What is happening with the Cleveland Browns following the 2018 NFL Draft? We address all that’s going on with the State of the Dawg Pound in May.
Following the feedback of my original “State of the Dawg Pound” piece, I have officially decided to unleash it as a monthly status update for Cleveland Browns fans.
Unlike it’s namesake, I promise not to keep you as long as our nation’s State of the Union Address, or as I like to call it, naptime. With any luck, my sarcastic ranting will provide you with a bit more entertainment to boot.
Fortunately, John Dorsey and the decision makers have given us plenty to discuss following the 2018 NFL Draft, so without further adieu, I bring you:
The State of the Dawg Pound
We got us a quarterback, folks! Welcome to Cleveland, Baker Mayfield! I have been a Mayfield fan since roughly a day after the flag-planting at Ohio State. I required a brief cooling-down period, but have since come to terms and grown fond of the fire that fuels him.
That fire, that moxie, that outright cockiness, is something the Cleveland Browns have gone without since the mojo was stolen away and relocated in Baltimore. With Mayfield, the Browns have gotten their mojo back, mark my words. (Please note that in no way, shape, or form, am I willing to gamble on a horse-poo dinner, however. I will leave that tasty treat to radio personality, Aaron Goldhammer.)
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Along with Baker “Mojo” Mayfield, Cleveland brings aboard Denzel Ward! A lightning-fast cover corner that can teach Mayfield what being an Ohioan is truly about. The Ohio State speedster, and Macedonia native, fills a Joe Haden sized hole in our secondary and our defense should prosper immensely as a result.
The draft also yielded an offensive line prospect in Austin Corbett who will battle it out for the vacant left tackle spot where the almighty Joe Thomas once stood. I certainly hope that he soon has a “Coach Thomas” to show him how it is done.
The one pick that most fans agree with is Nick Chubb. Chubb provides a pounding run game quite similar to Carlos Hyde, who by the way, has been listed among the NFL’s top 100 players of 2018, claiming a rank of 97th. Throw in Duke Johnson, playmaker extraordinaire, and if the Browns can’t establish a ground game now, I too will join the Boo-Hue-ing! Until then, let’s give coach a fighting chance.
The fourth round selection of Antonio Callaway sparked up even more debate. His history of repeated marijuana issues are concerning, but why not spend a late pick on a top talent? John Dorsey took a gamble that could pay out tremendously. Beyond his repeated pot-smoking, his off the field issues should not be overly worrisome.
One issue that is worrisome is the trend of character-related issues among a few of our recent additions. I tend to be optimistic and can look beyond an occasional mistake. If you learn from your wrongdoings, you are better for it. If you continue your wrongdoings, don’t look to me for support. With that said, violent acts and abuse are inexcusable, the first time, any time, all of the time.
This following segment is one I hope to utilize at the end of each State of the Dawg Pound address, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy letting my inner-goof shine.
Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick
In all jokes, and seriousness aside
Perhaps it is the Buckeye in my soul, but I do wonder what the front office is thinking putting an Ohio State defensive back alongside one from that team to the north, being Jabrill Peppers. On top of that, will another Buckeye, Carlos Hyde, take a hand-off from Mayfield, or take the opportunity for flag-planting-vengeance and run him over as well?
I certainly hope you have enjoyed this first-ever, and best-yet, monthly-version of the State of the Dawg Pound.