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Do IT this week: Layering
By Stephanie Storm
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 06:48 p.m. EST, Nov 26, 2009
BEREA: In a season that is going nowhere, Browns coach Eric Mangini doesn't seem to be in a hurry to develop two of his second-round draft picks.
During last Sunday's heartbreaking 38-37 loss to the Detroit Lions, wide receiver Brian Robiskie (36th overall pick) and linebacker David Veikune (57th) were inactive.
It was the third time this season that Robiskie sat out and the first time for Veikune.
''I look at it as bringing the guys that do the best job during that week and give us the best chance to win,'' Mangini said. ''Each week, we have to make decisions. We have 53 guys and we can only take 45. When you get your opportunities on offense and defense, you have to make them count.''
With Robiskie and Veikune's status uncertain for Sunday's game at the Cincinnati Bengals, it's tough not to view the 2009 draft as a bust for the 1-9 Browns. When Mangini traded troubled receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets on Oct. 7, it appeared to open a window for Robiskie.
But it didn't.
Later injuries to starting linebackers D'Qwell Jackson (pectoral) and Eric Barton (neck) apparently made room for Veikune somewhere.
Didn't happen.
''Whoever makes the best case during practice will be up and how they fit in the [special] teams game will play a role as well,'' Mangini said.
The 6-foot-2, 257-pound Veikune originally signed with Colorado, then played at California's Fresno City College before he settled in at Hawaii. In 2006, during his first year at Hawaii, Veikune was a reserve on special teams. By his senior season, he'd stepped into a starting role at defensive end.
Before the draft, Pro Football Weekly considered him a mid-round draft pick. Mangini drafted him much earlier, then spent training camp moving Veikune around between the outside and inside linebacker spots.
''I think that's pretty much around the board, any time you can isolate one person on one assignment [they'll do better than] when you throw a lot on somebody's plate, they just don't play as fast,'' Browns veteran linebacker David Bowens said of Veikune's rough introduction into the pro ranks.
Although Veikune has played in nine games this season, he has zero statistical production to show for it. He has no tackles on special teams or as a defensive backup.
''We don't have a magic ball to see what would have happened [if he stuck with one position],'' Veikune said. ''I'm just happy for the opportunity and just being here. This week, I'll go as hard as I can and hopefully be on that field [in Cincinnati].''
Then there's Robiskie, who most Browns fans know well from his years at Ohio State.
In his last two seasons, the oldest son of former Browns assistant coach Terry Robiskie (2001-06), caught 97 passes, including 19 touchdowns, and served as a team captain for the Buckeyes.
Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki wrote this glowing account about the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Robiskie before the draft: ''A very refined route runner with little wasted efficiency in his movement. Very football smart and can learn multiple positions. Has great hands, reads covers and finds open areas. Good leaping ability with a 371/2-inch vertical jump. Good worth ethic, solid competitor.''
Nawrocki summarized his thoughts on Robiskie in an even more positive manner.
''He's a solid compliment receiver who will get on the field quickly because he's so smart, hard-working and quick to digest the play book. . . . He'll do the little things that make good receivers great.''
The only negative thing he had to say could be why Mangini doesn't think Robiskie is ready for extended NFL playing time.
''[Robiskie] lacks top-end speed to separate and beat man coverage. Not an elusive and creative runner.''
In his his seven games (one start), Robiskie has only one catch, a 23-yard reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers four weeks ago.
''I feel like I've been getting better every week,'' Robiskie said. ''I definitely feel like I've been making a lot of progress over the past couple weeks, and a lot of that has just come from being out there on Sunday and playing. I think that's when you definitely learn the most is being on the field.''
Asked Wednesday about Robiskie's disappointing production so far this season, Mangini was vague.
''Some guys hit really quickly,'' he said. ''Some guys, it takes a while.''
For Robiskie and Veikune, that could mean sitting on the sideline for the rest of the season.
Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com.
BEREA: In a season that is going nowhere, Browns coach Eric Mangini doesn't seem to be in a hurry to develop two of his second-round draft picks.
During last Sunday's heartbreaking 38-37 loss to the Detroit Lions, wide receiver Brian Robiskie (36th overall pick) and linebacker David Veikune (57th) were inactive.
It was the third time this season that Robiskie sat out and the first time for Veikune.
''I look at it as bringing the guys that do the best job during that week and give us the best chance to win,'' Mangini said. ''Each week, we have to make decisions. We have 53 guys and we can only take 45. When you get your opportunities on offense and defense, you have to make them count.''
With Robiskie and Veikune's status uncertain for Sunday's game at the Cincinnati Bengals, it's tough not to view the 2009 draft as a bust for the 1-9 Browns. When Mangini traded troubled receiver Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets on Oct. 7, it appeared to open a window for Robiskie.
But it didn't.
Later injuries to starting linebackers D'Qwell Jackson (pectoral) and Eric Barton (neck) apparently made room for Veikune somewhere.
Didn't happen.
''Whoever makes the best case during practice will be up and how they fit in the [special] teams game will play a role as well,'' Mangini said.
The 6-foot-2, 257-pound Veikune originally signed with Colorado, then played at California's Fresno City College before he settled in at Hawaii. In 2006, during his first year at Hawaii, Veikune was a reserve on special teams. By his senior season, he'd stepped into a starting role at defensive end.
Before the draft, Pro Football Weekly considered him a mid-round draft pick. Mangini drafted him much earlier, then spent training camp moving Veikune around between the outside and inside linebacker spots.
''I think that's pretty much around the board, any time you can isolate one person on one assignment [they'll do better than] when you throw a lot on somebody's plate, they just don't play as fast,'' Browns veteran linebacker David Bowens said of Veikune's rough introduction into the pro ranks.
Although Veikune has played in nine games this season, he has zero statistical production to show for it. He has no tackles on special teams or as a defensive backup.
''We don't have a magic ball to see what would have happened [if he stuck with one position],'' Veikune said. ''I'm just happy for the opportunity and just being here. This week, I'll go as hard as I can and hopefully be on that field [in Cincinnati].''
Then there's Robiskie, who most Browns fans know well from his years at Ohio State.
In his last two seasons, the oldest son of former Browns assistant coach Terry Robiskie (2001-06), caught 97 passes, including 19 touchdowns, and served as a team captain for the Buckeyes.
Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki wrote this glowing account about the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Robiskie before the draft: ''A very refined route runner with little wasted efficiency in his movement. Very football smart and can learn multiple positions. Has great hands, reads covers and finds open areas. Good leaping ability with a 371/2-inch vertical jump. Good worth ethic, solid competitor.''
Nawrocki summarized his thoughts on Robiskie in an even more positive manner.
''He's a solid compliment receiver who will get on the field quickly because he's so smart, hard-working and quick to digest the play book. . . . He'll do the little things that make good receivers great.''
The only negative thing he had to say could be why Mangini doesn't think Robiskie is ready for extended NFL playing time.
''[Robiskie] lacks top-end speed to separate and beat man coverage. Not an elusive and creative runner.''
In his his seven games (one start), Robiskie has only one catch, a 23-yard reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers four weeks ago.
''I feel like I've been getting better every week,'' Robiskie said. ''I definitely feel like I've been making a lot of progress over the past couple weeks, and a lot of that has just come from being out there on Sunday and playing. I think that's when you definitely learn the most is being on the field.''
Asked Wednesday about Robiskie's disappointing production so far this season, Mangini was vague.
''Some guys hit really quickly,'' he said. ''Some guys, it takes a while.''
For Robiskie and Veikune, that could mean sitting on the sideline for the rest of the season.
Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Marietta, GA
Posted 07:34 PM, 11/26/2009
The young guys from the draft will only get better with game experience. We are not goin to the playoffs, let them play and call their number to make some plays. Come on.
akron, oh
Posted 07:34 PM, 11/26/2009
This is bs! Play Robiske
Carnation, Washington
Posted 07:48 PM, 11/26/2009
Calling the Draft a Bust is sort of a Stretch...We do have a starting Center that is getting better every game and a Starting WR ....and we are only a little over 1/2 way through the season....I would have Nice to have Massiquoi and two quality LBs in the first 4 picks so there is no doubt mistakes were made...
Norton, Oh
Posted 07:52 PM, 11/26/2009
When has Cleveland's draft's NOT been a bust? Oh yeah... when the get traded to another team... Thats when they shine...
Paradise, Oh
Posted 10:05 PM, 11/26/2009
Remember when we drafted the "Mad Dog In The Meat Market?"
He turned out to be better at scarfing sausage than playing football.
Beachwood, OH
Posted 10:11 PM, 11/26/2009
Another winning decision for Macaroni......why is he still here? Macaroni that is!!
Dayton, Md
Posted 10:36 PM, 11/26/2009
Another reason to fire this toad of a coach!
Posted 07:38 AM, 11/27/2009
I'm sick of all the negativity. Do some research and compare how many other teams across the board have rookies starting or making significant contributions. Granted it sucks Robiske and Veikune are contributing yet but to call the draft a bust is irresponsible. Give this coach more time. I know I'm in the minority but he made the tough decisions to clean the team up and dump the prima donna non producers
Jefferson, Oh
Posted 08:27 AM, 11/27/2009
Robiskie was so good at Ohio State, I thought he would step right in at the pro level. Something is different. Something's not right.
Let's think about this...the entire offense has shown it has been very slow in developing. Players are not on the same page. Players are shuffled around to various positions. Players are not identifying the same reads. Could this be a result of coaching? Could this be a result of convoluted schemes requiring a hand-held computer prior to executing a play? Have you noticed the number of times after a play goes sour the players begin pointing and discussing their reads and the reason for their actions? How does this affect the player on the next play?
I think Mangini and his coaches have plugged in too many complicated schemes, which affects rookies as well as veterans learning a new system. New and complicated schemes are fine when the players are comfortable and familiar with a system, but plugging in a telephone book sized play book onto an entire team will show its ugly head on game day when you change some of the schemes and that is exactly what we are seeing. Are the coaches changing their playbooks, their reads, and their terminology based upon the team of the week? Mangini has proven to us that he is capable of attempting confusion and mystery to the opposing team. Is this over-thinking being reflected on his own team? I believe Mangini is, once again, a victim of his own over thinking.
Posted 08:28 AM, 11/27/2009
I've never seen a team draft two wide-outs in the second round who are both 4.65 players !! Plus now, because of inexperience, both have trouble with seperation at the line. It all boils down to the fact that the Browns have nobody to throw the ball to. They can't get open. Opposing defenses see this and basically single-cover on the outside while packing 8 defenders at the line. Hence, no running game. Great plan Mangini !!
Naples, FL
Posted 08:42 AM, 11/27/2009
Until the Browns have a sppedy, deep threat to open things up, possession receivers like Robiskie are useless. He's be just fine with numerous other teams in the NFL.
Port Saint Lucie, Fl
Posted 09:33 AM, 11/27/2009
Lotta BS.Bilitnakoff of the Raiders wasn't fast or that big but was a great receiver.Mangini needs a "colonoscopy" to see if they can find his head.
k.Price
Port St.Lucie,Fl.
everywhere, oh
Posted 10:15 AM, 11/27/2009
Sad thing is you can change the "2009" in the headline for any of the past ten years and it's also correct.
norka, OH
Posted 10:19 AM, 11/27/2009
WWWWHHHHHAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!!! A NEGATIVE comment about missgenie NOT! written by Pat WHERE or where is O Jason and the rest of the KOOL-AID KIDS?????
fostoria, oh
Posted 10:49 AM, 11/27/2009
we need to let the rookies play and see whtat they can learn. i dont understand why you would have hank poteat in and not play coy fracies ? just how bad must a mangini guy play to loose his job ?
The, US
Posted 10:57 AM, 11/27/2009
Bill Parcels is a genius, right? Only 2 of his 2009 picks are starting too.
I have news for you guys who don't actually follow the NFL, the draft usually results in ONE starter, ONE starter/backup, and a bunch of "minor league" players that you hope pan out in the future (not the season they are drafted).
This is why most of the teams that try to trade up into the first round need to give so much up to do so.
Did you really think that this team was SO good that when they fired Romeo they would instantly be competitive? The fans in this area are just plain STUPID.
The, US
Posted 11:00 AM, 11/27/2009
and Ohio State fans who watch the Browns and don't see how worthless Robiske has been should also stop watching as well. You're dumb too. The guy hasn't got open all year. Don't blame the coach.
Cleveland, OH
Posted 11:03 AM, 11/27/2009
Reason the Browns draft CAN be called a bust is cause we just easily could of gotten better talent at the spots we picked.
Mack looks decent....but at 21? WAY too high.
We could of stuck at 19 and draft Maclin as a WR and then gotten a center at 36 in the 2nd round. Wood was taken after us.....and most reports said the Bills liked him better than Mack anyways. Say Mack was off the board somehow tough, still worst case we could have gotten Max Unger, who's been starting at guard for the Seahawks and looked good.
And Veinuke at 52? That was a major stretch. Only way it mad ANY sense was if we were gonna use him at OLB. Picking him to play ILB was the dumbest move a team made that isn't named the Raiders.
The order the Browns drafted players just made no sense. No WR was taken between Robiskie and Massaquoi in the draft.......
Centers are almost never drafted as high as when we drafted Mack.
I was so happy when we traded back....but we totally blew it once we did.
This team lacks talent because we reached way, way too much in the draft.
barberton, oh
Posted 12:47 PM, 11/27/2009
#1. You can never label a player or a team's entire draft as a 'bust' for 3 years.
2. At least the top two picks, Mack and MM have not only shown promise but are starters for the foreseeable future.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 02:28 PM, 11/27/2009
Why would a sports writer already say this??? I hate to say this,being a woman and all,but Im so not impressed with ya Stephanie
Canton, OH
Posted 02:37 PM, 11/27/2009
The Penguin is a maroon. . .
Green, Oh
Posted 04:20 PM, 11/27/2009
Resorting to name calling Slovensko?
I remember you posting you "loved the Mangenius".
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 08:55 PM, 11/27/2009
tommy mcdonald wasn't fast or big...just good
mangini might apply his own requirements on talent to himself and resign
he is an incredibly inept personnel handler, worse as a coach, and his overall offense can't possibly really be termed that unless one means in an insulting manner
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 08:55 PM, 11/27/2009
and Browns fans have taken it that way.
Akron, , OH
Posted 08:03 AM, 11/28/2009
I give them my 2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th chance 2010
churchview, va
Posted 07:32 PM, 11/30/2009
Two words, front office, thats been the BRowns problem since 1999.That all leads to ownership, sell the team, Lerner.
