Brandon Weeden footage at Cleveland Browns’ rookie mini camp
There’s lots of Brandon Weeden video content on the Browns’ official website following the team’s rookie minicamp. You can find it all here.
There’s one video just of Weeden highlights, including some things he never did at Oklahoma State like take a snap under center and yell out a count (everything was a silent count for him at OSU). There’s also a an interview, where Weeden talks about the quarterback competition, the Senior Bowl being an “appetizer” for learning a lot of the terminology and formations in the Browns’ West Coast offense, Trent Richardson (“freak”) and his emotions heading into voluntary workouts with the veterans.
Also on the page are some general highlights from the minicamp and interviews with coach Pat Shurmur and other players, where Weeden is obviously a popular topic.
Rookie Roundup: Former Oklahoma State players in NFL rookie minicamps
Checking on some former Oklahoma State players who were in NFL rookie minicamps either this past weekend or the weekend before that:
Justin Blackmon missed the last day of Jaguars’ minicamp with a sore right foot, but is scheduled to be back to practice when OTAs begin Tuesday. “We saw what we had to see [the first two days] and got a good chance to install and be around him and him be around us,” coach Mike Mularkey said. “We just felt it would smart on his part if we just held him out of the drills and have him ready to go with OTAs. …Is it worth the risk [to have him practice]? Why push it at this point when we’ve really got 15 practices still to go [in the offseason].” (Via the Florida Times-Union)
Brandon Weeden is ready to compete with Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace for the Browns’ starting quarterback job. “Obviously, we’re all here and we’re going to help each other,” Weeden said. “We’re human beings. That’s really what it comes down to. I’m going to be asking questions to those guys. They’ve been doing it for a couple years. Seneca for 10.” Story also features some funny comments from Josh Cooper (who reportedly had an impressive camp) about a Weeden ball dislocating two of his fingers his sophomore season at OSU and about Weeden being mobile “for how old he is.” (Via the Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Here are some photos of Cooper (wearing No. 88) during minicamp on the Browns’ official site. He’s talking to Browns coach Pat Shurmur in this one, and getting ready to make the catch in this one
Markelle Martin continues to work his way back from the knee injury that contributed to his fall to the sixth round of the draft. He sat out afternoon drills on Friday. “It was a little frustrating (in the afternoon), but ultimately you understand that you don’t want to get out there and stress (the knee) too much, and then get fluid and be sitting out three weeks,” Martin said. “Being a safety is about being ready mentally and physically. This morning was a lot of physical work and this afternoon was more mental, just learning the responsibilities in all the situations. So I understand (the Titans’) approach.” (Via the Tennessean)
Jamie Blatnick received a $10,000 signing bonus from the Broncos. That’s tied for the second-highest bonus of Denver’s 13 undrafted rookie free agents. Former Kansas linebacker Steven Johnson got a $12,000 bonus. (via the Denver Post)
Sports Illustrated calls Johnny Thomas the Saints’ most promising undrafted rookie free agent. “Thomas is an athletic player who could slot in at either free safety or strong safety, so he’s of value for the Saints given Roman Harper’s and Malcolm Jenkins’ inconsistencies. He’s not a great tackler, but he will make some plays.”
A final look at Weeden2Blackmon
The hopes of Oklahoma State fans for the Weeden2Blackmon combination to continue in the NFL–most likely with the Cleveland Browns–were squashed when the Browns traded up to draft Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the No. 3 overall pick.
But allow the OSU athletic department to help you take one final look back at the dynamic duo. Here’s all 39 touchdown passes that went from Brandon Weeden’s arm to Justin Blackmon’s hands.
Kudos to whoever edited all of this together, because it’s a great way to chronicle how Weeden and Blackmon grew individually and as a tandem–and how the OSU offense was slightly different under Dana Holgorsen and Todd Monken.
There’s a noticeable difference between the amount of deep touchdown connections–where Weeden just let it rip and Blackmon out-jumped, out-ran, out-grabbed or outsmarted the defender for the ball–from 2010 to 2011. As in there’s way fewer. That shows that Weeden had a deeper group of playmakers in 2011–he didn’t need to just throw it up to JB–and also that Weeden continued to improve his decision-making. Monken has also mentioned that he deliberately took some of the deeper, play-action passes out of OSU’s spread offense in favor of an even more tempo-oriented scheme.
That fade into the right corner of the end zone sure was something, wasn’t it? “Stealin’,” as Weeden liked to say. By my count, that accounted for six of the TD connections in 2011. But that obviously wasn’t the only route Blackmon could run near the end zone. That really shows in the 2011 clips.
The second touchdown of the Fiesta Bowl, where he sheds a tackle after the catch and sprints to the end zone, is probably my favorite from 2011. But I had forgotten about the play against Texas Tech, where he beat the corner on a quick slant and put on a wicked move on to slip a safety’s attempted tackle near the ankles and go to the house. Also, the stiff arm on the first score against K-State was nasty.
NFL.com shadows Justin Blackmon on draft night
NFL.com got some pretty great access to Justin Blackmon on draft day and captured it all on video.
The piece documents everything from Blackmon putting his suit on (notice how he’s still got Olivia Hamilton’s bracelet on his left wrist) to a pre-draft handshakes from Andrew Luck, Deion Sanders and Roger Goodell to getting “the call” from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the green room. Then, it follows Blackmon to Jacksonville on a private jet, where he meets with the media, signs autographs for fans and is proclaimed the “new king of Jacksonville” by Jags owner Shahid Khan.
Enjoy.
Justin Gilbert a first-round pick in first Sports Illustrated’s first 2013 mock draft
The 2012 NFL Draft just ended, which means it’s the perfect time to already predict where players will get selected in 2013, right?
Sports Illustrated thinks so.
Andrew Perloff came out with his first 2013 mock NFL Draft Tuesday, and Oklahoma State cornerback/kick returner Justin Gilbert is projected to go off the board at No. 14 overall to the Tennessee Titans. There he could reunite with Cowboy teammate Markelle Martin, who was drafted by the Titans in the sixth round Saturday.
Here’s how he projects the first round:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
2. Indianapolis Colts: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Amerson, CB, NC State
4. Oakland Raiders: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
5. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Woods, WR, USC
6. Cleveland Browns: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
7. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
8. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
9. St. Louis Rams: Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
10. Carolina Panthers: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
11. St. Louis Rams: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
12. Buffalo Bills: Chris Faulk, OT, LSU
13. San Diego Chargers, Keenan Allen, WR, California
14. Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
15. Detroit Lions: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
16. Dallas Cowboys: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
17. Denver Broncos: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
19. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State
20. New York Giants: Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
21. New York Jets: Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
22. Atlanta Falcons: William Gholston, DE, Michigan State
23. Kansas City Chiefs, Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
24. New Orleans Saints: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
25. Baltimore Ravens: Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
26. San Francisco 49ers: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
27. Houston Texans: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
28. Chicago Bears: Cyril Richardson, OT, Baylor
29. New England Patriots: Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Eric Reid, S, LSU
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
31. Green Bay Packers: Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M
Obviously, it’s way too early for these types of predictions. But they’re fun. Here’s a look back at his first 2012 mock draft.
1. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Carolina Panthers: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
3. Cleveland Browns: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
4. Tennessee Titans: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
5. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
6. Denver Broncos: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
7. Cincinnati Bengals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
8. Oakland Raiders: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
9. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
10. Washington Redskins: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
11. Dallas Cowboys: Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
12. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
13. Miami Dolphins: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Potter, OT, Boise State
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
16. Houston Texans: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
17. San Francisco 49ers: Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
19 Arizona Cardinals: Kelechi Osemele, T/G, Iowa State
20. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
21. Baltimore Ravens: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
22. Chicago Bears: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
23. New England Patriots: Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas
24. St. Louis Rams: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
25. Indianapolis Colts: Ray Ray Armstrong, S, Miami
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
27. San Diego Chargers: Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
28. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta Falcons): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
29. New York Jets: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
30. Green Bay Packers: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
31. New England Patriots (via the Saints): Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington
Hey, at least he predicted the No. 1 overall pick right.
But what does this mean? Expectations are high for Gilbert, an exceptional athlete known for his dymanic returns but who also developed into a solid cornerback in his sophomore season. He had five interceptions and 10 pass break-ups in 2011, as well as 59 tackles.
Oklahoma State connections on Day 3 of NFL Draft
Spent the majority of the day on the couch watching the NFL Draft. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday.
Here’s what I was keeping track of:
How many former Cowboys got picked? None were selected in Friday’s second or third round. Markelle Martin, Jamie Blatnick, Johnny Thomas, Levy Adcock, Josh Cooper and Grant Garner were possible draftees.
Martin’s name finally popped up on the screen in the middle of the sixth round, getting selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 20th pick (No. 190 overall). His fall was a big shock to me. I thought the knee injury that kept him from working out at the NFL Combine and OSU’s pro day in March could drop him from the third round (where he was projected by many to get selected), but I did not think he’d fall this far. Safeties that were picked before him: South Carolina State’s Christian Thompson (fourth round-Ravens), Maine’s Jerron McMillan (fourth round-Packers), Samford’s Corey White (fifth round-Saints). The Titans were one of the teams at Martin’s individual pro day two weeks ago, so this landing spot made sense.
I was also surprised that neither Blatnick nor Thomas were drafted. I expected Adcock, Cooper and Garner to need to go the free-agent route. It will be interesting to see which teams they sign with.
Like last night, I’m also curious to see what pieces the Browns and Jaguars add to complement Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon. Here are the picks those two teams have (as of now):
Browns
Round 4 No. 5: Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami
Shall we start the hashtag #Weeden2Benjamin? Many thought the Browns would add a wide receiver on Day 2, but they go with Benjamin with their first pick on Day 3. Benjamin ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the Combine–on par with second-round pick Stephen Hill–and tallied 41 receptions for 609 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. He can also return punts.
Round 4 No. 25: James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada
Browns go back to defense with their second pick of the fourth round. He amassed 100 tackles (6.5 for loss), three pass break-ups and one forced fumble last season. Mel Kiper liked his work ethic and size (6-2, 240) and said he was one of the big risers during the pre-draft process.
Round 5 No. 25: Ryan Miller, guard, Colorado
More protection for Brandon Weeden, following the Browns’ selection of Mitchell Schwartz in the second round. Miller, who stands 6-7 and weighs 320 pounds, started 48 games for the Buffaloes and was rose from a late-round/free agent prospect to a mid-round prospect during the pre-draft process.
Round 6 No. 34: Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas
Fans around these parts have seen plenty of Acho at UT. The All-Big 12 first team selection tallied 117 tackles (14.5 for loss), three sacks, seven quarterback hurries, five pass break-ups and a forced fumble in 2011.
Round 6 No. 35: Billy Winn, DE, Boise State
Browns go defense again after addressing the offense so heavily earlier in the draft. He had 33 tackles (eight for loss) and three sacks in 2011. Winn was once projected as an early-round pick, but he struggled at the Senior Bowl and combine.
Round 7 No. 38: Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona
Three straight defensive picks now for the Browns. Wade was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection after compiling 52 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass break-ups in 2011.
Round 7 No. 40: Brad Smelley, FB, Alabama
And here’s Trent Richardson’s lead blocker. That nearly completes the revamped Browns’ offense, which added a running back, quarterback, wide receiver, fullback and two offensive linemen.
Jaguars
Round 5 No. 7: Brandon Marshall, LB, Nevada
Still no more offensive players selected by the Jags after Blackmon. Marshall, who impressed at the combine, compiled 102 tackles (7.5 for loss), two sacks, four pass break-ups and one forced fumble in 2011.
Round 6 No. 6: Mike Harris, DB, Florida State
The Jaguars continue to focus on the defense in this draft, a unit that ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense (313 yards allowed per game) a season ago. The former junior college transfer had 58 tackles (six for loss), nine pass break-ups and an interception in 2011. He projects as a nickelback in the NFL.
Round 7 No. 21: Jeris Pendleton, DT, Ashland University
Ah, a late-round small school pick. That’s pretty much all I have to contribute there.
So, the only offensive player the Jags selected was Blackmon.
Oklahoma State connections on Day 2 of NFL Draft
I watched the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft from my apartment in Stillwater Friday night. Not nearly as glamorous as being at the Weeden crib last night. Oh well.
Two things I was monitoring:
If Markelle Martin was selected. He wasn’t. He was projected by many to go in the third round, but I’d imagine the knee injury that kept him from working out at the NFL Combine and OSU’s pro day last month was a factor in him slipping to the fourth round. The Titans, Colts, Jaguars, Patriots, Buccaneers and Falcons were at Martin’s individual pro day two weeks ago, so I’d most expect him to go to one of those teams.
I was also paying attention to who the Jaguars and Browns added to complement Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden. Here’s a breakdown of those picks.
Jaguars’ second-day picks
Second round No. 6 (No. 38 overall): Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
The Jags went defense with their second selection, upgrading their pass rush by taking the versatile Branch. He tallied 77 tackles (16 for loss), 9.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries in 2011.
Third round No. 7: Bryan Anger, P, California
Well this is interesting. Anger ranked 13th in the nation in punting yards per game (44.25) last season and made the All-Pac-12 First Team.
So, no offensive complements for Blackmon on Day 2.
Browns’ second-day picks
Second round No. 5 (No. 37 overall): Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California
Surprised the Browns didn’t go wide receiver here, but Schwartz is a key part of the continued overhaul of the Cleveland offense. And I’m sure Weeden, should he become the starter, will appreciate the protection. The 6-5, 315-pound Schwartz started 51 games at Cal, at both tackle positions, and especially impressed at the Senior Bowl during pass-blocking drills. He told reporters at the Senior Bowl that Cal’s diverse blocking schemes helped him prepare for the pros.
Third round No. 24: John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati
The Browns decided to address the defense after making a trade with the Broncos to move down in the third round. Hughes tallied 51 tackles (12.5 for loss), five sacks and two quarterback hurries in 2011.
Cleveland will have two picks in the fourth round. Perhaps we’ll find the second part of the next #Weeden2 hashtag then?
The draft resumes at 11 a.m. Saturday. Martin will surely come off the board at some point. Jamie Blatnick and Johnny Thomas could go in the late rounds. There’s also a small chance guys like Levy Adcock, Josh Cooper and Grant Garner could be selected late, but they’ll likely need to join a team as an undrafted free agent.
Weeden on Lunt: The Offense Fits Him Well
Wes Lunt's popularity is only going to rise in the coming months.
By John Helsley
follow on Twitter @jjhelsley
Brandon Weeden was caught up in the wild emotions of his big day, which culminated in a celebration of a first round draft selection, the No. 22 pick overall of the Cleveland Browns.
But even Weeden found himself fascinated by the word out ofStillwater, where Wes Lunt – literally still fresh out of high school – was tagged as his successor at quarterback.
Weeden wasn’t stunned, as much as intrigued.
“I can’t say I’m surprised, because I was kind of out of the loop. (Former Cowboy lineman) Andrew Mitchell kept me in the loop, but I mean, from what I was hearing, it was an even race throughout. J.W. would look good. And then Wes. Then Clint. It kind of evened itself out.”
And as we all know now, Lunt pulled ahead.
And with the Cowboys committed to sticking with an offensive approach that earned them their first Big 12 title and a Fiesta Bowl championship, Lunt always figured to be “the guy” at some point.
That point just came earlier than anyone expected. And Mike Gundy and Todd Monken pulled the trigger.
“The kid’s big, with a big arm,” Weeden said. “This offense fits him well. He can sit back and make the throws.”
That being said, Weeden cautions Cowboys fans to be patient.
“It’s tough, he’s still supposed to be in high school,” Weeden said. “I think the expectations don’t need to be through the roof. He’s going to come in, there’s going to be aches and pains. He knows that. They know that. The kid can play. Coach Monken has always said good things about him. And they saw something. And they’re obviously good at evaluating talent.
“What Coach Gundy likes now is a guy who can sit back and throw it. He feels good about that. And (Lunt) obviously did what he could to take the job.”
Brandon Weeden: Already the Browns’ starter?
Yes, according to this report from ESPN.com’s Tony Grossi.
Grossi writes that with the decision to take Weeden with the No. 22 overall pick, “the Browns left no doubt – none whatsoever – that the Colt McCoy era is over after one full season as starter and a two-year record of 6-15.”
“We’ve got a new quarterback that’s going to be with us,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “I think (Thursday night) is more or less about Brandon Weeden and less about the competition.”
Grossi cites sources that said Browns owner Randy Lerner had not been satisfied with the quarterback play and that president Mike Holmgren–known throughout the NFL as a QB guru–would find a new signal-caller in the draft.
Weeden said Thursday night that he was excited to compete with McCoy for the job, even referencing that they both come from Big 12 country.
Looks like the job might already be won.
Brandon Weeden talking NFL Draft on Dan Patrick’s radio show
Brandon Weeden joined Dan Patrick’s radio show Monday morning to talk about his NFL future with less than two weeks to go before the draft.
I bet you’re shocked that Weeden’s age came up. Other topics included baseball (Ian Stewart gets the nod the as guy Weeden couldn’t get out), Ryan Tannehill, Chris Weinke and if he’d rather face Albert Pujols or the Ravens’ defense. Props to Patrick for asking this really blunt question: who was the best quarterback in the Big 12 last season? And for asking if teammates ever asked Weeden to buy them beer.
You can listen to the full interview here.
