The Dayton Daily News has a helpful position-by-position analysis of the Browns roster heading into the NFL Draft. They point out correctly that the Browns are starting to look much better on paper after Phil Savage’s recent free agent moves.
Author: G (Page 17 of 44)
. . . but he has some serious praise for LeBron as well, who he puts at #2:
The intriguing subplot: LeBron is figuring out how to take over down the stretch, personified by what happened on Saturday in New Jersey (17 in the final quarter). At least once a game, he does something so explosive, so athletic, so incredible, you can’t even believe it happened. The last time I remember feeling this way about a professional athlete was Bo Jackson, who wasn’t just great … he stood out. I attended a spring training game once when Bo scored from third base on a 180-foot pop fly — standing up. It was awesome to watch.
Well, LeBron reminds me of Bo. On those plays when he says, “Screw it, I’m scoring” and heads toward the basket like a runaway freight train. He’s like a young Barkley crossed with a young Shawn Kemp crossed with young Magic, but with a little Bo thrown in. Out of anyone in the league, he’s the only player who can cripple the other team with one monster play.
That’s the first time I’ve heard the Bo Jackson reference, bit Simmons makes a great point.
Now that Hal Lebowitz is gone, the weekly “View from Pluto” is a must-read for all Cleveland sports fans. Terry Pluto is the best writer covering Cleveland sports, and his insights each week are informative and entertaining. This week’s installment has some great predictions on the Tribe’s 2006 season. He’s not worried about the bullpen because the Tribe has some great depth at the minor league level. The same can be said for the starting pitchers, and we all know that Andy Marte and Ryan Garko will be waiting at Buffalo to take over at third base and first base.
As for the Browns, Pluto points out some interesting comparisons to the Butch Davis era:
There’s a good chance the 2006 Browns will have only two offensive starters from the Butch Davis Era: receiver Dennis Northcutt and right tackle Ryan Tucker. And if Braylon Edwards gets healthy (not expected back until September) or free-agent signee Joe Jurevicius starts, then it will only be Tucker.
• If the Browns have a decent draft, there could be as many as 40 out of 53 players who are new this season compared with the end of 2004. On defense, the only returning Davis Era starters might be Orpheus Roye, Andra Davis and Daylon McCutcheon. Chaun Thompson and Alvin McKinley came off the bench in 2004.
That’s pretty amazing. Savage and Crennel have them going in the right direction.
Finally, Pluto’s story about LeBron is worth reading. This kid is amazing.
Over at ESPN.com Insider (subscription required), Mel Kiper is all over the Buckeye players as he discusses the latest rumors on the NFL draft:
Another interesting spot to watch is with the Jets’ second pick in the first round. They could go with Ohio State center Nick Mangold with the 29th pick, but don’t be surprised if they take outside linebacker Bobby Carpenter, also from Ohio State. Carpenter is in the same mold of Mike Vrabel, another Ohio State alum. Vrabel’s defensive coordinator with the Patriots last season was Eric Mangini, now the coach of the Jets. If the Jets don’t take Carpenter, don’t be surprised if the Steelers take him. Remember, before he signed with the Patriots, Vrabel originally was drafted by the Steelers.
I’ll be sick to my stomach if the Steelers get Carpenter. I’d love to see the Browns get him with their pick in the second round, but that might be wishful thinking.
The Indians signed Grady Sizemore to a $23.45 million, six-year contract. This represents the most guaranteed money for a player with less than two years of MLB service. Say what you want about Dolan, but with Mark Shapiro’s help, the Tribe is putting together one hell of a team for the future.
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