James Davis gets waived

[Legacy Fan]

Originally Posted by Greythan

My God, what hand wringing over a 6th round pick.

I'll adapt my own version of Rich's tagline "RB's are a dime a dozen". While there are some truly differentiating RB's out there, the rest are short shelf life, interchangable players. I like Hillis a lot. He's our feature guy. I hope he stays healthy. However, I had no illusions that should Hillis go down that Davis would be a legit backup. Much more likely we'd have gone with Bell.

As for MoMass, since Mack brough him up, I'm only lukewarm on the guy myself. He doesn't go hard after balls (nor lay out to try and get the close ones) and his field awareness is arguably the worst I've ever seen. I can't believe the number of sideline or endline catches that MoMass has blown because he couldn't get his second foot down. He remains, at best, a project.

Grey - I'll share my own opinion on the situation and have it speak for everyone - totally unsolicited.

I think what most are upset over (if you can call it 'upset') is the "unknown" of James Davis. He shined a little in preseasons but never got to show what he could do on Sundays. Yes he's a 6th round pick, but you've got to factor in opportunity cost - something that is at a particular premium when you're a team that can't win at least 6 games 2 seasons in a row. 6th Rounders have plenty of guys in front of them, but the 6th round isn't a "freebie" either.

And it's not like this is the only instance of us squandering draft picks.
Veikune - 2nd round. Did he even dress?
MoMass - 2nd round. As you've noted, not exactly setting the world on fire.
Robo - 2nd round. Currently tied with Colt McCoy for # of significant catches. In fact, I think Colt may have more catches (1) than Robo that moved the chains.
Maiva - 4th Round - Is he still on the team?
Don Carey - 6th round. Stolen. Call 1-800-LockUup with any information on his whereabouts.
Coye Francis - 6th round. Top of Brady Quinn's people to kill list
James Davis - 6th Round. Waived.

That's 1 draft. We got Alex Mack (who I'm totally happy about. Good kid, great center).

So with our particularly boring brand of playcalling having our RB's smash into 600-900 lbs of beef every time they touch the football, that position suddenly shifts in terms of it's value (to our team).

[Enigmatic Evil]

Yeah that draft year is not looking too flattering a couple years later. Thankfully we have a real GM now and we might be able to build momentum as well as lay the foundation for a solid team to be built. We had a lot of rotten eggs and bad apples we had to purge from the locker room. Depending on who you ask, we're still in the middle of taking care of that.

[Neo]

"James Davis gets waived"

[Tobalaz]

The first thought that came to mind as we traded away Harrison was "You know, this must mean Davis is going to be getting more reps" and boy was I wrong.
Then we flat out slashed Davis off the roster and my thought was "Dear god, there goes the closest thing to speed we've got on offense walking out the door" and that part still scares me. We don't have one single guy on offense now capable of kicking on the burners and torching a D for a big gain, sure, we've got Hillis who just plows the f#ck through everyone, sometimes for a big gain, but he's not really a guy who is going to see daylight and be gone.
It just feels like we're left with less options now.
Best of luck to the kid wherever he goes.

[TheBestPlayersPlay]

Originally Posted by Legacy Fan

I think what most are upset over (if you can call it 'upset') is the "unknown" of James Davis.

We seem to get this argument a lot in this forum when it comes to personnel decisions. What is unknown to us, is not necessarily unknown to the coaching staff, or Heckert.

Originally Posted by Legacy Fan

Veikune - 2nd round. Did he even dress? MoMass - 2nd round. As you've noted, not exactly setting the world on fire. Robo - 2nd round. Currently tied with Colt McCoy for # of significant catches. In fact, I think Colt may have more catches (1) than Robo that moved the chains. Maiva - 4th Round - Is he still on the team? Don Carey - 6th round. Stolen. Call 1-800-LockUup with any information on his whereabouts. Coye Francis - 6th round. Top of Brady Quinn's people to kill list James Davis - 6th Round. Waived.

While this list certainly paints a picture of doom & gloom, you must also factor in the other decisions that were made as far as UDFA, FA pick ups, etc. etc. Last season we got quite an influx of young talent, and some rock solid depth ...as well as starters, added by a coach who was thrust into a position he didn't bargain for. I think both of those WRs could prove to be better than they look, when they are asked to play their true positions ...which would most definitely NOT be #1 WR. One we get a true #1, I feel we'll be able to more properly evaluate those guys.

[Inspecta]

Originally Posted by Tobalaz

The first thought that came to mind as we traded away Harrison was "You know, this must mean Davis is going to be getting more reps" and boy was I wrong.
Then we flat out slashed Davis off the roster and my thought was "Dear god, there goes the closest thing to speed we've got on offense walking out the door" and that part still scares me. We don't have one single guy on offense now capable of kicking on the burners and torching a D for a big gain, sure, we've got Hillis who just plows the f#ck through everyone, sometimes for a big gain, but he's not really a guy who is going to see daylight and be gone.
It just feels like we're left with less options now.
Best of luck to the kid wherever he goes.

And that's the exact reason why I was pissed with the move Tobz...Yeah long term it's probably not going to have much affect on us. However in the short term of this season we've severely painted ourselves into a corner, and if Hillis goes down we are royally fucked on so many levels.

Thus my wailing and gnashing of teeth

[Masters]

Originally Posted by TheBestPlayersPlay

We seem to get this argument a lot in this forum when it comes to personnel decisions. What is unknown to us, is not necessarily unknown to the coaching staff, or Heckert.

While this list certainly paints a picture of doom & gloom, you must also factor in the other decisions that were made as far as UDFA, FA pick ups, etc. etc. Last season we got quite an influx of young talent, and some rock solid depth ...as well as starters, added by a coach who was thrust into a position he didn't bargain for. I think both of those WRs could prove to be better than they look, when they are asked to play their true positions ...which would most definitely NOT be #1 WR. One we get a true #1, I feel we'll be able to more properly evaluate those guys.

I agree with you about the unknown talent argument. Of course sometimes it's not all about talent, but how that talent fits your team, if they even do.

But when you say last year through UDFA, FA, pick up, etc, CLE got an influx of young talent, who are those guys? You seem to agree last years draft class for the Browns is looking like a bust, outside of Mack. I don't recall getting any young talent last year out of FA, UDFA, or trade?

Robo was always a 3rd or 4th guy. MoMass I thought could at least be a #2, but he isn't even showing that (still can't run routes or really go after the ball). No team needs a true #1 for other guys to be sucessful. If you got 3 or 4 guys who are good, you don't need the "Randy Moss". Guys who know how to find the spot in the zone, and able to beat man coverage (cause when its man, they can't double everyone). What is needed to evaluate Robo and MoMass is what they have put on film.

[Riffer X]

Let's not get to overboard here that Hillis is some slow Touchdown Tommy type and Davis and Harrison were the next coming of Chris Johnson. I hear people around the Browns quote Hillis as a straight up 4.5 guy, which is pretty freaking fast. I also saw on a camp news broadcast where he was interviewed and he thinks he is faster now then when he was coming out of college. He timed 4.55, which is plenty fast, although I am not sure where that time came from. Davis' combine time was 4.6 and Harrison's 4.47, but I highly dispute that Jerome really was that fast as he got bigger and older.

My point is Hillis can and will take some to the house, bet on it. He has more of a chance IMO just because of the way he hits the holes so fast and gets to the second level. 4.5 time can get to the endzone when in the free, especially by someone who can't get sock tackled.

I'm not positive of the validity of the below sources, but the point is that Hillis is a fast white boy who is extremely athletic and powerful. He will score some long ones, take it to the bank.


James Davis (5-10 7/8, 211) improved his 40-yard dash time of 4.6 recorded at the combine with times of 4.45 and 4.49 on Thursday. Davis stood on the rest of his numbers from Indianapolis. RB James Davis improves his 40 time at Clemson

2008 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
personPeyton Hillis, FB, Arkansas

When you're in the same backfield with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, it's easy to get overshadowed. But Hillis deserves a lot of the credit for the Razorbacks' dynamic tailbacks putting up such big numbers. He certainly helped open some running lanes. But, Hillis is more than a one-dimensional blocker. He rushed for 327 yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries and was even more effective in the passing game, hauling in a team-high 44 receptions for 485 yards and five TDs. Hillis is more athletic than most fullbacks, as well as faster. He runs a 4.55 in the 40-yard dash. He has tremendous receiving skills and understands the game. Scouts love his motor. His combination of speed and size makes him valuable in a number of roles, with him having the potential to be a force on special teams. Scouts question whether he has the bulk to be a true NFL fullback. He needs to become a better blocker. He hasn't shown the power to be a consistent short-yardage threat. While he has good speed, he isn't elusive. Some scouts wonder about his durability. He won't be suited for some schemes, but should fit in with a West Coast offense. He has the potential to contribute in several ways. He projects to be a mid-round selection in the NFL Draft. Peyton Hillis Scouting Report - 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Jerome Harrison RB 5’9 201 Washington St.
By: Robert Davis NFL Combine Stats: 40-yard dash - 4.47, 225 bench press - 19 reps, vertical jump - 34.5"
Jerome Harrison became a Cougar after a standout career at Pasadena(CA) City College. Despite playing for a poor team, Harrison managed to rush for 1,849 yards with 19 touchdowns in two seasons at PCC. He moved on to Washington St. and had a very solid junior season, rushing for 900 yards and nine touchdowns. Nobody anticipated the breakout, All American season he had this year though. Harrison led the nation in rushing with 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns, and added 206 yards and one touchdown on 24 receptions.
Harrison has very good quickness and is one of the quickest backs in this draft out of the blocks. His initial burst to the hole is excellent. He displays the ability to cut and make people miss once in the open field, and the ability to turn the corner for the big run. While not a power back, he always keeps his feet moving and does not go down on first contact. Harrison also shows the ability to be a threat out of the backfield as a receiver.
The only glaring weakness in Harrison’s game is his lack of size. He was measured in at just 5’9 196 at the Senior Bowl in January. He runs tough, but his lack of bulk and strength may prevent him from being an everydown back at the next level.
Harrison’s huge senior campaign has put his name on everyone’s radar. He has a lot of talent, but his lack of size limits his potential at the next level. He looks to have the capability of being a very good third down back at the next level. With his success during the season and Senior Bowl, Harrison should hear his name called in the third to fourth round area.Jerome Harrison 2006 NFL Draft Prospect

[Masters]

I will be completely surprised to ever see Hillis take the rock to the house from 55+ yards out. He doesn't have break away speed, which is what I think others are talking about. I have already seen him get chased down in the open field more than once. It's just not the kind of RB he is. Which really isn't a problem. It's not a must to have a threat of the really big play out of the running game to be a successful team.

[Riffer X]

Originally Posted by Masters

I will be completely surprised to ever see Hillis take the rock to the house from 55+ yards out. He doesn't have break away speed, which is what I think others are talking about. I have already seen him get chased down in the open field more than once. It's just not the kind of RB he is. Which really isn't a problem. It's not a must to have a threat of the really big play out of the running game to be a successful team.

You don't have to have breakaway speed to take it to the house. 4.5 is plenty fast enuff.