I'm not one of those guys who likes to throw race into any and every controversy, but damn it sure seems like he's bordering on a white supremacist attitude. Seems like his go-to move is "lazy and stupid" for black QBs even when everything anyone else says about that guy is the complete opposite, like it seems to be for Geno.
While I'm not a huge Geno Smith fan, this guy's reports of Smith having a poor work ethic is the opposite of every other thing I've found. My biggest issue with Smith is how he handles himself when things aren't going well. In his games vs Texas and (I think) KSU, he would get introverted and unapproachable on the sidelines; not so much like a solo meditation, but it seemed like a pouty kid not getting his way. When things aren't going well (and they won't in CLE), the QB NEEDS to possess better leadership qualities than how Smith behaved in those games. I'm pretty sure Smith isn't even in the conversation for LomBanner at this time, anyways...
Wanted to know people's opinions on UCLA DE Datone Jones.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/datone-jones?id=2539325
Is he strictly a hand-in-the-dirt DE, or can he cover and play OLB? I know that he's on our radar, so I'd really appreciate more info on this guy.
I think Jones is a Justin Smith-type of player, he can create a ton of pressure from the 34 DE spot. That NFL profile mentioned he could easily add weight to his 280# frame, so he could bring a pretty neat dynamic to the interior of a defense (or an inside/outside guy in a 43). I'm not sure if they are looking at him much any more, after the big commitment to Bryant.
I'm shocked by the lack of anticipation for this draft. I realize that there isn't really anyone groundbreaking at the top, but I can't remember ever being under a month until the draft and having such a lack of discussion.
Three weeks out is usually the end of the final lull before pre-draft chatter goes into manic levels, leading up to and a few days after the draft.
Here's why I think we will trade down on draft day:
-Browns used their 2013 2nd round pick on Josh Gordon (Captain Obvious says you're welcome)
-Banner has a consistent history of trading down in PHI
-Outside of LT, there really isn't any slam-dunk elite talent at the top of the draft
-The #6 selection is a major sweet spot for getting the last of the three elite OTs (Joeckel, Fisher, and Lane Johnson)
-Cards at #7 have a major hole at LT, so someone will need to jump them
-Miami has an extra 2nd (42 & 54) and a pair of 3rd rounders (77 & 82).
-Tampa might be looking to trade up to get Millner
-San Diego might be in the mix for an LT
-San Fran and NE brought in Austin and Dion Jordan in for private workouts; might be too big of a drop for CLE.
-There's been some legit interest from CLE in Eifert and Austin; not really guys you'd grab at #6, but with the 12th pick???
-VERY deep draft for CBs and Safeties; getting that 2nd will allow us to fill out our defensive backfield with 2nd & 3rd round picks
All this stuff isn't anything new for most of you guys, but I just wanted to put all the reasons for trading down on a list.