Updated Depth Chart

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Dan in Florida

I've heard speculation that the Browns could trade a Tight End, say Alex Smith, for a position of need (if we don't see adequate cuts to sign.

My only problem with that would be Moore and Cameron are both basically hybrid TEs. Neither is the kind of TE you would want blocking for you. Watson is solid but if he gets banged up (and he isn't 100% now) there is nobody behind him that can take over for him if you let Smith go. The TE is very important to our running game. I don't think Moore or Cameron could handle being a basic TE.

I don't think I'd like to give up our depth at TE........................but if the price is right.

[BernietheKid]

Rookie Armond Smith runs a little closer to making the roster: Browns Insider

Published: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 11:14 PM Updated: Friday, September 02, 2011, 12:10 AM

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer


CHICAGO -- Rookie running back Armond Smith helped his chances of making the Browns with a six-yard touchdown run in the second quarter Thursday night.
Smith (5-9, 194) plowed up the middle to pull the Browns within 17-7 with 1:29 left in the first half. Signed as a free agent out of Union College in Kentucky, Smith is in a dogfight with Quinn Porter for the third running back spot.

"He had a little zip and he's got some speed and he made some plays tonight," head coach Pat Shurmur said. "He took advantage of his opportunity. He's kind of been on a roller coaster ride through preseason and he showed up and he did a nice job.''

The Browns might also look to the waiver wire or trading block if they have to place third-down back Brandon Jackson on injured reserve. Jackson is in a cast and recovering from a toe injury. It's one of the bigger decisions the Browns are facing on Saturday when trim the roster from 80 to 53.

On the Browns' second-quarter touchdown drive, Smith also ran for nine and three yards and caught a 13-yarder over the middle. More importantly, he hung onto the football. Heading in, Smith had fumbled three times, losing two.

I hope that I extended my opportunity,'' said Smith. "I just hope the coaches will be able to give me another chance to continue to try to improve myself and continue to try to be an asset to the team. As long as the coaches give me an opportunity, I'll try to be the best at what I do.''

Smith had another chance to score from the 2 in the third quarter, but quarterback Jarrett Brown fumbled the snap and Smith was stopped after recovering the loose ball. In the first half, he averaged 6.3 yards on his four carries.

"We had a mishap," Smith said. "We cannot turn over the ball. I just wanted to try to be a playmaker. The No. 1 thing was to be able to get the ball and secure it.''

Williams drilled: Receiver Demetrius Williams was drilled helmet-to-helmet by safety Winston Venable in the fourth quarter and had to be helped off the field. Venable was flagged for unnecessary roughness and can expect to be fined. Williams suffered a shoulder injury and was seeing the trainer after the game.

Injuries: Several injured players made the trip but didn't dress for the game, including tight end Ben Watson (hip), linebacker Chris Gocong (neck) and Mitchell. Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who returned to practice last week, was in uniform but didn't play.

White on white: The Browns will wear their white jerseys and white pants at home this season. It was Mike Holmgren's decision, designed to honor the tradition established by Paul Brown.

A good impression: Defensive end Auston English delivered two sacks. "He's one of those tough guys," Shurmur said. "He's one of those quiet soldier type of guys. But he's a consistent, steady performer. We'll have watch the tape. He'll be one of the guys we'll consider.''

Out of sight, out of mind? Carlton Mitchell was considered a strong candidate at wide receiver when camp began, but a broken finger slowed him, and he was held out Thursday.

Will Mitchell's finger injury impact his roster chances? "We had a decent idea from evaluating him last year, to the short time he was practicing what he brings to the table,'' said Shurmur. "Obviously he could've helped his chances more by having practiced. Would you say it hurts his chances a little bit more because he hasn't practiced? Maybe. I just have to leave it at that.''

Flag day: Rookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard committed two costly penalties in the first quarter that led to a Bears touchdown. On back-to-back plays, he was flagged for roughing the passer and offsides.

Punt report: Richmond McGee, who spent the previous two training camps with the Bears, appears to be the Browns punter -- unless they find someone they like better on the waiver wire. McGee boomed punts of 47 and 60 yards in the first half. He did have a second-half effort returned for a score by former Ohio State star Dane Sanzenbacher, but the play was voided by a penalty flag.

Pinkston plays: While most of the starters rested, new left guard Jason Pinkston started and played the entire first half. He held his own against the Bears, although their starters didn't play much. Pinkston will start in place of Eric Steinbach, who had a bone fragment removed from his back this week and is on injured reserve.

"I feel pretty good,'' he said. "I wish I could've played a little longer tonight. Right now, I'm just taking it one day at a time.''

Seeing some action: Brian Robiskie played the whole first half in part so Seneca Wallace would have a target. Robiskie caught all three passes thrown his way in the first-half scoring drive for 39 total yards.

All in all, a rough night: Rookie cornerback James Dockery, who's expected to make the 53-man roster, was penalized twice for pass interference, which led to touchdowns. He also had a pick nullified by his illegal contact call.

"Those calls are discretionary calls,'' Dockery said after the game. "I play aggressively. When the ball's in the air, I try to challenge for every ball. Sometimes it can work against me."

Shurmur indicated the game didn't change Dockery's chances.

"Hopefully I showed enough,'' said Dockery. "I gave 100 percent. I'm confident I can play at this level.''

Rookie Armond Smith runs a little closer to making the roster: Browns Insider | cleveland.com

[Neo]

No mention of Rod Windsor. He had a good night last night.

[YtownBacker]

Originally Posted by Neo

No mention of Rod Windsor. He had a good night last night.

One night against a bunch of backups probably isn't going to get it done for him.

I don't think we would have a problem getting him signed to the practice squad if they wanted to keep him. But, they need to decide if they are going to to get a veteran or keep either Norwood or Mitchell or both.

Tough decisions but the guy did show some flash.

[Sez.EJ]

We MUST keep Alex smith. I know I am reapeating someone elses post a bit..but he is too important to the running game after Watson.. the other TE's cannot handle the run blocking needed to get Hillis the push we need. Moore and Cameron don't have enough weight in the pants for that... His trade value is likely minimal... better value if we keep him. Our best move is to move fast on the roster cuts from other teams who can help us.

[Riffer X]

Windsor and Nunez were pretty much the last guys in camp on the depth chart. I have no interest in Williams, said that before. Sorry he got crushed last night though, but it surely won't help him. Castille kinda fell off from a fast start in camp.

[BernietheKid]

Our 53-Man Roster Predictions
		By Site Staff Posted Sep 2, 2011 Fred, DK, Don, and Barry fire off some guesses about the final roster. 1 Comment
Pos Fred Don DK Barry QB Colt McCoy Seneca Wallace Colt McCoy Seneca Wallace Jarrett Brown Colt McCoy Seneca Wallace Jarrett Brown Colt McCoy Seneca Wallace RB Peyton Hillis Montario Hardesty Armond Smith Brandon Jackson - IR Peyton Hillis Montario Hardesty Brandon Jackson Armond Smith Peyton Hillis Montario Hardesty Brandon Jackson Armond Smith Peyton Hillis Montario Hardesty Free Agent TBD Brandon Jackson - IR FB Owen Marecic Owen Marecic Owen Marecic Owen Marecic WR Mohamed Massaquoi Brian Robiskie Josh Cribbs Jordan Norwood Greg Little Demetrius Williams Carlton Mitchell - IR) Mohamed Massaquoi Brian Robiskie Josh Cribbs Jordan Norwood Greg Little Carlton Mitchell - IR Mohamed Massaquoi Brian Robiskie Josh Cribbs Jordan Norwood Greg Little Carlton Mitchell - IR Mohamed Massaquoi Brian Robiskie Josh Cribbs Jordan Norwood Greg Little Demetrius Williams TE Ben Watson Evan Moore Jordan Cameron Ben Watson Evan Moore Jordan Cameron Alex Smith Ben Watson Evan Moore Jordan Cameron Alex Smith Ben Watson Evan Moore Jordan Cameron OL Joe Thomas Jason Pinkston Alex Mack Shawn Lauvao Tony Pashos Oniel Cousins John Greco Steve Vallos Pat Murray Joe Thomas Jason Pinkston Alex Mack Shawn Lauvao Tony Pashos Oniel Cousins John Greco Steve Vallos Joe Thomas Jason Pinkston Alex Mack Shawn Lauvao Tony Pashos Oniel Cousins John Greco Steve Vallos Branndon Braxton Joe Thomas Jason Pinkston Alex Mack Shawn Lauvao Tony Pashos Oniel Cousins John Greco Steve Vallos Free Agent TBD DL Jabaal Shard Ahtyba Rubin Phil Taylor Jayme Mitchell Brian Schaefering Marcus Benard Derreck Robinson Auston English Scott Paxson Jabaal Shard Ahtyba Rubin Phil Taylor Jayme Mitchell Brian Schaefering Marcus Benard Auston English Scott Paxson Jabaal Shard Ahtyba Rubin Phil Taylor Jayme Mitchell Brian Schaefering Marcus Benard Derreck Robinson Travis Ivey Jabaal Shard Ahtyba Rubin Phil Taylor Jayme Mitchell Brian Schaefering Marcus Benard Derreck Robinson Auston English Travis Ivey LB Scott Fujita Chris Gocong D'Qwell Jackson Kaluka Maiava Brian Smith Steve Octavien Titus Brown Scott Fujita Chris Gocong D'Qwell Jackson Kaluka Maiava Brian Smith Steve Octavien Titus Brown Scott Fujita Chris Gocong D'Qwell Jackson Kaluka Maiava Brian Smith Steve Octavien Scott Fujita Chris Gocong D'Qwell Jackson Kaluka Maiava Brian Smith Titus Brown Steve Octavien DB TJ Ward Usama Young Mike Adams Joe Haden Sheldon Brown James Dockery Buster Skrine Dimitri Patterson Ray Ventrone DeAngelo Smith TJ Ward Usama Young Mike Adams Joe Haden Sheldon Brown James Dockery Buster Skrine Dimitri Patterson DeAngelo Smith TJ Ward Usama Young Mike Adams Joe Haden Sheldon Brown James Dockery Buster Skrine Dimitri Patterson Ray Ventrone DeAngelo Smith TJ Ward Usama Young Mike Adams Joe Haden Sheldon Brown James Dockery Buster Skrine Dimitri Patterson DeAngelo Smith Free Agent TBD ST Phil Dawson Richmond McGee Ryan Pontbriand Phil Dawson Richmond McGee Ryan Pontbriand Phil Dawson Richmond McGee Ryan Pontbriand Phil Dawson Richmond McGee Ryan Pontbriand COMMENTS DK: Because of a still growing injury list, it’s anyone’s guess what the Browns’ final 53 man roster will look like. Cuts could be made today and replacements could arrive tomorrow – leaving only speculation heading into the season opener. QB: Brown serves as little more than something to distract Mike Holmgren – while Wallace could prove to be the team’s most important reserve. RB: If Jackson can go, then the running back depth is solid. If not…. FB: If such a term can be applied to Marecic.... WR: In an ideal setting, Carlton Mitchell either makes the roster or goes on IR... TE: What could prove to be the team’s deepest offensive position features some variety – including Smith as a blocker... OL: Thanks to injuries and inexperience, this is a position that could change weekly... DL: Ivey could be a candidate for IR, while Schaefering inexplicably makes another NFL roster... LB: Suddenly, Maiava seems much more important to the defense’s fate... DB: Not as scary as the linebacker situation, but secondary depth is troubling... ST: Amazingly enough, two of these three played under Butch Davis. FRED: Here is my best estimate of what the final 53 man roster will be based on the current roster. Several players could be placed on injured reserve, including Brandon Jackson, Titus Brown, Carlton Mitchell and Eric Hagg. It is expected the Browns will claim players that are cut by other teams and that could put players like Armond Smith, Quinn Porter, Pat Murray, Auston English, Scott Paxson, Demtrius Williams, Steve Octavien, Brian Smith and Ramzee Robinson at risk. Practice squad candidates: Jarrett Brown, Armond Smith, Brandon Braxton, Eric Hagg, Ramzee Robinson, Travis Ivey, Benjamin Jacobs, Rod Windsor, Archie Donald Scout.com: Our 53-Man Roster Predictions

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Sez.EJ

We MUST keep Alex smith. I know I am reapeating someone elses post a bit..but he is too important to the running game after Watson.. the other TE's cannot handle the run blocking needed to get Hillis the push we need. Moore and Cameron don't have enough weight in the pants for that... His trade value is likely minimal... better value if we keep him. Our best move is to move fast on the roster cuts from other teams who can help us.

I'm glad someone brought that up. Very good point Sez!

When you think about it, Evan Moore isn't going to help set the edge for our running game at all as we've seen all preseason. He's lining up either off the line of scrimmage or out wide on most occasions. That makes Alex Smith VERY important in terms of being the only guy really equipped to backup Watson.

Just an idea or a little thinking out of the box. If the Marecic thing at FB ends up in disappointment - I could see us experimenting with using Alex Smith at FB. He's got the hands for the pass catch feature; and he's a TE that did a lot of blocking in Tampa so he also brings the collision mentality/skillset.

Others have mentioned Clutts being somewhat of a pleasant surprise and short term observation leads me to agree. We're just gonna have to get used to the pronounciation (klutz) thing a little because it sounds funny everytime I hear it. It won't be funny if he gets a handoff and trips over his own shoes or we see him getting solo tackled by a blade of grass. Trust me when I tell you, we've seen enough of the football follies already.

[Flugel]

Thanks for the article BTK! Seeing how insignificant Demetrius Williams always seems to be to the regular reason - I think we should strongly consider what Sez (and Ytown) mentioned about the importance of Alex Smith at TE. The REASON I'm bringing it back up is that Cameron and Moore are going to line up in many of the exact same spots we would have Williams lining up in. If Watson goes down, we don't have a TE left that can help set the edge in short yardage or keep us dual purpose with a playaction threatsies to throw to the TE. Back when we had Winslow, Joey Porter knew he wasn't in the game to block his ass which made us far too predictable in tendency. As our usual luck would have it, the more dual purpose TE Steve Heiden was always too banged up to change that situation. Then the football god in charge of Lake Erie better known as Poseiden played a cruel joke and treated us to the slippery-fingered Royal (whom I was told was quite the blocker when he wasn't playing with a broken hand).

Our backup QB situation is worrisome. I've got a bad vibe that Wallace has a hostile ax to grinde for being eliminated from game day start consideration last year only to watch us surrender to Buffalo with Delhomme. Wallace just looks like he doesn't want to spend another season in Cleveland in spite of how much he's being overpaid. I could be reading it wrong but it looks like his ego won't let the gigantic salary tell him the monetary commitment to him wasn't an insult at all. He can't possibly suck as bad as he's been playing with the experience he's had in the WCO. I know alot of guys hate Ohio State and/or Troy Smith but he has starting experience in this league to where I'd like to see him at least replacing #3 on the depth chart. We needed 3 QBs in 2010 and Jarrett Brown is not ready.

On the dline, if Ko Quaye isn't already bye bye - he showed up a little more significant than Travis Ivey or Scott Paxson.

At DE, I'm not sure both newbies are ready to step in ahead of Marcus Benard. That said, what was Benard thinking bulking up to 280? He's lost some giddyup out of stance. I'm sure we'll see all 3 quite a bit in rotation. It'll be interesting to see if English has the goods to challenge for playing time. I'm going to try to exercise some degree of patience for learning curve regarding Sheard. When James Harrison was his age trying to make a roster coming off the edge, he was getting cut his first couple years reminding me this isn't always instant. Another guy Cameron Wake didn't even start in college and I thought I read he started his pro career in Canada before snagging 14 sacks in 2010. Meanwhile Tamba Hali averaged slightly under 7 sacks a year in his first 4 seasons before breaking out with 14.5 in his 5th season. Love takes time.

[Alo]

Rams WR Mardy Gilyard got whacked, per his twitter. Doubt he's a guy Shurmur would be interested in: he rode the bench last year because he couldn't pick up the playbook.

[Brown Warrior]

Yeah, I wouldn't put high odds on the Browns and Gilyard. Theoretically, he makes a ton of sense because he has great YAC potential. He's very good with the ball in his hands. He should thrive in a WCO.

But I know they were frustrated with him last year, so... not likely. I think Shurmur's "guys" (in the Tuna sense) would've been Gibson or Amendola, his finds. And I think it would take two seconds to jump on Donnie Avery, given our need for speed, but he isn't going anywhere but on deep routes for Bradford.