Merged: Gocong and Sheldon Brown Traded to Browns?

[The Hammer]

Per Clark Judge:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/e...84866/20711262

[The Hammer]

Sorry, I struggle with the link. Here is the story:

Eagles' Brown, Gocong on verge of going to Browns
Posted on: April 2, 2010 12:24 am
Edited on: April 2, 2010 12:36 am
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The Philadelphia Eagles are close to completing a deal, sources said, that would send disgruntled cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong to Cleveland in exchange for one of two packages -- either a draft pick and player or two draft picks and a backup. The deal, which was expected to have been completed by now, is contingent on Brown gaining a new contract.

That, of course, has been the subject of Brown's unhappiness for the past year. It was last April that he demanded to be traded when the Eagles refused to renegotiate his deal, which had four years remaining on it. The Eagles didn't budge, and Brown not only played the season; he played so well that some persons within the organization thought he deserved Pro Bowl consideration -- with Brown producing a career-best five interceptions and returning a fumble and interception for touchdowns.

However, Brown was one of a handful of players -- including quarterback Donovan McNabb and cornerback Asante Samuel -- who did not appear when the Eagles opened their offseason workouts this week, leading to speculation that he might be on the trading block. A second-round draft pick in 2002, Brown didn't miss a game the past six years and missed only one start during that time.

Gocong, a third-round draft pick in 2006, never became the pass rusher the Eagles had hoped and last year lost his starting job as the team's strong-side linebacker late in the season to Moise Fokou. He is expected to play an inside linebacker position with Cleveland.

It is unclear when the trade will be finalized, but sources indicated that it could be completed in "the near future" -- with Brown's contract serving as the last major obstacle. When completed, it will be the third major trade pulled off in the past three weeks by new Cleveland president Mike Holmgren. Holmgren on March 14 sent quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to Oakland for fullback Peyton Hillis and draft picks.
Category: NFL

[Alo]

Very, very interesting.

[Alo]

According to ProFootballFocus, Sheldon Brown was the 13th best cornerback in the league in '09. Their secondary rankings are the most suspect (no coaches tape), but it would appear that trading for Brown would eliminate Joe Haden from 1st round consideration.

Brown is 31, but if the Browns are going to give him that new deal he wants, they'll probably be expecting him to be a quality starter for at least the next year or two.

[mz.]

Originally Posted by Alo

Very, very interesting.

I dig it, bigtime.

I only have two concerns:

1) What on earth are we giving up, player/pick-wise? One would suspect Rogers isn't very desirable to the Eagles any longer due to his being a retard, so I'm baffled as to who the player to be traded might be. Brandon McDonald? And hopefully none of the picks we give up are in rounds one or two. Brown and Gocong is a decent haul, so we're gonna be giving up something of value.

2) Why would we be playing Gocong on the inside? That don't make no gosh darn sense...

[The Hammer]

Originally Posted by mz.

2) Why would we be playing Gocong on the inside? That don't make no gosh darn sense...

I agree with your sentiment on Gocong. He was at his best coming off the edge.

As for Brown, I love him. The guy is a warrior, he played the last half of the season hurt, and still managed to have one of his better seasons as a pro.

[Sez.EJ]

we'll see.. usually when it's in the media first..the deal never happens..

[slowmo411]

I like this alot Brown and EW would give us a very good secondary. Now get Berry or Thomas and i'll be happy

[Vegasdogg]

YouTube - Sheldon Brown destroys Reggie Bush

YouTube - Sheldon Brown Jacked Up Steven Jackson

Brown can still bring the wood at 31.

[Skinny]

Originally Posted by mz.

I dig it, bigtime.
2) Why would we be playing Gocong on the inside? That don't make no gosh darn sense...

wondering same thing. I think guy doesn't know what he is talking about as far as that goes. Can't see him anywhere but outside

[Sez.EJ]

Gocong lost his job last year to Moise fokou. Brown is 31.. this is an OK move depending on what we give up. Getting Brown is maybe a 1-2 mayyyybe 3 year year fix at cb and will allow us to take Berry at #7. Gocong... not so sure if he is really an upgrade or just another good but not great football player to add to the mix of LB's.. It's not the worst deal we can do.. but I'm not going to do the happy dance over it either.. It will help in bringing a veteran presence to the secondary ( Brown) to teach the younger guys and I do like that. Gocong is still young.

[DawgFan]

Actually, I think Gocong will translate nicely to a SILB. He has great lateral speed so can cover TE's...he has good hand technique so can shed blockers...and has good anticipation so can shoot gaps.

His biggest detractors have been he gets engulfed by T's...which is what he faces as an OLB...but on the inside in a 3-4 he should not be seeing a lot of OL guys. He should be shooting/stuffing gaps.

Plus, his speed will allow for a lot of versatility...allowing our OLB's to stunt inside and him to swing out the OLB position and still give us a rush guy on the outside.

Gocong to me is another VERSATILE, INTELLIGENT, HARD WORKING, HIGH ENERGY guy that can increase the unpredictability of the defense.

Besides, remember how good Bowens looked at ILB??? Gocong is a Bowens CLONE as far as size and speed...talk about giving us options.