he came relatively late in the process to add competition to incumbent starter Brandon Weeden.

The Arizona Cardinals delayed Hoyer’s imminent departure by protecting their rights to the restricted free agent with a high second-round contract tender. In the meantime, the Browns added Jason Campbell, who has 72 career NFL starts to Hoyer’s one.

The Browns are Hoyer’s fourth team in nine months. Last season, he was released on the final roster cut by New England at the end of August, signed by Pittsburgh for two cups of coffee in November, waived, claimed by Arizona on Dec. 10, and crammed to start the final game of the season, his only start in four NFL seasons, a 27-13 loss to NFC champion San Francisco.

“This is my fourth offense in a year, so I’m really scrambling and trying to study as much as I can and get caught up because I’ve missed two months of meetings and workouts,” Hoyer said.

What he brings: Hoyer was signed as an undrafted free agent coming out of Michigan State in 2009 by New England coach Bill Belichick – the same man who presided over the final Browns game in 1995. As an undrafted rookie, Hoyer beat out three quarterbacks with more experience to win the job as Tom Brady’s backup.

He held it for three seasons and used the time wisely.

“For a guy like me, the situation of how I came in the league, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to go,” Hoyer said. “In my opinion, he’s the best. I got to sit there with him, day in and day out, and just see how he approaches things, how he runs a team, how strict he is on himself and really holds himself to the highest standard. I’ve seen what it takes to be the best and I try every time I go on the field to be the same.”

Hoyer eventually was displaced by 2011 third-round draft pick Ryan Mallett, who had a bigger arm and better physical skills and was viewed by Belichick as a potential heir to Brady.

But Belichick really liked Hoyer and confided his fondness to NFL Network analyst Mike Lombardi, who talked up Hoyer as a potential NFL starter. When Lombardi was named GM of the Browns by CEO Joe Banner in January, Hoyer’s arrival seemed imminent.

But Banner also heard glowing reports of Hoyer from three candidates interviewed for the position eventually given to Rob Chudzinski.

Coaches Ray Horton, Ken Whisenhunt and Bill O’Brien each said in interviews they would bring Hoyer to Cleveland if they got the job. They considered Hoyer a viable competitor for a starting job, and a solid NFL backup at the very least.

How does it unfold?:  Chudzinski and coordinator Norv Turner both favor the big-armed quarterback in their offense, which doesn’t exactly describe Hoyer. Chudzinski said Hoyer enters the fray as clear No. 3 behind Weeden and Campbell.

“He was available and we decided to bring him in,” Chudzinski said. “He is a guy who has had experience. He has a good arm and a good sense for playing. We are working him here and he’ll get more of a look at him as we go.”

Hoyer said, “No doubt I think I have the capabilities to be a starting quarterback.”

In this city, which has seen 18 quarterbacks start at least one game in 14 seasons, the odds are good that Hoyer will some day join that list, probably later than sooner.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns RB Trent Richardson may miss minicamp with lower leg injury

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Sabau/Getty

By Tony Grossi

Everyone has been wondering why the Browns seem to be collecting running backs. Maybe the reason why is because Trent Richardson is hurt again.

Richardson did not participate in the Browns’ OTA practice open to the media on Thursday because of a “pulled lower leg muscle in his shin,” according to a team source.

Richardson did view the practice on the field.

Afterwards, coach Rob Chudzinski said that Richardson would remain out of next week’s four OTA practices and could also miss the mandatory full-team minicamp June 4-6.

“It’s just something precautionary,” Chudzinski said. “We’re holding him out. We have minicamp in a week and a half. He may miss that. I’m not sure. We’ll just take it day by day.”

Chudzinski said the injury occurred earlier in the week. The Browns had three practices this week. Only Thursday’s session was open to media.

The Browns added two running backs this week. They claimed Miguel Maysonet off waivers from Philadelphia and re-signed Brandon Jackson, who was not initially retained as a free agent. In April, the Browns traded with Philadelphia for Dion Lewis, another running back.

“I always felt like you can’t have enough good running backs,” Chudzinski said.

Richardson’s rookie season was marked by one health setback after another.

After having surgery on his left knee following his final game at Alabama, Richardson needed an arthroscopic procedure in August that caused him to miss all four preseason games. He made it back in time to start the season opener.

Once he appeared to be playing himself back into shape, Richardson suffered a rib injury in the sixth game against Cincinnati. Richardson missed the second halves of two games and then averaged 25 carries over the next five games. He missed the 16^th game with an ankle injury.

After the season, Richardson said he played the second half of the season with "two or three" broken ribs.

Still he rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns and had 51 receptions and another TD. The rushing marks broke Jim Brown’s franchise records for a rookie

At the team’s voluntary minicamp in April, Richardson said he was over the rib injury, his knee and ankle were fine and that he felt better than he had in two years.

Now this.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns turn another page in their inglorious recent QB history, waive Thaddeus Lewis

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Thaddy Lew: In honor of Thaddeus Lewis, who was waived by the Browns, this entire column is devoted to the Browns’ quarterback position in the expansion era, beginning with 1999.

First, a Final Jeopardy! answer from the category Cleveland Browns quarterbacks: He is the only quarterback to own a record of .500 or better as a Browns starting quarterback since 1999.

The answer is at the bottom. Please, don’t sneak a peek.

Lewis was brought to the Browns by first-time coach Pat Shurmur in 2011. Lewis was a practice squadder with St. Louis the previous season when Shurmur was Rams offensive coordinator.

I believe Lewis may rejoin Shurmur, who is now Chip Kelly’s coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles already have five quarterbacks on their roster, but Lewis is perfectly suited to run the zone read option offense Kelly may implement in Philadelphia. If not the Eagles, I can see Lewis being claimed or signed by the San Francisco 49ers, who have Colt McCoy, Scott Tolzien and BJ Daniels behind starter Colin Kaepernick.

Lewis joins a less-than-illustrious small circle of QBs in Browns expansion era history. His 0-1 record as a starter equals those of Spergon Wynn and Bruce Gradkowski. On the tie-breaker, Lewis blows the other two out of the water with an 83.3 passer rating in his one outing v. Pittsburgh. Wynn compiled a 40.6 v. Jacksonville in 2000 and Gradkowski 14.2 v. Pittsburgh in 2008. Gradkowski is now the primary backup behind Ben Roethlisberger with the Steelers.

By the way, the worst record of any Browns starting quarterback belongs to Luke McCown, an unfortunate rookie fourth-round pick in 2004, the year Butch Davis reportedly suffered a panic attack before what would be his last game as Browns coach. McCown was 0-4 in relief of injured starter Jeff Garcia.

Others who failed to record a win as a starter: Ken Dorsey, now the Carolina Panthers quarterbacks coach, 0-3; and Ty Detmer, 0-2.

Detmer would truly make his mark in NFL annals after being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2001. He returned to Cleveland for a game in 2002 and was intercepted seven times by the Browns. That remains an NFL record, matched by five others.

The Weeden-Campbell-Hoyer show: Lewis’ departure leaves the Browns’ quarterback roster like this: 1. Brandon Weeden, 2. Jason Campbell, 3. Brian Hoyer.

This is fairly unusual because of the players’ ages. The ideal QB depth chart looks like this: 1. Franchise quarterback, 2. Seasoned, experienced, over-30 backup, 3. Developmental passer.

The Browns’ quarterbacks are aged 29 (Weeden), 31 (Campbell) and 27 (Hoyer).

The problem in arriving at the ideal depth chart is this: Until you find the franchise QB, you just throw darts at the position. Unless you have a true franchise QB, No. 2 and No. 3 on the depth chart are potential threats to No. 1. And the beat goes on.

Browns QB fun facts: Tim Couch, the franchise’s very first draft pick in 1999, still holds the expansion-era record with 22 wins as starting QB.

Derek Anderson is second with 16.

The only QBs to post a winning record in a season were Couch (8-6 in 2002) and Anderson (10-5 in 2007).

The Browns have had a different opening game starter six seasons in a row: Charlie Frye in 2007, Anderson in '08, Brady Quinn in ’09, Jake Delhomme in ’10, Colt McCoy in ’11 and Weeden in ’12.

If they are on the opening-week roster, Campbell would be the 20^th Browns quarterback and Hoyer 21^st. Eighteen previous QBs have made starts. The only quarterback who spent at least one week on the roster without making a start was Kevin Thompson in 2000.

The Browns had four different quarterbacks start games in 2008 – Anderson (nine), Dorsey (three), Quinn (three) and Gradkowski (one).

Doug Pederson was 1-7 as a Browns starter in 2000. His lone victory came against Bill Belichick’s Patriots.

Only two Browns quarterbacks since 1999 have come back to defeat them after joining other teams. Garcia beat them in 2005 with the Detroit Lions and Gradkowski relieved rookie Andy Dalton at halftime of a 2011 opening day win for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Final Jeopardy Question: First, another trivia question: Who owns the better career passing statistics among non-quarterbacks – Kevin Johnson or Josh Cribbs?

Nothing to brag about, but Cribbs can claim this. He is 4 of 12 for 45 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 60.4 rating. Johnson was 2 of 7 for 56 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 14.2 rating.

Now, for the question to the Final Jeopardy! answer: Who is Jake Delhomme?

He was 2-2 in four starts in 2010. No other Browns quarterback is above .500. The closest is Anderson (16-18).

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Super Bowl thoughts in May: Not what you think

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Super thoughts: There was a Super Bowl Selection Show on NFL Network on Tuesday. Yes, it’s come to that.

Ninety minutes of intense speculation about which market would price-gouge visitors less and pad NFL owners with the ultimate gift bags to host the Super Bowls in 2016 and 2017.

Did you know that Jacksonville “won” the right to host the 2005 Super Bowl because it promised to provide each NFL owner the use of a luxury yacht for the week of the Super Bowl. ‘Nuff said?

San Francisco/Santa Clara and Houston were the big winners in this latest auction and will host Super Bowls 50 and 51. The big loser was South Florida/South Beach, which got shut out because politicians so far have declined to use taxpayer money to upgrade Sun Life Stadium, which has aged badly and currently is one of the 10 worst stadiums in the NFL.

A disclaimer: I absolutely love the Super Bowl.

There have been 47 Super Bowls. I have covered 28 of them. Some of my lasting memories covering the NFL involve the Super Bowl. Not so much the games themselves, but events during the week of coverage.

Because of the Super Bowl, I have shook hands and posed for a photo with Muhammad Ali, attended the same party as Michael Jordan, and had dinner in the same room with Paul McCartney. (He didn’t have time to stop by my table.) There is nothing in American sports like Super Bowl week. Nothing comes close.

I do believe, however, that the Super Bowl has spiraled out of control. Two of the last three Super Bowls have had unfortunate incidents on the day of the game that were not exactly disasters but could have been.  

Just hours prior to the 2011 game, thousands of ticket-holders were displaced when fire marshals determined temporary seating erected in Cowboys Stadium was unsafe. Just imagine if the marshals had OK’d the seating. And in February, a power failure in the Superdome interrupted the game for 34 minutes. What if the power had not returned? How do you resume a Super Bowl on Monday? All those busted airline reservations.

I just haven’t felt totally safe at recent Super Bowl games, and I don’t like that.

The road ahead: This season’s Super Bowl is at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. There is no roof covering that gigantic stadium. It will be cold on Feb. 2. Super Bowl week will be spread out over the Big Apple. Lots of driving, lots of traffic, and extreme costs.

After New York, the Super Bowls will be held in University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ; the under-construction Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA – aka, the Field of Jeans; and Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX.

I am in the majority of scribes who believes the Super Bowl should be held in warm weather cities so that revelers – us -- can best enjoy the week leading up to the game. One exception would be Indianapolis, a vastly underrated host city whose vibrant downtown is connected via enclosed walkways.

My favorite Super Bowl sites: 1. New Orleans: Exquisite cuisine, most destinations are walkable, and undeniably the best party city in the United States. 2. South Florida: Two words – South Beach. 3. San Diego: The worst thing is the stadium, but everything else is divine.

The worst Super Bowl sites in history: 1. Detroit and Pontiac, MI: C’mon, man. 2. Dallas: Horrendous weather for which the region was not prepared. 3. Atlanta: Ice storm crippled city.

Those Roman numerals: I have railed against this before and will continue to do so until this ancient, undecipherable, numbering system is buried in some cave. The next Super Bowl is XLVIII. The one after that is XLIX. Then comes L. I am by no means a scholar, but I do have a college degree and I had to resort to Google to confirm those are Super Bowls 48, 49 and 50.

Trivia question: What is the only NFL city – the absolute only one -- that has neither been represented in a Super Bowl nor hosted a Super Bowl?

That would be Cleveland.

Don’t hold your breath: What is more likely – Cleveland appearing in a Super Bowl or Cleveland hosting a Super Bowl?

Let me just say this: If you are of high-school age right now, you, your future children and your future grandchildren will never see Cleveland host a Super Bowl. Erecting a billion-dollar roof over FirstEnergy Stadium or even building a 2 billion-dollar dome stadium will not attract a Super Bowl here. (There aren’t nearly enough hotel rooms to accommodate the event.)

As for Cleveland appearing in a Super Bowl, the odds are a little better.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner: 'We're pushing this thing in fast forward'

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/ClevelandBrowns.com

The Morning Kickoff …

Norval, Part Two: Last Thursday I sat with Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner and talked football for 30 minutes.

Part One of our conversation, posted on Monday, concerned quarterback Brandon Weeden. Today we touch on other topics related to the Browns’ offense.

Unlike the defense, most of the players on offense are the same from a year ago. Is that good or bad?

Turner: My take on it is the defensive guys we’ve added are new names, but they’ve played. The offensive guys are new players – Trent (Richardson) is a second year guy, Josh (Gordon) is a second-year guy, Jordan (Cameron) is a third year guy, Greg (Little) is a third year guy. They haven’t played a lot of football. When you get guys at that point, if they have ability you expect them to improve dramatically each year they play. We’re getting a full offseason with those guys, which some of them didn’t have last year. I see us getting better every day in practice. I see us executing faster. I see us having more a sense of urgency. We’ve got some guys that can make plays. We’re pushing this thing in fast forward and getting them moving. I think Rob (Chudzinski) has created a real sense of urgency with these guys in getting them to compete in our division.

At tight end, it appears you and Chud are committed to making Cameron the No. 1 guy.

Turner: The guy that people will be surprised about is Gary (Barnidge). I didn’t know a lot about him. Scott (Turner, WR coach) and Chud talked about him. I think he’s been good in these camps. Jordan’s been outstanding in these camps. Kellen (Davis) started in Chicago and is going to be in the mix. He’s a physical player. I think we have the right type of guys at the tight end position.

But do you have a guy to make plays, not just catches?

Turner: We’ve been lucky. You know, we’ve had some tight ends that are high percentage, catch-the-ball and not the big-play guy, but we’ve also been fortunate to have Jay Novacek, Antonio Gates. Randy McMichael as a rookie caught 50 balls in Miami for us. They make big plays. When you get to a position where we want to be where our wide receivers are making plays, those tight ends get great matchups.

What are your thoughts on Richardson?

Turner: I like being around him. I stood on that sideline on that rainy, cold day (in November) and watched him make that (26-yard TD) run when he made about four of our guys miss and fall down. He’s got everything you’d look for in a tailback. He’s got a very confident presence about him. He’s got great vision. He’s a physical player. He’s got great hands. I see a little bit of a number of different guys I’ve been around in him. I tend not to compare guys but he’s got a lot of the traits of the best backs I’ve been around. He’s built a little like Emmitt (Smith). He’s just a big, physical guy with great feet.

Comment on Gordon, please.

Turner: He’s really got some very unique skills. I’ve been around some big receivers, but he’s a smoother, more athletic guy than some of the other bigger receivers I’ve been around.

All your offenses have had a traditional fullback. Do you have one here?

Turner: It’s funny because we’ve played with different guys at the fullback position over the last period of (years). I don’t know that we have that per se guy that is a pure fullback, but we have a number of guys that can fill that role.

Do you have a lead blocker?

Turner: A pure lead blocker, two back … we’ve talked about a number of things. Again, it’s going be a mixture and we’re continuing to look at that.

What’s the origin of your offense?

Turner: It’s really evolved. I was with John Robinson at USC and at the Rams. In 1987, he hired Ernie Zampese, who coached with Don Coryell. So we put that pass offense together with our run at USC -- a power running game with a quick-timed passing game that had big-play ability. When I went to Dallas, we kept our pass offense, kept our run, and we had the two big receivers (Michael Irvin and Alvin Harper), so we took some of the 49ers stuff, particularly their quick game they did with (Bill) Walsh, and you grow. The roots go back to John Robinson and Don Coryell and Ernie. There’s a core of things that the guys who’ve played in this offense, whether it be Dan Fouts in San Diego or Jim Everett with the Rams or Troy (Aikman) in Dallas or Alex Smith one year in San Francisco or Phillip Rivers, they would all recognize 70 percent of what we’re doing. And some of the things we’ve changed. I think Chud did some great things in Carolina. To me you’re in a race with everyone else. From a coaching standpoint, you’re always trying to stay a step ahead.

I can’t imagine you doing any zone read with Weeden, right?

Turner: No. But there’s some things they did in Carolina – we’re not gonna do zone read – but there’s some things with read-option type things where you can create some running situations, and if you don’t get the run look there’s some good pass off of it.

What about the pistol formation?

Turner: We’re gonna do some pistol. We’re gonna do what gives us the best chance. They used it at Carolina. It gets the quarterback away from the line. There’s a lot of things the pistol does (even if) the quarterback never runs. Now the threat of the run helps it, but there are still some things from flash and pass and the running game that we can do. It’s really easier for the quarterback to get four yards deep and be able to hand it (off). Now, sometimes it’s not as good for certain runs, so there’s a reason we’ll be under center (too).

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner: 'We need to get Brandon Weeden speeded up'

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

What are you doing?: Norv Turner is entering his 29^th NFL season of coaching.  The Browns are his eighth team. He broke in with John Robinson when the Rams still played in Los Angeles. Robinson has been out of the NFL since 1992 – and Turner keeps humming along.

Turner’s career took off after piloting the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl championships in three years as Jimmy Johnson’s offensive coordinator. Troy Aikman still calls him the best play-caller in the NFL.

The Cowboys’ gig earned Turner the head coach job with the Redskins. He also was head coach of the Raiders and Chargers. With the Chargers, Turner hired Rob Chudzinski two times after Chud’s tenure with the Browns was blown up – in 2005 as tight ends coach and in 2009 as tight ends coach and assistant head coach.

When Turner joined the Browns at age 61 -- this time with Chudzinski as his boss -- it was the fifth different team for which he held the job of offensive coordinator.

“I’ve had people say, ‘What are you doing?’” Turner mused.

I tell him he’s a lifer.

“No. I like coaching,” Turner said, affirming my assertion. “This is a great opportunity. My relationship with Rob … the opportunity to work with my son (Scott, Browns receivers coach) … and this offensive staff, I have a connection with almost every guy other than (running backs coach) John Settle. We have a really good offensive staff.

“And a chance … I think there’s some real fun and sense of accomplishment when you can get involved with a group that you hope is going to make a move. This is a good young group and we have a chance, if we do the right things, to be a real good group.”

Setting it up: I first met Turner in the middle of the 1993 season when Bernie Kosar joined the Cowboys after he was fired by Bill Belichick.

Kosar was cut on a Monday morning. Within 24 hours, Kosar was on a plane to Dallas. In a first class seat, Kosar devoured scribbled notes on the Cowboys’ terminology dictated to him on Monday night by Turner. (This was before the Internet and Ipads.)

With the help of Turner and Jason Garrett – the Cowboys’ backup quarterback who now is the team’s head coach – Kosar crammed the Dallas playbook and played three quarters on his fifth day with the team. The Cowboys, needing every win to keep pace with the 49ers for NFC best record, beat the Arizona Cardinals with Aikman sidelined with a concussion.

I spoke with Turner on Thursday after the team’s third OTA practice of the new season. This was about two hours before news broke of the Browns’ contract agreement with quarterback Brian Hoyer.

This first part of a two-part interview is devoted exclusively to Brandon Weeden.

The impression is that you and Chud went to bat for Weeden when the CEO and GM wanted him replaced. What do you like about him?

Turner: I don’t know if it comes down to Brandon as much as it comes down to this team and where we’re at. Brandon’s got the physical skills to do what we want to do. I think getting Jason (Campbell) is a bonus, because you’re getting a guy that’s played and knows how to play the game, played in a lot of games and been a successful quarterback.

I think it’s just being realistic about the position. What’s thrown this out of whack a little bit is there have been some players at the position the last couple years that have had immediate impact. Sometimes that has more to do with the situation they go into as the player himself. I don’t know that there’s a lot of guys in a certain sense last year would have great success offensively at the quarterback position for a lot of reasons.

I think Brandon can have success in this offense in this system. But we all have a lot of work to do. The thing we have going for us, we’re pretty good in the offensive line. Everywhere else we’re awfully young, so we all have a lot of work to do.

Weeden said he’s been working on his footwork. Any other fundamentals he needs to work on?

Turner: His footwork’s improving a great deal. I don’t think he’s a lot different from most guys that come out of college now in the spread and shotgun type offenses because I just don’t think there’s a lot of emphasis on that. There are some things he’s very comfortable with that we’re doing. He is comfortable in the shotgun. There are some things in the shotgun he needs to work on. There are some things you have to be able to run under center and he’s working to get better at that. His feet have improved a lot in six weeks and he needs to keep working on it.

What about the way he throws? Anything there he needs work on?

Turner: His throwing mechanics are outstanding. He’s got an outstanding release. I think it’s speeded up already. He’s got very good accuracy. He’s got a good feel for how to throw different styles of balls. I watched all his college tapes. The games he played against all those guys picked a year ago, they (Oklahoma State) beat them all. A lot has to do with your team, but he knows how to play quarterback and he knows how to play in a spread-out passing game. I think playing in the NFL’s a little different because things happen a lot faster than they do in college, and he’s making that transition.

How do you make him play faster?

Turner: He does throw the ball up the field awfully well. There are some things we still need to work hard on to get him speeded up. We did it with Brad Johnson when he came to Washington. First of all, the physical act of your drop(back), putting your foot in the ground, turning the ball loose. What helps speed that up is recognizing where we want to throw the ball and then making quick decisions.

In 2007, Chud coached Derek Anderson to an alternate spot in the Pro Bowl. Should we expect something similar from Weeden?

Turner: We have high standards in terms of what we want to do on offense. I’ll preface everything by saying we have an awful lot of work to do. But you have to have an expectation of going out to execute, not having negative plays, not making mental errors. We want to score points. We want to have an explosive offense. That’s what we talk about every day. An explosive play … we threw a ball today in the flat to Josh Gordon and he would have run for 40 yards. So an explosive play, the ball doesn’t have to go 40 yards. We want to move those guys around and put them in position to use their abilities. And we’ve got a number of guys with good ability.

Next: Trent Richardson’s big impression, Josh Gordon’s unique skills, Jordan Cameron and the tight ends, the fullback position and the pistol formation.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Brian Hoyer's addition at QB was always in the cards

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Anatomy of a QB pickup: The third Browns OTA practice – and only one this week open to media – was over. Browns coach Rob Chudzinski was fielding questions.

After three questions about Brandon Weeden, I asked Chud, “Brian Hoyer’s an unrestricted free agent. He’s nobody’s property. Can you put an end to this … are these (Weeden, Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis) the only three quarterbacks who you’ll bring to camp?”

“I think all of that will remain to be seen,” the coach answered. “We are coaching these guys up right now. I feel good with this group with what they are doing and how they have progressed. We will just move along and keep going in the same direction.”

About an hour and a half later, I sat in a golf cart with offensive coordinator Norv Turner and talked to him about Weeden and the constant speculation about Weeden being replaced.

“Brandon’s got the physical skills to do what we want to do,” Turner said. “What’s throwing this thing out of whack a little bit is there’s been some players at the position the last couple years that have gone in and had immediate impact, some young guys. Sometimes that has more to do with the situation they go into as the player himself. I don’t know that there’s a lot of guys, in the same circumstance last year, who would have great success at the quarterback position, for a lot of reasons.

“I think Brandon can have success in this offense, in this system. He knows how to play quarterback and he knows how to play in a spread-out passing game. I think playing in the NFL is a little different because things happen a lot faster than they do in college, and he’s making that transition.”

Two hours later, the Browns agreed to terms with Brian Hoyer and added the Cleveland native and former St. Ignatius High School star to the quarterback mix.

Lombardi gets his man: In his former life as NFL Network analyst, Browns GM Mike Lombardi beat the drum for both of Bill Belichick’s backup quarterbacks with New England – Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.

In December of 2011, Lombardi said, “I think Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett are starters. I’ve said this many times: If I would have taken the GM job of the 49ers, I would have gone after Brian Hoyer, because I think he has all the traits and characteristics. If I were the Cleveland Browns, I’d rather have Brian Hoyer behind center than Colt McCoy. I think he’s got all the traits you need, in terms of leadership, toughness, the arm strength, the ability to move the team.”

Belichick already was thinking of the coming transaction season. He knew he was going to elevate Mallett ahead of Hoyer. Was Belichick using Lombardi’s media pulpit to drum up interest in Hoyer? Of course he was.

The following summer – last summer -- with nobody willing to trade for Hoyer, Belichick released him. At the time, Lombardi pretty much was in the fold as the next Browns GM. Philadelphia sources were telling national media that Lombardi’s arrival as Joe Banner’s chief personnel exec was in the bag.

So Hoyer’s acquisition by Lombardi seemed just a matter of time. There were a couple of glitches early on that forced the Browns to acquire another quarterback as insurance. That turned out to be Campbell.

Hoyer, who ended the 2012 season with Arizona, was thought to be an unrestricted free agent, but a technicality changed him to restricted. That allowed the Cardinals to protect their rights to Hoyer by tendering him a contract. New coach Bruce Arians chose the more expensive second-round tender ostensibly to block the Pittsburgh Steelers from signing Hoyer.

After a flurry of veteran quarterback transactions – the Cardinals traded for Carson Palmer and signed Drew Stanton -- and then the draft, the Cardinals waived Hoyer.

By then, the Steelers had signed Bruce Gradkowski in free agency and used a draft pick on Oklahoma’s Landry Jones.

Ultimately, the Browns didn’t have to spend anything to acquire Hoyer other than a miniscule portion of their league-high salary cap space.

What does it mean?: There is no question that Hoyer’s addition strengthens the Browns’ quarterback depth chart. Although he doesn’t have the arm strength of Weeden or Campbell, Hoyer is a much surer NFL QB at this stage than Lewis.

The Browns won’t waive Lewis, of course, because they know the Philadelphia Eagles would snap him up in a second. In the convoluted juxtaposition of Browns and Eagles, Lewis’ skill-set fits the Eagles of Chip Kelly and Pat Shurmur now better than the Browns. I see all four coming to training camp.

If Campbell was brought in to compete with Weeden, then surely Hoyer was brought in to compete with Campbell. How will it all shake out?

Weeden should still prevail. If he doesn’t, that’s on him.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Trust in Ray Horton, and he promises his defense will bring excitement

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

Extra Points …

In Ray they trust: When coordinator Ray Horton talks about the Browns’ new defense, he uses the word trust a lot.

He wants the players converting from the conservative Dick Jauron 4-3 style to “trust the defense.”

He wants Jabaal Sheard, making the transition from left defensive end to right outside linebacker, to “trust the defense.”

He wants defensive backs, who are being interchanged from cornerback to nickel back to safety, to “trust the defense.”

At Thursday’s OTA practice open to the media, which concluded the first of three weeks of full team practices, Horton had Johnson Bademosi and Buster Skrine at times playing a deep safety position.

“I think if you were here (in January) and Coach Chud talked about a hybrid defense. That’s part of what we’re talking about, moving guys around,” Horton said. “Is he a cornerback? Is he a safety? Is it a 3-4?

“It’s athletic men playing. We’re trying to let athletic men find a place to play.”

Mingo junction: Horton was the beneficiary of most of the new player pieces collected by the new Browns’ management. A lot of that had to do with new needs created by switching to a defense that seems at the opposite end of the spectrum from what was in place.

So Horton received new players such as Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant and Quentin Groves in free agency, and Barkevious Mingo and Leon McFadden in the draft.

The centerpiece of the new defense ultimately will be Mingo, the rookie pass rusher from LSU. Horton is making no promises about when, or if, Mingo will start as a rookie.

“He’s a young man that played with his hand in the ground at LSU and now we’re asking him to stand up and do different things, so he’s got a learning curve and a timetable,” Horton said. “We don’t want to rush him. We don’t want to say this is what we we expect. We want it to be a growing process.

“This is not a simple defense. It’s a complicated defense. We want to make sure he learns it.”

Horton will not be dragged into a discussion about weight and whether the lanky Mingo needs to pack on 10 or 15 pounds to survive the rigors of the prominent position in the 3-4.

“I want him to be a dominating player,” Horton said. “Some guys are too big, some too small, some are not fast enough -- but they know how to play. We want athletic football players and he is an athletic football player, and that’s what we want him to be.”

Expectations v. questions: At a football recognition banquet last week, owner Jimmy Haslam told the audience, “You’re gonna really like the way Ray Horton plays defense. He plays defense the way I like to play defense – he gets after them. I watch him at practice and he stands right next to the linebackers. Last year with the Cardinals, I think they blitzed more than any other team but one.”

Given the investment in the new players and the expectations heaped on by Haslam, Horton would seem to be a coach under the microscope this summer.

There are still a lot of questions to be answered. Can the secondary hold up if the rush doesn’t get to the quarterback? How much of an impact will Mingo have? What can Kruger, the ex-Raven, bring when not surrounded by future Hall of Famers? And what about that run defense that nobody is talking about?

“We have a lot of talent and we’re going to try to figure out who fits where best for the Cleveland Browns to play very good defense,” Horton said. “Everywhere I go people are excited, and we’re excited.”

The middle of May is always an exciting football time in Cleveland.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns OTAs begin with Brandon Weeden in control of QB position

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

The Quarterback Chronicles: Browns O(rganized) T(eam) A(ctivitie)s began this week, which means it’s time to update the quarterback situation.

GM Mike Lombardi kicked off things Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club in Canton.

Asked to comment on Brandon Weeden, Lombardi continued to be conspicuously noncommittal.

“Everything’s an evaluation,” Lombardi said. “We just have to keep going. Quarterback’s very important. I think Brandon’s a young player. It’s only his second year in the league. He’s got a great opportunity to demonstrate his talent. (Offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) has been around some really good quarterbacks. Norv and Chud (head coach Rob Chudzinski) have been able to modify their system to utilize the talent level of the player.”

What the heck does that mean? Here is my interpretation:

“I wanted Ryan Mallett, but Bill (Belichick) wants to keep him for another year. Norv and Chud say they can win with Weeden. Joe (Banner) said we’re going with Weeden, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

Meanwhile, former Arizona quarterback Brian Hoyer, for whom Lombardi has had a crush, cleared league waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Hoyer is the native Clevelander who backed up Tom Brady in New England for three years. When Belichick decided to elevate Mallett to the top backup spot, Lombardi talked up Hoyer on NFL Network and his other media platforms to try to garner trade interest.

Hoyer eventually was released. He spent two weeks in 2012 with the Steelers and finished the season with the Cardinals. When Bruce Arians took over as Cardinals coach, he blocked the free agent-to-be Hoyer from leaving by giving him the second-round tender. Now with all the jobs filled, Hoyer was waived.

Would the Browns sign Hoyer and throw him into the mix with Weeden, Jason Campbell and Thad Lewis?

Stay tuned.

Weeden full steam ahead: OTAs began with Weeden the No. 1 quarterback, which was no surprise. Free agent-signee Jason Campbell is No. 2 and Pat Shurmur holdover Thad Lewis is No. 3.

The Chudzinski-Turner offense – a vertical passing game played off a power running game – would seem to be an ideal change for a team that invested first-round draft picks last year in Weeden and Trent Richardson.

On Cleveland Browns Daily on Tuesday, Weeden said to host Vic Carucci, “I looked at (receiver) Greg Little walking in and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he’s like, ‘This is fun.’ That’s what we want. We want to go out and have fun. Usually as a receiver and a quarterback, that’s dropping back and slinging it around a little bit. That’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna throw the football down the field. We’ve got guys that can go get it. It’s fun to come to work every day.”

Weeden should be the primary beneficiary of the Chudzinski-Turner offense. I mean, it produced a Pro Bowl-alternate season out of Derek Anderson in 2007. Weeden also should benefit more than anyone from the addition of ex-Dolphins receiver Davone Bess, a six-year NFL veteran.

“He’s a stud,” Weeden said. “He’s one of those guys that runs extremely good routes. Very savvy, understands defenses, where to find the holes. He’s one of those guys, you kind of rely on. You know he’s going to be in the right spot. He wants to talk Xs and Os, what he can do to help me. That’s his veteran leadership.”

Going forward: Weeden is on a one-year trial. He has to win everyone over in his second NFL season or he will become the 18^th Browns quarterback to lose his job since 1999.

Many believe that the reason the Browns traded out of the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2013 draft was to stock up on extra picks in 2014 to make a run, if necessary, at the top quarterback in next year’s draft.

There’s always the chance the Browns would use those extra picks as collateral to trade for Mallett.

There’s also the chance that Weeden could flourish under Chudzinski and Turner and put to rest, for another year, the Cleveland quarterback carousel.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

The shortest player in Browns modern history has a long history of beating the odds

By Tony Grossi

Photo/ Getty Images

The Morning Kickoff …

Mighty Mouse: When you’re an undrafted free agent in an NFL camp for the first time, the plan is to stand out any way you can. So Robbie Rouse has that going for him.

The running back from Fresno State is the shortest player on the Browns’ 90-man roster. Check that. He is the shortest player to wear a Browns uniform in the expansion era.

Check that. He may be the shortest player in Browns history.

At the NFL combine, Rouse measured 5-5 ¾. That is more than an inch shorter than 1970s kicker Dave Jacobs, 1970s special teamer Dino Hall and 1980s return specialist Gerald McNeil.  

That is also one-half inch shorter than Darren Sproles, the all-purpose wonder now with the New Orleans Saints who played in San Diego four seasons while Browns coordinator Norv Turner was Chargers head coach.

“I grew up in San Diego watching Darren, LaDainian Tomlinson and coach Turner,” Rouse said at the recent Browns rookie camp. “So to be here being coached by him and the rest of the staff is just great.”

Rouse may be short but he is stout, a 190-pound bowling ball with arms like Popeye and a barrel chest that can barely contain an obviously oversized heart.

Don’t count him out: “We’ve had some pretty good running backs come through here,” said Tim DeRuyter, who replaced legendary Fresno State coach Pat Hill last year. “We’ve had Lorenzo Neal … Ryan Mathews … and Robbie’s the all-time leading rusher.”

Rouse amassed 4,647 yards in four seasons at Fresno State – over 1,300 more than Mathews, who was the Chargers’ first-round draft pick in 2010. He had 816 carries over his three seasons as the starter after Mathews graduated to the NFL.

“For a small guy, he’s extremly durable and he can catch the ball,” DeRuyter said. “I don’t think he’s as fast, but he’s very similar to Darren Sproles.

“He’s the kind of player that doesn’t measure well, but when coaches turn on the tape, they like him. He’s normally a 4.55, 4.6 type of runner who has very good competitive speed. He outruns people when they’re chasing him.

“I think, obviously, the odds (of making it in the NFL) are a little bit long. There’s a reason NFL teams don’t draft backs his size, but if anybody can do it I think Robbie can. He’s never been injured in his career. He just goes. For a guy to be the all-time leading rusher at his size and not lose any games, to me that’s impressive. There’s a special something for a guy that survives like that. He doesn’t take big hits.”

Rouse has been driven to succeed all his life. His father has been in prison for kidnapping and robbery since he was very young.

“He’s had a lot to overcome,” DeRuyter said. “He’s got a huge heart. He’s the total package as far as a guy in the locker room, being a leader on the team, practicing with toughness, representing your community.

“He just shows up with a smile on his face every day. He’s gonna make an organization proud.”

Looking up: Rouse was on his way to a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys when the Browns called him and offered him a contract. That and the presence of Turner caused him to cancel his flight to Dallas and sign with the Browns.

“It’s a dream growing up as a child to be a professional football player and now it’s here,” he said, beaming in the middle of the Browns’ indoor facility. “I’m just gonna learn the playbook to the best of my abilities and bring what I can to the table, as far as catching the ball, making people miss.”

When asked to list his attributes, Rouse included his size.

“Because my linemen are 6-6, 6-4, you can’t see me,” he said. “By the time they can, it’s too late. I use my change of direction to make them miss.”

If he hangs on for training camp, Rouse will be at the end of a line of running backs that includes Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya and Dion Lewis, who was acquired by Joe Banner from his old Eagles team.

Indeed, the odds of Rouse making the team are long. But don’t short him. He has carried a chip on his shoulder quite a long way already.

Determined to help survivors of a Texas tragedy, Browns Phil Taylor establishes his maturity in Cleveland

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Phil Taylor raises awareness: West, Texas – not to be confused with West Texas, the region – is a city of 2,800 located 70 miles south of Dallas, just a few tumbleweeds from the very center of the vast state.

Until last month, West, Texas, was known as the “kolache capital of Texas,” a distinction earned from the popularity of the pastry native to the predominant Czech population in the city.

But on April 17, a fire and explosion at a massive fertilizer plant rocked the area. The impact was comparable to a 2.1 magnitude earthquake. At least 15 people were killed, including first responders and residents in apartments and houses situated just hundreds of yards from the plant.

Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor, who attended Baylor University in nearby Waco, Texas, was saddened that the tragedy seemed to get lost in an eerily busy news cycle.

The day before, there were the terrorist bombings at the Boston Marathon. A month later, three girls held captive and tortured for a decade on Cleveland’s near west side were rescued.

Taylor decided to do something to raise awareness of the West explosion. He and his manager devised a campaign to market “We are West, Texas” T-shirts. It’s picking up steam through Taylors Twitter handle of @PhilTaylor98. All proceeds will go to the families of the victims, Taylor said.

The Baylor connection: “I’m doing it to support the families,” Taylor told me on Monday. “I think (the tragedy) was kind of put on the backburner because of the things that happened in Boston … and now with the girls in Cleveland. I want them to know they’re not forgotten and I’m trying to help them out, too.”

Taylor styled the T-shirts in the green and yellow colors of Baylor and included the school’s bear mascot. Baylor is in Waco, Texas, about 15 miles from the fertilizer explosion.

“I don’t know anybody who was lost in it, but our whole Baylor community as a whole, we were affected, because it happened so close to the campus,” Taylor said. “I just want to raise as much money as I can. I want everybody to know I care about what’s happening in West, Texas.”

Taylor has enlisted the support of the growing number of Baylor alums in the NFL, including Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin 3, Titans receiver Kendall Wright and recent Dallas draft pick Terrance Williams, also a receiver. Taylor has also gotten support from Browns teammates Josh Gordon, who also played at Baylor, Brandon Weeden, Joe Haden, Greg Little, T.J. Ward and Chris Ogbonnaya.

A sign of maturity: It’s easy to forget that Taylor was kicked off the Penn State team as a sophomore by former coach Joe Paterno for his involvement in a brawl on campus and a subsequent pool party incident. He has been a trouble-free player in Cleveland since arriving as a first-round pick in 2011.

Taylor’s draft status was restored by transferring to Baylor and having three incident-free years and two solid football seasons in Waco. The only news Taylor made with the Browns was a year ago when he popped a pectoral muscle bench-pressing in the team’s weight room. He recovered to play the final seven games, during which the run defense improved by 30 yards a game.

“I’ve matured a lot,” Taylor said. “In the NFL you’ve got to represent the team and you’ve got to represent yourself off the field. It is what it is. You have to know what’s the right thing to do.”

Taylor’s desire to support the stricken families of West, Texas, is a wonderful gesture. It’s a sign that Taylor may be evolving as a leader. On such a young team as the Browns, that is a welcome and significant development.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Barkevious Mingo must be great for Browns 2013 draft to be good

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

Mingo’s the man: It didn’t take a national writer embedded in the Browns’ draft room to tell us that this new regime is laying its chips down on Barkevious Mingo. Their actions showed that.

But the assertions by Chuck Klosterman of Grantland.com, who was invited to the Browns’ inner sanctum on the first night of the draft, that Mingo “represents everything” in a player the Browns aspire to as a franchise, certainly adds to the pressure of being the first-ever pick of Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi.

The confirmation by Klosterman that the Browns turned down the St. Louis Rams’ trade offer for the 16^th and 46^th picks of the draft adds even more pressure to the selection.

Mingo can’t be Jerome McDougle or Brandon Graham -- pass rushers who turned up busts for the Eagles during Banner’s run in Philadelphia.

“Your first-round draft pick has to not just make the team, not just start, he has to be All-Pro.”

That’s what Jimmy Haslam said on the day he was introduced as Browns owner on Aug. 3.

Mingo will be the centerpiece of coordinator Ray Horton’s attacking, 3-4 defensive scheme. Whether or not he starts is not as important as his impact in knocking down quarterbacks and disrupting their games.  

The most logical comparison to Mingo is Aldon Smith, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2011 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Like Mingo, Smith was a college defensive end (at Missouri) who was projected as a 3-4 rush linebacker. Smith did not start a game as a rookie, but had 14 sacks in coordinator Vic Fangio’s aggressive 3-4 scheme and earned some recognition as the league’s best defensive rookie.

In his second season, Smith took over as an every-down player, had 19.5 sacks, was named NFC defensive player of the year, and was voted All-Pro.

That’s a high bar. But that’s what Haslam expects.

As for the rest of the draft: More pressure on Mingo is rooted in the enigma that became the rest of the Browns’ 2013 draft. Here’s an update:

Second round, forfeited in 2012 supplemental draft for WR Josh Gordon: I’m going to step out on a limb and say that not only is Gordon better than any receiver in the 2013 draft, he will be better than any player taken in the second round. This was ex-GM Tom Heckert’s most astute pick.

Third round, 68^th overall, CB Leon McFadden: Browns QB legend Brian Sipe, now the QB coach at San Diego State, vouches that McFadden can win a starting job immediately, like he did as a freshman after being moved from wideout. McFadden’s suspect height, 5-9 5/8, is offset by a solid, compact frame of 195 pounds. At the weekend rookie minicamp, McFadden looked capable enough. He is being counted on to win the starting cornerback job opposite Joe Haden. Then the fun begins.

Fourth round, 111^th overall: Traded to Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-round pick in 2014.

Fifth round, 139^th overall: Traded to Indianapolis Colts for a fourth-round pick in 2014.

Sixth round, 175^th overall, FS Jamoris Slaughter: He ruptured an Achilles tendon in his third game of his senior year at Notre Dame and had surgery. At minicamp, he repeated that he expects to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. There is an opportunity for him to win a starting job, but Slaughter was listed by one respected draft publication as the 31^st safety in the draft.

Seventh round, 217^th overall, DE Armonty Bryant: A dominant pass rusher at the Division II level, he fell in the draft because of a drug-related arrest in October for selling marijuana on campus. A week after the draft, he was arrested for DUI in Ada, OK. At minicamp, Bryant was remorseful and vowed to abide by the Browns’ new zero tolerance policy. Even if Bryant stays clean, the defensive line position is pretty crowded to make room for a Division II situational pass rusher.

Seventh round, 227^th overall, OL Garrett Gilkey: At Division II Chadron State (Neb.), he started at left tackle. At 6-6 and 320 pounds, he may be too tall to break in at guard. He figures to be a developmental tackle in the early going.

Trade: Veteran possession receiver Davone Bess was acquired for an exchange of draft picks with the Miami Dolphins: Bess is a move-the-chains inside receiver who should earn some of his new contract by teaching the young receivers how to be professionals.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Armonty Bryant is thankful for Browns second chance after DUI arrest

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

One more chance: The Browns allowed draft pick Armonty Bryant to attend rookie minicamp with one condition – one more off-the-field incident and he is done.

Bryant was arrested for DUI in Ada, OK, on May 3 less than a week after being drafted. The Browns drafted Bryant in the seventh round despite a felony charge in September for selling a small amount of marijuana on campus to an undercover officer.

“We discussed all of the options,” coach Rob Chudzinski said. “We ultimately decided that we wanted bring him in, sit down and talk to him and that’s the process we went through.”

In his first confrontation with a potential disciplinary situation as the Browns’ new coach, Chudzinski met with Bryant upon his arrival on Thursday and laid down his team law.

“It’s a serious matter,” Chudzinski said. “Now that Armonty has gotten here, I had the chance to sit down with him and talk about my expectations – make those expectations clear with him. I feel like we have a good support structure here.

“I think we have good guys in the locker room, some guys who are excellent mentors. You look at D’Qwell Jackson, Davone Bess and those guys, anybody that follows them and follows their example will learn how to be a professional. Ultimately, Armonty needs to show that he is going to be accountable and I expect that out of him.”

Yes, sir: Bryant’s first media interview after practice on Friday was an interrogation. He was continually pressed on how he could break his pledge on draft day that the Browns wouldn’t regret selecting him.

He said he apologized “multiple times” in his meeting with Chudzinski and other club officials. He said he was afraid he had blown his chance – a longshot to begin with – to play in the NFL.

“Yes sir, I was,” Bryant said. “I’m just fortunate the Browns still have faith in me. Hopefully I might be able to make a spot on this 53-man roster.”

Bryant declined to comment on the details of his arrest at 3:46 a.m. Oklahoma time on May 3. A police report said he declined 10 times to properly blow into a Breathalyzer. Eventually a blood alcohol content reading of 0.098 was measured. The legal BAC limit in Oklahoma is 0.08.

Bryant pleaded no contest and received a one-year deferred sentence. He had to pay $1,136 in fines and court costs.

“I  believe that people make mistakes. It’s all about moving on. Hopefully my actions (going forward) will speak loud,” Bryant said.

“I’ve been locking myself in my room at night with my playbook every night. It’s either that or my video games. I’m just keeping to myself. Nothing outside is going to affect me helping this team win. I think I’m hungrier than before. I have a lot to prove.”

What about the player: Bryant has two things going for him. He was a dominant pass rusher -- albeit at the Division II level – and the Browns have put a premium on pass rushing under new coordinator Ray Horton’s attacking, 3-4 scheme. Also, new Browns defensive line coach Joe Cullen was given a second chance in his career after having two alcohol-related arrests in 2006.

“I made a strong bond with Coach Cullen,” Bryant said. “He actually has my back and helped me. I feel he’s a great mentor.”

Bryant, 6-4 and 265 pounds, was projected as a possible candidate at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense prior to the draft, but he worked exclusively with the defensive linemen at his first practice.

“He’s real raw,” Chudzinski said. “He has ability. There are a lot of guys who are raw and have ability, and it really just depends on his commitment level and work ethic.”

Bryant knows this is his last chance with the Browns.

“I have lots to prove,” he said. “I’m still a D-2 pick, so I (already) have that chip on my shoulder. This just makes it a bigger chip.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Quick thoughts on 30 minutes of viewing Browns rookie minicamp

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Extra Points …

The new guys: Media were ushered off the field at Browns rookie minicamp after 30 minutes. Here are some instant observations …

* Pass rusher Barkevious Mingo was super quick negotiating the stand-up bags in a linebacker drill. Quick with his feet but also quick with his hands. Physically, Mingo stood out among the five linebackers on hand, which is no big deal considering none of the others was drafted. But the good thing I noticed was that while Mingo is lean and rangy, his legs are not pencil-thin. They are packed with muscle.

* Cornerback Leon McFadden, wearing Hanford Dixon’s old No. 29, was the shortest DB out there, but he didn’t appear overly so. He also displayed quick feet in the little time I watched him in a drill.

* Defensive end Armonty Bryant, he of the recent DUI arrest, worked out exclusively with the linemen. Some draftniks projected the 6-4, 265-pound Bryant as a possible 3-4 outside linebacker. The Browns did not and it’s easy to see why. Bryant looked like he would have no trouble adding 15 pounds. Right now, though, he is a situational pass rusher in a four-man front.

* Owner Jimmy Haslam attended, as promised. Haslam spent some time visiting on the sidelines with Paul Kruger, whose younger brother, Dave, was signed as an undrafted free agent. Dave Kruger is a 6-5, 285-pound defensive end from Utah.

* Joe Haden’s younger brother, Josh, is participating on a tryout basis. Josh Haden is a 5-9, 190-pound running back from Boston College.

* Highly touted undrafted free agent Chris Faulk participated only on a stationary bike. The 6-6, 330-pound offensive tackle from LSU had surgeries on two knee ligaments last year and surprised some by not returning to school for his senior season. Also on the bike was Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter, the sixth-round pick who said on draft day that he was 90 percent recovered from Achilles surgery in September.

* There are 49 players participating in the rookie camp. The breakdown: five draft picks, 18 undrafted rookies under contract, 20 undrafted rookies on a tryout basis and six previously signed players. The “veterans” on hand are punter Spencer Lanning, punter Jake Schum, kicker Brandon Bogotay, cornerback Kent Richardson, guard Dominic Alford and defensive end Kendrick Adams.

* To accommodate the receivers, two quarterbacks were brought in on a tryout basis. They are Kyle Frazier of Monmouth College and Ryan Aplin of Arkansas State.

* For numeralogists, here are the jersey numbers assigned the rookie draft picks: 29 Leon McFadden, 30 Jamoris Slaughter, 51 Barkevious Mingo, 65 Garrett Gilkey, 95 Armonty Bryant.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns' draft-room exclusive access leaves Grantland writer frustrated by paranoia

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Inside the Browns’ draft room: Unbeknownst to many, the Browns gave exclusive access over the three days of last month’s draft to a writer from Grantland.com, a highbrow sports Website created by ESPN contributor Bill Simmons.

Chuck Klosterman, the author, acknowledges in the piece that Browns GM Mike Lombardi “has a long relationship” with the Website and was a guest on numerous podcasts with Simmons. While Klosterman does not note whether Lombardi was responsible for the privileged access, which included an invitation to the Browns’ draft room just hours before the beginning of the first round of the draft, he does take care of his boss’s friend with numerous flattering observations.

Be that as it may, Klosterman’s writing drips with frustration from not gaining the total access he was expecting. Browns President Alec Scheiner, Klosterman’s “de facto liaison” for the three days, relentlessly went off the record and declined to be quoted directly on anything of substance.

Klosterman is at his wit’s end at the paranoia in Berea that defeated his story’s purpose.

“I've never witnessed this level of institutional paranoia within a universe so devoid of actual secrets. I don't even know what they don't want me to know,” Klosterman wrote.

To which I say, “Welcome to our world.”

Nevertheless, Klosterman reported some nuggets of interest to Browns fans.

* The football committee of Joe Banner, Lombardi, Ray Farmer and Rob Chudzinski concluded that LSU pass rusher Barkevious Mingo “is absolutely the man they want to draft.” Klosterman wrote, “They describe him as ‘always relentless.’ They identify him as the type of player who ‘represents everything’ they aspire to as a franchise.”

* At 2:30 p.m. on Thursday – 5 ½ hours before the start of the first round – the Browns conditionally agreed to a trade with the St. Louis Rams that would have moved the Browns to No. 16 in exchange for the Rams’ second- and seventh-round picks. The major condition was Mingo’s availability. Once he was there at No. 6, the Browns canceled the trade. The Rams made the same deal with Buffalo at No. 8 to move up for receiver Tavon Austin.

* The Browns considered trading the No. 6 pick to “a marquee franchise” in exchange for a second-round pick, a first-round pick in 2014 and a first-round pick in 2015, plus two other future selections. Klosterman wrote, “Ultimately, the blockbuster does not happen. It’s possible that it was never close to happening.” The reporting on this supposed “blockbuster” is sketchy at best. The trade makes no sense for the unidentified other team. If, in fact, a “marquee franchise” even discussed moving up for the Browns’ No. 6 pick, my guess is it was the 49ers – but I seriously doubt the generous terms Klosterman reported.

* Klosterman observed of his short time in the draft room, “Lombardi talks the most. Chudzinski talks the least. Banner runs the room. Farmer is the equilibrium (he rarely speaks first but provides the most balanced insights).” Farmer has never been formally introduced by the Browns, yet owner Jimmy Haslam has on at least two occasions gone out of his way to laud him publicly. Very interesting.

* If the Browns had made the trade with the Rams, they had no clear consensus on whom they might take at No. 16. Klosterman wrote on Chudzinski rewatching game video on his laptop of an offensive lineman “he likes a little more than he probably should.” Banner is quoted as saying, “What does a bust look like before it happens? It looks like four guys sitting in a room, trying to convince each other that some guy is better than we think he is." A very astute observation by Banner.

Klosterman’s piece ignored some major issues of the Browns’ draft. Such as:

* The back story of the controversial trade-out of the fourth round with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Was Banner as arrogant in the draft room as he was in front of the media when he explained he “prefers” to trade within the division?

* The discussion, if any, over Mingo’s weight. Did anyone question whether Mingo needs to add weight and strength? Or are they just mesmerized by his speed, quickness and relentless motor?

* Any discussion whatsoever of taking a quarterback, particularly any reaction to the Giants trading up in front of the Browns in the fourth round to take Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib. Was there just a blanket understanding that the Browns would not select a quarterback – as I believe – or were quarterbacks discussed throughout the draft?

All in all, the Grantland piece left me wanting a lot more.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

On Brian Sipe and Donald Trump and Brady Hoke and Leon McFadden -- all connected in this story

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photos/Getty/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

My time in the boardroom: This was 30 years ago, the fall of 1983. I was in Donald Trump’s office in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in downtown Manhattan. I was there to interview Trump about his desire to purchase the Cleveland Indians.

Trump sent a driver to pick me up at the airport in a limousine. When meetings tied him up, Trump had a personal assistant give me a tour of the shiny skyscraper, which was nearing completion to great fanfare.

The building has achieved new fame as the home of Trump’s popular TV show Celebrity Apprentice. Trump closes each episode from a studio boardroom, in which he points to a goner celebrity and intones, “You’re fired!”

So I’m in Trump’s office listening to him say he would have no intention of moving the Indians if he were fortunate enough to buy them. Suddenly, a secretary buzzes his phone. “It’s Brian Sipe, Mr. Trump.”

I signal to Trump, “You want me to leave, right?” He gives me the “Of course not” look and takes the call. It was a Wednesday. Back in Cleveland, Browns players were on their lunch break. Sipe, whose Browns contract was expiring at season’s end, had been negotiating with Trump about jumping to Trump’s New Jersey Generals in the upstart United States Football League.

“We’d love to have you, Brian,” Trump said. “So, yes, the offer is still good.”

After the phone call, Trump said, “Very nice man. He wants to play for us.”

After concluding business on the Indians story, I rushed to my hotel room to call my bosses at The Plain Dealer about the unexpected Sipe scoop. I called Trump back to inform him I had to write the story and wanted to put everything on the record.

“Well, you were there. You heard it all,” Trump said. “Of course you have to write it.”

The story was somewhat embarrassing to Sipe. He had to play out the season with everyone now knowing he intended to bolt the Browns

A Browns West Coast connection: I phoned Sipe on Wednesday to talk about Leon McFadden, the cornerback from San Diego State drafted by the Browns in the third round. Five years ago, Sipe, 63, retired as an architect to return to his alma mater as full-time quarterbacks coach.

“I was probably the oldest rookie coach in college history, my first job being at age 59,” said Sipe, now a grandfather of five.

“Brady Hoke (now Michigan coach) convinced me to do this. He’s an Ohio guy. I was coaching a little high school out here. He used to come visit. He used to say he was recruiting my son, which was a bit of a stretch. We got to be friends. Then he got the job out here and called and asked if I wanted to coach quarterbacks. I don’t know, life’s short. I thought it might be fun to try something as long as I have the energy to do it.”

McFadden was a receiver recruit in Sipe’s first season at SDSU. One day early on, McFadden was asked to play cornerback – and that was that. He never gave up the job.

“There was just never anybody else good enough to make us reconsider being on the defensive side of the ball. He was always the best guy in our secondary,” Sipe said. “He was voted the team’s most valuable player (last season). He was the preseason pick to be the Mountain West Conference player of the year. He was all MWC first team three years in a row. Everybody knows who Leon is. Everybody out in the West knows who Leon is.”

I asked Sipe if McFadden’s height – 5-9 5/8 – would be a problem covering NFL receivers, which are bigger and faster than ever.

“It was never a problem here, and we faced a lot of tall, athletic, receivers,” Sipe said. “I think where he’s going to win that battle is with his quickness and his instincts. It’s the quickness and the change of direction that matters so much. Cornerbacks, can they arrive at the receiver when the ball gets there? In the four years I was here, I never saw him get outsized by somebody, you know, where they just threw a ball up and he couldn’t contend. I never saw it.”

Sipe said it wouldn’t surprise him a bit if McFadden duplicated what he did at SDSU and earned a starting job with the Browns in his very first season.

“Because he’s smart and he learns things quickly and he’s fearless. I think the Browns did good to get him in the third round,” Sipe said.

An unassuming legend: Thirty years after his Browns’ career ended, Sipe remains one of the most popular players in franchise history. He was the classic underdog – a 13^th round draft choice in 1972 who spent two years on what is now known as the practice squad, an undersized quarterback whom the Browns tried but couldn’t even trade to an expansion Seattle team in 1976, who had the rare gene to get teammates to believe in him and rose to earn the NFL MVP Award in 1980 when he magically led the Kardiac Kids to the playoffs.

“It does give me some street cred with the kids,” Sipe said. “But then they see the gray hair and the not-so-muscular build and I think they all kind of wonder how it all could’ve happened.”

There are still plenty of Browns fans in southern California to have heard the stories of Sipe’s magic from their fathers or grandfathers.

“I’m still amazed at how many Browns fans I run into here in San Diego,” Sipe said. “I still feel I’m on a honeymoon with the city of Cleveland. I get treated like royalty whenever there are Browns fans around and I very much appreciate that. It’s been a lot of fun. I still hear from a lot of people. There’s still a lot of fan mail that comes. It’s part of being a Brown. The whole thing is an honor to me. I hope I live up to it.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

The future of the Browns hangs as Jimmy Haslam seeks to save his family's company

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/ClevelandBrowns.com

The Morning Kickoff …

Brother, can you spare a B?: According to Forbes, there are now a record 1,428 billionaires in the world. Which isn’t a lot, considering the current estimate of 7 billion people on this planet.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam ranks 831^st on the most recent Forbes list of world billionaires. His net worth of $1.8 billion ties him with 36 others.

Haslam’s inclusion on this exclusive list is the result of his truck-stop and diesel fuel company, Pilot Flying J, doubling in size since 2008. Haslam, a Knoxville, TN, good ole boy, is running in the same circles with, among others, world bankers, a European cable TV scion, a Russian real estate developer, a Chinese plastic pipe manufacturer, a Peruvian miner of copper and tin and gold, a Canadian homebuilder, a Brazilian cosmetics king, a Malaysian timber tycoon and the creator of Slim-Fast.

Also in the $1.8 Billion Net Worth Club are, coincidentally, two other NFL team owners – Steve Bisciotti of the Baltimore Ravens and Bob McNair of the Houston Texans. They happen to be among the top 10 best team owners in the NFL, in my opinion.

When I think of the perfect owner of the Browns, a combination of Bisciotti and McNair would be fairly ideal. Bisciotti is young, vibrant, passionate, demanding. McNair is well-reasoned, involved, patient yet not overly so, and ever conscious and sensitive of doing the right thing for his team and community – a master of public relations without being manipulative.

And their teams are first-class operations.

Bisciotti just celebrated his second Super Bowl championship since bailing out Art Modell’s financially bungled franchise in 2000. McNair’s expansion organization was born three years after the new Browns in 2002. McNair has developed the NFL’s 32^nd franchise into a relevant AFC contender with legitimate Super Bowl expectations.

We need Haslam to do that in Cleveland as Browns owner.

For if that would happen, if Haslam could resuscitate the moribund Browns into a dynamic NFL player, the whole Northeast Ohio region would explode economically. No other team owner in town has that potential. Why? Simply because it’s a football town, region, state. And that will not change.

The FBI probe: For Haslam to realize his potential as Browns owner, he has to be proved innocent. Yes, in this country you are innocent until proved guilty. But in the court of public opinion, unfortunately, the opposite is true. And Haslam has suffered some substantial losses in credibility, trust and confidence.

The FBI probe into charges of defrauding smaller trucking companies of thousands of dollars -- in some cases, millions -- in promised rebate payments reeks of corporate greed and white-collar crime. The callous disregard of human decency described in a damning, 120-page FBI affidavit that contained secretly tape-recorded conversations of high-level sales executives is galling.

Haslam addressed the “embarrassing” allegations with reporters Tuesday night after a six-minute speech at the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation's 25th annual scholar-athlete banquet in Westlake. As he has done two other times in Knoxville since the unsealing of the FBI affidavit on April 18, Haslam declined to answer questions.

“It was really sickening to me,” Haslam said of the contents of the affidavit. “… The apparent behavior of some of our sales people, behavior that's not characteristic of how the 20,000 employees of PFJ act and behave towards anyone. We don't talk that way. We don’t act that way.”

While the ominous FBI investigation has reverted back to secrecy, a half-dozen civil lawsuits have added to Haslam’s crises. The civil suits present potentially severe financial damages.

Haslam’s company can buy its way out of the lawsuits, through restitution and the payment of any future fines or penalties. There also will be exorbitant legal costs, as Haslam has hired a team of the finest and most expensive lawyers. These costs should not be minimized. The financial livelihood of Pilot Flying J is the single biggest determinant of whether Haslam survives as Browns owner.

As embarrassed as it may be that one of its club owner’s companies is federally accused of white-collar crime, the NFL won’t revoke Haslam’s ownership of the Browns – unless he proves incapable of financing it. In 1999, the league essentially ordered Modell, a former beloved league kingpin, to find a buyer for the Ravens because Modell was near bankruptcy and couldn’t finance the team any longer.

As much as the NFL liked Haslam as a person, the most attractive thing about him was his net worth. If that plummets as a result of this scandal, the NFL will turn on him as if he were a running back with two broken knees.

Haslam has been consumed with repairing his company’s obliterated reputation since the incriminating affidavit was unsealed.

At the onset, Haslam said the alleged fraudulent rebate program under investigation represented an “insignificant” number of Pilot Flying J’s 3,300 trucking customers. On Tuesday, he said he has talked “to literally 250 to 300 trucking companies in the last three weeks” and has written “several checks” to correct underpayments.

Haslam also has instituted sweeping changes to his company, including suspending “several members of our sales team” and appointing an independent investigator to report to his company’s board of directors. Through the ordeal, Haslam has unflinchingly projected personal innocence of wrongdoing, abject disgust that some rogue employees would cheat customers, and steely determination to restore his company’s once-lofty reputation.

“We're going to begin to rebuild our reputation and we understand that it's going to take a long time to do,” Haslam said. “But, we are big boys, we've been in this business for 54 years and I hope we are in business another 54 years, candidly.”

What about the Browns?: Until now, all of Haslam’s pronouncements have addressed his company’s and his family’s influential standing in the Tennessee community. On Tuesday, he turned his apologies to Cleveland.

“I apologize to the city of Cleveland, Northeastern Ohio and all Browns fans because the last thing we ever wanted to do as a new owner was to detract from football and the Browns and just what a great football area this is,” Haslam said. “I apologize for that, we feel badly about it, and we're very comfortable that we'll work through this situation.”

Haslam then delivered a positive speech about the highly-criticized draft completed by his new management team and talked excitedly about the coming season.

“I think we'll have a better football team this year,” Haslam concluded. “As I've said on several occasions, we're going to do this the right way. It's not going to happen overnight. You don't go from winning 14 games in three years to winning 14 games in one year.

“I’m convinced we will have a better team this year and we'll be better in 2014. I think Joe (Banner, CEO) articulated it very well after the draft. We stand very accountable for what happens this year and we are not at all throwing this year away. I think it's very important. I think we’ll have a good team.

“I think we've put together a really good coaching staff. Several of the players have remarked to me that the intensity in the building, in the weight room and on the practice field is definitely amped up and I think that will result in a better football team.”

I was never more excited for the Browns’ future than when Haslam burst onto the scene in August. Cleveland needs Haslam to prevail in this federal case and be completely exonerated. There are only so many Bisciottis and McNairs on the world billionaire list.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns tight end Jordan Cameron is the next building block laid in place by former GM Tom Heckert

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Don’t forget about him: The Browns’ offense this year should be left mostly in the hands of Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Greg Little. Possibly three-fifths of the starting offensive line also was laid in place by former GM Tom Heckert.

But don’t forget about that other Heckert draft pick from 2011 – Jordan Cameron. Perhaps more than any returning player, the basketball player-turned-tight end stands to benefit from the change in coaches and offensive systems.

Head coach Rob Chudzinski, a former college tight end and Browns tight ends coach, and coordinator Norv Turner, intend to develop Cameron into the next tight end to make plays, not just catches.

Chudzinski’s tight end prodigies in nine NFL seasons as a position coach and coordinator include Kellen Winslow Jr. (Cleveland), Antonio Gates (San Diego) and Greg Olsen (Carolina).

Turner’s in 28 NFL years include Jay Novacek (Dallas), Vernon Davis in his rookie year (San Francisco) and Gates (San Diego).

“This is an offense that has featured tight ends and tight ends have always been a big part of it,” Chudzinski said of Cameron. “He has the skill set that fits.”

It’s time: Cameron attended Brigham Young on a basketball scholarship, then transferred to USC to try football as a wide receiver. That didn’t go well for two seasons. Finally moved to tight end his last college year, Cameron caught all of 16 passes.

Heckert took a flier in the fourth round on the 6-4, 245-pound Cameron after he excelled at the NFL combine. Cameron placed in the top three of all the major drills among a not-so-great tight end class in 2011. Based on college production, Heckert probably overdrafted Cameron, but he felt justified because of the presence of Ben Watson and Alex Smith.

With the Browns, Cameron sat behind the savvy veterans for two years and learned. “On and off the field they were great examples for me,” Cameron said.

After CEO Joe Banner let Watson and Smith leave in free agency, Cameron assumed the No. 1 tight end spot by default.

Banner liked that Cameron had a moderate cap number of $674,350 – only the 27^th-highest on the roster. Even after the Browns added two more tight ends in free agency – Gary Barnidge and Kellen Davis – Cameron entered the camp season as the clear favorite to be the next in the Chudzinski-Turner lineage. Add the name of Jon Embree here, too. The Browns’ new tight ends coach tutored Tony Gonzalez in Kansas City and Chris Cooley and Fred Davis in Washington.

All of which makes this year a huge career opportunity for Cameron.

“Yeah,” he affirmed at the veteran minicamp last month. “This year, with this opportunity, with these tight ends, and the way they use us in the offense, it’s going to be a big year. It’s a pretty exciting time. I’m ready for the opportunity.”

Typically, for him, Chudzinski is understating his hopes for Cameron.

“Well he’s not ready right now,” he said. “It’s a learning process right now and he has to keep progressing, but we feel good about him and where he is at right now.”

The Browns reinforced their faith in Cameron by ignoring the tight end position in the draft. Actions always speak louder than words.

Thoughts on Heckert: Shut out from a spate of vacant GM jobs filled by young up-and-comers, the former Browns GM reportedly will be named director of pro personnel for the Denver Broncos.

That’s a great landing spot for Heckert – just like San Francisco was for Phil Dawson and Colt McCoy. Like San Francisco in the NFC, Denver will be a preseason favorite to reach the Super Bowl from the AFC.

Heckert’s Browns contract, which has two years to go, will be offset by what the Broncos pay him for a position two notches below that of general manager. It’s a great way for Heckert to keep in the mix for the next round of GM jobs in 2014 and beyond.

Heckert left the current Browns’ management team a young roster unencumbered by tangled, exorbitant contracts. Besides the integral offensive players mentioned at the top of this column – which should also include right tackle Mitchell Schwartz -- Heckert brought in defensive players Joe Haden, Phil Taylor, Billy Winn and John Hughes.

If the Browns make any headway in the next three years, remember that the foundation was laid by Heckert.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft pick Armonty Bryant arrested in Oklahoma for DUI

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/ESPN

Browns seventh-round draft pick Armonty Bryant is said to be a gifted athlete who fell far in the draft because of a drug arrest at East Central (OK) University. Now he may fall off the Browns’ roster.

According to the Ada (OK) News, Bryant was arrested at 3:46 a.m. Friday in Oklahoma for driving under the influence with refusal.

The newspaper reported the arresting officer wrote in his report that Bryant refused 10 times to blow properly in a mobile Breathalyzer test. The police report stated Bryant admitted to having a few drinks earlier in the evening and kept repeating, “I just don’t want to lose my driver’s license.”

A test result finally measured 0.098, according to the report, above the legal alcohol limit of 0.08 in Oklahoma.

Bryant was taken to Pontotoc County Jailand then booked at a justice center. He was released at approximately 10:30 a.m. Friday after posting $500 bail, the newspaper reported.

Bryant, a 6-4, 264-pound pass rusher at East Central, was arrested in October and charged with a federal crime for selling marijuana to an undercover officer on university grounds.

Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis told the Akron Beacon Journal the team was aware of the incident and would have no further comment.

The Browns open a minicamp on Friday for rookies. It is not clear yet whether Bryant will attend.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Our do-over of the Browns' draft nets four on defense, four on offense and, yes, a punter

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

On second thought: What if we could do the Browns’ 2013 draft over again? What would we do? How would we do?

We have the benefit of hindsight from what happened 10 days ago in the real draft. What we don’t have is the background check info that is privy to all NFL teams. We don’t know the Wonderlic scores, medical reports, drug test results, criminal checks and other background data about each prospect that influence all selections. If we did, our picks might be different.

Make no mistake, this column is rife with classic second guesses. We apologize for that. But it would be fun to redo the Browns’ draft, and that’s what this is all about.

First round: The Browns believe they picked an elite defensive player in LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo, who will move to outside linebacker in coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4 Steelers-style scheme. If Mingo is the next Von Miller or Aldon Smith, this will be an excellent choice, impossible to argue against. But for fun, let’s take the St. Louis trade offer – even though it falls about 160 points shy on the trade value chart. (To offset that, we would demand there would be no flip-flop of third-round picks, as St. Louis received from Buffalo.) The trade would move the Browns down to 16^th in the first round in exchange for the Rams’ second- (46^th overall) and seventh-round (222^nd) picks. At No. 16, the choices for the Browns would include Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, LSU free safety Eric Reid, Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert, and cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes of Florida State and Desmond Trufant of Washington. We would choose Reid, a physical and aggressive free safety with the athleticism to cover deep.

Second round: Recouping a top 50 pick (spent a year early on receiver Josh Gordon) is the signature move of this draft.  With the 46^th overall pick, we would take cornerback David Amerson of North Carolina State. At 6-1 and 205 pounds, he ramps up our concerted effort to add size to the secondary.

Third round: The real Rams’ trade with the Bills called for the teams to flip third-round picks. We would insist on waving that condition. Our pick at No. 68 would be Damontre Moore, the Texas A&M defensive end who would move to outside linebacker and join the rotation of Horton’s pass rushers. Moore assumed Von Miller’s “joker” position in 2011 and then was moved to defensive end in 2012. He was considered a first-round talent upon leaving as a junior, but suffered poor workouts and free-fell into the third round.  Moore lacks Mingo’s explosiveness, but outproduced him in college, netting 21 sacks his last two seasons.

Fourth round: We would not trade out of this round and certainly would not have handed the Steelers the player they wanted. We would use the 111th pick on the top-rated fullback, Medina-native Kyle Juszczyk, who is a solid lead blocker and can also catch. Juszczyk would displace Owen Marecic and give coach Rob Chudzinski and coordinator Norv Turner the traditional fullback they always have favored.

Fifth round: We would not trade out of this round. But hold on to your hats – we’re taking the top-ranked punter, Jeff Locke of UCLA. The job on the Browns currently belongs to Spencer Lanning, who was in their camp last year and has never punted in an NFL game. Locke would serve two other roles – holder on place-kicks and also would be a kickoff specialist (Browns kicker Shayne Graham can’t reach the end zone). Locke finished his four-year UCLA career with a gross average of 44.2 yards – second on the school’s all-time list. He also is left-footed. Bill Belichick has always employed a left-footed punter as New England coach because he believes the different spin on the ball makes it harder to field.

Sixth round: With the 175^th pick, we would turn to offense and select Brice Butler of San Diego State, a 6-3 wide receiver with good speed. He would add to the stable of taller, bigger targets assembled by the new coaches.

Seventh round: The trade with the Rams would net a third pick in this round for the Browns. We would choose: Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg with the 217^th pick, Chadron State tackle-guard Garrett Gilkey (the Browns’ pick at No. 227) with the 222^nd pick, and North Carolina linebacker Kevin Reddick with the 227th pick. Reddick would play inside in Horton’s scheme.

Comparing the lists: The Browns’ draft class was:

1/6^th overall, OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU.

3/68^th, CB Leon McFadden, San Diego State.

6/175^th, FS Jamoris Slaughter, Notre Dame.

7/217^th, DE Armonty Bryant, East Central (OK).

7/222^nd, OL Garrett Gilkey, Chadron State.

Our revamped draft would be:

1/16^th, FS Eric Reid, LSU.

2/46^th, CB Dave Amerson, North Carolina State.

3/68^th, OLB Damontre Moore, Texas A&M.

4/111^th, FB Justin Juszczyk, Harvard.

5/139^th, P Jeff Locke, UCLA.

6/175^th, WR Brice Butler, San Diego State.

7/217^th, TE Chris Gragg, Arkansas.

7/222^nd, OL Garrett Gilkey, Chadron State.

7/227^th, ILB Kevin Reddick, North Carolina.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

History says one or two of the 18 undrafted players signed by the Browns will make the team

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Undrafted and undaunted: If the draft is the lifeblood of the NFL, then the larger pool of players not drafted is the league’s conscience.

Undrafted players carry the heaviest chips on their shoulders. The stigma of not being drafted never leaves them. The stigma drives them even after they establish themselves and sign their second contracts.

James Harrison, meanest man in pro football -- undrafted.

Arian Foster, 2010 NFL rushing champion -- undrafted.

Wes Welker, NFL’s most prolific pass catcher since 2007 -- undrafted.

Adam Vinatieri, best post-season clutch kicker of his time, if not all time -- undrafted.

Some other active players who were not drafted: Antonio Gates, Tony Romo and, yes, new Browns receiver Davone Bess. Oh, Desmond Bryant, too. The new Browns defensive end was signed by Oakland as an undrafted free agent in 2009. This March, the Browns signed him to a $34 million contract over five years.

Odds favor the undrafted: There are more undrafted players on NFL rosters than first-round draft picks.

That may be a shocking statement, but it is a bit misleading. There are only 32 first-round draft picks each year (since 2002). There are more than 400 undrafted players, on average, that are signed each year. So the sheer numbers of undrafted players increase the odds of some of them making a mark.

One advantage of being undrafted is you can never be termed a bust. Because nothing is expected of you.

Since the Browns were reborn in expansion in 1999, their best undrafted player has been Josh Cribbs. He is the best special teams player – returner and tackler – in the franchise’s history.

Cribbs was one of 10 players on the Browns’ 53-man roster who were undrafted. That’s right. Almost 20 percent of their team was not drafted. The others: Phil Dawson, Ray Ventrone, Josh Cooper, Jordan Norwood, Johnson Bademosi, Craig Robertson, L.J. Fort, Tashaun Gipson and Ishamaa’ily Kitchen.

Cribbs, Dawson and Ventrone were not retained by the Browns this year. But two other players signed to offseason contracts joined the ranks of undrafted – guards Dominic Alford and Jarrod Shaw.

Other Browns of recent vintage who made the team as undrafted: Brian Schaefering (2008), Marcus Benard (2009), Auston English (2010), Benjamin Jacobs and Armond Smith (2011).

Some other players on other NFL rosters who were brought into the league by the Browns as undrafted free agents: Saints receiver Lance Moore (2005), Bengals receiver Andrew Hawkins (2008) and Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (2009).

Kurt Warner, who took two teams to a total of three Super Bowls, winning one, was the ultimate undrafted player. He was undrafted in the regular NFL draft in 1994 and undrafted in the Browns expansion draft in 1999.  

The 2013 crop: All of which brings us to the newest crop of 18 Browns undrafted free agents. Drum roll, please.

Aaron Adams, OT, 6-5, 305, Eastern Kentucky.

Perez Ashford, WR, 5-11, 190, Northern Illinois (Shaker Heights).

Josh Aubrey, CB, 5-10, 200, Stephen F. Austin.

Braxston Cave, C, 6-3, 305, Notre Dame.

Jamaine Cook, RB, 5-9, 210, Youngstown State (Middleburg Heights).

Dominique Croom, WR, 6-2, 190, Central Arkansas.

Keenan Davis, WR, 6-2, 220, Iowa.

Mike Edwards, WR, 5-11, 200, Texas-El Paso.

Paipai Falemalu, DE, 6-3, 240, Hawaii.

Chris Faulk, OT, 6-6, 330, Louisiana State.

Caylin Hauptmann, OT, 6-3, 300, Florida International.

Garrett Hoskins, TE, 6-2, 250, Eastern Michigan.

Dave Kruger, DT, 6-5, 285, Utah.

Cordell Roberson, WR, 6-4, 205, Stephen F. Austin.

Justin Staples, DE, 6-4, 245, Illinois (Lakewood).

Travis Tannahill, TE, 6-4, 255, Kansas State.

Ricky Tunstall, S, 5-11, 195, Delaware.

Martin Wallace, OT, 6-6, 305, Temple.

Kruger is Browns’ linebacker Paul Kruger’s younger brother. Another younger brother, Joe, was a seventh-round pick of the Eagles this year.

Faulk might be the most interesting of the group. He started 13 games at left tackle for LSU in 2011 but played only one game in 2012 after injuring a knee at practice. He had separate surgeries on a medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament. Despite the major surgeries, Faulk decided to skip his senior year and turn pro. If he can be healthy for training camp, some believe he can compete for a roster spot at guard.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Five 2013 draft picks could push five Browns off the roster

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

Making room: New management regimes almost always keep their drafted players on the roster for at least the first year. That’s why, barring unforeseen developments, all five of the Browns’ 2013 draft picks should make the roster in September.

That would mean somebody has to go to fit each of the Joe Banner/Mike Lombardi collaborative picks on the final 53.

Which of the returning players are most vulnerable this summer as a result of the 2013 draft class? We analyze.

Draft pick: 1^st round/6^th overall. Linebacker Barkevious Mingo.

Rich free agent signee Paul Kruger will be one of coordinator Ray Horton’s starting rush linebackers, probably from the left (or strong) side. Converted end Jabaal Sheard would have been the other starter. He lined up on the right (or weak) side at minicamp two weeks ago. If Mingo is as good as the Browns expect, he will relegate Sheard – at some point early in his career -- to a rotational sub off the bench. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Mingo will be on the field for first down of the season opener, or at all in 2013. Aldon Smith was the seventh overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. He did not start a game his rookie year and turned in 14 sacks his first season. So Mingo doesn’t have to play on first down to make an impact. A potential problem exists in Horton’s run defense, which has been summarily ignored by everybody. Sheard was uncomfortable lining up on the right side as a rookie, so he was quickly moved to the left side. Even there, Sheard was a virtual nonentity against the run for two years. Lining up Sheard at weakside linebacker invites opposing offenses to run behind their left tackle on first down, second down …

Draft pick: 3/68. Cornerback Leon McFadden.

Make no mistake, McFadden – all 5-9 5/8 of him – was tabbed to replace Sheldon Brown at the right cornerback spot. At San Diego State, McFadden started for four years at cornerback after arriving as a wide receiver. If McFadden earns the job in training camp, Buster Skrine would be the favorite to cover slot receivers as the nickel back. McFadden’s arrival probably would most imperil the roster status of Trevin Wade. Why? Besides McFadden, the new regime signed free agent cornerbacks Kevin Barnes and Chris Owens. Although low-priced, Barnes and Owens would have to be absolute busts not to stick; each received a cash bonus to sign. The other relevant cornerback is Johnson Bademosi and his roster spot is safe because he is the baddest special teams player on the team now that Josh Cribbs is gone.

Draft pick: 6/175. Free safety Jamoris Slaughter.

Slaughter tore an Achilles tendon in Notre Dame’s third game on Sept. 15 and had surgery shortly thereafter. Slaughter said he is 90 percent recovered and expects to be fully ready for training camp. If so, Slaughter will be given every chance to win the starting free safety job. The incumbent is 2012 undrafted free agent Tashaun Gipson, who was more impressive than 2011 seventh-round draft pick Eric Hagg. Hagg was given the starting job at last year’s minicamp. He was benched after two games. Usama Young, who replaced Hagg, was released last month.

Draft pick: 7/217^th. Defensive end Armonty Bryant.

Bryant was a puzzling pick even without considering his arrest in October for selling dope to an undercover cop on his college campus. His pass rush ability against Division II competition was hard to ignore. But at 6-4 and 264 pounds, he does not appear to be a fit as an end in the 3-4. Some scouting publications projected him as a linebacker in the 3-4 but coach Rob Chudzinski said he would be an end with the Browns. At best as a rookie, Bryant would be a situational rusher in four-man fronts. The Browns’ defensive line depth chart is loaded with tackle types. A 3-4 team mathematically would struggle to keep more than six linemen. The most affected players if Bryant squeezes in are Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, a prototype nose tackle who did OK as an undrafted free agent while Phil Taylor recovered from pectoral muscle surgery, and Brian Sanford, a 2011 undrafted free agent who fits better as a 4-3 end.

Draft pick: 7/227^th. Offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey.

Gilkey dominated at Division II Chadron State (Neb.), but has the dreaded “short arms” for a lineman. That means he is headed to guard. There, he conceivably could compete for the starting left guard spot that was shared last year by Jason Pinkston and John Greco. Pinkston has been officially declared free of the blood clot that incapacitated him last season. Greco is a gem as an interior swingman – the only lineman who could swing to center in a pinch. The Gilkey drafting would seem to most affect Pinkston, and reserve candidates Jarrod Shaw and Dominic Alford.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Do the Browns still have position needs to fill in free agency?

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Roster re-exam: With the draft over, the 2013 roster makeover by the Browns is probably 90 percent complete. But there could be a few free agent additions made before training camp. Let’s re-examine the depth chart and see where possible position needs remain.

Quarterback

Projected starter: Brandon Weeden.

Others: Jason Campbell, Thad Lewis.

Analysis: Weeden survived free agency and the draft to remain the starter so far. During the draft, NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport reported the Browns talked to the Cardinals about a trade for Brian Hoyer. That doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.

Last word: Did the Browns stock up on extra 2014 picks to provide the means to make a move on the next year’s top quarterback prospect? Weeden could dispel that speculation by showing significant improvement in the new offense under QB-friendly coaches.

Wide receiver

Projected starters: Josh Gordon, Greg Little, Davone Bess.

Others: David Nelson, Travis Benjamin, Jordan Norwood, Josh Cooper.

Analysis: The addition of Bess finally filled the role of a respected veteran to lead the young guys by example. Bess is a slot receiver who probably will push Little back to the outside, where he was less effective. The time may be right, however, for Little to take his game to a higher level, and he can do that on the outside.

Last word: I’m fine with this group.

Tight end

Projected starter: Jordan Cameron.

Others: Kellen Davis, Gary Barnidge, Dan Gronkowski, Brad Smelley.

Analysis: Entering his third season, Cameron will be given the chance to blossom as a No. 1 under the new coaching staff. Davis will be the in-line blocker. Barnidge is a low-risk flier with one year experience in coach Rob Chudzinski’s offense in Carolina.

Last word: Kellen Winslow? Forget it. Let’s see what Cameron can do.

Running back

Projected starter: Trent Richardson.

Others: Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya, Dion Lewis.

Analysis: A sub on third down? I don’t recall Emmitt Smith coming off the field. LaDainian Tomlinson, either. Last year former Browns linebacker and current Giants radio analyst  Carl Banks told me, “The Browns are doing defenses a favor by taking Trent Richardson off the field on third down.” Offensive coordinator Norv Turner probably will make that call during training camp. If Richardson is seen as a third-down back, he will need a series off each half. And then Hardesty and Ogbonnaya could be used. What about Lewis? Some say he’s Turner’s Darren Sproles – a pint-sized third-down playmaker. We’ll see.

Last word: As long as Richardson’s healthy, they’re OK here.

Fullback

Projected starter: Owen Marecic.

Others: None.

Analysis: Turner has always used a traditional, smash-mouth lead blocker. Perhaps Marecic can reset his career as that without having to worry about flare-out pass routes.

Last word: Unsigned free agents include Ovie Mughelli, Corey McIntyre, Earnest Graham and Owen Schmitt.

Offensive line

Projected starters: Joe Thomas, John Greco, Alex Mack, Shawn Lauvao, Mitch Schwartz.

Others: Oniel Cousins, Ryan Miller, Jason Pinkston, Jarrod Shaw, Dominic Alford, Garrett Gilkey.

Analysis: Pinkston, the former starting left guard, has been cleared to resume his career after recovering from a blood clot. The guards in Pat Shurmur’s offense were not agile enough. Turner is known for his power running game, so agility might be less of a need now. If so, there are enough guards on hand to compete for the starting positions.

Last word: One-time Jets Pro Bowler Brandon Moore, 32, is an unsigned free agent.

Defensive line

Projected starters: Desmond Bryant, Phil Taylor, Ahtyba Rubin.

Others: Billy Winn, John Hughes, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, Brian Sanford, Hall Davis, Armonty Bryant.

Analysis: At minicamp, Rubin said he was excited about moving to defensive end in the 3-4. He lost about 15 pounds in the offseason. Hughes and Kitchen are prototypical nose tackles, so there seems a surplus there.

Last word: This may be the strongest position on the roster.

Linebacker      

Projected starters: Paul Kruger, James-Michael Johnson, D’Qwell Jackson, Barkevious Mingo.

Others: Jabaal Sheard, Quentin Groves, Craig Robertson, Tank Carder, L.J. Fort, Ryan Rau, Adrian Moten, Kendrick Adams.

Analysis: The eventual starting four could instead feature Sheard ahead of Mingo or Robertson ahead of Johnson. We listed them this way because of Mingo’s draft status and unmatched quickness and Johnson’s size advantage over Robertson.

Last word: Unsigned free agent Karlos Dansby has the preferred size (6-4 and 250) and experience for the inside linebacker position next to Jackson, but he’s 31 and not as fast as he was five years ago.

Cornerback

Projected starters: Joe Haden and Leon McFadden.

Others: Buster Skrine, Trevin Wade, Johnson Bademosi, Kevin Barnes, Chris Owens, Prince Miller.

Analysis: The pressure will be on in camp for third-round pick McFadden to win the starting job. If he does, relegating Skrine to the No. 1 nickel back role, the top three cornerbacks would measure 5-11, 5-9 5/8 and 5-9. Bademosi (6-0) and Barnes (6-1) are the only ones with decent height.

Last word: Fifteen projected starters switched teams in free agency. The best one left unsigned, Quentin Jammer, is 34.

Safety

Projected starters: T.J. Ward and Tashaun Gipson.

Others: Eric Hagg, Jamoris Slaughter, Kent Richardson.

Analysis: A ball-hawking free safety would seem to be the team’s biggest void at this point. Gipson was a free-agent find of the last regime and probably would have been the starter under the old coaching staff. The new staff likes him, too. But what other choices does it have? Slaughter is still not 100 percent recovered from Achilles surgery in September.

Last word: The best one unsigned is Kerry Rhodes, 30, who spent the last two seasons in Ray Horton’s defense in Arizona.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Our annual stroll through the Browns regular-season schedule

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

The schedule game: Now that NFL training camp rosters are virtually set, it’s time to stroll through the Browns’ 2013 schedule.

Always remember, in the NFL it’s not who you play, it’s when you play them. We can’t predict injuries, suspensions, and surprises. What you see in April might not be what you get in November.

Game 1, home v. Miami Dolphins: The draft’s two quickest (and thinnest) pass rushers launch their NFL careers against each other. Dion Jordan v. Barkevious Mingo. And then these sideshows: Brandon Weeden v. Ryan Tannehill. Mike Wallace v. Joe Haden.

Game 2, at Baltimore Ravens: Paul Kruger returns to Baltimore for his first game against his former team. Ozzie Newsome personally delivers Kruger's Super Bowl ring.

Game 3, at Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson’s first meeting against the Browns in 2009: 25 carries, 180 yards, three touchdowns, including a 64-yard highlight reel jaunt. This will be the Browns’ last, lamented visit to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, one of the great eyesores in professional sports.

Game 4, home v. Cincinnati Bengals: Just when you thought the Browns had seen the last of James Harrison, the great headhunter turns up in Bengals stripes. Past Browns victims Mohamed Massquoi, Josh Cribbs and Colt McCoy are all gone. Who’s next?

Game 5, home v. Buffalo Bills: Will it be Kevin Kolb running an up-tempo, no-huddle offense or EJ Manuel operating the zone read option? Regardless, this NFL Network prime-time matchup of familiar non-playoff sufferers raises the possibility of another instant classic. Pick the score: 6-3 or 8-0?

Game 6, home v. Detroit Lions: A regular-season renewal of the hallowed Great Lakes Classic. Carmen Policy and Matt Millen are on hand as honorary coin-tossers. Dust off the barge!

Game 7, at Green Bay Packers: CBS lead broadcaster Jim Nantz speculated that if both teams got off to decent starts, this could be the network’s lead national game. So, c’mon Packers, don’t let us down. Win some games early.

Game 8, at Kansas City Chiefs: Former Eagles coach Andy Reid vs. former boss Joe Banner. Notorious NFL Network Reid critic Mike Lombardi evades a pre-game handshake.

Game 9, home vs. Baltimore Ravens: Browns seek to end five-year home losing streak against Ravens. In pre-game ceremonies, former Browns GM George Kokinis is inducted into the Browns Ring of Honor.

Game 10, at Cincinnati Bengals: Former Bengals kicker Shayne Graham returns to Paul Brown Stadium in a Browns uniform. Bengals President Mike Brown collects past due locker rental fee after the game.

Game 11, home v. Pittsburgh Steelers: Prior to kickoff, Pittsburgh rookie safety Shamarko Thomas presents Banner with a box of chocolates in appreciation of the draft-weekend trade that enabled the Steelers to select him.

Game 12, home v. Jacksonville Jaguars: Former Browns receiving legend Mohamed Massaquoi and Browns rookie cornerback Leon McFadden conduct a duel for the ages.

Game 13 at New England Patriots: Away from pre-game warmups, Bill Belichick, Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett and Lombardi huddle with team attorneys to exchange post-season trade proposals.

Game 14, home v. Chicago Bears: Browns coach candidate Marc Trestman sends Banner flowers before the game, with the note: “Thanks, again.”

Game 15, at New York Jets: Quarterback Geno Smith is ambushed for 10 sacks and turns it over four times in the Browns’ first-ever victory in MetLife Stadium.

Game 16, at Pittsburgh Steelers: Thad Lewis renews his rivalry with the Steelers in the annual JV finale against Pittsburgh.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns don't renew contract of senior national scout

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

The shakeup of the Browns’ scouting department has begun.

According to three sources, the Browns have parted ways with Pat Roberts, the clubs’s senior national scout. His contract is up and the Browns will not renew it, sources said. ESPNCleveland’s Bruce Hooley broke the story Monday afternoon on Twitter, and then reported it on “The Hooligans” on 850 WKNR.

Roberts had been with the Browns eight years, the last three as the team’s senior scout. Roberts was hired as a national scout by former General Manager Phil Savage in 2005. He survived three management regimes.

Prior to joining the Browns, Roberts worked seven years in the Chicago Bears' scouting department in various roles.

A source told Hooley that Roberts was told by the club not to attend the draft last weekend. Another source told ESPN Cleveland that “a handful of personnel people” also were told not to attend the draft. They are expected to be let go, also. ESPN Cleveland has not confirmed their names.

An upheaval was not unexpected. A source told Hooley that the Browns’ scouts were not permitted to participate in the team’s last round of meetings leading up to the draft.

Bob Welton, a college scout for nine years with the Browns, left the club before the draft to accept a position at the University of Tennessee.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns' 2013 draft: There's Barkevious Mingo and Davone Bess and potential value -- whatever that means

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/USATSI

The Morning Kickoff …

Value is in the eye of the beholder: When it comes to explaining their draft moves, the buzz word among NFL CEOs and GMs is “value.”

Listen to Joe Banner explaining his overall philosophy about what the Browns did in the three days of the draft:

“The philosophy really is to treat everything we have, whether it’s a draft pick, an undrafted free agent, cap space, whatever it is, as an asset, and try to maximize the value we can get for it,” Banner said. “We took our fourth-round pick, for example, traded back to pay for part of (Davone) Bess, and then traded that for a future third-round pick. We feel like, for a fourth-round pick, that’s about as much value as you can possibly hope to get.”

I would argue that using the fourth-round pick on a player who becomes an integral starting player would be as much value as you can possibly hope to get. Banner’s team needs players to win games. I’m sure there is a logarithmic equation that would justify what Banner did in the fourth and fifth round produced “value.”

This is where this whole concept of analytics in football loses me. As owner Jimmy Haslam said, “This business is more about people than any business I’ve been involved in.”

I would suggest that football players are people, not assets to be bartered like cattle. Every draft pick represents a person, a football player, who can help the team win. Bartering this year’s picks for next year’s picks is a luxury reserved for  teams with loaded rosters. If you want to copy Bill Belichick, please wait until your team wins a division title -- or 10.

We won’t attempt to grade Banner’s first Browns draft. Instead, we analyze how each player may fit in the Browns’ scheme.

Round 1/6^th overall. Barkevious Mingo, LB, Louisiana State.

Ideally, he would line up as the right outside linebacker and be a pass rush force right from the start. This would enable Paul Kruger, on the left, to settle into the complementary role, which was his comfort zone in Baltimore. Mingo has elite quickness and speed – more so than Oregon’s Dion Jordan, who went third to Miami. But he doesn’t have Jordan’s experience in dropping into coverage. The Browns envision Mingo being more disruptive from the stand-up LB position, shooting from different angles, than he was as hand-in-the-dirt end at LSU. He played much of his college career under 230 pounds. To justify his draft status, Mingo will have to prove he can handle all the responsibilities of the demanding 3-4 linebacker role – and not just be a rush specialist. But 12 sacks or more would help.

Round 3/68^th overall. Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State.

He is neither physically imposing (5-9 5/8 and 193 pounds) nor exceptionally fast (4.50 40 time). But McFadden has 45 games starting experience in a throwing conference – a lot more than Joe Haden had at Florida. A converted receiver, McFadden had eight interceptions in four years, two for TDs his senior year. Make no mistake, he was drafted to start opposite Haden on the outside – not to cover the slot receiver. McFadden said he only played left corner in college and never played the slot. A Haden-McFadden-Buster Skrine threesome on passing downs would leave the Browns severely vertically challenged.

Round 6/175^th overall. Jamoris Slaughter, FS, Notre Dame.

After trading away fourth- and fifth-round picks, this selection appeared to be a much belated attempt to bring a body to the safety competition. Slaughter said he is 90 percent recovered from a torn left Achilles tendon in September. We saw punter Reggie Hodges was not the same after coming from a similar injury in 2011 – and was not invited back. Linebacker Chris Gocong had a torn Achilles in the 2012 training camp – and was released in April. Former Browns linebacker Jamir Miller suffered a torn Achilles in a 2003 preseason game – and never played again. Slaughter is still young enough to regain his athletic ability, but this is an injury no football player wants to experience. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Slaughter “redshirted” in 2013.

Round 7/217^th overall. Armonty Bryant, DE, East Central (OK).

He dominated competition at Cisco Junior College (Texas) and East Central, a Div. II school in the Lone Star Conference. At 6-4 and 263 pounds, he did play some linebacker, but coach Rob Chudzinski asserted he would played defensive end and said he could add weight. Given the complexities of the 3-4 and Bryant’s size, he sounds more like a situational rusher in four-man fronts.

Round 7/227^th overall. Garrett Gilkey, OT-OG, Chadron State (Neb.).

He was a left tackle in college and impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl playing guard. Chudzinski said he liked his bend, toughness and attitude. Given the caliber of his Div. II competition, he likely begins at guard.

Trade. Davone Bess, wide receiver.

He is a dependable slot receiver who will catch 60 balls for 600 to 700 yards. Bess specializes in beating defenders on breaks in the middle of the field and converting short third-down situations. His longest play in five seasons is 41 yards. He is 5-10, 193, without a lot of speed. Bess is the quality character veteran receiver that’s been missing on the roster for years. What’s interesting is that his addition probably moves Greg Little outside because Chudzinski and coordinator Norv Turner favor bigger receivers on the outside. Little was more productive lining up inside last year. Not sure what this means to free agent signee David Nelson, who was a bigger slot receiver for Buffalo, and to short, quick slot candidates Jordan Norwood and Josh Cooper.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns believe they 'maximized their assets' by trading for future picks

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner said from the start that they would build the team through the draft. They just didn’t say which draft.

On Saturday, they made the statement that the real serious building will have to come next year.

They traded away two of their remaining five picks, selected two Division II players and one from Notre Dame still rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon. They also announced a three-year contract extension for newly acquired slot receiver Davone Bess from the Dolphins.

But the Browns’ signature moves on the third and last day of the NFL draft were trading their fourth-round pick for a third rounder in 2014, and their fifth-round pick for a fourth rounder in 2014.

Banner said the philosophy of the day was to maximize value of every asset, “having in mind the idea of building a really good team over 2-3 years as opposed to just worrying about filling every single need.”

This draft may come to be known for the first trade between the Browns and rival Pittsburgh Steelers since 1968, when the Browns obtained quarterback Bill Nelsen for quarterback Dick Shiner.

After Nelsen beat the Steelers six of eight times while Shiner bombed out in two seasons, legendary Steelers owner Art Rooney reportedly vowed to never again trade with the Browns.

Generations later, the new Browns repaid the favor.

They hand-delivered the Steelers an heir-apparent to Troy Polamalu -- Syracuse safety Shamarko Thomas – by agreeing to give them the 101^st overall pick in the fourth round. In return the Browns received Pittsburgh’s third-round pick next year.

How badly did the Steelers want Thomas? It’s the first time they traded a future draft pick since 1973.

Browns CEO Joe Banner said he had multiple trade offers for future third-round picks but chose the Steelers because “it was the best deal.”

“I prefer to trade within the division,” Banner said. “You don’t make a trade if you don’t think you’re winning. So if you’re winning a trade in your own division you’re even better than winning in another division.

“Obviously, that can burn you from time to time, but in Philadelphia we traded (Donovan) McNabb to the Redskins and everybody thought, ‘What are we doing?’ We thought we strengthened the Eagles and didn’t  do anything to help the competitor. We try to make the best deal and don’t care with who if it benefits us.”

Banner disputed that his moves give off the feel of throwing in the towel this season.

“We think of our draft as the five players, plus Josh Gordon, plus Bess, plus the two future assets we acquired. Plus the undrafted players we’ll sign,” Banner said.

“Listen, we’re not asking for a free pass for this year. We expect to improve. We expect it to be conspicuous.

“We’re not going to reach all of our goals or fill all of our needs this year. We think we’ll be play aggressive, exciting football and it will be clear the team is continuing to improve and position it well to have a chance to become very good consistently.”

The Browns went into their final draft day looking for help in their secondary, but the trade-outs caused them to miss out on seven safeties. Two of them were free safeties of some repute, Phillip Thomas of Fresno State (120^th) and Josh Evans of Florida (169^th).

When they finally made a pick – roughly four hours into the day – they selected Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter.

Slaughter, 5-11 ¾ and 195 pounds, tore an Achilles tendon in Notre Dame’s third game in September. He said he should be 100 percent by training camp. Slaughter said he didn’t expect to be drafted.

The Browns’ final two picks in the seventh round came from Division II schools.

They selected defensive end Armonty Bryant of East Central (Oklahoma) University -- Bryant’s third college in four years. The 6-4, 264-pounder dominated his last season with 10.5 sacks in eight games. He had surgery to fix a torn labrum the year before and tweaked the shoulder last year and couldn’t work out at the NFL combine.

Bryant had an arrest in October for selling marijuana to an undercover cop on university grounds. He said he expected to go undrafted.

“It was a stupid move on my part,” Bryant said. “I should have been more mature. Now that I’ve had a second chance, I won’t let anyone down, won’t let the Cleveland Browns down.”

The last pick was offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey of Chadron State (Nebraska). Gilkey, 6-5 7/8 and 318 pounds, projects as a guard. Gilkey said he was worked out by Browns offensive line coach George Warhop and had a good feeling the Browns would draft him.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns select a cornerback in third round, and he's not the Honey Badger

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

The Browns had to sweat out 60 picks over two rounds before they could address their search for a starting cornerback in the draft. They did it by choosing Leon McFadden of San Diego State with the 68^th overall selection in the third round.

It’s a tall order for McFadden to come out of the Mountain West Conference and win a starting job in the NFL as a rookie. He’s only 5-9 5/8, but he’s a stout 193 pounds, was a four-year starter in a passing conference and his competitiveness is evident in his speech.

He said his height won’t be a problem in defending NFL receivers.

“Just paying attention to my technique and being competitive out there,” McFadden said in a teleconference interview. “That’s what it comes down to – how competitive you want to be between the lines. That’s something I’m looking forward to, the different challenges.”

If the Browns were going to settle for a shorter cornerback, their fans might have been happier with Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. Honey Badger, who was taken on the very next pick by the Arizona Cardinals. Mathieu, 5-8 ¾, was a popular playmaker at Lousiana State before being kicked off the team in 2012 because of failed drug tests.

“I think you do the research on all the players and make a decision on what you feel is best for the organization,” said GM Michael Lombardi. “We just thought Leon was ideally suited. He played a lot of football in college and he’s competitive and he’s been productive.”

The Browns are loaded with sub-six-footers to compete for the starting position manned the past three years by Sheldon Brown, whose contract ran out. The next player taken after Mathieu was Blidi Wrey-Wilson, a 6-0 ¾ cornerback from Connecticut.

The Browns aren’t going to hand McFadden the starting job, but there may not be many more contenders than those on hand, which include holdovers Buster Skrine, Trevin Wade and Johnson Bademosi and free agent additions Chris Owens and Kevin Barnes.

“I think he’s got the skills to certainly compete,” Lombardi said. “Whoever wins the job will be determined based on the play on the field.”

McFadden arrived at San Diego State as a receiver, but was switched to cornerback early on and took to the position easily.

“I never went back and I believe it was the best decision I could have made. I don’t regret it at all,” McFadden said.

The Browns enter the third day of the draft with five picks – Nos. 111 (fourth round), 139 (fifth), 175 (sixth), 217 (seventh) and 227 (seventh).

They moved down seven spots in the fourth round and 53 spots from late fifth to seventh in the trade for veteran Miami receiver Davone Bess, which was completed on Friday.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns choose San Diego cornerback Leon McFadden with third-round pick

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/USPresswire

The Browns addressed their vacuum at cornerback by taking Leon McFadden of San Diego State with the 68^th overall selection in the third round.

McFadden is only 5-9 5/8 and 193 pounds, so it’s a stretch to hype him as a candidate to start opposite Joe Haden.

The pick immediately after McFadden was Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu, the cornerback booted off Louisiana State’s team last year because of failed drug tests. Mathieu was taken by the Arizona Cardinals.

Browns need top pick Barkevious Mingo to fatten up on NFL quarterbacks

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

Extra Points …

One hungry player: Browns No. 1 pick Barkevious Mingo met the local media on Friday, looking dapper and … well, skinny.

He looked like a basketball player in a neatly tailored suit. Mingo played basketball and ran track for much of his childhood because his mom feared him getting hurt in the violent sport of football.

“He was a tall, skinny kid,” said Barbara Johnson, who joined the most famous of her five sons in New York on Thursday and at his introduction in Browns headquarters. “But he was bigger than kids in his class … real tall.”

Mingo has been asked about his weight since the draft process began. He weighed 241 at the NFL combine. That was the lightest of the 12 highest-ranked outside linebackers. Four others matched that weight, but Mingo was three inches taller (at 6-4 ¼) than them.

Oregon’s Dion Jordan looked even skinnier at 248 pounds because he measured 6-6 ¼. Georgia’s Jarvis Jones was 6-2 3/8 and 245.

The listed heights and weights of the other Browns pass rush outside linebackers: Paul Kruger, 6-4 and 270. Quentin Groves, 6-3, 265. Jabaal Sheard, 6-2, 255. Now, all are older, of course, and have been through a few NFL offseason conditioning programs. For now, Mingo will look like a No. 2 pencil standing next to them.

At the combine, Mingo said he actually had put on 15 pounds. On Friday, he said that his current weight was 237.

“I think I can play at this weight right here,” Mingo said. “A lot of people have been telling me ‘you need to be 20 pounds heavier to play in the NFL.’ I actually played lighter some years in my college career, and I did absolutely fine. I don’t think it’ll be too much of an adjustment to make.”

Mingo’s mom had a good line when asked if she’s worried about his safety in the NFL game.

“He likes to eat quarterbacks,” she said.

That final LSU season: Maybe that explains Mingo’s leanness. He didn’t do a lot of eating of quarterbacks his last (junior) season at Louisiana State. He had 4.5 sacks after netting eight the year before.

The night before, coach Rob Chudzinski said, “One of the things you look at is not just sack totals, but disrupting, affecting and putting pressure on the quarterback. As you watch games and you study him, he had a lot of snaps where he did that, and it wasn’t necessarily equating to sacks but the pressures on the quarterback, the batted balls, just making quarterbacks step up, slide and have to throw on the move.

“I think as a sophomore he had eight sacks alone in three games. Obviously, people start knowing and try to adjust to guys in college that have that kind of production, so he was getting chipped and he was having people slide to him and those types of things, but even so you see a lot of times that he affected quarterbacks.”

Mingo’s 4.53 40 speed, of course, is his … well, meal ticket.

“I feel I played better (than the year before),” Mingo said. “Stats don’t tell how everything went. Teams were doing different stuff this year. They didn’t want to get their quarterbacks sacked. Teams were chipping, sliding the line, doing a lot of stuff to disrupt our rush from both ends. And we played mobile quarterbacks, guys that if they could get out of the pocket, they’re hitting you for a home run. By design, we wanted to contain those guys and keep them in the pocket.”

The speed served Mingo well in the SEC, where read-option quarterbacks are predominant. And speed always serves a pass rusher well in the NFL. But it so happens that there are no read-option quarterbacks in the AFC North. There is Big Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton.

More than a pass rusher: Mingo seemed intent on dismissing the notion that he is merely a pass rush specialist.

“That wasn’t just my role,” he said. “I was a run stopper. I was an every down player. I wasn’t just a pass rusher.”

He said some of his better games came against Alabama, which is as smash-mouth, pro-style as there is in the SEC.

In fact, Mingo’s LSU team rolled the Tide twice in four meetings. One loss came in the 2011 season national championship game. Mingo’s stats in the four games: 10 tackles, one quarterback hurry, three passes defensed.

Mingo had three games against Alabama when new Browns teammate Trent Richardson played for the Tide.

“I got a lot of hits on him,” Mingo recalled. “He’s a truck. He don’t go down easy.”

None do in this league.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Why the Browns didn't trade down, and other thoughts about their decisions on day one of the draft

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/USATSI

Day-after thoughts on the Browns’ pick of Louisiana State linebacker Barkevious Mingo …

1. The Ray Horton influence was all over this pick. The defensive coordinator believes the best pass defense is a great pass rush. Like the Steelers, his former team, Horton is confident he can find a cornerback later in the draft and develop him into the starter opposite Joe Haden. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, however. I was not an advocate of taking Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner at No. 6. But if Milliner has a Pro Bowl career with the Jets and Mingo turns into the next Kamerion Wimbley this choice will be lamented. Like Mingo, Wimbley was praised for high character and he surely was dependable, rarely missing a game because of injury. But Wimbley never could develop a secondary pass rush move to become an elite pass rusher.

2. I was surprised the Browns stayed pat and didn’t move down. Joe Banner said earlier in the day that he was 65 percent sure the player he wanted would be there at No. 6, and he would trade if he wasn’t. After hearing that, I presumed that player to be Oregon linebacker Dion Jordan, who was taken third by Miami after a trade with Oakland. So when Detroit chose BYU end Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah fifth, I thought the Browns would trade down and acquire the second-round pick they were lacking. Banner later said he had a trade in hand but Mingo was the solid selection. Let’s assume the Browns had the same trade opportunity that Buffalo (No. 8) accepted from St. Louis. The Rams moved up to the eighth spot in exchange for their first-round (No. 16), second-round (No. 46) and seventh-round (No. 222) picks. If the Browns took that deal, they could come back for a cornerback in Round 2 and could’ve taken a more productive pass rusher at No. 16 in Georgia’s Jarvis Jones.

3. So who will be the better NFL player – Mingo or Jones? Jones led the nation in sacks the past two seasons with 28. Mingo had 12. Jones played outside linebacker in a pro-style 3-4 scheme at Georgia. Mingo will have to make the transition from college defensive end to 3-4 linebacker. The Steelers ran to the podium to select Jones at No. 17. Jones dropped that far partially because of concerns over a spinal stenosis condition but mostly because he timed badly at the NFL combine and in subsequent workouts. Jones, 6-2 ½ and 245 pounds, ran a 4.9 40 at his pro day. "When he ran the 4.9, we were happy," Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said in Pittsburgh. "We knew we had a chance. We didn't even talk to Jarvis at the combine because we didn't think we had a chance. This kid, when you watch him play, I don't care what he runs. He's a football player in every phase of the game, and that's what was really exciting." The Steelers are the pre-eminent experts on 3-4 rush linebackers. Colbert’s evaluation of Jones is the single, biggest reason to question – not blast – what the Browns did. Perhaps they will both be great pass rushers. We’ll surely be able to compare them moving forward.

4. I would feel a lot better about the pick of Mingo if the Browns had signed a starting-caliber cornerback in free agency. Banner said the team can’t possibly fill all its needs in one offseason. True enough. But they better find a cornerback soon. Or the most prominent battle in training camp will involve Buster Skrine, Trevin Wade, Johnson Bademosi, Chris Owens and Kevin Barnes.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Grossi Live Chat 4-26

Browns support their talk of pass rush over pass coverage in selection of Barkevious Mingo

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

Barkevious Mingo wore a brown-striped tie and a stylish orange pocket square to NFL draft headquarters on Thursday night. He swears the Browns’ colors were not because he knew he would be the team’s top draft choice.

“I thought it looked really good. It was really a coincidence,” Mingo said.

But there were tip-offs behind the smokescreens erected by the Browns through this draft process that the nimble Louisiana State pass rush linebacker was their guy.

From the moment coach Rob Chudzinski was hired he talked about fielding an aggressive defense. When defensive coordinator Ray Horton was hired, he spoke of attacking the quarterback from all angles. And CEO Joe Banner consistently talked of never losing sight of building from the lines of scrimmage.

The moment of truth came when the Browns passed up Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner and selected Mingo as the first pick of their new era.

“It all starts with pass rush in this league,” Chudzinski said. “Too many good quarterbacks can beat the good cornerbacks when they have the time.”

Banner said he had a trade deal in place to move down if Mingo were not on the board.

“This is the outcome we were hoping for,” Banner said.

Mingo measured 6-4 and 241 pounds at the NFL combine in February and timed a swift 4.53 in the 40-yard dash.

“We’re extremely excited about Kiki,” said Chudzinski. “The things that stood out were the kind of person he is, outstanding character, extremely recommended from the people we talked to. Impressive young man.

“And his athleticism speaks for itself. He’s extremely gifted, explosive, great speed off the edge. He’s been battle-tested in the SEC, played alot, with still a lot of room for growth.”

Mingo’s lean frame is both his greatest strength, lending to his quickness, and his greatest weakness. As a defensive end, he could be swallowed up by 300-pound tackles. He had only 15 sacks in three years at LSU – dropping off to 4.5 last year – as opposing offenses dictated protection schemes toward Mingo after early success in his career.

But the Browns are of the opinion that Mingo will benefit from the switch from college defensive end to outside linebacker in an aggressive 3-4 scheme. At LSU, Mingo often was asked to contain rather than rush the SEC’s mobile quarterbacks. Freeing up Mingo to rush from unpredictable angles out of a two-point stance may make him more productive in the NFL, the Browns believe.

“I agree completely,” Mingo said. “With offensive linemen not knowing if I’m coming or dropping back into coverage, they can’t predict where I’ll be at.”

Mingo joins Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves and defensive end-convert Jabaal Sheard as the rush linebackers in Horton’s 3-4 defensive scheme. That’s a strong foursome to rotate and keep fresh throughout a game. Chudzinski dispelled rumors that Sheard might be used as bait to recoup an extra pick in a trade.

“Jabaal, we’ve been really impressed with him during minicamp, how quickly he’s demonstrated he can make the adjustment to the 3-4,” Chudzinski said. “That group we plan on rotating anyhow. You can’t have enough pass rushers. Keeping those guys fresh is a key.”

The Browns don’t have another pick until the 68^th overall selection in the third round. Banner said he had no deal in the works yet add a pick in the second round.

“We’re going to sleep,” Banner said.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Bingo! Browns select LSU pass rusher Barkevious Mingo with pick at No. 6

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The new Browns’ football men have been talking about upgrading their pass rush since Ray Horton was hired as defensive coordinator. They proved true to their word by making Louisiana State pass rush linebacker Barkevious Mingo their selection with the No. 6 pick of the draft.

Mingo measured 6-4 and 241 pounds at the NFL combine in February and timed a swift 4.53 in the 40-yard dash.

Mingo joins Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves and defensive end-convert Jabaal Sheard as the rush linebackers in Horton’s 3-4 defensive scheme. Horton has been talking about attacking the quarterback from all angles. He now has a strong foursome to rotate and keep fresh throughout a game.

Mock draft 8.0: QB rumors aside, Browns should use top pick to boost the pass rush

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/US Presswire

The Morning Kickoff …

Mock draft 8.0: The Browns have been the center of the NFL draft rumor mill for months, but the 48 hours leading up to Thursday night’s first round have been particularly crazy.

In that time I’ve read or heard the Browns were: trading with Oakland (third pick), Arizona (seventh), San Diego (11^th), Miami (12^th) and Minnesota (23^rd); trading a middle round pick for Miami possession receiver Davone Bess; taking West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith; taking Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel; leaning toward taking an offensive lineman.

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear they had a network information man right there in their draft room. Oh, wait.

Anyway, this process began on March 13 when I penciled in Ziggy Ansah as the Browns’ pick at No. 6. Could he wind up being their pick? At this point, nothing would surprise me.

On to the official, final, clip-and-save, no, throw-it-away 2013 mock draft …

1. Kansas City: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M.

A wire-to-wire win as the top pick in an underwhelming draft.

2. Jacksonville: Dion Jordan, DE-LB, Oregon.

I just can’t accept a new regime tabbing a right tackle as its first pick.

3. Oakland: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE, Brigham Young.

GM Reggie McKenzie saw QB-eater Reggie White turn around the Packers.

4. Philadelphia: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.

Chip Kelly’s second pick will be EJ Manuel.

5. Detroit: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama.

If he survives, may threaten Mark Schlereth’s lifetime record for surgeries.

6. Cleveland: Barkevious Mingo, LB, Louisiana State.

If my top five are correct, Browns will be able to trade down.

7. Arizona: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma.

Cardinals could trade with Browns – or lose their tackle.

8. Buffalo: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama.

Come to think of it, wasn’t new coach Doug Marrone an offensive lineman?

9. N.Y. Jets: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia.

Because they’re the Jets.

10. Tennessee: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah.

Who wouldn’t want to select a Star?

11. San Diego: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina.

Any help for the offensive line is welcome.

12. Miami: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida.

Dolphins rescue Floyd from inexplicable drop.

13. N.Y. Jets: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia.

We repeat: Because they’re the Jets.

14. Carolina: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri.

This pick has held steady throughout this process.

15. New Orleans: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia.

Maybe his 4.7 speed will quicken on Superdome carpet.

16. St. Louis: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas.

Rams steal top safety ahead of Steelers.

17. Pittsburgh: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame.

Big Ben will like this pick.

18. Dallas: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina.

Cowboys’ needs are on the line of scrimmage.

19. N.Y. Giants: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State.

Always replenishing the pass rush, these Giants.

20. Chicago: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama.

Bears have to keep Jay Cutler off the ground.

21. Cincinnati: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama.

Bengals never shy about taking a running back in first round.

22. St. Louis: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson.

Note to Rams: Please help your QB, Sam Bradford.

23. Minnesota: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia.

Just a little faster than Manti Te’o. You think?

24. Indianapolis: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State.

Colts are doing fantastic job of rebuilding their defense.

25. Minnesota: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee.

Comparisons to Randy Moss are flimsy at best, but they need another wideout.

26. Green Bay: Matt Elam, S, Florida.

Packers have to get tougher on defense.

27. Houston: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee.

They need to get Andre Johnson a complementary wideout.

28. Denver: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State.

Somebody to fill the shoes of departed Elvis Dumervil.

29. New England: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State.

Bill Belichick seems to take a cornerback every other year.

30. Atlanta: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington.

This would please the Falcons.

31. San Francisco: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International.

A safety would fill out 49ers’ defense.

32. Baltimore: Kevin Minter, LB, Louisiana State.

Insurance if Rolando McClain doesn’t pan out.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

The Browns' new regime has been on the clock since April 15 when Pilot Flying J was raided by FBI agents

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

Extra Points …

Deep, deep thoughts: Some final thoughts before posting my final mock draft Thursday morning …

Is the current Browns’ regime lame duck before even its first draft? Although the federal fraud investigation of owner Jimmy Haslam’s Pilot Flying J has not yet brought formal charges against him or his company, one ominous repercussion is that he could eventually lose the team. It’s naïve not to consider it a possibility. This could happen if the financial health of Pilot is severely affected by the probe. Whether or not the investigation implicates Haslam, the NFL mostly cares about his ability to finance the team. If Haslam’s company crashes, he likely would have to sell the Browns. (The news events clearly shed a new perspective on the team’s league-high $33 million in cap room.) And that would mean a new owner, eventually, and a new management regime. Theoretically, the present management regime would be kept in place to conduct “business as usual.” But it’s doubtful it would survive another sale of the club. Talk to Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert et al. about that.

This NFL draft is the strangest, most difficult to handicap, of any I can remember. The best players appear to be offensive and defensive linemen. There are no great quarterbacks, receivers or backs. Every highly ranked pass rusher is a projection – either being asked to switch positions in the NFL or having uneven college production. A few of the best players will miss offseason work because of recent surgeries. And seven of the teams picking in the top 10 have either a new general manager, a new head coach, or both.

There is no doubt the Browns wish to trade down. But what happens if they can’t? The incentive to move down is greater this year than in 2009 and 2011 – when Eric Mangini and Heckert traded down to get out the No. 5 and No. 6 position, respectively. Part of the incentive is because of the lack of apparent stars at the top end of this draft, as opposed to the others. But with other teams ahead of them also seeking trade-outs, it’s possible the Browns will have to use the No. 6 pick. Failing to secure a starting cornerback in free agency would point to Alabama CB Dee Milliner being the pick. But No. 5 Detroit reportedly wants him, too, and there are new reports indicating Milliner could miss time mending from torn labrum surgery. The highest-ranked player on the board at No. 6 could be either guard, Chance Warmack of Alabama or Jonathan Cooper of North Carolina. I must say that CEO Joe Banner and GM Mike Lombardi have some difficult decisions ahead of them.

The reason I don’t think the Browns should take a quarterback is that none appears a better alternative to Brandon Weeden. I’m of the belief that Weeden is on a one-year trial with the new coaching staff. If he can’t show significant improvement in his second season, the next quarterback of the Browns will arrive in the next offseason. The reason I wouldn’t take a flier on a QB in the middle or lower rounds is because there are other needs that have to be addressed with those picks. Besides, it’s fantasy to think any QB taken after Round 3 could be “the guy.” The Tom Brady example (sixth round, 2000 draft) was a once-in-a-generation occurrence.

What is the best to hope for from the Browns in this draft? I think they need to come away with two starters, one of which must be a cornerback. If they are able to trade down and get the cornerback at the appropriate place (Florida State’s rangy Xavier Rhodes would be fine with me) and acquire an extra pick or two, that would be a good start. If they could then use the extra pick on an immediate upgrade at free safety, that would be good, too. I would expect them to also draft a guard and receiver. In every round, however, I would expect the Browns to keep eyes on upgrading the pass rush.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell meets with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam over FBI probe

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed concern on Wednesday about the federal investigation of Pilot Flying J, the family-founded company that helped fund the purchase of the Browns by Jimmy Haslam.

“Well, of course, when you have that type of thing,” Goodell said in response to a question. “But I’ve spoken with Jimmy several times and met with him.

“Jimmy is doing everything he’s asked. He’s cooperating. He wants to make sure that he is doing all of the right things in that regard and he has assured us that he is going to.”

Goodell made his comments to reporters at an appearance at a youth football clinic in New York.

Goodell said he met with Haslam on Tuesday.

A league spokesman has said the NFL has no plans to ask Haslam to step aside from operational control of the Browns during the investigation.

Federal agents raided Pilot’s Knoxville, TN, headquarters on April 15 as part of an investigation of fraud. An affidavit used for search warrants said that Haslam’s company fraudulently withheld promised rebates from smaller trucking companies that purchased fuel from Pilot Flying J.

Haslam, CEO of Pilot Flying J, has said he did nothing wrong. Haslam has launched an internal audit to determine if promised rebates were not paid and has personally apologized to some companies that have publicly criticized Pilot as a result of the federal probe. Haslam also has put some sales executives on leave and said he intends to have an independent investigator probe the company.

Haslam came through the NFL’s background check process on two occasions, first as a minority shareholder in the Pittsburgh Steelers and then when he purchased the Browns from the Lerner family for $1.05 billion in August of 2012.

 Goodell said the NFL was unaware of the FBI probe, which began in May of 2011, according to an affidavit.

“It’s an investigation and it was held very tightly by the FBI and the authorities,” Goodell said. “They didn’t share this information with us and they shouldn’t. That’s something that is their prerogative.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft rewind: Peyton Hillis was a No. 227 pick, though not by the Browns

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

The lowdown: Concluding our series reviewing the Browns’ seven selections in the April 25-27 draft.

The Browns have the following picks:

First round: Sixth overall.

Second round: Used in 2012 supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon.

Third round: 68^th.

Fourth round: 104^th.

Fifth round: 139^th and 164^th.

Sixth round: 175^th.

Seventh round: 227^th.

Today’s review: The 175^th and 227^th picks.

Last five NFL drafts at No. 175

2012: Blair Walsh, PK, Minnesota.

2011: Byron Stingily, OT, Tennessee.

2010: Greg Hardy, DE, Carolina.

2009: Quinten Lawrence, WR, Kansas City.

2008: Geno Hayes, LB, Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Walsh had the greatest season ever for a rookie kicker, making 35 of 38 field goals and scoring 144 points, and made the NFC Pro Bowl team. Stingily has two starts in two seasons. Hardy has progressed each year and led his team in sacks with 11 in 2012. Lawrence was converted to defensive back by Miami in 2012 and is now unsigned. Hayes signed this year with Jacksonville, his third team in six years.

Past Browns picks at No. 175

1985: Reggie Langhorne, WR, Elizabeth City State.

1957: Dave Kaiser, WR, Michigan State.

Analysis: Langhorne was a core player on the Browns’ five consecutive playoff teams from 1985 to ’89. After leaving in free agency, he had his only 1,000-yard receiving season in last NFL season with the Colts in 1992. Kaiser never played for the Browns.

Last 5 NFL drafts at No. 227

2012: Rishard Matthews, WR, Miami.

2011: Scotty McKnight, WR, N.Y. Jets.

2010: Dorin Dickerson, TE, Houston.

2009: Mike Mickens, DB, Dallas.

2008: Peyton Hillis, RB, Denver.

Analysis: Matthews had 11 receptions in eight games in his rookie season. McKnight was waived in his second training camp and is currently without a team.Dickerson was converted to receiver in 2012 by Buffalo, his fourth team. Mickens bounced around three NFL teams and is currently active with Calgary of the CFL.  The well-traveled Hillis peaked with 1,177 yards and 11 TDs with the Browns in 2010 He currently is unsigned.

Past Browns picks at No. 227

2002: Joaquin Gonzalez, OT, Miami.

1982: Milton Baker, TE, West Texas State.

1953: Tom Cain, OG, Colorado.

Analysis: Gonzalez started 11 games at right tackle in his third season, but his career ended after one season in Indianapolis. Baker never played for the Browns. Cain never played for the Browns.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft rewind: Jack Gregory, one of the franchise's best pass rushers, was a draft gem at No. 139

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

The Morning Kickoff …

The lowdown: Continuing our series reviewing the Browns’ seven selections in the April 25-27 draft.

The Browns have the following picks:

First round: Sixth overall.

Second round: Used in 2012 supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon.

Third round: 68^th.

Fourth round: 104^th.

Fifth round: 139^th and 164^th.

Sixth round: 175^th.

Seventh round: 227^th.

Today’s review: The 139^th and 164^th picks.

Last five NFL drafts at No. 139

2012: Robert Blanton, DB, Minnesota.

2011: Brandon Burton, DB, Minnesota.

2010: John Conner, RB, N.Y. Jets.

2009: Colin Brown, OT, Kansas City.

2008: Ryan Torain, RB, Denver.

Analysis: A hamstring injury early in his first camp reduced Blanton to spot duty on defense and special teams his rookie year. With little production in two seasons, Burton’s roster spot will be on the line in 2013. Conner was released by the Jets last year and signed by the Bengals. Brown, who has two starts in three years, was recently re-signed as a backup lineman with the Bills. Torain suffered a torn ACL in his first NFL game against the Browns in 2008. He currently is with the Giants, his third team.

Past Browns picks at No. 139

2005: David McMillan, DE, Kansas.

1966: Jack Gregory, DE, Delta State.

1965: Pat Screen, QB, Louisiana State.

1961: Ken Ericson, WR, Syracuse.

1957: Rudy Spitzenberger, OG, Houston.

Analysis: McMillan survived roster cuts for three years as a special teamer and then was cut by Toronto of the CFL. One of the premier pass rushers in franchise history, Gregory’s 14 sacks (unofficially) in 1970 remain second on the club’s all-time list. He forced a trade to the Giants in a contract dispute in 1972, and then was reacquired for a final season in 1979.  Screen never played for the Browns, and used his law degree and popularity to forge a political career in Baton Rouge, LA. He died of a drug overdose in 1994 at the age of 51. Ericson, a teammate of future Browns RB Ernie Davis who had 20 career receptions at Syracuse, never played for the Browns. Spitzenberger never played for the Browns.

Last five NFL drafts at No. 164

2012: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Atlanta.

2011: Chykie Brown, DB, Baltimore.

2010: Crezdon Butler, DB, Pittsburgh.

2009: Thomas Morstead, P, New Orleans.

2008: Carl Nicks, OT, New Orleans.

Analysis: Massaquoi appeared in eight games and had two tackles as a rookie. Brown is a reserve and special teamer with the Ravens. Butler has been on four teams in three years. Flourishing indoors, Morstead has been one of the top NFC punters and kickoff specialists the past four seasons. He was voted to one Pro Bowl. Nicks parlayed two Pro Bowl seasons with New Orleans into a $47.5 million free agent contract with Tampa Bay, for whom he missed half the 2012 season with a toe injury.

Past Browns picks at No. 164

The Browns have never made a selection at No. 164.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft rewind: Best 104th pick was Brian Brennan

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

The lowdown: Continuing our series reviewing the Browns’ seven selections in the April 25-27 draft.

The Browns have the following picks:

First round: Sixth overall.

Second round: Used in 2012 supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon.

Third round: 68^th.

Fourth round: 104^th.

Fifth round: 139^th and 164^th.

Sixth round: 175^th.

Seventh round: 227^th.

Today’s review: The 104th overall pick.

Last 5 NFL drafts

2012: Joe Adams, WR, Carolina.

2011: Luke Stocker, TE, Tampa Bay.

2010: Alterraun Verner, DB, Tennessee.

2009: Kaluka Maiava, LB, Cleveland.

2008: Beau Bell, LB, Cleveland.

Analysis: Adams had four punt return TDs his senior year at Arkansas, but his smallish frame proved a detriment in his rookie year. He was a virtual nonentity on offense and special teams, other than four fumbles. In 30 games – 20 starts – Stocker has 28 catches and one touchdown. Verner has been an off-and-on starter for the Titans (31 of 48 games). He has 28 pass breakups and six interceptions in three seasons. Maiava was a special teams core player his first three seasons. Injuries forced him to make 13 starts at linebacker last year. The Browns allowed him to leave in free agency. He signed with the Oakland Raiders for a reported $6 million over three years. Bell had injury problems in college and they continued in the NFL. He appeared in only four games with the Browns before a leg injury knocked him out. He was cut the following year and then played in three other leagues – Arena League, United Football League and Canadian Football League.

Past Browns picks at No. 104

2009: Kaluka Maiava, LB, Southern California.

2008: Beau Bell, LB, Nevada-Las Vegas.

1984: Brian Brennan, WR, Boston College.

1968: Wayne Meylan, LB, Nebraska.

1950: Russ Frizzell, OT, Tulsa.

Analysis: Maiava came out of USC the same year as fellow Trojan linebackers Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga. Bell recently tried to re-start his NFL career by participating in an NFL regional combine in Cleveland. Brennan was an integral player on the Browns’ five consecutive playoff teams from 1984 through ’89. In those five seasons, he averaged 41 receptions for 560 yards as the third (slot) receiver. All of 5-9 and 178 pounds, Brennan was as sure-handed as receivers come. He finished his career with Cincinnati and San Diego in 1992. Meylan’s NFL career lasted only three years, two with the Browns and one with the Vikings. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Meylan went on to a successful business career in Omaha. His hobby was flying World War II planes in airshows. Meylan died in 1987 when a plane he was piloting crashed in Ludington, MI. Frizzell was a member of Paul Brown’s first NFL draft in 1950. He never played for the team.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam announces steps to clear company name

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Rocked by a federal investigation and a public relations nightmare that threatens the livelihood of his behemoth truck stop and diesel fuel company, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam humbly and sternly announced changes aimed at repairing Pilot Flying J’s crumbling reputation in the trucking industry.

“I more than anybody understands the damage that’s been done to our reputation, our brand and our relationship in the trucking community,” Haslam said. “Eight days ago I think we had the best relationships and the best trust in the trucking industry. We now have the worst. I understand that. I accept responsibility for it.”

It was the third time Haslam has addressed reporters since FBI and IRS agents raided his company headquarters in Knoxville, TN, last Monday brandishing search and seizure warrants to investigate the company for fraud. It was a much different Haslam this time – contrite and embarrassed, but also determined to save his company from getting swallowed up in scandal.

The unsealing of the 120-page affidavit by the FBI on Thursday, which detailed secretly recorded conversations of company sales executives using unflattering language to explain how they cheated smaller trucking companies out of promised rebates, has stamped a gigantic blemish on the nation’s sixth-largest private company and exposed it to civil lawsuits, along with the ongoing federal investigation.

Haslam’s father, Jimmy Jr., founded the company in 1958 and a Haslam has been running it ever since, including brother Bill Haslam, now the governor of Tennessee. The Browns owner started working for his father in 1977.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been as embarrassed as I’ve been since I read the affidavit,” Haslam said. “I got home Friday about 8 and I sat down like I was a student again and had my legal pad out and went through it word by word, made notes to myself and I don’t think I slept at all Friday night. I might have slept an hour or two.”

Haslam said he personally apologized to two trucking company owners who have been quoted in national media questioning their trust in Haslam.

Tommy Hodges, owner of Titan Transfer Inc., of Shelbyville, TN, was quoted Friday in USA Today as saying, “Until today, I considered Jimmy Haslam a friend. But when someone you count as a friend lets you down, it kind of puts a knot in your stomach. We're still buying fuel from them today, but we're looking at other options."

Haslam said Monday, “Tommy is a titan of the industry, fellow Tennessean, and to hear what he said in the article – and I’m not at all saying we didn’t deserve it --was particularly painful.”

Haslam again declined to take questions from reporters. While he refrained from repeating that he did nothing wrong, he announced steps he has taken to attempt to clear his company’s name. The federal investigation will continue.

Haslam said he will have his company’s audit team determine how and where Pilot overcharged customers.

He said “several” members of his sales team have been put on administrative leave indefinitely. Haslam would not name them, but it’s logical to assume they include John Freeman, the company’s VP of sales, who was quoted surreptitiously in the affidavit using profane language and also saying Haslam was aware of the alleged improprieties.

Haslam said the company would establish a chief compliance officer immediately. The existence of such an officer, Haslam explained, could have saved the company from a federal investigation if the alleged rebate scam in fact was going on.

Haslam also said the company’s board of directors would appoint an independent investigator to determine “what did or did not transpire here.” The investigator will report to the board, not Haslam.

Haslam again made no mention of the Browns. The NFL remains unwilling to comment.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

First-round trades have doomed the Browns in their new era

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The Morning Kickoff …

Trade winds blowing: My No. 1 takeaway from the final pre-draft press conference hosted by Browns CEO Joe Banner was that he wants to trade down from the sixth overall spot in the first round. By Thursday, he will have talked to all 31 other teams to gauge interest, he said.

A trade down most likely would not occur until the Browns are on the clock. By then, the desire could be wishful thinking.

Oakland (third), Philadelphia (fourth) and Detroit (fifth) also would like to move down. But each would command more in return because each is sitting higher than the Browns, and each should have a compelling need player or two available who would be tough to pass on.

The defensive tackle-depleted Raiders could choose between Florida’s Shariff Floyd and Utah’s Star Lotulelei, the Eagles can nab one of the top three offensive tackles or Chip Kelly’s freakish pass rusher from Oregon, Dion Jordan, and the Lions might not be able to turn their backs on BYU’s man-child defensive end Ziggy Ansah or Alabama’s pro-trained cornerback Dee Milliner.

The Browns might not have a similarly difficult decision. Banner appears poised to wheel and deal. He supervised, if not spearheaded, seven first-round trades in 14 drafts as Eagles owner Jeff Lurie’s top administrator – four to go up, three to go down.

I think a trade down is the most likely scenario for the Browns on Thursday. I would not discount two trade downs, in fact, to net the Browns from two to four extra picks.

This is all exciting to talk about it. But the recent history of first-round trades by the Browns has contributed to their collective demise. Four different regimes preceding Banner’s have either whiffed or tapped out lightly to the mound in their draft-day at bats.

The scorecard:

The Butch Davis regime: Davis was in his fourth Browns draft in 2004. Incredibly, he had failed to secure any of his star Hurricane recruits in three years, such as Dan Morgan and Santana Moss (2001); Jeremy Shockey, Ed Reed and Clinton Portis (2002); and Andre Johnson and Willis McGahee (2003).

In 2004, Davis first made a failed pitch to Oakland for the No. 2 spot to nab offensive lineman Robert Gallery before turning his eyes to the stars of his last recruiting class at Miami  -- Sean Taylor and Kellen Winslow Jr. Davis couldn’t pry the No. 5 pick from Washington for Taylor, whom he wanted, so he reached to come away with Winslow.

Davis panicked and gave the Lions the fifth pick in the second round, No. 37 overall, to move up one spot and take Winslow. Certainly Winslow had a better career than Detroit’s pick, receiver Roy Williams. And the Lions blew the No. 37 selection, too, on bust-out linebacker Teddy Lehman. But it was a bad trade.

The Phil Savage regime: Savage made two first-round trades in four years. Neither worked out.

The one involving Brady Quinn in 2007 with Dallas proved fairly inconsequential in the whole scheme of things. Like every young Browns quarterback, Quinn was failed by the organization and amounted to nothing but a footnote – one of 18 to start at the position since 1999. The trade sent the Browns’ 2008 No. 1 to Dallas, which squandered it on little Arkansas scatback Felix Jones. Double dumb.

The more consequential trade came the year before, when Savage committed GM cardinal sins by 1. Trading within his division and, 2. Trading with his mentor.

Savage held the 12^th pick, Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome had the 13^th. Savage was in his second season of trying to convert the Browns to a 3-4 defense. Savage could have justified either highly graded player available – defensive tackle Haloti Ngata or defensive end Kamerion Wimbley. Run stopper v. pass rusher. After bouncing it off coach Romeo Crennel, Savage flipped spots with Newsome, who wanted Ngata, for the price of a sixth-round pick. Wimbley had 11 sacks as a rookie, but never made the Pro Bowl, while Ngata turned into a perennial all-star. Bill Belichick later told Newsome Ngata was the best player in the draft. Time has proved him right.

The Eric Mangini regime: When Mangini took over in 2009, he didn’t like what he saw. Owning the No. 5 pick, he saw an opportunity to populate his roster with extra picks and familiar role players from his former team, the Jets.

Mangini agreed to trade the fifth pick to the Jets for three players – defensive end Kenyon Coleman, safety Abe Elam and No. 3 quarterback Brett Ratliff – plus the Jets’ first-, (17th overall) and second-round picks.

Then Mangini dropped down from No. 17 to No. 19 for a sixth-round pick. Then he dropped down from No. 19 to No. 21 for another sixth-round pick and chose center Alex Mack.

By virtue of a previous trade of Winslow to Tampa Bay, Mangini wound up with three second-round picks and three in the sixth round. None of those six players helped the cause. Among the future stars Mangini let slide by through that early activity were Clay Matthews 3, Percy Harvin, Brian Cushing and Hakeem Nicks. The second-round Browns selections were, of course, Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi and David Veikune.

The Tom Heckert regime: Heckert made two bold trades in three years.

The second one – last year – was derided by a certain future Browns GM as a panic-stricken disaster, but it was hardly that. Whether or not the Browns were bluffed into giving up picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds to move up one spot ahead of Minnesota to take Trent Richardson is not important. Those were incidental, surplus picks -- the Browns had 13 -- and the Vikings netted virtually nothing with them. They were a small price to pay for the insurance of not losing Richardson, who will prove to be a great back.

Heckert’s signature trade was the year before, when he moved down from No. 6 to No. 26 for Atlanta’s first-, second- and sixth-round picks that year and its first-round pick in 2012. The Falcons wanted Julio Jones, who has emerged as a true elite receiver.

It turned out the Browns wanted defensive tackle Phil Taylor. They then had to give up their third-round pick to move up five spots and nab Taylor at No. 21. The third-round pick dealt to Kansas City, Justin Houston, is a pretty good pass rusher who, ironically, would fit beautifully in the current defensive system. With the other Falcons' picks, Heckert chose receiver Greg Little and fullback Owen Marecic.

I have been a consistently severe critic of this trade, but the final grade depends on Brandon Weeden, whom the Browns selected with Atlanta’s No. 1 in 2012.

Weeden would have establish himself as the team’s franchise quarterback this year to turn the trade in the Browns’ favor.

Add them all up and you can see that trading in the first round has not been the team’s forte in its expansion era.

So good luck, Joe Banner. We’re all counting on you.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Embattled Jimmy Haslam will not step down as CEO of his business, makes no mention of plans with Browns

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

Looking calm and collected, Jimmy Haslam admitted he has been “rocked back” by federal allegations of company fraud at Pilot Flying J, but vowed his family-founded truck stop and fuel business will emerge “a better company” from “this difficult process.”

Haslam, who spoke 8 ½ minutes without notes and did not take questions, said he would not step down as CEO.

“Why would I do that?” Haslam said. “Candidly, I haven’t done anything wrong, number one. And number two, if there’s ever a time our company needs our leadership, it’s right now. So our plans are to remain … CEO for a long time, candidly.”

Haslam’s world was rocked twice this week -- first when his company headquarters were locked down in a raid by FBI and IRS agents serving search and seizure warrants, and then when the affidavit alleging crimes of fraud was unsealed and released on Thursday. The document included startling details and transcripted conversations of executives using salty language.

The FBI allegations charge Pilot Flying J sales executives with not paying rebates promised to trucking companies for buying large volumes of fuel and enriching themselves and the company. Details in the 120-page affidavit incriminate Haslam for knowing and approving of the scheme, which allegedly went on for five to seven years.

Haslam’s appearance was aimed at keeping up the morale of the company’s 23,000 employees and restoring confidence among the company’s suppliers and customers. He said he was pleased Friday was a good sales day. He also vowed his family would continue to be “a major force” in the Tennessee community.

Haslam made no mention of his future as Browns owner.

Earlier in the day, an NFL spokesman denied an ESPN Cleveland report that the league may eventually ask Haslam to step aside as operational owner of the Browns while the FBI investigation continues.

Spokesman Greg Aiello said the league has “no such plans” to do that.

“It’s a federal investigation of Pilot Flying J, as we’re all aware. Mr. Haslam has issued several statements. We have no further comment,” Aiello said.

As he left the conference room in which he spoke, Haslam declined to answer whether he participated in a fraudulent rebate scheme at Pilot Flying J.

Another reported asked, “Will you take the Browns to the Super Bowl?”

Haslam chuckled and said, “Eventually, yes.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

NFL has "no plans" to ask Jimmy Haslam to step aside as Browns owner; Haslam to make another statement on federal investigation today at 4

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league has “no such plans” to ask Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to step aside while a federal investigation of his Pilot Flying J company of charges of fraud continues.

Aiello declined to say whether Haslam has communicated with league officials about the investigation.

“It’s a federal investigation of Pilot Flying J, as we’re all aware. Mr. Haslam has issued several statements. We have no further comment,” Aiello said.

A source told ESPN Cleveland on Thursday that the league soon may want to distance itself from the criminal investigation by asking Haslam to cede operational control of the Browns until his company’s problems are resolved.

The source also indicated Haslam could elect to step aside voluntarily to insulate the team from the distraction of the federal allegations.

Haslam returned to Knoxville, TN, on Friday. A company spokesman told media that Haslam will make a statement from Pilot headquarters at 4 o’clock on Friday, but he will not take questions.

Haslam passed the NFL’s extensive background check as a prospective team owner on two occasions – first when he purchased a 12.5 percent stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 and then again when he reached an agreement to purchase the Browns from the Lerner family in August.

Haslam reportedly paid $1.05 billion for the Browns. The agreement called for a $700 million payment for 70 percent of the franchise now and the remainder due four years after the close of the sale in 2016.

Haslam was unanimously and enthusiastically approved as owner of the Browns at league meetings on Oct. 16.

A source said the league’s background checks primarily concern an ownership candidate’s “financial strength” and ability to afford a team. If the candidate owns a company, the source said, the NFL takes “a general look” at the company’s finances and reputation.

Haslam scored high marks on the background checks, said the source.

Federal documents used to obtain search and seizure warrants indicated the investigation of Pilot began in May of 2011.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Jimmy Haslam may be asked to step down while investigation continues

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/USATSI

Federal allegations of fraud made against Jimmy Haslam’s Pilot Flying J company may imperil his operational control of the Cleveland Browns, according to a source with knowledge of both the legal system and the inner workings of the NFL.

“This is worse than a dark cloud. This is a funnel cloud,” said the source.

Haslam was inside the Browns’ facility to sit in on draft meetings on Thursday when details of an alleged fraud scheme that enriched his family’s company were revealed in unsealed documents filed in U.S. District Court in Knoxville, TN.

The 120-page affidavit, as first reported by The Plain Dealer, summed up a two-year investigation of Haslam’s truck stop and travel center company by the FBI and IRS. The documents, which were used to obtain search and seizure warrants served Monday at company headquarters, charge that Haslam knew company sales executives withheld millions of dollars of rebates owed trucking companies that purchased gas in large volumes from Pilot Flying J.

After reading the documents, Haslam issued a statement that said in part, “I maintain that the foundation of this company is built on its integrity and that any willful wrongdoing by any employee of this company at any time is intolerable.”

Haslam pledged to continue to cooperate with the FBI investigation and also to continue his company’s internal investigation of the allegations.

The NFL has declined to comment.

The investigation has not resulted in an indictment.

The source believes the league may ask Haslam to step aside of his own volition and remove himself from operational control of the Browns while the investigation continues. It’s possible that requirement could result in Haslam staying away from the team facility.

If Haslam declined, the source said, the league could suspend Haslam until the investigation is completed.

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue suspended former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. for the 1999 season after DeBartolo pled to failing to report an alleged extortion plot involving the licensing of a Louisiana riverboat casino.

DeBartolo also was fined $1 million by the league. He eventually ceded control of the franchise to his sister, Denise DeBartolo York.

The source believes that it may be in Haslam’s best interest to appoint a family member “who can’t be touched” by the federal investigation of Pilot Flying J to oversee operations of the Browns.

It’s unclear what action the NFL might take if Haslam himself were charged and convicted of a crime. Forcing a sale would be unprecedented.

“They can force him, probably, to transfer his interests to another entity within the family, where he may still have equity holdings but absolutely no involvement in operations,” the source said. “They can remove him from having front-and-center involvement.”

The source believes that alone would be a huge psychological blow to the Browns franchise.

“The club was going to build off the energy of Jimmy Haslam, and the success of his company. This was going to be the foundation for the whole franchise and all the energy stemmed from that,” said the source.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

We learned more than you'd think from the Browns final public appearance before the April 25 draft

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Extra Points …

Breaking it down: Here’s what we learned from the final press availability of CEO Joe Banner and GM Mike Lombardi on Thursday.

1. The Browns are actively trying to trade out of the No. 6 position.

Banner said he has talked to “probably 28 teams” to weigh the possibility of trades. This is one of Banner’s specialties, working the phones prior to and during a draft. In his former life as Philadelphia executive, Banner oversaw seven trades in the first round in 13 drafts. Contrary to his previous recollection, he moved up more times (four) than down (three), but mostly was sitting lower in the draft than the Browns are this year.

“We haven’t had any specific conversations about trades or what would be involved in trade,” he said. “We have had conversations about feeling out, are you open to it depending on who’s there.”

Banner isn’t totally confident he can move out of the No. 6 spot (for an additional pick, not necessarily in the second round). He said, “I think there are teams interested in moving up but there are also teams interested in moving down.” In other words, teams sitting above the Browns – Philadelphia at No. 4, Detroit at No. 5 – could beat the Browns to the punch.

2. Don’t discount the possibility of trading down, down, down.

I asked Banner how many players the Browns have first-round grades on. I expected a small number. He said “18 to 20.” What that means, to me, is the Browns might be satisfied to do the Eric Mangini/Tom Heckert free-fall down to the 20s, collecting several extra picks, if there is a player with a first-round draft grade they would be comfortable with.

3. In the event of a draft-room tie, owner Jimmy Haslam WILL NOT have a vote.

Banner identified the main men in the draft room as himself; Lombardi; Ray Farmer, assistant GM; and coach Rob Chudzinski. Haslam will be in the room, of course, but Banner said, “Jimmy is not watching film and studying this in a way that he would vote on a player.”

If the four “collaborators” – in Lombardi’s previous stint here, Art Modell called it “the committee” – are divided 2-2 on a given player, Banner said that rather than attempt to break the logjam, they would consider another player on which they had a stronger consensus.

“It’s usually a better move to switch to the player that has a consensus of support. You’ll be right more often if you do it that way,” Banner said.

4. Reports of the Browns leaning toward quarterbacks Geno Smith or EJ Manuel or Ryan Nassib are off base.

Yes, the Browns have worked out or visited with each of them, and other QBs, too. But they’ve done so mostly to gauge their value in case of opportunity to trade and just to make sure they haven’t left the next great QB on the board.

“There are quarterbacks in this draft that are intriguing,” Banner said. “We’ll have to make an evaluation between now and next Thursday on just how intriguing. Other teams will be doing the same thing just to determine where. But we’re not going into it with a focus other than trying to continue to build the team, especially at key positions that we think really, really good teams are strong at, and move forward that way.”

This is now the second time Banner has tried to diffuse the nuclear issue of quarterback.

5. If Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner is waiting for the Browns at No. 6, don’t automatically pencil him in.

One of the few interesting things Lombardi let slip, in my opinion, was a response to a question about the perceived drop-off in talent from the No. 1 cornerback (Milliner) to the rest of them.

“There’s always certainly levels, it’s just making sure you get the right guy for your team,” Lombardi said. “He may be the third corner. He may be the best corner. You just have to make sure you get it right.”

6. Lombardi is going to try to Bill Belichick his way through the PR aspect of the GM job.

Like so many of his predecessors that have traipsed back through Cleveland, Lombardi kneels at the altar of Belichick. He tried to emulate Belichick’s gruff, say-nothing, grunting approach to this dreaded pre-draft press conference. If the goal was to convey arrogance and utter contempt at having to even endure 28 minutes of softball questions, he succeeded magnificently.

To wit:

Q: Do you expect trade activity at the top of the draft?

Lombardi: I think you prepare for everything. That’s what the draft is. Just being prepared. I really couldn’t say one way or the other.

Q: Would you like to trade down?

Lombardi: I think a lot of that is all situational. It comes down to the situation at the time. It’s hard to really go into it before that.

Q: What do you think of Brandon Weeden now that you’ve had a chance to see him on the field at this minicamp?

Lombardi: You know, I’ve been really busy. I’ve watched the tape. I’m really studying on the draft at this point and watching the tape of the practice.

Q: Is the team in better position to win after having now gone through free agency?

Lombardi: I think the team’s about just trying to keep working hard and keep trying to add more players. I think that’s the most important thing. In terms of looking at it on a broader style than that, for me, is really not my job right now. It’s about focusing on trying to find good players.”

Well done.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

New pass rush opportunities outweigh sacrifices and adjustments D'Qwell Jackson and Jabaal Sheard will make in Ray Horton's 3-4 defense

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Winning them over: The two Browns players who might have legitimate reason to question, or resent, or even dread the switch to a 3-4 base system claim they are “all in” on the blitzing, Pittsburgh-style defense being installed by new coordinator Ray Horton.

Inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who enters his eighth season now as the longest-tenured Brown, stands to be mauled in the running game by 300-pound guards unimpeded by defensive tackles who would otherwise line up over them in the 4-3.

“I’ve got to get some bigger pads this year,” Jackson joked.

Jabaal Sheard has to make two major transitions in his third NFL season. After leading the team with 15.5 sacks the past two years as the left defensive end, Sheard will move to the right side and audition for the standup weakside linebacker spot, where he has to adjust from always moving forward to often moving backward. He inherits unfamiliar, additional responsibilities to cover backs, tight ends – even slot receivers – in pass coverage.

It is the most physically and mentally demanding position on defense in the NFL.

“It’s different, but I think it’s gonna be fine,” Sheard said. “It’s a challenge. But football’s a challenge. I’m just gonna step up to the plate.

“I think I’m athletic. I always wanted to be a linebacker. I wanted to be able to drop (into pass coverage) and also rush. I’m happy for it. Honestly.”

Jackson, 6-0 and 240 pounds, doesn’t think he’ll have to add weight to be more stout in the running game. Sheard, 6-2 and 255 pounds, doesn’t think he’ll have to lose weight to be more agile in the pass coverage game.

Are they engaging in fantasy football? Or is their enthusiasm a real effect of Horton’s immediate impact on his new players?

It’s all about the pass rush: What is exciting and appealing to both players is the unrelenting aggressiveness in Horton’s scheme.

“The beauty of Ray’s defense, he doesn’t let an offense dictate what we’re doing,” Jackson said. “We’re gonna do what we do, give you multiple looks, multiple pressures. Ray’s played the game, so he understands what works and what doesn’t.”

Jackson broke in with the Browns in 2006 as an inside linebacker in the Romeo Crennel 3-4 defense. He transitioned easily into the facsimile Eric Mangini 3-4, but both systems took their toll on him physically. He has been more productive – and had more fun -- as the middle linebacker in the Dick Jauron 4-3 the past two seasons.

“The thing about this 3-4 compared to the 3-4 I played in the past (is) we’re going to be aggressive,” Jackson said. “It’s similar to what Arizona ran last year, to what the Steelers do.

“I’ll have a lot more opportunities to blitz. We have a lot of different fronts, so it won’t be one look all the time. You look around at the Baltimores, the Steelers, they excel in being able to execute multiple fronts. There’ll be a lot more movement. It’s harder for an offense to hit a moving target. In years past, you’d just stand there all day. You feel you (can’t) make plays. You get blocked all the way down the field.”

Sheard said, “Pass rushing is pass rushing. I’m still on the edge. All I have to do is learn to drop a little bit. I’m starting to get the hang of it.”

Sheard was scouted by New England and Pittsburgh as a 3-4 outside ‘backer coming out of Pitt in 2011. He considered himself fortunate to break in as a 4-3 end with the Browns. Recognizing coverage assignments will be his biggest adjustment.

His rush opportunities may be reduced, but he will realize an advantage from the stand-up position at linebacker.

“Mainly it’s about the get-off,” he said. “In the three-point stance, you’re like a track runner. You have more force leaning forward. (In the two-point stance of a linebacker) you can get a good jump on the ball seeing the center snap the ball.”

A new Cleveland swag: Jackson said the best NFL defenses over the past five years have been the ones playing an aggressive 3-4 scheme. He has seen the Steelers and Ravens run roughshod over the Browns for eight years. He’s been envious of them.

“I’ve watched all the top defenses,” he said. “Baltimore, Pittsburgh … they get after people. That’s what Ray brings. Baltimore’s been highly successful with their ‘cross dogs’ – sending the two inside linebackers on stunts. We’ll do a lot of that. We run a ton of it. It’s gonna be good to finally get after Baltimore and Pittsburgh and actually give them a dose of their own medicine.”

Sheard sees Horton, a passionate disciple of the great Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau, turning the Browns into a defensive power.

“It’s similar (to the Steelers’ style),” he said. “We’ve got our own swag. We’re gonna have our own thing. We’re going to bring pressure. We’re going to get after it. We want to pride ourself on defense, too.”

For these two players, there will be some sacrifices. Hopefully, some new triumphs, too.

“I want to win some games around here,” Sheard said. “So whatever it takes to win games.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Trent Richardson is pain-free and looking forward to his second season

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

Extra Points …

T-Rich all smiles: The Browns have a list of players who should benefit from the new offense being installed by Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner. At the top might be running back Trent Richardson.

Richardson is wearing a constant smile at Browns’ minicamp. It’s almost as if he can’t contain a good secret. As if he knows what’s in store.

“I can’t wait till this year,” Richardson said after his first practice under new coach Rob Chudzinski and coordinator Norv Turner. “I think there’ll be big smiles on everybody’s faces after the games this year … not too many sad faces.”

The famed power running game featured by Turner, which has produced three NFL rushing champions, has Richardson pumped. But there’s more.

His two broken ribs finally have healed and his knee cartilage problem, which cost him all the preseason games of his first camp, is a distant memory.

“I feel great … 100 percent,” Richardson said. “I wish you can all be out there to watch the whole practice. I’m out there flying around. I finally feel skinny. I don’t have that big (protective) pad on me.

“It’s way easier to breathe. I can sleep at night. I feel better than ever.”

A roller coaster ride: Richardson’s rookie season was a series of ups and downs. His preseason was washed out by a surprise trip to Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, FL, to have a cartilage chip removed in a knee.

He made it back in time for the season opener. That’s when he made the head-on helmet hit of Eagles safety Kurt Coleman that rocked Cleveland Browns Stadium and reverberated through the offseason.

The hit blasted Coleman’s helmet off and made Richardson the poster boy of a rule change. This year, using the crown of the helmet like that will result in a penalty and a fine.

“Everybody kept calling me and asking me about it,” Richardson said. “They’re saying that’s the T-Rich rule or the Trent Richardson rule. I just laughed about it at first. I started feeling bad about it for the backs because I feel it’s kind of my fault.

He said the new rule won’t change his style.

“I just don’t think about it. If I do, it may just slow me down. I understand they’re trying to make the NFL safe as they can for the players in the long run and for the present. I’m not saying I’m gonna switch up my running style, but I’m gonna make sure I do whatever it takes to not hurt nobody else or not to injure myself.”

Richardson had a 100-yard game in his second NFL game. Then it seemed as if he hit a wall. In fact, he did, in a Game 6 collision that caused two broken ribs. He played through the injury and did not reveal the extent until after the season.

“It was tough, man,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff I didn’t say. I don’t know if I can really say it now. There’d be times I really couldn’t get going until like Friday, and I had to be out there Sunday.”

Richardson had two more 100-yard games and missed the last game with an ankle injury. He wound up with Browns rookie records with 11 rushing touchdowns and 950 yards. The records were for a 16-game season.

But his numbers through 12 games – the length of the NFL season when Jim Brown was a rookie in 1957 – were actually not off those of the Hall of Fame legend. Brown had 942 yards and nine touchdowns; Richardson had 833 and seven. The significant difference was in their average yards per rush – 4.6 for Brown, 3.6 for Richardson. The broken ribs had to account for some of that difference.

Running out of the shadows: Brown’s pre-draft comments about Richardson – “He’s ordinary” – motivated Richardson more than hounded him. They had a bonding in the middle of the season, when Brown appreciated Richardson’s selflessness play with broken ribs.

Prior to Brown, the shadow that engulfed Richardson was cast by Emmitt Smith, who grew up in the same hometown of Pensacola and preceded him at Escambia High School. Smith, of course, is the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards.

And now that Richardson has won over Brown, the specter of Smith is the new motivator for Richardson.

When Turner got on board as Chudzinski’s coordinator and met Richardson for the first time, he slyly said to him, “You know, I had Emmitt Smith (at Dallas).”

“For me, it’s a lot of big shoes I have to fill once again,” Richardson said with a smile that turned into a big laugh.

“I’ll always have some connection with him no matter what. That’s an honor. Until I get to where he’s at now, it’s gonna be like that.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Grossi Live Chat

Brandon Weeden talks of being 'the man' to trigger the Rob Chudzinski-Norv Turner offense

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

BW3a: I liked what I heard from Brandon Weeden on the first real work day of his second season.

He talked about being “the man” in his second season, about being more vocal and embracing the leadership responsibility that is part of the job description of being an NFL starting quarterback.

He talked about leaning on Jason Campbell’s eight years’ NFL experience, about forming a relationship with the 31-year-old acquisition to make himself better.

He talked about cleaning up some sloppy fundamentals, such as stop patting the ball and moving his feet quicker, to put himself in better throwing positions and improving his completion percentage.

And he talked about having to win over the new coaches – Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner – in the classroom, but more importantly, on the field.

“I think this is probably the biggest time of my entire career,” Weeden, 29, said. “The rookie year’s tough. Going into Year Two, you have to show you can play and grow from Year One.”

It’s now or never: Weeden is on a one-year trial as Browns quarterback.

There is no doubt in my mind that if left to their own devices, CEO Joe Banner and GM Mike Lombardi would replace Weeden with Geno Smith or another quarterback in the draft. With any quarterback in the draft.

Many national observers – including former Browns GM and current executive director of the Senior Bowl Phil Savage – believe this can still happen. I don’t.

I don’t believe that Banner and Lombardi have the courage of their convictions to pull rank over Chudzinski and Turner, who own the only expertise on quarterbacking in the current management regime.

This is not to say that Chudzinski and Turner are enamored with Weeden. But they must see in him the fundamental skill-set they look for in a quarterback. I suspect that if Weeden were just coming out in next week’s draft, Chudzinski and Turner would rank him at or near the top of the quarterback class.

“As I’ve said before, you see a young guy who has some tools,” Chudzinski said after Tuesday’s first minicamp practice. “He has a good arm and has the ability to get the ball down the field. We look and project that into the things we are going to try to do and obviously teach him. You are looking for progress from a guy who was a rookie and showed progress during his rookie season. You want to see him take the next step to his second year. Hopefully, he will do that and we have to teach him a new offense in the meantime.”

Chudzinski said at the NFL owners meetings in Arizona last month that Turner has a way of challenging a quarterback and bringing out the best in him. The way Weeden talked on Tuesday was a direct result of Turner’s lectures, I believe.

True excitement and new energy: Weeden always talks at a fast clip, which connotes excitement and energy. But it rang hollow in his rookie year because he never seemed comfortable with the concepts of the Pat Shurmur West Coast offense. Who could blame him?

Mike Holmgren and Shurmur tried to wedge Weeden -- a shotgun, quick-read, hard-throwing passer -- into an under-center, seasoned operator of an intricate, timing-based, intermediate-route, cerebral offense. Ryan Tannehill would have been a wiser pick for that system, but Holmgren and Shurmur didn’t like him enough to take him fourth overall, which was the right call. So they force-fed Weeden into a system that brought out the worst in him (i.e. batted passes, indecisive reads, ill-timed throws).

The Chudzinski-Turner offense is more of the “let ‘er rip” style that allowed Weeden to ring up big numbers at Oklahoma State. If Derek Anderson can put together a Pro Bowl-alternate season in this offense, shouldn’t Weeden – given his college credentials and his obvious physical skills – do better?

“I think this offense possesses a lot of the strengths that I have,” Weeden said. “Throwing the ball downfield, throwing deeper routes. I think I’m gonna be in the shotgun a little bit more. You look at (Turner protege) Philip Rivers, he was in the shotgun over 70 percent of the time. Stuff like that, stuff that I’ve done in the past.

“I think Norv’s been in this offense 25-30 years, so he’s a great resource. I trust everything he’s saying. It’s a great scheme. I love this offense. I think it’s a great fit, not only for me but for the other guys we have.”

The other reason Weeden exudes more confidence in Year Two is from taking ownership of the position.

“I don’t care (that) I was 28 last year,” he said. “It’s still different coming into a (new professional) locker room. It’s still hard to be the vocal guy. You have to kind of understand your role and see how you fit. Now it’s my second year. It’s my job to take control and be ‘the guy,’ be the leader on offense, be the leader in the locker room. For me, I lead by example. But there’s a comfort level there now that maybe wasn’t there last year because I was still learning. I was learning week to week and learning new guys, how each guy responds. I’ve seen a difference. This year I’m a little more proactive and just kind of being ‘the guy.’”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam professes 'business as usual'

By Tony Grossi

Extra Points …

Another season, another soap opera?: Just 8 ½ months ago, Pat Shurmur greeted his players on the first day of training camp amid the news that the Browns were being sold.

“It will not become a distraction,” the then-Browns coach professed.

During the season, President Mike Holmgren departed halfway through his five-year contract. Afterward, Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert were fired.

On Tuesday, Shurmur successor Rob Chudzinski greeted his players on the first day of minicamp amid the news that the family company of new owner Jimmy Haslam was raided by FBI and IRS agents as part of a federal criminal investigation.

Just prior to the Browns taking the field, Haslam fielded questions at Pilot Flying J headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn.

The Browns were not raised in any question by any reporter until WEWS NewsNet5’s Joe Pagonakis asked Haslam to say something to Browns fans in Cleveland.

“First of all, I apologize because the last thing we ever want to do is put any kind of blemish on the city of Cleveland, which we’ve grown to love, or the Browns. So I personally feel bad about that, even though we don’t think we’ve done anything wrong. OK?” Haslam said.

“Second of all, it’s business as usual. I’ve talked to Joe (Banner, CEO). I’ve talked to Alec (Scheiner, president). I’ve either talked to or texted to Mike (Lombardi, GM) and Chud and they’re obviously ‘Is everything OK?’ And I said we’re great, we’ll manage things down here. You guys, it’s the first week you can practice on the field, so let’s focus on that and we’ve got the draft coming up and let’s focus on that.”

Haslam said he intended to honor plans to be in Browns headquarters for draft preparations “almost all of next week.”

Haslam later admitted the investigation could “take a long time.”

Business as usual, indeed. For the Browns. For Cleveland.

Nuts and bolts: As usual, Haslam projected assertiveness, conviction and confidence. He stated emphatically that he believed his company did not do anything wrong.

He said the investigation appeared to center on rebates that were owed owners of “a small number” of his truck stop customers that weren’t paid.

“We of course disagree with that,” Haslam said.

Haslam said he didn’t understand why the Internal Revenue Service was involved.

“It does not involve – best as we can tell, and I’m pretty sure we’re right – any kind of tax issue, so there’s no evasion of state or federal taxes,” Haslam said.

He said that “several” of the company’s sales people were subpoened, but not him. He said he was allowed to report to work at 7 o’clock the morning after the raid, which obviously blindsided him and the company.

Haslam said there was some confusion about a second search warrant granted to federal agents and he disputed a report that a third warrant was granted. Later, Bill Killian, U.S. Attorney, confirmed to news sources that four search warrants have been granted.

Impact on the Browns: The most important thing Haslam said might be this: “Remember, we don’t know a lot, OK?”

It’s hard to believe the FBI would raid a privately-held company merely to investigate whether rebates were correctly paid to customers as promised. Search warrants are granted by federal judges or magistrates when they feel there is probable cause that a crime was committed. FBI and IRS lockdowns of companies are not done frivolously.

Browns fans want some assurance that operations of the club won’t be affected now or altered in the future, when this investigation of Pilot Flying J is completed.

Nobody at this time can fully guarantee that.

“We are not making any comment on the matter,” wrote Greg Aiello, NFL spokesman, in an email response.

Business as usual? For the Browns, that’s precisely the worry.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam meets with the media to address FBI investigation

ESPNCleveland.com

A day after the headquarters of Pilot Flying J were raided by FBI and IRS agents, Browns owner and Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam met with the media.

Haslam did confirm the company was being investigated about the application of customer rebates. "It appears to be centered on....a very insignificant number of customers and the application or rebates" Haslam said. "Rebates owed to the customers were not paid. We obviously disagree with that."

“It does not involve any tax issues,” he said during a short press conference this afternoon at the company’s headquarters in West Knoxville.

When asked what he would say to Browns fans, Haslam said he wanted to apologize to the City of Cleveland and Browns fans. "The last thing we wanted to do is put a potential blemish on the city we've come to love, even though, we believe we did nothing wrong."

He said he has talked to Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski and other Browns officials and said team is proceeding with "business as usual."

Haslam did say that he will be in Cleveland later this week to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Browns draft rewind: 68th overall pick has netted Reggie Camp and Charlie Hall

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

The Morning Kickoff …

The lowdown: Continuing our series reviewing the Browns’ seven selections in the April 25-27 draft.

The Browns have the following picks:

First round: Sixth overall.

Second round: Used in 2012 supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon.

Third round: 68^th.

Fourth round: 104^th.

Fifth round: 139^th and 164^th.

Sixth round: 175^th.

Seventh round: 227^th.

Today’s review: The 68th overall pick.

Last five NFL drafts

2012: Devier Posey, WR, Houston.

2011: Kelvin Sheppard, LB, Buffalo.

2010: Jon Asamoah, OG, Kansas City.

2009: Jarron Gilbert, DE, Chicago.

2008: Chevis Jackson, DB, Atlanta.

Analysis: Posey had six catches in 11 games and then tore his left Achilles tendon in a playoff game loss to New England. He will be sidelined at least through the halfway point of the 2013 season. Sheppard was drafted to man the middle linebacker spot in Buffalo’s conversion to the 4-3 defense. He made starts in 24 of his 32 games over two years. Asamoah has been the starting right guard for the Chiefs the past two seasons. Gilbert is now the backup to end Mario Williams with the Buffalo Bills, his third team in four years. Jackson is unsigned and out of football after being with five teams in five years.

Past Browns picks at No. 68

1983: Reggie Camp, DE, California.

1978: Mark Miller, QB, Bowling Green.

1971: Charlie Hall, LB, Houston.

Analysis: Camp, a fairly docile personality, recorded 35 sacks in five seasons with the Browns and still ranks second on the franchise’s all-time list with 14 sacks in 1984. Miller, not one of the memorable picks of a draft that included Ozzie Newsome and Clay Matthews, completed 31.9 percent of his passes in 10 game appearances. Hall was a stalwart starting linebacker for seven, mostly dismal, seasons in the 1970s.  He hung on long enough to experience the Kardiac Kids season in 1980 as a starter.

Previous stories in the series:

Browns draft rewind: No. 6 overall picks -- Jim Brown and Kellen Winslow Jr.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Youth movement: Browns replace Phil Dawson, 38, with Shayne Graham, 35

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

Part of the stated reason the Browns did not re-sign franchise kicker Phil Dawson was because of his advanced age and career.

So they replaced 14-year veteran Dawson, 38, with 12-year veteran Shayne Graham, 35.

Graham, an unrestricted free agent formerly with Houston, may join his new teammates Tuesday when coach Rob Chudzinski opens a three-day voluntary minicamp for returning players.

Graham’s career field goal success rate of 85.4 percent ranks fifth in NFL history with a minimum of 100 made. Dawson’s 84.0 ranks 10^th.

Graham is 245 of 297 in his career kicking with Buffalo, Carolina, Cincinnati, the Giants, New England, Miami, Baltimore and Houston. He set a Texans’ scoring record last year with 138 points on 31 of 38 field goals and 45 of 45 extra points. His long field goal was from 51 yards.

Dawson was 305 of 363 kicking exclusively for the Browns. He signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers last month.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Headquarters of Jimmy Haslam's Pilot Flying J in Knoxville locked down by federal investigators

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

The headquarters of Pilot Flying J, the company run by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and founded by his father, was locked down by FBI and IRS agents while excecuting a search warrant on Monday.

According to media reports, the lockdown was the result of an ongoing investigation. Officials have declined to comment on what investigators were looking for.

Media were barred from entering the company’s campus in Knoxville, TN. Some employees were sent home.

The company, which has made the Haslam family billionaires, is the largest operator of travel centers and truck stops in North America. It is among the most lucrative private companies in the United States and reported $18 billion in annual sales in 2011.

In a statement emailed to Knoxville media, Haslam said, “The FBI secured our headquarters today and informed us they are investigating Pilot Flying J. We will cooperate appropriately with any and all external investigations and conduct our own. I believe and trust there has been no wrongdoing. The integrity of our company always has been job number one.”

Haslam stepped down as company CEO after buying the Browns for $1.05 billion in August. Haslam personally recruited John Compton, a family friend, native of Tennessee and former president of PepsiCo., to take over as CEO. That transfer was announced on Sept. 11.

But just five months later, Haslam reversed himself and announced he would return as CEO of Pilot Flying J, which he termed his “first love.” Compton was reassigned as strategic advisor for Pilot, the Browns and the Haslam family.

A spokesman with the NFL said the league was aware of the investigation but had no comment. The Browns said they would have no comment.

Mock draft 7.0: Oregon LB Dion Jordan falls to the Browns at No. 6

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Mock draft 7.0: With only two mock drafts left, a new player lands in the laps of the Browns.

We’ve had Oregon pass rusher Dion Jordan going second to Jacksonville for each of our first six mock drafts. But here we have the Jaguars changing to Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, and that switch results in Detroit nabbing Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner ahead of the Browns.

Jordan would be a welcome addition to the Browns. He would give the Browns solid insurance at weakside linebacker if Jabaal Sheard doesn’t make the transition from defensive end easily, or if the Browns elect to trade Sheard.

Selecting Jordan would not fill the Browns’ void at starting cornerback, of course. That’s what free agency is for. Oh, never mind.

1. Kansas City: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M.

My top pick for the seventh consecutive mock.

2. Jacksonville: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE-LB, Brigham Young.

GM Dave Caldwell said the team has narrowed choice down to two.

3. Oakland: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida.

Raiders don’t pull the trigger on a quarterback.

4. Philadelphia: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.

Chip Kelly comes back for his quarterback in Round 2.

5. Detroit: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama.

Staggered by losing Ziggy, they settle for best cornerback.

6. Cleveland: Dion Jordan, DE-LB, Oregon.

If it falls this way, Browns won’t want to trade out.

7. Arizona: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma.

This would please Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.

8. Buffalo: Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse.

Coach Doug Marrone can’t resist taking his college QB.

9. N.Y. Jets: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia.

When in doubt, take a QB to rule the tabloid headlines.

10. Tennessee: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah.

Best player available fills a need.

11. San Diego: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama.

Any help on the offensive line would be welcome.

12. Miami: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama.

A pure need pick that might be a reach.

13. Tampa Bay: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State.

Tall, rangy cornerback would be pick if no trade for Darrelle Revis.

14. Carolina: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri.

This has been the consistent pick.

15. New Orleans: Barkevious Mingo, LB, Louisiana State.

Good fit for their switch to the 3-4 defense.

16. St. Louis: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia.

Dynamic 175-pound slot receiver/returner. He’s perfect for a dome.

17. Pittsburgh: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia.

Steelers don’t usually draft linebackers this early.

18. Dallas: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina.

Excellent choice for a real position of need.

19. N.Y. Giants: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State.

Time to replenish the pass rush.

20. Chicago: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia.

Bears have to replace Brian Urlacher.

21. Cincinnati: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State.

Pass rusher for Marvin Lewis’ 4-3 defense.

22. St. Louis: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas.

Draft’s best safety falls to the Rams.

23. Minnesota: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina.

They pick best available defensive lineman.

24. Indianapolis: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA.

Time to refurbish the Colts’ pass rush.

25. Minnesota: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee.

Signing of Greg Jennings wasn’t enough. Need another WR.

26. Green Bay: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame.

GM Ted Thompson replenishes his defense later.

27. Houston: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee.

This is the third different WR I’ve given them.

28. Denver: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State.

A good fit for John Fox’s defense.

29. New England: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State.

Bill Belichick takes yet another stab at a cornerback.

30. Atlanta: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington.

Falcons are happy with New England’s pick.

31. San Francisco: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International.

The team that has everything adds a safety.

32. Baltimore: Keenan Allen, WR, California.

Signing of LB Rolando McClain frees up this pick for offense.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft rewind: No. 6 overall picks -- Jim Brown and Kellen Winslow Jr.

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

The lowdown: First in a series reviewing the Browns’ seven selections in the April 25-27 draft.

The Browns have the following picks:

First round: Sixth overall.

Second round: Used in 2012 supplemental draft on WR Josh Gordon.

Third round:  68^th.

Fourth round: 104^th.

Fifth round: 139^th and 164^th.

Sixth round: 175^th.

Seventh round: 227^th.

Today’s review: The sixth overall pick.

Last five NFL drafts

2012: Morris Claiborne, CB, Dallas.

2011: Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta.

2010: Russell Okung, OT, Seattle.

2009: Andre Smith, OT, Cincinnati.

2008: Vernon Gholston, DE, N.Y. Jets.

Analysis: The Cowboys traded their second-round pick to the Rams to move up eight spots and select Claiborne, the top cornerback in the draft. Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones said the team had Claiborne ranked second in the draft behind QB Andrew Luck. Claiborne started 15 games and had one interception and eight passes defensed. Julio Jones was the target of the Falcons in their bold trade-up with the Browns. GM Thomas Dimitroff gave up five draft picks, including his No. 1 in 2012, to get the big wideout. In two seasons, Jones established himself as an elite receiver with 133 catches, 2,157 yards, 18 TDs, and made the Pro Bowl his second season. Okung is a stalwart left tackle on a two-time Seattle playoff team and earned a Pro Bowl berth in his third season. Smith got off to a slow start with the Bengals, and then started at right tackle in his third and fourth seasons. He is currently unsigned. Gholston is one of the biggest draft busts of recent times. He shot up draft boards with outstanding test scores at the NFL combine and was projected as an outside linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 defense. He was released by the Jets after three seasons, then by the Bears, and then by the Rams. In 45 NFL games, Gholston failed to produce a sack.

Past Browns picks at No. 6

2004: Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Miami.

1957: Jim Brown, RB, Syracuse.

Analysis: Winslow was the last of Butch Davis’ four first-round picks as Browns coach. Davis gave up a second-round pick to Detroit to move up one spot to take Winslow – one of two star Hurricanes of Davis’ Miami teams in the 2004 draft. Winslow’s career was set back when he shattered a knee practicing motorcycle tricks in May of 2005. Despite multiple knee surgeries, Winslow tied a Browns franchise record with 89 receptions in 2006 and then had a Pro Bowl year in 2007 under present head coach Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator. Winslow’s Browns career careened out of control in 2008 when he claimed the club tried to cover up his second staph infection. He was traded to Tampa Bay, for whom he averaged 72 catches over three years. He spent one week with New England in 2012 and asked for his release. Brown simply was the greatest player in Browns history and arguably the greatest in the sport’s history. The irony of his selection is that coach Paul Brown wanted to select Purdue QB Len Dawson, but had to settle for Brown when the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Dawson No. 5. Dawson eventually was traded to the Browns, released, and then went on to a Hall of Fame career in the American Football League with Kansas City.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns do business with Eagles, swap backup linebacker for backup running back

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

The entangled relationship between the Browns and Philadelphia Eagles has resulted in a trade of backup players.

The Browns sent linebacker Emmanuel Acho to the Eagles for running back/kickoff returner Dion Lewis.

Acho was a sixth-round pick of the Browns in 2012. He played in two preseason games and then was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury. Acho’s position coach in Cleveland, Bill Davis, is now Eagles defensive coordinator.

Lewis was a fifth-round choice of the Eagles in 2011 when Browns CEO Joe Banner still was Eagles club president.

Lewis, 5-8 and 195 pounds, appeared in 24 games and has rushed 36 times for 171 yards and two touchdowns as a reserve back. He joins Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya on the depth chart.

As a rookie in 2011, Lewis also returned 31 kickoffs for 669 yards, a 21.6-yard average.The Browns are looking for a successor to specialist Josh Cribbs, who is a free agent and will not return. Lewis would join Travis Benjamin as a candidate at returner.

In a club statement, coach Rob Chudzinski said, “Dion is a back who runs with very good quickness and vision. He is a promising young player who will add depth, which is extremely important at that position.”

A theory on why the Browns are working out quarterbacks prior to the draft

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

The Browns’ read option: Deception is the key to the read option offense sweeping the NFL. The quarterback either hands off or fakes a handoff, and then runs or throws, based on the read of the defensive end.

Deception might also be the key to the Browns’ draft.

Case in point: The Browns are working out and visiting with college quarterbacks as if they intend to draft one.

They’ve worked out Ryan Nassib of Syracuse and visited with USC’s Matt Barkley and Arizona’s Matt Scott. Also on their schedule are workouts with West Virginia’s Geno Smith and Florida State’s E.J. Manuel.

Why are they expending so much energy on the QB position after the old regime drafted a quarterback in the first round in 2012 (Brandon Weeden) and the new regime signed one in free agency in 2013 (Jason Campbell)?

You can argue that Weeden was not the choice of the current regime and that Weeden has not instilled confidence in anyone that he can be the quarterback to take the Browns to the Super Bowl.

I would argue that none of the quarterbacks in the 2013 draft is a surer bet than Weeden, and that the actions of the Browns constitute nothing more than an elaborate smokescreen designed for one end – drumming up interest in the Browns’ No. 6 overall pick.

Tom Heckert’s legacy: I believe history will judge the best pick made by former GM Tom Heckert to be receiver Josh Gordon. He has greater physical attributes – and now more accomplishments -- than any receiver in this year’s draft. But the fact that Gordon cost the Browns their No. 2 pick in this year’s draft is a stone in the shoe of CEO Joe Banner.

The Browns’ tepid performance in free agency left them with several more holes to fill on their roster – cornerback, free safety, inside linebacker, pass rusher, guard, fullback, kicker, punter. They have seven draft picks, but have to wait 62 selections between their first pick at No. 6 and their second one at No. 68.

So Banner would like to acquire a pick in the second round. And the way to do that is to trade down five or six notches from No. 6 in exchange for an extra pick in the second round.

“My history has been a lot more in the area of trading down, or staying, than trading up,” Banner said at the NFL combine in February. “Historically I’ve either stayed or traded back. I think accumulating picks over the course of the draft is a good strategy, generally.”

In Banner’s 15-plus years as a senior executive with the Philadelphia Eagles, his team made seven trades in the first round. In fact, four were to move up and three were to move down.

The Eagles moved down in 1997 (three spots), 2007 (10 spots) and 2008 (24 spots).

The Eagles moved up in 2003 (15 spots), 2004 (12 spots), 2009 (two spots) and 2010 (11 spots).

Moving down: Every year, teams in the top 10 aspire to move down. This was more prevalent in the past because of the great cost that top 10 picks commanded.

The new league rookie wage scale implemented in 2011 greatly reduced the cost of high draft picks. But trade-downs are still popular for teams trying to add picks, which is want the Browns want.

The problem is finding a team wanting to move up. It takes a player worthy of justifying the expense to move up.

No position compels a team to move up more than a quarterback. So if a team below the Browns (Buffalo at No. 8?) believes the Browns might take the quarterback of their choice, they might be moved enough to offer a second-round pick to move up.

But in this draft, the position that might be more desirable for a trade-up offer is not quarterback but offensive tackle. San Diego (at No. 11) and Miami (at No. 12) each has a need for an offensive tackle.

And if the top two choices are off the board early – Texas A&M’s Luke Joekel and Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher – No. 3 tackle Lane Johnson of Oklahoma could appeal to the Chargers and Dolphins. And to get Johnson, they would have to leapfrog Arizona at No. 7, which has the same need for a tackle as the others.

The dilemma for the Browns is that with Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz embedded as their tackles, they can’t even feign a desire for Johnson.

But they can try to play the quarterback game and hope some team bites on it.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft preview: The search is on for Phil Dawson's successor

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

Last in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Position: Kicker and punter.

Roster: Brandon Bogotay (K), Spencer Lanning (P), Jake Schum (P).

For the first time since the Browns returned in 1999, their kicker will not be Phil Dawson. But will it be Bogotay? The Browns signed him to a three-year contract with a nominal signing bonus after his performance at a recent kicking camp. Bogotay was a kickoff specialist at Georgia when 2012 Vikings rookie kicker phenom Blair Walsh handled field goals. Bogotay was out of football last year. Lanning was a combination kicker-punter at South Carolina, but participated in the Browns’ 2012 training camp as a punter. Now he is the front-runner to succeed Reggie Hodges, whose contract ran out and was not asked back. Schum was recently added. A Buffalo-area native, he averaged 38.7 yards in two years at University of Buffalo. At least he’s used to the weather. Over the past five drafts, 10 kickers have been drafted. The stickers have been Greg Zuerlein and Walsh (2012), Alex Henery (2011) and Ryan Succop (2009).  Nine punters have been drafted in the last five drafts – one as high as the third round (Bryan Anger, Jacksonville, 2012).

Needs: A kicker and punter – preferably weather-tested.

Top five prospects

1. Jeff Locke, UCLA (P)

Career punting average of 44.23 yards and ability to double as a deep kickoff specialist puts this left-footer at the top of the draftable list. The native of Germany grew up in Arizona and, thus, has little experience in inclement weather.

2. Dustin Hopkins, Florida State (K)

Kicked off natural grass and improved in field-goal accuracy each year, missing on eight, six, five and five attempts. Never had a kick blocked.

3. Caleb Sturgis, Florida (K)

Connected on 46 of 54 kicks (85.1 percent) the past two years. Three of his four misses as a senior, in 28 attempts, were blocks. Made six solo tackles last year despite a slight build (5-10, 188 pounds).

4. Brad Wing, Louisiana State (P)

Australian-born, left-footed free spirit who was suspended from the Chic-Fil-A Bowl for a failed drug test. Averaged 44.0 and 44.8 yards. Booms them high with great hang time. Once drew a celebration penalty.

5. Brett Maher, Nebraska (K)

A combination kicker his last two seasons, he’ll be drafted as a place-kicker. He was 39 of 50 in field goals with a long of 54 yards and averaged 44.5 and 41.8 in two seasons as a punter. At least he’s been exposed to Midwest weather.

Under radar

Anthony Cantele, Kansas State.

Former soccer player made 37 of 48 field goals in three years, with a long of 54 yards.

Last word

It would be a good idea to add a kicker and punter with NFL experience.

Previous Draft Previews:

Part 7: Quarterbacks

Part 6: Running Backs

Part 5: WR and TE

Part 4: Defensive line

Part 3: Offensive line

Part 2: Linebackers

Part 1: Defensive backs

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft preview: Will the Browns even draft a quarterback?

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

Seventh in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Roster: Jason Campbell, Thad Lewis, Brandon Weeden.

Weeden came from a quick-read, shotgun spread offense at Oklahoma State and was jammed into a language-heavy, slow-moving West Coast offense in his NFL rookie year. In 15 starts, he threw for 3,385 yards and produced five wins – more than any Browns rookie QB. But his first season was marred by pass rejections at the line of scrimmage, interceptions and breakdowns in the red zone. After the dust settled from his first year, Weeden was criticized for his age, command of the huddle, work ethic, commitment to his job, high gas prices and national debt. The best thing to happen to Weeden was Chip Kelly turning a cold shoulder to the Browns’ overtures and Rob Chudzinski replacing Pat Shurmur as coach. Chudzinski and coordinator Norv Turner tossed a lifeline to Weeden, who clearly was not loved initially by higher management. Weeden’s big arm and stature in the pocket mesh with the vertical passing game the coaches want to run. Promises to provide Weeden competition were kept when the team signed Campbell in free agency. Campbell, 31, still has a live arm after 71 career starts and could press Weeden for the starting role. Lewis, a developmental QB under Shurmur, now is the square peg because of his questionable arm strength. He probably would be gobbled up by the Eagles, for whom Shurmur was hired as Kelly’s coordinator, if the Browns released him.

Needs: Until Weeden makes believers of everybody, a franchise quarterback to lift the team to a higher level. Also, a developmental QB with the appropriate arm strength, though it’s not a must.

Top five prospects

1. Geno Smith, West Virginia.

Hit a brick wall second half of his senior season, raising doubts about whether he can fulfill the expectations of a franchise QB. His gaudy career numbers (98 TD v. 21 INT) came to be viewed as a product of his offensive system.

2. Matt Barkley, Southern California.

Might have been a top 10 pick a year ago, but came back for senior year and suffered a sub-par season. A late-season shoulder injury prevented him from winning over skeptics in the pre-draft workout season.

3. E.J. Manuel, Florida State.

The best athlete of the passers, he may benefit from the success of read option QBs Robert Griffin 3, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernik in 2012. He has to prove he can read defenses from the pocket.

4. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse.

Looked polished in a shotgun offense under current Buffalo coach Doug Marrone. He is an adept ball-faker and might be the most pro-ready. Possesses the best array of intangibles for the position.

5. Mike Glennon, North Carolina State.

A tall, thin passer with perhaps the best arm of the bunch. His quiet temperament is not seen as a positive.

Under radar

Landry Jones, Oklahoma.

Once considered a high first-round pick, his disappointing last two seasons knocked him down to a mid-round prospect. He still has NFL size and arm strength.

Last word

With seven draft picks and plenty of position needs elsewhere, eschewing a quarterback in the draft altogether might be the best way to go. If Weeden fails to impress the new management, the next QB most likely isn’t in this draft.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns and receiver David Nelson reach one-year deal

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/AP

David Nelson, who tore a knee ligament in the Buffalo Bills’ opener in 2012, is the newest Browns receiver.

Nelson agreed to a one-year deal, the club confirmed.

Nelson, 26, entered the offseason as a restricted free agent. He became free to sign with any team when the Bills opted not to tender him a contract offer to retain his rights.

The 6-5, 215-pounder showed steady improvement for Buffalo in his first two seasons after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Florida, where he was a teammate of Browns cornerback Joe Haden.

As a rookie in 2010, Nelson had 35 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns for the Bills. In 2011, his totals improved to 61 catches for 658 yards and five touchdowns. One of the TDs came against the Browns.

Nelson suffered a torn ACL in the Bills’ first game in 2012 against the Jets and missed the rest of the season.

The Bills lined up Nelson primarily as a slot (third) receiver.

In a club statement, coach Rob Chudzinski said, "David possesses very good size and hands, and has a good feel for the game. He showed promise with Buffalo two years ago before missing most of last season with an injury, and we feel as though he will be a good addition to our group of wide receivers."

Nelson visited the Browns last week and made a case for himself in a Tweet.

In a Q&A session with followers, I was asked why I preferred the Browns sign receiver Dominik Hixon over Nelson. My reply was: “More speed, downfield playmaking ability.”

Nelson soon responded on his Twitter account: “obviously you haven’t seen my madden skills. I throw it to myself every play and make plays!”

Hixon, formerly with the New York Giants, signed with the Carolina Panthers.

The Browns were down two receivers when they elected not to re-sign free agents Josh Cribbs (still waiting to re-take a physical for the Arizona Cardinals) and Mohamed Massaquoi (signed two-year deal with Jacksonville Jaguars).

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Mock draft 6.0: The intrigue of this draft may be in the second round, where most of the QBs will fall

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

The Morning Kickoff …

Mock draft 6.0: The quarterback market had a flurry of activity since mock draft 5.0.

Oakland (No. 3) traded for Matt Flynn, Arizona (No. 7) traded for Carson Palmer, Buffalo (No. 8) signed Kevin Kolb and San Francisco (No. 31) traded for Colt McCoy.

As a result, we see only one quarterback being drafted in the first round – Geno Smith. It should make for a really interesting second round on the second day of the draft.

1. Kansas City: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M.

I have not wavered on this pick through six mocks.

2. Jacksonville: Dion Jordan, DE-LB, Oregon.

New coach Gus Bradley wants to upgrade speed on defense.

3. Oakland: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida.

There’s a giant hole in the middle of the Raiders’ defensive front.

4. Philadelphia: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.

I’m not positive it’s him, but the consensus is that Chip Kelly takes a tackle.

5. Detroit: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE-LB, Brigham Young.

Been fairly convinced of this pick since the combine.

6. Cleveland: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama.

Or are the Browns more obsessed with trading down?

7. Arizona: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma.

Protecting Carson Palmer has become the No. 1 priority now.

8. Buffalo: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia.

Kevin Kolb, Tavaris Jackson and Smith. What they really need is a rocket arm.

9. N.Y. Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE-LB, Louisiana State.

They need some sizzle and a defensive tackle doesn’t provide it.

10. Tennessee: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah.

Another positive medical check keeps him in the top 10.

11. San Diego: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama.

Draft’s best guard is better than fourth tackle.

12. Miami: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State.

A bookend pass rusher to help Cameron Wake.

13. Tampa Bay: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State.

Maybe they pull the trigger on the Darrelle Revis trade instead.

14. Carolina: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri.

Fifth mock in a row he is our pick here.

15. New Orleans: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia.

Rob Ryan will love this pick.

16. St. Louis: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia.

Perfect indoor setting for a 175-pound offensive dynamo.

17. Pittsburgh: Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas.

Could break in as nickel back if Troy Polamalu has a healthy year.

18. Dallas: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina.

This would be a big upgrade at a position of need.

19. N.Y. Giants: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama.

Higher-rated than best available pass rusher.

20. Chicago: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia.

Definitely a linebacker here.

21. Cincinnati: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State.

Marvin Lewis never loses sight of his pass rush.

22. St. Louis: Eric Reid, FS, Louisiana State.

Jeff Fisher needs to come away with a safety in the first round.

23. Minnesota: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina.

With another pick coming, they choose highest ranked defensive tackle.

24. Indianapolis: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State.

Colts have a history of Buckeye picks.

25. Minnesota: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee.

Definitely need a replacement for Percy Harvin.

26. Green Bay: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame.

Packers will have to load up on defense in later rounds.

27. Houston: Keenan Allen, WR, California.

They’ll take highest-rated receiver available.

28. Denver: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue.

Still expect Broncos to replace Elvis Dumervil in free agency.

29. New England: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA.

A good complement to Vince Wilfork.

30. Atlanta: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington.

This falls nicely for GM Thomas Dimitroff.

31. San Francisco: Matt Elam, SS, Florida.

It’s looking for them like the highest-ranked safety.

32. Baltimore: Kevin Minter, LB, Louisiana State.

Ozzie Newsome saw first-hand what Alabama did to Manti Teo.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft preview: Can Owen Marecic survive as a blocking fullback?

By Tony Grossi | ESPNCleveland.com

Photo/Getty

Sixth in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Position: Running back.

Roster: Montario Hardesty, Owen Marecic (FB), Chris Ogbonnaya, Trent Richardson.

Despite playing his final nine games with broken ribs, Richardson set franchise rookie records for rushing yards (950), yards from scrimmage (1,317), rushing TDs (11), total TDs (12) and tied for 100-yard games (three). And this is a franchise steeped in running back tradition. Richardson also was third among rookies in rushing yards, second in TDs, and third in receptions. Hardesty had his moments in relief of Richardson and made it through the year without a major injury. Ogbonnaya started the season running uphill after a pre-season high ankle sprain. He was re-signed by the new regime. Marecic put up double zeroes – zero rushing yards and zero receptions (four drops). His lead-blocking also contributed to Richardson’s short-yardage failures.

Needs

A bullish, lead-blocking fullback.

Top five prospects

1. Eddie Lacy, Alabama.

The latest export – but not the last -- from the Crimson Tide’s running back stable, succeeding Richardson. He’s a downhill, between-the-tackles power back who can topple would-be tacklers into the secondary. But he might last until the second round.

2. Monte Ball, Wisconsin.

How does a back with an NCAA-record 83 career TDs – 55 on the ground the last two seasons – not be considered a top 10 pick? His 924 rush attempts in four seasons raise concerns about diminished tread on his tires and his ho-hum 40 times are a turn-off.

3. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina.

This is a dynamic utility player. A compact, 5-8, 202-pounder who can run with it, catch it and return punts. He is a scatback with natural receiving ability.

4. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA.

A top-notch athlete who produced 1,734 rushing yards and 13 TDs as a senior. Looks like a third-down specialist.

5. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State.

Made a case for himself by rushing for 1,417 yards and 14 TDs after Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon left the Cowboys. He breaks a lot of tackles for a 200-pound back.

Under radar (fullback edition)

Zach Boren, Ohio State.

One of the draft’s best blocking fullbacks and a potential special teams core player.

Last word

Marecic was miscast in the West Coast offense, in which the fullback was asked to do catch an occasional pass. If he can concentrate exclusively on lead-blocking, Marecic might have a chance to stick. The pickings are slim in free agency and the draft for a pure lead-blocking banger.

Previous Draft Previews:

Part 5: WR and TE

Part 4: Defensive line

Part 3: Offensive line

Part 2: Linebackers

Part 1: Defensive backs

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns preseason opponents: St. Louis, Detroit, Indianapolis and Chicago

By Tony Grossi

The Browns’ tentative 2013 preseason schedule announced on Thursday features their first two games at home and the final two on the road.

Here it is:

Game 1: Aug. 8-11, v. St. Louis Rams, FirstEnergy Stadium.

Game 2: Aug. 15-19, v. Detroit Lions, FirstEnergy Stadium.

Game 3: Aug. 22-25, at Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium.

Game 4: Aug. 29, at Chicago Bears, Soldier Field.

This is the 10th year in a row the Browns conclude the exhibition season against the Bears. Final dates and times will be announced later this month with the regular-season schedule.

Opponents for the regular season have been determined.

Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, and Jacksonville.

Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, New England, N.Y. Jets, Green Bay, Minnesota and Kansas City.

Browns draft preview: Wide receiver and tight end

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Fifth in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Roster: Gary Barnidge (TE), Travis Benjamin, Jordan Cameron (TE), Josh Cooper, Kellen Davis (TE), Josh Gordon, Dan Gronkowski (TE), Greg Little, Jordan Norwood.

Gordon and Little concluded 2012 as the clear No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers and are just turning 22 and 24, respectively over the next month. Gordon’s development as a rookie two years removed from his last season in college was remarkable. By the end, his consistency was approaching his elite athletic skills. Thanks to former GM Tom Heckert’s foresight and gamble in the supplemental draft, the new coaches inherit a receiver heads-and-shoulders above – literally and figuratively – any they could have gotten in the 2013 draft. At the bye week, Little dropped Twitter and then dropped his drops. Starting with Game 10, Little was a more reliable receiver producing from the slot position, where his big body created matchup problems for nickel backs. Benjamin had his moments flashing his elite speed, but his slight frame will always pose durability and ball security concerns. Cooper, the Brian Brennan-type, and Norwood took turns playing the same fourth-receiver role. At tight end, Cameron’s production still has not matched his athleticism, but he should get more opportunity now. Davis is an in-line, blocking tight end. Barnidge and Gronkowski are backups with special teams versatility.

Needs

Another big and fast outside receiver to keep Little in the slot. My preference was for this to be filled in free agency, but they may have to add it in the draft. Also, a fast tight end who can pierce the seams.

Top five prospects (WR)

1. Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee.

He has size, speed, decent hands, playmaking ability, return ability … everything except experience. Played only one year at the major college level after two years at Hutchinson Community College.

2. Tavon Austin, West Virginia.

The most dynamic offensive player in the draft. He electrified the NFL combine with a 4.28 40 clocking. He is an explosive return specialist. However, he is 5-8 ½ and 174 pounds. His ideal landing spot would be with a dome-based team, for whom he could make his cuts-on-a-dime under perfect footing on carpet.

3. Keenan Allen, California.

A tall and lean target who has been productive for three years in the Pacific 12 Conference. Although he’s shown return ability, his speed is a question. He has been unable to post a 40 time because of a knee ligament injury. April 9 is a big day for him to run in front of scouts.

4. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson.

A productive receiver who plays faster than his 4.57 40 clocking. He may thrive as an underneath target. He showed signs of being a prima donna at times.

5. Robert Woods, Southern California.

Doesn’t have elite skills, and they caught up with him his final season as his production tumbled. But he did leave as the USC’s all-time reception leader with 252 receptions and 32 touchdowns in three seasons.

Under radar

Corey Fuller, Virginia Tech.

Not related to the former Browns cornerback of the same name, he transferred from Kansas, where he ran track and specialized in the triple jump and long jump, and broke out with 43 catches in 2012. He timed 4.32 at the combine.

Top five prospects (TE)

1. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame.

An exceptional pass catcher who lined up everywhere, was productive in the receiving game and as an in-line blocker.

2. Zach Ertz, Stanford.

The latest tight end from Palo Alto, CA, doubled the production of 2012 second-rounder Coby Fleener.

3. Vance McDonald, Rice.

A big-armed, big-handed pass catcher who can play a high-wire passing game.

4. Gavin Escobar, San Diego State.

Tall and athletic target who will struggle when asked to block.

5. Jordan Reed, Florida.

An oversized receiver, he’s riding the wave of parallels to New England’s Aaron Hernandez.

Under radar

Nick Kasa, Colorado.

A converted defensive lineman, he had a career-changing final season under the auspices of current Browns tight ends coach Jon Embree.

Last word

Given that this year’s receiving class lacks a superstar, the Browns are fortunate that Heckert selected Gordon in the supplemental draft. He is a better prospect today than any receiver in this draft and can fulfill the No. 1 role with continued maturity.

Previously

Part 4: Defensive line.

Part 3: Offensive line.

Part 2: Linebackers.

Part 1: Defensive backs.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft preview: Defensive line appears free of urgent needs

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Fourth in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Position: Defensive line.

Roster: Desmond Bryant, Hall Davis, John Hughes, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, Ahtyba Rubin, Brian Sanford, Phil Taylor, Billy Winn.

The switch to the 3-4 requires bigger ends than those in the 4-3, which is why we moved Jabaal Sheard to the linebacker discussion. The acquisition of Bryant gives the Browns six defensive tackle body-types – Bryant, Hughes, Kitchen, Rubin, Taylor and Winn. Hughes, Rubin, Taylor and Kitchen each has experience as the nose tackle in a 3-4. There seems to be a surplus there. Coordinator Ray Horton may feel they have the versatility to be interchangeable at end and nose. Winn and Sanford, in particular, would appear to be a bit light to play end in the 3-4. Winn is young enough to get bigger, however.

Needs: A stout right defensive end to defeat the left tackle, stop the run and be quick enough to provide some pass rush.

Top five prospects

1. Shariff Floyd, Florida.

Rose to the top of the list after a two-sack performance of mobile Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater in the Sugar Bowl followed by impressive workouts. His appeal is in his versatility to fit different interior line schemes and his high upside.

2. Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, Brigham Young.

Burst on the scene with an eye-opening Senior Bowl in front of Lions coach Jim Schwartz in Detroit’s “wide nine” defensive scheme. Native of Ghana who was just exposed to American football three years ago and had just one solid year of experience at BYU. Has tremendous athletic gifts. Looks older than his 23 years.

3. Bjoern Werner, Florida State.

German-born and discovered football at age 15. A prototypical 4-3 defensive end who gets to the passer through hard work and relentlessness more than pure elite rush skills.

4. Star Lotulelei, Utah.

Native of Tonga who is back on the rise after getting favorable result in check of possible heart condition. Athletic and strong, commanding extra attention in the middle of a 4-3 defensive front.

5. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri.

He saved his stock from falling after the combine by timing under 5.0 in the 40 at his pro day and impressively displaying his athletic skills in all position drills. Versatile to play multiple positions but is seen as “three-technique” tackle in a 4-3.

Under radar

Margus Hunt, Southern Methodist.

Overshadowed by Ansah’s late-blooming story, but has a comparable background and is a freakish athlete – 6-8 and 277 pounds with 4.53 40 speed.

Last word

Much like offensive line, this is one position area on the Browns that wouldn’t seem to need much attention. But CEO Joe Banner has said he leans to the line of scrimmage when his team is in the building phase.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft preview: Could the Browns take Alabama guard Chance Warmack at No. 6?

By Tony Grossi

Photo/ESPN/AP

Third in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Position: Offensive line.

Roster: Dominic Alford (OG), Oniel Cousins (OT), John Greco (OG-C), Shawn Lauvao (OG), Alex Mack (C), Ryan Miller (OG), Jason Pinkston (OG), Mitchell Schwartz (OT), Jarrod Shaw (OG), Joe Thomas (OT).

The addition of Schwartz and his steady development as a rookie stabilized the biggest weakness of the unit entering 2012. The guard play then went under the microscope when short-yardage runs repeatedly failed and perimeter runs and screen plays became problematic. When Pinkston was sidelined after Game 6 with a blood clot in a leg, it gave Greco a chance to start – and he performed well. The Browns’ new coaches have to decide whether they want their guards to be “maulers” in the running game or be able to pull on perimeter runs and trundle downfield for screen plays. If they choose the latter, they might have to look elsewhere than on their own roster.

Needs: A guard capable of challenging for a starting spot and a developmental tackle to serve as the top backup.

Top five prospects

1. Luke Joekel (OT), Texas A&M.

Started every game at left tackle since his true freshman year. Benefitted from having mobile quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill and Johnny Manziel, but has all the tools to be an immediate starter and QB protector as an NFL rookie. Should be the first tackle taken No. 1 overall since Jake Long in 2008.

2. Chance Warmack (OG), Alabama.

Some consider him the best player in the draft, but playing inside could drop him out of the top 10. He is an agile big man, capable of pulling and trapping and doing everything you’d want from a guard.

3. Eric Fisher (OT), Central Michigan.

Separated from the pack at the Senior Bowl and may challenge Joekel for the No. 1 pick. Sure to be the highest-picked player ever from the Mid-American Conference, surpassing the No. 7 selection of QB Byron Leftwich in 2003.

4. Lane Johnson (OT), Oklahoma.

A former high school quarterback who was tried by the Sooners at tight end and defensive end before settling in as a two-year starter at tackle. He started 12 games at right tackle as a junior and 11 at left tackle as a senior. A 300-pounder who clocked a 4.69 40.

5. D.J. Fluker (OT), Alabama.

A mauler right tackle who shed about 16 pounds after the season to weigh in at 339 at the NFL combine. Had 36 starts at right tackle at Alabama, but could be broken in at guard because of his massive size.

Under radar

Brian Winters, (OG) Kent State.

The Hudson High School product started a conversion to guard at the Senior Bowl and has been on the rise despite a pectoral muscle injury that limited his bench-press at the combine and his pro day.

Last word

If the Browns cross up everyone and take an offensive player at No. 6, Warmack probably would be the most logical choice. Fitting him between Thomas and Mack would instantly elevate the Browns’ line into the elite class. There hasn’t been a guard drafted in the top six since Ken Huff went third overall in 1975.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns release linebacker Chris Gocong and safety Usama Young and sign a kicker

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Linebacker Chris Gocong and safety Usama Young were released by the Browns on Tuesday, the club announced.

Gocong was a marquee acquisition of former General Manager Tom Heckert and was supposed to be a cornerstone of the Dick Jauron defense. He was acquired in a trade with Heckert’s former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, along with cornerback Sheldon Brown, in 2010.

Heading into the 2011 season, Gocong was given a three-year contract extension valued at $16.8 million. But on the second day of the 2012 training camp, Gocong suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon and missed the entire season. He was scheduled to make $4.45 million in base salary in 2013.

The new management regime never really answered questions about Gocong’s rehabilitation and readiness for the 2013 season – an indication he had fallen out of the plans as the defense undergoes another scheme change to the 3-4.

Gocong, 29, started 32 games in two years before his injnury. He had 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three recoveries. He was a sack specialist at Cal Poly and at least one former teammate, Scott Fujita, believed he would be ideal as a rush linebacker in Ray Horton’s 3-4 scheme.

It wouldn’t surprise some if Gocong, if healthy, returned to Philadelphia, where former Browns linebackers coach Bill Davis is now Eagles defensive coordinator.

Young, 27, was Heckert’s main free agent pickup in 2011. He missed time due to injuries in both his Browns training camps and began both seasons as a reserve. Young did make 19 starts in his two seasons. He had four interceptions and 1.5 sacks.

The Browns also announced they signed kicker Brandon Bogotay, who was undrafted out of Georgia in 2012.

Browns draft preview: Linebackers

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Second in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Position: Linebacker.

Roster: Emmanuel Acho, Tank Carder, L.J. Fort, Chris Gocong, Quentin Groves, D’Qwell Jackson, James-Michael Johnson, Paul Kruger, Adrian Moten, Craig Robertson, Jabaal Sheard.

No position group changes more in a switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 than this one. The outside linebackers have the demanding tasks of rushing the passer and dropping into pass coverage. The inside linebackers have to be big and physical, able to joust with 330-pound guards now freed up by the three-man front to block them with a head of steam. The free agent signings of Kruger and Groves – and the projected switch of end Sheard to linebacker – addressed the outside linebacker concerns. A key decision involves Gocong, who is coming back from Achilles surgery. Does he join the rotation as a rush linebacker or is he in the mix at the inside linebacker position with Carder and Johnson next to Jackson? Robertson and Fort, who did well with unexpected playing time a year ago, might not be the right fits in this defense because of their size. We’ll see.

Needs: Another rush linebacker and a sturdy inside linebacker to help protect Jackson, fend off guards and make tackles in the running game.

Top five prospects

1. Dion Jordan, Oregon.

A rangy, 6-6 pass rusher who lined up all over the field for the Ducks. He has the athleticism to do everything asked of a 3-4 outside linebacker. But like most college ends, he is a projection and likely will be eased in as a situational rusher.

2. Jarvis Jones, Georgia.

Concerns about career length due to a spinal stenosis condition were compounded by a spectacularly slow 40 time of 4.92 at his pro day. His 28 sacks the past two years, however, raised parallels to another slow 40 timer prior to the draft – future NFL defensive player of the year Terrell Suggs.

3. Barkevious Mingo, Louisiana State.

A pure rush end at LSU whose freakish athletic ability translates into an NFL 3-4 outside linebacker. Then again, it’s a position he has never played. Thus, he will have to be developed in other areas but will break in as a situational pass rusher.

4. Alec Ogletree, Georgia.

A four-game suspension and a DUI arrest will knock him down in the first round. But he is the best prospect as a 4-3 outside linebacker or a 3-4 inside linebacker. A converted safety, he is more of a playmaker than a tackling machine.

5. Kevin Minter, Louisiana State.

Might be a more reliable producer as a 4-3 middle linebacker than inside in the 3-4 because of a lack of physical power. But has the instincts both positions demand.

Under radar

Nico Johnson, Alabama.

A mid-round tackler who is very physical in the run game. Not a three-down player, but a specialist who can fill the inside linebacker role on a 3-4 team.

Last word

Given their plethora of needs, the Browns might not be able to devote two picks to linebackers. They may have to choose between the developmental pass rusher and the physical run defender.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns draft preview: Free agent activity leaves starting cornerback as the No. 1 draft need

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

First in a series analyzing the Browns’ draft needs.

Position: Defensive back.

Roster: Kevin Barnes (CB), Johnson Bademosi (CB), Tashaun Gipson (S), Joe Haden (CB), Eric Hagg (S), Prince Miller (CB), Chris Owens (CB), Buster Skrine (CB), Trevin Wade (CB). T.J. Ward (S), Usama Young (S).

The Browns lost all five games in which Haden didn’t play last year (four due to a league suspension). His absence taxed the depth at the position. The departure of Sheldon Brown (unsigned) and Dimitri Patterson (release) cries for two of the top three cornerback spots to be filled – and free agency did not answer the call. Coordinator Ray Horton’s scheme demands corners to play press man-to-man coverage. It’s a longshot that any of the CBs under contract could step into a starting role. The former defensive system deployed the safeties interchangeably. Horton’s singles out the free safety as a centerfielder, ballhawk-type – something the Browns have lacked since the 1980s.

Needs: A starting cornerback to join Haden. A cornerback to challenge the others and compete for the third (nickel) spot. A ball-hawking free safety to create turnovers.

Top 5 prospects

1. Dee Milliner, Alabama.

Three years in an elite football program and coached by Nick Saban elevates a cornerback to top of the class. A 4.35 clocking at the combine secured that status, even though he had torn labrum surgery in late February.

2. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State.

A nice-sized press corner who jams and disrupts receivers. Not as physical or a willing tackler in the run game. Coaches who love size at this position may overdraft him.

3. Kenny Vaccaro, Texas.

The top safety. Had the agility and athleticism to drop down and cover slot receivers for Texas. Didn’t possess big interception numbers, but has the physical ability to take on a “center fielder” role or can play as a “box” strong safety.

4. Desmond Trufant, Washington.

Younger brother of 2003 Seattle first-round pick Marcus, and Isaiah, who played last two seasons for Jets. A four-year starter seen as a possiblel immediate NFL starting CB. Does not have great ball skills and doesn’t play physical in run support.

5. Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State.

A tall (6-2) and lanky cornerback with long arms and safety speed. He did have 16 interceptions in 45 career starts.

Under radar

Phillip Thomas, Fresno State.

Free safety led nation with eight INTs and returned three for TDs. Produced 19 turnovers in 38 games in four years. Projected for third or fourth round.

Last word

Failing to sign a starting cornerback in free agency reduced the Browns’ options with their first pick. An instinctive free safety would help solidify the secondary, too.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns acquire two late picks for QB Colt McCoy and a sixth-round pick

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Another quarterback era in Cleveland has come and gone.

Colt McCoy was traded by the Browns on April Fool’s Day to the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.

The Browns received a fifth- and seventh-round pick from the 49ers for McCoy and a sixth-round pick. So the Browns gained overall picks No. 164 and No. 227 and gave up McCoy and pick No. 173.

McCoy was deemed expendable when the Browns signed free agent Jason Campbell last week. His demise has been a year in the works, since the team chose Brandon Weeden in the first round in the 2012 draft.

The surprise was that the Browns could acquire anything for McCoy. He attempted only 17 passes last year, and many of them were purposely thrown into the ground, McCoy later confided, to avoid getting mauled by a revved-up Denver defense in Game 15.

That was McCoy’s only extended action since his controversial concussion suffered on a brutal hit by Pittsburgh’s James Harrison on Dec. 8, 2011. The Browns made national news by sending McCoy back into the game two plays after Harrison’s helmet-to-helmet illegal hit without administering the standard sideline test for concussions.

They were excused for the mistake after a league investigation showed their medical staff was taxed with other player injuries.

McCoy did not play the remaining three games in 2011. He may have recovered from the concussion, but his career never did.

McCoy was a third-round pick of the Browns in 2010, a personal choice of then-president Mike Holmgren. After assuring everyone including McCoy that they intended not to rush in McCoy, the Browns were forced to play him as a rookie because of high ankle sprain injuries to quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

McCoy was impressive in his NFL debut, a 28-10 loss to the dreaded Steelers. Thus, McCoy’s first and last start in a Browns uniform came in Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field.

McCoy won his next two starts against tough foes – defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans in the Superdome, and then the vaunted New England Patriots in Cleveland. The turning point in his career – and also that of then-coach Eric Mangini – occurred the following week.

With the team at 3-5, McCoy put together a game-tying drive against the New York Jets that sent the game into overtime. In overtime, a Browns scoring opportunity was blown when Chansi Stuckey fumbled the ball after a catch at the Jets' 36-yard line. The Browns lost, 26-20.

The Browns lost two of their last seven games after the deflating Jets’ defeat. Mangini was replaced by Pat Shurmur. McCoy won four of 13 games the next year, ending in the debacle in Pittsburgh.

In McCoy’s 21 starts, the Browns were 6-15.

His unexpected playing time in his first two seasons accelerated McCoy’s base salary to $2.325 million, which was too much for a No. 3 quarterback with no future in Cleveland.

Browns free agent scorecard: Two starters, three role players, four backups and special teamers

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Cleveland Browns

The Morning Kickoff …

Free agent scorecard: At the Super Bowl, this is what Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said about the coming free agent season: “I don’t think you’ll see us making any big, splashy, high-priced moves because I think we said all along we’re going to build through the draft.”

With free agency largely done, Haslam was mostly true to his word.

The Browns signed eight new players and re-signed one of their own. Two could be classified as “high-priced” – rush linebacker Paul Kruger and defensive end Desmond Bryant. One might be classified as “big, splashy” – Kruger, but only because he was a starting player on the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.

Overall, the Browns were quite thrifty in the first free agent shopping season of the Haslam and Joe Banner regime. They signed eight players for $86.545 million in future money. But 86 percent of that money was devoted to Kruger and Bryant.

Kruger ($6 million) and Bryant ($5 million) also received 94 percent of the cash signing bonuses the Browns paid. Tight end Gary Barnidge ($650,000) was the only other player to receive a signing bonus, according to salary information available to ESPN Cleveland.

Here is a breakdown of the Browns’ free agent activity:

Sure starters

Paul Kruger, linebacker.

Contract: Five years, $40.485 million. $6 million signing bonus.

Kruger, 27, had five regular-season starts in four seasons with the Ravens. Coming off his best season (nine sacks in 15 games), Kruger added 4.5 sacks in the Ravens’ four-game march to the Super Bowl championship. A complementary player in Baltimore’s star-studded defense, he will be the focal point of the Browns’ new 3-4 defense under coordinator Ray Horton and be counted on to lead the team in sacks.

Desmond Bryant, defensive end.

Contract: Five years, $34 million. $5 million signing bonus.

Bryant, 27, appeared in 62 games in four seasons with the Oakland Raiders, making 18 starts in the last two years. He lined up primarily at tackle in Oakland’s 4-3 scheme, scoring 10.5 sacks over the past three years. He will probably start at left end in Horton’s 3-4 scheme and move inside when Horton shifts to a four-man front.

Key role players

Jason Campbell, quarterback.

Contract: Two years, $3.75 million. $0 signing bonus.

With 71 starts in seven NFL seasons, Campbell, 31, was signed to give Brandon Weeden legitimate competition for the starting job. But he is being paid like a backup QB. Even if he maxes out on his incentives and plays 80 percent of the snaps, Campbell can earn only $2.1 million in 2013. Doing that would double his 2014 salary to $4 million. Campbell’s club-friendly deal is the hardest evidence yet that the Browns expect Weeden to win the job and Campbell to settle into the backup role.

Quentin Groves, linebacker.

Contract: Two years, $2.125 million. $0 signing bonus.

Groves, 28, had his best season in five in a situational pass-rush role in Arizona under Horton, registering 4.0 of his 6.5 career sacks. The Browns are his fourth team in six years after busting out as a second-round pick of Jacksonville in 2008. With the Browns, he’ll be part of the outside linebacker rotation.

Kellen Davis, tight end.

Contract: One year, $715,000. $0 signing bonus.

This tight end named Kellen doesn’t split seams in the defense and make plays in the red zone like the more famous Kellen (Winslow). Davis, 27, was an in-line blocking tight end for the Bears. He had 18 and 19 receptions the last two seasons; 47 total in five NFL seasons. When the Browns line up two tight ends, Davis will be the one lined up closest to the tackle and more than likely will be checkdown option.

Backups and special teamers

Gary Barnidge, tight end.

Contract: Three years, $3.75 million. $650,000 signing bonus.

Barnidge, 27, had 18 receptions in five seasons with Carolina, the last two of which were played under coordinator Rob Chudzinski, now Browns head coach. Chudzinski evidently sees some potential in Barnidge. If the Browns don’t add a play-making tight end, it’s possible Barnidge could compete with Jordan Cameron for the starting job.

Chris Owens, cornerback.

Contract: One year, $1 million. $0 signing bonus.

Owens, 26, was one of two cornerbacks formerly with Atlanta who interested the Browns. The other was Brent Grimes, a starting-caliber player who eventually signed with Miami. Owens has made fewer starts in each of the four seasons he played with Atlanta – six as a rookie in 2009, then three, two and one in succeeding years. He is listed as 5-9 and 180 pounds.

Kevin Barnes, cornerback.

Contract: One year, $630,000. $0 signing bonus.

Barnes, 26, was a third-round draft pick of Washington in 2009. After three years’ investment in him, the Redskins traded him to the cornerback-starved Lions in the 2012 training camp. Barnes was kept on the Detroit final roster but was released after two games. He was not on a roster the rest of the 2012 season.

Re-signed

Chris Ogbonnaya, running back.

Contract: One year, $715,000. $0 signing bonus.

Ogbonnaya, 26, was the only one of 18 unrestricted or restricted free agents re-signed by the Browns. A favorite of former coach Pat Shurmur, Ogbonnaya figures to be the team’s No. 3 running back and a core player on special teams.

Leaving the roost: The following Browns free agents signed with other teams:

PK Phil Dawson, 49ers; QB Josh Johnson, Bengals; LB Kaluka Maiava, Raiders; DE Frostee Rucker, Cardinals; TE Benjamin Watson, Saints.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Mock draft 5.0: A top 10 shocker does not dash the Browns' hopes at No. 6

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

Mock draft 5.0: As we head into the final four weeks to the draft, the destinations of the top quarterbacks remain a fluid mystery. In truth, the order of the top quarterbacks is still uncertain.

West Virginia’s Geno Smith is the consensus top choice, but his landing spot changes by the week. USC’s Matt Barkley was considered No. 2, but here we have him falling out of the first round entirely.

The shocker of this mock is Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib not only cracking the first round but zooming all the way to Buffalo at No. 8, where he would rejoin his college coach.

For the third week in a row, we see Alabama’s Dee Milliner falling to the Browns at No. 6. They would like that.

1. Kansas City: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M.

Would be first tackle taken first overall since Jake Long in 2008.

2. Jacksonville: Dion Jordan, DE-LB, Oregon.

Big boost to league’s worst pass rush in 2012.

3. Oakland: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia.

A parting with Carson Palmer seems inevitable.

4. Philadelphia: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida.

My third different player in three weeks for Eagles.

5. Detroit: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE-LB, Brigham Young.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz lost two pass rushers since 2012 ended.

6. Cleveland: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama.

Free agency lull makes this choice a must.

7. Arizona: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.

Pretty sure Cardinals don’t take a QB in first round.

8. Buffalo: Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse.

New coach Doug Marrone settles on his college QB in first draft shocker.

9. N.Y. Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE-LB, Louisiana State.

Can this pick save Rex Ryan from the coach’s guillotine?

10. Tennessee: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah.

As long as his health checks out, this looks like the pick.

11. San Diego: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama.

He should be grade higher than best available tackle.

12. Miami: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma.

Dolphins sweat out Chargers’ pick and are pleased.

13. Tampa Bay: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State.

I keep vacillating between Florida State teammates.

14. Carolina: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri.

This has become a strong consensus for a middle of the round pick.

15. New Orleans: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia.

Aced out of Mingo, they stay in SEC for a pass rusher.

16. St. Louis: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia.

In dome on turf is ideal for this dynamic slot receiver.

17. Pittsburgh: Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas.

Troy Polamalu’s imminent successor.

18. Dallas: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina.

Cowboys can’t ignore offensive line again.

19. N.Y. Giants: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA.

Best available pass rusher, per usual for G-men.

20. Chicago: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia.

Bears waste no time in replacing Brian Urlacher.

21. Cincinnati: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama.

Best available offensive lineman for the Bengals.

22. St. Louis: Matt Elam, SS, Florida.

Safety is not a position of strength for the Rams.

23. Minnesota: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee.

Adrian Peterson needs some help on offense.

24. Indianapolis: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State.

Free agent spending enabled them to draft for depth.

25. Minnesota: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina.

They have to use one of their picks on a defensive tackle.

26. Green Bay: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M.

A situational pass rusher is a priority.

27. Houston: Keenan Allen, WR, California.

One of the locks of first round is Texans choosing a WR.

28. Denver: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama.

Broncos probably replace pass rusher Elvis Dumervil in free agency.

29. New England: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State.

Bill Belichick takes another stab at a cornerback.

30. Atlanta: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington.

Signing of DE Osi Umenyiora frees up pick for a CB.

31. San Francisco: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame.

49ers need to replace departed Delanie Walker.

32. Baltimore: Kevin Minter, LB, Louisiana State.

Ray Lewis gone. Dannell Ellerbe gone. Hello, Minter.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

ESPN 850 WKNR is the new radio home of the Cleveland Browns

By Tony Grossi

ESPN 850 WKNR is the new radio home of the Cleveland Browns as a result of a unique broadcasting agreement that creates an unprecedented triple-cast of the team’s games.

The groundbreaking partnership calls for Browns games also to be carried on CBS-owned 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM) and WNCX (98.5 FM).

The announcing team of Jim Donovan (play-by-play) and Doug Dieken (analyst) remains in place. Jamir Howerton continues as sideline reporter.

But it’s safe to say this innovative partnership, which was hatched by Craig Karmazin, founder and CEO of Good Karma Broadcasting, which operates WKNR and 11 other radio stations, dramatically increases the presence of the Browns in the Cleveland radio market.

“The Browns are truly excited to partner up with two of the premier brands and stations in the market,” said Browns President Alec Scheiner. “We think this is an incredibly unique deal. We have our games triple-cast for what we think is the first time in NFL history. And we don’t know of any other team that has partnered up with the two all-sports radio stations in the market, CBS and ESPN. So for us it’s a really exciting time.”

Landing the Browns’ radio rights is another milestone in the growth of ESPN 850 WKNR since Good Karma acquired the station in 2006. It also operates ESPN 1540 KRN2 in Cleveland.

“Every time in Cleveland when we’ve grown our commitment to the Browns we’ve seen fans embrace it,” Karmazin said. “To have their games on our air and all the other programming associated with is so exciting. There will be so much Browns programming that if you’re a Browns fan you’ll never want to turn off the station.”

The agreement calls for more than 1,000 hours of official Browns programming over the year on the stations, including a simulcast coach’s show. Each station will carry pre- and post-game shows.

ESPN 850 WKNR will continue to carry Cleveland Browns Daily, which will be expanded to two hours and moved to a new time at a later date, and also will add more Browns programming exclusive to the station.

“Since the day we came to Cleveland, we’ve been surveying fans,” Karmazin said,  and through the highest highs of LeBron and the Indians’ AL Championship Series  and Ohio State’s national championship, nothing has compared to the Cleveland Browns. We’ve heard the fans loud and clear. The deal we have really backed up that commitment through this partnership.”

Negotiations for the Browns’ radio rights began in November, before Scheiner left the Dallas Cowboys as vice president to join the Browns. By then, Karmazin had forged a partnership with CBS to vigorously pursue the rights.

Scheiner said he has never before seen two competing all-sports radio stations in the same market with distinct ownership come together like this.

“I have to give credit to Craig Karmazin and Tom Herschel (CBS senior vice president) for that,” Scheiner said. “They had the foresight to realize that together they were stronger than individually. And for us it was important to get carriage for our games on strong signals and was also important to have some of our shoulder programming on stations in the area.

“Honestly we didn’t know this is where this negotiation was headed. But we were excited when the idea came up.”

The new agreement, which begins May, means that Browns games will not be carried on WTAM-AM for the first time since the expansion era began in 1999.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns were smart in adding Jason Campbell to the QB mix

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

The Morning Kickoff …

A bridge to somewhere: I like the signing of free agent quarterback Jason Campbell by the Browns for the following reasons:

* He has good NFL experience and is still young enough at 31 to legitimately compete with Brandon Weeden for the starting job.

Make no mistake, Weeden is on a one-year trial with the new regime. If he doesn’t step it up under Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner, Campbell will be the starter in 2013. Weeden will not be back in 2014, in my opinion, unless he wins the job this year and has a similarly productive season to Derek Anderson’s in 2007.

If Campbell does win the job – or if Weeden loses it -- I believe Campbell is a bridge to the next Browns hopeful. Campbell is not a long-term answer, of course. He is 31-40 as a starter in his career.

But if Weeden legitimately wins the job and wins over Jimmy Haslam, Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi, Campbell gives the Browns one of the best backups in the NFL.

* At 6-5 and 230 pounds and still possessive of a strong, live arm, Campbell fits the physical mold of what Chudzinski and Turner want in a quarterback. He also fits the mold of what is needed to lead a team in the AFC North division.

So in Weeden and Campbell, the Browns now have two physical QBs who can spin the ball through the Lake Erie winds and also withstand the tough defenses fielded by Baltimore, Pittsburgh and, yes, Cincinnati. It’s about time the Browns start taking into consideration the venue and division in which they play.

* The choice of Campbell speaks well of the input of Chudzinski and Turner on the quarterback position.

It’s obvious that Chud and Turner went to bat for Weeden after evaluating his game tape. Otherwise, Banner and Lombardi would have thrown out Weeden with the dirty laundry of another 5-11 season.

Just as plainly, Campbell’s physical characteristics and his experience in a similar offensive system in Oakland indicate he was the choice of Chudzinski and Turner to compete with Weeden.

I feel better with the two coaches making the decisions on the team’s most important position. I feel better with Campbell than with some Patriots or Eagles castoff.

* Campbell’s addition undoubtedly spells the end of Colt McCoy’s rodeo in Cleveland. If I were the Browns I would try to get a future draft pick for McCoy in a trade. New Orleans or Houston – two dome-based teams with possible interest in McCoy – each would make terrific landing spots for McCoy.

* I like the fact the Browns don’t appear to be rushing to the draft to find their next quarterback. I think the addition of Campbell virtually eliminates the need to draft one from a lackluster draft class.

Here’s the reasoning: None of the QB draftables in 2013 is a sure thing to be better than Weeden. So the Browns should invest the 2013 season in making sure about Weeden. If he tinkles down his leg, Campbell takes over and quarterback becomes the No. 1 priority in the 2014 draft.

So don't buy into the hyperventilating about private tryouts with Geno Smith, Matt Barkley, EJ Manuel, Matt Scott and any other quarterbacks in the 2013 draft. Those acts of due diligence may be prudent, but the Browns would be better served by jumpstarting their scouting of quarerbacks in the 2014 -- just in case Weeden drops the ball.

Or …

If Bill Belichick elects to keep Ryan Mallett in 2013, he surely will trade him after the season rather than lose him in free agency and the Browns would be a likely taker. Unless Weeden wins everyone over in 2013, the Mallett trade rumors will renew next year.

* Campbell’s addition assures the Browns will table any experiment in  --  let alone a commitment to – the read option craze hitting the NFL.

This doesn’t mean the Browns won’t reconsider the read option offensive concepts at a later date – like, when they have a quarterback suited to executing it. But with Weeden and Campbell competing for the starting job, I think Chudzinski will clip the 100 pages of his playbook he wrote for Cam Newton in Carolin and save them for another time.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns choose Jason Campbell to compete with Brandon Weeden

By Tony Grossi

The competition to Brandon Weeden will come from Jason Campbell.

The Browns announced Tuesday night they signed Campbell to a two-year contract.

In a statement released by the club, coach Rob Chudzinski said, “Jason is an established leader who has started a number of games in this league and has had success. He brings us a veteran presence and a good set of physical tools. He played in a similar system when he was in Oakland and that will help in his transition.”

Campbell should offer a legitimate challenge to Weeden’s starting role and put Colt McCoy’s roster status in jeopardy.

Campbell, 31, served as Jay Cutler’s backup in Chicago in 2012. He appeared in six games and made one start.

That was the first year Campbell settled for a backup role in five seasons.

He lost the starting job in Oakland in 2011 when he suffered a fractured collarbone on a tackle by Browns linebackers Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong. After that injury, then-Raiders coach Hue Jackson pulled off a trade for semi-retired Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, and Campbell was deemed expendable.

Campbell, 6-5 and 230 pounds, has always fashioned the “big arm” favored by Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

He was a first-round draft choice of Washington in 2005, selected 25^th overall.

Campbell took over as Washington starter for the final seven games in 2006 and held the position through the 2009 season. In 2010, coach Mike Shanahan traded Campbell to Oakland for a fourth-round draft pick.

Campbell has a 31-40 record in 71 starts. For his career, he has thrown 76 touchdowns vs. 52 interceptions and his career passer rating is 82.5.

Browns CEO Joe Banner said, “We are excited to have Jason as a member of the Cleveland Browns. He is a veteran player who has been productive throughout his career and will be good addition to our team.”

Filling Phil Dawson's shoes would be Havard Rugland's greatest trick yet

By Tony Grossi

The Morning Kickoff …

Big shoes to fill: Phil Dawson’s trademark kick in 14 seasons with the Browns caromed off the bent support bar on a goalpost in Baltimore and bounced backwards through the uprights.

Ruled good after a referee conference, the controversial field goal chased the celebrating Baltimore Ravens out of their locker room and back onto their home field for an extra period. Deflated, they lost the game on another Dawson field goal in overtime.

Then there was the famous blizzard game in Cleveland Browns Stadium in the same 2007 season.

Negotiating 40 mph winds that blew driving snow sideways across the field, Dawson made two field goals in a classic 8-0 Browns win over the Buffalo Bills. On one, Dawson started the ball outside the right upright and the wind blew it through. On the other from the opposite side of the field, Dawson started the ball outside the left upright and the wind blew it through.

Let’s see YouTube kicking trick-shot specialist Havard Rugland do that. With 11 angry men storming in on him. With a game on the line and 65,000 fans on the edge of their seats.

“They have a tall task of finding someone to fill Phil Dawson’s shoes,” affirmed Michael Husted, who is Rugland’s official kicking coach.

Kickalicious update: Rugland is the native of Norway who has never played American football but is earning NFL tryouts because of a home-made video, titled Kickalicious, that has drawn more than 2.5 million hits on YouTube.

In the four-minute video, Rugland, who is 6-2 and 245 pounds, is seen making kicks off a tee from incredibly tight angles. He kicks on the mark to a man drifting in a canoe, in a moving car, from a beach to a cliff, and in other entertaining, staged trick shots.

Rugland had a tryout last week for the Browns, who are trying to make fans forget they let the best kicker in franchise history leave in free agency without a contract offer from them.

The Browns invited Rugland to a tryout after special teams coordinator Chris Tabor scouted Husted’s kicking camp in Boca Raton, Fla. Husted, who kicked in the NFL for nine seasons beginning in 1993, has been personally tutoring Rugland in San Diego.

“He felt like it went well,” Husted reported of Rugland’s tryout. “It was in their indoor facility. They raised the garage door, which brought the temperature down to about 30 degrees inside, and made him kick with brand new balls. Havard said it definitely wasn’t like kicking in San Diego.”

Rugland has also worked out for the Jets and Lions, and may have workouts with the Bears, Eagles and Packers. The Jets “discovered” Rugland before any team. Scott Cohen, assistant GM of the Jets, saw the video in November and contacted Husted to work with Rugland to prep him for a tryout.

Rugland, 28, a soccer fanatic in his native Norway, had seen an NFL game a couple years ago on a back-packing trip across America. The video was made with his brother and friend, not so much as an audition tape but as a fun thing to do.

Husted has been working with Rugland four to five times a week since January, he said. He likens Rugland to Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski, who is a tad shorter and about 15 pounds heavier than Rugland.Both kick with their left leg.

“He’s a big guy with a big pop to him,” Husted said. “Granted, he doesn’t have any experience. I relate the story of Darren Bennett (a former Australian rules football player who punted for the Chargers in the 1990s). Darren has talked about how valuable it was for him to be on the Chargers practice squad a year prior to kicking for them.”

Husted said the major work done with Rugland was in reducing his steps from three to two and shortening his “get-off” time from snap to kick to about 1.32 seconds, which he said is “right on par” to what NFL coaches want.

“You can see on that video, in some instances he’s taking four or five steps, so, obviously, the technique is vastly different,” Husted said.

He said Rugland consistently makes field goals in the 55- to 60-yard range.

The mental side: But what about making kicks under pressure of a rush and in a game-winning – or game-losing – situation?

“The thing about the rush, at the NFL level, you can’t worry about it,” Husted said. “You have to trust everybody else to do their job and you have to just worry about putting the ball between those two posts. A lot of guys can kick off the sticks all day long and I’ve seen guys fall apart when they get with a team. I think he can do it, just from his demeanor. The ideal situation would be for him to get signed and to go through all the camps to get used to the game.”

Husted said Rugland’s knowledge of American football has advanced from football 101 to football 102.

“Can he name every starting quarterback in the league? No. But I don’t think I can, either, with all the change that goes on,” Husted said.

It’s a great story. Husted, who’s been there and done that, estimated Rugland’s chances of making a regular roster on opening day at “maybe 30 to 35 percent … but being on a practice squad maybe 65 to 70 percent.”

Rugland’s video of effortless trick-shots makes it appear that anything is possible. The last trick has Rugland punting one ball in the air and then kicking another ball off a tee that collides with the punted ball in mid-air.

“I know some people think the last kick was maybe photo-shopped, but it wasn’t,” Husted said.

Rugland said in an interview with the New York Times that that trick took eight tries. When a Norwegian news camera crew asked Rugland to replicate the trick, he did it on his first try, Husted said.

Touche, Phil.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns sign free agent CB Kevin Barnes to one-year deal

By Tony Grossi

The newest free agent signed to a one-year contract by the Browns is cornerback Kevin Barnes, a former Washington Redskins third-round draft pick who was traded to Detroit last summer and waived in September.

Barnes, 26, has three starts in 31 career games in the NFL. He has three interceptions and nine passes defensed.

Barnes is 6-1 and 190 pounds. The Redskins made him the 80^th overall pick of the 2009 draft out of University of Maryland.

The Browns last week signed tight end Kellen Davis and cornerback Chris Owens to one-year deals as they continue to fill out their roster while staying away from big-ticket items.

The team is still looking for a replacement for free agent Sheldon Brown to start at cornerback opposite Joe Haden.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Here's why it now will take until 2015 for the Browns to introduce new uniforms

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Nike

The Morning Kickoff …

New duds are coming: During NFL owners meetings last week in Phoenix, the Browns committed not only to changing their uniforms but also to consider every facet of the team’s marketing brand.

They key word in the above paragraph is consider. They will consider new colors, which may end up being new shades of brown and orange – or something altogether different. They will consider a new secondary logo, something different from the block B inside a football shape.

For the next two years – yes, it will take that long – the Browns will work closely with NFL marketing and Nike on an apparel makeover. They are now engaged in a 24-month process, the likes of which the Browns’ franchise has never undergone.

Everything is on the table to be discussed except for one thing.

“I will say there will be no change to the helmet,” owner Jimmy Haslam said exclusively to ESPN Cleveland. “But we will look at everything else. We may change a lot. We may change a little.”

When Haslam initiated the process for a uniform change, he had in his mind minor tweaks to the traditional white-on-white and brown-on-white ensembles. Minor changes, done without market research, would have resulted in a 12-month process overseen by NFL marketing. He thought the new uniforms would be ready for the 2014 season.

But after further consultation with the league, Haslam decided to go through the more extensive, 24-month process recommended by experts in the field of brand marketing.

“I think we’ll have a better idea of what we want to do after that,” Haslam said. “This allows you to change anything you want. That doesn’t mean we will. I want to be perfectly clear about that. We just want to get a lot of input from our fans and take our time with it. Because you can do it only every five years.”

Why a uniform change takes two years: The only ownership committee on which Haslam sits is the business ventures committee. A key member of the league’s business ventures management team is Mark Waller, who has been the NFL’s chief marketing officer the past seven years.

Waller supervises every team’s application for uniform and branding change. He said at any given period, three to four teams may be involved in the 24-month process to update their look. He termed the significance of the undertaking “huge.”

“Ultimately, (the uniform is) the expression of the club and the brand the fan is most familiar with,” Waller said. “They wear them. They buy them. And it’s the strongest identity they have other than the game itself. So it’s a hugely important piece of work. And from the league perspective, our league rules are you can only change once every five years. So you’ve got to get it right.”

So why does it take 24 months to come up with a new uniform style and/or logo?

“We really want to make sure if you’re going through a significant change that fans are going to notice, you get fan input on it,” Waller said. “So there’s a research period, a couple of months. We work with the team. We provide the team with some background experience on best research techniques, but it’s conducted by the team in their market with their fans, and they’ll decide do they do just season ticket holders or also single game buyers, do they want to involve sponsors, or not?”

The Browns are currently in this phase of the project.

“We’ll then sit down with the club and the ownership, all of the club’s key personnel and kind of get their input and also compare what they want with what fans are saying,” Waller said. “You say you want to change from X to Y. The fans are actually here. So how do we manage that difference?

“We do the research … on the club brand and what it stands for. That alone is a six- to nine-month piece of work. Then you go to start design briefs and develop potential logos. If you change colors and logo, you’ve actually got to do material testing because there are some colors now that have never been used before. If a club comes up with a color that isn’t part of our uniform palette, you have to see if you can manufacture it. Can you do it to the quality standards required? So it adds a whole extra time period if you’re using a color that’s never been used before.”

Designs are sketched in Portland, Ore., by Nike, the league’s official apparel manufacturer. At some point, Nike presents three to five uniform options. They are simulated on a screen to make sure numerals are easily readable and any striping does not blend together on TV.

“It’ll be interesting in the Cleveland work to see how open fans are to explore it,” Waller said. “I think the passion of the fan base has a huge bearing on the work that you do. The more passionate and deep rooted the fan base is, the stronger their views are going to be. And so the more you’ve got to be aware of those."

Waller has input in every uniform change; he has 25 years experience in branding and marketing with global companies such as Guinness, and then United Distillers, handling marketing for Johnnie Walker, Dewars and Tanqueray brands. Ultimately, the decision rests with Haslam and his inner circle of CEO Joe Banner and President Alec Scheiner.

Jazz it up: When the Browns were reborn as an expansion franchise in 1999, the effort was made to connect it as closely as possible to the bedrock franchise made famous by Paul Brown. Same name, same colors, and all that.

But at some point, I felt the NFL openly encouraged the Browns to change their uniform, ostensibly to spur stagnant sales of club merchandise. The drab white and brown colors are either loved by the traditionalists or hated by the younger generation. A poll I conducted last year in the locker room indicated players respected the old uniforms but preferred a new look.

“Definitely since I’ve been (with the NFL) we’ve never encouraged them,” Waller said. “This has absolutely came out of the ownership and that’s their desire.”

Haslam said he has “no idea” how extensive the uniform changes will entail. He’s open to anything, including merely subtle changes. He anticipates the rollout of the new look to be a major event.

“Hopefully it will generate a lot of excitement right around the time of the 2015 draft,” Haslam said.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Browns add depth at tight end and cornerback in free agency

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Browns CEO Joe Banner said the team won’t have any bigger signings than the initial pickups of linebacker Paul Kruger and tackle Desmond Bryant, but he hoped to add more players in free agency.

On Friday, the Browns added tight end Kellen Davis, formerly of Chicago, and cornerback Chris Owens, formerly of Atlanta. The Browns confirmed both as one-year deals.

Both appear to be players to fill out the depth chart, rather than to be pegged as sure starters.

Davis, 6-6 and 267 pounds, was a fifth-round pick out of Michigan State by Chicago in 2008. He had reception totals of 19 and 18 the past two seasons as the Bears’ starting tight end. Davis was expendable after the Bears signed Martellus Bennett in free agency.

Davis, 27, has 47 catches and 11 touchdowns in five NFL seasons. ProFootballTalk.com reported the Browns’ contract was for one year.

Owens, is 5-9 and 179 pounds, which makes him the shortest (tied with others) and second-lightest player (to Travis Benjamin's 175 pounds) on the roster. Owens has the same height as Buster Skrine, but is six pounds lighter.

Owens, 26, a third-round pick from San Jose State in 2009, has made 12 starts in four seasons in Atlanta. He has three interceptions and 12 passes defensed.

In a prepared statement, coach Rob Chudzinski said: “Kellen has played a lot in this league and has starting experience,” said Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski. “His size and strength give him the ability to be a good blocker. He is a big guy who can run and provides a big target. We feel like he has a chance to help us at the tight end position.

 “Chris is an experienced cornerback who has played both inside and outside. He is very athletic with good movement skills. He is a tough, hard-nosed competitor - attributes which we are looking for in all of our players.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Mock draft 4.0: Geno Smith goes to the Philadelphia Eagles, killing Browns' hopes for a trade down

By Tony Grossi

Photo/ESPN

The Morning Kickoff …

Mock draft 4.0: Now that the pro days and NFL free agency are winding down, private workouts take over as the biggest indicators of the draft.

The biggest change in the top 10 this week was Geno Smith returning to the top five as a result of a private workout with Philadelphia. The fact owner Jeffrey Lurie was in attendance was a tipoff that the Eagles are serious – or a nicely played smokescreen.

For the second week in a row, we see Alabama’s Dee Milliner falling to the Browns. That would be good for them because it doesn’t appear that free agency will provide their starting cornerback opposite Joe Haden.

1. Kansas City: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M.

Holding steady for the fourth straight week.

2. Jacksonville: Dion Jordan, DE-LB, Oregon.

New coach Gus Bradley hand-picks his new star on defense.

3. Oakland: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida.

Loss of Desmond Bryant secures this selection.

4. Philadelphia: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia.

Full Eagles contingent, including the owner, held private workout with him.

5. Detroit: Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, DE-LB, Brigham Young.

Lions staff coached him at Senior Bowl and saw he wasn’t so raw.

6. Cleveland: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama.

A safe pick that fills a major need.

7. Arizona: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.

Bruce Arians will take his future QB in second round.

8. Buffalo: Matt Barkley, QB, USC.

QBs on current roster are Tarvaris Jackson and Aaron Corp.

9. N.Y. Jets: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee.

Rex Ryan’s influence on draft day is waning fast.

10. Tennessee: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah.

They’re weak in the middle of the defensive line.

11. San Diego: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama.

They’ll pick their highest-ranked offensive lineman.

12. Miami: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma.

They have to keep QB Ryan Tannehill at the forefront of their thinking.

13. Tampa Bay: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State.

Pick will change if they pull trigger and trade for Darrelle Revis.

14. Carolina: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri.

Defensive tackle is a big weakness.

15. New Orleans: Barkevious Mingo, LB, Louisiana State.

Rob Ryan’s draft day barking scores a pass rusher.

16. St. Louis: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia.

Rams can turn him into another Percy Harvin.

17. Pittsburgh: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia.

Steelers break the biggest free-fall of the round.

18. Dallas: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State.

New coordinator Monte Kiffin needs to beef up defensive front.

19. N.Y. Giants: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State.

They never lose sight of their pass rush.

20. Chicago: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State.

The Brian Urlacher era is over.

21. Cincinnati: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama.

Bengals replace one Alabama 300-pound tackle with another.

22. St. Louis: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina.

More help for QB Sam Bradford.

23. Minnesota: Keenan Allen, WR, California.

A nice complement to recent pickup Greg Jennings.

24. Indianapolis: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington.

He follows five additions on defense from free agency.

25. Minnesota: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina.

Defensive tackle is a big need for the Vikings.

26. Green Bay: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame.

The status of Jermichael Finley is uncertain.

27. Houston: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson.

If not Hopkins, then pencil in the highest-rated receiver available.

28. Denver: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M.

This pick would ease the apparent loss of Elvis Dumervil.

29. New England: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama.

Nick Saban sends Bill Belichick a complement to Vince Wilfork.

30. Atlanta: Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State.

A pass rush end is a no-brainer.

31. San Francisco: Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas.

Steps right into the vacated shoes of Dashon Goldson.

32. Baltimore: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia.

I think this is a fairly easy lock for a 32^nd pick.

one me,” he said.Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Even when unwanted by the Browns after 14 years, Phil Dawson stays classy to the very end

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

Extra Points …

Phil Dawson framed his exodus to San Francisco as a golden opportunity for him and not a failure on the Browns to keep a 14-year player within 78 points of the franchise’s all-time scoring record.

Dawson signed a one-year deal on Wednesday with the NFC Champion 49ers for a reported $2.25 million – a severe pay cut from the $3.81 million he made with the Browns in 2012.

Dawson would not even confirm that the Browns never made an offer to him.

“Once it became apparent that San Francisco was a legitimate opportunity, I got extremely excited,” Dawson said on a conference call with Northeast Ohio media that he asked the 49ers to arrange.

“What is there not to like about this place? One of the storied franchises in NFL history, great front office, first class, dynamic head coach who guys love to play for, special teams coach that I have a working relationship with, great group of players, team on the verge of winning it all, great part of the country to live in.  I guess the better question is why not here?”

Dawson is a student of history. Over time his chase for Lou Groza’s scoring record became a personal motivator as years of losing took its toll on his hopes of some day kicking for a Super Bowl team. Ultimately, the latter prevailed over the former.

“As I’ve always said, I have the utmost respect for Mr. Groza,” Dawson said. “He is Mr. Cleveland Brown. It only seems right that he’s going to be the all-time leading scorer there. I have no regrets. I have nothing but positive feelings about the whole experience. Some day when I’m done playing, I’ll be able to reflect and evaluate. For Mr. Groza to remain the all-time leading scorer, that just seems right to me.”

Dawson, the last original member of the 1999 Browns, leaves with two meaningful franchise records – most career field goals (305) and highest career field-goal percentage (.840).

Groza, a Hall of Fame left tackle from Paul Brown’s dynasty teams, extended his career through 1967 when he switched to full-time kicker. Groza scored 1,349 points. Dawson leaves the Browns with 1,271.

“I wish them nothing but the best,” Dawson said. “I have so much respect for the Browns organization, the fans, the city. I’ll be rooting for them. It was some of the greatest years of my life. It’s been an absolute privilege to wear that orange helmet and represent the fans every week. There is nothing but positive feelings in my mind.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the organization grows and develops and experiences success. That’s how I truly feel. I’m so excited with what’s going to happen with me, so it seems like a win win.”

Dawson, who spent his rookie NFL season on the New England practice squad, was signed by the Browns in 1999. He won the Browns’ kicking job in training camp of the inaugural season of the expansion era. Coach Chris Palmer broke the news to him this way: “We’re starting with you.”

He became the franchise’s greatest kicker by negotiating inclement conditions, sometimes fierce and cold winds, and an often slippery grass surface. In his 14 seasons, Dawson made 84.9 percent of his field goal attempts in Cleveland while opposing kickers made 76.6 percent.

“Just go to work,” Dawson said. “I’m confident the Browns will make a good decision. Everybody forgets that in 1999 I was the unproven, no-name young kid that nobody expected a lot of and was given the opportunity to grow into the job.

“I anticipate it will be a tough situation for a young guy to step into. I’m sure the Browns will do a good job. But, hey, I’m going to be pulling for him. I wish him and the Browns nothing but the best.”

And to the fans, what does Dawson say?

“It’s gonna work out. This is just how sports goes. I appreciate all the love and the fan support. I would just encourage everyone to be patient, embarace the new guy and support him the way they’ve done me,” he said.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

In his third stint with the Browns, Rob Chudzinski seeks to resurrect another dormant offense

By Tony Grossi

PHOENIX, AZ

The Morning Kickoff …

Chud’s time: The first morning at his first NFL league meetings as head coach of the Browns, Rob Chudzinski’s 5 o’clock wakeup call woke his wife, Sheila.

“She wanted to know where I was going that early,” Chudzinski said. “She thought we were on vacation.”

There has been no down time for Chudzinski – not even at the sumptuous Arizona Biltmore resort at which NFL meetings were held this week. He doesn’t play golf and his fair skin doesn’t take too kindly to the Arizona sun.

Chudzinski is most comfortable holed up in a darkened room to study video. And he’s done plenty of that since becoming the surprise choice of owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner as their first Browns coach on Jan. 10.

Even though the Toledo native and lifelong Browns fan had been an assistant coach with the team for two terms under different head coaches, Chudzinski, 44, wasn’t the preferred choice of fans looking for their next savior. Bigger names such as Nick Saban and Jon Gruden were bandied about.

And when the Browns engaged in marathon talks with Oregon’s Chip Kelly, the hottest name in the college ranks, the risk of not securing Kelly’s name on a contract was that anybody else was going to be considered a letdown.

Chudzinski was a late entry in the coaching search. And then everything happened so fast, Chud had very little time to familiarize himself with the team for which he was interviewing.

“I looked at them just quickly,” he said of the interview process with the Browns. “But that process went from getting a call one evening to me going to Cleveland the next day, so I had a little chance to look at some tape and then the following day, Jimmy, Joe and Alec (Scheiner, team president) came down to Charlotte and we had dinner there, so it went pretty quickly.”

After the talks with Kelly broke down, the Browns were anxious to conclude the process. Chudzinski had the same characteristics that originally made Kelly appealing to them – young, offensive-minded and very creative. Plus, he left no doubt how badly he wanted the job.

A national football reporter asked Chudzinski if the Browns’ quarterback situation was a turn-off to him.

“I'm a Browns fan,” he replied with a wide smile. “Do you think I was going to turn the job down?”

Chud was the first: It was interesting listening to the line of questioning from reporters sitting at the table of Kelly, now the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

They asked about his offensive innovations, the breakneck pace at which his offense plays, his unpredictable moves to go for two points after the first touchdown of a game or refusing to punt, and, of course, the read option offense that spawned the NFL trend.

The day before, Chudzinski was explaining to a much smaller media crowd that it was Cam Newton – not RG3 or Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick – that first showed in 2011 how the read option could work in the NFL. And it was Chudzinski who married Newton’s superb athletic skills to a scheme that eased his transition to the NFL game.

With Chudzinski as Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator, Newton threw for rookie record 4,051 yards and ran for 706. He produced 35 touchdowns throwing and running. Then in a second season that was framed as a disappointment, he produced 27 touchdowns.

“That was a unique experience … bringing that for the first time and doing a lot of those things with your quarterback in the league for the first time when we had Cam,” Chudzinski said. “It was a lot of fun. To be able to think outside the box and do some of those things I think helped me not just for those type of quarterbacks but for other quarterbacks. You’re thinking ‘Hey, maybe there’s some things we can do with those other guys,’ and keeping your eyes open to that.”

After Newton’s sensational rookie season, Chudzinski fielded calls from coaches anxious to pick his brain on incorporating the read option.

“There were a lot of people watching our tape that offseason, I know, and were very much interested, intrigued, in what was going on,” Chud said. “Some of those things were going on in the wildcat. Hey, I didn’t invent any of this stuff.”

The outside-the-box thinking appealed to the Browns. And if the Browns didn’t have the right quarterback to run the read option, Chud’s experience with it at least would help his team defend it. At the NFL combine, Banner said the offense might not be right for every team, but every team better be ready to defend it.

“I do know some things about it that make it difficult for the offenses running it, from being on the other side of it,” Chudzinski said. “I know what some of the issues are when you do it defensively and some of the things we struggled with. I think that will be valuable for us.”

The Chud and Norv show: The biggest additions the Browns have made on offense are Chudzinski and Norv Turner, his mentor who switched roles and now will serve as coordinator.

The Browns are banking on the two of them developing young offensive talent such as Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron and, yes, Brandon Weeden.

“I think it's going to be an interesting set of dynamics,” said Carolina coach Ron Rivera, who has worked with both men. “I will say this, there's a lot of good offensive minds in one room.”

Turner was called the best play-caller in the NFL today by Fox game analyst and Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman. Before ushering in Newton to the NFL, Chudzinski authored the most prolific Browns offense in 30 years as the team’s coordinator in 2007.

Because Weeden most closely resembles the dropback style of Derek Anderson – and Turner’s quarterbacks over the years – the betting favorite is that the Browns’ offense will more resemble the 2007 version than what Chudzinski did in Carolina.

But you never know.

“One thing Norv’s always been real good with is you just don’t run the same offense every single year,” Chudzinski said. “This is a lesson I learned from him. You have to adjust, because defenses are going to adjust to you. So you have to constantly be working to find better ways of moving your offense in a certain direction to match your personnel and put those guys in the best position to win.”

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi

Trent Richardson's helmet-catapulting hit is now illegal and finable -- and other notes from NFL meetings

By Tony Grossi

Photo/Getty

PHOENIX, AZ

Extra Points …

Heads up: Trent Richardson’s head-on jolt of Kurt Coleman that blasted the Eagles safety’s helmet into the sky in Game 1 was one of the lasting images of the 2012 Browns season.

Now it’s been preserved on the NFL highlight video as a no-no as the league continues to try to eliminate acts that cause injuries.

NFL meetings concluded here on Wednesday with owners passing all six proposed rules changes. The most controversial one prohibits a runner or tackler from initiating “forcible” contact by delivering a blow with the crown of his helmet. The act would be a foul only if the collision is outside the tackle box -- the area that extends from tackle to tackle and from three yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

Richardson’s jarring helmet-first hit on Coleman excited the Browns’ home crowd. But since it happened nine yards past the line of scrimmage, it would result in 2013 in a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. Richardson also would be subject to a fine of $22,050 – based on the league’s fine schedule, which increases by 5 percent each year. A second offense would double the amount. Another one could result in a suspension.

When news of the rule came out, Browns cornerback Joe Haden posted on his Twitter page: “Running backs just got the short end of the stick!! I feel bad 4 them and I play D!”

Haden’s reaction was common among current players and some former players.  But the league proposed it – and passed, 31-1 (the Bengals voted against) – after input from players, coaches, executives and fans, said Rich McKay, co-chairman of the league competition committee.

The league feels the rule will not change the game but will change the bad habit of runners lowering their heads and, sometimes, injuring themselves. Browns Hall of Famer Jim Brown weighed in on the subject this week and said he never lowered his head when he ran.

“This is a pretty major change, but one that can be adapted to by the players,” McKay said. “This rule is to try to protect the player from himself.”

McKay said the committee examined every play of every game in Weeks 10 and 16 and found 11 plays that would be flagged under the new rule. Given that percentage, the play might happen 90 or so times over 17 weeks.

The NFL is hopeful the crackdown on this play will trickle down to the high school level and runners will be taught how to lower their shoulder without lowering their head.

Other rule changes: 1. Coaches that toss the red flag mistakenly for a challenge will lose a timeout, or be penalized 15 yards if they are out of timeouts. The play in question will be reviewed, however. 2. Teams rushing a PAT or field goal can not line up more than six players to one side of the snapper, can not push players on the line of scrimmage, and can not block below the knees. 3. The infamous “tuck rule” has been scrapped. Quarterbacks who lose the ball while pulling back on a pass attempt will be considered to have fumbled. 4. Tight ends and H-backs can now wear jersey numbers from 40-49 along with 80-89. 5. Peelback blocks inside the tackle box are now prohibited.

Bonus time: Linebacker Craig Robertson was the big winner on the Browns in the league’s performance-based bonus program. Robertson earned a bonus of $236,962 for essentially outperforming his contract. That’s a 61 percent bonus on his 2012 salary of $390,000, the NFL rookie minimum. The complicated formula is based on playing time v. contract.

Dawson’s champion in San Francisco: It was not surprising that 49ers special teams coordinator Brad Seely spurred the team to sign kicker Phil Dawson. Seely held the same position under Eric Mangini in Cleveland in 2009-10.

“Brad deserves a lot of credit for that,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said to me on Wednesday. “ One, for pushing that with ownership and management. And fo championing Phil Dawson. You’re looking for someone to stand on the table and say, ‘I believe in this guy.’”

Dawson, 38, signed a one-year deal with San Francisco on Tuesday, ending his 14-year run with the Browns. The Browns never made him a contract offer after the old regime gave Dawson the franchise tag the previous two seasons.

Dawson’s defection to the 49ers, the defending NFC champions, brings to mind the fate of former Browns kicker Matt Bahr. Bahr toiled in Cleveland for eight seasons in the 1980s. He left when the Browns made a change to get younger at the position. Bahr joined the Giants and kicked five field goals in a 15-13 win in the NFC championship game in 1991 against the 49ers in rain-soaked Candlestick Park.

Dawson’s kicking accuracy in inclement conditions is legendary.

“I think that’s one thing that shows his greatness,” Harbaugh said. “He’s consistently made field goals in the high 80s percentile. Each year, every year. In some inclement weather. In tough kicking conditions.”

Cards waiting on Cribbs: Arizona coach Bruce Arians said the team intends to wait for Cribbs’ knee to get healthy and hopes to sign the former Browns Pro Bowl return specialist. Arians plans to use Cribbs on offense, too.

“Obviously, his special teams value is paramount, but as an offensive player he brings different skill sets – as a runner, as a receiver, as a thrower,” Arians said. “I like having those type of guys. He’s a little bit of Antwaan Randle-El to me. You can use him in different ways. Would I snap the ball to him in the Wildcat? Probably not. I’m just not a Wildcat dude.

“I think he can have the ball handed to him, he can have it with reverses, speed screens. But as a receiver, having never worked with him on the field, I’m anxious to look at him as a receiver.”

Arians also said he would consider using Cribbs and Patrick Peterson together on punt returns.

“Maybe put them back there together and say where you gonna kick it?” Arians said.

Tony Grossi covers the Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR, ESPN 1540 KNR2 and www.espncleveland.com. He has covered the Browns with distinction since 1984 and is one of 46 voters for the National Football League Hall of Fame. Email your “Hey Tony” questions to tgrossi@espncleveland.com Follow Tony on Twitter @tonygrossi