Last year we previewed the 2010 season from a optimistic and pessimistic viewpoint. There have been many changes throughout the browns organization, all which will have considerable effects on the product that is exhibited on the field, if they get a chance that is. Today we're going to look at the upcoming season from both sides of the spectrum...

Poll

How do you feel about the 2011 Cleveland Browns

16%

Optimistic

17 votes

54%

Cautiously Optimistic

55 votes

13%

Cautiously Pessimistic

14 votes

0%

Pessimistic

1 votes

13%

Optimistically Pessimistic

14 votes

101 votes | Poll has closed

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QB

 

Optimist:

Jake Delhomme will likely be the starter and if the front office have faith in their 3rd round choice, McCoy waiting in the background to get his opportunity. Jake has had a very successful career. From the 03-04 to the 06-07 season he put up 89 TD's with 58 Int's with a 60% completion percentage. He started off the '07-08 seadon with 8 TD's and 1 Int, but then got injured and sat out the remained of the season. So from past performances and stats alone, JD is the best QB the Browns have had in decades. McCoy is a promising prospect, coming out of a powerhouse programs and being the all-time most winning QB in college history. Seneca Wallace isn't exactly anything to jump for, but he has experience with Holmgren and can be used as a Wildcat option.

Pessimist:

After his injury in 2008, Jake Delhomme has never been the same. He single handily cost the Panthers their playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals by throwing 5 int. Last year he had two 0-4 TD-int games, one 0-3 game and threw 5-15 in outdoor games which is important considering our location. The Panther fans were calling for his head and couldn't wait to get him out of Carolina. Seneca Wallace is an unnecessary player since he can't do anything Cribbs couldn't, and McCoy slipped because he's an undersized spread QB with a noodle arm.

My position - Optimistic. I'm interested in seeing what Delhomme does this year, but worried that he doesn't have the WR targets to make a difference.

Offensive Line

Be scared, be very scared.

 

Optimist

The Browns have the arguably 2 best players in the NFL for their positions: Joe Thomas at LT and Alex Mack at C. The supporting players wouldn't have to be dominant to have an extremely effective line. And with the addition of Pashos and  Lauvao, with the retaining of Womack and Steinbach, the line shouldn't have a problem protecting JD and opening holes for hardesty.

Optimist

To have a truly epic O-Line, there has to be balance on both sides. The Browns let Hadnot go, who was our best guard last year. Steinbach had an extreme uncharacteristically horrible year and was rated by Profootballfocus.com as the second worst guard in the NFL. St. Clair was a liability and Shawn Lauvao's ability is up in the air. Pashos lost his starting position on his old team to a rookie, and isn't considered starting quality anymore to most analysts.

My position - Pessimistic. Yes the LT and C position is shored, but the other positions amongst the line have to be at least serviceable.

WR

That is actually orange Crisco instead of gloves on his hands

 

Optimist:

The rookies have one year under their belt, Robo has been impressive early this preseason, MoMass had a couple of explosive games last year and we added a WR in Carlton Michell who has extremely high upside. We also got a possible legitimate TE threat in Ben Watson and Evan Moore surprised a lot of people last year.

Pessimist:

Last year the WR's played like their hands sweated baby oil last year; couldn't catch a cold if a sick person sneezed in their faces let alone a ball. None of the WR's posses substantial physical advantages over the defense. None of them have particularly impressive speed, strength, height, jumping ability nor are polished route runners. There is no one available to stretch the field, but yet no one has sure-fire hands that would make them possession type receivers.

My position: Pessimistic. This team will not make it in this division with 3 of the top defenses in the entire league without a better and more rounded WR group. Impossible

 

RB

Optimist

Harrison ended the year on a strong note, dominating his last 3 games and single handily winning those contests himself. The FO added Peyton Hillis, a Denver fan favorite to play FB and change of pace HB. We also added Hardesty who ran all over the SEC. Should be one of the top RB groups in 2010

Pessimist

Harrison had a few good games at the end of the season, but 2 of them but one where against the 2 worst rushing defenses in the league and against a reeling Shittsburgh team. They also came against teams who arguably could care less about winning and more about draft position.

My position - Optimistic. The RB group on this team has ridiculous talent and potential. There is a balance of power and speed, and everyone is young and still learning.

Defensive Line

There is a gun in that helmet, he just doesn't know it

 

Optimist

Rogers may have went down last year, but the team actually performed better with him out of the lineup and replaced with Rubin. The line will be served better with Rubin at the NT position and Rogers using his pass rush ability at DE to get to the QB. Coleman is a solid starter.

Pessimist

The Browns were still the fifth worst in the league at rushing defense. Rogers has his gun charge that will likely get him suspended and Coleman and Mosley aren't anything particularly special. And once again the run defense stunk.

My position - In between. The defense could look good with Geathers but it just all has to come together

Linebackers

 

Optimist

Matt Roth came out of the blue at bagged 6 sacks in 4 games. The Browns as a whole were 8th in the league in sacks. Many Fans were surprised by the play of Bowens, Trusnik, and Barton. And there is also the addition of Gocong and Fujita. A very deep linebacker core.

Pessimist

The only way the Browns were able to get to the QB was by sending everyone on their blitzes, leaving the secondary exposed and consequently torched for the most part. The Browns don't have a specific player who will consistently wreck havoc on the opposing line, no one to command double teams or put fear in the O-line. Trusnik may have a high motor and good character, but that didn't stop him from playing like crap and getting taken out of plays, as well with Barton. Fujita is a liablity in coverage, and Gocong in unproven. Veikune so far is a waste of a draft pick

My stance: Pessimistic. We have a bunch of serviceable players, 2nd stringers and depth, but no impact players. Roth could possibly be that, but we'll have to see more of him

Secondary

Eric Wright ladies and gents

 

Optimist

Eric Wright was solid as usual. McDonald sucked, as usual, but we picked up the #1 consensus CB in the draft, and also a very solid vet CB in Sheldon Brown who Eagles fans were very pissed about giving up. We also drafted TJ Ward who is a tremendous hitter, and Larry Asante in the 5th round. We lost Pool, but retained Elam who was solid in rush defense. It should be a lot better this year as opposed to last

Pessimist

The secondary was pathetic in 09. Whenever a defense gets torched by a rookie on the Detroit Lions you know its bad. You see TJ Ward getting big hits on his highlight films, but you don't see him getting big interceptions. Or big pass deflections. He was an obvious reach, some had him going in the later rounds. Joe Haden lacks instincts and had all of his junior year Interceptions handed to him in a gift basket. The draft team were also divided between him and Kyle Wilson, which means there were some members of the organization who didn't want him. Elam is terrible in coverage, so while our CB could be better, the S play is still shakey at best.

My stance: Middle ground. By grabbing Haden and drafting two safeties with run support strengths, the coaches seems to be installing a defense where the Corners are responsible for being on an island with their WR, and the safeties maybe playing the run more so than playing coverage. The success of this would all depend on how well Wright and Haden are at man coverage.

Poll

How do you feel about the 2010 team

9%

Pessimistic

21 votes

21%

Optimistic

46 votes

64%

Cautiously Optimistic

139 votes

4%

Cautiously Pessimistic

9 votes

215 votes | Poll has closed

#1 St. Louis - Suh

 

In their game against houston, STL was down by 3 and stalking into their opponents territory with 2 minutes remaining. They came to a 4th down with short to go and what did they do? They punted...

STL obviously were playing for draft position so they're targeting a specific player. The surrounding players at that time were TB and Detroit so if they had a QB in their sight it wouldn't have hurt their position if they won that game. The only player that justifies their vying for draft position who could possibly be at the top of other players boards is Suh.

#2 Detroit - Derrick Morgan

 

Detroit has a QB of the future, potentially the best WR in the NFL, a good young RB, and a top TE prospect. One would think that the only thing they need help with is the line before they have all the pieces in the puzzle for a dominant offense. It seems as though they're hyped about Backus and its too early to draft Iupati, so defense seems to be the only choice.

Now, Detroit had a bad run defense, but it wasn't as bad as TB or CLE. Their pass defense on the other hand was vomit inducing. They were at the bottom of the league in INTs and sacks, and we all know the best pass defense is being able to get to the QB and disrupt his throwing. They could go for Berry or Haden, but even the best cover corner can't stay on an island with a good receiver forever. Detroit's defensive line is completely lacking anyone would could even attempt to get to the QB more than 5 times a year. Morgan plays best with his hands in the dirt, fits great in Detroit's 4-3 scheme and is obviously the most hyped pass rusher in this years draft. I honestly don't see them taking anyone else in this position.

#3 Tampa Bay - Gerald McCoy

 

This is a hard choice and I'm sure it will be hard come draft day. It consists of only really two choices, DT or OT. The Bucs gave up around 42 sack by they also gave up 158 yards a game on the ground. But it depends on who the Buc feel like they could get the most value for. They will definitely tackle(no pun intended) the two position needs in the first two rounds of the draft, and if they feel they could pick up a serviceable OT or DT in the second round that'll decide if they go McCoy or Okung. But McCoy is considered to be the most consistent dominant DT in the draft while Okung seems a little shakey to me.

#4 Washington - Jimmy Clausen

 

Seems like they won't be retaining the service of Jason Campbell. And the owner of the most profitable franchise in the NFL likes to make big moves and sign big names with their picks and free agency. This seems like a no brainer that he'll go after this young kid who had on of the more efficient seasons in college football history.

#5- Kansas City Russell - Okung

 

Pioli likes his defensive players in the first round, but my God when will KC do something about their line? The Chiefs have consistently had one of the most putrid lines in the NFL for years and now I believe they're going to do something about it, especially when they realize that that Cassel sucks, but sucks even worst when he's looking at the sky every down. They could easily go Berry here also but I'm willing to bet they actually go for a OT here(not some converted guard) and get their franchise LT that's been long overdue.

 

#6 Seattle - Eric Berry

 I think Seattle will take the Best Player Available at this position. They actually could use someone like Berry. he obviously can play safety, but some believe he's best naturally suited for CB. Seattle could use some talent infusion at either position.

#7 Cleveland - Joe Haden

My favorite team, that just had to go on a winning streak at the end of the year:(

Just kidding; I'm glad things are looking up. Their offense has been putrid...weirdly even worst in the wins than in the loses, and the defense has shown much more improvement than the offense. But the secondary is so bad, there has to be some help to go alongside Wright. Haden just might be the next big shutdown corner in the NFL

#8 Oakland - Carlos Dunlap

 

Oakland is almost locked to into taking someone on the offensive or defensive line at this position. Their O Line sucks but...I just can't see Al Davis doing something smart and going for a player that will help his team. Dunlap is huge, will run fast and test great at the combine. You think Davis cares about some punk ass DUI? Aside from his tests they would be able to get rid of one of the scrub DT's they have on the line, but Seymore at his natural position and match Dunlap opposite of Greg Ellis.

#9 Buffalo - Sam Bradford

 

What else has to be said? They could go after a DT because they truly did stink against the run last year, yet their pass defense was A-1. But they would have won more games if they simply had a QB. And with Brian Brohm and Fitzpatrick as the only other options besides Edwards I can't see them leaving this need unresolved until later rounds. Lucky for them, I love the Bills personally and they'll get a great QB for their future

#10 Jacksonville - Everson Griffin

 

The Jaguars only had 14 sacks this year. The Browns, the BROWNS had OVER half as many against the Pittsburgh Steelhers in one game. This is simply one area where they pretty much have to address.

#11 Denver - Dez Bryant

 

Yea, Rolando McClain is the universal pick here. And I had him here at this point. Then I rememebered that there is a good chance Marshall isn't coming back. And I also remembered that Orton sucks and can't be successful unless he has a great WR to dump the ball off to and make yards after the catch. There is no way Denver goes into the new season without a #1 WR to throw to. No way

# 12 Miami - Dan Williams

WR is a big need here but we know he's not taking one at this position. Parcells is pretty much a fundamentals guy, he builds teams from the Line out. Now he has Paul Soliai as his NT...... exactly. This pick is Dan Williams

#13 San Fransisco - Bruce Campbell

 

Improving upon a line that gave up over 40 sacks this year will definitely help Alex Smith feel more comfortable going forward if they give him an opportunity to take over this team. The right side of the line needs a lot of help.

#14 Seattle -Greg Hardy

 

Kerney has kinda fallen off the past 2 years and he's turning 34 next year. After him, not much depth

#15 New York Giants - Earl Thomas

This makes sense since ET is a beast and they definitely need safety help. It's either him or Sean Witherspoon

#16 Tennesse - Rolando McClain

 

Keith Bullocks future replacement and great value at this pick

#17 SF -  Sergio Kindle

Could use his tremendously at this position

 

#18 Shittsburgh -  Morgan Burnett

 

Two of their aging safeties will be gone after this season. And although this may be a little high for Burnett at this time he's still a solid SS and will work nicely with Polamalu.

#19 Atlanta - Donovan Warren

v

Their pass defense isn't that great. Huge need for them

 

#20 Houston Texans - C.J. Spiller

 

 

Houston's run offense was third worst in the league last year. Schuab would tear defenses up with Spiller making big plays.

#21. NY Jets - Arrelious Benn

NY will be looking for a great WR in this years draft. They're right in position to grab one

#22 Baltimore - Damian Williams

 

 

I believe Williams will be taken ahead of LaFell. Especially after his bowl performance

#23 Arizona - Jerry Hughes

 

 

Arizona's top pass rusher, which only had 6 sacks, is 35. what else has to be said?

#24 Green Bay - Anthony Davis

 

Obviously the biggest need they have. A huge one at that

#25 Cincinnati - Golden Tate

 

OchoCinco is slowly losing his luster and their offense isn't that great, despite the teams success. They need a WR who will give them a spark

#26 - New Engand - Eric Norwood

 

Belicheck will definitely do something to help the defense. NE were at the bottom quarter of the league at getting to the QB and Norwood is a nice OLB who wan play in a two point stance.

#27 Philly - Brandon Spikes

 

Trotter long term at MLB? I think not

#28 Dallas - Taylor Mays

 

Dallas needs help at Safety and Jerry Jones will NOT skip on a chance at a physical, big hitting, big name specimen. They drafted Roy Williams right?

#29 Minnesota - Ryan Mallet

 

Brett obviously won't be there for more than 2 years and if he stays for one more year, that would be a great time to nurture a QB of the future. I'm kinda crazy and think they'll go for Tebow but I'd hope they're not that stupid.

#30 San Diego - Anthony Dixon

 

Where else would they go? LT is getting old and coming up upon free agency, Sproles isn't a feature back. Dixon is a nice sized back with great speed.

#31 New Orleans - Sean Witherspoon

 

NE's depth at LB is weak as hell. Witherspoon has had an amazing career and is a steal at this position. Absolute steal

#32 Indianapolis - Trent Williams

 

 

The Colts are lacking a franchise LT after Ugoh and a great one falls right in their lap. I say they fire.

I bet you never thought in the past month that Notre Dame junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen is one of the most underappreciated quarterback prospects in the history of the NFL Draft. But after reading this blog entry, you just might change your mind.

First, I am going to tell you why you might not like Clausen, and let's be real here, there is a lot of bias against him. Some criticism is warranted, but a lot isn't.

Notre Dame is the most hated football program in America, period. They are the Duke of the gridiron. Automatically, you hate Clausen because he went to Notre Dame, just like you hated J.J. Reddick because he went to Duke. If you want to make an analysis as objective and professional as possible, then you need to cut the crap and get over the Notre Dame hate if you have it - and a lot of that is out there. Think about it: if you put Sanchez on Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen at USC, then Sanchez is the hated prospect and Clausen is the beloved underclassman.

Maybe you don't like Clausen because of the blond, spiky hair, or the limo appearance he had when he was a senior in high school to declare for Notre Dame. These aren't "low profile" characteristics and automatically, you might have disliked him.

For whatever reasons you're down on Clausen, please put them in the back seat and have an open mind when reading this blog entry.

Clausen just amassed one of the most impressive junior seasons among pro-style quarterbacks in the past 10-20 years.

Let's remember that Clausen had a very bad offensive line this year for Notre Dame. Sure, he had good weapons, but the running game was poor and receivers Michael Floyd and Kyle Rudolph missed significant action (eight games missed total between them).

When Floyd went out, Clausen stepped up. With a bum turf toe, he didn't play at all in the second half and led the team to a game-winning drive to beat Purdue. The following week, he posted 422 passing yards against Washington. Over the next three games (USC, Boston College, Washinton State), Clausen threw for 774 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Clausen is a huge reason for Golden Tate's big season as well. While Tate is a talented player, he couldn't have done it without Clausen's extremely high level of accuracy.

Numerous times, Clausen played through pain this season. He led his team in games in crunch time, and was without a doubt the most clutch quarterback in the nation this year.

Criticizing Clausen because he had talent around him is a very poor argument. It isn't like Clausen was putting up just above average statistics - he dominated opponents. He showed a very high football IQ and rarely forced the ball in coverage. Did he throw some balls up for grabs? Sure, but Peyton Manning does the same thing occasionally to Reggie Wayne. Drew Brees lofts the ball up for Marques Colston in the red zone. Philip Rivers relies on Vincent Jackson. Quarterbacks can't do it all by themselves.

One statistic that can't be discussed enough is Clausen's 7:1 touchdown-intercpetion ratio, which is absolutely unheard of among junior quarterbacks in pro-style offenses. This is just ridiculous. It doesn't happen and it isn't supposed to happen. Give the man some credit where credit is due.

The bottom line is Clausen certainly needs to be looked at as one of, if not the most polished junior quarterback prospect in the history of the NFL Draft. I didn't say the BEST junior quarterback prospects because he doesn't have the physical skill, but he is certainly one of the most NFL-ready.

Analyze the statistics of a select group of quarterbacks in the spreadsheet below; all of these stats were taken from each quarterback's junior season. Aside from Matthew Stafford (I'm including him because I had him No. 1 overall on my big board), these highly thought-of quarterbacks that have gone on to outstanding success in the NFL.

Clausen simply blows everyone out of the water. His touchdown-interception ratio puts Peyton Manning's 1996 season to shame. His completion percentage is a good five points ahead of Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger. Clausen threw six less interceptions than EVERYONE.

Clausen's ranks across the board: 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st.

I just don't understand how someone like Todd McShay can say Clausen is a second-round talent when you consider how his statistics compare to some of the NFL's current greats.

I'm not a fan of just analyzing statistics, and my evaluation of Clausen really doesn't have very much to do with them. All I am doing is putting his season into perspective.

The perspective proves that Clausen is worthy of much more respect than I feel like he is getting at the moment. We will probably never see a better junior season ever again. Charlie Weis leaving the college game means that there is one less West Coast offense in the NCAA.

Over the next 10 years, I fear that nearly all snaps are going to be taken out of shotgun and NFL front offices are going to be throwing darts and evaluating prospects based on physical tools only since the schemes are so easy to execute.

Clausen isn't executing an easy scheme - he is executing the toughest scheme on the national stage. Every week the camera is on him, and every week he delivered. If Notre Dame's defense was just above average, this team would have won 10 games.

If you don't like Clausen because he is cocky, then that is fine. I just hope you are consistent and also say Rivers is a bad NFL quarterback because he is cocky - because a slightly confident leader can't win games in the NFL, right?

Maybe if Philip Rivers went to Notre Dame...

via walterfootball.com

Poll

Will Jimmy Clausen be an elite NFL QB?

12%

No

11 votes

54%

Yes

46 votes

32%

Decent, but not elite

28 votes

85 votes | Poll has closed

 

Are we sure we want Cleveland to take a D lineman with our pick like many of the sports analysist think?

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