Cleveland Browns Draft 2011: Players That Fit into the West Coast Offense
"Take the best player available". That seems to be the popular saying when people talk about rookie drafts in any sport. That may be the case in the NBA, but a different approach is needed in the NFL.
In the NFL, General Managers and coaches need to evaluate several different factors. The factors include talent, intelligence, intangibles, position need, and most importantly, how that player fits into your system.
The Cleveland Browns are transitioning into the West Coast Offense under new coach Pat Shurmur. The West Coast Offense philosophy differs from the traditional theory of setting up the offense by establishing the run. The WCO sets up the run and vertical passing game by having the receivers run precise short to intermediate routes.
Specific skills and traits are needed by the players that fill each position.
The quarterback position is obviously one of the most important positions of the WCO, if not the most important. The QB is expected to be very accurate and able to quickly read multiple targets. Having a true leader in the huddle that is confident and knowledgeable are also key traits. The QB must master the playbook to be successful in the WCO.
Colt McCoy has shown most of the skills to be effective in the WCO, but he is far from a sure thing. Seneca Wallace knows the system and is an above average backup. I think the team should give McCoy an honest chance to learn and run the offense.
Running backs in the WCO need to be versatile. Having a pro-bowl running back (such as Peyton Hillis) is a huge bonus, but he also has to be able to catch and block. Hillis showed last year that he was very good at running, blocking, and receiving. The prospect of having Hillis Montario Hardesty, and Lawrence Vickers in the backfield is exciting.
Wide receivers and tight ends in the WCO do not need to be "super athletes". Jerry Rice is the perfect WCO receiver. He ran routes perfectly and hardly ever dropped a pass. Qualities such as; focus, agility, balance, body control, and intelligence are all important for a wide receiver and tight end to possess.
As of right now, our first (Mohamed Massaquoi), second (Brian Robiskie), and third option (Joshua Cribbs) receivers look more like fourth and fifth options. The system fits Robiskie more than the other two. If Robiskie can't contribute in this offense, then it's unlikely that he will ever be a productive NFL receiver. Its needless to say that the Browns need to focus on this position in the draft.
Benjamin Watson and Evan Moore bring contrasting and complimentary styles to the team. I don't expect the Browns to target a tight end early in the draft.
The offensive line in the WCO needs to be athletic and able to get to the second level in the defense. The center should be smart and able to lead the line. The line should work together as a whole and its obvious that pass protection is important.
Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach have the left side locked down and Alex Mack controls the middle. Shawn Lauvao, Tony Pashos, and Floyd Womack are solid backups, but the Browns should look for starters on the right side of the line in the draft.
The following slides will identify players in the draft that could help the Browns transition into the WCO. The players 2010 statistics are provided by cbssports.com.
Quarterback: Blaine Gabbert
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Blaine Gabbert is expected to be the first quarterback taken in the draft. Gabbert has good accuracy on all throws. He has good arm strength and a quick release. Gabbert is expected to be a strong leader, but needs to improve reading the defense and identifying multiple receiving targets.
2010 Season:
Gabbert won 18 games in his two years as the starting quarterback for Mizzou, including 10 wins in 2010, which represented only the fourth 10-win season in 120 years of MU football history. Gabbert threw for 3,186 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010, while running for 232 yards and five more scores. In 31 career games at Mizzou, Gabbert threw for 6,822 yards, which is fourth-most in MU annals, while his 40 career touchdown passes ranks as third-best in school history. His career pass efficiency rating of 132.59 is also the second-highest in Mizzou history.
Quarterback: Ryan Mallett
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Ryan Mallett is expected to go late in the first round or in the second round. Mallett has good accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Mallett has a very strong arm and decent pocket passing ability. He showed the ability to read defenses and see multiple receiving targets while at Arkansas. Mallet's maturity and mobility are the only question marks at this point.
2010 Season:
Mallett started all 13 games and completed an Arkansas single-season record 266 passes on a school-record 411 attempts for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns, both UA single-season records, with 12 interceptions. He broke Arkansas' single-season total offense record for the second straight season, finishing 2010 with 3,795 yards. He led the SEC and ranked fifth in the NCAA with 297.6 passing yards per game. His 32 passing touchdowns were tops in the conference for the second straight season and tied for seventh in the country.
Quarterback: Greg McElroy
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Greg McElroy is projected as a fifth round draft pick. McElroy is touted as a true leader that has good accuracy, footwork, and decision making. He can throw from the pocket and has decent arm strength.
2010 Season:
McElroy was outstanding as a senior for the Crimson Tide. He was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship and named the ESPN Academic All-American of the Year and a first-team Academic All-American. He ranked fourth nationally in passing efficiency entering the bowl game and finished with a efficiency rating of 168.9. He set the single-season passing record with 2,987 yards and a school-record 20 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions in 313 attempts.
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Running Back: Daniel Thomas
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Daniel Thomas is projected as a second or third round pick. Thomas can run inside, break tackles with a strong stiff arm, and he holds onto the ball. Thomas is a very reliable receiver with soft hands. He has the size and potential to be a very good blocker.
2010 Season:
Last season's Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Thomas recorded the second-most rushing yards in a season at K-State with 1,585 this season, which is also a new record for a senior back, and ranked eighth nationally. He also led the Big 12 with 19 rushing touchdowns, one shy of the school record. His 2,850 career rushing yards rank second all-time at K-State, while his 30 rushing touchdowns rank fourth, his 12 career 100-yard performances rank second and his 269-yard outing at North Texas in the 2010 regular season finale was the third-most ever by a Wildcat running back.
Running Back: DeMarco Murray
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DeMarco Murray is expected to be drafted in the second or third round. Murray is one of the best receiving running backs in the draft. He is also a solid blocker. Murray most likely won't be an "every down" back, but he could excel in the WCO.
2010 Season:
Murray was selected to the All-Big 12 first team by AP and coaches. He set OU career marks for all-purpose yards (6,626), touchdowns (64), points (384), and receiving yards by a RB (1,572).
Running Back: Shane Vereen
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Shane Vereen is projected as a third round pick. Vereen is above average in every running category (agility, vision, breaks tackles, etc.). He has soft hands with good body control when receiving. He has good technique when blocking and is a solid kick returner.
2010 Season:
Vereen earned second-team All-Pac-10 honors in his final collegiate season (also first-team by Phil Steele, second-team according to Scout.com) as a junior when he started all 12 games and finished the regular season ranked among the best in the Pac-10 and the nation in both rushing and scoring. His totals of 1,167 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns on the ground and 231 carries were all single-season career bests, while his 5.1 yards per rush average narrowly trailed the single-season career-best 5.2 average he posted in 2009.
Wide Receiver: A.J. Green
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A.J. Green is projected as a top ten pick in the draft. Green has been described as a "sure thing". He is fast, agile, and explosive. He has good balance and excellent hands. Green is good at running routes and can take a hit over the middle.
2010 Season:
Green was named the recipient of the team's Vince Dooley Most Valuable Player of the Year Award. he appeared in nine games, making eight starts, and catching a team-leading 57 passes for 848 yards and nine touchdowns.
Wide Receiver: Randall Cobb
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Randall Cobb is rising on the draft board and is projected as a second round pick. Cobb was a leader for Kentucky. He is touted as a very disciplined route runner with very good hands. He is extremely quick off the snap and could make an excellent slot receiver in the WCO.
2010 Season:
Cobb broke the SEC single-season record for all-purpose yardage with 2,396 yards. He led the SEC in receptions per game by catching 84 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns but his value far exceeded those contributions. He played quarterback in the "WildCobb" formation and rushed for 424 yards and five touchdowns and threw three TD passes in that role.
Wide Receiver: Niles Paul
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Niles Paul is expected to go in the third or fourth round in the draft. Paul is a good route runner and makes catches in tight quarters. He is willing to go over the middle and take a hit. Paul has good hands and decent speed.
2010 Season:
Paul was a second team All-Big 12 selection for Nebraska this season as both a wide receiver and return specialist. He caught 39 passes for a team-high 516 yards and one touchdown, returned 19 kicks for 464 yards and a score and fielded 14 punts for 160 yards in 2010. The Omaha native leaves Nebraska ranked sixth in school history with 103 career receptions and fifth in receiving yards with 1,532. His 1,887 career kickoff return yards rank second in school history and his 4,122 all-purpose yards rank fifth all-time at Nebraska.
Tight End: D.J. Williams
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D.J. Williams is projected as a third or fourth round draft pick. He has the potential to be a "matchup nightmare" for defenses. Williams has a quick release and good hands. He is a willing blocker and showed good character while playing for Arkansas.
2010 Season:
Williams won the John Mackey Award in 2010, which goes annually to the nation's best tight end. The three-year starter reeled in a team-high 49 catches for 589 yards and four touchdowns in helping the Razorbacks to a 10-2 record and Sugar Bowl appearance this year. He was a first team All-SEC selection by both the AP and Coaches and also took home the Disney Spirit Award this year (college football's most inspirational figure).
Tight End: Lance Kendricks
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Lance Kendricks is expected to go in the third round. He has good hands and finds open space in the field. Kendricks is a decent blocker and uses good footwork.
2010 Season:
Kendricks' awards include AFCA All-American, SI and Sporting News first-team All-American, AP second-team All-American, Consensus first-team All-Big Ten, and was a John Mackey Award finalist. He ranks 18th all-time at UW with 1,160 career receiving yards. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He was fifth in scoring and all purpose yards. His 663 receiving yards tied for 18th-most in one season at UW.
Offensive Tackle: Gabe Carimi
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Gabe Carimi is expected to be a mid to late first round pick. Carimi is an excellent pass blocker with a strong work ethic. He is strong and agile for an offensive lineman. He has the quickness to block down-field and a great first step.
2010 Season:
Carimi claimed the coveted Outland Trophy this season in helping the Badgers to an 11-2 record and Rose Bowl appearance. He was a unanimous first team All-American and first team All-Big Ten selection in 2010. The Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year helped pave the way for the nation's No. 5 scoring offense (41.5 ppg.) and made 49 career starts from his left tackle position over the last four years.
Offensive Tackle: James Brewer
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James Brewer is expected to fall to the third round. Brewer has strong arms and legs. He is agile and possesses a quick first step. Brewer was an effective and intelligent pass blocker while playing for Indiana.
2010 Season:
Brewer received honorable mention All-Big Ten from the league's coaches and media. He started nine games at right tackle, but missed three games with an ankle injury. Indiana's offensive line allowed one sack per 42.8 pass attempts, which led the Big Ten. Brewer allowed just two sacks on the year.
Guard: Benjamin Ijalana
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Benjamin Ijalana is projected to be drafted late in the second round. Ijalana is an exceptional pass blocker and very quick off the snap. He has the ability to get to the second level of the defense. Ijalana was very durable during his college career.
2010 Season:
Ijalana was the only player from FCS football named to the watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is presented each year to the top lineman in the country. Villanova has once again had a dominant offensive line this season, with Ijalana being the focal point of one of the team's greatest strengths.
Guard: Mike Person
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Mike Person is projected as a seventh round pick and could be a possible steal for the Browns. Person is tall and athletic for a guard. He is good in pass protection and has a quick first step.
2010 Season:
Person earned First Team All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2010, starting all 12 games and helping lead MSU to a Big Sky Conference Championship and the FCS Playoffs. A two-time All-Big Sky choice, Person graded out at 90% in 2010, and didn't allow a sack. The Bobcats led the Big Sky in scoring offense, total offense, passing offense, and first downs.
Center: Rodney Hudson
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Rodney Hudson is the best center on the board and likely to go in the second round. Hudson is quick and can beat his man to the spot off the snap. He has very strong hands and arms. He is very intelligent and a disciplined player.
2010 Season:
A unanimous first team All-American in 2010, Hudson also landed on the first team All-ACC squad for the third straight year and is just the seventh player in league history to earn All-ACC honors all four years of his career. The offensive guard is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2009, 2010), becoming just the 11th player in ACC history to claim that award twice. Hudson was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy this season and was named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice this season and eight times in his career, tying for the most in league history. In his four years at Florida State Hudson started 47 games and this year graded out at 87 percent with 44 knockdown blocks. He was only penalized once in 832 offensive snaps this season. Hudson is a four-year starter for the Seminoles and the most decorated offensive linemen in ACC history.
Center: Stefen Wisniewski
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Stefen Wisnieski is the second best center prospect in the draft and expected to go in the second or third round. Wisnieski is very athletic and quick. He is a very good pass protector and can get to the second level. Wisnieski has a strong frame and is a very intelligent player.
2010 Season:
Wisnieski has been instrumental in the Nittany Lions allowing only 12 sacks all season, good for No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 14 nationally. A starter in 37 of the last 38 games, Wisniewski is the 81st Penn State football student-athlete to earn first team All-America recognition, a total of 95 times, dating back to W.T. (Mother) Dunn's selection to the Walter Camp All-America squad in 1906. Wisniewski is the Nittany Lions' 78th first team All-American under Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno.
A Quick Look at Players the Browns Shouldn't Draft
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To rap up the list, I put together a list of players that don't fit the West Coast System for a variety of reasons (QB's that have poor accuracy, WR's that don't run precise routes, RB's that can't catch, etc). Mike Holmgren should steer clear of these players when the draft rolls around.
Quarterbacks: Cam Newton (Auburn), Jake Locker (Washington), and Christian Ponder (Florida State)
Running Backs: Mikel LeShoure (Illinois), Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State), and Taiwan Jones (Eastern Washington)
Wide Receivers: Julio Jones (Alabama), Torrey Smith (Maryland), and Leonard Hankerson (Miami)
Tight Ends: Jordan Cameron (Southern California) and Andre Smith (Virginia Tech)
Offensive Tackles: Joseph Barksdale (LSU) and Marcus Cannon (TCU)
Guards: Clint Boling (Georgia) and Zach Hurd (Connecticut)
Centers: Kristofer O’Dowd (Southern California) and Tim Barnes (Missouri)
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