SB Nation - Paul Raymond

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report: Day 25 - Another Transaction

Chris Pokorny — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:57:50 -0000

Is there really a point to roster transactions this late into training camp? Sure, maybe we're trying to scout players that might end up on our practice squad in the future, but a week really isn't a lot to go by.

As I'm sure you can tell, the training camp reports are more so "general team notes" now as opposed to specifics on how the day went. It's like that every year as public camp sessions come to a close.

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - DAY 25 (8/25/09)

The Transaction: After being involved in a couple of reverses late in the game against the Detroit Lions, the Browns waived former Jet WR Paul Raymond. Taking his place is DE Brian Schaefering. Does that name sound familiar? It should, because he was signed by the Browns in May of last year before being waived at the end of training camp. He was added to the Browns' practice squad in early December, before Eric Mangini signed him to the Jets' active roster for the team's final game of the regular season.
Play of the Day: After getting behind CB Hank Poteat, WR Braylon Edwards caught a Brady Quinn pass one-handed in the end zone for a touchdown.
Hot Start, 'Meh' Finish: After starting hot in practice, QB Derek Anderson cooled down and didn't do as well in game simulations. His best plays came early on, when he connected with WR Brian Robiskie and Edwards for scores.
Still MIA: S Brodney Pool did not return to action. All of the other players who have been out stayed out, except for WR David Patten. Patten returned to action and was practicing.
Players at Safety: In his press conference, Mangini brought up the fact that other players on the roster have experience at safety, perhaps alluding to the injuries of Brodney Pool and Hamza Abdullah. Mangini noted DB Hank Poteat and WR Mike Furrey. I loved reading about how a good portion of the media didn't seem to know Furrey started at safety for the St. Louis Rams for nearly a whole season. There's nothing wrong if individual fans don't know that, but if you're constantly writing about the Browns, it should've stood out as a unique note in his player profile when the team first signed him.
Center Update: Maybe we just panicked a little too early about rookie C Alex Mack. After a rough start to training camp, Mack has continued to settle in smoothly. However, you could also note that the "turnaround" started right around the point that a certain someone stopped practicing (Shaun Rogers).

Tuesday's Links/Camp Sources

Furrey to the rescue at safety? (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Grossi)
Quotes, notes, observations (Akron Beacon Journal, Storm)
Berea Report: Back in the spotlight (Orange and Brown Report, Greetham)

LB Bo Ruud Released, Former Jets Receiver Added to Browns Roster

Chris Pokorny — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:16:18 -0000

Before training camp started, there were some predictions that LB Bo Ruud would be a sleeper player for the Browns in training camp. It didn't pan out that way for Ruud though, as he was released by the team today. The real sleeper in camp at the linebacker position might be Marcus Benard.

Taking Ruud's roster spot is former Jets WR Paul Raymond. Raymond was off and on the Jets practice squad four times last season under head coach Eric Mangini. Mangini claimed him off waivers from the Jets, although I'd imagine his roster odds are pretty slim. If we barely got to see Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, Paul Hubbard, Lance Leggett, and Jordan Norwood against the Packers, we're not going to see much of a newcomer to the team (although he should have some knowledge of our offense, being a former Jet).

Chris Pizzotti Waived

John B — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:55:53 -0000

The Jets made a few roster moves, namely waiving Harvard rookie quarterback Chris Pizzotti.

The Jets have signed guard Dennis Conley, an undrafted rookie free agent from Hampton University, and waived rookie quarterback Chris Pizzotti and first-year wide receiver Paul Raymond.

Pizzotti, a free agent from Harvard, became expendable in the wake of the performance of QB Erik Ainge (10 of 17, 148 yards, one TD) vs. the Rams on Friday night. Raymond fumbled a punt that led to a touchdown.

I'm not sure I agree this call was a result of Ainge's performance. There was a reason Ainge saw so many snaps, and Pizzotti didn't get action. It figures Ainge was outplaying him in practice by a lot. The former Tennessee star now has the third string quarterback spot locked down. He's a developmental player. Hopefully the Jets can turn him into an effective backup for Mark Sanchez in the long run.

Lions Move Mulitalo, Dizon to Injured Reserve

Sean Yuille — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:23:40 -0000

With only one game left in the season, the Lions decided to move offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo and linebacker Jordon Dizon to the injured reserve. Since the season is almost over, this move basically means that neither would have played on Sunday. If both were going to be out, it only makes sense to sign a couple of players to replace them, as they will be right back on the active roster after the season anyways.

To replace Mulitalo, the Lions signed offensive guard Junius Coston, who has played for both the Packers and Raiders in his four-year career. Dizon's spot on the roster went to wide receiver Chris Hannon, who was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins. He had only been with the Dolphins since December 3, as he was claimed by Miami from the 49ers. San Francisco signed him after the Panthers released him in the final round of cuts this past August.

The Lions also made a couple of adjustments to their practice squad. Wide receiver Paul Raymond was released and linebacker Chris Graham was signed. Graham played at Michigan and was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He also attended a Lions rookie mini-camp following the draft.

Lions Fill Vacant Roster Spots

Sean Yuille — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:15:02 -0000

With Jon Kitna and Gerald Alexander now on the IR and Roy Williams in Dallas, the Lions had some roster spots that needed to be filled. To bring the roster back up to the maximum amount of players, the Lions signed safety LaMarcus Hicks from the practice squad to the active roster and also signed wide receiver John Standeford.

Hicks adds depth to the safety position and will presumably take on Alexander's role. Standeford brings added depth to the wide receiver position with Roy gone. Standeford played great in the preseason and didn't make the team only because the Lions didn't decide to take that many receivers initially. He is probably a better receiver than Brandon Middleton, who joined the team during the season because of his return abilities.

Wide receiver Paul Raymond and defensive back Travis Key were both signed to the practice squad. Raymond played for the Jets in the preseason, and Key is a rookie from Michigan State. Key was a member of the Vikings before he was released and later signed to the Browns' practice squad.