Dawgs By Nature - 2013 NFL Combine: All About the Cleveland BrownsA Cleveland Browns bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48679/dawgsbynature-fave.png2013-02-24T21:49:06-05:00http://www.dawgsbynature.com/rss/stream/37778012013-02-24T21:49:06-05:002013-02-24T21:49:06-05:00Star Lotulelei Has a Heart Condition
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Another top prospect in this year's draft class has suffered a health scare.</p> <p>The health-related scares for top prospects at the NFL Combine continued on Sunday when ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, projected to be a top-10 pick in April's draft, has a heart condition that will require further testing. As a result, Lotulelei will not participate in drills at the Combine, although he will still be meeting with prospective teams. Mortensen talked about<a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/8981415/2013-nfl-draft-combine-star-lotulelei-heart-condition-work-monday-according-sources"> what triggered the alert for Lotulelei</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Lotulelei was discovered to have an abnormally low Ejection Fraction, detecting that the left ventricle of his heart was pumping at only 44 percent efficiency, sources said. The normal range is between 55-70 percent efficiency. ... If it's a confirmed chronic condition, medical experts consider it an indication of possible heart damage.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yikes. For players like DE <b>Dion Jordan</b> and CB <b>Dee Milliner</b>, their shoulder surgeries are just going to sideline them for a couple of months. With Lotulelei, depending on the results of further tests, his draft stock could drop due to long-term risks. I'm far from an expert on the health risks associated with his condition, though. If we're looking for some optimism, James Christensen from NEPD <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2013/02/star-lotulelei-will-heart-condition-cause-a-fall-in-the-2013-nfl-draft.html">posted an article regarding his own experience with a similar condition</a>.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> haven't really been projected to draft Lotulelei, but part of that has had to do with the fact that he has been widely projected to be drafted with one of the first three picks of the draft. If the condition causes him to fall to No. 6 overall, should the Browns consider biting?</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/24/4026328/star-lotulelei-not-participating-at-nfl-combine-due-to-heart-conditionChris Pokorny2013-02-23T23:32:14-05:002013-02-23T23:32:14-05:00Combine: DE Dion Jordan to Have Shoulder Surgery
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<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>DE Dion Jordan, a prospect the Browns might be interested in drafting at No. 6 overall, will have shoulder surgery that will require 3-4 months of rehab.</p> <p>Last week, Dawgs By Nature's Mike Krupka <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/19/4003840/browns-potential-draft-target-dion-jordan">did an excellent job profiling Oregon DE <b>Dion Jordan</b></a><b></b>, a player who the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> might be interested in drafting with the No. 6 overall pick in April. Jordan is participating in drills at the NFL Combine, but he unveiled something on Saturday that could make teams think twice about his draft status: he's having surgery in the coming week to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.</p>
<p>Jordan said that the surgery will force him to rehab over the next several months:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Give me about 3-4 months as far as my rehab. I’m going to attack my rehab after the surgery as hard as I did before, just to make sure I’m able to show up to camp and compete with all the other guys."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That could put Jordan out for all of March-June, with a return some time in July. He would miss organized team activities and minicamps, but would probably be ready to go for training camp. The surgery is not expected to hurt his stock <i>too</i> much, but you never know -- there are quite a few defensive end/outside linebacker types who might be attractive for teams in the first round, and a guy who <i>isn't</i> having surgery might end up going over Jordan. Cornerback <b>Dee Milliner</b>, another candidate for the Browns at No. 6 overall, is also scheduled to have the same type of surgery.</p>
<p>Not surprisingly, Jordan said that he has been getting more attention from teams who operate a 3-4 defense due to his abilities as a pass rusher:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I get a lot of talk from 3-4 defenses, mainly because that’s what I played at the college level and it’s the best spot to utilize my athleticism. ... It shows that like I said I can line up all over the field and get after the quarterback, it shows that I understand defense, just adjusting to the defense on the fly, and just my speed. Just having the speed to come off the edge every play. I never came off the field. I was all three downs, even four downs if you needed."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For anyone who was a fan of Jordan's before, does news of his surgery change whether or not you think the Browns should draft him?</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/23/4023346/2013-nfl-combine-dion-jordan-to-have-shoulder-surgery-rehab-to-take-3Chris Pokorny2013-02-23T23:05:36-05:002013-02-23T23:05:36-05:00Banner Talks Media & Fan Perception of Lombardi
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<p>Joe Banner opened up about the hiring of Director of Player Personnel Michael Lombardi, including the outside perception that appeared to surround him.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> CEO <b>Joe Banner</b> spoke about a lot of <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/23/4021460/joe-banner-giving-weeden-the-chance-to-succeed-and-other-browns-notes">personnel strategies earlier today</a> with the local media, but what we didn't cover was how much he was asked about Director of Player Personnel <b>Michael Lombardi</b>. Since Lombardi was brought on board, nobody in Cleveland's front office has really commented about the known criticism Lombardi was facing from the media and fans when it was <i>rumored</i> he would be hired.</p>
<p>Had this been a normal press conference, I think Banner would have answered questions more vaguely about Lombardi, while quickly noting his confidence in his talent evaluation ability. Because this was more of an informal talk that the media had with Banner at the NFL Combine, he seemed to be more open in discussing the process, going off of <a href="http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/2013-nfl-combine-transcript-from-interview-with-browns-ceo-joe-banner-1.375742">the quotes listed by the Akron Beacon Journal</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>When you talk about perception around the league, there’s also perception that Mike Lombardi, vice president of player personnel, is a TV guy who hasn’t worked in the league for five years and that your expertise in Philadelphia was business and contracts. Could you address that in terms of bringing in players?</b>: "I think the people around the country and around the league that know don’t share those perceptions. So I think people in the league know that I was intimately involved in the small group of people who made the football decisions in Philadelphia that led to a lot of success. I think the people that know Mike Lombardi as it relates to his player evaluation ability would feel like it’s a good combination, that we can build a successful organization. I don’t think some free agents or the agents of the free agents are going to be telling them [anything] other than they expect Cleveland to turn around and be successful."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Banner was then asked about the rumors that went on for months last season regarding Lombardi coming to Cleveland, and the "coincidence" that he ended up being brought aboard:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>What about the process of hiring Lombardi? There were reports about him for months from pretty credible people that were denied, talked around. Then all of the sudden he was magically hired</b>: "I don’t think they were ever denied. When I was asked, I always said I wasn’t going to get into the specifics of it. So I never acknowledged or denied. My facetious [answer] is a broken clock is right twice a day. So there’s a lot of stories about which there’s a lot of speculation. Occasionally the speculation comes true. It doesn’t mean that it was fact before it became fact. Mike was always a consideration in my mind. He was one of the people I intended to talk to and interview. I knew him well. I had positive experiences with him. But until the end, he was not the guy."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When asked how many people were considered for Lombardi's position, Banner said that he has been sticking with "three to five people" as his answer. He then delved into the fans not wanting Lombardi:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Fans didn’t want Lombardi. Does that concern you at all?</b>: "As I said, I think what people ultimately want is for the team to be successful and to win games. I’d be concerned if people thought we were dishonest. I don’t think you’ll ever experience that with me. I don’t think you’ll every experience that with Jimmy. I don’t think you’ll see that in Chuds. I don’t think you’ll see that in this administration. We haven’t done that. We won’t do that. I think in the end they want us to be right even when we do something they didn’t believe in because they ultimately want to be able to watch the team on Sundays and feel good and be excited and be proud of it."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Lastly, Banner was asked why Lombardi was not being made available to the media at the NFL Combine, and if this would be a regular thing (hearing from Banner, but not Lombardi). Banner was clear that Lombardi will be available to the media in association with certain events:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Why is Lombardi not here?</b>: "He’s here."</p>
<p><b>Here in the room? Why isn’t he accessible to the media?</b>: "Would that be fun? Video it? I think he’s focused on the meetings we’re having with ourselves and the combine, and I think that’s the best utilization of his time right now."</p>
<p><b>Is he going to be accessible?</b>: "He will be accessible as we would plan on making the personnel position accessible. So as we get into free agency, the draft and things like that and there are things that would be his area of expertise, he’ll be available."</p>
<p><b>It won’t just be you speaking for the team?</b>: "No, no, [Lombardi] will speak."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Call me crazy, but I think this is exactly the type of discussion Banner needed to have with the media to inspire more confidence about either his, or Lombardi's, ability to help steer the ship. When I say that, I'm not just referring to the quotes above, <a href="http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/2013-nfl-combine-transcript-from-interview-with-browns-ceo-joe-banner-1.375742">but to everything that was said</a>.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/23/4023244/joe-banner-opens-up-about-the-media-and-fan-perception-of-michaelChris Pokorny2013-02-23T22:33:52-05:002013-02-23T22:33:52-05:00Banner Doesn't Expect More Cuts; Rucker's Release
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<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>The Browns won't be cutting any more starting-caliber players after the release of DE Frostee Rucker.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> CEO <b>Joe Banner</b> spoke with the local media earlier today. We posted our own summary of what he had to say <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/23/4021460/joe-banner-giving-weeden-the-chance-to-succeed-and-other-browns-notes">at this link</a>, including a vote on confidence of sorts for quarterback <b><span>Brandon Weeden</span></b>. Banner also spoke out on whether the team expects to make any more significant cuts in the next couple of months, considering the fact that defensive end <b><span>Frostee Rucker</span></b>, a starter last season, was <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/5/3956392/cleveland-browns-release-de-frostee-rucker">released after just one year with the team</a>. Banner said that he did not expect to cut any more starting-caliber players like Rucker:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Will you cut any more starting-caliber players like defensive end Frostee Rucker?</b>: "My answer is because you said 'could I see' is no, but at the same time, if something comes up in two months and we do that, I don't want somebody to feel like we were misleading or lying. I don't expect that to happen, but you never know what call you're going to get or who you could pick up as a free agent that you didn't think would be available or you thought was going to be too expensive to get and then you go make a move. It's not because I'm not being forthcoming with you. It's just circumstances could change. But my expectation is that that won't happen. My best guess is that won't happen." (<a href="http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/2013-nfl-combine-transcript-from-interview-with-browns-ceo-joe-banner-1.375742">Source</a>)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Two weeks ago, I posted an article about the <a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/12/3981150/which-players-on-the-cleveland-browns-could-become-cap-casualties">top five most likely cap casualties for the Browns</a>, <i>if</i> they were to take place. That list included LB <b><span>Chris Gocong</span></b>, QB <b><span>Colt McCoy</span></b>, S <b><span>Usama Young</span></b>, OG <b><span>Shawn Lauvao</span></b>, and FB <b><span>Owen Marecic</span></b>. If they were all healthy, four of those guys would have been considered starters last season.</p>
<p>Banner's answer was in response to Rucker, though, and I think the two players on my list who would earn the same level of "respect" as Rucker would be Lauvao and Gocong. I still think it is necessary for the Browns to restructure Gocong's contract, not because they can't afford him, but because he'll be making too much for a player of his stature. I could see McCoy, Young, and Marecic all hitting the unemployment line still -- they aren't above average starting-caliber players, and better replacements can be found via free agency or the draft.</p>
<p>Let's get back to Rucker, though. Banner provided some closure on why he was released, and he confirmed that they weren't going to keep him with the defensive scheme change, and the timing of the cut made sense due to the money he would have been owed:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Why was Rucker cut?</b>: "We didn't intend to keep him on the team but the specific timing of it related to not any money that was due but some money that was guaranteed. There are players with roster bonuses and money that could become guaranteed but as I say, since we're not anticipating any additional moves of players, they won't drive any decisions." (<a href="http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-browns/cleveland-browns-1.270107/2013-nfl-combine-transcript-from-interview-with-browns-ceo-joe-banner-1.375742">Source</a>)</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i><a href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/21/4013760/2013-nfl-combine-all-about-the-cleveland-browns">Catch all of our NFL Combine coverage related to the Browns right here</a>.</i></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/23/4023172/joe-banner-doesnt-expect-to-cut-starter-caliber-players-explains-whyChris Pokorny2013-02-23T21:48:00-05:002013-02-23T21:48:00-05:00List of Players the Browns Are Meeting With (2/24)
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Teams are probably meeting with a bunch of players at the NFL Combine. Here is a subset of who the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Browns</a> have reportedly met with (note, this list will repeatedly be updated throughout the week, based on reports from Twitter):</p>
<p><b>Reports from Saturday, February 24th:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>CB <b>Mike Edwards</b><br>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Reports from Saturday, February 23rd:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>DE <b>John Simon</b> </li>
<li>OLB <b>Jarvis Jones</b><br>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Reports from Friday, February 22nd:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>QB <b>Matt Scott</b> </li>
<li>RB <b>Joseph Randle</b> </li>
<li>WR <b>Kenny Stills</b> </li>
<li>WR <b>Kenbrell Thompkins</b><br>
</li>
<li>WR <b>Tavarres King</b> </li>
<li>TE <b>Nick Kasa</b> </li>
<li>TE <b>Tyler Eifert</b> </li>
<li>OG <b>Chance Warmack</b> </li>
<li>OT <b>Lane Johnson</b> </li>
<li>OL <b>Brian Winters</b> </li>
</ul>
<p><b>Reports from Thursday, February 21st:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>TE <b>Joseph Fauria</b> </li>
<li>TE <b>Zach Ertz</b> </li>
<li>TE <b>Jake Stoneburner</b> </li>
<li>OL <b>Reid Fragel</b> </li>
<li>OL<b> Justin Pugh<br></b> </li>
<li>K <b>Caleb Sturgis</b> </li>
<li>K <b>Brett Maher</b><br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Feel free to react in the comments section about any of the players listed.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/21/4014794/nfl-combine-2013-list-of-players-the-browns-are-meeting-withChris Pokorny2013-02-23T13:58:34-05:002013-02-23T13:58:34-05:00Browns CEO Joe Banner Speaks at the NFL Combine
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Did Browns CEO Joe Banner give quarterback Brandon Weeden the closest thing to a "vote of confidence" that you could ask for?</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> CEO <b>Joe Banner</b> had a breakfast meeting with the local media in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. Based on reports from the local media, for the first time since joining the team, Banner gave quarterback <b><span>Brandon Weeden</span></b> the closest thing to a "vote of confidence" that you could ask for. Here is a recap from all of the local tweets regarding what Banner had to say:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<b>QB Not a Priority With Top Pick:</b> When commenting about the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the first two rounds, Banner said, "That’s not the focus of our thinking." He would not rule out moving back into the second round of the draft, but still implied that they aren't actively considering a quarterback in either of those rounds.</li>
<li>
<b>Confidence in Brandon Weeden:</b> The front office still isn't going to anoint Weeden the starter just yet, and they could still very well bring in some form of what they would call "competition" in training camp. With that said, Banner told reporters that they want to give <i>Weeden</i> "the best chance to succeed" and that they "see potential that they are going to try to work with." He also said "we have a huge vested interest," in regards to Weeden succeeding. Age was not a concern for Banner, as he said, "If he can do the job, there’s no reason to think he can’t play five or six more years."</li>
<li>
<b>Smokescreen?</b> Is Banner trying to put on a smokescreen regarding his comments about the quarterback position? "I will not lie to anybody here," said Banner. Banner admitted that he "may be incomplete in his answers," but when it comes to the drafting a quarterback early, he said, "I also kind of think I'm implying that that’s not what I expect to have happen. I just don’t play that game."</li>
<li>
<b>Trading Away Players:</b> When asked about the possibility of trading away players, Banner said he did not expect to be receptive to trading their own players. "We're looking to build upon the players we have," said Banner. There goes Matt's concern about <b>Joe Thomas</b>.</li>
<li>
<b>Franchise Tag Shot Down:</b> There is still plenty of time for the Browns to use the franchise tag on someone, but Banner conceded that they will not be using it.</li>
<li>
<b>Active in Free Agency:</b> It sounded like Banner felt the team could be active in free agency, saying "I view this year as a good year to be in the free-agent market," citing the crop of non-pricey players who will be available, combined with the team's cap space compared to other teams. Banner also mentioned that they have ammunition to keep their own players due to their cap space.<br>
</li>
<li>
<b>Defense Needed to Improve:</b> Banner was apparently critical of the Browns' defense under <b>Dick Jauron</b> last year, saying that it "wasn't good enough, to be direct about it" and that the team didn't perform well enough statistically in "crucial areas." Banner said that he and <b>Jimmy Haslam</b> wanted a style of defense like the one that <b>Ray Horton</b> will put in place -- one that isn't afraid to take risks. He acknowledged the fact that with the schemes for the front seven changing, there will be a need for adding new players who fit the defense.</li>
<li>
<b>Not Commenting on Own Players:</b> Wisely, Banner continued to decline to discuss their own potential free agents like <b><span>Phil Dawson</span></b> and <b><span>Joshua Cribbs</span></b>, saying that it would be bad for negotiation purposes if he did. According to Pat McManamon of Fox Sports Ohio, Banner did say that he "knows the plan regarding Dawson already," though. Speaking of own players, McManamon also said that when asked if <b><span>Josh Gordon</span></b> was worth the second-round draft pick, Banner replied, "I think it's to be determined."</li>
</ul>
<p>Sometimes, it's not about the <i>quotes</i> a person says, but just the overall "feel" you get from listening to someone. Here are two tweets from local reporters about Banner's comments on the quarterback situation:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Quick thought on Banner -- Said Weeden will get a chance to prove himself. Doesn't sound like team sees better available options.</p>
— PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatMcManamon/status/305348840142278656">February 23, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Browns">#Browns</a> Banner sounded as if QB Brandon Weeden will get every chance to start. Think he can be successful, make big jump in year 2.</p>
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottPetrak/status/305338751092137984">February 23, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Let's hope Banner isn't delivering a smokescreen and that they focus their free agency and draft efforts wisely on bolstering the positions that need to be improved.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/23/4021460/joe-banner-giving-weeden-the-chance-to-succeed-and-other-browns-notesChris Pokorny2013-02-22T23:37:20-05:002013-02-22T23:37:20-05:00NFL: Delay the Combine, FA, and Draft in Future?
<figure>
<img alt="Roger Goodell is at it again." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2GJRiZUMywOBOWFkOAM9IB72P3s=/0x43:4000x2710/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8577511/20130207_mjr_su5_062.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Roger Goodell is at it again. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What do you think about a proposal that would push back the start date of the NFL Combine, free agency, and the NFL Draft in the future?</p> <p>In an attempt to extend the offseason, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8973183/2013-nfl-combine-nfl-pushing-changes-offseason-sources-say">ESPN's Adam Schefter reported</a> Thursday night that the NFL would like to push back the start date of the NFL Combine, free agency, and the NFL Draft in the future. Included in the proposition is the fact that every team in the league would also begin their training camps on the same day.</p>
<p>Specific dates aren't included in Schefter's report. Instead, he lists generalities, such as the NFL Combine being pushed back to "early" March, free agency being pushed back to "early" April, and the draft being pushed back to "early" May.</p>
<p>Just how different would the offseason schedule look if the proposals were put through? Let's take a look at a hypothetical situation in which the changes were implemented next year. I will use the same days of the week that this year's events start on, combined with interpreting the word "early" meaning some time in the first two weeks of the month.</p>
<h3>Hypothetical NFL Offseason Schedule Comparison</h3>
<table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<th>Event</th> <th>2013 (Current)<br>
</th> <th>2014 (Proposal)<br>
</th>
</tr></tbody>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>NFL Combine</b></td>
<td>February 20-26</td>
<td>March 5-11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Free Agency</b></td>
<td>March 12</td>
<td>April 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>NFL Draft</b></td>
<td>April 25-27</td>
<td>May 8-10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br>All things considered, it would not be <i>too</i> much of a change, as each event would only be getting pushed back about 2-3 weeks. A benefit is that it can give teams more time in the offseason to formulate their game plan, and it would especially help out teams who have undergone head coaching changes. For example, new <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> head coach <b>Rob Chudzinski</b> said at the Combine today that he's been so focused on evaluating the current Browns roster that he hasn't had the chance to seriously evaluate the draft prospects.</p>
<p>The proposal would have to be approved by the NFLPA, and that's where <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/story/_/id/8976477/2013-nfl-combine-friday-observations-offseason-weeden-more">ESPN's John Clayton thinks it will hit a road block</a>. He raises a good point regarding free agency -- players who are set to become free agents are anxious to sign with a new club or find out if they'll even be on an NFL team the following season. Pushing that back, even just a couple of weeks, might not go over well. Also, you have to consider the changes that the proposal might have on when teams' minicamps and offseason training activities are held.</p>
<p>What do you guys think about the proposal? If it went through, it would kind of "balance out" the amount of down time that occurs after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> with the down time that occurs after the draft. As it stands now, there is an extended down time once the draft ends up until training camp begins.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/22/4020128/nfl-is-proposing-pushing-back-the-combine-free-agency-and-the-draftChris Pokorny2013-02-22T16:40:35-05:002013-02-22T16:40:35-05:00Chud: Not Sure on Pinkston's Status For Awhile
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<figcaption>David Richard-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski commented on the uncertainty surrounding Pinkston, who suffered a blood clot last season. Could that force the Browns into getting a guard in free agency or the draft?</p> <p>The offensive line is undoubtedly one of the strengths of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, but is there a chance that the status of left guard <b><span>Jason Pinkston</span></b> and the relative weakness of right guard <b><span>Shawn Lauvao</span></b> could place the offensive guard position at a premium in free agency or the draft?</p>
<p>During a breakfast meeting with local reporters early Friday morning, head coach <b>Rob Chudzinski</b> commented on the uncertainty surrounding Pinkston, who suffered a blood clot last season:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Chud on OG Jason Pinkston (recovering from blood clot): I'm not sure of his status and probably won't be for a while.</p>
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) <a href="https://twitter.com/viccarucci/status/304948605914058752">February 22, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/02/22/nfl-combine-day-2-browns-coach-rob-chudzinski-excited-to-work-with-qb-brandon-weeden-wants-competition/">Scott Petrak from the Chronicle-Telegram</a> added that Pinkston has not been cleared to return to football.</p>
<p>In an <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/cleveland_browns_guard_jason_p.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">article published by Mary Kay Cabot back in December</a>, Pinkston did say that he was feeling pretty good and was working out and playing basketball. In the article, Pinkston said that he needed to be on bloodthinners for six months. Based on the timeline that Pinkston gave, he could be off of them some time over the next month. He would need to have an MRI or a CT Scan before I beginning activities again. The Browns<a href="https://twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ/status/305065158454149120"> informally talked with</a> top offensive guard prospect <b>Chance Warmack</b> at the Combine.</p>
<p>Should we read too much into Chudzinski's words? He was more confident in speaking about <b><span>Chris Gocong's</span></b> return, but not Pinkston's.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2013/2/22/4018980/could-jason-pinkstons-status-encourage-the-browns-to-draft-a-guardChris Pokorny