2015 Draft Prospects

[Soda]

Urbs doesnt do tight ends

 

[AZ_]

Only so many touches to go around.

 

[billmac91]

Heuerman actually struggles with blocking, especially in space, which hurts his stock a little bit. With his size and athleticism you'd think he'd be an animal in run support and downfield blocking, but it leaves a little bit to be desired. I don't think it's a lack of effort but moreso he just struggles to position himself well in space. With that said, I do think Jeff is a late first-early second round pick. I think I'd rather have O'Leary from FSU, but Heuerman's upside is higher and Jeff's combine results will dwarf O'Leary's. I really like Nick's hands though and the kid is tough in traffic. Nick's problem is his weight...he's going to have to work really hard to put good weight on and stay fast enough in the NFL.

I'm actually really excited to see what Nick Vannett can do next year with the lions-share of throws to the TE. Nick is a better route-runner and natural pass catcher than Jeff, but lacks the bulk Jeff carries.

I don't think too surprising, Nick's targets have gone up since Dontre got hurt, and Ohio State has gone with more 2 TE sets. Keep in mind for those critiquing how often the TE is targeted this year, you have to understand the difference in offensive scheme. Last year a staple in Ohio States offense was the TE seam route that was set-up by the WR bubble screen. Ohio State has evolved into a team less reliant on the WR screen, and found more success in attacking the boundary with swing passes to the RB, and dumping the ball in the flats to the TE. The passing game is much less reliant on vertical routes, but more predicated on the intermediate throws taking advantage of Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall. Once Va Tech shut our passing game down, Ohio State really focused on staying ahead of the chains more-so than always looking for the explosive play.

 

[Chris]

I'd be pretty stunned if Heuerman isn't a first rounder, to be honest. Maybe early 2nd round.

Some team, especially if they have a good to great QB, is going to get an amazing player with him. One of the best all around TE prospects I've seen in a few years.

Re Funchess: Yeah, I'm all for him. Big guy who can play the role of a Jimmy Graham in any offense and I love his competitiveness. Has the potential to be an outstanding blocker, IMO, too.

My thoughts on Funchess exactly. I'm sure he'll be off the board in the top 15 though... edit: Actually doesnt look like a lot of mocks have him that high. As a TE I could see him dropping as they aren't a huge need but he has potential to be special.

 

[Ohio]

I'm totally down for Funchess or Heuerman

But more so Funchess

 

[AZ_]

My thoughts on Funchess exactly. I'm sure he'll be off the board in the top 15 though... edit: Actually doesnt look like a lot of mocks have him that high. As a TE I could see him dropping as they aren't a huge need but he has potential to be special.

That's the thing with Funchess, he's raw for the tight end position at the next level.

Little blocking experience, what I've seen hasn't been good.

Probably a step too slow to be a wide receiver full time. He's a nice weapon to have, but the development at the position doesn't interest me given his hype.

I'd be so much more comfortable taking Heuerman or O'Leary.

 

[Chris]

Would he line up at WR or switch between the two or what?

Worthless to discuss, the Browns never take the guy I like.

edit: BoobToob replies at same time.

 

[billmac91]

Would he line up at WR or switch between the two or what?

Worthless to discuss, the Browns never take the guy I like.

edit: BoobToob replies at same time.

Funchess will play a Jimmy Graham role, split out wide and in the slot. He just isn't going to be involved as a blocking TE, as he is all finesse. He's good at what he does, but he'll never be an every-down TE.

He doesn't have anywhere close to the ceiling of Jimmy Graham, who is just an absolute freak of a human being, but Funchess can be in that mold. He'll be an absolute match-up nightmare for LB's in the slot, or CB's trying to play him on the outside. He slumped a little this year with his hands, but he's also made some spectacular catches that show you he's got great ability.

I think the challenge in an offense like Cleveland's is that we like to leak our TE's out from the LOS off of play-action. Funchess lined up on the end in a traditional TE set is a huge red-flag that we're throwing because he just isn't going to be utilized as a blocker. I don't see him as an every-down player in Cleveland like he could be in a more open offensive system.

 

[Holden beach]

I don't get the OT thing either, people have been trying to kick Schwartz to the curb for three years now.

8th amongst NFL RTs in pass protection this season.

Might be a weak link in the power running game, but I think that's manageable as he continues to grow and get better.

Still just 25.

For all those people that are looking at the 2015 draft to replace Schwartz at RT, Ray Farmer is way ahead of you. Michael Bowie is already on the injured reserve roster. He was the guy that Seattle tried to sneak onto their practice squad.

 

[Soda]

^ It's not necessarily looking to replace one person.. It's just that you have no practical depth on the line where you need guys who can work within the ZBS. Vinson Painter and Paul McQuistan being the back-ups is shabby.

The Browns have 10 picks going into this draft. Clearly, some will be traded to move up, down, into next year, etc. That said, I think it's stupid to not think one of those picks can go towards reinforcing the strength on the offensive line.. To say the Browns need not address it is not wise, IMO.

Good point, @Holden beach on Bowie.

 

[Chris]

My Marcus Mariota dream is on life support. Somebody pull the plug

 

[AZ_]

My Marcus Mariota dream is on life support. Somebody pull the plug

Well, now that Hoyer is starting and the Browns stand no reasonable chance of winning another game (so I've been told), perhaps they can lose out and get into the top 10.

Use their assets to trade up from there.

Keep the dream alive, Chris.

 

[Chris]

Well, now that Hoyer is starting and the Browns stand no reasonable chance of winning another game (so I've been told), perhaps they can lose out and get into the top 10.

Use their assets to trade up from there.

Keep the dream alive, Chris.

They'll beat Carolina, ruining that.... 8-8 record, people will celebrate mediocrity and the Hundred Years War of trying to find a QB will continue.

A sad day in Cleveland.

 

[spydy13]

They'll beat Carolina, ruining that.... 8-8 record, people will celebrate mediocrity and the Hundred Years War of trying to find a QB will continue.

A sad day in Cleveland.

To be fair, mediocrity is a step in the right direction for this franchise. I'd love to at least step up from being consistently terrible to consistently mediocre.

 

[Chris]

To be fair, mediocrity is a step in the right direction for this franchise. I'd love to at least step up from being consistently terrible to consistently mediocre.

I'm down with that, but I still want a QB.