With the 2015-2016 edition of the Cleveland Browns season mercifully in the books and the focus of all of America steadfastly on the 2016 NFL playoffs; I thought it only appropriate to sit back and record a heart-to-heart talk with . . . myself. Yes, the crusty old curmudgeon that many of you know originally from dawgbones.com and now on brownsfootballtalk.com has decided to open up and give his thoughts and opinions on a number of subjects – both inside and outside of the NFL . So without any further delay, let’s make our way into the padded cell and welcome Uncle Bill to our show.

Q: Suffice to say that it’s been yet another disappointing NFL season in Cleveland. What do you see as any possible silver linings coming out of the Browns’ dark cloud of anguish?

A: Well for starters, the Browns organization now knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Johnny Manziel is not their quarterback of the future because he’s incapable of being trusted by any NFL coaching staff. With that information in hand, they’re ready to move on – whether they can get anything tangible for him or not. They also discovered that neither Ray Farmer nor Mike Pettine are GM or head coaching material respectively. Jimmy Haslam has discovered that he’s capable of learning from past mistakes. He’s also started this off-season with a motivation to get it right because, admittedly, he’s been successful in every business venture he’s pursued – except this one.

Q: What’s your take on new Head Coach Hue Jackson?

A: Quite frankly, he’s the man I wanted for the job from day one. However, as much as I had hoped that Jimmy and company would land him; I thought the Browns didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting it done. Jackson has previous head coaching experience at the NFL level, albeit one season. He’s a motivator and educator of men that will hold his players and coaches accountable – which is something that’s been severely lacking since 1999. He’s known for his ability to develop quarterbacks – which is another area of need here. His ability to win the press conference is refreshing to say the least, and his positive mental attitude is contagious. His players absolutely love him and have the utmost respect for him. Granted, time will tell whether or not Jimmy finally got this hire right, but I’m more encouraged now than at any time since Phil Savage drafted Joe Thomas third overall in 2007.

Q: So far, what do you see as the most significant hires that Jackson’s made?

On the offensive side, Al Saunders as Senior Offensive Assistant/Receivers Coach and Hal Hunter as the Offensive Line Coach – maybe even Hunter more so than Saunders because it’s to important to win the battle in the trenches so that the running and passing games can operate more efficiently and effectively. The Browns definitely need to get better production out of those two areas. Adding the right personnel will only accelerate the growth in production. Defensively, I’m actually surprised – if not shocked – that Ray Horton is here for a second tour of duty. Granted, we’ll hear more about “big men that can run and little men that can hit”, but the fact remains that he got his players to produce.

Q: First impressions are important to you. What are your thoughts on the new VP of Football Operations – Sashi Brown?

A: Young – perhaps too young and inexperienced for the job, very intelligent and articulate, seems to be a likeable person who’s able to bring people together and buy into certain things. How does that translate into wins? I haven’t got a clue. One thing we do know, and that’s this . . . Jimmy really likes and respects him.

Q: Staying with first impressions, what’s your impression of Paul DePodesta?

A: Again . . . intelligent, articulate and passionate about getting things done right are my first impressions. Analytics seems to be the big buzz word these days and how it’s going to “change the game as we know it”. Let me tell you something. Analytics and people who use them have been around since coaches have been watching film of their opposing team – maybe even longer. All it is . . . is taking the information that’s available to you and using it as an aid to make correct decisions. This is everything from a player’s speed and ability to change directions quickly to a team’s tendencies on certain down and distance scenarios. Everyone at the NFL level is using analytics to one extent or another. It’s just one tool for the decision making process. How well the Browns will be able to use analytics to their advantage? Who really knows? I do think that it’s a good thing to evaluate all the information that an organization has available to it.

Q: What’s your take on Jimmy going down with the scouts and coaching staff to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl?

A: I love it. I’m encouraged that Jimmy’s taking a more active role in the organization. I hope that his wife Dee went down with them too for when they conduct their interviews. After all, she evidently reads people very well. Why not have as many pairs of eyes looking around? Players are going to notice when they see Jimmy in the stands. Maybe it puts some added pressure on some, maybe it gives others added incentive to perform well.

Q: The Browns finally filled the position of VP of Player Personnel by hiring Andrew Berry. Any thoughts on that?

A: I know that he used to work in the Colts organization’s scouting department, and that Bill Polian has spoken very admirably of him. Other than that, I’ve got nothing – except that they added another Harvard grad. We’ll see how this all pans out sooner or later. Hopefully, it’ll be good for all parties involved. One thing that puzzles me is this . . . If this wasn’t viewed as an upward move, then why were the Colts seemingly so willing to let him go? What would really make me feel good about the hire is if I heard where someone from the Texans’ front office say how glad they are that he’s no longer working for the Colts because he was killing us. At any event, with all the Harvard graduates now helping run the Browns, I wonder if they’ll make scarlet one of the team’s official colors.

Q: Enough on the Browns for now. Let’s shift gears. What’s your take on Donald Trump’s popularity as a presidential candidate?

A: The reason for his popularity is multifold . . . He stands out because he doesn’t sound like your conventional politician, thus the people actually hear what he’s saying. If you’ve seen the movie, “Man of the Year” , Donald Trump is Tom Dobbs (a political satirist and television personality portrayed by the late Robin Williams). Also, a number of people are sick and tired of politics as usual. They’re tired of the Democratic/Socialist part and they’re tired of the Republican party. People are tired of lazy, stupid, ignorant and ill-informed people casting their ballots (in some cases, multiple times in one election) and outnumbering the intelligent and well-informed voters. People are also tired of the voter fraud that was widespread across the country last presidential election. Whether or not he’ll be a good president, I don’t know. I do know that he’s certainly not afraid to speak his mind; nor is he afraid of putting people in their place.

Q: So,  Is that an endorsement for Trump?

A: Actually, no. I trust him even less than your average ten year old kid can throw him. Donald Trump is all about one person . . . Donald Trump. I can never support a presidential candidate that supports partial birth abortions. He’s the type of man that would sell his own soul – and maybe already has – to get whatever he wants; attempting to destroy anyone who dares to get in his way.

Q: So, which candidate or candidates would you be willing to endorse?

A: Honestly . . .  Ted Cruz. He’s an effective defender of Constitutional Law and Judeo-Christian values. This is a man who’s stood before the United States Supreme Court as a case lawyer and WON. The only hope for this country is for its people to elect leaders that honor and reverence God, will fight to secure our borders and bring fiscal accountability back to running the government. I also believe that Dr. Ben Carson is an extremely well-versed, well-educated and profoundly articulate man of impeccable character. It would be interesting to see him on the same ticket as Ted Cruz.

Q: So, what are your thoughts on Hillary Clinton?

A: Her boss fired her during the Watergate hearings (in 1974) for fraud and ethics violations. She’s married to a lying womanizer, whose own ethical and moral conduct is infamous – Just ask Monica. She’s abandoned United States foreign representatives to be  left to die in Benghazi and then lied about her role. Ask the families of those four who died there, “What difference does it make?” She’s sent classified information over her personal e-mail account and then deleted those e-mails to save her skin. Finally, she’s under FBI investigation and needs to be prosecuted and convicted for her rampant abuse of office. Eventually, this woman will reap a bumper crop of what she has sown. I just hope that I live long enough to see it for myself. Other than that, I’ve got no opinion.

Q: And finally, Bernie Sanders?

A: You want to know my thoughts about a self-professed socialist that wants even bigger government than what we already have and plans to disarm the American public? Are you serious?! Have taken a good look at him? He’s 74 years old, but looks like he’s in his 90’s. If – God forbid – he were to win the election, I don’t think he’d live to see the end of his term. The dude already has one foot in the grave and people are ready to push him the rest of the way. Next question, please before I lose my lunch.

Q: Okay, enough of politics for now. Let’s get back to something you’re better known for . . . Without giving away any mock draft selections before the final order is set, who do you think is the best player available in the draft regardless of position?

A: While Mississippi LT Laremy Tunsil might very well be the first overall pick by Tennessee (assuming they keep the pick) ; without question, it’s Ohio State DE Joey Bosa. Bosa is just so explosive off the line and is an immediate impact player. Is he the next JJ Watt? It’s way too early to tell, but he’s going to be a great one.

Q: Which prospect intrigues you the most and why?

A: As a Browns fan, the quarterback position always interests me – and for obvious reasons. I’d have to say North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz. I saw the footage of the FCS Championship game against Jacksonville State and walked away very impressed. This kid has the height, frame, arm strength, hand size, athleticism and all the other measureable features you look for in a franchise caliber quarterback. He’s far from a finished product, but he’s got a lot of good things going for him.

Q: Does that mean that you think he’s worthy of the second overall pick?

A: I’m still trying to figure that one out. I’ll tell you this much. There are only three quarterbacks in this year’s draft that justify a first round grade. Jared Goff, Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch. There may be one other selected in the first round, but any other quarterback selected in the first round other than those three is a major reach.

This is Bill Wunkle reporting from the padded cell. Have a great day, everybody.