Browns Claim Former Second Round LB Matt Roth

by Chris Pokorny on Nov 25, 2009 4:15 PM EST in General News Comment 29 comments

According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, the Cleveland Browns have claimed LB Matt Roth on waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Roth was originally drafted by the Dolphins back in 2005 with the team's second-round draft choice (46th overall).

Roth progressively saw his playing time and production level go up from 2005-2008. He started 14 of the team's 16 games at outside linebacker, recording 53 tackles and 5 sacks. An unusual circumstance led to Roth's departure from the Dolphins. He was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football-Injury list prior to the start of the season; his agent called it a groin injury, while the team called it an unknown illness. Roth was released November 24th and promptly scooped up by the Browns.

It'll be interesting to see if Roth, a veteran, is immediately worked into the linebacker rotation.

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This seemingly never ending rotation of claiming and releasing LBs is astounding.

Here’s an idea…play Alex Hall more and then you won’t need to keep searching for another LB, because you already have one with potential on the roster.

http://dawgscooper.blogspot.com/
Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source

by theW0LF on Nov 25, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hall definitely needs more playing time, but Roth could be a really good pickup. Can’t be too much downside to giving him a try.

by HenryDawg on Nov 25, 2009 4:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I can only think that Hall must be really unimpressing the staff….

by RelapsingDawgCatcher on Nov 25, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Makes no sense…during his rookie year he was second on the team in sacks with minimal playing time.

Hall has talent, but the coaches just don’t see it because they want to play all the former Jets they can instead.

http://dawgscooper.blogspot.com/
Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source

by theW0LF on Nov 25, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I’m sure that’s the plan — play less talented players because they’re former Jets.

How can you be so sure that Hall is more talented that our other LB’s?

by Buckeye Brad on Nov 25, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently you never watched any games last year, when he played and recorded sacks.

http://dawgscooper.blogspot.com/
Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns Source

by theW0LF on Nov 25, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw him over pursue against the run and fail miserably against the pass last year, if that’s what you’re gettin’ at?

by golanbatrac on Nov 25, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There is more to playing LB than recording sacks.

by Buckeye Brad on Nov 25, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If I see one more “former Jets” comment I think I’ll snap.

by skipkirk on Nov 25, 2009 8:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed.

by notthatnoise on Nov 26, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jason Trusnik has played well. Rob Ryan shouldn’t take playing time away from him.
I think Alex Hall is in the wrong style of 3-4 defense. He’s a decent pass rusher but is barely adequate in coverage. He belongs in a San Diego, Dallas, or Miami 3-4.

by Bumblyjack on Nov 25, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah this is right. Hall might have thrived under a Romeo scheme (who would’ve thought?) but not in this one.

by skipkirk on Nov 25, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And Roth is a guy who has already made the transition from end (where he played for three years) to OLB (where he played last year). Why not pick him up?

by golanbatrac on Nov 25, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would actually be willing to bet that Roth has more natural talent and football instinct than Hall.

by Roger Dorn on Nov 25, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like he might be good enough to start. Here’s an article on the mystery.

by dgcambridge on Nov 25, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks. The comments are pretty good, too,

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge..." C. Darwin

by Spidey on Nov 26, 2009 8:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

This guy was solid the last few years, and very good last year. Good pick up.

by golanbatrac on Nov 25, 2009 6:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The advantages of being first on the waiver wire are finally coming to fruition. Mangini truly is a mad genius.

by Roger Dorn on Nov 25, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Now if only the Colts would wave Dwight Freeney…

by golanbatrac on Nov 25, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or Anthony Gonzalez…

by Chief WaDrew on Nov 25, 2009 9:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome pick-up. If I remember right, he was playing the strongside OLB for Miami last season with Joey Porter on the pass rush side.

I would like to see Trusnik move inside with Roth taking over at OLB or some sort of rotation.

Roth is a good young player.

by Bernie19Kosar on Nov 25, 2009 10:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow, Rob Ryan. Great accomplishment. We are now the proud owners of not one unnecessary 4-3 Middle Linebacker, but 5! You heard right viewers! Not 1 but 5, for a limited time only! 4-3 Middle Linebackers!
In order of acquisition:
MLB David Vaikune
MLB Kaluka Maiava
MLB Jason Trusnik
MLB Josh Stamer
MLB Matt Roth
Lets run a monster 2-5-4! Finally a claim to fame for the ever ingenious Rob Ryan.

by mooncamping on Nov 26, 2009 8:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This my dear Lords and Ladies is Fit and Run tactics run to perfection.
More instant predicaments for an already self limiting franchise. Good luck distributing these talents!

by mooncamping on Nov 26, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs