How Prolonged Lockout Affects Browns

[YtownBacker]

While we sit and wait for the courts to decide what's next teams like the Browns will really take it on the chin. The initial hearing for and injunction against the owners won't take place until April 6th. From there who knows what happens.

One thing for sure, any team that has changed coaching staffs or plan on employing a new offense or defense will really be hurt without OTAs and minicamps. The Browns got to be on top of the list. Complete new coaching staff, a new offensive system with new terminology and a new defensive system requiring players to play different positions and different schemes.

The best thing for a young QB is a stability. It's hard to grow if a team changes coaches and systems and a QB has to start over. Also, there might be only a limited FA period with only players entering their 6th year actually being UFAs. Everybody else would be RFAs.

The whole mess just puts the Browns behind the eight ball in so many ways. If they draft a WR he won't be signed until a new CBA is in effect. So, a new WR won't even get to work out with McCoy or learn the new WCO. One of the toughest transitions from college to the NFL is the WR position. One of the easiest, IMO, would be DE/DT. The lockout if prolonged might have a big effect on the teams draft plans.

I see this as nothing but bad for the Browns and teams like Carolina, and San Fran.

How do you think a prolonged lockout will effect how we draft or what kind of team we can put on the field?

[handbanana]

Working under the premise that Colt McCoy is our QB of the future I don't see a prolonged lockout as the end of the world. McCoy seems to have displayed the type of leadership qualities that would lead one to make the reasonalbe leap of faith that he will absolutley work his tail off in the event of a lockout. He already has the playbook and has already had multiple meetings with the Holmgrem braintrust. As with many pro athletes he has probably hired a coach to help with his work in the offseason, I'm going to guess that a smart guy like McCoy is going to hire a coach with the Holmgrem stamp of approval and a background in the WCO.

I'm also going to make another leap of faith and assume that McCoy will be able to organize some informal practice work with some of the younger recievers on the team. Say that the Browns draft Green or another wide reciever in the early rounds, it's not crazy to think that he may be involved in these informal practice sessions. Granted, these sessions obviously cannot replace the real thing, they do present a workable stopgab. This is a pretty optimistic assesment of the situation but one that isn't a complete pipe dream.

Regarding our defensive switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3, we are going from a less to a more common defensive system. That means we can more easily find defensive players in the draft and free agency. We can look at the fact that our cupboard is so bare along the denfensive front as a good thing considering our switch. Instead of trying to shoehorn defensive linemen meant for a 3-4 into a 4-3, ala Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers, the Browns can acquire players specifically for their defensive system. The browns already have Rubin, Schaefering, Bernard, and Smith, add 2 to 3 draft picks and a couple free agents and we all of sudden have a servicable d-line. Same thing can be said for the linebacking core that already has Fujita, Gocong, Jackson and Miava, three of which are all more natural fits in a 4-3. Finally, this change will have little to no impact upon the play of our defensive backfield except to allow them to play more instinctually and faster.

I'll be the first to admit that this is a pretty rosy look at the situtaion, but it is defnintely one that contains a few parts that are absolutes that carry very benefitial aspects. My main example of this is the purely rule of averages advantage we immediately gain moving from the 3-4 to the 4-3. It's just a fact, if there is more of something it is easier to find and there are just flat out more 4-3 players than 3-4 players. That fact alone will make our offseason that much eaiser this year as opposed to other years.

[Brown Warrior]

If I understand Holmgren's hints, McCoy has met with Shurmur many times, poured through the playbook, and it would be very disappointing if we don't find out that he and the WRs and TEs were working out together.

Defense? I honestly don't know. Sounds like a setback to me. But every football player has played in a 4-3, I would think... almost all of them in college. And because Jauron doesn't do exotic blitz packages and looks for his DEs to apply pressure? Maybe it works out okay.

BUT... personnel wise? With the possibility of a truncated free agency crops? I think the trade down looks even better and "repurposing" players becomes a must. Does that make Roth, Mitchell, and the rest Browns, for instance?

And if a trade down could get us Julio and a high second, we can bring in some serious front 7 guys with the two 2nds and one 3rd, and we'll need them.

[YtownBacker]

That's the point. Those new guys, a Jones or a Green won't be able to get with McCoy and work out. All the new defensive players won't be able to work out. We won't be able to fill some needs through FA before the draft.

Informal workouts are one thing but young QBs need the coaches to get the system down. Having the play book doesn't put us on a level playing field with Pittsburgh or Balt.

I do agree that it was good to get McCoy and Wallace the play books and have them organize some workouts but installing a new defense and a new offense with only half the guys that will be playing with you is a hard road.

That said, not as hard a road as a team with new coaches and a new QB.

Would a prolonged lockout change what you would do in the draft?

[Sez.EJ]

I hear that teams are working on developing 2 playbooks.. The normal playbook.. and a scaled down playbook if there is a prolonged lockout.. So either way teams will be ready to play.. So you don't have a ton of plays.. execute the ones you have will..it won't matter..

Reminds me of Coach Boone from " Remember the Titans" .. " I run 6 plays, split veer. It's like novacaine, give it time, always works."

[Brown Warrior]

Originally Posted by YtownBacker

That's the point. Those new guys, a Jones or a Green won't be able to get with McCoy and work out. All the new defensive players won't be able to work out. We won't be able to fill some needs through FA before the draft.

Informal workouts are one thing but young QBs need the coaches to get the system down. Having the play book doesn't put us on a level playing field with Pittsburgh or Balt.

I do agree that it was good to get McCoy and Wallace the play books and have them organize some workouts but installing a new defense and a new offense with only half the guys that will be playing with you is a hard road.

That said, not as hard a road as a team with new coaches and a new QB.

Would a prolonged lockout change what you would do in the draft?

I agree with all of that. It might affect teams weighing a vet versus a rookie QB, especially the top two, both from spreads. But as far as us, WRs and DLs? Not really. Truth is, at those positions, you still take the guy you believe in.

I think Holmgren was sending a message to guys like me who want the WR: We're probably going DL.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Brown Warrior

I agree with all of that. It might affect teams weighing a vet versus a rookie QB, especially the top two, both from spreads. But as far as us, WRs and DLs? Not really. Truth is, at those positions, you still take the guy you believe in.

I think Holmgren was sending a message to guys like me who want the WR: We're probably going DL.

Ouch............................DL and "you never have enough corners".

BTW, I still love Green and think he is a difference maker. DL is very , very deep in this draft, don't count it out. Remember, this is the silly season and normally things are played close to the vest. Only believe half of what you hear.

[slowmo411]

Im not looking for the browns to be playoff caliber this season anyways so its cool with me if our guys learn during the season. Go with BPA in ANY position of need and build for long term not just this season. I dont think it effects how we draft at all, well FA I think will play a small role, but I think the front office has their eyes set past this year. It will take atleast 2 very good drafts and off seasons to get us into annual contention for the playoffs. Thats why I think we go BPA through out the draft (yes I understand there are exceptions ie... LT,C,SS, maybe QB). We are not building to win right now but for long term success. I think i got off topic alittle sorry.
My answer to the question is a prolonged lock out will not effect our draft stratigy at all.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by slowmo411

Im not looking for the browns to be playoff caliber this season anyways so its cool with me if our guys learn during the season. Go with BPA in ANY position of need and build for long term not just this season. I dont think it effects how we draft at all, well FA I think will play a small role, but I think the front office has their eyes set past this year. It will take atleast 2 very good drafts and off seasons to get us into annual contention for the playoffs. Thats why I think we go BPA through out the draft (yes I understand there are exceptions ie... LT,C,SS, maybe QB). We are not building to win right now but for long term success. I think i got off topic alittle sorry.
My answer to the question is a prolonged lock out will not effect our draft stratigy at all.

Basically, just what Holmgren said today.

[hiwaygal]

All this and they still need to win at least 10.

Gonna be a tough season.

[Legendary]

I don't see a problem all Cleveland Browns management tell the coach and players, you can't use our facilities and but if you want to train and play use this gym and this football pitch to practise and bring your own equipment. What is stopping Colt practising in a public park or school football field with his team mates. If players need playbook, make sure they get them before lock out.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Legendary

I don't see a problem all Cleveland Browns management tell the coach and players, you can't use our facilities and but if you want to train and play use this gym and this football pitch to practise and bring your own equipment. What is stopping Colt practising in a public park or school football field with his team mates. If players need playbook, make sure they get them before lock out.

Colt has a playbook and he is organizing practices with the offensive guys that want to get together but that doesn't mean many will show up. Or some out of town guys may come in for a week and go back home.

You have to realize that most players don't live in town during the offseason and they may not want to spend their own money to come to town when they are locked out. Remember, they get somewhere between $60 and $90 a day to come in and workout during the offseason and it's hard to get some to come in then.

You'll have some guys because they want to play football and get better but some will want to work out at home and some will be pissed at the lockout and refuse to do anything until it is settled.