SHINNER 2008 DRAFT REVIEW

**BIG BLUE**
BLUE Steven Jackson
BLUE Terrell Owens
BLUE Andre Johnson
BLUE Brandon Marshall
BLUE Jason Witten
BLUE Earnest Graham
BLUE Matt Forte
BLUE Michael Turner
BLUE Donovan McNabb
BLUE Dallas Cowboys D/ST
BLUE Jay Cutler
BLUE Nate Burleson
BLUE Bernard Berrian
BLUE Indianapolis Colts D/ST
BLUE Chris Chambers
BLUE Josh Brown

Summary: Big plays abound
Fearless Prognosis: 8-5
Bottom Line: Nut Graf


**RICK JAMES B!TCH**
BTCH Brian Westbrook
BTCH Randy Moss
BTCH Jamal Lewis
BTCH Torry Holt
BTCH Ben Roethlisberger
BTCH Laurence Maroney
BTCH Tony Gonzalez
BTCH Dwayne Bowe
BTCH Roddy White
BTCH Marc Bulger
BTCH Ronnie Brown
BTCH New England Patriots D/S
BTCH Anthony Gonzalez
BTCH Tony Scheffler
BTCH Nate Kaeding
BTCH Fred Jackson

Summary: Mixed bag.
Fearless Prognosis: 7-6
Bottom Line: Nonsmoking Bingo Player


**GECKOS***
GECK Marion Barber
GECK Peyton Manning
GECK Willis McGahee
GECK T.J. Houshmandzadeh
GECK Willie Parker
GECK Wes Welker
GECK Marvin Harrison
GECK Jeremy Shockey
GECK David Garrard
GECK Patrick Crayton
GECK San Diego Chargers D/ST
GECK Julius Jones
GECK Kevin Curtis
GECK Felix Jones
GECK Neil Rackers
GECK Donte' Stallworth

Summary: Dependable and trusty picks abound.
Fearless Prognosis: 7-6
Bottom Line: Velcro Wallet


**JERSEY JUGS**
JUGS Tom Brady
JUGS Frank Gore
JUGS Maurice Jones-Drew
JUGS Marques Colston
JUGS Plaxico Burress
JUGS Edgerrin James
JUGS Donald Driver
JUGS Matt Hasselbeck
JUGS Ricky Williams
JUGS Laveranues Coles
JUGS Heath Miller
JUGS Selvin Young
JUGS Joey Galloway
JUGS Stephen Gostkowski
JUGS New York Giants D/ST
JUGS JaMarcus Russell

Summary: Under-performers ensure Sunday booze must flow.
Fearless Prognosis: 5-8
Bottom Line: Gnathic Index


**PART-TIME PUNKS**
PUNK Joseph Addai
PUNK Tony Romo
PUNK Larry Fitzgerald
PUNK Darren McFadden
PUNK Reggie Bush
PUNK Chad Johnson
PUNK Jerricho Cotchery
PUNK Chris Cooley
PUNK Kevin Smith
PUNK Kurt Warner
PUNK Jonathan Stewart
PUNK Lee Evans
PUNK Ronald Curry
PUNK Nick Folk
PUNK Matt Schaub
PUNK Jacksonville Jaguars D/S

Summary: Some possible 2009 keepers here.
Fearless Prognosis: 6-7
Bottom Line: Feral Children


**TOMSHAK**
SHAK Marshawn Lynch
SHAK Reggie Wayne
SHAK Larry Johnson
SHAK Thomas Jones
SHAK Kellen Winslow
SHAK Steve Smith
SHAK Hines Ward
SHAK Eli Manning
SHAK Santana Moss
SHAK Jon Kitna
SHAK Fred Taylor
SHAK Chicago Bears
SHAK Alge Crumpler
SHAK Phil Dawson
SHAK Deuce McAllister
SHAK Vince Young

Summary: Now sleeping in the big boy bed.
Fearless Prognosis: 6-7
Bottom Line: When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.


**SMFBROWNS**
SMFB Adrian Peterson
SMFB Braylon Edwards
SMFB Brandon Jacobs
SMFB Anquan Boldin
SMFB Calvin Johnson
SMFB Antonio Gates
SMFB Derek Anderson
SMFB Chester Taylor
SMFB Rashard Mendenhall
SMFB Brett Favre
SMFB Minnesota Vikings D/ST
SMFB DeAngelo Williams
SMFB Green Bay Packers D/ST
SMFB Ray Rice
SMFB Mason Crosby
SMFB Derrick Ward

Summary: Youth Shall Be Served
Fearless Prognosis: 7-6
Bottom Line: Cookie Middle


**DRINKING STARS**
STAR LaDainian Tomlinson
STAR Clinton Portis
STAR Ryan Grant
STAR Drew Brees
STAR Santonio Holmes
STAR Roy Williams
STAR Dallas Clark
STAR Carson Palmer
STAR Greg Jennings
STAR Steve Slaton
STAR Chris Perry
STAR Drew Bennett
STAR Ted Ginn Jr.
STAR Devin Hester
STAR Seattle Seahawks D/ST
STAR Shane Graham

Summary: The unbearable weightiness of Tomlinson
Fearless Prognosis: 6-7
Bottom Line: Alluvial Fan

This Blog Has Moved...

The Dawghouse Blog has moved to a new location:

http://www.fanmonster.com/blogs/dawghouseblog/, which is part of the BerniesInsidersweb site and accessible from that home page.

Although with the move comes lots of change, rest assured I do not plan on improving my spelling.

Grantham on Chaun

"Grantham seemed less enthusiastic about one of Butch Davis’ special projects, outside linebacker Chaun Thompson, a Round 2 pick in 2003.
“Right now, he’s in shorts,’’ Grantham said after a morning practice. “You’ll have to ask me in training camp.’’"

Thompson is probably favorite in the "Next Butch Guy to Go" contest.

The Word: Boulware Escapes Berea

Ok, so Boulware goes on to Seattle. That is disconserting if you are hoping, like me, that the Browns sign him. But BI NMacDaddy BMcBride reports that Savage is still worried about Boulware's health.... which means, if theyfeel that way, it might be for the best if the Seahawks sign him. Or, best case scenario, his price goes down due to health concerns. We'll have to wait and see.

Boulware And/Or Law?

Peter Boulware is in for a visit today. Maybe the Browns will even ink him today, if all goes very well. But he's not the only big name FA being talked up -- former NE CB Ty Law was a favorite of Crennel and is also shopping his services. I've been reading opinions that are all over the map with regard to the Browns signing Law. There are some definite pros and cons, but is he is healthy I am in favor of it, though I'd choose Boulware over Law if it came down to it.

• Crennel loves defensive backs. There were times last season that NE used up to 7 DBs at the same time.
  
• CB is not the Browns biggest need with 'Cutch and Baxter around. But it definitely still is a need.
  
• Why spend big money on Law when the Browns are not gunning for the playoffs in 2005? This sentiment I sort of agree with. But the team will be thinking playoffs in 2006 and it's realistic to think Law would be around for 2-3 years. It would be unwise to break the bank on the guy, but if Law's price is not too high and he would prefer to play for Crennel, then it's a gamble worth taking.
  
• If you can't be good at everything, be really good at something. If Law gives the Browns one of the better starting CB tandems and can really neutralize opposing WRs, then it's a big point in the Browns favor. And it gives Crennel somethiing to work with. And maybe it makes life a little easier for a less-than-ideal front 7. It won't be "the answer," but, really, how could it hurt?
  
• The Browns have no significant young CB talent on the roster. Lehan is okay, but not likely to be starting caliber anytime soon. Crocker shows some promise, but he may wind up strickly a safety and wouldn't be projected to be much more than a nickel-back or barely-competent starter at CB anyway. And after that there is nothing. So it's not like Law would be holding back a promising player's development.

If Law goes elsewhere, that's okay. But if he signs on here then the Browns have added a fine, possibly great, defensive presence. I fully believe Crennel can do very good things with "fine" players (see the Browns 2000 defense if those NE Super Bowls weren't enough). And I'm certain he can do it with great players. Boulware and Law are both guys that could make a big difference if they can perform. And the Browns would be foolish not to seriously investigate and make a run at both. They're already doing it with Boulware, and hopefully Law is next.

Possible Buc Cuts

Some potentially interesting names could be out there:: T Todd Steussie, LG Matt Stinchcomb, and maybe RT Kenyatta Walker or LT Derrick Deese. I wouldn't venture a guess at the relative merits of targeting these guys, but, in general, this could open up the market and give Savage some options in signing a guy or two for offensive line depth. There are rumblings that the Bucs might even cut Derrick Brooks or Simeon Rice if they can't restructure their deals. Yes, most of these guys are on the downside of their careers, but some of 'em should still have a little left in the tank. And there'd be nothing like snagging some depth at tackle so the Browns would have the options of giving the boot to my favorite personality, Ross Verba. Or better yet, let him sit around with his meathead buddies at his new rural home or at his downtown bar.

Other notes...

• RB Ricky Williams wants his formerly huge salary that he previously walked away from if he decides to return to the team. Good luck on that one.
  
• The Bengals have noted that they won't be signing Boulware. Not sure if it's due the price tag, or if they just don't want him.
  
• Apparently the Dolphiins went to great lengths to make everyone believe they would select Braylon Edwards. Too bad no one believed them. It looks especially stupid in hindsight too. Man, Nick Saban seems like another Butch Davis-like dude from this far away. He's been that way since before he even took the LSU job, actually, and he hasn't done anything to change my mind. Just looking at it objectively, I'm quite happy to be a Browns fan instead of a Dolphins fan these days. Not to mention warm weather football teams suck.
  
• This may be just a rumor, but I head the Burger King near Wilson Mills ran out of hamburgers today at lunch. You heard it here first.
  

It's Boulware Week in Cleveland

Tomorrow is June 1st, which means some more veterans will get cut and the last of the worthy free agents in the 2005 offseason will hit the market. This should help resolve Boulware's situation as well. The only reason for Boulware not to sign in the next week or so is if people aren't convinced he'll be healthy enough to go for camp. Assuming he is, I hope the Browns can snag him.

Who else will get cut? Beats me. But we may see the Browns pursue some depth on the o-line and maybe more depth at defensive end. We need a pass-rusher in the worst way, though beyond Boulware I don't see anyone. Maybe Calvin Pace from AZ, but the dude has sucked and I have no idea if he would fit in a 3-4.

Well said.

SI.com - Writers - Monday Morning QB (cont.) - Monday May 30, 2005 10:52AM: "I think it is preposterous that Kellen Winslow gets away with making a statement (yeah, right, I'm sure those were his words) and doesn't have to face the music in the media after his motorcycle injury. This kid is too sheltered for my liking. He's a jillion-dollar player in a very public sport, and he should be made to stand in front of the press and explain what he did and why he did it. 'In hindsight,'' the statement said, 'it was unwise to attempt to learn to ride a motorcycle without a professional instructor in a controlled environment.'' I mean, who possibly believes those words, or even those thoughts, came out of Winslow? Ludicrous."

Like I said, the best thing to do is to pretend like Winslow just does not exist, at least for the next 10 months. When somethng happens with Winslow I'll talk about it, but until then I am done with it. The guy's behavior after this motorcycle accident has now surpassed the stupidity of the accident itself. And that's all I need to know for the time being.

Verba

The Cleveland Plain Dealer said Verba wants a contract worth $38.5 million over five years. The newspaper quoted the left tackle as saying, ?I played last year for nothing, and I just want to be treated fairly. If not, I?m not coming into camp, and I won?t play the season. I don't want to cause problems, but I had a handshake deal with the Browns, and I upheld my part. I want them to do the same.??
Verba came off the 2004 season indicating he did the Davis regime a favor by restructuring his contract, with the understanding he would be ?taken care of?? after a strong year."

You know, I'd be inclined to agree with the idiot, a$$hole Verba if he wasn't expecting to get a 4 or 5 year contract. I mean, this was a guy the Browns went out on a limb to sign for a few years, then the dude rips a biceps (which, to be clear, was the guy making his money) and follows it up by saying he wasn't sure if he ever wanted to play again. Now he has a good year and expects his old deal to be torn up and replaced by one it is not clear he deserves.

Verba sites promises made by the Butch regime. OK. Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but Butch isn't here anymore. If you want your huge 5-year deal then go talk to him. Otherwise, shut the f#ck up. Or go to the FO and explain the situation, maybe even provide a little second-hand evidence, and ask for a one-year extension with a handsome raise. But don't insult me by saying you played last year for nothing. Seriously, go screw yourself. You played last year (and the years before that) and made as much money as I am liable to make in my entire life. I made 26K the year after I left college. What did you pocket Ross, 1 million+? Get your head out of your ass.

Verba, you have proven you are a good football player. We all like you as a left/right tackle/guard. We love your bad ass attitude when it's targeted at the Browns' opponents. But you've also established you are a grade A dickwad. We've heard about you and your crowd, and we've all met dudes like you. Ask for your next contract. Do what you have to do. But if you are publicly unreasonable you should not expect the public to be reasonable in return.

Speaking for this fan, I'd rather see Greg Randall starting at left tackle than an over-overpaid jock strap who demands he be overpaid some more. You deserve millions of dollars -- which, if I am not mistaken, you are already being paid. And we fans deserve to not hear your whining and crying.

FYI -- If I ever get the pleasure of meeting your face to face, I will be happy to express the same sentiment. You need to hear it.

Romeo Speaks

Crennel has some interesting things to say: 1) The Browns are interested in Law. I think that'd be great. More than anything else, I think the Browns interest in Boulware and Law is indicative of their realization that they really need a few more players to emerge on defense. I'd rank a guy like Boulware more of a priority than Law, but both would be great if their health allows them to play. 2) Droughns has had a good attitude in camp. Good. I still think it would be reasonable for the Browns to pay him a little more than his current contract allows, more as a gesture of goodwill than anything else. 3) Lang "doesn't look like a fish out of water" playing linebacker. Good. I have a lot of faith in Crennel to get a guy like Lang in a position to be effective, but I do wonder if this is codeword for "holy crap we need a real pass-rushing linebacker." 4) Faine has gained weight. It's good that Crennel is keeping his eye on a guy like this in whom the team's fortunes will rise or fall with. Lets face it, the Browns need Faine to be a solid guy on the line and he's got to stay healthy. I'd like to believe he can someday live up to his high-draft status.

Side Notes

1. There is no way the Dolphins successfully convince everyone that Ricky Williams is returning just so they can trade him. In fact, I'd argue the dude has virtually no trade value, not even for a 6th round pick. First off, he's just as likely to be a liability as an asset. Secondly, the guy hasn't exactly been staying in football shape (quite the opposite, reportedly). And thirdly, and most importantly, there are a lot of other, much more attractive backs on the trading block like Edgerin James (who, don't forget, was drafted ahead of Williams, correctly) and Travis Henry. The whole thing is just embarassing for Nick Saban, who looks a lot like Butch Davis from this far away.

2. What is the over/under on how many days it will be until Kellen Winslow's house goes up for sale? I'm thinking about 25, just long enough for the second opinion to have been garnered and the Browns to rattle their saber a little bit.

3. Maybe it is just me, but it certainly sounds like the Browns are very interested in Boulware, at least in a "not wanting to sound too eager" sort of way.

4. Gary Baxter will not have a Hanford Dixon-like career in radio when his playing days are done.

5. A year or so ago I would have agreed with Man U's fans that Malcolm Glazer buying the Red Devils was horrible. But that was before I learned more and more about the sad state of professional soccer ownership in Great Britian. Really, it's a mess. The best team this year is the best because they were bought by a Russian billionaire. And the rest of the team's are owned by either overmatched men who don't have enough clout to compete or consortiums that lose by concensus. ManU is already a huge corporate brnad name whether its fans realize it or not. Glazer's purchase merely reflects that.

6. Next up: how will the NFL react to the English Premiership's cozy relationship with bookmakers? A couple years ago I was able to see a Chelsea match in person and could go buy a beer and place a wager right on the concourse before kick-off. I thought it was great. I bet the NFL will make a bunch of noise about how they are investigating Glazer's relationship, blah blah blah. Glazer will come out fine cause he has the dough, and the NFL doesn't care about gambling as much as they care about making everyone think they care.

7. Who will get kicked to the curb first during the 2005 season -- Joey Harrington or David Carr? I find this race too close to call. Or maybe Kyle Boller beats them both (though I actually think Boller is the best of the three)?

8. Jhonny Peralta is solid. He seems like he could develop into a very nice hitter.

9. Grady Sizemore is the future of the Indians. He is the only guy on the current roster I'd say is a sure thing, unless you maybe want to count Sabathia, who's already a solid major-leauger.

10. What is up with Victor Martinez? His approach at the plate is nothing like 2004. And he looks skinnier. If there was one guy I'd have to bet the beat writers are suspicious of, I'd say it may be him....

11. I like Travis Hafner. But he might be more Paul Sorrento than anyone will want to admit. I hope not though. When he is patient at the plate, as he was for periods of 2004, he is a force. I hope he gets it going.

Boulware still on the radar

Good. Of all the possible guys who could still be acquired, Boulware would probably make the most impact. And if we don't get him, at least run of his price in the event the Bengals sign him.