Pat's Browns Blog

Browns start rookie minicamp

The Browns opened rookie minicamp with 47 players on Friday. Alex Mack, Brian Robiskie and David Veikune join the rest of their draft class, five returning young players who didn’t play last year, 14 undrafted signees and 22 tryout players.

From clevelandbrowns.com:

Mangini said last week that every player, regardless of his draft status, would be on equal footing once he stepped in the door. That means Alex Mack is receiving the same coaching and same treatment as the tryout players, some of whom will never play football again and some who may earn an invitation back.

That's the goal, and at least through one day, the dream is alive.

"Some great stories are made," Mangini said. "Hopefully there's a great story being made this weekend."

One of the “great stories” from years past was Josh Cribbs. Will we be lucky enough to have a similar story have it’s beginning emerge from this weekend? We can hope.

Comments welcome,

Pat

Technorati Tags: Alex Mack,Brian Robiskie,David Veikune,Eric Mangini,Cleveland Browns,minicamp,Josh Cribbs,Cleveland,Browns

Browns claim Ruud

The Browns claimed Linebacker Bo Ruud off waivers from the New England Patriots Wednesday. From clevelandbrowns.com:

The Cleveland Browns today were awarded linebacker Bo Ruud off waivers from the New England Patriots. In addition, the Browns announced that they released running back Allen Patrick.

Ruud was a sixth-round draft choice of New England last year and spent his entire rookie season on the Patriots' injured reserve list. The 6-3, 235-pounder played in 46 games with 33 starts in his career at Nebraska and totaled 216 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 25 stops for loss. He also intercepted five passes, three of which he returned for touchdowns, tying a school record. Born September 2, 1984, Ruud attended Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High School.

Ruud figures to be in the mix for middle linebacker behind Eric Barton and D'Qwell Jackson. That mix also will include Leon Williams and Beau Bell. Apparently, he was injured almost all of last year after being taken in the 6th round by Belichick and company. He finds himself the odd man out in New England after the Patriots selected South Florida's Tyrone McKenzie in this year's third round.

Analysis? Claiming a linebacker Belichick thought highly enough of last season to take in the draft and adding competition to the middle linebacker spot? That seems like a no-brainer. Especially since there are a whole lot of question marks surrounding Bell and Kris Griffin is not a great long term solution here.

Comment welcome,

Pat

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