Hello again from the padded cell. Now that the Browns 2017 season is finally behind us, it’s time again for me to field questions from our members and viewers. With the front office adding more “football” people, the big focus seems to be on free agency and the upcoming draft in order to raise the bar on the team’s overall talent level. With that said, let’s get things started.
Shooter leads off with, “Why has God forsaken us?” First off, let the record note that I was NOT the one to bring up this subject.
Well . . . quite frankly, Shooter, I’m surprised that you even acknowledge His very existence. However, God doesn’t care about which team wins or loses. If He did, then the LA Angels would always win the World Series, the New Orleans Saints would always win the Super Bowl and the New Jersey Devils would never win a single game. God’s interested in more important matters than mere sporting events. He’s more concerned about you and the life you choose to live, and whether you choose to live for Him. He hasn’t forsaken us, though I dare say that perhaps some have forsaken Him with some of the choices we make in every day life. And that’s all I’ve got to say on this forum about that subject.
Moving on . . . Mike Barnes asks, “Why can’t we ever get a real QB?”
Well, Mike you’ve got to be a pretty pathetic organization to not land a franchise QB over the span of 19 years, and that’s exactly what the Browns have been for a vast majority of those years. I will say that this is as good a year as any to break that string, though; with a football man with real proven experience running the front office in John Dorsey.
Dawg Pound Dude wants to know, “Who are the likely candidates to take over as OC? Anyone who’s worked with Hue previously? And who would you like to see?”
The two names I hear the most are former Bengals OC Ken Zampese and current Texans QB coach Sean Ryan. As to which one I prefer, I think the hiring of Zampese for that position would be a HUGE mistake.
Ice breaks in with, “No QB on our entire roster has ever won an NFL game. Clearly we’ll add through the draft but we also need a veteran. Who would you like? Personally I’d be happy to pay Alex Smith, who was signed by Dorsey at the Chiefs.”
At this point in time, Smith seems to be the frontrunner. You can also throw in Kirk Cousins, although he clearly has more advantageous options. You can also add any of the Minnesota trio, or even Nick Foles in Philadelphia. Personally, I think Smith is the best option because of his relationship with Dorsey.
Mike Barnes has a follow-up comment: “I’d be onboard with Alex Smith, but which QB at #1 Rosen will not want to come here and Darnold needs another year in school, and no I don’t want anything to do with party boy Mayfield. but we’ve got #1 #4 #33 #35 and the Eagles pick lets hope our new GM knows how to pick real players.”
Quite frankly, Mike, they all could use another year in college. However, that’s not the path they’ve chosen. Josh Rosen scares the crap out of me because he’s had two concussions this past season. It’s been said that Sam Darnold has the highest ceiling, but he is clearly coming out too early. The only other QB I’d consider in the top four is Wyoming’s Josh Allen because of his size, frame, arm strength and experience in running a pro style offense. After that, you have Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield . . . both of which have won the Heisman Trophy over the last two seasons respectively. Personally, I wouldn’t touch Mayfield with a ten foot pole.
GABrownsFan chimes in with, “Bill, your thoughts on perhaps getting Alex–he’s only 33–and NOT drafting a QB this year? He’s under contract through next year, giving us time to extend him or franchise him if we want .”
Actually, there are far worse things the Browns could do. Smith would be a plug-in-and-play QB, and we could say good bye to Cody Kessler. The move would also allow time for DeShone Kizer to develop. And you’d also have the benefit of drafting two immediate impact players at #1 and #4. Any deal involving Alex Smith would definitely have to include a contract extension, though.
And GABrownsFan with his follow-up, “If Gregg Williams leaves/is fired, who would you like to see take over the defense?”
Oh, I really haven’t given it much thought; but here are a couple names just off the top of my head . . . perhaps Georgia DC Mel Tucker or possibly Ohio State DC Greg Shiano.
Ice now has a follow-up. “How much will Darnold’s rough game against OSU affect his draft stock?”
One game probably won’t make or break a kid’s draft stock. Teams are going to judge the whole body of work to see if there are any patterns of behavior that are undesirable. He’ll go in the top ten of the first round because the NFL is a quarterback driven league.
Dawg E. Dawg asks, “Where in the draft is the best spot to address WR? Is there somebody worth #4? Or do you wait till #33/37? Or do you wait even longer till the Philly/#65 area?”
Actually, I think the better bet may be via trade or free agency. Terrell Pryor would look nice back in Cleveland because of his relationship with Coach Hue Jackson. Miami’s Jarvis Landry is also a UFA this off-season, as is Sammy Watkins; so the depth chart at that position could see some positive changes. I’m not so sure that Sammy would want to leave Los Angeles, though.
That’s all the time we have for now. Thanks to all the people who submitted their questions. This is Bill Wunkle signing off from the padded cell. Have a good night, everybody!