Can someone explain to me why Weddle > Elam???

[mikeyP]

I have heard endlessly about how Eric Weddle is a better fit for FS than Elam. Why?

Stat line from 2009 and 2010 for Weddle:

2010 / 2009
Games Start: 16 / 13
Tackles: 96 / 80
INT: 2 / 2
PASS DEFL: 10 / 7
Forced FUM: 0 / 0
REC FUM: 0 / 0
SACK: 0.5 / 1.5

Abe Elam
2010 / 2009
Games Start: 16 / 16
Tackles: 79 / 91
INT: 2 / 0
PASS DEFL: 10 / 2
Forced FUM: 2 / 1
REC FUM: 2 / 1
SACK: 2 / 1


Explain to me what makes him that much better?

I've been to a couple Chargers games and he got torched a few times that I remember. It was against Peyton Manning but he looked SMALL out there. He measures at 5'11" but looks like he plays smaller.



I don't think either is ideal, who else is out there, Usama Young?

Stat line: Usama Young
Not very good..

His last decent year was in 2008, he started 3 games and played in 15. Recorded 50 tackles, 2 INT, and 8 pass deflections.



If 90-100 tackles, 2 INT and 10 pass deflections is setting the bar for top FS in free agency... we should just keep Elam for cheap....

[Brown Warrior]

Can't scout stats, Mikey. They watch film. I hear from a lot of "experts" that Weddle is a terrific cover safety. And I can tell you Saints fans and beat writers don't like losing Usama Young. Rising young player who fits this new mold, safeties who can cover like corners, step up into the slot, etc.

BUT... I thought Elam played his best year of football by far in 2010. He covered way better than he ever had. I think he's underrated here.

[mikeyP]

Moot points.. Weddle signed with San Diego.

Thank God.

[Brown Warrior]

Originally Posted by mikeyP

Moot points.. Weddle signed with San Diego.

Thank God.

Ha! Was just coming back to write that. HUGE deal, apparently. Gotta pay to play.

Wonder if the Browns like Usama Young as a starting FS.

Donte Whitner? Edwards/Whitner was the "inside word" from the get-go. In addition to the sick 140 tackles, Whitner had a career high 7 PDs. Pretty crazy good year.

[mikeyP]

I like Elam, hopefully he doesnt sign in Dallas.

I don't know much about Whitner other than what people on here say... plus the Jauron connection, I think it's a good possibility.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by mikeyP

I like Elam, hopefully he doesnt sign in Dallas.

I don't know much about Whitner other than what people on here say... plus the Jauron connection, I think it's a good possibility.

The problem with Elam is that he is a SS and doesn't have very good cover skills, It forces the Browns to use Ward out of position as a FS. In the 3-4 taht Ryan and Mangini ran the two safties mirrored each other and there wasn't really a FS and SS. In Jauron's defense there is a big distinction between the SS and FS.

Saying that, Whitner isn't a prototype FS. Actually he is more of a SS.

Bottom line is that FSs are in big demand and you might have to trade for one because there aren't many in FA. Biggest name is Sharper but that's one of the reasons Usama Young couldn't get on the field in New Orleans. Sharper is 35 but still plays at a very high level.

[Brown Warrior]

Usama Young might be a very smart move for the Browns at FS. I like it. I'd also pick up a corner, though.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Brown Warrior

Usama Young might be a very smart move for the Browns at FS. I like it. I'd also pick up a corner, though.

Especially if they can't resign Wright. A premium CB means they can move Brown to FS. That's a great plan B.

That said, sooner or later someone will want to take some of our money.

[Brown Warrior]

Originally Posted by YtownBacker

Especially if they can't resign Wright. A premium CB means they can move Brown to FS. That's a great plan B.

That said, sooner or later someone will want to take some of our money.

For sure. They have a plan B. Might be Usama, a good corner, a lesser known DE, linebackers, a right tackle, and a WR. Do some volume work with decent quality.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Brown Warrior

For sure. They have a plan B. Might be Usama, a good corner, a lesser known DE, linebackers, a right tackle, and a WR. Do some volume work with decent quality.

As long as most are young veterans still on the upside of their careers. I just don't want a bunch of 30 something stopgaps.

[mikeyP]

I agree with all points, no Darren Sharper, T.O., etc.

[mikeyP]

Looks like Elam is gone:

JoshCribbs16: @abeelam U will be good son u know we gonna miss u out here brother!!