Cleveland Browns (2007 & prior)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

scout.com (free)

6/14/06

Savage Says Browns Ready for Mini-Camp............

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

6/15/06

AFC North even more intriguing

By Patrick McManamon

<!-- begin body-content -->The cheap line, being as he's a Pittsburgh Steeler and all, is to say that the day Ben Roethlisberger rearranged his motorcycle riding habits, he also rearranged the AFC North.
That would not be polite.
Or proper.
For Roethlisberger's unfortunate accident left the young man lucky he had a life, much less his teeth.
Yes, it was amazingly silly that he continued to ride a motorcycle without a helmet after Kellen Winslow's accident a year ago, but when a human body flies through the air into a windshield -- then face first into the pavement -- a football division race becomes unimportant.
Even if he will play this season -- as the reports seem to indicate -- undergoing seven hours of surgery to repair multiple fractures is not a pretty thought for anyone.
That being said, the AFC North has been a division of intriguing offseason quarterback machinations this year, some good and some not so good. These kind of machinations enable a team in the modern-day NFL to be Super Bowl champion one year and miss the playoffs the next, or go from worst one season to first the next.
And the way the quarterback situation plays out in 2006 could determine what teams are playing in the postseason in 2007.
There's Roethlisberger's accident, Carson Palmer's rehab and the arrival of Steve McNair in the AFC North. All the tumult makes the Browns' switch to Charlie Frye seem like a tire rotation rather than a four-tire change.
Roethlisberger's accident is the worst of the worst -- and illustrates why General Manager Phil Savage is trying to build the Browns around Frye, rather than through him.
When a team invests a lot of money into one position or one player, it can all go kaplooey in a heartbeat. If the Steelers avoid disaster, it would be the most amazing of scenarios.
Roethlisberger liked to boast he would always be careful on his bike, but he started out not being careful by not wearing a helmet.
His actions were plainly irresponsible to a team, organization and city counting on him.
``Hopefully our team is educated enough and realizes that they have an obligation to the rest of the guys as well,'' Savage said. ``They're depending on each other to win. I think that's probably the biggest disappointment to any team that goes through something like this.
``You just ask yourself, `Why anyone would put themselves through this risk?' ''
Injuries can happen at any time, as Palmer can attest, but putting yourself at risk by not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle does not lessen the risk.
Ask yourself: Would Roethlisberger think of playing football without a helmet?
``I wish more of our guys liked board games,'' Savage said. ``Unfortunately, that's part of the reason that makes these guys professional athletes. They have a little bit of an edge to want to do more, seek more. Where's the line? I don't know that.''
If Roethlisberger is sound of body and mind and he plays in the regular-season opener as predicted, the Steelers can walk with a swagger and the Browns' job in the division will be that much tougher.
Savage rightly pointed out that his team is trying to climb the ladder and is no position to talk about what it can do. Yet.
``We do feel like we're a team that will get out there and legitimately compete this year, and probably have a chance to win some of these games that last year people didn't think we'd have a chance of winning,'' he said.
Compare that with the attitude in Baltimore, where the acquisition of McNair turned the Ravens into immediate contenders along with the Super Bowl champion Steelers and defending division champion Cincinnati Bengals.
Folks in Baltimore will be happy to tell you all about it.
A horde of fans met McNair at the airport. Before he had thrown a pass as a Raven, McNair threw a first pitch at an Orioles game.
McNair said he's happy to be ``wanted.'' Ravens coach Brian Billick called McNair's acquisition a ``slam dunk.''
Truth be told, there's much to be said for adding McNair to a mix that includes receiver Derrick Mason (86 catches), running back Jamal Lewis (906 yards) and tight end Todd Heap (75 catches). Put a healthy McNair in the mix, and the Ravens' offense could be something to think about next season.
There is a big ``yeah, but'' with McNair. As in, yeah, but he's beat up and on the downside.
Time will tell.
But taking a risk with McNair seems no greater than the risk the Browns are taking by giving the keys to Frye the first year after he had his temporary permit.
Frye has potential, no doubt about it.
But Browns fans have seen so much ``potential'' come and go the past few years, they could build a bridge to Canada on it.
Especially at quarterback.
McNair brings, on paper, what the Ravens needed most. The past few years, the talk has been that Baltimore had everything but the quarterback.
This season, the Ravens have a chance to prove that theory was correct.
For a guy with a reputation for being beat up and washed up, he threw for 3,161 yards and 16 touchdowns for a bad Tennessee Titans team last season. The Browns haven't had a guy throw for that many yards in a season since... gulp... Bernie Kosar in 1991.
Just how washed up can McNair be?
Then there are the Bengals, with whom Palmer has devoted himself to being ready for opening day. The Bengals believe they would have beaten the Steelers in the playoffs had Palmer not suffered a devastating knee injury after throwing his first pass.
If Palmer comes back close to what he was a year ago, Cincinnati would have reason to believe it can repeat.
But with each quarterback come questions -- and Frye's inexperience might be the easiest obstacle to overcome.
Roethlisberger must bounce back mentally and emotionally from a life-changing event.
Palmer has that little knee issue (sort of like the Browns' Braylon Edwards).
And Baltimore's hopes are pinned on aging players, like McNair and Ray Lewis, who seem prone to injury.
The Browns have done much to throw themselves into the division mix.
Problem is, no team had farther to go than the Browns, whose record was the same as Baltimore's but whose personnel lacked the big-name appeal.
Savage's upgrading of the offensive line will help, but Reuben Droughns' legal woes hang over him like a cloud. The defense has better players, but like Baltimore's, those players are aging.
So no matter how hard the Browns run on their treadmill, the treadmill keeps speeding up.
So perhaps the message for the 2006 season is: Hope for a lot; keep the expectations real.
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

6/15/06

Job still belongs to Droughns

Thursday, June 15, 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 Repositorysports writer [/FONT]
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>

Repository Bob Rossiter BALL IS IN HIS HANDS Coming off a season in which he ran for 1,232 yards, Reuben Droughns again is expected to handle the bulk of the running back duties for the Cleveland Browns.​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Browns minicamp
All players
Friday though Sunday
Berea practice facility
Sessions are open to the media but remain closed to the general public.



BEREA - A year ago, Lee Suggs was ahead of Reuben Droughns in the race to be the Browns’ No. 1 running back.
Coming off a 1,232-yard rushing year, Droughns heads for this weekend’s minicamp as the No. 1 guy, but Suggs is healthy and might apply some heat.
Droughns didn’t help himself with his recent arrest on domestic violence charges.
“If Lee comes back and lights it up,” General Manager Phil Savage recently said, “then that’s something we would talk about, but at this point ... what have you done for me lately? Reuben rushed for 1,200 yards, and Lee was injured some.
“The idea would be for Reuben to be the lead guy and then to have two others complement in some way, either as a true backup, a tailback type or the No. 3, change-up type.”
The Browns are beginning to figure out whether fifth-round pick Jerome Harrison can fit into the running back mix.
“He’s got a knack for finding the crease and squirting through,” Savage said. “He has good vision.”
Droughns’ legal situation is pending. Savage makes it sound as though the Browns have practiced “tough love” with the 27-year-old in the wake of the incident.
“He’s been given the word that it’s something we take very seriously,” Savage said.
FRYE PUMPS UP
Savage was asked by The Repository if his scouting summary of Charlie Frye is different than the one he wrote before the Browns spent a third-round pick on the Akron quarterback.
“If I had to write another summary ... he has gotten a little bigger, a little stronger,” Savage said.
“His arm strength has improved, quite frankly, which is a pleasant surprise. But the mobility, the moxie, the toughness ... those are his characteristics, and those have continued to shine through.”
The main knock on Frye is arm strength.
The “War Room” scouts of The Sporting News address Frye’s weaknesses: “Poor arm strength. He is maxed out at 40 yards on his deep ball. He is a push thrower who lacks zip on any of his throws.”
The view was relayed to Savage.
“This is a true fact,” he said. “You go back five steps, pop up and throw the ball, it’s gonna come down anywhere between 37 and 43 yards. That’s a deep ball. Charlie can do that.
“Randall Cunningham could throw the ball 60 yards downfield, but that’s rare.”
Savage has always liked Frye’s ability to move in and out of the pocket and make plays. How well has his accuracy developed?
“That’s been pretty good all the way through,” Savage said. “His accuracy is certainly good enough.”

Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

CPD

6/15/06

<TABLE class=bg0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=428 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=418>[FONT=arial,sans-serif]Tuesday, June 13, 2006[/FONT]</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD width=5>

</TD><TD width=418>

[FONT=arial,sans-serif]Savage on Winslow, Frye and more
With Browns veterans hitting the field for their first minicamp of the year on Friday, GM Phil Savage held a press conference with reporters this morning.

Savage talked about the Reuben Droughns situation, Charlie Frye's progress as the starter, Kellen Winslow's and Braylon Edwards' recoveries from injuries and more.

You can listen to entire press conference here

or read some of the highlights below.

On making any more roster moves
"Now's the time for us to take the pieces we have here and mold those pieces into a team.
We're trying to build the team and build some confidence within our squad."

On Charlie Frye
"Charlie Frye has had a solid showing so far. I think his arm strength has improved...
He's established himself as the leader on offense and he seems to be fitting in well in that role."

On Kellen Winslow Jr.'s recovery
"Kellen's been out there as an active participant. We've tried to reign him in some because he feels good where he is. He's able to cut laterally. He's made some outstanding catches out there...
He's a hard worker with really strong ability. He's doing well."

On Braylon Edwards' progress
"I would be hesitent to say when [Braylon Edwards] when he'll be back. I've said October 1st, sometime in September. We don't know. He's young. There's no reason to think he won't be able to have a full recovery. We've been positive what he's done this offseason."

Signing the draft picks
"Rookie contracts converations are underway. We have conversations with all 10 of our draft picks. Sometimes it's just a function of time or scheduling. Agents have to take a break too sometimes."

Backup quarterback
"Ken Dorsey has gotten more comfortable with the scheme and the system... The real positive thing about Ken is he doesn't have an imagination of who he is or who he isn't. He plays to his strengths. He knows to get to ball up early in certain case. He's trying to get his timing down with this group of receivers... He's done well so far."

Listen to entire press conference (18:13)

From The Plain Dealer:
Browns don't expect picks to sign until July
[/FONT]
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Scout.com (free)

6/15/06

Let the Battles Begin: Running Backs..............

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

6/16/06

Browns' Winslow to catch spotlight

Minicamp to show how far tight end has come

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - The Browns conclude their offseason work with a three-day minicamp that starts today, and tight end Kellen Winslow will be among the most-watched players -- by teammates and media.
Winslow is slowly but steadily making his way back after missing most of his rookie season with a broken ankle and all of his second season due to a torn knee ligament.
``The team is anxious to see what he's all about,'' General Manager Phil Savage said.
Savage gave nothing but positive reports about Winslow, but the Browns are well aware Winslow has yet to take part in contact drills and nobody will know if he's truly healthy until training camp.
That being said, any progress from the first-round draft choice of 2004 is good progress.
``He's been out there as an active participant,'' Savage said.
Other areas of the team that will be watched closely include:
• Quarterback, where Charlie Frye is settling in as the starter and Ken Dorsey is trying to establish himself as the backup.
Frye's position is secure. Dorsey's is not.
``We think (Dorsey's) done pretty well thus far (in offseason practices) and we're going to continue to track him,'' Savage said. ``This weekend it kind of ramps up to another level.''
• The legal situation with running back Reuben Droughns.
Savage said the team believes Droughns will come out of a domestic situation unscathed and will remain the team's No. 1 back.
``We'll support him any way we can,'' Savage said. ``But at the same time he's been given the word that this is something that we take very seriously.''
• The backup running back situation.
The Browns feel good about Lee Suggs and William Green, and rookie Jerome Harrison has drawn attention.
``You notice him out there,'' Savage said. ``He has a knack for finding a crease and squirting through the crack.''
• The inside linebacker spot next to Andra Davis.
Several players are competing, including rookie second-round pick D'Qwell Jackson. Matt Stewart has spent most of his time outside, and Chaun Thompson has worked both inside and outside.
``We feel there will be some combination of players to fill that spot in case one (player) does not emerge as clearly the guy,'' Savage said.
• Safety.
Brian Russell's experience and savvy appear to have him locked in at one spot, but Sean Jones and Brodney Pool will have a competition to watch in preseason. Jones has emerged this offseason.
``He's had an excellent offseason,'' Savage said. ``He's responded well to the challenge of possibly being a starter.''
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

CPD

6/16/06

Possibilities appear limitless

Winslow's return a welcome sight in Browns' camp

Friday, June 16, 2006

Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

The return of Kellen Winslow Jr. to the practice field at Browns minicamp today marks a welcome milestone in the tight end's pro career.

The team's top draft pick in 2004 hasn't been in full uniform since fracturing his right fibula and tearing ankle ligaments in his second NFL game on Sept. 19, 2004.

He missed the remainder of his rookie season healing from those injuries, and then all of his second year was lost because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered in a motorcycle wreck on May 1, 2005.

Coach Romeo Crennel's mandatory minicamp will give reporters their first look at Winslow in action in 21 months, albeit in shorts and no pads. The five practices through Sunday are closed to the public.

Winslow has been an enthusiastic participant in Crennel's organized team activities leading up to the minicamp. His recovery from knee surgery last June is proceeding without a hitch, team officials say, putting him on course to start training camp next month at 100 percent health.

"If anything, we've tried to rein him in," General Manager Phil Savage said. "He's able to cut laterally, get in and out of breaks. You just sense when he's split out and the ball's going in his direction, the team is watching to see how he is doing. I think they are anxious to see what he is all about."

Receiver Braylon Edwards - the other half of the Browns' dream duo in their revamped passing attack - won't be available at this minicamp and will be limited in what he can do in training camp.

Edwards tore his right ACL after catching two touchdown passes from Charlie Frye in the Jacksonville game Dec. 4. He had surgery a month later. The nine- to 12-month recovery timetable may leave him inactive until a month or more into the season.

"We need someone to emerge while Braylon's rehabbing," Savage said. "That's a question for us: Who is it going to be?"

Dennis Northcutt and Joe Jurevicius are the designated starters at this minicamp. The candidates for the No. 3 job are Frisman Jackson, Brandon Rideau, Joshua Cribbs and rookie third-round draft pick Travis Wilson.

"The opportunity is going to be there for somebody. I think they all see that," Savage said.

Other position battles that will be set up this weekend but not really waged until training camp are:
Complementary running back to starter Reuben Droughns. That comes down essentially to Lee Suggs trying to stay healthy and stave off an expected challenge from fifth-round draft pick Jerome Harrison.

Right inside linebacker. Savage said second-round rookie D'Qwell Jackson and Chaun Thompson have been lining up there in team activities. Fourth-round pick Leon Williams has played behind Andra Davis on the left side. Matt Stewart has lined up on the outside, for the most part.

Strong safety. Brodney Pool and Sean Jones will vie for the safety position closer to the line of scrimmage. Brian Russell is expected to maintain the deep safety spot.

Fourth cornerback after starting contenders Gary Baxter, Daylon McCutcheon and Leigh Bodden. Candidates include 2005 fourth-round pick Antonio Perkins, 2006 fifth-round pick DeMario Minter, Pete Hunter and James Thornton.

Minicamp is kind of the NFL's version of touch football - no major contact, no pads, limited speed.

Quarterbacks and receivers should stand out. Historically, few jobs are won on the field in June.

But Savage argues that the five practices held this weekend are relevant.

"First impressions go a long way," he said. "If a guy comes in and can't run through the bags and can't do some of these drills in shorts, whether the coaches admit it or not, they're thumbs down on the guy.

"I would say it's important. We're not playing flag football, but we judge it, that's for sure."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

6/17/06

BROWNS MINICAMP

Return of Winslow grabs most attention

Tight end is eager to leave injuries behind

Saturday, June 17, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>RON SCHWANE ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Kellen Winslow Jr., returning to action after a 21-month absence, talks with tight ends coach Ben Coates during minicamp. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA, Ohio — On the first play of team drills yesterday, Kellen Winslow Jr. made a leaping grab in traffic over a wouldbe defender. Several plays later, he turned a broken play into a positive gain by cutting off his route and making a difficult catch while straddling the sideline.
Both catches were for short gains, but it was a brief display of the play-making ability that has been missing from the Cleveland offense the past several seasons.
Winslow, a former blue-chip prospect, hopes to return and be a difference-maker after two injury-plagued seasons.
The tight end and former first-round pick has been out for the past 21 months because of leg injuries. He suffered a broken fibula on Sept. 19, 2004, trying to recover an onside kick against the Dallas Cowboys, then suffered a torn right knee ligament in a motorcycle wreck last spring that cost him the 2005 season.
Yesterday, all eyes were on Winslow as he practiced before the media for the first time since the injuries. Although Winslow is not fully healed (he says he’s 90 percent), he returned a more humble and introspective player than the lightning rod he once was coming out of the University of Miami.
"Emotionally, there were a lot of long nights," Winslow said. "I can’t even really explain it. It was a hard time when my teammates were out there playing a game and I was at home with my leg up. But God put me in this place for a reason, because it wasn’t my time yet. But now it is my time. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, a lot of time I spent with my family, and it’s good to be back."
Physically, Winslow believes he’s ahead of schedule. Based on practices yesterday, it appears he’s still feeling his way through his routes, but his hands and upper body look game ready.
Winslow wants to push himself as hard as possible, perhaps a little too hard for the Browns’ liking. He thinks he has a lot to prove and is eager to be a leader and the go-to guy in Cleveland’s offense this year. It has been the job of the front office and training staff to slow Winslow down to lower the risk of injury.
In football years, Winslow is still a baby. The third-year pro has just two starts under his belt—two more than the incoming rookies and three starts less than second-year quarterback Charlie Frye.
The Browns have undergone a major overhaul in the two years since general manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel arrived. Many of the current players have never played or practiced with Winslow and also are seeing him in action for the first time.
"You just sense that when the ball goes in his direction or he’s split out, I think the team generally is watching him to see how he’s doing, because I think they’re interested, too, of really what he’s all about," Savage said.
Crennel said, "He still has the hands, the size and he runs well enough where he can be a problem for some linebackers and safeties. There is some rust there, but if we keep working with him he’ll become more comfortable and a lot of those things will come back to him."
The motorcycle crash of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger brought things closer to home this week. Winslow was in disbelief when he heard the news.
Winslow, who said yesterday that he would never ride a motorcycle again, plans to call Roethlisberger once the "riffraff" clears to see how he’s doing.
"I remember after I got in my accident, he was also riding a motorcycle," Winslow said. "It’s an unfortunate thing. My prayers and thoughts are with him."
Winslow is excited about his playing future. It always has been filled with so much promise, but never before has he been forced to overcome so much hardship.
Training camp begins in five weeks followed by preseason games, which is when the real physical test begins for Winslow.
Can he still get separation in traffic? Can he take a tough shot over the middle? Can he make a physical block to help the running game? These questions need answers, but Winslow is excited about the challenge.
After two years filled with setbacks, Winslow believes he can only move forward.
"Things will keep on track," Winslow said. "I will keep on pushing. Fans should expect a Super Bowl, that’s all you can expect."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

6/17/06

BROWNS NOTEBOOK

Droughns calls latest incident ‘exaggerated’

Saturday, June 17, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>RON SCHWANE ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Cleveland center LeCharles Bentley takes a break during the Browns’ minicamp yesterday. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA, Ohio — Browns starting running back Reuben Droughns is confident that his latest legal trouble will not affect his status with the team.
Droughns is being investigated for a domestic incident with his wife, Kellie, on May 12 in Colorado. Yesterday, he spoke publicly for the first time, saying the incident was somewhat exaggerated.
"You guys know me. That’s not me," Droughns said. "It was a simple thing, and it was uncharacteristic of me."
The Browns will take a waitand-see approach with Droughns, who signed a threeyear extension in March after rushing for 1,232 yards in 2005.
Droughns recently was cleared of a DUI charge just a few days before this latest incident, and the team hopes the incidents are not the beginning of a troubling trend.
"If it does get taken care of, if he’s exonerated like he feels he will be, and if there are no other incidents, then it won’t be a problem," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "If there continue to be incidents and if he has to miss time for whatever reason, or if he’s not able to perform the way that he should be performing, then it will be a problem."
McNair effect

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair could have a profound effect in joining the Baltimore Ravens this season. The former NFL MVP quarterback will fill one of Baltimore’s biggest needs while being paired with one of the league’s best defenses.
The Browns have to face McNair twice this year as a division rival.
"I’m glad we drafted (linebacker) Kamerion Wimbley because with Steve McNair coming into the division, he has some mobility and he has some toughness," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "It’s all well-documented."
Injury report

Receiver Braylon Edwards (knee) dressed yesterday but didn’t participate in team drills. Edwards jogged with the team for conditioning work and had some fun throwing the football to receivers during passing drills.
Starting cornerback Daylon McCutcheon and outside linebacker Willie McGinest did some light work as well. McCutcheon is recovering from ankle surgery in April and McGinest recently had bone chips removed in his left elbow.
Crennel said both players should be 100 percent by training camp.
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

6/17/06

Winslow enters third season with questions

Saturday, June 17, 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]


<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>

View another photo
Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. (center) said he was about “90 percent” during Friday’s minicamp practice in Berea. Winslow has played in just two games since being drafted No. 6 overall in 2004. Head Coach Romeo Crennel hopes to make the Hall of Famer’s son a big part of this year’s offense.​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA - K2 seems OK.

Kellen Winslow Jr. is running with that “look at me” spice in his gait again. The 22-year-old tight end is drawing comments one would expect of the No. 6 overall pick from the 2004 draft.

“Every day,” Browns quarterback Charlie Frye said after a Friday minicamp practice, “he seems to amaze everybody with another great catch.”

The Browns have played 32 games since Butch Davis traded up for Winslow.

The former Miami Hurricane has made five catches in two games and otherwise been out with leg injuries.

He’s back, but ...

“There is a lot of rust,” Head Coach Romeo Crennel said.

Not that Crennel isn’t excited over Winslow’s progress from right knee surgery. Winslow added to the buzz Friday when he caught a pass in the end zone, then dunked the football over a crossbar.

Mystery, though, mingles with anticipation.

“Can he take a hit? Can he still run the route? Can he still catch the ball and block? He has to prove all of that to himself,” Crennel said. “He wants to prove he is the type of player the Browns thought he’d be when they drafted him.”

Asked after Friday morning’s minicamp practice if he is worried about rust, Winslow said, “Not really,” but he admitted he is not his old self.

“I feel about 90 percent,” he said.

The Browns want Winslow to be part a knockout one-two punch with wideout Braylon Edwards, the third pick in last year’s NFL draft. Edwards, who is behind Winslow in his recovery from knee surgery, isn’t practicing.

“I’m not talking,” Edwards said after a long ride on an exercise bike near practice. He is expected to miss at least the first part of training camp.

Winslow opened up to an extent.

“Emotionally, there were a lot of long nights,” he said of his road back from a May 1, 2005, motorcycle crash. “I can’t really explain it. It was a hard time when my teammates were out there playing a game, and I was at home with my leg up.

“But God put me in this place for a reason, because it wasn’t my time yet. But now it is my time.”

His time? Winslow took that a step further when someone asked about the addition of center LeCharles Bentley and wideout Joe Jurevicius.

“It’s an upgrade with those fellas,” he said. “We’re going to be contenders now for the Super Bowl.”

Pittsburgh won this year’s Super Bowl behind Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback Davis passed on to draft Winslow. When Roethlisberger crashed his motorcycle this week, Winslow had eerie flashbacks.

“It didn’t seem real at first,” Winslow said. “After I got in my accident, I was aware he was also riding a motorcycle. It’s unfortunate. My prayers and thoughts are with him.

“I haven’t called him yet. Once all the riff-raff cancels out, I’ll give him a call.”

Roethlisberger is saying if he ever mounts a motorcycle again, he’ll wear a helmet.

Winslow?

“Personally, me ... I wouldn’t ride again,” he said.

Tight end is a key position in Crennel’s offense. Crennel sees Winslow using his athleticism and ability to give linebackers and safeties matchup nightmares.

Former Browns Head Coach Sam Rutigliano saw bright possibilities as he mingled in minicamp Friday.

“If this team has Winslow and Edwards,” Rutigliano said, “now you’re talking I-M-P-A-C-T. Those two are impact players.”

For now, Winslow is running around in shorts, nearly two years since he suited up in a real game. Crennel said it remains to be seen if Winslow can recover the skills he flashed in college.

One thing hasn’t changed.

“He talks a little,” Crennel said.

Someone asked Winslow a vague question about what people should expect.

Winslow’s punch line: “Fans should expect Super Bowl.”
Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

DDN

6/17/06

Browns notes
Suggs' job safe because of Droughns' troubles

By Sean McClelland
Staff Writer

BEREA — There had been talk of trading running back Lee Suggs, but with Reuben Droughns facing a domestic violence charge in Colorado, the rumors have calmed.

The Browns hope Droughns doesn't become any more of a distraction.

"I would say that if he was going to miss time, then I definitely would need a backup ready to go," coach Romeo Crennel said. "But if he misses time in the middle of July, that's one thing. If he misses time in the middle of November, that's something else."

This is Droughns' second legal entanglement since joining the Browns. Soon before his current trouble arose, Droughns beat a DUI charge stemming from an incident last October.

"To this point, he's been convicted of nothing, and so I think what we do is continue to try to educate him about the choices he makes and how he lives his life," Crennel said. "If there are no other incidents, then it won't be a problem."

Droughns apologized Friday in his first public statement since being charged with assaulting his wife last month.

"I'm sorry for bringing this negative attention to the team once again," Droughns said. "I'm a good character guy."

McGinest missing
Conspicuous by his absence is veteran linebacker Willie McGinest. He's recovering from surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow.

"He should be good to go for training camp," Crennel said.

McGinest, 35, signed with the Browns after a long career with the New England Patriots.

He is projected to start at left outside linebacker and help improve a pass rush that collected a league-low 23 sacks.

Also in rehab after surgery are receiver Braylon Edwards (knee), defensive tackle Orpheus Roye (knee) and CB Daylon McCutcheon (ankle).

Wimbley impresses
There's no contact in minicamp, but that didn't stop first-round draft choice Kemerion Wimbley from showing well. In particular, the Browns like how he looks dropping back in pass coverage.

It's something he wasn't asked to do as a defensive end at Florida State.

Wimbley is being converted to outside linebacker.

"Also, he's picking up the system pretty well," Crennel said. "It's not like he's a fish out of water. We feel good about his progress."

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

6/18/06

Browns minicamp

Centered by confusion

Offseason acquisition LeCharles Bentley having minor difficulties adjusting to Browns' system

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - There are athletes, and there are honest athletes.
Ask LeCharles Bentley what he can learn about the Browns' offensive line in the weekend minicamp, and he'll tell you.
``Absolutely nothing,'' Bentley said Saturday.
Now that's honest.
For linemen, minicamps are about getting blocking calls and language down, but even that doesn't go smoothly.
``I don't know what's going on half the time,'' Bentley said. ``Half the time I don't think guys know what I'm doing.''
Take deep breaths. There's no need to panic about the Browns' new center, or about the Browns' new offensive line.
Even coach Romeo Crennel said he doesn't learn much about linemen in minicamps.
``They can learn the offense,'' Crennel said. ``They can communicate and make protection calls and know when to slide a short distance and when to slide a long distance and maybe pick up some tricks at a slow tempo.
``But those guys, both offensively and defensively, they need to be able to put on pads and work with pads. That's when you find out the most about those guys.''
Bentley called joining the Browns and assimilating a new system ``a learning process.' He said he's still doing some of the things he did in New Orleans, where he played his first four years.
``Sometimes I'm making calls that I'm used to,'' he said. ``I'm trying to unlearn those things and put them into this offense.
``This is a process that's normal.''
As to when the line will get things together, Bentley was again candid.
``I don't know how long that takes,'' he said. ``A lot of this is new to me. The quicker I get it down the better for everybody else. I think it's more on myself being a center to get everyone on the same page.''
But it will happen. And when it does...
``It's over,'' Bentley said.
The offseason was all positive for Bentley. He signed a lucrative contract to play in his hometown, but he said ``all the confetti has fallen and it's back to work.''
And he's not wearing the ``00'' number he had hoped to wear.
The league ruled earlier in the spring that it would not allow exceptions to uniform numbers, so Bentley had to change. He picked No. 57.
``I understand they had a ruling to make and that's part of the rules and regulations,'' he said. ``I wasn't trying to get around that. I guess I'm not bigger than the NFL.''
The reason he wanted double-zero? To honor former Raiders center and Hall of Famer Jim Otto, who wore it in his career.
``I thought I was doing it for a good reason,'' he said, ``but it wasn't a good enough reason.''
Brownies . . .
First-round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley said he's feeling ``more normal'' as he makes the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker. He admitted at the first minicamp, he felt a bit like a fish out of water.... Crennel said this of safety Brian Russell's value: ``He'll be valuable as long as he can keep his job.''... He also said this of the attributes of new receiver Joe Jurevicius: ``He can catch the football for one. That's what you want a receiver to do.''
<!-- end body-content --><!-- begin body-end -->

Dispatch

6/18/06

BROWNS NOTEBOOK

Dorsey keeping his focus on field, not QB situation

Sunday, June 18, 2006

James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>RON SCHWANE ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Off-season acquisition Joe Jurevicius runs after making a pass reception during the Browns’ minicamp. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA, Ohio—Whether he admits it or not, Ken Dorsey realizes he has a short leash with the Browns as the backup quarterback.
Cleveland acquired Dorsey in May along with a future draft pick from the San Francisco 49 ers for Trent Dilfer.
Now Dorsey is in a unique position. He’s entering his third year but finds himself the veteran of a quarterback’s group that includes starter Charlie Frye and No. 3 quarterback Derek Anderson, both second-year players.
Dorsey is currently No. 2 on the depth chart, but the team could add a veteran backup before training camp.
Much of the decision-making will hinge on Dorsey’s performance in minicamp this weekend.
"That’s something I don’t concern myself with too much," Dorsey said. "If you start worrying about that, you start worrying about the wrong things. I’m just focusing on football and getting better on the field."
Streak buster ?

The Browns are getting their final look at rookie linebacker Kamerion Wimbley before the team signs him to a multimillion dollar contract entering training camp.
Cleveland has an infamous streak going of not getting its first-round picks in camp on time. The last five first-rounders have been contract holdouts, including Braylon Edwards missing a team-record 14 days of training camp last year.
Courtney Brown was the last pick to reach a deal before the start of camp in 2000.
Wimbley, the 13 th overall pick, believes he’ll be the next. Ironically, he’s represented by Joe Linta, the agent of coach Romeo Crennel.
"My agent, he’s been in contact with the team and we’ll continue negotiations," Wimbley said. "He calls me and he tells me everything is going fine and smooth the way we expected, so I don’t see me holding out. … Definitely, we all know the earlier I get in the better it will be for me."
Brownie points

Crennel said third-year player Sean Jones has been one of the biggest surprises so far and appears ready to make a strong push for the starting safety position opposite Brian Russell. …Linebacker Chaun Thompson is working on a switch from outside linebacker to inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense this summer. …Rookie cornerback Demario Minter, a fifth-round pick, is sitting out of minicamp this weekend while recovering from minor knee surgery.
[email protected]

Canton

6/18/06

On father’s day, Jurevicius’ story becomes even more compelling

Sunday, June 18, 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 - Joe Jurevicius played for the original at Penn State, but you could call him “Papa Joe,” too.
Everyone who has hung around him guesses Jurevicius must be a good father.
It’s not so different that today is Father’s Day. It’s not that Jurevicius reflects more seriously on his son.
The baby boy he lost to a rare illness is in his thoughts and prayers every day.
I came away with that thought after a small group chat with Jurevicius at this year’s Super Bowl.
“Michael would be 3 now, sitting in the stands,” he said then. “I’ve said a lot about Michael, but there are a lot of things I haven’t shared in public. I feel I have the right to retain a lot of things that are personal to me.”
Michael was 2 months and 10 days old when he died shortly after Jurevicius helped Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl in 2003. At this year’s Super Bowl, Jurevicius, wearing a Seattle jersey, made it clear Michael remains a powerful presence in his life.
“Trust me on that,” he said.
Winter turned to spring, and spring has grown warm with Jurevicius in another uniform, his hometown team’s. He’s a Browns wide receiver now, on the back nine of a career that rocketed off the tee at Mentor Lake Catholic.
He will spend part of his Father’s Day at Browns minicamp, and then go home to his wife, Meagan, and their baby daughter, Caroline.
The man has gotten on with life in a way that comes off as observant, thoughtful, mature and determined.
There’s something unique and almost haunting about him. You wonder how the loss changed him, softened him, steeled him.
He looms as one of the more interesting figures on a Browns team that is beginning to reveal itself to its legions of hungry fans.
He talked a lot of football on Saturday, in a way that surely appeals to the faithful.
“I’m excited to be a Brown, especially having the talent we do here now on offense and defense,” he said. “I think the team is going places.”
What’s not to like about Jurevicius walking off a minicamp practice in which he caught everything in sight, then described why his new job is so magical?
He grew up a short drive from the old stadium, at first rooting for Pittsburgh because a man who worked for his dad would buy him Steelers stuff. He wasn’t far along in grade school when he converted to the team his family loved, Cleveland.
He fell in love with the Browns, and really never fell out.
“I loved going to old Municipal Stadium,” he said under a warm Saturday sun at the edge of a practice field. “I loved going to the old stadium parking lot and tailgating as a kid. There’s so many memories ... anticipating the games ... spray-painting my shoes orange.”
Jurevicius didn’t come home until it was fairly late. He has been in a Super Bowl with each of his previous three teams, the Giants, Bucs and Seahawks. He will turn 32 two days before Christmas with his new team, which hasn’t been to a Super Bowl.
Head Coach Romeo Crennel doubts the 6-foot-5 Jurevicius is still in his peak years.
“They say your prime doesn’t last long up here,” Crennel said.
But a warmth comes over Crennel’s face when he talks of Jurevicius, who had more touchdown catches in 2005 (10) than Antonio Bryant, Dennis Northcutt and Braylon Edwards combined.
“He can catch the football for one thing,” Crennel said. “He has a smoothness about him as you watch him. He’s somewhat deceptive. He doesn’t look like a blazer, but he can move.
“He’s made a living in the red zone.”
Jurevicius won’t act as if he’s in a living hell when he doesn’t get the ball enough. This has been a problem with some Browns wideouts.
“I’ve always been a guy who, when you call my number, I make plays,” Jurevicius said. “Dennis Northcutt’s deserving of the football. Braylon Edwards is deserving the football ... Frisman Jackson ... everybody in there who has busted his tail last season and this offseason.
“Let’s just go out there and worry about winning football games. I promise these guys ... when you win football games, it means a lot more than individual records.”
Jurevicius brings a steady hand, not star power. He made 55 catches for 694 yards in helping Seattle to a 13-3 season. He has moved chains and scored touchdowns.
He’s tickled to have moved home, to spend Father’s Day where his dad grew up.
“When I signed in March,” he said, “I had to pinch myself. It was, ‘Wow, you’re a Cleveland Brown now.’
“I’m glad that part’s done. I’m ready to make my mark and help the team win games.”

Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected].

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Canton

6/18/06

Crennel: Browns further along than a season ago

Sunday, June 18, 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[/FONT]


BEREA - A running back broke through for a “touchdown.” A sideline observer got to the heart of how much minicamp matters.
“William Green,” said a wag from the shade of a press tent, “showed good burst through those seven guys wearing shorts.”
Romeo Crennel, though, came out of Saturday’s hot sun with a few fresh conclusions.
“We’re a little further along than last year,” the head coach said amid preparations for his second Browns season. “We were really basic then. Now we can put a few more things in. We’re encouraged by that.”
On offense, Crennel said, that could translate into knowing better when opponents will blitz, and changing more plays just before the snap. On defense, it could mean fooling more opponents as to who will wind up where in zone coverage.
Nothing the Browns have seen since June 1, when spring practice began, has made them question spending a first-round pick on Florida State defensive end Kamerion Wimbley.
Crennel said Wimbley shows he can convert to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, bending his knees with ease, dropping into pass coverage, and changing directions after planting.
“He’s been able to make the transition and look good doing it,” Crennel said.
Free agency pick-up Willie McGinest, young veteran Matt Stewart and Wimbley give the Browns some juice at outside linebacker, a key to making the 3-4 scheme work.
Crennel remembers coaching McGinest in New England in the 1990s.
“Overall,” Crennel said, “Kamerion moves better than Willie did in Willie’s first year.”
McGinest and nose tackle Ted Washington were key free agency pick-ups on defense during the offseason.
“What they’ve seen will be beneficial to a lot of these guys who have not seen a winner or know what it takes to be one,” Crennel said.
In watching minicamp, everyone who sees Washington tries to guess his weight. Saturday’s press tent consensus was around 380 pounds.
No one looks at the mammoth nose man and thinks “mini” camp.
CRENNEL CRITIQUE
The head coach sized up several players and situations after one of Saturday’s practice sessions. Crennel on:
n Kellen Winslow’s dunk over a crossbar after a catch. “I guess he thought he made a good play. If that’s the case, I hope he can dunk a lot more.”
n Rookie tackle-turned-guard Isaac Sowells. “He has a prototypical offensive guard’s body. He’s picking it up pretty good. He’s working on being more physical.”
n Rookie running back Jerome Harrison. “He and (undrafted rookie) Chris Barclay are similar ... quick and explosive. They seem to run away from people.”
n Rookie Round 6 pick Lawrence Vickers. “He looks like he’s going to be competitive (at fullback).”
n Rookie Round 7 pick Justin Hamilton. “He’s more vocal than you might expect a rookie to be. He’s pretty sharp. He’s on top of the calls (at safety).”
EXTRA POINTS
n Phil Savage said the atmosphere is more loose than last year, when “some practices were so quiet you could hear the crickets chirping.” One sign of this was at the end of Saturday afternoon’s practice, when quarterbacks and a couple of wideouts took turns trying to throw balls into an orange bin 25 yards away. Derek Anderson put his only try in. Braylon Edwards kept taking shots but couldn’t connect.
n Winslow spiked the ball at a defender during a frisky drill in which it was fairly easy for receivers to catch short TD passes, since defensive backs aren’t allowed to hit.
n Undrafted rookie QB Dustin Almond got yelled at for dropping the ball on a snap during a morning practice. He didn’t help his chances when he dropped another snap in the afternoon.
n Running backs Jerome Harrison and Jason Wright are being tried as kick returners, but it’s incumbent Joshua Cribbs’ job to lose. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail [email protected]


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

6/19/06

Frye finding comfort zone

Browns quarterback bulks up, strengthens his arm as he prepares for second NFL season

By Tom Reed

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->BEREA - Who says Charlie Frye can't go deep?
The Browns' starting quarterback spoke with confidence Sunday about defending the ``long-ball'' title he captured a year ago.
OK, so Frye was discussing his penchant for driving a ball at the team's annual golf outing today, not throwing one into the swirling November winds at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Frye seems at ease regarding the prospects of doing both.
In his second year, Frye is developing a comfort level with becoming the Browns' offensive leader. Never mind that he's 24 and has just five career starts. Frye welcomes the expectations and the opportunity to show how much he and the Browns have grown in the offseason.
``Like the coaches have been saying all week, `the bar has been raised,' '' Frye said Sunday at the conclusion of the Browns' weekend minicamp. ``We have expectations and that's what we're working toward (fulfilling).''
Frye will enter training camp next month as the entrenched starter, not the feel-good story from the University of Akron. He has prepared for the task accordingly, having added 15 pounds of muscle and showing signs of improving his arm strength.
Browns General Manager Phil Savage said the thing that stood out during a week of closed practices and minicamp drills is that Frye delivers the ball with more strength. He said one in 12 passes might ``flutter'' as opposed to one in five a season ago.
Frye's ability to ``make all the throws'' was scrutinized last season, especially when pitted against big-armed quarterback and former college rival Ben Roethlisberger in a 41-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
``I'm going to make all of the throws better,'' said Frye, who rested his arm in the offseason and didn't resume passing drills until April.
``I'll be in the offensive system for another year and with (Browns strength coach John Lott) for another year. Everything seems to come a lot easier.''
Now that Trent Dilfer has been jettisoned to the San Francisco 49ers, Frye appears most determined to establish himself as a team leader.
Offensive tackle Ryan Tucker is impressed with Frye's maturity and commanding presence. The quarterback isn't shy about wanting to take charge.
``That's what you live for,'' said Frye, who was 2-3 as a starter. ``You want to be the guy who has the game on your shoulders. You are the quarterback and everyone is looking at you. That's what I wanted when I got drafted by Cleveland... I feel more comfortable when I know that it's my show and I have to get it done.''
The Browns believe they have upgraded their offensive line and improved their receiving corps with the addition of Joe Jurevicius and the return of Kellen Winslow.
Frye must prove he can be trusted running the offense. Savage believes his quarterback can handle the inherent pressures. He even cited Frye's long-drive competition victory at last year's outing as an example.
``Charlie has that gamer mentality,'' Savage said. ``He just seems to respond to the positions we put him in.''
Vinny redux?
Without mentioning him by name, coach Romeo Crennel again discussed the possibility of bringing quarterback Vinny Testaverde, 42, in as a backup.
Testaverde, who replaced Bernie Kosar in 1993, is a free agent after playing six games with the New York Jets last season. The 19-year veteran spent two seasons working with Crennel in New York from 1997-99.
``I have a guy in mind who knows the system,'' Crennel said. ``He might be a little older than I am but he can still line up... ''
This wasn't the first time Crennel broached the Testaverde topic since the team traded Dilfer. Browns backup Ken Dorsey has made just 10 NFL starts (2-8), and experienced free-agent quarterbacks are scarce.
``(Testaverde) could come in on (a) Friday and, boom, be good to go on Sunday,'' Crennel said.
``(Testaverde) might tell me to take a swim, I don't know, because I haven't spoken with him,'' Crennel added.
``But if it's not him, we'll take the next guy.''
Brownies . . .
Asked about rookies who most impressed him besides top pick Kamerion Wimbley during the weekend three-day camp, Crennel mentioned fullback Lawrence Vickers (Colorado).... Tight end Steve Heiden spent Sunday riding a stationary bike during practice after developing tightness in his hamstring.... The Browns ended minicamp by singing Happy Birthday to Crennel, who turned 59.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

6/19/06

Top pick Wimbley ‘proud’ of accomplishments so far

Monday, June 19, 2006
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>[FONT=Verdana, Times New Roman, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]y Steve Doerschuk REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER[/FONT]


<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>

Browns first-round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley stretches during a minicamp session at team headquarters in Berea on Sunday.
​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


BEREA - Someone asked first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley to size up quarterback Charlie Frye.

“I think he’s our main guy, right?” the new outside linebacker said.
The response was one indication Wimbley is absorbed in his own gig — converting from Florida State defensive end to Browns outside linebacker, juicing up a pass rush that was a trickle in 2005.

The three-day minicamp that concluded Sunday was encouraging. One practice observer let out a “wow” when he saw how fast Wimbley broke at the snap and tore to the outside after recognizing a run.

“I’m pretty proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far,” Wimbley said.

He and Matt Stewart seem headed for a battle for the starting outside linebacker spot opposite free agency pick-up Willie McGinest.

Head Coach Romeo Crennel seems pleased. He said Wimbley looks more athletic than he remembers McGinest from early in the latter’s career.

“We’ve watched some film on the Patriots from when Willie was there,” Wimbley said. “We’ve watched the way he jams receivers, goes about his business in games.

“In meetings, he’ll be watching films right next to me, telling me what I need to improve on. In practice, I try to do some of the things that have made him a great player.”

McGinest had 4.5 sacks as a rookie No. 4 overall pick in 1994, then broke through for 11 sacks in 1995. The Browns hope Wimbley can approach double-digit sacks as a rookie.

Scouts agreed that Wimbley has uncanny flexibility and athleticism. Some worried about Wimbley’s modest sack production at Florida State.

“During my first three years in college, we rotated a lot of ends,” Wimbley said. “It wasn’t until my senior year that I had the chance to start, and even then I got injured and missed about four games.

“In those games, I definitely could have improved my sack numbers up from 7 1/2. I don’t think whether I could get sacks was a concern. It was more we had NFL-caliber guys in front of me my junior year, and I had to play both sides, right and left. I backed them up as well as doing special teams.

“I wasn’t really able to concentrate on defensive end until my senior year.

Then I got injured with four games left.”

General Manager Phil Savage is projecting Wimbley as an “A-plus” player who will contribute sooner rather than later.

Coming off the 2005 season, Savage said 2005 Round 2 pick Brodney Pool might be the best athlete on the defense.

Asked Sunday if Wimbley will push Pool for that description, Crennel said, “Those defensive backs are generally better athletes than defensive ends, but comparatively, yeah, I think Wimbley may be close.”


Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail:

[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

6/20/06

Which Suggs in ’06?

Tuesday, June 20, 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]
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 10px -3px 15px 5px; POSITION: relative" width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>

Browns running back Lee Suggs hopes to stay healthy during the 2006 season. Team followers wonder if he does, can he be an impact player?​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

BEREA - What if Reuben Droughns gets dinged?
Or, what if the momentum Droughns built while rushing for 1,232 yards in 2005 loses steam after his recent arrest on domestic violence charges?
Or, what if Droughns hits training camp on top of his game, but Suggs sets August on fire in Berea?
These questions beg another one in the minds of those who remain intrigued by Suggs’ sensational finishes to the 2003 and ’04 seasons. What if Suggs is an impact player who simply needs to play?
A 2003 post-draft interview with Frank Beamer, who coached Suggs at Virginia Tech, serves to remind of what Suggs might still become. It is interesting to weigh Beamer’s view against what Suggs said in a one-on-one Sunday at minicamp.
Beamer in 2003: I have no doubts he’ll be a very productive pro football player. He’s a very capable all-around back.
Suggs now: If I can stay healthy, stay with the swing of things, stay with the flow of the season, I can be a very productive back.
Beamer in 2003: He can run it inside. He has the speed to bounce it outside. He catches the ball really well coming out of the backfield. He can pass block.
Suggs now: I can be any type of runner I’m needed to be.
Beamer in 2003: His size might worry some, but he plays bigger than his height and weight.
Suggs now: I’ve put on some weight. I came in this year at 215. Last year, I came in at 202. I still feel strong. I feel fast. I feel real good. (Suggs is listed at 6-foot, 206 pounds on the 2006 roster).
Beamer in 2003: I’ve never been around a back who is as good in short-yardage situations. He has a way of pausing until the crease is there. He just has a nice style about short-yardage running.
Suggs now: Running inside is about following blocks, setting up blocks, keeping your pads low, running behind your pads. It’s leverage and leg drive. It really doesn’t have that much to do with size.
Beamer in 2003: (Asked about Suggs’ weaknesses) Ummmm ... well ... look, I’m very serious when I tell you he does everything well. On top of that, he’s a real quality person.
Suggs now: I haven’t really been on the field a lot due to injuries. ... But I always thought I was a complete back.
Coming out of minicamp, Suggs is a backup.
“It just depends on training camp, who stays healthy, who performs, or who doesn’t,” he said.
Droughns projects more overt energy than Suggs; Suggs has more of a smoldering intensity.
Suggs is faster and more elusive; Droughns is known for toughness and a nonstop motor.
The tiebreaker might be durability, or, for Suggs, a lack thereof.
Suggs went down in the 2005 preseason with a high ankle sprain and later lost time to a broken thumb. In 2004, he missed the first three with a neck injury and later missed three more games with a foot problem.
He entered the 2003 season with a shoulder injury and missed half of his rookie year. Yet, there have been enough flashes to make Suggs the most interesting sleeper on the team.
He rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns in a 2003 season-ending win at Cincinnati. He had a 100-yard receiving game in an October 2004 win over the Bengals, and finished that season with three straight 100-yard rushing games.
He has two years left on his contract. The braintrust is wary of his medical file but doesn’t want to waste his talent. It’s possible Suggs will become a third-down back who will give Droughns needed rest.
Evidence of Droughns’ fatigue: Whereas Suggs rushed 85 times for 379 rushing yards (4.46 average) in Games 14-16 in 2004, Droughns ran 47 times for 129 yards (2.74) in Games 14-16 in 2005.
At this point, Suggs will take what carries he can get.
“I think I could be a real good third-down back,” he said. “If that’s what they want me to be, I can be it.”
Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel has a reputation for open-mindedness in assigning playing time.
“I’m going to let these guys compete to see who is best,” Crennel said. “Reuben was best last year but, in this football business, you have to prove it every year. If he proves he’s the best, then he’ll play.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]

Canton

6/20/06

Browns rookies will tour HOF

Tuesday, June 20, 2006


CANTON - Top draft pick Kamerion Wimbley will head a group of 29 Browns rookies who will visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
The group includes all 10 of Cleveland’s selections from the 2006 draft and 19 undrafted free agent rookies.
The public is invited to meet the newest Browns from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission to the Hall of Fame is required. Prices are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $8 for children.
Those fans wearing Browns’ gear will receive discounts on admission (adult: $13.50; senior citizens: $11.50; children $7.50). The Hall’s museum store will offer a 10 percent discount on Browns apparel including the new Cleveland Browns Hall of Famer t-shirt. Team highlight videos will be shown throughout the event in the Hall’s NFL Films Theater.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

6/20/06

Crennel's Plan B? Plan V for Vinny

At 42, ex-Browns QB likely fallback choice to provide support for Frye

Monday, June 19, 2006

Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Sunday that Vinny Testaverde is still his Plan B at backup quarterback - and he just might be able to land the 20-year pro after the dog days of training camp.

Testaverde's agent, Mike Azzarelli, said Sunday that Testaverde has not filed his retirement papers and that he'd be open to returning to Cleveland, where he played from 1993 to '95.

"It certainly wouldn't be unat- tractive to him to be reunited with [Cren nel]," Azzarelli said. "And there's no rea son he wouldn't return to Cleve land. He cer tainly had a good time there."

Crennel said current backup Ken Dorsey deserves a shot in training camp, but that he'll call for assistance if needed. He coyly didn't use Testaverde's name Sunday, but made it clear about whom he was speaking. Last month, he said the 42-year-old Testaverde would fit the mentor role perfectly.

Asked if he risks waiting too long to find a backup because they won't know the system, Crennel said, "I've got a guy in mind who knows the system. He might be a little older than I am, but he can still line up."

He said he hasn't talked to Testaverde, but that the QB wouldn't need much notice. "If that were the name that I was thinking about, he could come in on Friday and be good to go on Sunday," said Crennel.

Does he have any assurance that Testaverde won't sign with someone else?

"I have no idea at all," said Crennel. "He might tell me to go take a swim. I don't know because I haven't spoken with him. But if it's not him, then we'll take the next guy."

Azzarelli said several teams are interested, but they're waiting to call.
He also said he hasn't heard from the Browns yet.

"I think everybody knows that Vinny's not interested in coming in for training camp," said Azzarelli. "I think Vinny will sign on more of an emergency basis."

Testaverde's name also has been connected to the Patriots. New England coach Bill Belichick helped resurrect Testaverde's career in Cleveland and also spent two seasons with him with the Jets in 1998-99. Crennel also was in New York those two years, including 1998 when Testaverde went 12-1 as a starter and led the Jets to the AFC title game.

Azzarelli, asked to assess Testaverde's desire to return, said, "The best way to say it is that he didn't file his retirement papers."

The Jets assumed Testaverde would retire after last season, one in which he appeared in six games and threw one touchdown and six interceptions.

Asked in December about returning, he said, "There's always a chance, but I don't think so. . . . I wouldn't want to go anywhere else, anyway."

Azzarelli said it would "absolutely" be a bonus for Testaverde not to have to learn a new system. He also could provide Charlie Frye with the type of mentorship that Gary Danielson did for Bernie Kosar - imparting knowledge without trying to win the starting job.

But Crennel isn't ready to give up on Dorsey just yet.

"Ken is learning the system and I think we have to get to training camp to see what he looks like there," said Crennel. "He's improving and picking things up. If that continues in camp, we'll be OK."

He said there's some question about Dorsey's arm strength, but thinks it will improve once he knows the system and his teammates.

Dorsey said he's not concerned about being on trial.

"I'm just focusing on football and getting better," he said. "I'm having fun and learning as quickly as I can."

Dorsey started 10 games in three seasons with San Francisco and thinks he can provide some veteran leadership. If not, Crennel will call on a guy who's played in 223 regular-season games, made two Pro Bowls and thrown for 45,252 yards.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^[email protected], 216-999-4670

 

[osugrad21]

Link

Former 'Canes reunited
By Steve King, Staff Writer
June 20, 2006

<table align="right" cellpadding="3" height="300" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td height="300" width="200">

</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Kellen Winslow was often Ken Dorsey's go-to receiever at Miami (Fla.).

</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Photo By Getty Images

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>How strange was this, seeing quarterback Ken Dorsey and tight end Kellen Winslow back together after three years on the same team - in Ohio, of all places?
Very strange, to be sure. But there they were this past weekend in the Browns full-squad minicamp.
Only 3½ years before, a football team from Ohio, Ohio State, was the enemy, and there were few Ohioans rooting for Dorsey, Winslow and the rest of the Miami Hurricanes against the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl in the national championship game following the 2002 season.
That didn't work out that night for Dorsey and Winslow, whose Hurricanes lost to Ohio State 31-24 in two overtimes. In fact, on what turned out to be the game's final play, a hurried Dorsey, facing pressure off the edge from a blitz, threw incomplete near the goal on fourth-and-goal from the OSU 1.
"That was a great game - a hard-fought game - for four quarters. Well, actually, for longer than four quarters," Dorsey, smiling, said after one of the minicamp practices.
The ex-Miami stars are hoping things turn out a lot better for them this year with the Browns.
Winslow, of course, is trying to come back after missing all but a pair of games the last two seasons due to injuries. Though Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said he was probably only 90 percent recovered, Winslow looked fully back - and then some - during the minicamp, making plays all over the field.
But the real test will come in late July when the pads go on with the start of training camp, followed by the preseason and the regular season. He should be at, or close to, 100 percent by then.
Dorsey is currently trying to make his own mark, but in a different way. Just a fourth-year pro himself with only 10 career starts and only 11 games played, the 25-year-old is the backup for young Charlie Frye, entering his second season.
As minicamp closed on Sunday, Crennel said he felt comfortable enough with Dorsey that, "I think we need to go to training camp and give him a chance.''
The easy-going Dorsey seems comfortable with that.
Since he's come to the Browns May 4 in a trade with the 49ers involving the man who was slated to compete with Frye for the starting job this season, Trent Dilfer, Dorsey seems to be easing into a real comfort level. He's learning the system, he's learning his new teammates and, to give him some familiarity, he's been reunited with Winslow.
"This is a great opportunity here for me," Dorsey said. "It's a fresh start. It's a new place. And it's an exciting place. There are a lot of positive things going on here.
<table align="left" cellpadding="3" height="300" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td height="300" width="200">

</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Ken Dorsey.

</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">Photo By John H. Reid III

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>"Coming in here only a couple months ago, I'm trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. I'm not thinking about anything other than picking up the offense. I'm not worried about competing for the job."
Obviously, Dorsey wants to play. What player doesn't? But right now, the Browns are intent on giving Frye every chance to succeed.
"I can be that sounding board for Charlie," Dorsey said. "There are things I bring with me. I've played three years in the league. I have the experience of going through things as a starting quarterback, and I've been in a lot of different systems. Charlie and I, we can help each other out."
And, after all those years together at Miami, no one on the Browns knows Winslow better than Dorsey. That really counts for something since Winslow, if he has no health setbacks, is set to be such a big part of this offense.
"It's great to be back throwing the ball to him again in practice," Dorsey said. "He can definitely get back to what he was before he got hurt. He's one of the hardest workers you'll ever see. He expects a lot of himself.
"And because he's so big and strong and fast, he's a great mismatch for the other team. He opens up a lot of things for you."
Just as he did for Dorsey when they were both with the Hurricanes attempting to beat Ohio State.
Now they're in Ohio trying to further a dream instead of seeing one end. The time in between has changed a lot for them.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

6/21/06

Browns: Russell expecting more in Year 2

Wednesday, June 21, 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 - The operative word in Brian Russell’s busy mind is “thrive,” not “survive.”
The former Ivy League quarterback wants more than to just hang on to a starting free safety job in the final year of his Browns contract.
“I think there’s gonna be a big jump for me,” the 28-year-old free safety said. “It’s my second year in a system I really felt I was getting a solid grasp on last year.”
Until recently, one school of thought projected Round 2 draft picks Sean Jones and Brodney Pool as starting safeties, with Russell, who wasn’t drafted coming out of college, dropping to a reserve role.
However, General Manager Phil Savage and Head Coach Romeo Crennel said Russell heads to training camp as the No. 1 free safety, while Jones and Pool will duke it out for the strong safety job. The safety spots are somewhat interchangeable in the scheme.
Jones, 24, is a bit bigger than Russell and has recovered the rhythm he lost to a knee injury in a 2004 minicamp. Savage thinks Pool, 22, might be the best athlete on defense.
Russell, meanwhile, is young enough to be in his prime and old enough to know all the ropes. He excels at reading enemy offenses and lining up the Browns’ secondary. He is serviceable athlete who is a willing tackler. Far removed from his college days at Penn and later San Diego State, Russell might be coming into his own as a sixth-year pro and fourth-year starter.
“Brian is kind of the quarterback of the back end,” Crennel said, “His strength last year was kind of orchestrating the secondary.”
Russell flew under the radar as a first-year starter with the 2003 Vikings, sneaking up on some opponents en route to nine interceptions. He had only one interception the next year.
Then, in his first year with the Browns, he had just one pick through 15 games. He added two more in a 20-16 win over Baltimore. One set up a field goal. One snuffed out a late Ravens threat.
“I hope to get more into a playmaking role this year,” the bright-eyed Californian said. “Guys really know their responsibilities. We’ll try to chase the ball down and get our hands on balls.
“With the added pass rush, I expect us to be causing a lot of havoc in the backfield, and a lot of balls will be up for grabs.”
The Browns’ safety play has ranged from below average to decent in the expansion era. The position could be a strength if Jones and Pool break through and Russell settles in.
“Those two guys are very talented,” Russell said. “Plus, the guys we brought in are very skilled.
“It’s a heckuva competition every day. It makes it fun.”
Fun was in short supply while the Browns were going 6-10 in 2005. Yet, Russell made his way through minicamp with a certain gleam.
“One, we have experience in the scheme,” Russell said. “Two, we have a bunch of talented guys now playing the scheme. “We’re gonna get a whole bunch of wins. We’re gonna try to get the ball rolling and get ourselves into the playoffs. I mean, that’s our goal.” Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: [email protected]


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

6/22/06

Browns rookies get tour of Pro Football Hall of Fame

Thursday, June 22, 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]



CANTON - New Browns running back Jerome Harrison, who needs 16,726 rushing yards to catch Walter Payton, met the memory of “Sweetness” on Wednesday in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
All of Cleveland’s rookies were in Canton with Harrison.
A couple hundred die-hard fans turned out to greet them, but it was nothing like the throng at the Hall on July 30, 1993. Payton was alive and well then, and thrilled to be in the museum prior to his July 31 induction.
As Hall of Fame staffer Saleem Choudry told it, Payton asked to be led to the area where his jersey was — and still is — on display.
“It was so crowded,” Choudry said, “that it was like parting the Red Sea to get him there.”
When the former Bears great arrived, a father and his son were gazing at his jersey, unaware the man who had worn it had appeared. Payton stood and listened while the father explained the legend of “Sweetness” to his son. After a while, they realized they were standing next to Payton, and they all had a good laugh.
The magical story has a haunting quality, in that Payton was only 45 when he died six years later.
This is part of the lore Browns player liaison Jerry Butler wanted the Browns to tap into when he suggested strengthening ties between the Browns and the Hall a few years ago. General Manager Phil Savage plugged into the concept after joining the Browns 18 months ago. Head Coach Romeo Crennel followed suit.
Butler, who was a Bills receiver when Payton was on his way up, had a good time with the rookies Wednesday.
At one point, they stopped at a booth where anyone can pick up a ball and try to throw it through a hole. Butler was a No. 5 overall pick the year Joe Montana was drafted. Many of the rookies — and Butler — tried to throw the ball through that hole. None looked like Montana.
The current braintrust sees the Hall as a conveniently located place for young Browns to dream.
The braintrust sees Hall of Fame markings in first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley. The vision is for Wimbley to become what Courtney Brown was going to be: Model citizen; Sunday mauler.
Second-round pick D’Qwell Jackson stopped for a chat with The Repository as to his own vision.
“It’s every guy’s dream to end up here,” said Jackson, a linebacker from Maryland. “I haven’t even taken that first step yet.
“If God has a plan for me to be here, then ... I’ll take it.”
Jackson was on the second floor of the Hall, between photographs of Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert and current star Ray Lewis — whom Savage thinks has some of Jackson’s traits.
“Being from Florida,” Jackson said, “I relate to the Buccaneers. I relate to Derrick Jackson. He’ll definitely be here.
“What he’s done on the field ... he’s done just as much off the field. That’s one guy I definitely keep in the back of my mind.”
Jackson is battling fourth-year Brown Chaun Thompson for one of the two starting inside linebacker jobs.
The other job belongs to fifth-year Brown Andra Davis, who has made a strong impression on Jackson.
“He let me know right away, if I needed anything, he was there for me,” Jackson said. “He’s become a good friend and a good role model. We talk often. I watch him.”
Northeast Ohio is watching these young Browns.
The previous rookie classes that have come through the expansion era have impressed no one as planting the seeds of a Hall of Famer. Wednesday brought a new class with untainted dreams. Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail [email protected].


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>