Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

I didn't write the title or the article. It is from an ESPN article posted today... interesting food for thought...


http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/pos...ar-this-season


I will fully admit that I thought giving up a second round pick for Gordon in the supplemental draft was excessive. I did want him, but I thought a third-rounder would do it. In retrospect, the Browns needed to make sure they landed this guy because he looks legit.

I said it last week and I'll say it again... There is no rookie receiver I would take over Gordon right now. Not Blackmon, Wright, Hill... None of them.

This guy looks like a potential Brandon Marshall kind of talent, with a similar build and athleticism.

And, just as an aside, how wasn't Baylor among the best teams in the country two years ago? RG3, Gordon, Wright, plus Phil Taylor on the defensive side. All of those guys have panned out so far in the NFL.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

In Blackmon's defense he doesn't have a quarterback on the roster down there. Your 40 year old quarterback is light years better than Blain the Mono-train and whoever else they have on their roster. Hell they would probably jump for joy if you guys dangled Colt in front of them.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

I completely agree. I took notice of Gordon after you wrote up that really long post in the Game Thread from 2 weeks ago, and he has really impressed me. Great speed, solid hands (dropped a big touchdown this weekend, but I heard that he claimed the sun was in his eyes?), and just an overall great talent. I would completely agree with the thread title thus far.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Browns would've looked smarter drafting RGIII via trade up. But I wont go there.

Anyway he has been a nice surprise. Blaine Gabbert is bad. I trashed Weeden mostly because of his age but he has been solid for the most part. I believe if situations were reversed Blackmon would look much better. That said the dude is a big play threat. Nice talent pickup by Browns. Add more weapons on offense and you got something.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Yeah I agree I'm not writing down Gordon is better than Blackmon because of both of their situations but I still don't think drafting A RB that early was a smart move for the browns and I heard he got benched last game for playing like shit. He also said his injury is more serious than people think which is another reason why I don't draft RBs that early because of their short career tendency but this is still very early for an injury bringing down his performance that much.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Blackmons problem hasn't been Blaine Gabbert really, he just cannot get any separation at all against NFL DB's right now. He really needs to improve, his poor season is on him so far.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

How could you possibly know that?

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Film.. He needs to learn some nfl release moves. He is still relying on just talent.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Blaine Gabbert ****ing sucks. Most wont admit it but Weeden is an amazing QB with obvious rookie growing pains. I think Gabberts track record should tell you all you should know about him. Free BLACKMON

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Being better than Gabbert doesn't make you "amazing".

What would be amazing would be finding an NFL starter worse than Gabbert.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

he's an amazing rookie

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

As many on this board can attest, I was also against drafting a running back with the 4th (ended up being the 3rd) overall pick in the draft. It was never anything to do with TRich. He was/is clearly a superb talent. I just didn't like drafting that particular position that high.

With that said, he was not benched for performance reasons last week. That is crazy. He is the best offensive weapon we have, along with Gordon on the outside. When he is playing, there is a noticeable impact on the entire offense.

He was taken out of the game because he was clearly injured and trying to fight through it. That was obvious to me -- a fan -- so I'm sure it was even more clear to the coaching staff.

Hardesty will never get the nod over a healthy TRich... And Hardesty has actually looked good himself this season. Still, the disparity in talent is obvious. TRich is on another level in just about all facets of the game.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

He has looked mediocre thus far, what the hell are you talking about?

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

As someone who has watched every minute of every game, I can tell you that he has been a fair bit better than "mediocre" considering the circumstances and that he's a rookie... And I was/am very critical of that pick.

The guy has looked very good the last few weeks and hasn't really even had a bad stretch of plays outside of the first game of the season, which is rare for a rookie.

I think a lot of people made their minds up about Weeden after his atrocious performance in Game 1 and haven't paid much attention to him since.

He's had QB ratings of 114.9, 84.3, 92.7 and 96 in four of his last six games. He has 786 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions and no fumbles with a 60+% completion percentage in his last three games.

For a rookie playing in the first seven games of his career with an incredibly young receiving corps?

Yeah, I'd say he's been very good.

Re: Browns Look Smart For Not Drafting Blackmon
 

Woa, calm down RBA. Like yourself, I've been extremely suspicious about investing a first rounder on Weeden aswell, but they are proving me wrong and I'm starting to think he can actually become a very productive QB for some years to come.

However, he has been getting a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time in the pocket to throw his deep balls. Right now, I am waaaay more impressed with our OL (in pass protection) at times than with Weeden. Still, he's right on the money with his long throws and he's starting to get some heat and zip on his throws overall. Loving it.

Also, the only problems I got with him right now, are that he checks down way too often, dumping it off to Trent, and whenever he's under pressure, he doesn't handle it very well which result in some very poor throws. But hey, he's a rookie, albeit an old one, I'll still give him somewhat of a pass in his first year despite people saying he was NFL ready.

Speaking of Trent, I'd be wary of any draft conclusions. I am so sick of watching him trying to run up the gut for 2 yard gains with this offense. The quicker Shurmur's gone, the quicker Trent can flourish in my opinion.