If there is one team this NFL lockout will really hurt, it's the Browns. The Browns have clearly found their running back in 1,000-yard rusher Peyton Hillis. But with the players locked out, this prevents Colt McCoy getting in the much needed reps with his receivers and learning the play book from front-to-back.
All is not bad in Cleveland; a closer look at the 2010 schedule reveals that the second half of the season the Browns began to find their stride going 3-5 with a win over New England and an OT loss to the Jets the following week. If the Browns beat the Jets do they go to Jacksonville and lose by four-points to the Jaguars? That Jets loss hurt in a big way, With the exception of the week 17 41-9 blowout loss to Pittsburgh, the Browns were in every game. The Browns lost by an average of of 5.8 per game from nine through 17. What helped was that they made the decision to let Colt McCoy take his licks and bank on him getting the playing experience needed for the 2011 season. Cleveland quarterbacks threw only 12 touchdowns in 2010 to seven to wide receivers and three to a tight end. This glaring statistic means they should be thinking wide receiver with their No.1 pick or at the very latest in rounds 2-3.
Advice for Colt McCoy: Become a leader and take charge of your offense; Call up your receivers, get together with them and start practicing. You have something special starting there and the time is now!
Draft slot: 4th overall Needs: QB, WR, RB, DL, CB
Wow, This is one team that should be counting their blessings because there is a lock-out. First, they need all the time in the world to get a game plan together for replacing their QB Carson Palmer. Their worst case scenario is replacing him with his brother Jordan Palmer, who completed all three passes he threw in 2010. Outside of that, the Bengals' cupboard is bare at quarterback.
The Bengals need to make that "splash" draft pick and take Cam Newton. He may not be the most A-typical QB in the draft but he brings something that the Bengals desperately need- a winning attitude. His tuck-and-run quarterbacking style is perfect for the AFC North because of the aggressive style of defense that is played by division heavyweights Steelers and Ravens.Second, the Bengals need to learn how identify character in their draft choices. In addition to signing the leagues free agent misfits, it seems as though this team drafts the most dysfunctional players each year.
In all fairness, the Bengals were hit by the injury bug in 2010, but the bug that really bit them was the Batman and Robin duo of Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens. The much hyped duo combined for 17 touchdowns and just over 1,800 yards with neither Batman or Robin going over 1,000 yards for the season. Advice for Bengals' management: trade Carson Palmer during the draft for more 2011 draft picks and maybe a future 2012 pick that should be determined by Palmer's performance. The last thing you want is a QB with a bad attitude leading your offense.
The Bengals need to make that "splash" draft pick and take Cam Newton. He may not be the most A-typical QB in the draft but he brings something that the Bengals desperately need- a winning attitude. His tuck-and-run quarterbacking style is perfect for the AFC North because of the aggressive style of defense that is played by division heavyweights Steelers and Ravens.Second, the Bengals need to learn how identify character in their draft choices. In addition to signing the leagues free agent misfits, it seems as though this team drafts the most dysfunctional players each year.
In all fairness, the Bengals were hit by the injury bug in 2010, but the bug that really bit them was the Batman and Robin duo of Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens. The much hyped duo combined for 17 touchdowns and just over 1,800 yards with neither Batman or Robin going over 1,000 yards for the season. Advice for Bengals' management: trade Carson Palmer during the draft for more 2011 draft picks and maybe a future 2012 pick that should be determined by Palmer's performance. The last thing you want is a QB with a bad attitude leading your offense.
Baltimore Ravens- Last Season: 12-4 (4-2 division, 9-3 AFC)
Draft slot: 26th overall Needs: WR, LB, DE/DL, CB, QB
First and foremost the "Big, Bad" Ravens need to get over their divisional playoff loss to the Steelers. I've been reading recent reports of Harbaugh whining about the game. They won't be able to move forward until they do.
Second, someone in the organization needs to question whether or not Joe Flacco is the QB for the long-term future. The up-and-down QB plays well against teams he's supposed to beat but hasn't shown that he can take over a game. Knock him around early in the game and your secondary will be catching interceptions like an outfielder catching pop-flies. I would draft a QB in the late rounds to get him thinking. If I were Ozzie Newsome, I would be looking for Ray Lewis' heir-apparent.
The Ravens don't have many holes to fill, so this may be the time to start thinking about who's going to be with the team two or three years down the line. One can't expect the Ravens to replace a Hall of Fame linebacker like Lewis, but Lewis can mentor and teach the defense to a gifted rookie. Another receiver to take the double team off Anquan Bolden would help. Other than Bolden, the Ravens receiving corp is a collection mediocre castoffs from other teams.
Advice, get over last season, find the faults within your own team and move on. So, your in a position draft for depth- so do it!
Second, someone in the organization needs to question whether or not Joe Flacco is the QB for the long-term future. The up-and-down QB plays well against teams he's supposed to beat but hasn't shown that he can take over a game. Knock him around early in the game and your secondary will be catching interceptions like an outfielder catching pop-flies. I would draft a QB in the late rounds to get him thinking. If I were Ozzie Newsome, I would be looking for Ray Lewis' heir-apparent.
The Ravens don't have many holes to fill, so this may be the time to start thinking about who's going to be with the team two or three years down the line. One can't expect the Ravens to replace a Hall of Fame linebacker like Lewis, but Lewis can mentor and teach the defense to a gifted rookie. Another receiver to take the double team off Anquan Bolden would help. Other than Bolden, the Ravens receiving corp is a collection mediocre castoffs from other teams.
Advice, get over last season, find the faults within your own team and move on. So, your in a position draft for depth- so do it!
Pittsburgh Steelers- Last Season: 12-4 (5-1 division, 9-3 AFC)
Draft slot: 31st Needs: OL, CB, DL/DE, RB, LB
First and foremast, the AFC champion Steelers have been getting by with a mediocre offensive line for years. Granted injuries played a huge role with last years team, but, for a franchise whose reputation for dominating the line of scrimmage, it's been way below the standard set by teams of the 70's, 90's and even the 80's.
The best example of the Steelers poor offensive line play was in Super Bowl XVL when Roethlisberger dropped back to pass and his offensive lineman was pushed straight back into his lap forcing a poor throw that led to an eventual interception return for touchdown. That seven points was the difference in the game.
The other glaring need for the Steelers that could be seen almost right away during Super Bowl XVL was the need for a cornerback. They don't need a "shut-down" corner but one that can cover as well as tackle (see Rod Woodson). The Steelers need to find a running back that can hold onto the ball. (see Super Bowl XVL). Mendenhall, while very productive, seems to have a hard time holding onto the ball. The talent level drops off considerably after Mendenhall.
The thing about the Steelers, is that you can bet they will draft one or two linebackers and find/coach-up the diamond in the rough. Their defense relies heavily on great linebacker play and with that said it is hard to find the perfect fit at linebacker. Will LB Jason Worilds ever get over his hamstring problem? Will LB Lawrence Thimmons re-sign. Better yet, is he worth the money he's going to ask for? Hopefully, LB Larry Foote and WR Antwan Randle-El will talk to him about going for the money. It's one or the other; chase the money or the championship. Rarely does it work out both ways. Will CBWilliam Gay take over opposite CB Ike Taylor. Is CB Bryant McFadden even worth a roster spot? Is Flozell Adams gonna play another season? Advice: People who know me will tell you that I've been saying for years that the Steelers need to protect their most prized possession-Ben Roethlisberger. While Big Ben may take a lot of sacks, the fact is that he's running for his life most of the time due to poor line play. He has been the most sacked QB in the league the last couple years. Played with a pin in his ankle, broken nose and a list of other injuries. Ben's growing old fast.
The best example of the Steelers poor offensive line play was in Super Bowl XVL when Roethlisberger dropped back to pass and his offensive lineman was pushed straight back into his lap forcing a poor throw that led to an eventual interception return for touchdown. That seven points was the difference in the game.
The other glaring need for the Steelers that could be seen almost right away during Super Bowl XVL was the need for a cornerback. They don't need a "shut-down" corner but one that can cover as well as tackle (see Rod Woodson). The Steelers need to find a running back that can hold onto the ball. (see Super Bowl XVL). Mendenhall, while very productive, seems to have a hard time holding onto the ball. The talent level drops off considerably after Mendenhall.
The thing about the Steelers, is that you can bet they will draft one or two linebackers and find/coach-up the diamond in the rough. Their defense relies heavily on great linebacker play and with that said it is hard to find the perfect fit at linebacker. Will LB Jason Worilds ever get over his hamstring problem? Will LB Lawrence Thimmons re-sign. Better yet, is he worth the money he's going to ask for? Hopefully, LB Larry Foote and WR Antwan Randle-El will talk to him about going for the money. It's one or the other; chase the money or the championship. Rarely does it work out both ways. Will CBWilliam Gay take over opposite CB Ike Taylor. Is CB Bryant McFadden even worth a roster spot? Is Flozell Adams gonna play another season? Advice: People who know me will tell you that I've been saying for years that the Steelers need to protect their most prized possession-Ben Roethlisberger. While Big Ben may take a lot of sacks, the fact is that he's running for his life most of the time due to poor line play. He has been the most sacked QB in the league the last couple years. Played with a pin in his ankle, broken nose and a list of other injuries. Ben's growing old fast.
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