2010 NFL Mock Draft—First Round: Non-Playoff Teams Only

‘Tis the season for the 2010 NFL Mock Draft bonanza!

One of the best parts of the NFL offseason is all the mock drafts that are produced and updated over and over again.

This is very entertaining and a great way to keep fans clued into who their team could possibly draft in April.

The following is a mock of only the first round, non-playoff teams in the upcoming draft since there is no real telling where playoff teams will end up there is no real reason to make any predictions for them until after the Super Bowl.

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Josh Cribbs’ Contract Saga: Everyone Be Patient and His Hypothetical Trade Value

Cleveland Browns star returner Josh Cribbs has been patient for two straight years while proving his worth to the team with the hope that the Browns will extended his contract and give him more money for all of his efforts.

A Contract Offer Blown Out of Proportion, but Patience is Key

Finally, Browns new president Mike Holmgren said last week that he wants to keep Cribbs on the team and he gave the green light for the Browns to start negotiations with the playmaker.

But what happens next was unexpected by everyone, including Cribbs.

The Browns offer Cribbs an increase that would pay him $1.4 million per year, which is an increase of the $620,000 he made in 2009.

What is sad is that the offer should have been more like $4 million per year, but this is a negotiation. Despite Cribbs and his agent’s overreaction (which is understandable), there is no reason they should have gone public with their complaints.

This could cause a problem in the whole “getting a new deal” process, but Browns fans and Cribbs need to settle down because this is only a first offer.

A second offer will most likely be made, but there are other priorities that Holmgren needs to focus on, like hiring a general manger, a scouting director, and a scouting team.

The scouting department is important to get into place immediately because the NFL Combine starts on Feburary 24, right around the corner.

Once Holmgren hires the rest of his front office staff, then he will have some time to spend with Cribbs and make another offer to the Pro Bowl returner.

What Trade Value Does a Team Put on a Pro Bowl Returner? (Hypothetical)

But what if the Browns want to trade Cribbs because his overreaction is seen as an issue in Holmgren’s eyes?

What would the Browns value Cribbs at in drafts picks?

In this hypothetical situation, all you have to do is look at the Arizona Cardinals and their receiver Anquan Boldin during 2008.

Boldin, who is under contract until the end of the 2010 season, asked to be either compensated with a new contract that was more comparable to what fellow teammate and receiver Larry Fitzgerald received in 2008 (four years, $40 million, $30 million guaranteed), or get traded to another team.

Since Boldin was under contract, the Cardinals held all of the cards in the matter and decided to overvalue their receiver because they could.

They wanted two first-round picks in a trade for Boldin, hoping that another team would be desperate enough to take the deal, but no one jumped at the offer.

There were other teams offering first and second-round picks in the trade, but the Cardinals knew that Boldin was more of a value on their roster unless they could get two first-round picks for him.

The point here is that the Browns hold all of the cards with Cribbs under contract for three more years. If they wanted to put a price on him, it would be an overvalued price to see if there is a team desperate enough to take the deal and give up two first-round picks.

There may not be another team willing to take the deal, but one of the hottest commodities in the NFL right now is to have a star returner on the roster, especially a two-time Pro Bowl returner.

Is an asking price of two first round picks ridiculous? Of course it is, but even the Cardinals asked this price for their three-time Pro Bowler, so it doesn’t seem too far off of an asking price for Cribbs who is a two-time Pro Bowler.

Will the Browns make another offer to keep Cribbs? Definitely.

Will the Browns overvalue their returner if a deal cannot be made? Definitely.

The worst that can happen in this scenario is that Cribbs will hold out and not play in 2010. But that not only hurts his value with other teams, it also will be very difficult for a competitor like Cribbs to just not play the game he loves.

Holmgren is a very smart man and he will do what’s best for the team.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Mike Holmgren To Keep Eric Mangini and Staff

According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren will keep head coach Eric Mangini and his coaching staff for the 2010 regular season.

Holmgren and Mangini have met several times this week so that Holmgren could get a feel for where the coach was with his process of rebuilding the team and if Mangini would be able to not only work with Holmgren’s vision for the future of the Browns, but if Mangini would also be able to work under Holmgren and another boss, which is a general manager to be named soon.

Also, Holmgren gave Mangini a set of questions to ponder before their meeting so that Mangini would not be surprised by on-the-spot questions that Holmgren would ask.

Obviously, both men have found a mutual liking for each other since Mangini will get another season as head coach, but Mangini also made it a point and told the media that he was more concerned for his other coaches since they all had families that relocated to the Cleveland area too.

It was very noble of Mangini, and it looks like Holmgren has bought into whatever Mangini said during their meetings because as of right now, the rest of Mangini’s staff will be intact too.

Many Browns fans wanted offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to get replaced, but that appears not to happen now.

On a lighter note, Browns fans favored defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and his ability to use backups and waiver wire pickups to keep the defense competitive and help hold opposing teams offenses in check during the season ending four-game winning streak.

Now that Holmgren has made this difficult decision, he now needs to focus on a general manager and he just interviewed Eagles GM Tom Heckert on Wednesday, but Holmgren also needs to hire a scouting staff very soon. Lastly, he needs to tend to Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs’ contract issues, which are still continuing after a slap-in-the-face offer was made to him on Wednesday.

Holmgren still has a lot on his plate, but after watching his first press conference as the Browns’ new president, he seems more than confident to get the job done.

And done right.

 

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper )

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Is Clemson Running Back CJ Spiller the Next Chris Johnson?

Last week, the comparison to who could become the next Chris Johnson of the Titans was Ole Miss’ running back Dexter McCluster, but now it is time to take a look at a running back who may be a better comparison in Clemson back CJ Spiller.

If you didn’t get a chance to read to McCluster comparison, then click here .

Since coming to Clemson Spiller has to spilt carries with former running back James Davis (who is now with the Cleveland Browns) for his first three years, but the best decision that Spiller could have made was resisting the urge to go into the NFL after his junior year and go back to Clemson for his senior year.

He easily increased his stock to a projected mid-first-round pick because their are many NFL teams that see what Johnson has done for the Titans in his first to seasons and are now taking notice on any running back with similar attributes.

Spiller fits the mold of a Johnson clone with his size (he is 5’11” 195-pounds compared to Johnson who is 5’11” 200-pounds) which is nearly an exact match, his speed, his soft hands, and elusiveness.

The moment of truth in this comparison between the two backs will be when Spiller performs at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February.

When Johnson was there he tied the fastest mark for the 40-yard dash when he ran a 4.24.

It has been reported by one of Spiller’s coaches that he once ran the 40 in 4.12 seconds, but there are other reports that say Spiller runs it closer to the high 4.3’s.

Regardless, of what Spiller really runs if he can indeed come closer to Johnson’s record of 4.24, then look for Spiller to shoot up into the top 10 picks of the draft come April.

Teams that could have interest in Spiller in the top 10 are: Lions, Bucs, Redskins, Seahawks, and the Browns, but really any of the top 10 teams could take Spiller because it is too hard to pass up on his talent.

Is Spiller the next Johnson?

You decide, but there is a strong indication that he could just be the next superstar running back in the NFL.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Solution for Josh Cribbs and Cleveland Browns: Dump Derek Anderson’s Contract

So two-time Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs is “insulted” because the Cleveland Browns only offered him a new deal which would pay him $1.4 million per year.

Is this a salary increase for Cribbs ? Indeed.

Are the Browns offering enough for their best player, and the best returner in the NFL’s history? Not a chance.

Will the Browns make another contract offer? Hopefully.

Is Cribbs overreacting with his many tweets via Twitter regarding this situation? Absolutely.

Are Cribbs’ agents dirtbags ? No comment from this journalist, so you decide.

Will negotiations continue? Probably.

Will Cribbs get traded? Hopefully not, or the Browns’ fan base will probably burn part of Berea , OH (which is where the Browns’ headquarters is) to the ground in disgust.

So the Browns have burnt a bridge, and supposedly they stand behind their offer, and it’s a take it or leave it type of offer.

One would think that the Browns should have plenty of salary left over, especially after dumping the big contracts of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards in the past year.

Why can’t they offer Cribbs more money?

It is most likely that this is the first offer in the negotiation process and another offer will be made once president Mike Holmgren takes care of other important issues; like filing the rest of the front office and getting a scouting team assembled to begin assessing talent for the draft in April.

If there is another offer down the road, Cribbs needs to chill out with his Twitter account. He needs to shut his ridiculously overreacting agents up, before Browns management has a change of heart and just grants Cribbs and his agents their wish; a trade.

Cribbs is the heart and soul of the Browns and the face of the franchise currently, but if he does not quiet down, then he will cause more damage and be deemed a liability by the Browns. If the Browns are willing to part with him, why would they want to trade for him and deal with all the outside chatter by him and his agents?

Hey Cribbs , here’s some advice, be quiet and be the professional all Browns fans know you are, and this situation will clear itself up.

Also, get new agents, because your agents are a really bad influence on you.

Finally, a message to the Browns; how about cutting Derek Anderson, and once you don’t have to pay him $8 million in 2010, give Cribbs some of that money because he deserves it more than Anderson does at this point in their respective careers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Josh Cribbs Insulted at New Contract Offer by the Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren gave the Browns a green light to give superstar returner Josh Cribbs a new contract, but sadly the Browns’ offer was not spectacular.

The Browns offered Cribbs a deal that would pay him $1.4 million per year which is an upgrade over the $600,000+ he currently makes per year.

Cribbs’ agent Peter Schaffer has said, “They need to treat him fairly or he’ll never play for the Browns again. He will demand a trade and he will walk out of there and they won’t see him for the off-season — they won’t see him ever again.”

Players that are returners for other teams, that do not provide as much of a spark as Cribbs does make the following: Andre Davis of the Texans makes $4.3 million and Roscoe Parrish of the Bills makes $3.2 million per year.

And the Browns offer Cribbs $1.4 million?

That’s quite a bit less and the offer should have been at least $4 million for all that Cribbs does for the Browns.

After a season where Cribbs made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career, broke the all-time record for kicks returned for a touchdown in a career, was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice, and named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December, the Browns have done the impossible and angered their best player.

Cribbs and his agent are “insulted” as written in an email sent to Dawn Aponte who is vice president of football administration and is in charge of negotiating contracts for the Browns.

The emails states, “1.4 million dollars per year for a player of Josh’s caliber and character is not only insulting it is unjustifiable under any objective criteria.”

Holmgren had a chance to make a big splash with Browns fans by getting their star player re-signed to a new deal and make him very happy, but it looks like they decided to slap him in the face with a horribly low offer.

Finally, in Scaffer’s email sent to Aponte, he writes that since no one in the organization is returned their calls or messages, that they want “the people of Cleveland to determine [what price is] fair.”

It is guaranteed that the people will cry out in pain because their beloved Cribbs who is the heart and soul of the team is once again angry.

Another sad moment for Browns fans during a time of hope with the Holmgren era just beginning.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Breaking Rumor: John Fox to Browns Would Open Door for Bill Cowher to Panthers

Rumors have begun to spread in Cleveland (via cleveland.com) that new president Mike Holmgren is eyeing Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox to coach the Browns in 2010.

This opens up so many different channels of speculation because if Fox was to come to the Browns, then that means Holmgren is already leaning toward firing current Browns coach Eric Mangini.

Also, if this rumor holds any truth, then Fox, who is in his last year of his contract would have to be let go by Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.

According to a league source, Fox is “very interested” in the move to the Browns to work under Holmgren.

Since rumors have been circulating in the last several weeks regarding the future of Fox, one would think that Richardson and Fox would agree on a settlement to end Fox’s contract which is due to pay him $6 million as the Panthers’ coach in 2010.

Continuing on the speculation, what does this mean for the Panthers?

One name.

Bill Cowher.

Cowher resided in North Carolina and various rumors (via profootballtalk.com) over the last few weeks have said that Cowher is making calls and beginning to set up a coaching staff.

The Tampa Bay Bucs were said to have offered Cowher a GM and coach position, but have since denied that they are pursuing Cowher at all.

The real question regarding the Fox to the Browns rumor is why would Holmgren want Fox since they have no ties together?

One simple answer is that they know each other through their mutual agent, Bob LaMonte.

Apparently, Holmgren is compiling his “lists” of candidates for various positions in the Browns organization via his agent.

Sounds strange and a bit fishy, but who in Carolina wouldn’t be happy if this went through and they wound up getting Cowher as their new head coach?

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Cleveland Browns Offseason: Welcome Mike Holmgren and Position Analysis

Going into the 2010 offseason, there are many things surrounding the Cleveland Browns since their new president, Mike Holmgren, is finally in the Browns’ Training Facility in Berea, OH.

 

Holmgren cracks jokes and needs an office on day one as President

When Holmgren got to the facility, he was looking around for his office, and when he asked where it was, another employee informed him that his office was not completed.

So what did Holmgren do?

He found the first empty office space that he saw and claimed it as his temporary office.

A little bit sad, and a little bit funny.

Funny is what Holmgren was during his first press conference with the Cleveland and national media.

Cracking jokes and giving out all the right answers, Holmgren is the new face of the Cleveland Browns, and he looks the part right down to the tie, which he also cracked a joke about.

A quick note: Look at the picture above and you can see Holmgren was wearing his Super Bowl ring at the press conference, possibly to remind Clevelanders that he has won the big game.

Nice touch!

 

Position-by-Position Breakdown

Even though the Browns won their last four games of the 2009 season, there are still plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and with 11 draft picks in the 2010 NFL Draft and lots of room under the salary cap, regardless of whether it’s a capped or uncapped year, the Browns are looking to acquire many players in the offseason.

 

Quarterback:

This is the most talked about position in the history of the new Browns, but with Holmgren on board and his expertise at the position, the Browns will look to finally have stability at quarterback.

Brady Quinn may not be the answer, but if he stays on for 2010, look for him to be on a short leash.

Derek Anderson will get cut due to his $9 million salary. Not worth it at all.

Look for an additional quarterback or two to be added via free agency or the draft.

Many speculate that Holmgren will bring in a vet, or even try to get Matt Hasselbeck from the Seahawks.

 

Running Back:

Before the month of December, many fans were hoping that the Browns would pick a running back in the first round of the draft, but after Jerome Harrison broke out in the final three games, it looks like he will get a new contract and be the starter for 2010.

Rookie James Davis’ injury was unfortunate since he showed potential in the preseason, but the Browns still do not know what he has since he was out for the entire season.

Davis could be a good alternate to Harrison in a running rotation in 2010, but a big bruising back is needed to get short yardage and during goal line plays.

Chris Jennings could bulk up a bit more and be that bruiser, but adding a big back could work out, too.

Adding Josh Cribbs as a running back could prove to be helpful on short yardage and goal line plays, as well, since he has averaged 6.5 yards per carry in his career.

 

Fullback:

Lawrence Vickers is under the NFL’s radar and is one of the best fullbacks in the league.

He demolishes defenders on his blocks, and the Browns need to re-sign him for 2010 and beyond since his contract ended in 2009.

 

Wide Receiver:

There is good potential at receiver for the Browns with Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, and Chansi Stuckey, but another receiver needs to be added.

This journalist, along with a few others, have all said that the Browns need a Joe Jurevicuis-type receiver who has great hands and can be a mentor for the younger receivers on the roster.

Free agency is the way to go in getting a good veteran receiver on board.

This biggest issue will be whether the vet receiver will be good enough to be the No. 1 or No. 2 starter for the team, because at times, Massaquoi struggled as the teams’ No. 1 receiver in 2009, and he needs help with another good starter on the opposite side of the field.

Massaquoi’s time as the No. 1 receiver in 2009 may have been the best learning experience for him, and maybe in 2010 he will be a true No. 1 receiver for the Browns.

 

Tight End:

Evan Moore came out of nowhere to become the Browns’ biggest tight end threat in the passing game, and he has a chance to be a very good starter if he works hard in the offseason.

Robert Royal should be let go, and Steve Heiden is still reliable when he is not injured.

Michael Gaines has provided some needed push in the running game, but the Browns might still need to add another tight end.

 

Offensive Line:

The right side of the line struggled for most of the season, at least until Hank Fraley played right guard and Rex Hadnot played right tackle for the last four games of the season.

A stud right tackle should be drafted, and current right tackle John St. Clair needs to be cut.

After adding a right tackle, the Browns will have good depth on the line in 2010.

 

Defensive Line:

The emergence of Athyba Rubin on the line when Shaun Rogers went down for the season proved to be a good thing since Rubin is very good in controlling space and plugging lanes against the running game.

Roger may even move over to the end since he enjoys rushing the opposing quarterback more than anything else.

Rumors are out that Holmgren may switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme since he has worked with that style of defense for most of his career, and that would mean current linebacker transition players Kamerion Wimbley and David Veikune could go back to playing on the end of the line like they did in college.

The Browns line looks good going into the offseason, but let’s be honest, if Ndamukong Suh is still available once the Browns’ No. 7 pick comes up in the 2010 draft, they must draft him.

This is highly unlikely, but you never know in the NFL.

 

Linebackers:

The Browns’ linebacker group was hurt with injuries to starters D’Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton, but David Bowens stepped in and preformed at a very high level.

Rookie Kaluka Maiava was able to see some playing time with the injuries, and he did play well, but still needs time to get better.

Former Dolphin outcast Matt Roth was picked up midseason, and he showed the Browns why they need to re-sign him to a nice contract, because he should be starting on the outside in 2010.

This is a good mix of players, but the Browns really lack a playmaking and intimidating linebacker that most teams have, and while another addition might help, Roth could also be that intimidating player in 2010.

 

Cornerbacks:

Eric Wright is slowly developing into a very good cover corner, but besides him, the Browns do not have another starting caliber corner, and they must address this in the draft (quite possibly in the first round).

Backups Brandon McDonald and Hank Poteat were burned all year long, and this position might be the worst in depth on the team.

2009 rookie Coye Francies hardly saw any playing time in the regular season, but he was impressive in the preseason.

Hopefully, Franices’ development can continue and he can contribute more in 2010 in nickel and dime packages.

 

Safety:

Brodney Pool has had too many concussions in his short career, and that could threaten his long-term health, but he may still be of value as a backup safety or as a cornerback.

The Browns need a starter opposite Abram Elam for 2010, and even though Elam was not spectacular, his name wasn’t mentioned much, which means a player is doing his job.

In 2010, Elam will be a starter for his second year, so look for him to have a bigger impact.

If the Browns cannot get Tennessee safety Eric Berry at No. 7, then perhaps they should look for Earl Thomas in the second round.

 

Kicking and Punting:

Phil Dawson said he was going to hold out before the 2009 training camp began, but he came back to play.

He is still the only player this journalist wants to see kicking the ball in the crazy winds off of Lake Erie, but if Dawson wants more money, then it is in the hands of Holmgren to decide if he’s worth the price.

Bottom line: if you can kick in rain, blizzards, and 30-plus mph winds, then you should get paid. Period.

Punter David Zastidul is at the top of his game, and as long as his can stay healthy, there is no reason to replace him.

 

Final analysis:

The most important positions of need are easily at right tackle and in the defensive secondary, and the Browns should focus their first three picks in the 2010 NFL Draft on cornerback, safety, and tackle.

Free agency can provide some depth that is needed at positions like quarterback and wide receiver.

There are other positions that need more depth, but quarterback, wide receiver, right tackle, cornerback, and safety should be the first priority in the offseason for the Browns.

 

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Cleveland Browns Year End Awards for the 2009 Season

Another year, another season of Cleveland Browns fans saying “There’s always next year.”

A saying all too familiar for Browns fans worldwide.

Now that the season has come to an end, there is a big and bright shiny light at teh end of the tunnel with a silhoutte of a figure standing in the light and that person is new President Mike Holmgren.

More change is going to occur in the offseason, but Holmgren has promised that he will be quickly with his decision making, but Browns fans hope he is not too quick and can make all decisions wisely.

Only time will tell if Holmgren is the cure for the aches and pains the Browns have experienced since 1999, but he definitely brings a ton of hope with his arrival.

Now, not to delay the end of the year awards for the Browns.

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Cleveland Browns Year End Awards for the 2009 Season

Another year, another season of Cleveland Browns fans saying “There’s always next year.”

A saying all too familiar for Browns fans worldwide.

Now that the season has come to an end, there is a big and bright shiny light at teh end of the tunnel with a silhoutte of a figure standing in the light and that person is new President Mike Holmgren.

More change is going to occur in the offseason, but Holmgren has promised that he will be quickly with his decision making, but Browns fans hope he is not too quick and can make all decisions wisely.

Only time will tell if Holmgren is the cure for the aches and pains the Browns have experienced since 1999, but he definitely brings a ton of hope with his arrival.

Now, not to delay the end of the year awards for the Browns.

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