A Bone for Bronwie mock

[NudeTayne]

Hey all. I spent a lot of time on this so hope you enjoy. I found a great online template to work from. Lemme know what you think. 

Humbly, 

Your latest dancer

 

So the first thing I'm looking at with the Browns is the debate from media or fans of do you need to take a quarterback? My answer is NO. When I look at Deshone Kizer, I don't think I've seen enough to say he can't play in this league. Remember he was a RS Sophomore coming out and he just went to the worst team in the league with no weapons to take the burden off him, and he didn't look terrible. I thought he played well against the Steelers defense, with the only starter missing in Cam Heyward in the final game, and minus a bad drop could've won that game. Look at Jared Goff. He had no weapons and then he got some WRs, so they couldn't stack the box and Gurley had a MVP season and Goff looked like a stud. Goff put on 10 pounds in the offseason, and you gotta remember Kizer is still physically maturing. With a good offseason and some more weapons I see no reason to believe Kizer can't be as productive as Goff next season. Problem is he needs a back and a WR opposite Gordon.

Since I feel comfortable with Kizer, I'd still like some competition and I'd bring in Alex Smith when he gets cut. Or a Teddy Bridgewater. I'm not giving up a pick for Alex Smith. I would also think about taking a QB day three and suddenly I have the best QB room. EVER. In the franchise's existence. You need to draft an All-Pro with top 5 picks and I'm not convinced there is an Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Baker Mayfield or John Elway this draft. You're probably looking more at the Matt Ryan, Matt Stafford, Eli Manning variety, or maybe even down to Tim Couch or Ryan Leaf or Sam Darnold with this class. That's not worth the risk. If I take a QB and fail, I'm right back to where I started. I need to start moving forward. What happens if you take a QB and the guy you got ends up being better? You can't have that risk.

With that being said..... I start free agency

 

QB Kirt Cousins - 5 years, $145,000,000 

We get the top FA QB in years. We pay big Money. First three years are essentially guaranteed and then can cut bait if he fades into Flacco territory rather than Breesy. Gives us three more years to develop Kizer. Clarifies the locker room on who is the guy (right now,  at least).

Year One cap figure: $24,000,000

 

CB Trumaine Johnson - 5 years, $70,000,000

Using the AJ Bouye deal as a guide 5 years, $67,500,000 I think Johnson should be somewhere in that range. Given he had a down year, I think he will get less but it may cost the Browns more given their situation. Johnson gives you a #1/#2 CB that will help that defense immediately. I'll give him a $12m signing bonus with a $8m roster bonus year two. With salaries of $10,000,000 per year. [(12/5) + 10] = 12.4. He'll bring home $30m in the first year, so this is a done deal. This year he made $16m on the tag.

Year one cap figure: $12,400,000

 

TE Jimmy Graham - 5 years, $40,000,000

Why Jimmy Graham when you have David Njoku? What I'm thinking is when you have a young QB you need to nurture him like a baby animal that has yet to learn to hunt and take care of itself. The short pass game and having a few good TEs creates some matchup nightmares and will help move the young QB along. Jimmy Graham would still be deadly in the red zone and used in many two TE sets. Think Gronk and Hernandez. I'll give him $8m signing bonus and a $4m roster bonus year two. Year one salary of $5m. [(8/5) + 5] = 6.6.

Year one cap figure: $6,600,000

 

S Kenny Vaccaro - 5 years, $55,000,000

Coming off an injury, but I think the kid can play. It looks like the top guys like Berry are getting $12m AAV and given the injury and the fact he's not as good he should come in less. I don't see him getting franchised, and I think there will be some competition for his services, so the Browns might have to have the best offer by $10m or so over the next bidder. Eric Reid is the backup plan, but I like the way Vaccaro plays, and I have some money to spend, so I'm willing to overpay to get a player that I know can play ball. I'll give Vaccaro $10m signing bonus. And a roster bonus year two of $5m. Salaries of: 4.75m, 7.5m, 8.5m, 9.5m, 9.75m. [(9/5) + 5.75] = 7.5

Year one cap figure: $6,750,000

 

WR Josh Gordon - 5 years, $55,000,000

Gordon is a ERFA. But I'm not messing around. This is the best player on my team. From what I've seen from just looking at his social media accounts is that this is a changed man. I'm willing to invest in Josh Gordon, and I could understand Browns fans hesitation, given what he has put you through. When I look into his eyes, I see a changed man and when I read what he writes I can see how FAR he has come growing and maturing through his journey. Although I believe in him, I'm not going gung-ho crazy on the Josh train, so his signing bonus will be somewhat small given his abilties. I also don't have to give him this money now, so hopefully he understands that his leverage is small. I'll go $7.5m signing bonus. $2m roster bonus year two. Most of Josh's money will come through salary. So, if he screws up I can just cut him and it won't hurt the franchise that badly. Salaries of: 8.5m, 8.5m, 8.5m, 9.5m, 9.5m. [(7.5/5) + 8] = 9.5

Year one cap figure: $8,500,000

 

WR Terrelle Pryor - 3/$21 with incentives. Cuttable with minimal impact after year one if not working out. 

Year one cap figure: $6,500,000

Would not like to add Sheldon Richardson as well.....

 

 

NFL Draft

Here's my favorite part about the Cleveland Browns. One of the problems here is that there are so many QBs this class, so teams might be hesitant to trade up. However, the good news is not all QBs are the same and someone is going to come up for Darnold or Rosen. Teams might have different favorites, which should serve the Browns well. John Elway is a pretty savvy guy, so I'm not sure if I can get him to come up, because he might just think if you take A, and B goes as well, I'm fine with C. One thing I know for sure is that John Elway likes BIG QBs. So, he's not ending up with Baker Mayfield. I've seen Broncos wanted Mayfield on Senior Bowl team or whatever team and that's just an opportunity to do your due diligence. Let's not overreact here. The proof is in the pudding with Elway and being a tall, prototype QB himself, he wants a tall prototype QB as well. Just look at his teams. With all that being said, at the end of the day, I think John Elway comes up for a QB, because he knows he can't get Rosen and Darnold if he stays put at 5th overall. He knows his team is getting absolutely slaughtered since Manning left with these garbage QBs. So, he's coming up for a QB. I'm hoping someone separates themself from the pack and that's who Elway will come up for.

Denver trades 5th overall, 2019 1st, 2019 2nd, 2020 1st, 2021 2nd for 1st overall 

I'm willing to let Elway keep his 2nd rd pick this year, because I'm not going anywhere, and he needs that pick to help make his team a playoff contender. The price is three 1's and two 2's for the top pick. Much like Ernie Accorsi wanted for when he held the top pick in the '83 draft and the rights to John Elway.

1) DENVER - Sam Darnold QB USC

I think he takes Darnold. He seems more like the California surfer dude that John sees in himself. He has the most potential of any QB this class. Not without his faults. He is inconsistent and has zero pocket awareness. He makes splash plays and then overthrows the WR by five yards and it's like WTF. Rosen is more pro ready, but I got Rosen as a Matt Ryan, and I don't think you give up that draft capital for Josh Rosen. Comparison: Eli Manning

 

2) NEW YORK - Josh Rosen QB UCLA

With Eli sitting there and a new regime in place, they make the move that it's time to draft a QB. Rosen is a Matt Ryan clone. He is pro ready and is ready to start day one in New York. His personality is sneaky. I like him. He's mature and I think he isn't exactly Broadway Joe, but he's confident and is the perfect fit for New York. Comparison: Matt Ryan

 

3) INDIANAPOLIS - Saquon Barkley RB PENN STATE

If they don't take Barkley, Indy should riot. He's exactly the guy you want taking pressure off Andrew Luck in the run game and easy check downs. Gives you special teams as well. Think Marshall Faulk, who played on the Colts before he was famous. Comparison: Marshall Faulk

 

Back to Cleveland again. And we're on the clock. And we hold the next two picks. How about just picking up a King's ransom and we passed on Eli Manning, Matt Ryan, and Marshall Faulk. The Marshall Faulk hurts - but RBs are a dime a dozen, and I'm better positioned for the long haul. Ohhhh no -- the phone rings. And this might be too good to be true. It's Arizona and GM Steve Keim. He knows it's very possible New York 6th overall, Cincy 12th overall, and Washington 13th overall could all be looking at QB and he's looking at a barren cupboard at 15th overall. Arizona has been teetering in mediocrity since Warner took them on a run. They need a QB that has a chance to be elite.

Arizona trades 15th overall, 47th overall, 2019 1st, *2020 2nd for 4th overall

Note: In terms of trade value this resembles the RGIII trade. The difference was roughly 1,000 pts from 4th to 15th and they gave the 2nd from this draft, a future 1st, and a future 2nd two years down the road. 

*After watching Allen, I'm amending the 2020 2nd to a conditional pick. If the Cardinals make the playoffs in either the 2018 or 2019 season that becomes a 1st rd pick. Look, Steve, I'm passing up on a generational talent here.

 

4) ARIZONA - Josh Allen QB WYOMING

I thought I'd give him a look so I could speak intelligently on the matter, and I think I'm in love. This is probably my #1 QB and I watched him for 1:30 seconds. He has good movement in the pocket, a big frame, and a strong arm. I did see his bowl game and he hit someone on a skinny post and I remember thinking that was a laser and a NFL type throw that only the elite guys can make. Maybe it was just the #17, but he reminded of Philip Rivers, but if you move his arm up from the 3/4 arm angle and juice up the arm a few notches more to a Matt Stafford level arm. Comparison: Philip Rivers 

 

Finally, we find ourselves on the clock and I'm right where I always wanted to be. Picking the best defensive player in the draft. The Browns gave up the 2nd most points in the league. And I don't care if you have Andrew Luck at QB, if your defense is Swiss cheese you're going to lose games. Problem is I got four players or more that I want in this spot. So, I'm calling up the Chicago Bears, because they mortgaged some of their future, and I'm taking advantage of a sucker that needs some picks. But, first, I'm taking the can't miss. When I got four players that I love, who can I not live without? 

 

5) CLEVELAND - Minkah Fitzpatrick CB ALABAMA

I'm not sure what the safety talk or Saban was smoking but this guy is a shutdown cornerback. It seems like for a few years now I've wondered is this Minkah's draft eligible year. Didn't see much of him in either of his playoff games. That's good. Your classic shutdown CB type. Now in nickel packages more than ever this guy can play slot or outside CB. He gives me a variety of options at defense. Your classic defensive back in every meaning of the word. He is as smooth as silk. Comparison: Darrelle Revis

 

6) NEW YORK - Baker Mayfield QB OKLAHOMA

I think if I pass on Minkah, they take him. Jets and Baker just seem like the bravado of New York. Jets gotta have a QB now, right? Comparison: Jeff Garcia

7) TAMPA BAY - Derwin James S FLORIDA STATE

This is a potential Roquan Smith landing spot. But I got a little trick up my sleeve here. I can get Roquan Smith value at a lower spot in the draft. On Derwin James. One he is a physical freak the talent of Jalen Ramsey or Sean Taylor. And I can't pass up that freakish ability. This is a Pro Bowler from day one. Hard-hitting, fast, playmaking safety. Now, I've put a lot of assets into my secondary, so you may question this. The Browns only forced 13 turnovers on the year - the worst in the league. The Jaguars have a similar offense to yours but all of a sudden they force 33 turnovers (2nd in the league) and they are in the AFC Championship game. They have Fournette and an OL. Don't tell me Bortles is worth a schilling. Force turnovers. Get in good field position. Score more points.

 

Cleveland trades 2019 1st (via AZ), 35th overall (via HOU), 65th overall, 2019 CLE 3rd to Chicago for the 8th overall pick

8) CLEVELAND - Bradley Chubb DE NC STATE

Maybe the best player in the draft here. Mario Williams type. Comparison: Mario Williams

The Bears got their QB but need some picks back badly to start rebuilding. They use their poor season and just fall back a bit in draft position and pick up some picks in the process. With a variety of holes themselves, they go for quantity instead of quality.

RE Myles / NT Danny / DT Larry / LE Chubby

Rotational DE/DIME UT Manny

 

9) SAN FRANCISCO - Quenton Nelson G NOTRE DAME

Not a very interesting pick. Seems to be the highest rated OL and 49ers need OL help.

 

10) OAKLAND - Roquan Smith LB GEORGIA

Here's the landing spot for Smith. He will not fall below this point. Pro Bowler. Comparison: Derrick Brooks

 

11) MIAMI - Arden Key EDGE LSU

Andre Branch and Cameron Wake. Could use an upgrade there and Wake has some tenure.

 

12) CINCINNATI - LaMar Jackson QB LOUISVILLE

Think he does best in a system where he can sit and learn. Rare tools. Risky Randall Cunningham or Vince Young type pick. Does he stick at QB? Comparison: Vince Young

 

13) WASHINGTON - Vita Vea DT Washington

More of a NT need here. Solid plugging up holes. That's what she said.

 

14) GREEN BAY - Da'Ron Payne DT/DE ALABAMA

I'm thinking like a Gerald McCoy with some Justin Smith here. He can stop the run and rush the passer. Agile. Mobile. Dynamic defender. He might actually fall this far given team needs.  Packers only draft secondary and defensive line so they're due. Comparison: Gerald McSmith.

15) CLEVELAND - Joshua Jackson CB IOWA

CB1 run will be over by pick 25 at latest. Great value for a ball hawk.  Great size.  By the time Trumaine really starts to decline, Minkah and Josh will be ready to dominate as CB1/CB1a. I'm gonna call our secondary the Cleveland Cavaliers™.

CB - Trumaine Johnson, Minkah, Joshua Jackson, Howard Wilson, BBC, value CB late

S - Kenny Vaccaro, Kai Nacua, Kindred, Pepper

Nickel S/Nickel LB/Dime LB - Jabrill Peppers

Nickel S/DIME S - Minkah

 

33) CLEVELAND - Tremaine Edmunds LB VA TECH

Wait, not done yet. How does a 6'5" 250 pound LB sound. I think I'm getting Roquan Smith here. He's arguably a better tackler, better closing speed, how is this guy 6'5" 250. He can FLY. I think he plays anywhere at LB in any system and could be a Ray Lewis type. This is a Pro Bowler. This defense might not give up 15 points per game. I'm going to have him play strongside LB in a 4-3 so don't get carried away that he must be Ray Lewis at MLB. He will use that size and speed to cover Gronk in AFC Championship games. HE'S ALSO OUR DIME DE.  Comparison: Ray Lewis with pass rush skill. 

DIME pass rush package: Myles / Bradley / Manny / Tremaine

 

It's time to call our buddies Chicago. We need to start scoring some points on offense. 

Cleveland trades 60th overall (via PHI) and 2019 CLE 2nd to Chicago for 39th overall

39) CLEVELAND (via CHI) -  Courtland Sutton WR SMU

They call him Julio Jones. He's not that fast. More like a Brandon Marshall. Josh Gordon and BMarsh. Dats just nasty. Comparison: Brandon Marshall

WR Flash, Courtland, CoCo, TP

 

47) CLEVELAND (via AZ) - Brian O'Neill OT PITT

This was supposed to be Bryce Love. That's okay. We'll get him next year. This guy reminds me of Vontaze Burfict. He's good sideline to sideline. He's my beast in the middle. Schobert kicked to weakside LB. I'm not taking anymore players on defense. Probably for the next two years. Comparison: Vontaze Burfict but as a LTOTF.

 

108) CLEVELAND - Mark Walton RB MIAMI

Here's your thunder in the backfield. We're gonna control the clock. Use our best asset on offense our OL and pound the rock. Now we got two WRs, two TEs, and a RB. Keep in mind we're going Bryce Love next year to complete the dynamic duo. Comparison: wiggly little Derrick Henry

 

137) CLEVELAND - Kurt Benkert QB VIRGINIA

Good size, mobility, and arm strength. Maybe like a Carson Palmer here. Getting the same look as the QBs in the beginning not too mention that I have built a dominant defense and still have a plethora of picks in the upcoming years. Comparison: Carson Palmer

 

145) Michael Dickson P TEXAS

First rule is value with every pick. He won the Ray Guy award in 2017 and averaged 48.4 yards per punt with a long of 76. 

 

You got 175, 185, and 219 left and I can't knowledgeably draft a player from where I sit today. Ideally, if I can move the punter down and take another player in that spot like WR that would be the move, because I have a buffer that there are a few good punters. A few takes. We have the best defense in the league. We have a secondary, pass rush, and a LB core that teams will fear. Teams no longer want to play the Browns because they are going to be sore for the next week. She might have said that as well. We won't give up more than 17 PPG for the next decade.

The biggest takeaway is the fact that since I passed on QBs in the first round, I was able to acquire more picks and build a defense that will be feared for years to come. We got a few good weapons on offense, but the defense between UFA and draft will have a Jacksonville Jaguars type effect. I was able to still come away with a QB that I think can compete at the next level at a value where it's like I'd rather have Benkert at 135th overall than Sam Darnold at 1st overall. That's what the NFL Draft is - a value proposition. Whomever has the best draft, gets the most value, and that translates into All-Pros and more wins. That's the name of the game.

One final thought is the future picks that I still have to take another crack at QB. Because that's all a draft pick is, especially at quarterback. I'm looking at these picks to find a quarterback if I still don't have that guy:

2019 1st, 2019 1st (DEN), 2019 2nd (DEN), 2019 4th, 2019 5th, 2019 6th, 2019 7th,

2020 1st, 2020 1st (DEN), *2020 1st (AZ), 2020 2nd, 2020 3rd, 2020 4th, 2020 5th, 2020 6th, 2020 7th,

2021 1st, 2021 2nd, 2021 2nd (DEN), 2021 3rd, 2021 4th, 2021 5th, 2021 6th, 2021 7th

[brownie man]

What a hell of an off-season 

id be good with it

idk how many of those FAs we’d actually sign

but if we got one I’d be surprised 

wed be a completely different team 

[Thomas5737]

Be better if Freaky posted it.

Also I didn't read it or Money's mock, did you just CCP his because it seems set up about the same.

[NudeTayne]

1 hour ago, Thomas5737 said:

Be better if Freaky posted it.

Also I didn't read it or Money's mock, did you just CCP his because it seems set up about the same.

I just did my own from a template I found online.  I'm not sure who this @Money character is, but he sounds like a real thunder-stealing jerk! 

[LETSGOBROWNIES]

Nice book @NudeTayne!

Seriously though, great job.

[NateDawg]

Good logic and good analysis as a whole.

My one criticism is just my own personal opinion that we can’t put our hopes on Kizer as the future. I’m willing to let him be the #3 by getting a veteran and drafting a QB at 1. If he develops, great. Maybe you get something out of him later or he can help your team out in some way. If you just sign your veteran and pass on the opportunity at 1/4 though, you are conceding that you believe Kizer is the future at the position. With that position of draft luxury that we are in, I’m more comfortable with the philosophy of him not showing that he is the future over holding out hope merely because we aren’t convinced yet that he is not.

[Thomas5737]

17 minutes ago, NateDawg said:

Good logic and good analysis as a whole.

My one criticism is just my own personal opinion that we can’t put our hopes on Kizer as the future. I’m willing to let him be the #3 by getting a veteran and drafting a QB at 1. If he develops, great. Maybe you get something out of him later or he can help your team out in some way. If you just sign your veteran and pass on the opportunity at 1/4 though, you are conceding that you believe Kizer is the future at the position. With that position of draft luxury that we are in, I’m more comfortable with the philosophy of him not showing that he is the future over holding out hope merely because we aren’t convinced yet that he is not.

I read the first sentence and I agree. We probably should keep Kizer at this point and have him 3rd string. Odds are being 3rd string he won't ever raise his value unless he gets significant action due to injuries but if we draft our future it's no real loss having him sit the bench instead of some other random player. He currently isn't a good backup because he is a turnover machine but as a 3rd string guy hopefully he doesn't have to enter a meaningful game, if we find ourselves in one. Most 3rd string QBs are there for a reason and no one wants to see them enter the game.

[dawgdish]

If we passed on a QB and if we traded down in the 1st (two things I don't want us to do) this is as good as I can see it ending up. Our D would be nasty in a year or two. I definitely would Not give Gordon all of that money though until he keeps his nose clean and produces for a full season.

[Thomas5737]

23 minutes ago, dawgdish said:

If we passed on a QB and if we traded down in the 1st (two things I don't want us to do) this is as good as I can see it ending up. Our D would be nasty in a year or two. I definitely would Not give Gordon all of that money though until he keeps his nose clean and produces for a full season.

I would think there would be a clause in Gordon's contract which allow it to be voided if he were suspended for drugs. That would likely be in his contract, assuming it's a multiyear deal, no matter where he signs. So I would be okay with that.

[NudeTayne]

1 hour ago, Thomas5737 said:

I would think there would be a clause in Gordon's contract which allow it to be voided if he were suspended for drugs. That would likely be in his contract, assuming it's a multiyear deal, no matter where he signs. So I would be okay with that.

Yup. The idea would be to get out in front of the contract, extending him five years while giving an easy out after two years in case he Gordons.