Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about a young Indian's promotion, the spotlight on LeBron and impressions of a big new Brown
About the Browns ...
1. After sitting through Phil Taylor's press conference, it's obvious the Browns' first-round pick is one massive man. He is listed at 6-3, 337 pounds. He doesn't seem fat, just enormous. He answered questions without adding a lot of detail, mostly coming across as guy who seems sincere and doesn't think you need to talk a lot about what he does.
2. Can he play? I find it impossible to evaluate these huge guys in the middle of the defensive line. You need to know the defensive schemes, the talent around him. I don't know a lot about Baylor football.
3. But I tend to favor what this front office does. Tom Heckert has a record of solid drafting. New coach Pat Shurmur is an offensive guy, but he really seemed thrilled by the pick. The Browns obviously need defensive linemen. I sense this guy is their T.J. Ward, the player they targeted last season -- someone they rated higher than many other teams.
4. Kansas City definitely had an interest in Taylor, and the Browns believed the Chiefs would take him -- unless they could make a deal. So they offered the third-round pick. There also were concerns that Baltimore or Philadelphia would take Taylor -- all picking before the Browns at 27. Taylor was definitely the Browns' main target, so they decided not to gamble and wait.
5. Taylor's value was helped by the fact that he has the classic size for a 3-4 nose guard, but has always played in the 4-3 defense. That means he could play in either defensive scheme. As for second-rounder Jabaal Sheard, he fits into the pass rushing defensive end in the 4-3 defense that Heckert likes. He believes those 250-pounders who are supposed to become outside linebackers in the 3-4 are much better suited to stay at their natural position and go get the quarterback in the 4-3.
6. Here is a reality that the Browns are facing -- their run defense has been awful ever since the franchise returned in 1999. In the last seven years, they never ranked better than 27th against the run. Their highest rating since 1999 was 23rd in 2003.
7. This team hasn't even had a mediocre run defense since 1999. The hope is that with a 4-3 anchored by Ahtyba Rubin and Taylor in the middle, that can change. But they also will need a play-making middle linebacker. Not sure Chris Gocong is that type of player.
8. I do give the Browns credit for not playing to the crowd, as most fans would have loved to see them grab receiver Julio Jones at No. 6. Or if they had picked someone besides a nose tackle at No. 21. Da'Quan Bowers would have been the popular choice, but the Browns seem to think Taylor is a better bet.
9. Of the final eight teams in the 2010 playoffs, all but Seattle ranked in the top eight of the fewest points allowed. In terms of yards allowed, five playoff teams ranked in the top 10: Pittsburgh (2), Jets (3), Packers (5), Bears (9) and Ravens (10). For good reason, the Browns are focusing on defense.
10. It was nice to see Peyton Hillis be the one announcing the choice of Taylor on draft night. It would be great if Hillis can have another 1,000-yard rushing season, because this franchise is really looking for players whose jerseys they can proudly wear. Perhaps that will happen with the emergence of Joe Haden, Colt McCoy, Joe Thomas, Ward and of course, Joshua Cribbs.
Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about a young Indian's promotion, the spotlight on LeBron and impressions of a big new Brown | cleveland.com