What Would YOU Do in Free Agency?

[Brown Warrior]

Great stuff, man. Thanks.

Don't quite see how a free safety like Weddle and a team with an opening there and tons of money don't match up. Weddle will want a guaranteed starting position and a big, fat check more than anything.

The Browns-Sanzenbacher predictions are so prevalent... it probably won't happen.

[Alo]

Weddle's a Cali guy who's expected to draw strong interest from a number of warm weather teams, including two with coaches he knows well on staff (Ron Rivera in CAR, Wade Phillips in HOU).

Jacksonville may be the most likely landing spot: GM Gene Smith needs to replace the abominably bad Don Carey, and he loves high character guys like Weddle. Add in the the big need to win now and you've got a team that will offer a boatload of cash to a very good but perhaps never elite safety.

[Alo]

Originally Posted by Bronx Cheer

I take it Moten would be looked at as a WSLB? Not entirely thrilled from the footage. He looked imminently blockable, and unable to shed. Essentially, a DQJ clone with better size. On running plays, he'd get pushed back 5 yards, then make a chase tackle from behind. One measure I use for grading LBers is how often his tackles are of the "riding the ball carrier's back" variety, and Moten had a few too many in that clip for my liking. Perhaps this was just a bad clip, as I am not familiar with him at all.

My philosophy with UDFAs is to look for players whose weaknesses will be concealed in your team's system, at least to the point they can sneak their way onto the 53 man. These guys went undrafted for a reason -- they all have pretty significant issues, either on or off the field.

With Moten, I suspect the biggest reason was the one you mentioned: his below average strength at the POA. But his speed and overall range could make him a more valuable depth guy than someone like Maiava, who was drafted to be a cover LB but has had some ugly moments playing that role (the '09 Lions game stands out). He could contribute in that role while he improves his strength and hand usage to become a better all-around LB. Also should be able to make an impact on specials.

For those reasons, Moten seems like a better fit than many of the other available backers. One of the few guys I'd prefer over him is VTech DE/LB Steven Friday, but he'll probably end up with a 3-4 squad. Hopefully, they'll bring in a couple guys and see who fits Jauron's hybrid Philly/Chicago D best.

[Bronx Cheer]

@Alo-

Thanks for the explanation. I completely agree with your point about all UDFAs having warts. LBs who run around blocks are some of my biggest pet peeves, though. Probably why I've been a DQJ "hater" for quite some time now.

Moten did show excellent speed, so I guess there is that to work with. As for using him as a nickel or dime LB, I guess that is a possibility. I really didn't see much of him in coverage in the clip (playing against Navy's option offense), so I can't comment any further on whether it is a possibility.

[YtownBacker]

Best case scenario is the Brown have to look at someone like Mikell in FA if they want a starting FS. He's the best bet because of who we are and hopefully the contacts developed with Mikell by Heckert and Jauron.

The guy won't be a star but he is solid and allows us to play Ward where he belongs, which will make us better then if we brought in Donte Witner. In Jauron's defense you need a FS. You can't play with two SS as they tried to do last year.

Mikell would be a good pick because FA is mutual and he just may be the best we can hope that would be willing to come here and be part of a rebuilding organization.

If that can happen we need to find a DE and a LB or two willing to come here and be a part of this team

[Brown Warrior]

Mikell sounds like a likely scenario, but we'll be drafting a FS (or, these days, a corner to play FS) pretty soon... which ultimately is fine. And maybe we have a guy like that on the roster already who can learn behind Mikell.

The Browns are gonna pay to get a few high end free agents. We have the money and the available starting jobs... and now there's a salary floor, so there's no getting around it. I think we'll get a pretty high end DE, RT, FS, and possibly WR.

Linebackers, we can shoot a little lower because we have starters.

[Tobalaz]

I think on defense we really need a starting free safety, a starting linebacker (DQJ just can't stay healthy) and a starting defensive end.
On offense we need a starting right tackle (Pashoes is about as healthy as DQJ ) and wide receiver.
Whether we bring in free agents, someone emerges, or someone can stay healthy, something needs to happen at each of those spots.
I'm tired of seeing us overpay for duds, guys on the down side of their careers or schmucks that become complacent the second they see dollar signs and decide to either wear jeans on the sideline or drag lawnchairs onto the field and half ass it.
With everything still up in the air, its hard to say who to go after.
I'll be honest guys, I haven't been paying much attention to what is going on and until the lockout ends I really won't be.