2013 NFL Offseason: Cleveland Browns
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents
Cleveland Browns (Last Year: 5-11)
2013 NFL Draft Grade: C-
Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.
Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: Cleveland has a new regime, and based on Michael Lombardi's decision to go with scheme over personnel, this franchise will likely be looking for a new front office in a few years. The only way Lombardi can keep his job long-term is if he finds a franchise quarterback. Elsewhere, the interior offensive and secondary are the two areas that must be addressed. If the Browns don't like Geno Smith, they must trade out of the No. 6 pick.
2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Scheme over personnel never works. Cleveland fans saw it fail with Romeo Crennel recently, and it's capsized other franchises countless times elsewhere. The Browns had a very solid defense last year that kept the team in a lot of games. Despite this, Lombardi came in and decided to move to a 3-4, which meant that two of the stop unit's better players, Jabaal Sheard and Ahtyba Rubin, were no longer good fits. This is why the Lombardi regime will ultimately fail.
Barkevious Mingo was chosen No. 6 overall because of the poor Sheard fit. Mingo will start across from Paul Kruger and will probably struggle in the early going. He was dreadful this past season and completely quit at times. He was definitely a reach at No. 6; he probably should have gone in the early teens just based purely on potential.
None of Cleveland's other picks scored higher than a "B". Nothing really stood out, and it's inexplicable that a potential starting quarterback wasn't added. That's just inexcusable.
Given their selections and scheme change, the Browns are worse now than they were at the end of the 2012 season. That's why I'm giving them a bad grade.
2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
6. Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: C- Grade
I guess 2012 tape doesn't matter for the Browns. Barkevious Mingo was awful this past season and flat out quit in some games. Mingo doesn't even fill a real need unless Jabaal Sheard is dealt, which is confusing in itself because Sheard was one of the top defenders on the Browns last year. You also have to wonder what the Browns are going to do at quarterback. Michael Lombardi has a dubious draft history, and it doesn't seem like he's off to a good start.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
68. Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State: B- Grade
This is a bit early for the 5-foot-9 Leon McFadden, but the Browns were desperate for cornerback help across from Joe Haden. It's hard to argue this selection too much considering how badly Cleveland needed an upgrade at the position.
175. Jamoris Slaughter, S, Notre Dame: B- Grade
The Browns had to find some competition for the safety spot next to T.J. Ward. This is a slight reach for Jamoris Slaughter, but that's not that big of a deal in the sixth round.
217. Armonty Bryant, DE/OLB, East Central Oklahoma: B Grade
Armonty Bryant possesses good talent, but he also has character issues. He was arrested during football practice once for selling drugs. He might be worth the risk in the seventh round.
227. Garrett Gilkey, OT, Chadron State: B- Grade
Tackle depth wasn't a priority for the Browns, but it doesn't hurt. Garrett Gilkey was considered a Round 6-7 prospect.
*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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Gavin
05-22-2013
08:39 am
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Greco was a 3rd round pick of the Rams in 2008. ProFootballFocus.com rates Greco as second best among Browns offensive lineman in 2012, behind only Thomas, and 10th best among all NFL guards. So with him and Pinkston, the OG spots will (finally) be OK this year.
I like all the picks - Sheard was only good against bad teams and RT's anyway, it's not like he's JJ Watt. Also, he's doing very well in transitioning to OLB, so we could put Kruger/Sheard/Mingo on the field at the same time.
Reggie
05-17-2013
08:24 am
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Here's hoping Mingo pans out. Size and athleticism I've heard analysts compare him to DeMarcus Ware (same size, same position change) and guess what else? Oh yeah a low sack total coming out of college. Don't judge a player based on stats alone and if he doesn't pan out. Oh well not like it's something the Browns aren't used to.
WTF
05-14-2013
08:48 pm
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Lombardi isnt in charge of making the picks, Banner is. You did the same thing with Holmgren, saying he was making all these bad picks when he didnt make any outside of QBs.
Secondly, the Browns had no LBs in their 4-3 aside from Jackson, who fits perfect at ILB in a 3-4. On top of that, they had two fast 330LB NTs in Taylor and Rubin playing DT on their line. Rubin played very well as a NT in the 304 before the switch, now he is being moved to DE and probably wont have much trouble handling it. Taylor was regarded as one of the better NT prospects to come out in some time by many and now he is playing that spot. They added Bryant to play DE and still have Winn dor depth, who I believe you said was good enough to the point that they didnt need to sign Bryant. So if Rubin is no good, or Bryant is no good at DE, they have Winn to replace and all is fine. On top of that, they added the best OLB for their team available in FA and one of the best OLBs available for their team via the draft. Their Front Seven is much, much better this year than they were last year at least on paper. Plus they will be running a lot of sub packages to put for men on the line, so Sheard is not wasted at all. They added a starting CB with very good ball skills. He will get picked on a lot because of Haden, but his ball skills may make that a very good thing. They traded a 4th and 5th for a 3rd and 4th. Instead of drafting a bad QB prospect this year, not letting him play, having Weeden suck and starting the 3rd/4th round QB we drafted next season, we now have extra picks to get the franchise QB actually worth drafting if Weeden does indeed suck. Otherwise we stick with Weeden or another bad mid round pick for 3-4 years. Your logic is terrible. They didnt need to improve much on offense at all. Everyone is either a veteran pro bowler or a solid young player outside of Guard, QB and maybe TE. However a ton of people like Cameron at TE around the league and he is finally going to get the playing time he deserves in a very TE friendly offense. I swear it's like you know absolutely nothing about what you are talking about. You spout out lies/incorrect "facts", so your credibility about the team you are judging is instantly invalid. Then you dont even pay attention to what the team has been doing the past few years and you run a site that is all about draft and player analysis. WTF
Shane
05-04-2013
11:46 pm
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You seemed to have failed to recognize that the Browns traded 2 picks for future picks. They also acquired Bess and Gordon was pretty much their second round pick. Gordon is a better receiver then maybe all of the others in this draft and he has a year of experience already. Plus, with the additional picks, I could see the Browns trading up for Tajh Boyd or a different quarterback next year. Boyd would easily be the #1 QB if he was in this draft class.
Tosh Daniel
05-01-2013
03:32 pm
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With the draft the Clowns put together compared to the drafts of the 3 superior AFC North teams, the 3 superior AFC North teams definitely even further distanced themselves from the Clowns
ICtheWay
04-30-2013
11:36 pm
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I remember Walt being furious that the Browns did not take Blackmon.
Guess the Brownies were right on that one, right Walt?
Steve
04-30-2013
02:11 pm
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You are such a browns hater. Im sure for other teams drafts you included trades and such..yet you did not include bess and you totally forgot our 2nd rd pick WR from last year
rgulley
04-29-2013
05:12 pm
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all u nay sayers com back 12-1-13 and see whats really up this team is going to surprise alot of us this year i really do believe in chud and norv and horton will produce we just have to score more than 14 pts every game and i think if we can get around the 21 pt mark this can be an 8-8 team we are starvin for a winner here and the hope just keeps on keepin on
paulbip
04-29-2013
04:37 pm
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You should have graded a F. Passing up a position of need at guard while 2 future all pro's were there is plain stupid. I think this team will be moved to LA after the owner is thrown in jail.
Spaceman!
04-29-2013
05:54 am
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I don' think that not drafting a QB is that bad this year. I think the only thing sillier than drafting a 28 year old QB with a 1st round pick is to then give up on that QB after just a season in a very weak draft class.
JRS
04-29-2013
03:18 am
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You cant draft a qb every year sport. This was as weak a qb class in years and im more than glad they didnt take one. Will any of these guys be better than weeden, I doubt it. And if someone shows up next year whos worth investing in then the extra third and fourth will be nice to have to move up if need be. mcfadden is a good ball player and with pinkston back guard wasnt something to be addressed with a sixth overall pick. free saftey is a concern and ultimately weeden is no star but im sure ej manuel, or geno wont be either. I guess you know better than norv turner and ray horton about qbs and defensive schemes. Good luck Wally.
Adam
04-29-2013
12:14 am
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Its obvious that you have no idea what you are talking about, and the 2014 QB class is better than this one, and I am more than happy to pass up Geno Smith and the other mediocre to bad QBs in this one to wait one more year.
Mike
04-29-2013
12:01 am
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I think part of the problem with Mingo not 'producing' is where he was playing along the line. He was often playing DE and attacking the interior of the OT's. It's simply not where he fits. When he would line up standing up outside as an OLB, he looked a lot more comfortable and natural, with good anticipation on the snap and at times, would look like he was shot out of a cannon.
I remember you didn't like the pick of Aldon Smith in 2011 because he wasn't producing and looked like he was quitting on some plays. Look at the damage he caused this season with his explosive step off the edge this year. If they were going to take a really aching need, they would've taken Milliner. I don't really like what I see with Milliner though: he'll need to learn to backpedal considerably better, and is not a real ball hawk (Or agressive). Alabama CB prospects also have an incredibly high bust rate, but I'm not going to hold that against the kid. I think your evaluation of Mingo is a little unfair. He's extremely raw, not a lot of production, but posseses great potential to be a solid OLB. Only time and good coaching will tell though.
Pittsburgh Hater
04-28-2013
09:45 pm
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What team in their right mind trades their 4th and 5th round draft picks.Next year is BS...I am tried of wait till next year...What about this year???C'mon Brown fans You don't trade in your division...WHY didn't we that the safety instead of Pittsburgh... WE need players NOW..Not next year..LET the Browns know..WIN NOW..
Joe
04-28-2013
08:55 pm
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Why take a DE/OLB with the 6th pick? The Browns DBs SUCKS...Remember the Dallas game..
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Season Summary:
It seems like the Browns bring in a new coach every couple of years. They're beginning anew again, firing Pat Shurmur after just two seasons. Perhaps this franchise should look at the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals, who have maintained a combined five coaches since 2003. There's a reason those three teams consistently make the playoffs, while the Browns continuously pick in the top 10 of the NFL Draft almost every April. Cleveland needs stability.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Brandon Weeden will turn 30 in October. Nice first-round pick, Holmgren. Cleveland desperately needs a franchise quarterback that the team has never had since its return to the NFL in 1999. The Browns missed out on Robert Griffin, and now there aren't any worthy signal-callers to draft this April. Signed Jason Campbell and Brian Hoyer
- Rush Linebacker: Jabaal Sheard led the team in sacks with only seven. Juqua Parker-Thomas was next with six, and he'll be a 35-year-old free agent this offseason. Cleveland desperately needs rush linebacker help. Damontre Moore is the no-brainer pick if he's available at No. 6 overall this April. Signed Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves
- Cornerback: Sheldon Brown is a 34-year-old free agent, so Cleveland will need to find young blood across from Joe Haden. Buster Skrine is too heavily penalized to be relied upon as a starter. Signed Chris Owens
- Right Guard: The Browns had issues at both guard positions, but John Greco handled himself well since replacing Jason Pinkston in October. Right guard Shawn Lauvao, however, was the weak link on an otherwise solid offensive line.
- Wide Receiver: Rookie Josh Gordon improved as the year went on, but Greg Little kept dropping passes. Little is too unreliable, so the front office should bring in some competition for him. Traded for Davone Bess; signed David Nelson
- Defensive End: The front office will have to add some new personnel to make their new 3-4 defense work. Signed Desmond Bryant
- Inside Linebacker: Cleveland could use an upgrade at linebacker with Chris Gocong coming off a torn Achilles. D'Qwell Jackson might move over to the weakside position if the front office selects Manti Te'o in the 2013 NFL Draft.
- Tight End: Second-year tight end Jordan Cameron possesses potential, but he didn't show anything last year. He'll get a chance with Ben Watson likely gone, but Cleveland needs to bring in someone else to challenge him. Signed Kellen Davis and Gary Barnidge
- Fullback: The Browns were so desperate for a fullback this year that they converted Alex Smith from a tight end into one.
- Kicker: Phil Dawson needs to be re-signed. Signed Shayne Graham
- Punter: Reggie Hodges also needs to be re-signed.
2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Paul Kruger, DE/OLB, Ravens. Age: 27. 
Signed with Browns (5 years, $41 million)
Paul Kruger notched nine sacks during the regular season and then three more against the Colts in the playoffs. He also was solid in coverage.
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Desmond Bryant, DT, Raiders. Age: 27. 
Signed with Browns (5 years, $34 million)
Desmond Bryant served as a solid interior pass-rusher after Richard Seymour was lost for the year. Excluding Lamarr Houston, no other Raider defensive lineman was better at applying pressure on the quarterback, though that's not saying much.
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Shayne Graham, K, Texans. Age: 35.
Signed with Browns
Shayne Graham was a decent 31-of-38 last year with 4-of-9 from 50-plus.
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David Nelson, WR, Bills. Age: 26.
Signed with Browns
David Nelson caught 61 passes for 658 yards in his second season back in 2011. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the opening week this year. He should be ready for kickoff weekend of 2013.
- Jason Campbell, QB, Bears. Age: 31. -- Signed with Browns (2 years)
- Brian Hoyer, QB, Cardinals. Age: 27. -- Signed with Browns (2 years)
- Christopher Owens, CB, Falcons. Age: 26. -- Signed with Browns
- Kellen Davis, TE, Bears. Age: 27. -- Signed with Browns
- Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Cardinals. Age: 29. -- Signed with Browns (2 years, $2.8 million)
- Rashad Butler, OT, Texans. Age: 30. -- Signed with Browns
- Gary Barnidge, TE, Panthers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Browns (3 years)
Cleveland Browns Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Phil Dawson, K, Browns. Age: 38.
Signed with 49ers
Phil Dawson showed no signs of his age this past season, nailing 29-of-31 attempts, including a perfect 7-of-7 from 50-plus.
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Sheldon Brown, CB, Browns. Age: 34.
Sheldon Brown is coming off a great year, serving as a terrific starter across from Joe Haden. He also held his own when Haden was out of the lineup. Unfortunately, he turns 34 in March, so his best days are behind him.
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Joshua Cribbs, KR, Browns. Age: 30.
Signed with Raiders
Joshua Cribbs maintained decent return averages in 2012, but he has just one special-teams touchdown in the past three years. He'll be 30 in June.
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Juqua Parker-Thomas, DE, Browns. Age: 35.
Juqua Parker-Thomas served as a solid situational pass-rusher for the Browns, registering six sacks. He'll be 35 in May, however.
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Kaluka Maiava, OLB, Browns. Age: 26.
Signed with Raiders (3 years, $6 million)
Kaluka Maiava started games at both strongside and weakside linebacker this year. He handled himself pretty well as a two-down player.
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Ben Watson, TE, Browns. Age: 32.
Signed with Saints
Ben Watson's best days are behind him. He caught 49 passes for 501 yards and three touchdowns in 2012.
- Frostee Rucker, DE, Browns. Age: 29. -- Signed with Cardinals
- Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns. Age: 26. -- Signed with Jaguars (2 years)
- Usama Young, S, Browns. Age: 28. -- Signed with Raiders
- Chris Gocong, OLB, Browns. Age: 29.
- Chis Ogbonnaya (RFA), RB, Browns. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Browns (2 years)
- Reggie Hodges, P, Browns. Age: 31.
- Ray Ventrone, S/ST, Browns. Age: 30.
- Alex Smith, FB/TE, Browns. Age: 31.
- Scott Fujita, OLB, Browns. Age: 34.
- Brandon Jackson, RB, Browns. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Browns
2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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