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Do IT this week: Layering
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports columnist
POSTED: 08:08 p.m. EDT, Apr 16, 2009
BEREA: It would be nice to relate that a general framework of the Browns' plans was explained when General Manager George Kokinis met the media on Thursday.
Nothing specific, mind you.
No team will reveal its specific plans for the NFL Draft, which takes place April 25, nor should it.
But any team can give some inkling to team needs and draft strengths and leanings via trade and the like.
Little of that was forthcoming from Kokinis, who deflected any questions about possible trades by calling it all ''internal business.'' He also relied on old standards of wanting guys who work hard, buy in, play tough and walk little old ladies across the street.
Whether it's Browns coach Eric Mangini wanting a veil of secrecy over anything that happens in Berea or Kokinis just not wanting to answer questions for fear of tipping his hand is up for debate.
The bottom line is this Browns regime seems to believe that loose lips do indeed sink ships, except a football team is hardly a ship and sometimes fans deserve to be a little bit informed. Because . . . well . . . because they do pay for the tickets.
The Browns, of course, are not required by law or federal bailout mandate to reveal anything.
Kokinis did not have to hold a press gathering. But he did, and there was no in-depth vision or plan presented, or any cogent analysis of the roster.
For instance, Kokinis was asked if the team had agreed internally (during its internal business) on the team's top needs.
''I don't think there's a pressing need,'' he said. ''When you go into a draft, you try to improve the whole team. I think there's need all over the football team. [It's to] build depth, build competition.''
So there's no pressing need, but need throughout the roster. Which in an odd kind of way makes sense — if a team is coming off a 12-4 playoff season.
Trade talk
The first question out of the box was about a possible trade of Braylon Edwards.
''It's internal business . . . '' Kokinis said. ''Every year, every team, they look at every option.''
Regarding the quarterbacks, Kokinis repeated the same thing he said at the NFL Meetings, that the Browns have always planned to have Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson back and let them compete.
But since the meetings, the Jay Cutler trade took place, and every national outlet stated unequivocally that the Browns tried to acquire Cutler from the Denver Broncos (though Mangini stated a reported three-way deal with the Washington Redskins was not true).
Asked if the Browns tried to trade for Cutler, Kokinis said: ''Jay Cutler went to the Bears and he's a member of the Bears. When those rumors [of trade] came up, just like any option, you read about it, discuss it internally, and nothing moved forward, so ... ''
Pushed further that fans had been told two years ago that Quinn was the future, and that trying to acquire Cutler might tell fans this team was thinking differently, he said, ''Cutler's in Chicago and Brady and Derek are here, just like I talked about in February.''
Rumor mill
Edwards has for some time been associated with trade rumors involving the New York Giants.
Giants GM Jerry Reese also had his pre-draft news conference, and he, too, was asked about Edwards.
''I'm not talking about Braylon,'' he said. ''That is somebody else's player. He is under contract and there is nothing to talk about that.
''There is a lot of chatter, a lot of false reports.''
Reese is right — this is the age of chatter and instant Internet rumor.
The Browns have been at the center of much of it. And it might be what it is — rumor that the Giants and Browns have shrugged off because they can't control the rumors.
Fair enough.
But not addressing and/or squashing false rumors often tends to feed them.
Killing a rumor would be saying something like . . . ''We don't want to trade Brady Quinn or Braylon Edwards, but never say never because when a team calls we listen. And if somebody knocks our socks off, well it's always possible. But right now we don't want to trade either because both are good players.''
Kokinis' way just might be the M.O. when it comes to the Browns this year.
Consider a question about whether Anderson needed any medical procedure on his injured knee in the offseason.
''Derek's 100 percent,'' Kokinis said. ''He's been working out. I think Derek's going to come in determined and will compete. He's 100 percent.''
But did he need surgery?
Kokinis said he wasn't answering, later explaining ''I choose not to.''
This kind of thing could indicate a tight-lipped, disciplined approach to the media, to not letting any secret out.
But this is April, not October, and no information now is going to make a competitive difference on the field in October. Too, it's not like the walls are bugged.
The Browns could generate a ton of excitement by communicating plans to the fans, and the easiest way to do that is through the media.
The Browns seem reluctant.
So since they don't want to explain their plans other than to say they're trying to get better every day, here's a seriously viable plan they can follow if they have rebuilding in mind.
Trade Edwards for first- and third-round draft choices.
Trade Quinn for another first-round pick, and a pick next year contingent on how he plays.
This would give the Browns three first-round choices, two in the second round (thanks to the Kellen Winslow deal) and two in the third.
Seven picks in the top three rounds would be a good start on a complete rebuild.
That plan would at least be clear.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/. Follow Pat on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/patmcmanamon
BEREA: It would be nice to relate that a general framework of the Browns' plans was explained when General Manager George Kokinis met the media on Thursday.
Nothing specific, mind you.
No team will reveal its specific plans for the NFL Draft, which takes place April 25, nor should it.
But any team can give some inkling to team needs and draft strengths and leanings via trade and the like.
Little of that was forthcoming from Kokinis, who deflected any questions about possible trades by calling it all ''internal business.'' He also relied on old standards of wanting guys who work hard, buy in, play tough and walk little old ladies across the street.
Whether it's Browns coach Eric Mangini wanting a veil of secrecy over anything that happens in Berea or Kokinis just not wanting to answer questions for fear of tipping his hand is up for debate.
The bottom line is this Browns regime seems to believe that loose lips do indeed sink ships, except a football team is hardly a ship and sometimes fans deserve to be a little bit informed. Because . . . well . . . because they do pay for the tickets.
The Browns, of course, are not required by law or federal bailout mandate to reveal anything.
Kokinis did not have to hold a press gathering. But he did, and there was no in-depth vision or plan presented, or any cogent analysis of the roster.
For instance, Kokinis was asked if the team had agreed internally (during its internal business) on the team's top needs.
''I don't think there's a pressing need,'' he said. ''When you go into a draft, you try to improve the whole team. I think there's need all over the football team. [It's to] build depth, build competition.''
So there's no pressing need, but need throughout the roster. Which in an odd kind of way makes sense — if a team is coming off a 12-4 playoff season.
Trade talk
The first question out of the box was about a possible trade of Braylon Edwards.
''It's internal business . . . '' Kokinis said. ''Every year, every team, they look at every option.''
Regarding the quarterbacks, Kokinis repeated the same thing he said at the NFL Meetings, that the Browns have always planned to have Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson back and let them compete.
But since the meetings, the Jay Cutler trade took place, and every national outlet stated unequivocally that the Browns tried to acquire Cutler from the Denver Broncos (though Mangini stated a reported three-way deal with the Washington Redskins was not true).
Asked if the Browns tried to trade for Cutler, Kokinis said: ''Jay Cutler went to the Bears and he's a member of the Bears. When those rumors [of trade] came up, just like any option, you read about it, discuss it internally, and nothing moved forward, so ... ''
Pushed further that fans had been told two years ago that Quinn was the future, and that trying to acquire Cutler might tell fans this team was thinking differently, he said, ''Cutler's in Chicago and Brady and Derek are here, just like I talked about in February.''
Rumor mill
Edwards has for some time been associated with trade rumors involving the New York Giants.
Giants GM Jerry Reese also had his pre-draft news conference, and he, too, was asked about Edwards.
''I'm not talking about Braylon,'' he said. ''That is somebody else's player. He is under contract and there is nothing to talk about that.
''There is a lot of chatter, a lot of false reports.''
Reese is right — this is the age of chatter and instant Internet rumor.
The Browns have been at the center of much of it. And it might be what it is — rumor that the Giants and Browns have shrugged off because they can't control the rumors.
Fair enough.
But not addressing and/or squashing false rumors often tends to feed them.
Killing a rumor would be saying something like . . . ''We don't want to trade Brady Quinn or Braylon Edwards, but never say never because when a team calls we listen. And if somebody knocks our socks off, well it's always possible. But right now we don't want to trade either because both are good players.''
Kokinis' way just might be the M.O. when it comes to the Browns this year.
Consider a question about whether Anderson needed any medical procedure on his injured knee in the offseason.
''Derek's 100 percent,'' Kokinis said. ''He's been working out. I think Derek's going to come in determined and will compete. He's 100 percent.''
But did he need surgery?
Kokinis said he wasn't answering, later explaining ''I choose not to.''
This kind of thing could indicate a tight-lipped, disciplined approach to the media, to not letting any secret out.
But this is April, not October, and no information now is going to make a competitive difference on the field in October. Too, it's not like the walls are bugged.
The Browns could generate a ton of excitement by communicating plans to the fans, and the easiest way to do that is through the media.
The Browns seem reluctant.
So since they don't want to explain their plans other than to say they're trying to get better every day, here's a seriously viable plan they can follow if they have rebuilding in mind.
Trade Edwards for first- and third-round draft choices.
Trade Quinn for another first-round pick, and a pick next year contingent on how he plays.
This would give the Browns three first-round choices, two in the second round (thanks to the Kellen Winslow deal) and two in the third.
Seven picks in the top three rounds would be a good start on a complete rebuild.
That plan would at least be clear.
Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/. Follow Pat on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/patmcmanamon
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Canton, OH
Posted 08:16 PM, 04/16/2009
Did George Kokinis ever " Buckle Up " ??? Who did he play for ????? The Greek National Team ????
Posted 09:41 PM, 04/16/2009
I expect the Browns to suck this year, even more so than last year. Oh well it'll free up my Sundays.
Barberton, oh
Posted 12:47 AM, 04/17/2009
Hey, Patrick. When did the Browns pick up a 3rd round pick? To my knowledge, they currently hold a 1st, two 2nd's, a 4th, and a 6th. I would have to ask, also, if what they are doing in not revealing any information to us (the fans or media) is not creating a "buzz", then why do I seem to hear and read more about the Browns than I can probably remember since their return in 1999?
San Diego, CA
Posted 01:15 AM, 04/17/2009
Why are all the media people whining about not being handed stories? One of three things happens at this meeting. Kokinis lies, he tells the true plans or he says nothing. Which would you do?
There is no advantage for him to explain who they are hoping to draft, or who is being shopped. And there could be negative consequences if he does.
There is no need for him to lie to create a smoke screen that already exists with him not saying anything.
I wish these reporters would just focus on what they know and give us insight into who they think the Browns will draft based upon needs and those of the teams picking before us.
Naples, FL
Posted 07:51 AM, 04/17/2009
Personally, not having any idea just what the Browns plan to do in the draft has made it more exciting for me. I'd love to see a flurry of big trades and lots of picks.
Stow, OH
Posted 07:58 AM, 04/17/2009
I don't see any advantage in the Browns telling you or anybody else in the media what their plans are. After watching that sorry excuse for a football team last year with the off sides penalties,dropped passes,zero running game ,4th string QB's that can't even throw a spiral,they obviously need help in every way shape and form .
The loose ship that Crennel ran was a total disaster .There is no way it could get worse.I do think that Edwards and Quinn are worth keeping though.I think Edwards will end up being a good receiver with the right play calling and a running game to keep the defense guessing a little.
The Browns have already improved by firing Romeo and that idiot staff of coaches he had .
Posted 08:13 AM, 04/17/2009
I think that the team will and have already improved by the coaching change to a more disciplined approach. Braylon in particular and a lot of his mates could benefit from that discipline.He can be a star,so I don't want to see him traded,but if he won't commit contractually past the '09 season;then we must get something for him.
everywhere, oh
Posted 08:19 AM, 04/17/2009
"I'm not telling you fans anything, because I'm smarter than you. Now just buy your tickets and merchandise and shut up. We are so secret we don't even talk to (or see) our players." I'd wait before buying any player's jersey until after the first regular season game.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:26 AM, 04/17/2009
I think Kokinis missed his calling in life. He could be making billions selling cures for insomnia.
Fairfield, CT
Posted 08:56 AM, 04/17/2009
jlsnova73
Please brush upon reading comprehension. Pat said trade Edwards for a first and a third - that's the third.
And good job Pat. I don't usually agree with you but trading Edwards and Quinn for picks would give a Browns a realshot to rebuild this year.
I have no problem starting a guy who threw 29 TDs in 2007 until the QB of the future (sanchez or whoever) is ready.
Posted 09:23 AM, 04/17/2009
I would rather not know what the Browns are thinking. Just as I would prefer NOT to know anything about what our American soldiers are doing during war times.
If the public knows, then the enemy knows. The Browns have 31 enemies right now and any pre-draft information is going to hurt them come draft day. We, as fans, should come to understand that and let them do whatever it is they're planning on doing.
Criticize them after the move is made, not because they won't tell you the move before it happens. Some of the Browns fans out there think they deserve to know who's offered what in trades..... guess what, you don't.
Never allowing your true intentions to be known is a strategy used by every team in the league.
You think the Bears made a public announcement on what they would offer the Broncos before the Cutler deal was made... absolutely not.
Everything you'll read from now until draft day is strategically planned mind games. Don't trust what anybody says.
tallmadge, oh
Posted 10:02 AM, 04/17/2009
Hey Pat, Sure was a boring story. Not because of the Browns but because you choose to whine about not getting the story you wanted. This just isn't news - I wouldn't tip my hand either. Quit acting like they are depriving the fans of info and you are our champion.
akron, OH
Posted 10:12 AM, 04/17/2009
they'll draft another bust.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 10:21 AM, 04/17/2009
I sure hope Bikinis does the right thing in the draft.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 10:22 AM, 04/17/2009
We need another Mad Dog in a Meat Market.
Posted 12:18 PM, 04/17/2009
Why is it that football coaches, GM's etc find it impossible to utter a straight answer? After all, this is not a matter of national security. The world will continue to rotate even if it is disclosed that the Browns are seeking a trade for Braylon.
----
Posted 12:22 PM, 04/17/2009
And trading Quinn before he can have an opportunity is sheer idiocy! How many really good QB's are there, and how many great QB's are there?
Not many. And those who are good, or great, don't necessarily have rocket arms. What is between the ears is still more valuable than speed or the ability to throw a ball from goal line to goal line. Some coaches actually take intelligence into consideration when deciding who will be on their team. Imagine that!!
Posted 01:06 PM, 04/17/2009
They will not say that they are trading Braylon because then that tells everybody they'll more than likely take Crabtree at 5. The more guessing other teams have to do at your draft pick makes their jobs just that much harder. In turn, letting your team set themselves up for later picks.
Edwards may not get traded until the hours before the draft.
Posted 12:01 AM, 04/20/2009
McManamon, Don't confuse your need for a better story with the fans supposed right for information. We, as fans, need to know nothing, though many of us don't quite understand that. I'd rather see results in September than hear a bunch of wishful nonsense in April. But thanks, at least, for not just making up crazy scenarios off the top of your head like Tony Grossi has been doing for weeks.
