Taylor Price

[Shep]

Danamal, just like I wouldn't do a mock that doesn't include a quarterback in the first two rounds, I wouldn't do one that doesn't include a very fast receiver by the end of round 3.

Remember I wrote it.

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Shep

Browns have actually shown more interest in Jacoby Ford than Price... but I think both guys would bring a new dimension to the passing offense: speed.

But LIKE Heyward-Bey, somebody needs to research why that speed wasn't carrying over enough to the football field where the guy's TEAM actually benefitted from it.

If you see the BUILD of Ford, it's like "COOL!" Then when you see 4.2 forty guy it's like "WOW!" Then I never see 1 season with better than 780 yards and he only scored more than 4 TDs once. You get that in 1 matchup with Duke if this kid is slam-dunking FOOTBALL stud at that fitness.

Trouble is WRs also need to be able to change directions that a straight ahead sprinter isn't always fluid or skilled with. Guys without shake and bake aren't prime slot receiver candidates.

As Joe Gibbs would say they can be impressive in shorts and tee shirts which is WHY we need to look at the film too. That's not to say this kid can't eventually be coached up and muscle conditioned for the physical tools you need in a reciever. If one is thinking instant impact here - I think there's considerable coaching required to get him useful by his 2nd or 3rd season.

WR is a tough posiiton to master especially when your franchise lacks and experienced/accurate QB. I'm still not givign up on Robiskie, MoMass or Stucky so I was glad to hear Heckert saying their only problems are experience, reps and reliable QBing to date. This position is NOT like RB where instinct, vision and speed is all that is necessary. More to it just like the QB position.
- Tom F. (My guess is if Ford goes ahead of projections - it's to Al's Heimers Davis)

[Shep]

I think WR is a position that actually merits a lot of scrutiny at Senior Bowl week and the Combine... because the kids can't throw themselves the ball. Clemson's QB, Harper, struggled a TON the first half of the season. Ford's numbers picked up when Harper got right. He's done more than run well in throughout the draft season... he's caught the ball extremely well, too.

Agree on RBs... and they're really plentiful every year for that reason. They also can make a quick and usually brief impact. High turnover.

At WR, I think it's a matter of expectations. It seems to me that the Browns are looking for a really fast slot guy to stretch the field. A third WR. Can they get a Johnny Knox, a speedster who actually puts up numbers his rookie year? Or will OTHER players benefit from the attention he draws?

Again... I'll be STUNNED if the Browns don't come out of this draft with that kind of speed at WR.

[Shep]

BTW, Price reminds me a bit of Knox -- very similar size and measurables, small schools, probable mid-round choices. If we can get 550 yards and hold some safeties back for Robiskie, Mo, Stuckey, Moore, and Watson? I'll be happy.

[Shep]

Sobo just posted an exhaustive review of Price, who he was assigned to scout all season... and it's a total love letter. Comparison in the end is Roddy White. Says the guy is so fast he should get a speeding ticket, finds and reacts to the ball extremely well, and has great hands.

He really loves him.

[Solon16]

I've been an advocate of Price since senior bowl...would be a good pick with one of our later 3rds or fourth

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Shep

I think WR is a position that actually merits a lot of scrutiny at Senior Bowl week and the Combine... because the kids can't throw themselves the ball. Clemson's QB, Harper, struggled a TON the first half of the season. Ford's numbers picked up when Harper got right. He's done more than run well in throughout the draft season... he's caught the ball extremely well, too.

Agree on RBs... and they're really plentiful every year for that reason. They also can make a quick and usually brief impact. High turnover.

At WR, I think it's a matter of expectations. It seems to me that the Browns are looking for a really fast slot guy to stretch the field. A third WR. Can they get a Johnny Knox, a speedster who actually puts up numbers his rookie year? Or will OTHER players benefit from the attention he draws?

Again... I'll be STUNNED if the Browns don't come out of this draft with that kind of speed at WR.

Good points Shep. We could use speed on the perimeter. I just hope it's talented. Sounds like your resource has researched it thoroughly enough to think this is a good choice for us in a mid round. Don't give up on our young receivers too fast though - it wasn't the BEST environment for them as rookies and it's a TOUGH position to learn especially in our division.
- Tom F.

[Shep]

BTW, Steuber has Price going middle of round two. Sobleski says he or Ford would be a nice bargain early in three.

He's REALLY high on Price.