Cleveland Browns Update: Time to Get to Work

By Ha Kung Wong

Twitter: @FBGarbageTime

Well, now that I’ve discussed how to fix the Cleveland Browns, and the NFL Combine is well on its way, it’s about time for a Browns update!

Combine and Conquer

And how did my two favorite Browns first round Draft targets, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, do at the NFL Combine?  Well, let’s take a look:

Jared Goff
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.82 seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 27.0 inches
  • Broad Jump: 110.0 inches
  • 3 Cone Drill: 7.17 seconds
  • Passing Drills:

Carson Wentz
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.77 seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 118.0 inches
  • 3 Cone Drill: 6.86 seconds
  • Passing Drills:

Both QBs looked pretty good in on-field drills, with Wentz having slightly better measurables.  Goffs’ release in passing drills was exceptional, with decent timing, particularly on crossing routes.  I’m still of the opinion of that Goff is the right pick, and I guess I’m not the only one, as NFL Network’s Chris Rose apparently had doubts that Wentz would succeed in the NFL, at least not with the Browns:

Hard to say that I surprised by his skepticism.  What did they say about “insanity”?  Something about “doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result”?  Perhaps, but I got a good feeling about this one…

To Sign or Not to Sign

Just a quick update on some of the potential Browns free agent re-signings:

Travis Benjamin

At first there was word that the re-signing was close:

But then Mary Kay Cabot reported on February 23 that talks had broken down.  Of course, no sooner was it reported that the San Diego Chargers and Atlanta falcons were pursuing Benjamin that Cabot reported that talks had not broken down.

Although I still think that Benjamin should be re-signed, regardless of what happens with Josh Gordon or in the Draft, I have a sneaky suspicion that Benjamin will hit free agency and test the waters, seeing as how the WR free agent class looks to be rather weak.

Alex Mack

As I mentioned, if the Browns can re-sign Mack, they can look to free agency to shore up their less-than-average offensive line.  But without Mack, well, this line would need some major retooling.  So it’s not good news that Mack was expected to opt-out of his contract:

Of course, after sitting down to speak to new head coach Hue Jackson, looks like Mack may now be contemplating a return. And it at least looks like the Browns want that to happen:

There’s still some time left, but this is one of the few important parts of the 2015 team that the Browns must retain.

Tashaun Gipson

Gipson followed up a career year in 2014 with a decent 2015, though marred by small injuries.  Now it seems that Gipson is looking to hit free agency, particularly after not hearing much from the Browns:

And now it looks like the Chicago Bears might be interested in obtaining his ball hawking services.  And though the Browns appear to be interested in retaining Gipson, they don’t want to tag him:

Although not essential, Gipson does have 14 interceptions to his name and plays center field well.  The Browns have enough issues to deal with, and retaining Gipson makes sense, including using the tag.  With other teams needing help at FS, better hope the Browns are stepping up from “hoping” to have a long-term to actually “having” one sooner rather than later.

Obligatory Johnny Football Update

I know, I know.  You’ve had enough of Johnny Manziel.  So have I.  And perhaps so have the police and DA.

I discussed last time the terrible sequence of events that led to the potential prosecution of Manziel for assaulting his girlfriend.  And now it seems it’s going to a grand jury:

If the grand jury determines charges should be brought, Manziel could be facing up to a year in prison.  Honestly, it might not much matter at this point.  It’s pretty clear that Manziel is in need of help.  Hopefully this gets it for him, one way or the other.

Cleveland Rocks!

On the plus side, congratulations, Cleveland!  Your Cleveland Browns have finally done it!  They’ve made the headlines when Las Vegas posted its odds for teams winning Super Bowl 51!

Unfortunately, it’s not because the Browns have anywhere near a good chance of actually winning Super Bowl 51, but because they have the WORST chance of winning Super Bowl 51 at 200 to 1 odds.  The next worse odds are the San Francisco 49ers at 60 to 1.  So not only do Las Vegas gurus feel that the Browns are long shots, but they REALLY REALLY feel that they’re REALLY REALLY long shots.

Well done, Browns.  Well done.

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Until next time, remember, still plenty of time to right the ship!  Wait, what was that saying about insanity again…?

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