Gridiron Brownies

Browns Sign FS T.J. Ward

Anthony Costa — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:49:27 +0000

The Cleveland Browns signed DB T.J. Ward, the No. 38 overall pick, to a four-year contract that includes $2.1M in bonuses.

The contract holds a maximum value of $5.1M, according to league sources.

The guaranteed money is approximately 7.5 percent higher than the amount paid to last year’s draft slot.

Ward, who clocked in the 4.4 range at the NFL combine, recorded 190 tackles at Oregon, in addition to 13 pass deflections and three interceptions. At 5-11/210, he’ll compete for the starting Free Safety job in preseason.

Report: Browns Agree to Terms with Rookie Hardesty

Anthony Costa — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:34:47 +0000

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with second-round RB Montario Hardesty (Tennessee), according to league sources. Official terms are not immediately available, but the Cleveland Plain Dealer has confirmed the contract as a four-year deal.

Hardesty, who worked primarily with the first-team offense in OTAs and minicamp, started 19 of 49 games at Tennessee. During his Senior campaign, he rushed for 1,345 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Browns traded a third-rounder and two fifths to move up and draft him.

The rookie impressed coach Eric Mangini and the offensive staff this spring while Harrison was mostly AWOL due to a contract dispute. He’ll vie for carries with the starting offense this preseason.

Game Film: RB Montario Hardesty

Anthony Costa — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:50:09 +0000

Jerome Harrison, RB – Browns

Anthony Costa — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:20:23 +0000

Unsigned restricted free agent RB Jerome Harrison plans to attend mandatory minicamp on Thursday, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Montario Hardesty, RB – Browns

Anthony Costa — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:33:23 +0000

Browns RB Montario Hardesty handled the majority of first-team reps on Thursday.

“He’s put together an outstanding camp,” Mangini said. “For a young guy, he makes very few mistakes. His level of maturity is one of the highest that I’ve been around. And that’s going to give him the best chance to not only play, but to play a lot if he continues.” It should be worth noting that this was Jerome Harrison’s first offseason practice. But it’s obvious that Mangini is game-planning significant work for Hardesty.

Source: Zac Jackson (scout.com)

Related: Jerome Harrison

Larry Asante, DB – Browns

Anthony Costa — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:13:59 +0000

Browns coach Eric Mangini is considering starting two rookie safeties this season — Larry Asante and T.J. Ward.

“I’m definitely open to that,” Mangini said. “Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel played a lot their rookie season in New England. It just depends on where they are.” The National Football Post speculates that Mangini’s comments may be directed at unsigned RFA Abram Elam, who is sitting out voluntary OTAs due to contract disputes.

Source: National Football Post

Related: Abram Elam, T.J. Ward

James Robinson, WR – Browns

Anthony Costa — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:27:34 +0000

The Browns have signed WR James Robinson to an undisclosed contract.

Minor news — Robinson is a long-shot to make the final roster. A product of Butler Community College, he split time between Miami and Washington on the practice squad in 2009.

Source: Scout.com

Peyton Hillis, RB – Browns

Anthony Costa — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:01:58 +0000

Browns RB Peyton Hillis worked at multiple positions during the team’s recent round of OTAs.

The Browns like the type of versatility Hillis offers, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be implemented into their game plans.”He catches the ball well, he’s 245 pounds and he’s a really physical runner,” Mangini said. “He’s tough with the football in his hands, and can play both tailback and fullback. You can mix him in a lot of different places.” Selected by the Broncos in the 7th round out of Arkansas, Hillis also displayed adequate receiving skills in 2009, catching seven passes for 116 yards and a TD against the Dolphins.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Josh Cribbs, WR – Browns

Anthony Costa — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:00:41 +0000

Browns WR Josh Cribbs thinks it will be “nearly impossible” for teams to prepare for the Browns offense this season.

The Browns are starting to create packages for Seneca Wallace and Josh Cribbs in the double Wildcat formation, showing the media plays where Wallace throws to Cribbs, and Cribbs throws to Wallace. Time will tell if this is just a summer fad for the Browns or a huge part of the offense. The answer to that question may center around how well Jake Delhomme handles the “normal” snaps of the game.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Related: Seneca Wallace

Seneca Wallace, QB – Browns

Anthony Costa — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:43:38 +0000

Browns coach Eric Mangini is contemplating using both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace at quarterback in some fashion this season. ”I don’t think you could rule out the possibility of having them both play,” said Mangini after OTAs on Thursday. “I think Wallace has put together a really nice camp.”

As the backup to injury-prone QB Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle, Wallace showcased borderline No. 1 talent and is capable of running the type of wildcat formations that Mangini plans to coordinate into the offense. The statline from his best season, 2008, includes 1,532 passing yards over 11 starts, with an 11-3 TD/INT ratio. The Browns have also reportedly installed “Cyclone” packages, which incorporate both Wallace and WR Josh Cribbs in the game together.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Related: Jake Delhomme