NFL Cuts: Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert's State of the Browns Address
Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert held a conference call on Sunday Sept. 5 addressing the state of the team after the final roster cuts came through on Saturday night.
Very candidly, Heckert covered topics from carrying 12 linebackers to defensive back Nick Sorensen's condition after sustaining a concussion against the Detroit Lions in the third preseason game.
Without further delay, here are the highlights from Heckert's state of the Browns address.
(All information from Heckert's call was gathered and provided by @TheOBR on Twitter.)
Heckert on Abe Elam's Tweet About Signing CB Quincy Butler
1 of 12
Elam (@abeelam) tweeted this on Sunday afternoon, "Congrats to my boy Quincy Butler new addition to Cleveland Browns secondary!"
Heckert debunked this by saying, "Tweet on Butler was 'kind of erroneous.' We have not done anything with that right now."
Just so you know, erroneous means wrong, in case you had no clue like I did when I first saw it.
Heckert on Nick Sorenson's Concussion
2 of 12
Heckert touched on Soreneson's injury, "We don't think Sorensen will be out long, but we'll let the doctors handle it."
For those who may not have seen it on television or online, Sorensen's head was sandwiched in between two Lions helmets and hopefully he will be ready to contribute on the field with the special teams sooner than later.
Heckert on D'Qwell Jackson's Injury
3 of 12
Heckert quickly mentioned Jackson's injury recovery, "No exact date on DQJ's return, but optimistic."
With all the linebackers the Browns kept on the roster, I would not be surprised if Jackson's return is later than sooner.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Heckert on Keeping 12 Linebackers on the Roster
4 of 12
Heckert tried to clarify on why he kept so many linebackers, "12 linebackers are because you have to keep extras if some are injured."
Seems a bit excessive unless the Browns are keeping extras on hand only to drop if they find a player on the waiver wire they want more.
Heckert on the Hardesty Injury
5 of 12
Heckert probably felt that he needed to speak on the matter of Hardesty's injury due to all the press that is talking about how picking the running back was the wrong move now.
"Loss of Hardesty a blow, but James Davis's play has been encouraging."
Hardesty is this year's version of Davis, since Davis went down early in 2009 with a season-ending injury, but can Davis step up and shine as he did during the 2009 preseason?
After his 119 total yards versus the Bears, it appears that he is ready to break out in 2010.
Heckert also touched on Hardesty's injury in a bit of detail, "Hardesty has an ACL tear and the rest of the knee is fine. C. Buckhalter came from two ACL tears and performed well. Confident."
Browns fans will have to wait and see how confident Heckert is in 2011.
Heckert on Keeping Only Three Cornerbacks
6 of 12
Heckert attempted to justify the move of only keeping three corners on the final roster, "We think we're OK at cornerback because Mike Adams can play both CB and safety."
I certainly hope so, but I also think the Browns will pick up another corner on the waiver wire because what happens when one of the three cornerbacks goes down?
Another corner will be picked up, guaranteed.
Heckert on the Wide Receiver Group
7 of 12
The Browns dropped veteran Bobby Engram (I saw that coming a mile away) and kept rookie Carlton Mitchell.
"We didn't look at WRs as veterans vs experienced guys or 'getting young.' We just kept the guys we liked."
A receiver group of Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, Josh Cribbs, Chansi Stuckey, and Mitchell looks solid and hopefully this group will break out in 2010 with a veteran quarterback like Jake Delhomme leading the way.
And Heckert touched on adding another vet receiver, "We're good at wide receiver (with respect to Houshmanzadeh)."
I concur (with respect to Housh).
Heckert on Veteran CB Sheldon Brown
8 of 12
Heckert addressed how much gas Brown has left in the tank, "CB Sheldon Brown 'has a lot left' and is instinctive and intelligent."
I certainly hope so because the ninth-year vet can certainly still lay the wood.
If you haven't seen his hits on YouTube, go there right now and enjoy!
Heckert on the Final Cuts Decision-Making Process
9 of 12
Heckert wanted to make it clear that he, Mike Holmgren, and Eric Mangini were all involved in the process.
"Holmgren was involved in the decision-making and went through the whole roster with Mangini/Heckert."
It really does appear these three men are working well together and to bring Mangini into the decision-making process shows that the Browns front office wants to make him happy about who stays and goes.
Heckert on Cutting Rookie Safety Larry Asante
10 of 12
In a surprise move, Heckert wound up cutting fifth-round pick Asante.
"I think Asante is going to be a good player, but we have a lot of safeties right now. Tough decision, hope to get him back."
Practice Squad Update!
11 of 12
The following have made the Browns' practice squad:
S Larry Asante
OL Paul Fanaika
DL Travis Ivey
OL Pat Murray
DL Brian Sanford
DB DeAngelo Smith
UPDATE: 9/6/10 @ 1:08 P.M. EDT: Browns have also added WR Jordan Norwood and RB Andre Anderson to the practice squad too.
Final Thoughts
12 of 12
Heckert covered pretty much the basics.
Players started to clear waivers at the time this article is being published, and the Browns still have not picked anyone up, which is a bit disturbing.
I really hope these three men know what they are doing because I still have many questions that are still unanswered, but until anyone is picked up, I and all other Browns fans must look to the season opener against Tampa Bay and cross our fingers.
At least, Shaun Rogers is active and he may not start against the Bucs, but his presence on the field alone should help both the pass rush and coverage in the secondary which eases some of my worries.
(Thanks again go out to The OBR for their Twitter updates!)
(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")