AFC North: Robert Griffin III
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman disputed speculation that Minnesota bluffed the Cleveland Browns out of three draft picks in the first round.
Believing there was at least one other team interested in leapfrogging them for Trent Richardson, the Browns traded picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds to move up one spot to No. 3 for the Alabama running back. There have been questions whether there was another team involved.
Did the Vikings dupe the Browns?
"We did have offers on the table, I can tell you that," Spielman told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I'm not going to tell you who or what. But I will say Cleveland did the right thing."
Hensley's slant: The Browns absolutely did the right thing. If they believed there was a chance that they could lose Richardson, they had to make that deal. Cleveland got beat out for quarterback Robert Griffin III last month. The Browns couldn't risk losing out on another elite playmaker.
BENGALS: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga said he will play much better this season after having his ankle surgically repaired in January. He severely sprained it while leaping for a pass in practice on Oct. 13. Maualuga missed the next three games and wasn't the same when he returned. "I started out pretty good and then being off four weeks, including the bye, I don't want to make excuses, but it made me scared," Maualuga told the team's official website. "Are these guys going to try and chop block me? Are they going to try and take my legs out? I was in a fetal position so they don’t get to my ankles. It's like I was playing scared." Hensley's slant: The Bengals need a healthy and aggressive Maualuga in the middle of the defense. You could see the Bengals' run defense decline when Maualuga wasn't at full strength.
RAVENS: Left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been participating in some of the team's voluntary offseason conditioning workouts, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron told the Carroll County (Md.) Times. "We're in contact with him," Cameron said. "He's been in and out of town. I haven't seen him a lot. All things are positive. We're going to get him back and ready to go. It will be nice to have him this offseason. We'll get him for 10 organized team activities and three days of minicamp. Those are the most important things." Hensley's slant: McKinnie is living up to the agreement that he'll be in better shape after finishing the season at 360 pounds. That was the reason the Ravens paid him a $500,000 roster bonus in March. But the team can't be thrilled with the fact that McKinnie is only attending "some" of the workouts.
STEELERS: Chris Rainey is being reunited with Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey after Pittsburgh drafted the Florida running back in the fifth round. Rainey, who was born when his mother was locked up in a Florida jail, lived with Pouncey and his family in high school. "He's a good guy, he has a great heart," Florida running backs coach Brian White told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I think it's great Maurkice will be up there with him, showing him what it takes to be a pro." Hensley's slant: Rainey slipped in the draft because of character concerns. As long as Rainey stays out of trouble -- and Pouncey should help in this area -- he will add a spark to the Steelers' offense and special teams. He's an electric playmaker.
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman disputed speculation that Minnesota bluffed the Cleveland Browns out of three draft picks in the first round.
Believing there was at least one other team interested in leapfrogging them for Trent Richardson, the Browns traded picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds to move up one spot to No. 3 for the Alabama running back. There have been questions whether there was another team involved.
Did the Vikings dupe the Browns?
"We did have offers on the table, I can tell you that," Spielman told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I'm not going to tell you who or what. But I will say Cleveland did the right thing."
Hensley's slant: The Browns absolutely did the right thing. If they believed there was a chance that they could lose Richardson, they had to make that deal. Cleveland got beat out for quarterback Robert Griffin III last month. The Browns couldn't risk losing out on another elite playmaker.
BENGALS: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga said he will play much better this season after having his ankle surgically repaired in January. He severely sprained it while leaping for a pass in practice on Oct. 13. Maualuga missed the next three games and wasn't the same when he returned. "I started out pretty good and then being off four weeks, including the bye, I don't want to make excuses, but it made me scared," Maualuga told the team's official website. "Are these guys going to try and chop block me? Are they going to try and take my legs out? I was in a fetal position so they don’t get to my ankles. It's like I was playing scared." Hensley's slant: The Bengals need a healthy and aggressive Maualuga in the middle of the defense. You could see the Bengals' run defense decline when Maualuga wasn't at full strength.
RAVENS: Left tackle Bryant McKinnie has been participating in some of the team's voluntary offseason conditioning workouts, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron told the Carroll County (Md.) Times. "We're in contact with him," Cameron said. "He's been in and out of town. I haven't seen him a lot. All things are positive. We're going to get him back and ready to go. It will be nice to have him this offseason. We'll get him for 10 organized team activities and three days of minicamp. Those are the most important things." Hensley's slant: McKinnie is living up to the agreement that he'll be in better shape after finishing the season at 360 pounds. That was the reason the Ravens paid him a $500,000 roster bonus in March. But the team can't be thrilled with the fact that McKinnie is only attending "some" of the workouts.
STEELERS: Chris Rainey is being reunited with Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey after Pittsburgh drafted the Florida running back in the fifth round. Rainey, who was born when his mother was locked up in a Florida jail, lived with Pouncey and his family in high school. "He's a good guy, he has a great heart," Florida running backs coach Brian White told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I think it's great Maurkice will be up there with him, showing him what it takes to be a pro." Hensley's slant: Rainey slipped in the draft because of character concerns. As long as Rainey stays out of trouble -- and Pouncey should help in this area -- he will add a spark to the Steelers' offense and special teams. He's an electric playmaker.
This is the final part of our series in which we feature one player from each AFC North team who is "On the spot" leading up to the NFL draft. That's a player who is holding a starting job now, but could lose it depending on how his team drafts.
McCoy Colt McCoy, Browns quarterback
Offseason recap: The Browns made it known that McCoy wasn't the top choice to be the starting quarterback this season. Team president Mike Holmgren said the Browns aggressively tried to trade up in the draft to take Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. Head coach Pat Shurmur hasn't formally named McCoy the starter for 2012, but he indicated that McCoy will take the first snaps when the offense lines up this offseason.
NFL résumé: McCoy was a third-round pick in 2010 by the Cleveland Browns. In his first full season as a starter, McCoy ranked 26th in completion percentage (57.2), 25th in passing yards per game (210.2), 32nd in yards per attempt (5.9), 25th in passer rating (74.6) and 25th in QBR (39.8).
Analysis from Matt Williamson, of Scouts Inc.: If it were me, I would take running back Trent Richardson at No. 4. He is just too good of a football player to pass up. But I wouldn't kill the Browns for grabbing Ryan Tannehill, whom I see as a potential franchise quarterback. McCoy is not a potential franchise quarterback, and franchise quarterbacks make the NFL go round.
Potential draft replacement: Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M and Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
Recent "On the spot" blogs: Bengals safety Taylor Mays on Thursday, Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger on Friday and Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis on Tuesday.
Offseason recap: The Browns made it known that McCoy wasn't the top choice to be the starting quarterback this season. Team president Mike Holmgren said the Browns aggressively tried to trade up in the draft to take Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. Head coach Pat Shurmur hasn't formally named McCoy the starter for 2012, but he indicated that McCoy will take the first snaps when the offense lines up this offseason.
NFL résumé: McCoy was a third-round pick in 2010 by the Cleveland Browns. In his first full season as a starter, McCoy ranked 26th in completion percentage (57.2), 25th in passing yards per game (210.2), 32nd in yards per attempt (5.9), 25th in passer rating (74.6) and 25th in QBR (39.8).
Analysis from Matt Williamson, of Scouts Inc.: If it were me, I would take running back Trent Richardson at No. 4. He is just too good of a football player to pass up. But I wouldn't kill the Browns for grabbing Ryan Tannehill, whom I see as a potential franchise quarterback. McCoy is not a potential franchise quarterback, and franchise quarterbacks make the NFL go round.
Potential draft replacement: Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M and Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
Recent "On the spot" blogs: Bengals safety Taylor Mays on Thursday, Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger on Friday and Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis on Tuesday.
Teams can begin their voluntary offseason workout programs Monday, but that doesn't mean we're taking the day off here on the AFC North blog. Let's buckle up our helmets and open some mail ...
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DogPound32 (Rocky River, Ohio) writes: Call me crazy, Jamison, but why in the world would any Browns fan want us to draft a QB, unless it was a late late round pick? Give my boy [Colt] McCoy a chance and surround him with [running back Trent] Richardson, [wide receiver Stephen] Hill, and [offensive tackle Bobby] Massie in this year's draft. Then if you want to pick up a QB in the seventh round, pick up Kellen Moore and call it a day. Wasting anything more than a late round pick on a QB is not worth it for the Browns this year. Moore may be smaller, but he's a proven winner with ice in his veins. He can definitely be a solid backup for Colt this year and it comes at a low risk. Thoughts?
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: You're not crazy. That is, unless your real name is DogPound32. Your argument, however, is a valid one. I see two franchise quarterbacks in this draft, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. After failing to get RG3, the Browns should focus their energy on upgrading the surrounding talent on offense. That would put Cleveland in the best position to go all-in for a franchise quarterback next season. I do have to admit that Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden intrigues me more and more as the draft approaches. But getting Weeden at the bottom of the first round or early in the second would mean missing out on a wide receiver or offensive tackle. And that doesn't make sense to me.
Ben (Pensacola, Fla.) writes: Even if the Steelers draft a guard in the first round, they should pass on a running back to draft another guard in the second. Somehow I doubt any back in the draft is going to help much if Big Ben gets injured again. Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster are nice backups, but neither belongs as a starter. Frankly, I'd be perfectly happy if the Steelers passed on Dont'a Hightower to grab guards in both the first and second rounds: Amini Silatolu in the first and Kelechi Osemele in the second. Isaiah Pead would be worth a look in the fourth round, but that's the earliest I would go for a running back with the bigger needs on the roster.
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: Silatolu is my sleeper pick for the Steelers in the first round. He's a nasty offensive lineman who has Pro Bowl potential. I agree that Legursky needs to be replaced; his strength is being a versatile backup. But Foster is serviceable at right guard, so you don't need to draft a guard in the second round. I think a back who is tougher and more decisive than Rashard Mendenhall could make this line look a lot better. I like the idea of taking Virginia Tech's speedy David Wilson or Boise State's powerful Doug Martin in the second round.
Brian (Cincinnati) writes: What are the chances the Bengals have an All-Stanford first round this year with guard David DeCastro at No. 17 and tight end Coby Fleener at No. 21? The Bengals desperately need a No. 2 tight end in Jay Gruden's offense. Considering the free agents available and the fact that this draft class is not deep at all at tight end, why not take the best available?
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: The Bengals are bringing back their top three tight ends after re-signing Donald Lee. Like you, I would like to see another pass-catching tight end, but I wouldn't classify Cincinnati as desperate for one. The Bengals just took a tight end (Jermaine Gresham) in the first round in 2010, so it's highly unlikely they would use one on another tight end so soon. If the Bengals draft DeCastro, which would be a great move for the Bengals, the second first-round pick can be used on a wide receiver, safety, cornerback or outside linebacker. Those are bigger needs than a No. 2 tight end.
Ben P (Boston) writes: What do you think are the chances that the Ravens trade up to the 23rd or 22nd pick in the first round? Both Detroit and Cleveland are probably just looking for best available players at that point and so they might be willing to trade back for extra picks. It would give Baltimore a chance to fill a need and keep a really good player like offensive lineman Cordy Glenn or linebacker Dont'a Hightower away from the Steelers.
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: I would say there is a greater chance of the Ravens moving back than moving up. Baltimore covets draft picks and it only has eight, which is the fewest among AFC North teams this year. The only way the Ravens trade up -- and they indicated they would only go as high as No. 19 -- is if one of their top 15 prospects slides into the 20s. I got the impression from the team's pre-draft press conference that the Ravens want more picks, which means moving back.
...
DogPound32 (Rocky River, Ohio) writes: Call me crazy, Jamison, but why in the world would any Browns fan want us to draft a QB, unless it was a late late round pick? Give my boy [Colt] McCoy a chance and surround him with [running back Trent] Richardson, [wide receiver Stephen] Hill, and [offensive tackle Bobby] Massie in this year's draft. Then if you want to pick up a QB in the seventh round, pick up Kellen Moore and call it a day. Wasting anything more than a late round pick on a QB is not worth it for the Browns this year. Moore may be smaller, but he's a proven winner with ice in his veins. He can definitely be a solid backup for Colt this year and it comes at a low risk. Thoughts?
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: You're not crazy. That is, unless your real name is DogPound32. Your argument, however, is a valid one. I see two franchise quarterbacks in this draft, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. After failing to get RG3, the Browns should focus their energy on upgrading the surrounding talent on offense. That would put Cleveland in the best position to go all-in for a franchise quarterback next season. I do have to admit that Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden intrigues me more and more as the draft approaches. But getting Weeden at the bottom of the first round or early in the second would mean missing out on a wide receiver or offensive tackle. And that doesn't make sense to me.
Ben (Pensacola, Fla.) writes: Even if the Steelers draft a guard in the first round, they should pass on a running back to draft another guard in the second. Somehow I doubt any back in the draft is going to help much if Big Ben gets injured again. Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster are nice backups, but neither belongs as a starter. Frankly, I'd be perfectly happy if the Steelers passed on Dont'a Hightower to grab guards in both the first and second rounds: Amini Silatolu in the first and Kelechi Osemele in the second. Isaiah Pead would be worth a look in the fourth round, but that's the earliest I would go for a running back with the bigger needs on the roster.
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: Silatolu is my sleeper pick for the Steelers in the first round. He's a nasty offensive lineman who has Pro Bowl potential. I agree that Legursky needs to be replaced; his strength is being a versatile backup. But Foster is serviceable at right guard, so you don't need to draft a guard in the second round. I think a back who is tougher and more decisive than Rashard Mendenhall could make this line look a lot better. I like the idea of taking Virginia Tech's speedy David Wilson or Boise State's powerful Doug Martin in the second round.
Brian (Cincinnati) writes: What are the chances the Bengals have an All-Stanford first round this year with guard David DeCastro at No. 17 and tight end Coby Fleener at No. 21? The Bengals desperately need a No. 2 tight end in Jay Gruden's offense. Considering the free agents available and the fact that this draft class is not deep at all at tight end, why not take the best available?
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: The Bengals are bringing back their top three tight ends after re-signing Donald Lee. Like you, I would like to see another pass-catching tight end, but I wouldn't classify Cincinnati as desperate for one. The Bengals just took a tight end (Jermaine Gresham) in the first round in 2010, so it's highly unlikely they would use one on another tight end so soon. If the Bengals draft DeCastro, which would be a great move for the Bengals, the second first-round pick can be used on a wide receiver, safety, cornerback or outside linebacker. Those are bigger needs than a No. 2 tight end.
Ben P (Boston) writes: What do you think are the chances that the Ravens trade up to the 23rd or 22nd pick in the first round? Both Detroit and Cleveland are probably just looking for best available players at that point and so they might be willing to trade back for extra picks. It would give Baltimore a chance to fill a need and keep a really good player like offensive lineman Cordy Glenn or linebacker Dont'a Hightower away from the Steelers.
Jamison Hensley from AFC North headquarters: I would say there is a greater chance of the Ravens moving back than moving up. Baltimore covets draft picks and it only has eight, which is the fewest among AFC North teams this year. The only way the Ravens trade up -- and they indicated they would only go as high as No. 19 -- is if one of their top 15 prospects slides into the 20s. I got the impression from the team's pre-draft press conference that the Ravens want more picks, which means moving back.
McCoy inadvertently stirs trouble for school
April, 6, 2012
Apr 6
9:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy knows it's been a bad few months when he can't toss a few passes without getting an entire school in trouble.
McCoyIn Springfield, Ill., last month to make an appearance at an annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet, he threw balls to students of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, including one football player. That prompted someone to submit a complaint to the Illinois High School Association about whether the workout represented an illegal practice, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register.
What? This is too late for April Fools'. I don't see Ashton Kutcher around so no one is getting punked. It's hard to believe that anyone thought anyone else was gaining an advantage because McCoy threw a few harmless passes before, let me stress this again, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet.
Let me answer the complaint: No, this wasn't illegal. The only thing wrong about this situation is that someone submitted a complaint.
"He shared his faith and played with them and threw the ball around a little bit," Sacred Heart-Griffin football coach Ken Leonard told Fox News. "It was unbelievable experience. I'm sorry if any rules were broken, but in this instance, if I was wrong, I don't want to be right."
Marty Hickman, executive director of the Illinois High School Association, told the State Journal-Register that the matter is being reviewed.
This past year has been so difficult that McCoy has to wonder whether he was on the cover of the Madden video game.
His 2011 season ended with a concussion that knocked him out of the final three games. His starting job would've gone to either Robert Griffin III or Sam Bradford, if the Browns reportedly had their way this offseason.
Now, McCoy finds out that he can't throw a football without getting scrutinized.
What? This is too late for April Fools'. I don't see Ashton Kutcher around so no one is getting punked. It's hard to believe that anyone thought anyone else was gaining an advantage because McCoy threw a few harmless passes before, let me stress this again, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet.
Let me answer the complaint: No, this wasn't illegal. The only thing wrong about this situation is that someone submitted a complaint.
"He shared his faith and played with them and threw the ball around a little bit," Sacred Heart-Griffin football coach Ken Leonard told Fox News. "It was unbelievable experience. I'm sorry if any rules were broken, but in this instance, if I was wrong, I don't want to be right."
Marty Hickman, executive director of the Illinois High School Association, told the State Journal-Register that the matter is being reviewed.
This past year has been so difficult that McCoy has to wonder whether he was on the cover of the Madden video game.
His 2011 season ended with a concussion that knocked him out of the final three games. His starting job would've gone to either Robert Griffin III or Sam Bradford, if the Browns reportedly had their way this offseason.
Now, McCoy finds out that he can't throw a football without getting scrutinized.
Todd McShay's mock 4.0: AFC North style
March, 30, 2012
Mar 30
2:00
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
ESPN's Todd McShay offered the fourth version of his 2012 mock draft
this week. Here's a look at the AFC North part of it:
4. Cleveland Browns
Version 1.0: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Version 2.0: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Version 3.0: Richardson
Version 4.0: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Hensley's comment: I agree with version 3.0 more than 4.0. Blackmon doesn't have the speed that the Browns really need at wide receiver. That's why the Browns should go with Richardson at this spot.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Version 1.0: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Version 2.0: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Version 3.0: Kirkpatrick
Version 4.0: DeCastro
Hensley's comment: It will be a tough decision for the Bengals if DeCastro and Kirkpatrick are still available at this spot. DeCastro would make more of an immediate impact for the Bengals, who have done a nice job of adding veteran cornerbacks this offseason.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Version 1.0: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Version 2.0: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Version 3.0: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Version 4.0: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Hensley's comment: If the Bengals want to take a cornerback here, the choice is between Gilmore or Janoris Jenkins. While Jenkins has better coverage skills, Gilmore doesn't have the same character issues as Jenkins. Don't rule out a wide receiver at this spot either.
22. Cleveland Browns
Version 1.0: Kevin Reddick, OLB, North Carolina
Version 2.0: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Version 3.0: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Version 4.0: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Hensley's comment: Version 4.0 is a better prediction than Brockers, because the Browns have a big need at right tackle. But there are concerns, because Adams lacks a mean streak, which is a must-have in the AFC North. The Browns might wait until the second round to take a right tackle.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Version 1.0: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Version 2.0: Adams
Version 3.0: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Version 4.0: Hightower
Hensley's comment: This still seems like a no-brainer to me. Hightower would step into the void left by James Farrior. Pittsburgh could also take an offensive lineman or cornerback in the first round.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Version 1.0: Adams
Version 2.0: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State
Version 3.0: Peter Konz, C-G, Wisconsin
Version 4.0: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
Hensley's comment: There is a definite need at safety. Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard are entering the final years of their contact, and longtime backups Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura signed elsewhere this offseason. Smith, who had been pegged as a second-round pick, has been rising up boards recently. I'm just not completely sold on his playmaking ability.
this week. Here's a look at the AFC North part of it:
4. Cleveland Browns
Version 1.0: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Version 2.0: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Version 3.0: Richardson
Version 4.0: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Hensley's comment: I agree with version 3.0 more than 4.0. Blackmon doesn't have the speed that the Browns really need at wide receiver. That's why the Browns should go with Richardson at this spot.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Version 1.0: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Version 2.0: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Version 3.0: Kirkpatrick
Version 4.0: DeCastro
Hensley's comment: It will be a tough decision for the Bengals if DeCastro and Kirkpatrick are still available at this spot. DeCastro would make more of an immediate impact for the Bengals, who have done a nice job of adding veteran cornerbacks this offseason.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Version 1.0: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Version 2.0: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Version 3.0: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Version 4.0: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Hensley's comment: If the Bengals want to take a cornerback here, the choice is between Gilmore or Janoris Jenkins. While Jenkins has better coverage skills, Gilmore doesn't have the same character issues as Jenkins. Don't rule out a wide receiver at this spot either.
22. Cleveland Browns
Version 1.0: Kevin Reddick, OLB, North Carolina
Version 2.0: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Version 3.0: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Version 4.0: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Hensley's comment: Version 4.0 is a better prediction than Brockers, because the Browns have a big need at right tackle. But there are concerns, because Adams lacks a mean streak, which is a must-have in the AFC North. The Browns might wait until the second round to take a right tackle.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Version 1.0: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Version 2.0: Adams
Version 3.0: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Version 4.0: Hightower
Hensley's comment: This still seems like a no-brainer to me. Hightower would step into the void left by James Farrior. Pittsburgh could also take an offensive lineman or cornerback in the first round.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Version 1.0: Adams
Version 2.0: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State
Version 3.0: Peter Konz, C-G, Wisconsin
Version 4.0: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
Hensley's comment: There is a definite need at safety. Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard are entering the final years of their contact, and longtime backups Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura signed elsewhere this offseason. Smith, who had been pegged as a second-round pick, has been rising up boards recently. I'm just not completely sold on his playmaking ability.
McShay, Kiper Jr. debate Tannehill's value
March, 30, 2012
Mar 30
10:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
ESPN draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. both agree that Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill will get drafted in the top 10.
Whether he deserves to be taken that high in the draft is another matter.
"To me, he's being overdrafted," Kiper Jr. said. "We saw it last year with Christian Ponder. He should've been a second-round pick. Overdrafting is taking place at quarterback, and it's going to happen again with Ryan Tannehill."
"He's not RG3 [Robert Griffin III] or Andrew Luck, I'll give you that," McShay said. "But he's a notch below, and he's certainly better than all of those other quarterbacks. He belongs in the top 10."
Kiper Jr. doesn't rule out the Browns (No. 4) or the Dolphins taking Tannehill in the top 10, and he agrees that Tannehill has talent.
"It's obvious that he's got ability," Kiper said. "You can watch him throw the ball on the move. He's a cerebral, smart kid. But how he's handled in the NFL will go a long way in determining what kind of career he has."
I don't think the Browns will take Tannehill at No. 4. They tipped their hand Thursday, when coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert went to Trent Richardson's pro day and not the one for Tannehill. Offensive coordinator Brad Childress attended Tannehill's pro day. This says to me that the Browns are leaning toward Richardson over Tannehill.
In McShay's breakdown of Tannehill's pro day, McShay brought up a scenario for the Browns that I hadn't previously heard. He speculated that the Browns could pass on Tannehill with the No. 4 pick and then use the No. 22 pick (which they received from Atlanta in the Julio Jones trade last season) to make a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars to move to No. 7. That would allow the Browns to jump ahead of the Dolphins and get Tannehill there.
According to McShay, a move like that would probably mean Cleveland offering up something in the ballpark of the No. 22 pick this year paired with next year's first-rounder, or No. 22 and a combination of second-rounders from this year and next. I don't see the Browns making such a move, but you can't discount anything in the NFL when it comes to quarterbacks and the draft.
» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Cincinnati Bengals
Key additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, S Reggie Nelson, G Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen, CB Adam Jones, DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Derrick Harvey
Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker (Browns), G Nate Livings (Cowboys), G Mike McGlynn (Colts), DE Jonathan Fanene (Patriots), WR Andre Caldwell (Broncos)
Grade after first wave of free agency: B. The Bengals were the most active team in the division and they should have been. Cincinnati entered free agency with more than $50 million in salary-cap space, which was more than the rest of the AFC North combined. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.
The prize of the Bengals' signings is running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is an improvement over Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis isn't known for breaking long gains, but he is a force in the red zone and has never fumbled in the NFL. Wharton is a step up from Nate Livings at left guard because he is a strong run-blocker who will open holes inside. The biggest losses came on the defensive line, where Cincinnati will miss Frostee Rucker on run defense and Jonathan Fanene in the pass rush.
What’s next: The Bengals can still close the gap between the Ravens and Steelers because they have two first-round picks in the draft (No. 17 overall, which came from Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade, and No. 21). Even with the signing of Wharton, Cincinnati needs a right guard and could have a shot at the top interior offensive lineman coming out of college. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the draft and would start immediately for the Bengals.
The second first-round pick could be used on a wide receiver or a cornerback. The Bengals surprisingly didn't add a free-agent wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright should be available in the bottom third of the draft. Another need is cornerback because Cincinnati could use an eventual replacement for Nate Clements, who is entering his 12th season. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the second best corner in the draft, has a chance of sliding to the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
Key additions: DE Frostee Rucker, LB D'Qwell Jackson, CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Juqua Parker
Key losses: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs), S Mike Adams (Broncos), G Eric Steinbach, OT Tony Pashos
Grade after first wave of free agency: C. Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert said they were building this team through the draft and they weren't joking. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. Blame the Washington Redskins. The Browns attempted to move up in the draft to take Robert Griffin III, and the Rams instead traded the second overall pick to the Redskins. Cleveland reportedly pursued wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and both took high-priced deals from Washington.
The Browns provided more help to the defense in free agency. Frostee Rucker will make an impact in stopping the run, which was the biggest weakness on the NFL's 10th-ranked defense. Juqua Parker, who has 31.5 sacks over the past six seasons, will team with Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a strong rush coming off both edges. The Browns didn't try to keep Peyton Hillis and Mike Adams from going elsewhere.
What’s next: Offense, offense and offense. Did I mention offense? The Browns need a quarterback but there's no one worthy of the fourth overall pick. Cleveland could trade down to select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or wait until the second round for Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. The big decision comes if the Browns stay put at No. 4. Cleveland's choices are Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Browns could use either one because they don't have a starting running back or a No. 1 wide receiver.
Cleveland has a second first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns need to target a wide receiver (if they don't take one earlier in the first round), right tackle or outside linebacker with the 22nd overall pick. Baylor receiver Wright, Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and Nebraska outside linebacker Lavonte David have been linked to Cleveland.
Baltimore Ravens
Key additions: C Matt Birk, ILB Jameel McClain, OLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine
Key losses: G Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DE Cory Redding (Colts) and CB Domonique Foxworth
Grade after first wave of free agency: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. It was a rough start to free agency for Baltimore, which didn't sign any of its first three visits (guard Evan Mathis, defensive end Mark Anderson and receiver-returner Ted Ginn Jr.). The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.
Baltimore was able to keep two free-agent starters, Matt Birk and Jameel McClain, and boost a struggling special-teams group that allowed three touchdowns last season. The Ravens signed Cory Graham, a Pro Bowl special-teams player from the Bears; Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowl special-teams standout; and Sean Considine, who played special teams for three seasons under John Harbaugh in Philadelphia.
What’s next: The Ravens' biggest need is at left guard, but there might not be one that warrants being taken at No. 29. Wisconsin center-guard Peter Konz's stock has slipped recently even though he can play guard right away before switching to center in future seasons. It's hard to pin down a player for Baltimore, which can go in a lot of different directions in the first round.
The Ravens could take the best wide receiver available (especially if he's a returner) because they need a third target who can eventually take Anquan Boldin's starting spot. They could take a safety because Ed Reed turns 34 at the start of the season and Bernard Pollard is a free agent next year. And they could take an offensive tackle because they don't have a reliable backup and Bryant McKinnie is a free agent in 2013.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key additions: None
Key losses: CB William Gay (Cardinals), LB James Farrior, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward
Grade after first wave of free agency: D. It's been a quiet free-agency period so far for the Steelers. Then again, it's usually quiet for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. The only team that consistently does less than the Steelers in free agency is the Green Bay Packers.
The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership. Injuries would force young players to step up into starting roles.
What’s next: There are question marks at running back, guard, inside linebacker, nose tackle and cornerback. Despite all of those needs, the consensus has been Pittsburgh will draft Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower if he's available at No. 24. He has a great combination of size and speed and excelled in a 3-4 defense in college. It seems like Hightower would be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.
There's no chance that Memphis' Dontari Poe falls to the Steelers, but there some quality nose tackles in the draft. Those who should be available after the first round are: BYU's Loni Fangupo (second round), Washington's Alameda Ta'amu (third round) and Alabama's Josh Chapman (fourth round). The Steelers likely will become active later in free agency, especially in retaining their own players. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, running back Mewelde Moore and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch could potentially return to the team.
Cincinnati Bengals
Key additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, S Reggie Nelson, G Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen, CB Adam Jones, DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Derrick Harvey
Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker (Browns), G Nate Livings (Cowboys), G Mike McGlynn (Colts), DE Jonathan Fanene (Patriots), WR Andre Caldwell (Broncos)
Grade after first wave of free agency: B. The Bengals were the most active team in the division and they should have been. Cincinnati entered free agency with more than $50 million in salary-cap space, which was more than the rest of the AFC North combined. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.
The prize of the Bengals' signings is running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is an improvement over Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis isn't known for breaking long gains, but he is a force in the red zone and has never fumbled in the NFL. Wharton is a step up from Nate Livings at left guard because he is a strong run-blocker who will open holes inside. The biggest losses came on the defensive line, where Cincinnati will miss Frostee Rucker on run defense and Jonathan Fanene in the pass rush.
What’s next: The Bengals can still close the gap between the Ravens and Steelers because they have two first-round picks in the draft (No. 17 overall, which came from Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade, and No. 21). Even with the signing of Wharton, Cincinnati needs a right guard and could have a shot at the top interior offensive lineman coming out of college. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the draft and would start immediately for the Bengals.
The second first-round pick could be used on a wide receiver or a cornerback. The Bengals surprisingly didn't add a free-agent wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright should be available in the bottom third of the draft. Another need is cornerback because Cincinnati could use an eventual replacement for Nate Clements, who is entering his 12th season. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the second best corner in the draft, has a chance of sliding to the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
Key additions: DE Frostee Rucker, LB D'Qwell Jackson, CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Juqua Parker
Key losses: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs), S Mike Adams (Broncos), G Eric Steinbach, OT Tony Pashos
Grade after first wave of free agency: C. Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert said they were building this team through the draft and they weren't joking. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. Blame the Washington Redskins. The Browns attempted to move up in the draft to take Robert Griffin III, and the Rams instead traded the second overall pick to the Redskins. Cleveland reportedly pursued wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and both took high-priced deals from Washington.
The Browns provided more help to the defense in free agency. Frostee Rucker will make an impact in stopping the run, which was the biggest weakness on the NFL's 10th-ranked defense. Juqua Parker, who has 31.5 sacks over the past six seasons, will team with Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a strong rush coming off both edges. The Browns didn't try to keep Peyton Hillis and Mike Adams from going elsewhere.
What’s next: Offense, offense and offense. Did I mention offense? The Browns need a quarterback but there's no one worthy of the fourth overall pick. Cleveland could trade down to select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or wait until the second round for Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. The big decision comes if the Browns stay put at No. 4. Cleveland's choices are Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Browns could use either one because they don't have a starting running back or a No. 1 wide receiver.
Cleveland has a second first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns need to target a wide receiver (if they don't take one earlier in the first round), right tackle or outside linebacker with the 22nd overall pick. Baylor receiver Wright, Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and Nebraska outside linebacker Lavonte David have been linked to Cleveland.
Baltimore Ravens
Key additions: C Matt Birk, ILB Jameel McClain, OLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine
Key losses: G Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DE Cory Redding (Colts) and CB Domonique Foxworth
Grade after first wave of free agency: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. It was a rough start to free agency for Baltimore, which didn't sign any of its first three visits (guard Evan Mathis, defensive end Mark Anderson and receiver-returner Ted Ginn Jr.). The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.
Baltimore was able to keep two free-agent starters, Matt Birk and Jameel McClain, and boost a struggling special-teams group that allowed three touchdowns last season. The Ravens signed Cory Graham, a Pro Bowl special-teams player from the Bears; Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowl special-teams standout; and Sean Considine, who played special teams for three seasons under John Harbaugh in Philadelphia.
What’s next: The Ravens' biggest need is at left guard, but there might not be one that warrants being taken at No. 29. Wisconsin center-guard Peter Konz's stock has slipped recently even though he can play guard right away before switching to center in future seasons. It's hard to pin down a player for Baltimore, which can go in a lot of different directions in the first round.
The Ravens could take the best wide receiver available (especially if he's a returner) because they need a third target who can eventually take Anquan Boldin's starting spot. They could take a safety because Ed Reed turns 34 at the start of the season and Bernard Pollard is a free agent next year. And they could take an offensive tackle because they don't have a reliable backup and Bryant McKinnie is a free agent in 2013.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key additions: None
Key losses: CB William Gay (Cardinals), LB James Farrior, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward
Grade after first wave of free agency: D. It's been a quiet free-agency period so far for the Steelers. Then again, it's usually quiet for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. The only team that consistently does less than the Steelers in free agency is the Green Bay Packers.
The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership. Injuries would force young players to step up into starting roles.
What’s next: There are question marks at running back, guard, inside linebacker, nose tackle and cornerback. Despite all of those needs, the consensus has been Pittsburgh will draft Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower if he's available at No. 24. He has a great combination of size and speed and excelled in a 3-4 defense in college. It seems like Hightower would be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.
There's no chance that Memphis' Dontari Poe falls to the Steelers, but there some quality nose tackles in the draft. Those who should be available after the first round are: BYU's Loni Fangupo (second round), Washington's Alameda Ta'amu (third round) and Alabama's Josh Chapman (fourth round). The Steelers likely will become active later in free agency, especially in retaining their own players. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, running back Mewelde Moore and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch could potentially return to the team.
Wake-up call: Lawson returns to Bengals
March, 29, 2012
Mar 29
8:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:
Free-agent outside linebacker Manny Lawson officially reached an agreement to return to the Bengals, owner Mike Brown confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
No details of the agreement were reported. Lawson, 27, started telling teammates Tuesday night that he was coming back to Cincinnati.
In his first season with the Bengals, he finished fifth in tackles with 78. A first-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2006, Lawson signed with the Bengals in 2011 less than a week into training camp and started 15 games for them.
“We’re glad to have him back and keep going along,” head coach Marvin Lewis said.
Hensley's slant: This is a solid signing for the Bengals because Lawson exceeded expectations last season. He missed just two tackles against the run and did not have a penalty called against him all season, according to Pro Football Focus. What also stands out is his play against the top two teams in the division. Lawson averaged 9.5 tackles in games against the Ravens and Steelers.
BROWNS: Rams coach Jeff Fisher considers the Browns "a potential trade partner" in the first round of the draft even after St. Louis turned down Cleveland's offer to move up to the No. 2 pick and selected quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Rams, who are now at No. 6, are interested in moving up to presumably take Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. "Again, I don't see anything happening until draft day," Fisher said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hensley's slant: The Browns, who own an NFL-best 13 draft picks already, could acquire more by moving back two spots. The risk, however, is missing out on two offensive playmakers. If the Rams take Blackmon at No. 4, the Buccaneers are expected to select Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 5.
RAVENS: How long will the Ravens' AFC championship loss to New England sting? "It will be there forever," owner Steve Bisciotti told the team's official website. When asked what the Ravens need to do to reach the Super Bowl, Bisciotti suggested praying before adding, "We didn’t have a glaring weakness last year. We should have been in the Super Bowl. We believe we would have beaten the Giants, of course." Hensley's slant: Bisciotti knows how tough it is to win a Super Bowl because he followed Art Modell as the team's majority owner. Modell had to deal with "The Drive" and "The Fumble" while he was in Cleveland. Bisciotti has to live with whatever you want to call the crucial mistakes made by Lee Evans and Billy Cundiff.
STEELERS: The Steelers' overtime proposal -- making playoff rules apply to all games -- passed at the NFL owners meetings. But their attempt to make the horse-collar tackle illegal on a quarterback in the pocket was rejected. The Steelers were the only team to vote against a new rule that allows every turnover to be reviewed by replay, the way scoring plays were added last year. "As far as we're concerned, that's why you have the coaches' challenges," team president Art Rooney II said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Now you're going to have coaches challenging [a spot] -- a gain of 5 yards instead of 4 yards, stuff like that." Hensley's slant: While I'm in favor of using technology to make sure the correct calls are being made, I'm strongly against slowing down the game. Not only will there be more stoppage of play to review turnovers but coaches can use their challenges more liberally (as Rooney explained). This is the unfortunate price of accuracy.
Free-agent outside linebacker Manny Lawson officially reached an agreement to return to the Bengals, owner Mike Brown confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
No details of the agreement were reported. Lawson, 27, started telling teammates Tuesday night that he was coming back to Cincinnati.
In his first season with the Bengals, he finished fifth in tackles with 78. A first-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2006, Lawson signed with the Bengals in 2011 less than a week into training camp and started 15 games for them.
“We’re glad to have him back and keep going along,” head coach Marvin Lewis said.
Hensley's slant: This is a solid signing for the Bengals because Lawson exceeded expectations last season. He missed just two tackles against the run and did not have a penalty called against him all season, according to Pro Football Focus. What also stands out is his play against the top two teams in the division. Lawson averaged 9.5 tackles in games against the Ravens and Steelers.
BROWNS: Rams coach Jeff Fisher considers the Browns "a potential trade partner" in the first round of the draft even after St. Louis turned down Cleveland's offer to move up to the No. 2 pick and selected quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Rams, who are now at No. 6, are interested in moving up to presumably take Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. "Again, I don't see anything happening until draft day," Fisher said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hensley's slant: The Browns, who own an NFL-best 13 draft picks already, could acquire more by moving back two spots. The risk, however, is missing out on two offensive playmakers. If the Rams take Blackmon at No. 4, the Buccaneers are expected to select Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 5.
RAVENS: How long will the Ravens' AFC championship loss to New England sting? "It will be there forever," owner Steve Bisciotti told the team's official website. When asked what the Ravens need to do to reach the Super Bowl, Bisciotti suggested praying before adding, "We didn’t have a glaring weakness last year. We should have been in the Super Bowl. We believe we would have beaten the Giants, of course." Hensley's slant: Bisciotti knows how tough it is to win a Super Bowl because he followed Art Modell as the team's majority owner. Modell had to deal with "The Drive" and "The Fumble" while he was in Cleveland. Bisciotti has to live with whatever you want to call the crucial mistakes made by Lee Evans and Billy Cundiff.
STEELERS: The Steelers' overtime proposal -- making playoff rules apply to all games -- passed at the NFL owners meetings. But their attempt to make the horse-collar tackle illegal on a quarterback in the pocket was rejected. The Steelers were the only team to vote against a new rule that allows every turnover to be reviewed by replay, the way scoring plays were added last year. "As far as we're concerned, that's why you have the coaches' challenges," team president Art Rooney II said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Now you're going to have coaches challenging [a spot] -- a gain of 5 yards instead of 4 yards, stuff like that." Hensley's slant: While I'm in favor of using technology to make sure the correct calls are being made, I'm strongly against slowing down the game. Not only will there be more stoppage of play to review turnovers but coaches can use their challenges more liberally (as Rooney explained). This is the unfortunate price of accuracy.
Report: Browns inquired about Bradford
March, 28, 2012
Mar 28
12:50
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
So, it appears that Colt McCoy was actually the Browns' third choice to be their starting quarterback this season.
The Browns asked the St. Louis Rams about trading for quarterback Sam Bradford before turning their attention to Robert Griffin III, sources told ESPN 850 AM in Cleveland. The Rams turned down the Browns, according to the report.
Bradford McCoy Rams coach Jeff Fisher confirmed teams called about Bradford, but he wouldn't specify the teams. “I prefer not to get into specifics about the conversations. I can say there were teams that inquired,” Fisher said at the NFL owners meetings Wednesday.
The Browns' interest dates back to 2010, when team president Mike Holmgren attempted to trade up to the top spot to draft Bradford. The connection to Bradford is even strong now with head coach Pat Shurmur, who was Bradford's offensive coordinator in 2010.
This report comes a day after the Browns said they were "moving forward" with McCoy as their quarterback. Browns officials continue to say they believe in McCoy, but their actions indicate he is the starter by default.
The Browns were reportedly interested in Bradford before getting turned down. They wanted to move up in the draft to take RG3 before the Rams foiled Cleveland again, trading the second overall pick to the Redskins.
In a strange twist, the Rams could be the ones calling the Browns on draft day. Their expected target is wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who should be available when the Browns are on the clock with the No. 4 pick.
"I don't know if we'd consider going that high," Fisher said. "Those conversations aren't going to take place until draft day because your guy's got to be there. It'll be interesting to see what kind of compensation they want. We're very happy with the compensation we've got right now over the next couple of years."
Fisher also sidestepped Holmgren's account that the Browns were blocked from moving up in the draft because of a close relationship between the Rams and Redskins.
"I didn't pay much attention to his comments," Fisher said. "They were very fruitful discussions. They are a potential trade partner with us."
The Browns asked the St. Louis Rams about trading for quarterback Sam Bradford before turning their attention to Robert Griffin III, sources told ESPN 850 AM in Cleveland. The Rams turned down the Browns, according to the report.
The Browns' interest dates back to 2010, when team president Mike Holmgren attempted to trade up to the top spot to draft Bradford. The connection to Bradford is even strong now with head coach Pat Shurmur, who was Bradford's offensive coordinator in 2010.
This report comes a day after the Browns said they were "moving forward" with McCoy as their quarterback. Browns officials continue to say they believe in McCoy, but their actions indicate he is the starter by default.
The Browns were reportedly interested in Bradford before getting turned down. They wanted to move up in the draft to take RG3 before the Rams foiled Cleveland again, trading the second overall pick to the Redskins.
In a strange twist, the Rams could be the ones calling the Browns on draft day. Their expected target is wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who should be available when the Browns are on the clock with the No. 4 pick.
"I don't know if we'd consider going that high," Fisher said. "Those conversations aren't going to take place until draft day because your guy's got to be there. It'll be interesting to see what kind of compensation they want. We're very happy with the compensation we've got right now over the next couple of years."
Fisher also sidestepped Holmgren's account that the Browns were blocked from moving up in the draft because of a close relationship between the Rams and Redskins.
"I didn't pay much attention to his comments," Fisher said. "They were very fruitful discussions. They are a potential trade partner with us."
Holmgren says he's 'not down' on McCoy
March, 20, 2012
Mar 20
10:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
It doesn't matter what you think of Colt McCoy as a quarterback. You have to feel for a guy whose season ended with a nasty shot to the head by James Harrison, and whose offseason started with a blow to the ego by Browns president Mike Holmgren.
In his first public comments since that conference call with fans, Holmgren sought to put the best face on an uncomfortable situation now that his second-choice at quarterback could very well end up being his starting quarterback this season.
"I know Colt as a person. He’ll respond as well as anyone in the world to this,'' Holmgren told Seattle radio station KJR on Monday, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I think he's a competitive guy. He understands this business. He and I had a really good talk before he left in the offseason. And he knew there was going to be competition coming into this next offseason and next training camp."
Holmgren added, "I think if you’re just honest with him, then they’ll be able to handle most things. Is there a little side to any of the players that gets touched by something like that? In all honesty, there probably is. But, you know what? It’s a business and you got to bounce back. And how you bounce back determines what kind of a guy you are."
If Holmgren really wants to help McCoy "respond," he needs to give him answers to some important questions. Who is his starting running back? Who is his No. 1 receiver? Who is his right tackle?
The Browns decided to pass on those positions in free agency, allowing Pierre Garcon, Mario Manningham and Eric Winston sign elsewhere. They can address some of these questions in the draft if they take wide receiver Justin Blackmon or running back Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick.
"I like Colt McCoy as a player,'' Holmgren told the radio station. "I think he’s a fine player, and has a chance to be a fine player in this league. Last year, I thought one, he got beat up pretty good. We didn’t protect him quite as well. I thought our running game after Peyton Hillis got hurt wasn’t helping him enough in my opinion. And then we had the lockout."
Holmgren added, "So you had a new coach, new system, new quarterbacks. You put all that together and I think it was a little bit of a short deck. So, I’m not down on Colt McCoy at all. But I will always -- and as long as I’m in a position like this -- we are always going to look for quarterbacks. Make that pile a little bit bigger. Try to create some competition. To try and bring the best out of the people you already have."
Browns' Holmgren needed to remain quiet
March, 16, 2012
Mar 16
12:30
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Browns president Mike Holmgren created a stir Thursday in a conference call with season-ticket holders when he said Cleveland didn't get a fair shot to trade up in the draft because of a close relationship between the Rams and Redskins.
Some are angered by the fact that the Browns were blocked at a chance to get quarterback Robert Griffin III. Others see this as sour grapes by Holmgren.
HolmgrenWhatever perspective you choose to take, the result is the same: Holmgren turned a personal frustration into a public embarrassment. Even if Holmgren felt slighted -- and my take was the Rams should have given the pick to the Browns if it was the best deal -- he needed to remain quiet. Take your lumps and move on. This is the NFL, not a fantasy football league with your buddies.
Holmgren's complaining about the Rams and Redskins leaves himself open to scrutiny for the times he benefited from personal relationships. As NFC West blogger Mike Sando pointed out, Holmgren used his connections to help the Seattle Seahawks acquire Matt Hasselbeck from Green Bay in 2001 when it looked like a deal was nearing between the Packers and Dolphins. Funny, I never heard Dave Wannstedt crying foul.
The worst fallout from all of this is what it does to the Browns' quarterback situation. His comments make it clear that RG3 was Cleveland's first choice. If the Browns thought Colt McCoy was a franchise quarterback, they wouldn't have been trying to trade multiple first-round picks to get RG3. Calling out the Redskins and Rams wasn't worth a vote of no confidence in McCoy.
The Browns can stick to Plan B and use draft picks to build up talent around McCoy. In the end, they're building around a quarterback that they didn't intend to start in 2012.
The other problem is Holmgren can't say Cleveland made "every bit the offer" as the Redskins and not reveal what the offer was. As NFC East blogger Dan Graziano explained: If you really think your offer was better, let's hear it and everyone can make a judgment.
It was a bad call for Holmgren to grumble about losing out on the trade. Let's see if his decision-making is better when it comes to finding a starting running back, a fast wide receiver and a starting right tackle.
Some are angered by the fact that the Browns were blocked at a chance to get quarterback Robert Griffin III. Others see this as sour grapes by Holmgren.
Holmgren's complaining about the Rams and Redskins leaves himself open to scrutiny for the times he benefited from personal relationships. As NFC West blogger Mike Sando pointed out, Holmgren used his connections to help the Seattle Seahawks acquire Matt Hasselbeck from Green Bay in 2001 when it looked like a deal was nearing between the Packers and Dolphins. Funny, I never heard Dave Wannstedt crying foul.
The worst fallout from all of this is what it does to the Browns' quarterback situation. His comments make it clear that RG3 was Cleveland's first choice. If the Browns thought Colt McCoy was a franchise quarterback, they wouldn't have been trying to trade multiple first-round picks to get RG3. Calling out the Redskins and Rams wasn't worth a vote of no confidence in McCoy.
The Browns can stick to Plan B and use draft picks to build up talent around McCoy. In the end, they're building around a quarterback that they didn't intend to start in 2012.
The other problem is Holmgren can't say Cleveland made "every bit the offer" as the Redskins and not reveal what the offer was. As NFC East blogger Dan Graziano explained: If you really think your offer was better, let's hear it and everyone can make a judgment.
It was a bad call for Holmgren to grumble about losing out on the trade. Let's see if his decision-making is better when it comes to finding a starting running back, a fast wide receiver and a starting right tackle.
The Cleveland Browns' "aggressive" pursuit -- as team president Mike Holmgren described it -- to move up to get Robert Griffin III suggests Cleveland isn't comfortable with its current quarterbacks.
So, after failing to get RG3, what's Plan B? Based on what Holmgren is saying, the Browns will turn to the same quarterbacks who received a vote of no confidence after Holmgren detailed how they attempted to trade three first-round picks for RG3. While the Browns could still draft a quarterback, it seems like there is a good chance that the Browns' 2012 quarterback battle will be between Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace.
"The next step is the draft pick that we were going to use to move up there, now we have again," Holmgren said in a conference call with Browns season-ticket holders. "So the other plan we had talked about was to use those picks to make our football team better immediately this year, get starters with those draft picks at other positions this year and to help our quarterbacks who are now existing on the team -- or anybody else who would come onto the team -- better because we’ve surrounded that [quarterback] position with better players.”
For all of those McCoy supporters who want to see what he can do with a stronger supporting cast, you might get your wish. That is, if he beats out Wallace. Or a rookie taken in this year's draft.
Asked by a season-ticket holder if McCoy can become a franchise quarterback, general manager Tom Heckert said, “We do think Colt has a big ceiling. Obviously, it’s my job to get him better players surrounding him.”
It's important to remember that the Browns aren't going to give the job to McCoy like last season. Wallace will have as good of a shot at starting as McCoy.
"I think it's a little bit unfair to write those guys off right now," Holmgren said, "and I'm not willing to do that."
So, after failing to get RG3, what's Plan B? Based on what Holmgren is saying, the Browns will turn to the same quarterbacks who received a vote of no confidence after Holmgren detailed how they attempted to trade three first-round picks for RG3. While the Browns could still draft a quarterback, it seems like there is a good chance that the Browns' 2012 quarterback battle will be between Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace.
"The next step is the draft pick that we were going to use to move up there, now we have again," Holmgren said in a conference call with Browns season-ticket holders. "So the other plan we had talked about was to use those picks to make our football team better immediately this year, get starters with those draft picks at other positions this year and to help our quarterbacks who are now existing on the team -- or anybody else who would come onto the team -- better because we’ve surrounded that [quarterback] position with better players.”
For all of those McCoy supporters who want to see what he can do with a stronger supporting cast, you might get your wish. That is, if he beats out Wallace. Or a rookie taken in this year's draft.
Asked by a season-ticket holder if McCoy can become a franchise quarterback, general manager Tom Heckert said, “We do think Colt has a big ceiling. Obviously, it’s my job to get him better players surrounding him.”
It's important to remember that the Browns aren't going to give the job to McCoy like last season. Wallace will have as good of a shot at starting as McCoy.
"I think it's a little bit unfair to write those guys off right now," Holmgren said, "and I'm not willing to do that."
Waiting for Kolb is best option for Browns
March, 13, 2012
Mar 13
9:30
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
As a disclaimer, I can't classify any of the remaining options at quarterback as the "best move" for the Cleveland Browns because there really isn't one after losing out on Robert Griffin III.
But as free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the best option is to wait and see if Kevin Kolb is released from the cap-strapped Arizona Cardinals. He's due a $7 million roster bonus on March 17, so there's no guarantee he will be available. The risk is not doing anything on the quarterback front for the first four days of free agency for someone who might not get let go. But Kolb represents the best value considering the alternatives.
The Browns shouldn't sign Matt Flynn to a $50 million contract based on two starts. They shouldn't reach for Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill in the top 10 of the draft. And they shouldn't put their hopes in a 28-year-old rookie like Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden.
Browns general manager Tom Heckert said it was doubtful the team would sign a big-name quarterback in free agency, but that was before Cleveland fell short in its bid for RG3 on Friday night. The fact the Browns were pursuing a deal to move up and get RG3 proves team officials aren't sold on Colt McCoy as their quarterback in 2012.
Adding Kolb makes sense for the Browns, even though he doesn't provide the playmaking ability of RG3 or the same buzz as Flynn.
Unlike Flynn, the Browns have a familiarity with Kolb. Heckert and Browns coach Pat Shurmur were with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 when they drafted Kolb.
And, unlike Flynn, Kolb's contract will be much more reasonable because his stock is down after a disappointing first season in Arizona. Injuries and ineffectiveness left him 2-6 in his eight full games as a starter. But Kolb showed flashes during his time with the Eagles.
At the very least, Kolb versus McCoy would be a stronger quarterback competition than McCoy against a rookie.
It's hard to get a read on the Browns' level of interest in Kolb. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns weren't as interested in Kolb as most thought they were last year. Heckert addressed Kolb on Thursday with Cleveland reporters, saying, "I still think Kevin is going to be a good player. Time will tell on that. He hasn't really played a whole lot. Even last year he was hurt."
At this point, the Browns missed out on their first attempt for a quarterback when the Redskins outbid them for RG3. Now it's time to see what the Browns' next move will be.
But as free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, the best option is to wait and see if Kevin Kolb is released from the cap-strapped Arizona Cardinals. He's due a $7 million roster bonus on March 17, so there's no guarantee he will be available. The risk is not doing anything on the quarterback front for the first four days of free agency for someone who might not get let go. But Kolb represents the best value considering the alternatives.
The Browns shouldn't sign Matt Flynn to a $50 million contract based on two starts. They shouldn't reach for Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill in the top 10 of the draft. And they shouldn't put their hopes in a 28-year-old rookie like Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden.
Browns general manager Tom Heckert said it was doubtful the team would sign a big-name quarterback in free agency, but that was before Cleveland fell short in its bid for RG3 on Friday night. The fact the Browns were pursuing a deal to move up and get RG3 proves team officials aren't sold on Colt McCoy as their quarterback in 2012.
Adding Kolb makes sense for the Browns, even though he doesn't provide the playmaking ability of RG3 or the same buzz as Flynn.
Unlike Flynn, the Browns have a familiarity with Kolb. Heckert and Browns coach Pat Shurmur were with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 when they drafted Kolb.
And, unlike Flynn, Kolb's contract will be much more reasonable because his stock is down after a disappointing first season in Arizona. Injuries and ineffectiveness left him 2-6 in his eight full games as a starter. But Kolb showed flashes during his time with the Eagles.
At the very least, Kolb versus McCoy would be a stronger quarterback competition than McCoy against a rookie.
It's hard to get a read on the Browns' level of interest in Kolb. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns weren't as interested in Kolb as most thought they were last year. Heckert addressed Kolb on Thursday with Cleveland reporters, saying, "I still think Kevin is going to be a good player. Time will tell on that. He hasn't really played a whole lot. Even last year he was hurt."
At this point, the Browns missed out on their first attempt for a quarterback when the Redskins outbid them for RG3. Now it's time to see what the Browns' next move will be.
AFC North version: Kiper's mock draft 3.0
March, 12, 2012
Mar 12
10:30
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. offered his third 2012 mock draft, updated over the weekend. You'll need an Insider subscription to view the entire draft, but here's a look at the AFC North part of it:
4. Cleveland Browns
Kiper's first mock draft: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Kiper's second mock: Robert Griffin III
Current mock: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Hensley's comment: I would take Alabama's Trent Richardson
over Blackmon, even though I don't typically endorse taking a running back this high. Blackmon isn't better than Julio Jones, the wide receiver that the Browns passed on last year. So taking Blackmon, who doesn't have the elite speed that the Browns need, would be a bad move.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper's first mock draft: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Kiper's second mock: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Current mock: Dre Kirkpatrick
Hensley's comment: Deciding between Kirkpatrick and Stanford guard David DeCastro would be tough. DeCastro provides a more immediate impact. Kirkpatrick would be groomed to eventually replace veteran Nate Clements.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper's first mock draft: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)
Kiper's second mock: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Current mock: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
Hensley's comment: Getting DeCastro here would be preferred, but I like taking the next-best guard in Glenn over a running back like Miller. Glenn would be an immediate starter at Cincinnati's weakest position last season.
22. Cleveland Browns
Kiper's first mock draft: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Kiper's second mock: Kendall Wright
Current mock: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
Hensley's comment: Since I don't like the Browns taking Blackmon with the No. 4 pick, I would have them selecting a speedy wide receiver like Baylor's Wright. But drafting the athletic David would solidify an outside linebacker spot as well as boost a struggling run defense.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kiper's first mock draft: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Kiper's second mock: Dontari Poe
Current mock: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Hensley's comment: Remember when Poe was supposed to be available here? Now, he's risen to the top 10 in Kiper's latest mock. Grabbing a talent like Hightower would fill the void left by the release of James Farrior.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Kiper's first mock draft: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Kiper's second mock: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Current mock: Peter Konz
Hensley's comment: The Ravens don't start rookies at center, and they won't throw Konz in there at center immediately. Konz is also considered one of the top guards in the draft and could learn for a season beside veteran center Matt Birk, who is expected to be re-signed, before taking over that spot.
updated over the weekend. You'll need an Insider subscription to view the entire draft, but here's a look at the AFC North part of it:
4. Cleveland Browns
Kiper's first mock draft: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Kiper's second mock: Robert Griffin III
Current mock: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Hensley's comment: I would take Alabama's Trent Richardson
over Blackmon, even though I don't typically endorse taking a running back this high. Blackmon isn't better than Julio Jones, the wide receiver that the Browns passed on last year. So taking Blackmon, who doesn't have the elite speed that the Browns need, would be a bad move.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper's first mock draft: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Kiper's second mock: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Current mock: Dre Kirkpatrick
Hensley's comment: Deciding between Kirkpatrick and Stanford guard David DeCastro would be tough. DeCastro provides a more immediate impact. Kirkpatrick would be groomed to eventually replace veteran Nate Clements.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Kiper's first mock draft: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)
Kiper's second mock: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Current mock: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
Hensley's comment: Getting DeCastro here would be preferred, but I like taking the next-best guard in Glenn over a running back like Miller. Glenn would be an immediate starter at Cincinnati's weakest position last season.
22. Cleveland Browns
Kiper's first mock draft: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Kiper's second mock: Kendall Wright
Current mock: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
Hensley's comment: Since I don't like the Browns taking Blackmon with the No. 4 pick, I would have them selecting a speedy wide receiver like Baylor's Wright. But drafting the athletic David would solidify an outside linebacker spot as well as boost a struggling run defense.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kiper's first mock draft: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Kiper's second mock: Dontari Poe
Current mock: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Hensley's comment: Remember when Poe was supposed to be available here? Now, he's risen to the top 10 in Kiper's latest mock. Grabbing a talent like Hightower would fill the void left by the release of James Farrior.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Kiper's first mock draft: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Kiper's second mock: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Current mock: Peter Konz
Hensley's comment: The Ravens don't start rookies at center, and they won't throw Konz in there at center immediately. Konz is also considered one of the top guards in the draft and could learn for a season beside veteran center Matt Birk, who is expected to be re-signed, before taking over that spot.
Wake-up: Could Pats target Ravens' Webb?
March, 12, 2012
Mar 12
7:15
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
I'm officially back today from some time off and the AFC North blog is set to get you ready for the start of free agency, which begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. As always, here is your AFC North wake-up call:
The Patriots could target a restricted free agent from the AFC North and it's not Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace. New England could use one of its late first-round picks to pry away cornerback Lardarius Webb from the Ravens, a scenario recently speculated by Comcast SportsNet's John Eisenberg.
Like Wallace, Webb is expected to receive a first-round tender, which allows the Ravens to match any offer sheet or get a first-round pick as compensation. The Patriots are looking to upgrade at cornerback after having the NFL's second-worst pass defense last season and wouldn't mind hurting an AFC contender in the process.
Webb is young (26) and is coming off his best season (career highs of 67 tackles and five interceptions). The Ravens have expressed interest in signing him to a long-term deal. "I think it would be best for this organization," general manager Ozzie Newsome said last month.
Hensley's slant: I'm not going to rule out the Patriots going after Webb, but I don't think it's going to happen. The Patriots have quickness at cornerback with Kyle Arrington and they have decent size if Ras-I Dowling can stay healthy. What New England needs is a veteran presence. Look for the Patriots to pursue someone like Marcus Trufant, who was recently released by the Seahawks, instead of Webb.
BENGALS: The Bengals will talk to the agent for free-agent safety Reggie Nelson today, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Nelson is expected to become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow, but the Enquirer indicates there is "a slight chance" that the team could sign him to a deal before free agency begins. According to the paper, the team should have talks with defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene, both of whom will become free agents tomorrow. Hensley's slant: The Bengals likely will have to use some of that massive salary-cap space to keep Nelson, who should draw heavy interest. He is the second-best safety in the free-agent market (behind LaRon Landry), and teams know they won't be able to fill voids with a weak draft class at safety. Nelson is the Bengals' top free-agent priority, and they will have to show how much they want to keep him.
BROWNS: The Browns botched the deal to trade up and position themselves to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III, according to the Akron Beacon Journal's Marla Ridenour. "Playing it safe and clinging to their five-year plan that feels like a ball and chain right now, they let Baylor’s Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, the most electric franchise-quarterback prospect in a decade, slip through their fingers," Ridenour wrote. The Washington Redskins reportedly outbid the Browns for the No. 2 overall pick, sending three first-round draft picks and a second-round pick to the St. Louis Rams. Hensley's slant: As I posted in my weekend blog, the Browns were the biggest losers in this pre-draft trade because their alternatives at quarterback this year are no comparison to RG3.
STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pointed out that wide receiver Mike Wallace would join an exclusive club if the Steelers signed him to a long-term contract. In the 20-year free-agency era, Pittsburgh has signed only one wide receiver to a muti-year contract -- Hines Ward. The Steelers let several wide receivers leave in free agency (Yancey Thigpen, Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randle El and Nate Washington to name a few) and traded three others (Santonio Holmes, Jeff Graham and Troy Edwards). To keep Wallace from becoming a free agent, Wallace is expected to be the only Steelers' restricted free agent to receive a first-round tender ($2.7 million), which would bring a first-round draft pick as compensation if he signs another deal and the Steelers decline to match it. Hensley's slant: I would be shocked if the Steelers didn't match any offer sheet for Wallace. Holding onto a deep threat who is about to hit his prime is worth more than a late first-round pick. Wallace has earned a long-term deal from Pittsburgh.
The Patriots could target a restricted free agent from the AFC North and it's not Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace. New England could use one of its late first-round picks to pry away cornerback Lardarius Webb from the Ravens, a scenario recently speculated by Comcast SportsNet's John Eisenberg.
Like Wallace, Webb is expected to receive a first-round tender, which allows the Ravens to match any offer sheet or get a first-round pick as compensation. The Patriots are looking to upgrade at cornerback after having the NFL's second-worst pass defense last season and wouldn't mind hurting an AFC contender in the process.
Webb is young (26) and is coming off his best season (career highs of 67 tackles and five interceptions). The Ravens have expressed interest in signing him to a long-term deal. "I think it would be best for this organization," general manager Ozzie Newsome said last month.
Hensley's slant: I'm not going to rule out the Patriots going after Webb, but I don't think it's going to happen. The Patriots have quickness at cornerback with Kyle Arrington and they have decent size if Ras-I Dowling can stay healthy. What New England needs is a veteran presence. Look for the Patriots to pursue someone like Marcus Trufant, who was recently released by the Seahawks, instead of Webb.
BENGALS: The Bengals will talk to the agent for free-agent safety Reggie Nelson today, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Nelson is expected to become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow, but the Enquirer indicates there is "a slight chance" that the team could sign him to a deal before free agency begins. According to the paper, the team should have talks with defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene, both of whom will become free agents tomorrow. Hensley's slant: The Bengals likely will have to use some of that massive salary-cap space to keep Nelson, who should draw heavy interest. He is the second-best safety in the free-agent market (behind LaRon Landry), and teams know they won't be able to fill voids with a weak draft class at safety. Nelson is the Bengals' top free-agent priority, and they will have to show how much they want to keep him.
BROWNS: The Browns botched the deal to trade up and position themselves to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III, according to the Akron Beacon Journal's Marla Ridenour. "Playing it safe and clinging to their five-year plan that feels like a ball and chain right now, they let Baylor’s Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, the most electric franchise-quarterback prospect in a decade, slip through their fingers," Ridenour wrote. The Washington Redskins reportedly outbid the Browns for the No. 2 overall pick, sending three first-round draft picks and a second-round pick to the St. Louis Rams. Hensley's slant: As I posted in my weekend blog, the Browns were the biggest losers in this pre-draft trade because their alternatives at quarterback this year are no comparison to RG3.
STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pointed out that wide receiver Mike Wallace would join an exclusive club if the Steelers signed him to a long-term contract. In the 20-year free-agency era, Pittsburgh has signed only one wide receiver to a muti-year contract -- Hines Ward. The Steelers let several wide receivers leave in free agency (Yancey Thigpen, Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randle El and Nate Washington to name a few) and traded three others (Santonio Holmes, Jeff Graham and Troy Edwards). To keep Wallace from becoming a free agent, Wallace is expected to be the only Steelers' restricted free agent to receive a first-round tender ($2.7 million), which would bring a first-round draft pick as compensation if he signs another deal and the Steelers decline to match it. Hensley's slant: I would be shocked if the Steelers didn't match any offer sheet for Wallace. Holding onto a deep threat who is about to hit his prime is worth more than a late first-round pick. Wallace has earned a long-term deal from Pittsburgh.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Jamison Hensley
Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife.
