I had the opportunity to represent the OBR at the Shula's Steak 2 Draft Bash. The Sports Talk Cleveland gang was there in full force broadcasting the events of the day.
What I will take away from draft '07 is the knowledge that Phil Savage gets it. He knows how to go about building a football team. Phil drafting Thomas number one shows that he realizes nothing matters unless you fortify the trenches of your football team. I am happy he made that choice.
As soon as Miami passed on Quinn, a shocker to anyone I am sure, the buzz started about Phil moving up to grab Quinn. Joe Savage, Phil's brother was in attendance, he shared the anecdote that his mother called to say Phil was moving up to draft Quinn. Something about his mom being in tune with the going's on as they happened struck me as being a real positive thing. It's part of that support system that Phil often mentioned and called upon when he was going through hard times during the John Collins fiasco.
It is support like that which enables you to make bold moves and lead an organization--and make no mistake about it, Phil Savage is the leader of this organization. Even if some of these players don't end up cutting it on the field, Phil still is the right man for the Browns. He has the knowledge, determination and proper character traits for the job.
Even though making these two first round moves was the right thing to do for the Browns in general, a byproduct is Romeo Crennel gets rewarded for his loyalty to Phil during the Collins power struggle. Loyalty is big to Phil and ultimately he understands that his first loyalty and committtment is to Randy Lerner and the fans of the Cleveland Browns.
The pressure now will build on Crennel. He has some horses now. Yes, some of the horses are young and unproven (Thomas, Quinn, Wright etc...), but there is talent on this team. Phil went for it on draft day and free agency, now Crennel has to go for it on the field. He has to "coach em up".
Other draft reflections:
I honestly believe our team is nearing completion. The units on both sides of the ball are coming together. With some good health we can do some serious damage this year; '08 the latest. In fact, I think if we had two more solid veteran peformers, one at running back and a good defensive end who could rush the passer, the puzzle would be complete. I am talking about people of the caliber of an Aaron Smith of the Steelers or a Travis Henry of the Titans. Not that these guys are available, they aren't. But players at their talent level are about all that is needed for us to be a solid playoff contender.Chris Brown is still out there isn't he? Maybe that is asking too much at this point?
We will have a first round pick in 08. And his name is--LeCHARLES BENTLEY. Get well LeCharles, take your time, don't rush things and we will see you soon!
As I stated in my last blog, we do not need a team president. The Browns are doing just fine without one.
I like the Chase Pittman selection. He could be a good rotation guy.
Wouldn't it really be something if Thomas and Quinn really make it big, it could be Clay Matthews and Ozzie Newsome all over again!
You got to be kidding me, two of the Fab Five on the Browns!!!
The national talking heads still are not giving the Browns enough credit for our draft.
I look for Charley Frye to step up his performance level and take advantage of the improved supporting cast. No more excuses and no need to rush Quinn. When the time is right he will play.
Go Browns!!! And they did!!!