I would like the signing, but it would change the draft plans in no way shape or form. My guess is it will be a one year contract.
For all the back-and-forth they've had over the past couple weeks, I'm guessing we're looking at a multi-year deal. Nothing outlandish, but probably something in the 3-year range. Could be wrong, but Clowney's only 28... this should be his prime contract time and best playing days (what happened last season in Tennessee, notwithstanding).
If it is, then edge is off the table for the first 3 rounds. A legit 3 year contract, not two voidable years for salary cap savings.
The closer we get, the more I'm inclined to one of these things happening... 1. If Jaycee Horn somehow makes it into the late teens, I suspect they would be aggressive and move up to snag him. 2. If their guy (Horn) isn't available, they'll stand pat at #26 and take a wide receiver or, depending on how much WR talent has already come off the board, an interior defensive line pick. Still feels like a group that isn't clamoring to move up but I think Horn could be a guy worth jumping for. Arizona (shy on picks) could perhaps part with #16 for #26 and #59 (or both thirds instead) and then the Browns just need eight non-QBs to go ahead of Horn, which doesn't seem too outlandish, honestly. You've got 5 QBs, 3 WRs, 2 OTs, 1 TE, and at least 1 LB that a likely locks in the Top 15. If Dallas goes Surtain over Horn, he's there for the taking.
If Clowney makes Cleveland decide not to draft EDGE in the first, then I see that as a positive for Buffalo. The Browns are the Bills biggest draft competitor in terms of need. I agree with the comments about the Browns still going EDGE - or for CB. Unfortunately, both positions are my highest priority for Buffalo. Oh well, we’ll just have to sweat it out. My personal opinion is that there’s quite a bit of risk with Clowney. He could be in steep decline. While I think there’s an equal chance that he has a bounce back season. Still, there’s a risk, and if I were a Browns fan I’d be hoping for a short contract.
My 2 cents from 10,000 feet . . . Clowney was drafted # 1 O/A by the Texans in 2014 and spent 5 years there. He did go to a few of the Annual NFL Popularity Contests (Pro-Bowl) while with the Texans, but I suspect that was more a result of being a # 1 O/A pick. He then tested Free Agency in 2019 and signed a 1 year deal with the Seahawks. Next, he signed another 1 year deal with the Titans for 2020. So he's played a total of seven years in the NFL with three different teams. Of those three teams - only one of them (Seattle) plays a base 4-3 defense and he didn't exactly set the world on fire with the Seahawks. We all saw the productivity (or lack thereof) from Olivier Vernon when he transitioned back to a 4-3 DE from a 3-4 EDGE with the Giants. It took him over a year to generate anything close to the production he had as a 4-3 DE with the Giants after they switched to a base 3-4 defense. That's not to say it can't be done, but it's a significant change playing with a hand in the dirt as a 4-3 DE versus a 3-4 EDGE. Now, add in the fact that we also just signed Takarist McKinley. He spent the first three plus years with the Falcons (4-3 base) was waived in 2020 and claimed by the Raiders (after he failed physicals with the Bengals and 49ers) but was never active with the Raiders on game day. I have serious doubts that McKinley has the mental aptitude to shine in a defensive scheme that demands focus and dedication on each and every snap. (Remember - he was the guy who dropped the F-bomb during a live interview with Deon Sanders during the draft.) Then there is Porter Gustin who was also signed as an ERFA. I doubt he will ever develop into a perennial All-Pro but, he filled in admirably while Garrett was in Covid protocol. In short, he's probably just what he is. A solid backup / rotational guy. That said, there is a definite need for a starting caliber DE. BUT . . . there's also a need to improve the rush defense. IMHO, this would be better served by going with a stud DT at pick 26 and roll with Garrett, McKinley, Gustin and a Rd 2/3 DE or a Waiver Wire pickup.
I think IDL is definitely on the table -- especially given where we're drafting at #26. The "big three" receivers will be off the board (Chase, Smith, and Waddle). It could very well be that one or two Moore's are also gone by the time the Browns hit the stage. Would the F/O think the value at WR#6 or WR#7 (Toney or Marshall, IMO) be greater than that of IDL #1 or #2 (Barmore or ???).
With the draft in Cleveland, could the Browns be tempted to trade up to make a draft-day splash? I’m not suggesting they should. I’m just wondering if it’s been discussed at all.
The great debate with Clowney is that he's actually a defensive tackle in a 3-4 OLB's body. Without argument, he's one of the best defensive lineman against the run in the NFL regardless of position. I think he's led the NFL in rush stops for no gain once or twice (tough to take the crown from Aaron Donald) but since he plays DE, the dude has always wanted to be paid like a premier edge rusher and his numbers in no way back that up. If the Browns sign him, I'm not expecting 10+ sacks as I did with guys like Vernon (seriously... how do you play opposite the DE that draws more double teams than anyone else in the NFL and best you can do is 9.0 sacks?!). I'm expecting a jump in the run defense grade, though.
I was willing to have them sell the farm for Kyle Pitts (get into the Top 8) and make him the choice. But no... I think they'll be reserved in their approach. I think they are less-concerned with optics than teams like Dallas or Las Vegas (had they not been hit with the 'Rona) would be.
I can't see any possible scenario where the Browns should go WR in the 1st 2 or 3 rounds. The Browns are returning 100% of their entire offensive unit from 2020. Wide receivers do absolutely nothing to stop the run or pressure the Quarterback and that is the area where they need to up their game.
Any scenario? Guess we'll have to agree to disagree, there. For starters, the Browns have a very solid top-to-bottom roster already. They're in a perfect spot to draft best player available or, as we've seen continuously successful franchises do, draft for future needs. Sure, we're returning our entire offense in 2021 but the Browns didn't have a single 1,000 yard receiver. Odell Beckham (who counts almost $16 million against the cap) played all of 2019 hurt and missed 10 games in 2020. He hasn't had a "healthy" season in five years. Jarvis Landry (who counts almost $15 million against the cap) led the Browns with 804 yards and 3 scores. He's a high-volume target player but that production in no way backs up that contract. Rashard Higgins, a personal favorite of Baker's, is on his second one-year deal and the team was in no hurry to re-sign him. KhaDarel Hodge was tendered and signed a one year deal. JoJo Natson (a returner, primarily) signed a one year deal. Only 2020 rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones is signed for multiple years at an affordable rate. Analytics is all about handling inequities in the market... both Beckham and Landry are big dollars today but total about $1.5 million in dead cap after this season, meaning they could both be restructured, cut, or some combination thereof. If Rashard, KhaDarel, and JoJo don't re-sign again, you're left with Donovan Peoples-Jones as the journeyman on the team. ALL of the aforementioned receivers lack what Baker is elite at and what Stefanksi's offense gives plenty of opportunities for: 1-on-1 downfield match-ups. Higgins is probably the best at 1:1 downfields and that's more a statement to his filthy route running at times versus speed or ability to separate. Odell is a "create after the catch" type of player and Landry is an underneath, high-target slot guy. If the Browns are sitting there at #26, Barmore and the corners are off the board (highly probable) and your options are a couple of 'tweener edge guys (Ossai, Olujari, Oweh) or a receiver they have highly-rated, I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see us call an offensive player's name.
Don't sleep on Terrace Marshall Jr. out of LSU. Dude has the archetype wing-span, legit deep speed, and scored 23 touchdowns in 19 collegiate games.
Don't be shocked if Farley is still taken before Horn. He has had his follow up medical visits in Indianapolis this past Friday and was given a complete clean bill of health. Ready to return to full duty today if needed. He won't miss a single mini camp. That was the only thing that moved him down the draft board. Before this latest clean up surgery in March, he was considered the #1 CB in the draft. IF teams still are worried about his health, due to team needs, if Horn goes in front of him, he could end up being there for us at #26. If he's there, the Browns won't pass on him. Instant upgrade to Greedy Williams, plug and play starter... With the health red flag of course, but for the talent value at that point, we couldn't pass him up at #26. Clowney is coming to town Wednesday, I am assuming to sign his contract. Why else would he be coming. I'm sure his camp insisted it be in person and to make a big deal out of it with fanfare. I actually surprised he didn't wait until the week of the draft, when some of the national press would be here to cover it. He has always been a news hound. That worries me a tad, sharing the spot light with someone like Garrett who will certainly overshadow him... Also, why I think he ended up in Nashville last year instead of Cleveland. Lucky for you though, both edge and CB are deep in the second tier levels, which is what the Bills are going to be drafting due to their great season. There will be options at both position for you guys regardless of what the Browns take.
Don't forget, Clowney has actually excelled much more at run defense since entering the league than what he was drafted for, pass rush. They may by looking at shoring up the rush defense with this move, moreso than as a pass rusher, which he can also do, especially with Garrett on the other side. I still think pass rusher is in the cards at #26 We have a WIDE OPEN opportunity to draft for the future with the signing of Clowney. He is nothing more than a stop gap, if he stays healthy. I don't foresee him resurrecting his career to the point that someone is going to give him a future contract of $15M plus over multiple years. We can do what ever we want at #26 due to our current roster, and it would make sense short of QB, TE, O-Line or RB. Obviously if Trevor Lawrence, Penai Sewell or Pitts were there, you take them, but short of a Twilight Zone episode occurring, there won't be any players at those positions that would make sense. Any other position, you could justify.
Just curious, @IrishDawg42 -- what's your edge ranking look like? I'm not wild about the consensus top prospects this year. For me, I think my "blue chip" edge defender is actually Payton Turner (Houston) who should be around in the second. I was very high on Rousseau early, but have soured pretty hard during the actual eval process. Thoughts?
Clowney is strong against the run. The Browns D traditionally sucks in that department. What's not to like about Clowney coming to Cleveland? I'm excited about this.
