The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped on Monday with the defensive back workouts inside Lucas Oil Stadium. I was in Indianapolis for the first four days, my 11th combine trip.
While the television broadcast focuses on the on-field testing, the combine serves a much broader purpose for those of us in the credentialed media. Agents are everywhere. There is real and easy access to NFL coaches and scouts in the bars and restaurants around downtown Indy. The genesis of most free agent deals takes place there, as do contract extensions or cuts, as well as the seeds of most trades we see down the road.
Here is what I gleaned from the combine regarding the Browns.
The respect for John Dorsey is real
I spoke with reps from just about every NFL team in one form or another, from scouts to coaches to beat writers and draft media. Nearly everyone who talked about the Browns spoke in respectful admiration of the job John Dorsey has done as the team’s GM over the last year. Sticking to his guns and drafting Baker Mayfield, but also having a strong veteran support system in place with both Tyrod Taylor and Drew Stanton, was the most consistent praise. The reclamation project on Greg Robinson and Breshad Perriman got a lot of positive attention too, notably in the cavernous media workroom.
He’s not above criticism, however. Several people openly questioned his devotion to Kareem Hunt and how Dorsey personally has handled the media sessions regarding the running back. A common theme: many found his answers “canned” and off-putting.
The team still doesn’t know what to do with Austin Corbett
Last year’s second-round pick couldn’t find a real role along the offensive line. Despite being a successful left tackle at Nevada, the Hue Jackson regime quickly gave up on Corbett as Joe Thomas’ successor in training camp.
It seems the new coaching staff headed by Freddie Kitchens isn’t real sure what to make of Corbett. The Browns have one of the highest-paid and talented guard combos in the league in Joel Bitonio — a worthy Pro Bowler — and Kevin Zeitler. Corbett isn’t taking over for either in 2019, barring an unforeseen trade or injury.
My take, based on what I’ve heard: Corbett will get another shot at left tackle, but he’s definitely behind freshly re-signed Greg Robinson. I don’t know where he fits long-term and I’m not sold the coaching staff does either. That will be a fascinating thing to watch leading into training camp and the preseason.
Jamie Collins likely won’t be back
Dorsey mentioned in his press conference that he was scheduled to meet with Collins’ agent Bus Cook, to discuss the enigmatic LB’s future with the team. Collins is due $10 million in 2019 and $12 million in ’20 in base salaries, a lofty figure for an inconsistent (but high-end at times) off-ball linebacker.
I don’t expect Collins to be back in Cleveland. That is my conjecture, not anything official. His contract makes him unappealing as a trade candidate unless he’s part of a bigger package to move up in the draft, but that seems unlikely. Collins will have to take a fairly sizeable pay cut to remain. I believe, and others concurred in Indy, that he will find greener pastures elsewhere.
If Collins does go, don’t expect him to be prominently replaced
Gregg Williams’ defense was notable for a couple of aspects, one of which was a reliance on LBs. The Browns played in the base 4-3 with all three LBs on the field more than any other team. Expect that to change (another reason why I believe Collins won’t be back).
New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has used the hybrid safety/LB extensively with players like Shaq Thompson in Carolina and Deone Bucanon in Arizona. The Browns happen to have a pretty good one of those in Jabrill Peppers already, and Derrick Kindred is also capable in that role.
I know many fans are high on adding another linebacker even with keeping Collins. Based on my inferences and conversations in Indy, I don’t believe that is nearly as high of a priority for Dorsey & Co. I don’t expect more than a Day Three pick in the draft or a lower-tier free agent. In other words, get used to seeing a lot of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey as the only true LBs in 2019.
The No. 17 pick is completely undecided at this point
It’s fashionable for fans, and even some media pundits, to boldly declare they know exactly what is going to happen in April’s draft already. Alas, those self-promoted emperors have no clothes.
Dorsey and the scouting department are still sorting the draft tiers. The coaching input on prospects remains a work in progress. That is also true of the 16 teams selecting above the Browns. Picking at No. 17 instead of No. 1 means a lot less certainty and a lot more potential draft outcomes.
To quote Ozzy Osbourne, “don’t ask me, I don’t know.” Anyone who claims they do is biting heads off bats on stage.
Duke Johnson’s future
It’s not surprising to hear the fresh trade rumors about Duke Johnson. His future with the Browns was the subject of ample speculation among the media (more from other teams than Browns media) in Indianapolis.
My take: other teams are going to value what he offers more than Kitchens and the Browns do, and the Browns know it. Johnson’s role of less than 3 carries and a little under 4 catches per game under Kitchens doesn’t require someone of his salary. There should be a market for Johnson, enough of one to get a Day Three draft pick who can handle those meager touches for a lot less cost and expectation. Don’t forget about Dontrell Hilliard either.
