Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[aurorabuckeye13]

I like the invite of Hackney to camp... he was projected by some to be drafted and could be an interesting developmental QB

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/7/06


Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Frye on inside track to start at quarterback

UA product becomes top option with Dilfer gone

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Browns coach Romeo Crennel finally conceded Friday what most thought this offseason.
``Charlie (Frye) might have a leg up on the starting (quarterback) job,'' Crennel said after the first day of the Browns' minicamp.
On a day that was supposed to focus on their rookies, the talk was mainly of the abrupt trade of quarterback Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.
That deal cemented Frye's status as the starter.
``I think Charlie deserves that,'' Browns General Manager Phil Savage said. ``He's worked extremely hard this spring, and he's been here basically from sunup to sundown.
``I think the players have gravitated toward him as the leader of the team on offense. I think at this stage of the game it's deserving to say that he's the number one quarterback.''
Whether Dilfer was dispatched to the 49ers because of his actions or because of Frye's is open to debate.
Though Savage said Dilfer did not force his way out of town, and Crennel said Dilfer was not a problem in the offseason, clearly there were ``issues.''
``At some point things got off the track at the end of last year,'' Savage said. ``And I'm not sure we were able to get 'em back on track this spring.
``If you have a tire going down on your car, you're not going to wait for it to blow out. You're going to pull off and change the tire or pull into a gas station and get it fixed. That's really what we did.''
Savage said the Browns were proactive in trading Dilfer for what is believed to be a seventh-round draft pick and Ken Dorsey, who has yo-yoed from fourth team to starter to fourth team in three years with the 49ers.
Dilfer has been rehabbing his surgically repaired knee and would not have been able to practice until mid-June. The Browns had not seen much of him in the offseason, and Savage and Crennel confirmed that Dilfer did not agree with the style and system of offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon.
``There might have been philosophical differences,'' Crennel said. ``But no friction.''
Savage said he was concerned that Dilfer might not play this season, and he had to have someone he could count on.
``From my standpoint, from the overall view of the team and going forward, the ship is leaving port here in about five minutes,'' Savage said. ``And we want people to be on the ship.
``I had to make sure and ensure that everybody that's here with us is on board with that. I wasn't 100 percent convinced -- from Trent and I being a friend, looking at each other eye to eye, man to man -- that he was going to be on the ship six, eight weeks, two months from now.''
So he sent Dilfer closer to his home in Fresno, Calif., and brought in Dorsey, a one-time Heisman Trophy candidate who wound up a seventh-round draft pick with the 49ers.
Savage said the Browns will give Dorsey six or seven weeks to show what he can do before deciding if the team needs a veteran backup.
``(Are we) stronger experience-wise?'' Savage said. ``No. Stronger in terms of being out here on this field and getting ready for this season? I'd say probably yes.''
Dorsey went to the University of Miami with Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., and Savage said that was important in acquiring Dorsey. (So the Browns traded a mentor for Frye for a mentor for Winslow.)
If the team wanted a veteran, the available list is highlighted by Kerry Collins, but he's believed to be headed to the Tennessee Titans when Steve McNair is released.
Also available are Jay Fiedler, Tommy Maddox and Jamie Martin.
``We're not going to go chasing after bad quarterbacks,'' Savage said. ``They couldn't be that good or they wouldn't be unemployed right now, right?''
Savage had said last Sunday that he did not expect Dilfer to be traded, but Monday, he and Dilfer talked and Savage left wondering if Dilfer would play for the Browns in 2006.
Dilfer maintained that he did not ask to be traded, which was technically correct. He obviously made it no secret to Savage the he would not quibble with a trade.
Said Savage: ``Philosophically, we're trying to build a team around the quarterback position rather than through the quarterback position. Charlie is a big part of that, but we want to make the team strong enough that the quarterback doesn't have to carry us.''
Brownies . . .
Former Buchtel star Charlton Keith did not make it to the practice field. Keith was released by the Browns after failing his physical. ``A lot of medical issues,'' Savage said. ``He's beat up, I guess. We couldn't risk it.''... Crennel said the rookies worked hard but showed that they weren't ready. ``I think they were surprised by how much work we did,'' Crennel said.... The top three draft picks -- Kamerion Wimbley, D'Qwell Jackson and Travis Wilson -- were ``bouncing around pretty good.''... Rookies return to the field this morning.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/7/06

CARTHON CONCERN

Dilfer trade indicates there might be problem with offensive coordinator

By Terry Pluto

• CARTHON CONCERN
• Frye stepping up for Browns

<!-- begin body-content -->The trade of Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers doesn't say much good about the former Browns quarterback or current offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon.
Supposedly, Dilfer doesn't think much of Carthon's gruff personality, and even moreso, his unwillingness to allow a veteran quarterback much freedom to change the offense.
No one can be sure, but these charges against Carthon have been whispered by other players. Like many young coaches -- 2005 was Carthon's first season calling plays -- he wanted to keep tight control on what his offense was doing.
But the fact is the best quarterbacks are given some room to improvise. An example of Dilfer not getting that courtesy was when he did not feel the freedom to spike the ball near the end of the first half of what became a road loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Does Carthon keep a choker chain around his quarterback? Or was it true that Dilfer didn't believe Carthon trusted him enough to make such an obvious play to stop the clock?
Either way, there are problems.
Trading Dilfer for quarterback Ken Dorsey and a seventh-round draft pick doesn't change the fact that the offensive coordinator needs to lighten up. Yes, Charlie Frye has only five career pro starts next to his name, but he's a smart kid capable of improvisation.
Talkin' Dilfer
There were issues with Dilfer. Consider the following:
• Coming to the Browns, he knew that Frye was drafted to be the eventual starter. He was to start some games, but also teach the rookie out of the University of Akron, supply leadership and back the coaches.
• Dilfer was upset when he was replaced by Frye for the last five games. At this point in the season, Dilfer had two sore knees that eventually would need surgery.
• Dilfer started 11 games, throwing for 11 touchdowns compared with 12 interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 76.9. After being knocked around by the Colts in Indianapolis early in the season, his knees grew more painful. He never was very mobile, and that got worse.
• Now Dilfer is supposed to back up Alex Smith in San Francisco, but supposedly he thinks he can start. There are major reasons to doubt that his 34-year-old body will hold up. Until 2005, he hadn't started more than 11 games since 2000.
• Dilfer became discouraged by the end of the season. He didn't think he'd get another chance to start. He didn't see himself working with Carthon for another year. A Fresno guy, he wanted to get back to the West Coast. While he was an asset in helping Frye in the final weeks of the season, he went home to California and has rarely been at the complex in Berea since the season ended.
• The Browns had some concerns that Dilfer might not want to play this season, at least not here. They didn't want to get into a situation where they have no backup to Frye and receive little or nothing for Dilfer.
• Dorsey might not eventually be the team backup. It's a safe guess that General Manager Phil Savage will keep shopping for a veteran. Dorsey played in 12 games the past two years, completing 171-of- 316 passes (54 percent) with eight touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 63.7 rating. Not exactly exciting numbers, but at least he has some experience. He also has a very good relationship with Kellen Winslow, but that's not the reason for the deal.
Talkin' Browns
Browns items:
• Savage has been telling people that if he was told in January that he could have a draft like this, he'd take it. At least one person agrees, namely respected Dallas Morning News football writer Rick Gosselin. He graded team drafts and gave the Browns an A-plus. The only other team to get an A was the Arizona Cardinals. His comments on the Browns: ``They found quality in every round. They took the Pac-10 rushing champion (Jerome Harrison) in the fifth, and the draft's best fullback (Lawrence Vickers) in the sixth. Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson give Romeo Crennel two starting linebackers.''
• For what it's worth, I doubt Jackson and Wimbley will both immediately start. That's a lot to ask of rookies. Here's hoping they are advanced enough to play immediately, and that Wimbley can indeed rush the quarterback as advertised.
• Savage told me that for much of the regular season, Oregon defensive lineman Haloti Ngata was the man he wanted in the draft. But he changed when Crennel and his coaches put a higher value on pressuring the quarterback than stopping the run. Savage thinks Ngata will be an effective player for the Baltimore Ravens, and he's even more thankful that he signed LeCharles Bentley to play center and block yet another huge defensive tackle in this division.
• Jackson will get a shot to start in Ben Taylor's inside linebacker spot. Matt Stewart might also get a look there. Miami linebacker Leon Williams was the fourth-round pick and is said to have tremendous physical ability. His attitude has been criticized and it will be interesting to see how he handles Crennel's discipline. The Browns hope he buys into working with his coaches, and then perhaps his talent will show.
• I love the pick of Washington State's Harrison in the fifth round. His 1,900 yards were the second most of any back in the country. He had four games of more than 200 yards, and 140 yards vs. USC. This really does spell the end of Lee Suggs, unless I'm reading the situation wrong. Harrison is considered an excellent receiver as a third-down back. He lasted until the fifth round, because he's barely 5-foot-9, 201 pounds.
• I wish the Browns had either picked Mike Kudla in the last round or brought him in as a free agent. The Browns say they see him as a defensive end in a 4-3 formation, which they don't play. He'd have to be a linebacker in their 3-4 defense. The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted him desperately. Kudla is more than just a tough, smart kid from Highland High and Ohio State, he's an NFL player. Unfortunately for Browns fans, he'll prove it in Pittsburgh.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/7/06

Frye stepping up for Browns

Browns notice young quarterback's role as leader up dramatically

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

• CARTHON CONCERN
• Frye stepping up for Browns

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Charlie Frye started taking a leadership role with the Browns as soon as the offseason ended, coach Romeo Crennel said Saturday.
Crennel said Frye's offseason presence and work has gained notice among teammates.
``He's been here,'' Crennel said as rookie minicamp wound down. ``He's working hard, trying to develop a relationship with the receivers on the team.... Part of being a leader is developing relationships and gaining the respect of your teammates.''
Frye has done that, but Crennel knows that with Trent Dilfer gone, one thing will change with the second-year quarterback from Akron.
``The only thing that changes is the realization that he probably will be the guy,'' Crennel said, ``and what kind of pressure that puts on him internally.''
On one level, how Frye handles that pressure might determine how the Browns' season goes. But on another, it might not matter a great deal.
``Philosophically, we're trying to build a team around the quarterback position rather than through the quarterback position,'' General Manager Phil Savage said. ``Charlie is a big part of that, but we want to make the team strong enough that the quarterback doesn't have to carry us.
``It's 10 degrees up here in December. You are not going to be throwing it 40 times anyway.''
Crennel said he does ``not necessarily'' believe the team needs a veteran backup to Frye.
``I think we should give (Ken Dorsey) the chance to show what he can do,'' Crennel said. ``If he falls flat on his face, then I'll be looking for a backup. If he comes in here and lights it up, then I'll have a backup.''
Wrapping up the team's minicamp:
• Crennel more or less admitted that there's only so much he can learn in three days of work with rookies drafted or signed within the past week.
``When you add more on the second day, they get more confused,'' he said.
• First-round draft choice Kamerion Wimbley showed the coach enough, though, that Crennel believes Wimbley can make the conversion from college defensive end to NFL linebacker.
``He still has a lot to learn, but he has the ability where he looks like he can do it,'' Crennel said.
Wimbley vowed one thing that should please fans: He wants his contract done before training camp starts.
``I'm not looking to hold out,'' Wimbley said. ``It would only hurt me.''
Wimbley's agent, Joe Linta, is well thought of. But if Wimbley does not hold out, he would be the first top draft choice since Courtney Brown in 2000 to report on time.
• The most pleasant surprise of the draft could be running back Jerome Harrison, who lasted until the fifth round despite gaining 1,900 yards for Washington State.
Harrison showed the mix of confidence and humility a running back needs when talking to the media.
He said the film would show he's as good as any running back in the draft, but understands he's a change-of-pace back for the Browns.
``I accept that role right now,'' he said. ``That's what I am. There are three or four great backs who have been here who have paid their dues.''
Harrison had four 200-yard games as a senior, including one against Stanford.
``He's really fast,'' said nose tackle Babatunde Oshinowo, who played at Stanford last season. ``Watching film the game before we played them, I remember putting on the tape and seeing him outrun fast guys. Our whole focus going into that game was, `We're going to stop this guy.'
``I think he had, like, 230 yards on us.''
Harrison said as the year went on, defenses clearly stacked up to stop him. It never worked.
``It's all about attitude,'' he said, ``and I didn't care what the defense did. We were going to find a way to get it done, me and the offensive line.''
• Oshinowo has the classic nose tackle build -- stout, strong and short.
But he also looked smaller than many nose tackles at 302 pounds.
Crennel said he will assign Oshinowo a weight after the veteran minicamp in June.
``What I'd like him to weigh is what he can do the job best at,'' Crennel said. ``And that differs for everybody.''
Crennel said Oshinowo needs to be in better shape come June.
``I think as soon as his conditioning improves, he'll be more impressive,'' Crennel said.
• Savage on offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon:
``I think Mo is a very tough-minded individual. He's a fullback and a former player in the league. He grew up in the (Bill) Parcells tree.
``He's an in-your-face type of guy and he'll say what it is -- black or white -- in his opinion. Some players respond to it and other players don't.
``I'm not saying Trent did or didn't. I'm just saying that some of our guys probably get along with Mo and other guys don't. For the good of the team, everyone has to be on the same page.''
• In talking about Wimbley's conversion, Crennel told the story of Lawrence Taylor, who once mistakenly rushed the quarterback when he was supposed to drop into coverage.
``He got a sack,'' Crennel said, ``and then he told the coaches we should put that defense in.''
• Crennel on the other draft picks: Isaac Sowells has a good chance to make successful move from tackle to guard; receiver Travis Wilson needs to work on his pass routes; linebacker D'Qwell Jackson showed impressive quickness; and fullback Lawrence Vickers impressed with his athleticism.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

5/7/06

Browns will give Dorsey his shot

Sunday, May 7, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]By Steve Doerschuk Repository sports writer[/FONT]


BEREA - New Browns quarterback Ken Dorsey is due in town Monday.
As much as Romeo Crennel likes Vinny Testaverde, he’s in no rush to run Dorsey out of town.
Dorsey, 25, is young Charlie Frye’s top backup following the trade of 34-year-old Trent Dilfer to the 49ers. The No. 3 QB is 22-year-old Derek Anderson.
The question becomes whether Frye’s 2005 with Dilfer produced enough mentoring, or whether someone like Testaverde should be signed on to the job.
“Vinny is a great leader and a great student of the game,” Crennel said Saturday. “He tries to help a young quarterback. Vinny would be good in that role.”
Testaverde turned 42 in November, but he was still kicking with the Jets in 2005, playing in several games and going 60-of-106 for 777 yards, with a touchdown and six interceptions.
Crennel coached for the Jets when Testaverde was with that team and on top of his game, posting a career-high 101.7 rating (29 TDs, seven interceptions) in 1997. Testaverde played for the Browns from 1993-95, when Phil Savage worked for the team.
None of this means Crennel is itching to bring in the old-timer.
“It’s something I’ve got in the back of my mind,” Crennel said, “but I wouldn’t say I’m looking into it.”
First, he wants to take a long look at Dorsey.
“Look, we just got the guy,” Crennel said. “He’s gonna come in here, and we’re gonna see what he can do, and I think we should give him the chance.
“If he falls flat on his face, then we’ll be looking for a backup. But if he comes in here and lights it up, then I have a backup.”
General Manager Phil Savage has talked with assorted coaches who worked with the Dorsey either at the University of Miami or the last three years with the 49ers.
“To a man,” Savage said, “everyone agrees he’s bright, he’s articulate, he’s a gym rat and he’ll be good for your team and good for your locker room.
“With that and the relationship he has with K2 (Kellen Winslow Jr.), that shouldn’t be lost in the shuffle. Some of Kellen’s best success was with Ken Dorsey around.”
Frye heads into summer as the Browns’ No. 1 quarterback, rather than having to compete against Dilfer for the job.
“The only thing that changes is the realization he will be the guy and the pressure that puts on him internally,” Crennel said. “The internal pressure I know athletes put on themselves ... that’s probably what will weigh on him more than anything else.”
THE HOT ROOKIE
After two days of minicamp, Crennel said first-round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley “looks like he can make the conversion” from Florida State defensive end to Browns linebacker.
Crennel gave two quick examples of college ends who he helped become effective 3-4 linebackers as NFL rookies — Lawrence Taylor and Willie McGinest.
“Willie was a pretty good rookie,” Crennel said. “That’s not to say he played all the time and he wasn’t perfect.
“Lawrence wasn’t perfect. Sometimes he was supposed to be dropping into coverage when he was rushing. One time, we called a defense for him to drop. After he rushed and sacked the quarterback, he tells us, ‘Maybe we should put that defense in.’ ”
Taylor is in the Hall of Fame, and McGinest has a chance to be if he adds standout duty with Cleveland to what he did in New England.
Wimbley seemed to take his first NFL action in stride.
“Not much changes,” he said. “You get out there and play as hard as you can.”
The Browns hope Wimbley will become their first first-round pick not to hold out since Courtney Brown in 2000. Coincidentally, Wimbley’s agent is Joe Linta, who represents Crennel.
MINICAMP GRADES
Crennel offered minicamp impressions of a few Browns draft picks.
n Running back Jerome Harrison. “He has the quickness we thought he would. We have to see how he blocks a guy like Wimbley flying around the edge. It takes a little to be able to step in front of the freight train and slow him down so the quarterback can get rid of the ball. Size can become an issue, because they can ‘rag-doll’ you. We’re not asking him to kill somebody Wimbley’s size ... just stop the momentum.”
n Linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. “He has those instincts. He’s picking things up pretty good.”
n Wideout Travis Wilson. “He’s a little rough in his rout-running, but he’s a big body, and he’s a willing guy.”
n Offensive lineman Isaac Sowells. “In converting him from tackle to guard, he kind of looks the part. With time, we’ll be able to get it done with his footwork.” n Nose tackle Baba Oshinowo. “Conditioning is a little problem. He shows some stoutness at the line. As his conditioning improves, I think he’ll be more impressive.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail [email protected].


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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

5/7/06

Past Browns Warfield, Brown, Kosar all have roles in shaping team

Sunday, May 7, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]BROWNS BEAT STEVE DOERSCHUK[/FONT]


BEREA - In the beginning of the new beginning, the Browns’ world was molded in the form of San Francisco.
And it was not so good.
As with San Francisco, there was a serious fault. The fault, in this case, was shooting for a Super Bowl team that borrowed its soul from a complete stranger.
When the western model went south, it was doubly bad.
Some Browns fans died off. Others went numb. Recruiting new ones got hard.
The Browns are trying to feel closer to home now. “These times,” to phrase it the way a Minnesotan named Bob Dylan did, “they are a changin’.”
The quarterback is from Akron, taking snaps from a center from Cleveland, with a guy who played high school ball in Mentor going out for passes.
Bernie Kosar’s back.
Both coaches responsible for teaching linemen how to block are from Ohio State.
Defensive backs coach Mel Tucker was on Ohio State’s national championship staff.
Paul Warfield, who played against McKinley and Massillon before he went to Ohio State and the Browns’ 1964 NFL championship team, had spring in his step as he walked out to Saturday’s rookie minicamp practice. Warfield was one of the top scouts assigned to first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley.
By the nature of the league, Berea is filled with strangers. Wimbley had never seen Lake Erie until recently.
“It’s big,” he said. “You can’t see to the other side.”
Owner Randy Lerner wants to get to the other side, the one on which a 15-33 record during three years shrinks into the horizon.
His lieutenants haven’t been ordered to hire Ohio guys, but they’ve been advised not to ignore them. It turns out some very qualified Ohio guys, center LeCharles Bentley and wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, were dying for an invitation.
While fans are warming up to this approach, the buzz won’t last if the team keeps getting beat.
But there was Jim Brown on Saturday, rising from a bench by the practice field, saying the feel might be real.
“This is the year,” he told a small audience, “These guys can go out there and talk about winning.”
For that to happen, the Akron kid must pan out. Brown, who was Warfield’s teammate on the ’64 title team, thinks Frye will.
“You guys know how I feel about Charlie,” he said.
An old-school tough guy, Brown digs Frye’s grit. He loves the way Frye “uses his legs.” He thinks Frye has enough arm. He thinks the weapons around Frye will be pretty good.
He also thinks Frye can live without Trent Dilfer to mentor him.
Brown didn’t say this, but it’s possible Frye will have an important voice in his life, Kosar’s.
Kosar doesn’t want an official role with the team, but he has been coming around, and he wants to make a difference. Lerner wants the same thing regarding Kosar. That comes from Brown, who is among the advisers Lerner trusts most.
Kosar, of course, was the Youngstown-area quarterback who practically begged to become a Brown, and, once he was, helped the team reach three AFC title games.
Frye grew up with a Kosar poster on his wall. Who on earth would be a more natural mentor?
But again, it’s not so much about “where they’re from” as it is about “whether they can play.”
The mixture of regional influence and the sort of general talent acquisition that got Phil Savage hired seems promising.
About a year ago at this time, Savage walked onto the practice field with T.J. McCreight, one of his top new personnel guys. It was like a basketball game, in which talent level can be judged as teams run through the layup drill.
Both Savage and McCreight have seen teams full of dunkers. The 2005 Browns?
Savage said to McCreight, “When does the varsity show up?”
McCreight is a lifelong Browns fan. He was in the old stadium the day Kosar almost led the Browns to a Super Bowl but was trumped by “The Drive,” starring John Elway. Savage worked for the Browns the last time they won a playoff game.
Brown, Warfield, McCreight and Savage have spent a few days watching rookies practice. There’s only so much one can tell from that.
There is a sneaking sense, though, that the varsity will arrive fairly soon. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]


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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

5/7/06

NFL INSIDER
Dilfer's stewing forces Savage to act


Sunday, May 07, 2006

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

Before Phil Savage left the Baltimore Ravens as their chief of personnel in January 2005, Ozzie Newsome, his boss, talked about making the step up to general manager. His point was it is a big step to make.

"The stuff that happens on a day-to-day basis, from hour to hour, with players, injuries, off-the-field incidents, with the head coach, his staff . . . I'll tell you, there is not a dull moment in this office," Newsome said.
The Trent Dilfer episode is a textbook example of the brushfires that routinely pass the desk of NFL general managers.

Savage knew Dilfer better than anyone with the Browns and considered him the ideal mentor to young Charlie Frye. A year later, Savage had to bite the bullet and ship Dilfer to San Francisco in a trade that amounted to addition by subtraction.

Dilfer essentially confided to Savage he could no longer work for offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon.

The question Savage did not answer on Friday was why it took the organization so long to act.

Dilfer's discontent was well-known when he was removed for three series in the 10th game against Miami. He stewed when Frye took over as starter.

During portions of Frye's five starts, Dilfer stood or sat as far away from Frye as he could. Some mentor.

Yet Savage never addressed the situation until Tuesday. That inaction leaves the Browns with a quarterback roster of Frye, Ken Dorsey and Derek Anderson. The only NFL roster worse, on paper, is Baltimore's.

Now what?

The list of available quarterbacks with NFL playing experience is short. And it's smaller if you cross off names that just wouldn't fit.

Ex-Raider Kerry Collins is without a team, but reportedly wants nothing to do with a backup job and is asking for starter's money. Ex-Jet Jay Fiedler is still mending from shoulder surgery and could be signed by the Giants.

Others available include Tommy Maddox, Jeff Blake, Tony Banks and Jamie Martin. Vinny Testaverde, 41, already has come out of retirement once.

And Tim Couch is looking for a team, too.

As far as trading for a backup, the Browns have struck out on Joey Harrington (he said no) and Oakland's Marques Tuiasosopo (Raiders said no).

Buffalo's convictions:

Ohio State safety and Cleveland native Donte Whitner, whose pick at No. 8 by Buffalo was a shocker, will step immediately into the role formerly occupied by Lawyer Milloy.

Buffalo middle linebacker London Fletcher, another Cleveland native who worked out with Whitner in the off-season, told reporters, "He has the attitude of a Lawyer Milloy, and he's faster, and he plays with a mean streak."

The Bills see Whitner as the prototype, new-age safety with the versatility to cover and hit.

"The game is evolving and changing to a degree," said Tom Modrak, Bills assistant general manager. "Safeties that can do a couple things for you are valuable. Safeties have to get into the coverage. They're not just the old walk down into the box safety. He has cover ability."

Hollywood Matt:

This is what USC quarterback Matt Leinart said upon arriving in Phoenix as the Cardinals' No. 1 draft choice.

"I am so happy to be out of L.A., you do not even understand," Leinart told reporters. "I have dealt with everything you possibly can in that city. I love L.A., I'm from Orange County, born and raised, but it's time to move on."

A few days later, Leinart threw a party at a nightclub at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and was seen "hanging out" with Paris Hilton. They became a gossip item.

After the party, Leinart said: "From now on, it's all NFL. It's strictly business."

Chow down:
The Titans think they stole LenDale White in the second round. The USC running back led the nation with 24 touchdowns last year and didn't fumble once. In 572 touches in three years, White fumbled four times.

"He takes a pounding and he holds onto the ball," said Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who formerly held that position with USC. "He was the move-the-chains guy. In the [2006] Rose Bowl, when [USC] needed a play, Reggie Bush wasn't playing but LenDale White was. That should tell you a lot."

A plus for Tennessee is that White is inspired to prove teams wrong for passing him up in the first round.

Marvelous Marv:

Marv Levy, 81, who is back in the NFL as the Bills general manager, on his draft philosophy: "I do believe smart players respond to coaching better. They understand it better." Paul Brown had the same philosophy.

Wright on:

One of the lesser-publicized free falls in the draft involved Texas defensive tackle Rodrique Wright. Projected to be drafted in the middle rounds, Wright slipped to the seventh round because of a torn rotator cuff revealed at the NFL combine.

The Dolphins selected Wright knowing he might need surgery and could miss a substantial portion of his rookie season.

"Once I fell out of the third [round], then soon out of the fourth and the fifth, it was very confusing to me," Wright told reporters. "Obviously I am disappointed, but I am a little relieved that I know that it was an injury issue instead of a talent issue."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[scarletngrey11]

theOBR.com

Rookie Camp Photo Gallery.

 

[strohs]

ABJ

5/7/06

I for one am glad that Hafner was just sick, however I do think that article was posted in the wrong thread

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

5/7/06

BROWNS
Dorsey starts bid for backup QB role


Sunday, May 07, 2006

Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

Ken Dorsey is out to show the Browns they don't need another veteran backup for Charlie Frye.

Dorsey, a fourth-year pro, was acquired Thursday night in a trade for Trent Dilfer. The Browns also received a seventh-round pick in 2007.

"The Browns made this deal and I'm determined to prove them right," Dorsey said in a telephone interview Saturday. "I'm determined to show that I'm their guy."

Dorsey, who signed a one-year extension through 2007 before the trade, isn't concerned about the depth chart. On Saturday, Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Frye "has a leg up" on the starting job.

"We haven't gotten into detail about anything like that," said Dorsey (6-4, 215). "I'm just ready to help in any way possible, and I know anything can happen. Last year, I was behind the No. 1 overall pick in the draft [Alex Smith] and it never affected my work ethic. I've always prepared as if I'm the starter, and I'll take the same attitude here."

Dorsey, a seventh-round pick out of Miami in 2003, started 10 games for the Niners, going 2-8. In 2004, when Tim Rattay was injured, he started seven games. In his career, he has completed 171 of 316 attempts for 1,712 yards. He threw for eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions and earned a 63.7 rating.

"We had a lot of injury problems and things like that during my years there, but there's no substitute for experience, and I'm grateful I was able to get on the field for those 10 games," he said.

Crennel, when asked Saturday if he wants another veteran, said: "Not necessarily. We just signed a guy and we're going to see what he can do. If he falls flat on his face, then I'll be looking for a backup. But if he comes in here and lights it up, then I have a backup."

Crennel said Dorsey "got killed" when he didn't have good protection but that he should fare better behind the Browns' upgraded line.

"It's such a talented offense," said Dorsey. "It has the potential for a lot of success."

Dorsey knows Frye lost a mentor in Dilfer, but said: "I don't think it will affect Charlie as much as people think. Charlie's a smart guy and works so hard. Between that and the excellent coaching staff, I think he'll be fine."

Dorsey, who was described by his college coaches -- including Butch Davis -- as one of the smartest quarterbacks they've ever been around, said he thinks he can mentor Frye. "It's always good to have a fresh set of eyes," said Dorsey. "I think all of us [including Derek Anderson] will help and push each other. I tried to help Alex Smith as much as I could, and I'll do the same for Charlie."

Dorsey is also a friend of former Browns and Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar, who has taken Frye under his wing. Kosar has been spending more time with the Browns lately. "You can't get a much better mentor than Bernie," said Dorsey.

Dorsey said he's also looking forward to being reunited with former Miami teammate Kellen Winslow Jr. In the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, Dorsey and Winslow hooked up for 11 receptions for 122 yards and a TD in the double-overtime loss to the Buckeyes.

"He's a guy you don't want to play against but you love to play with," said Dorsey. "He works so hard and he's so explosive."

He said he still has a lot to prove after slipping to round seven despite his 38-2 record at Miami. He also won a national championship and was a Heisman finalist.

"It's been a great motivating factor for me," he said. "But I was fortunate to play in San Francisco and it led me to this great situation. I have no regrets."

He said lack of arm strength was the knock on him coming out of college, but that he's improved it. "I can make all the throws -- the deep posts, the go routes, whatever I need to do," he said.

He said his wife, Jordan, might be even more excited about the trade than he is. She's from Troy, Ohio, just north of Dayton. "She feels like she's coming home," said Dorsey. "This is a great opportunity and a great city that's so passionate about football. I couldn't be more excited. I think all sides got what they wanted out of this deal."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Here are some pics of the Browns minicamp......

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BEREA, OH - MAY 6: D'Qwell Jackson #58, 2006 second round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, stretches during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Kamerion Wimbley #95, 2006 first round draft pick, 13th overall of the Cleveland Browns, streches during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Travis Wilson #81, 2006 third round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, works out during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Jerome Harrrison #35, 2006 fifth round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, takes a handoff from Darrell Carlton, at camp as a rookie tryout, during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Leon Williams #94, 2006 fourth round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, works out during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: D'Qwell Jackson #58, 2006 second round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, works out during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Head coach Romeo Crennel of the Cleveland Browns watches players warm up during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Head coach Romeo Crennel of the Cleveland Browns looks on during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Kamerion Wimbley #95, 2006 first round draft pick, 13th overall, of the Cleveland Browns along with second round pick D'Qwell Jackson #58 get ready to hit the blocking sled during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Kamerion Wimbley #95, 2006 first round draft pick, 13th overall, of the Cleveland Browns gets some instruction from linbackers coach Mike Haluchak during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

BEREA, OH - MAY 6: Kamerion Wimbley #95, 2006 first round draft pick, 13th overall, of the Cleveland Browns works out during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 6, 2006 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

 

[strohs]

I went to Tuttle today to get a Frye jersey, and all the damn stores had was bungals and pitspuke.
Ugh, I just wish the bungal fans would go back in their holes

 

[OH10]

I went to Tuttle today to get a Frye jersey, and all the damn stores had was bungals and pitspuke.
Ugh, I just wish the bungal fans would go back in their holes

I got my Frye jersey up in Cleveland last year. Impulse buy on the day of the Browns-Lions game.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/9/06

Browns' Frye eager to fly solo

Losing mentor Dilfer doesn't faze second-year QB; he's turning to Kosar for tips. Droughns not worried

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->The trade of Browns quarterback Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers last week left Charlie Frye without a mentor. The anxiety that caused Cleveland sports fans doesn't seem to be shared by Frye.
The University of Akron product takes over as coach Romeo Crennel's affirmed starter with just five games under his belt. Beginning his second season as a pro, Frye has diligently studied film at Browns headquarters with offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon and quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer.
Frye doesn't sound like he needs anyone to hold his hand.
``He couldn't be out there taking snaps for me,'' Frye said of Dilfer. Monday night at the Browns Backers Banquet at Tangier restaurant, Frye made his first public appearance since Dilfer's departure.
``It's one thing to be a great teacher, but to go out there and play, you have to put that on yourself,'' Frye said. ``When the play's called and I throw a ball in the dirt, it's on me. If I throw a touchdown it's going to be on me, too. I understand the things that come with this job.''
Running back Reuben Droughns also might think the mentor issue is overblown.
``All it takes is to get a year under somebody's belt and he did,'' Droughns said. ``Charlie's got a little game experience and now he knows what it takes.''
Frye will work with three-year veteran Ken Dorsey, whom the Browns acquired from the 49ers. But until Dorsey learns the system, Frye might turn to former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar.
``Bernie's one of the smartest guys footballwise I've ever talked to,'' Frye said. ``He was in town last week and we sat down and watched a couple games together.
``(He was) giving me some tips on how we can make it easier next year.''
Frye said he doesn't expect Kosar to take over Dilfer's role.
``Bernie has other things on his plate, he has his family in Florida,'' Frye said. ``I talked to him even during the season last year probably once a week. He'd leave me messages, `What were you doing on this play?' We have a good relationship.''
Frye said he has left two voice mails for Dilfer, but they have yet to talk. He said Dilfer did a good job not letting his unhappiness show around him, but the trade didn't surprise Frye.
``Nothing surprises me anymore in this business,'' Frye said. ``That's the part you've got to understand. I will never be able to thank him enough for what he did for me last year as far as mentoring me and having me in there watching film, all the stuff the coaches couldn't do. I feel blessed I was with him for a year.''
Droughns sounded more aware of Dilfer's true feelings.
``As long as Trent's happy,'' Droughns said. ``Trent did a good job last year, he was part of that steppingstone we needed here. Trent was obviously unhappy in certain situations and he was looking for a way out. He found his way out.''
Asked if it was easier to rally around one quarterback, Droughns said, ``It's better that way. Instead of the competition, we know who's going to be our guy. There's still going to be a battle between Ken and Charlie.''
But is Frye ready?
``Charlie has no choice. He has to be ready,'' Droughns said. ``He's in there day in and day out. He looks like he's really getting prepared in the right way. Now all he's got to do is apply it to the field.''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

scout.com$

5/9/06

From Camp: Return of Vinny?