Tag Archives: Pierre Desir

ROOKIE IMPACT A KEY TO BROWNS SUCCESS

Posted: Nov 7, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 28 Comments

On “Draft Day” 2014 all the hype and talk in Berea, Ohio was about one rookie selected by the Cleveland Browns, quarterback  Johnny Manziel. But after 9 games into the 2014 season he is the least productive rookie to play in his class.

Manziel has thrown one incomplete pass, caught another pass that was nullified by a penalty and done nothing else but serve as Brian Hoyer’s back up, and that’s OK. Manziel hasn’t had to play because Brian Hoyer is playing above average football at the quarterback position by not making mistakes, connecting on timely throws and leading the Browns to a (6-3) record and into playoff contention for the first time since 2007 this late in the season.

Manziel-Gilbert-Farmer-Pettine Jersey Photo

While Manziel has had no impact on the Browns success this season, six other rookies either drafted or signed as free agents by G.M. Ray Farmer have made major contributions to the Browns best start since 1994.

Here’s what they’ve done:

1st round pick – CB – Justin Gilbert – Has started a number of games – 23 tackles – 5 passes defended

 

2nd round pick – LG – Joel Bitonio – Has started all 9 games and solidified the left side of the line.

 

3rd round pick – RB – Terrance West – Leads the team in rushing through 9 games with 396 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus he’s caught 7 passes for 39 yards and another score.

 

3rd round pick – LB – Christian Kirksey – 41 tackles – 2 sacks – 1 tackle for loss – 2 passes defended

 

Undrafted rookie – RB – Isaiah Crowell – 297 yards rushing with a 4.6 yards per carry average that leads the team. He also leads the squad with 5 rushing touchdowns.

 

Undrafted rookie – WR – Taylor Gabriel – 24 catches for 435 yards and 1 touchdown.  He’s averaging 18.1 yards per catch. He also has 1 kickoff return for 30 yards.

 

When you combine all of the offensive numbers from the rookies, they have accounted for  1,192 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. On defense, 64 tackles – 2 sacks – 1 tackle for loss – 7 passes defended. Not bad considering “Johnny Football”, the most celebrated rookie of the bunch has added nothing to this team through 9 games.

BROWNS DRAFT GRADE FROM OURLADS SCOUTING SERVICE AN “A”

Posted: May 22, 2014 by . Filed under Audio, Podcasts | 27 Comments

Dan Shonka from Ourlads.com, a scouting service that has been breaking down college player for the NFL Draft for 33 years, came away impressed with Browns G.M. Ray Farmer and his 2014 Draft!

Ourlads Photo

CLEVELAND BROWNS 2014 NFL DRAFT PICKS – 6 PLAYERS

Posted: May 10, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 25 Comments

Manziel-Gilbert-Farmer-Pettine Jersey Photo

1st – 8th –  Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Gilbert fills a need at cornerback opposite Joe Haden. He gives the Browns potentially the best cornerback tandem in the AFC North. A cover corner with long arms, a good vertical jump who always seems to be in good position and around the ball. Not a good tackler and needs some work on his technique and getting closer to receivers at the line of scrimmage for a better jam.  BONUS- A great return man who can take it the distance as he did 6 times in college.  –  Should be a starter from day one.

 

1st – 22nd – Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Like “Johnny Football”, the Browns maneuvered their way around the first round to come back and get who they hope will be their franchise quarterback of the future. A mobile, accurate QB with big hands, who was highly successful against the toughest competition on a week-in, week-out basis in the country. Has great leadership and plays with a lot of heart, desire, passion and was a playmaker in college. The big question is will his short stature allow him to make those same plays at the NFL level and can his smaller frame withstand the physical punishment of faster, quicker, stronger, more violent defenders in the NFL? It would be best for him to not be thrown to the wolves, especially considering the first game of the regular season is on the road at Pittsburgh. Sitting and learning for AT LEAST a half a season would be extremely beneficial to him.  –  But I could see if the Browns start the season 0-3 and head into their bye week winless, you might see him start the 4th game of the season at Tennessee.

 

2nd – 35th –  Joel Bitonio, OG, Nevada

Played left tackle in college but is probably better suited as an inside guy at guard, however his versatility is a major plus. When Mike Pettine was talking about getting tougher he had Bitonio in mind. Has a nasty steak in him which the Browns need.  –  Should be a starter from day one.

 

3rd – 71st –  Christian Kirksey, OLB, Iowa

Not a very powerful linebacker but has good athleticism, is quick, agile and a motor that never stops. Also a good cover backer. Needs to separate from blockers better.  –  Should start on special teams, but is 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart at linebacker.

 

3rd – 94th – Terrance West, RB, Towson

A power back that will get you the tough yards in short yardage situations. Prefers to deliver the blow as opposed to taking it, but that was against smaller competition, we’ll see if he’s able to do the same in the NFL. Has a good stiff arm, catches the ball well and has good feet. Ball security must improve again against stronger competition and needs to work on his blocking.  –  Has a chance to be Ben Tate’s backup right away.

 

4th – 127th – Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood

Was the small college defensive player of the year at Lindenwood. 25 career interceptions. Has good size at 6’1, plus long arms at 33 inches and enjoys contact. But is raw and didn’t play against elite competition often and when he did in the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl he was very inconsistent.  –  Should help on special teams and the Browns will try and develop him in to a starter down the road.  

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