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What Cleveland Indians said after Thursday's 5-1 loss to Toronto

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Check out what Terry Francona, TJ House and Brandon Moss had to say after the Indians' 5-1 loss to Toronto on Thursday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here's what the Indians had to say following Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Manager Terry Francona

On what happened to TJ House in the fourth inning, where Toronto scored all five of its runs.

"The first time through the order, even though he wasn't pounding the strike zone, he was staying down with everything and keeping the ball on the ground, which is exactly what he needs to do. The second time through, they adjusted and they started shooting the ball the other way and staying on balls and it happened in a hurry. It ended up being too much for us."

On what House's problem has been so far.

"Even though the first time through the order, he didn't have a lot of pitches, he still wasn't throwing a ton of strikes, but he was getting the nice ground balls you're looking for.

"The way we saw TJ when he was going good, he could locate his fastball down. He could keep it down with some movement and then wrap that breaking ball under the barrel and then follow it up with a changeup. He's just having a tougher time than he wants having a feel for all of his pitches."

On if he's concerned about House, who is 0-4 this season.

"That's fair to say. I don't think you ever make a decision three minutes after a game. We'd never have a team left."

TJ House

On what happened in the fourth inning.

"They made an adjustment, and I definitely didn't make one fast enough to keep them off balance a little bit. They did what they did and I just reacted a little too slow."

On his struggles following a strong finish to the 2014 season.

"It's just difficult. Obviously, you never want to see yourself fail and having failure that's kind of repetitive, over and over and stuff. It's hard to deal with.

"But I think just staying within yourself and knowing that when this does go through and you see the sun on the other side, that it's going to be good and a lot more good is going to come of it."

Brandon Moss

On a catch Toronto centerfielder Kevin Pillar made in the fifth inning where Pillar crashed hard into the center-field wall but held on to retire Moss.

"Yeah. He made a great catch. That's not an easy play for anybody to make. On a cold night, your legs probably aren't as loose as you'd want to be, and then he had a long way to run. I didn't hit it that high. He made a great play."

On the Indians' offensive struggles.

"Yeah. Yes, it's very frustrating. Because early on, offensively, we were not hitting the ball well at all. We weren't working counts. We weren't getting into the bullpen. Starters were going seven innings and throwing 85 pitches. It was just a pretty bad offensive funk for everyone."

"We had guys on all night and balls were hit hard. Plenty of balls were hit hard, but there was nothing to show for any of it. Trust me. It's frustrating when you're in a funk, but you know as a Major League hitter, you're going to come out of it. You know you're going to get hits. You know you're going to start feeling good.

"What's really frustrating is when your team is having good at-bats and you're not getting runs across. That's frustrating. That's a time when you need those hits. You need to score runs."


Cleveland Browns wisely trade sexy for solid by drafting Danny Shelton, Cameron Erving -- Terry Pluto (photos and videos)

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Danny Shelton and Cameron Erving are two big guys who can help fill two big needs for the Browns. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Solid is the first word that comes to mind when considering the Browns two first round picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.

At No. 12, they took Danny Shelton on the defensive line.

At No. 19, it was Cameron Erving for the offensive line.

A major change from the Justin Gilbert-Johnny Manziel first-round draft of a year ago.

Forgot the flash, the money-signs and the hype. 

The symbol for this Browns draft may be the 338-pound Shelton giving Commissioner Roger Goodell a huge bear hug. The big man was happy, humble and excited to be picked by the Browns -- or probably anyone else.

Shelton had a 3.5 grade point average in Anthropology and was an Academic All-American.

I can't second-guess his selection, or that of Erving.

NO BIG DEALS

Yes, I was hoping they somehow could come up with a quarterback -- be it Marcus Mariota or Sam Bradford. But Tennessee kept the No. 2 pick and grabbed Mariota. And Philadelphia kept Bradford.

So in these trade rumors, where there was smoke -- well, there wasn't even a flicker of a flame.

No one made any trades until the middle of the first round.

And the Browns had a very good prospect fall to them at No. 12, so they happily grabbed Shelton. The lineman from Washington has to help a defense that ranked No. 30 against the run.

A year ago, the Browns made two trades in the first round.

This time, none.

BLOCKING STILL MATTERS

The surprise was Erving, the well-respected offensive lineman from Florida State.

I did have hopes of a receiver at No. 19. The best were gone -- Amari Cooper, Kevin White and DeVante Parker.

So the Browns turned to Erving, who was rated highly because of his ability to play anywhere on the offensive line. Given what happened to the line after Pro Bowl center Alex Mack broke his leg, Erving is a wise choice.

Mack has the option of being a free agent after the 2015. Starting right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is a free agent after 2015. 

Erving would be a natural replacement for either player. He also could compete with John Greco at right guard to start this season. Or he may even battle Schwartz to start.

Erving played everything from left tackle to center at Florida State in the last three years. He even played a little defensive line as a freshman.

At one point, Browns coach Mike Pettine talked about needing "big guys in the middle."

They added two -- and they still have eight picks left in the next six rounds.

For the Browns, it was a night that may not inspire anyone to buy season tickets, but it could help them win a few more games in the fall.


Mike Pettine: 'We know they're not the sexiest picks, but the Browns got better'

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Browns coach Mike Pettine knows that 650 pounds of interior beef might not be the most exciting for fans, "but the Browns got better tonight.''

CLEVELAND, Ohio --  Browns coach Mike Pettine knows fans might've been expecting a quarterback such as Marcus Mariota or a wide receiver such as a DeVante Parker.

What they got were two beefy interior lineman, one on defense in No. 12 pick Danny Shelton of Washington and one on offense in center/offensive lineman Cameron Erving of Florida State at No. 19.

"We know these aren't sexiest picks, but we know we got better tonight,'' Pettine said.

Was Farmer ever tempted to draft a wide receiver? He could've had Parker at No. 12 and Central Florida's Breshad Perriman at No. 19. The Ravens drafted Perriman at No. 26 and the Dolphin tabbed Parker at No. 14.

"There were multiple players in the conversation at both picks,'' he said. "You have to create your identity first. Our wide receivers more than held their own (last year) and we bolstered the position in free agency.''

Farmer stressed that he never made an offer to the Titans to trade up to No. 2 at any point to draft Mariota.

"I tried to tell you guys,'' he said.

 The Titans, who rejected a big offer from the Eagles,  kept the pick and drafted Mariota themselves, with plans to start him right away.

The Browns, meanwhile, fortified the trenches.

"It starts up front,'' said Farmer.

In Shelton, the Browns got a huge run stuffer (6-2, 339) who can help shore up the 32nd-ranked run defense and who can also collapse the pocket. A load bull-rushing up the middle, he should be able to get quarterbacks off their mark and rattle them. Shelton had nine sacks, 93 tackles and a nation-high five fumble recoveries last season.

 "Danny Shelton, obviously a big kid with size,'' said Farmer. "Here's a young man who played upwards of 90 to 100 snaps out there in the PAC-12. He showed some ability to rush the passer, can play lateral and down the line of scrimmage. Definitely is a guy who I like to refer to as a guy who requires four hands, where he's going to require more than one guy to pay attention to him. I love his temperament. I love how he played. I love that this kid is a smart kid, high GPA - high school and college. The guy is a football player. We're excited about the fact that we're going to add a guy that helps us solidify the middle of our defense and make us better up front."

Farmer dismissed the notion that Shelton might come off the field on passing downs.

"I see him as a guy that can potentially play three downs,'' he said. "I know he is going to help us to get to third and long. The question is do we have better rushers than him? Potentially. I think that we probably do have some guys that are better rushers, but I don't think this guy is a void of playing three downs. I think there is a possibility he does play all three downs."
Shelton will be plugged in right away at nosetackle, but will likely rotate some there with Phil Taylor and play next to him depending on the front.
"We're thrilled to have that skillset in the middle,'' said Pettine. "We felt we needed that big guy in the middle. We're hoping that (Ishmaa'ily) Kitchen can step up too.''
The Browns drafted Erving (6-5 1/2, 313), in part, as insurance against the potential loss of center Alex Mack, who can opt out of his contract after this season. Erving, who can play all five positions on the offensive line, moved from left tackle to center last season and didn't miss a beat.
"He looked like an All-Pro at center and he had never played the position,'' said Farmer. "He has 'foot-fire.' He had some of the best feet in the draft period.''
Pettine said with the Browns being set on the left side, Erving will likely look for a home somewhere on the right, where guard John Greco and Mitchell Schwartz reside.
Erving, in a conference call, said, "I've looked up to Joe Thomas for three years and that's who I've watched film on. I'm also a fan of Alex Mack's.''
Those are two good places for Erving to start, and two good building blocks for the Browns.

Instant analysis: Cleveland Browns abstain from 'sexy' in drafting OL Cameron Erving

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BEREA, Ohio – A year ago, the Browns made the biggest splash in the draft moving up to take Johnny Manziel. On Thursday night, they gave the NFL a 652-pound cannonball. They followed the pick of beefy defensive tackle Danny Shelton (339 pounds) with the selection of versatile offensive linemen Cameron Erving (313 pounds). Whereas choosing a nose tackle...

BEREA, Ohio - A year ago, the Browns made the biggest splash in the draft moving up to take Johnny Manziel.

On Thursday night, they gave the NFL a 652-pound cannonball.

They followed the pick of beefy defensive tackle Danny Shelton (339 pounds) with the selection of versatile offensive linemen Cameron Erving (313 pounds).

Whereas choosing a nose tackle on a team with the league's worst run defense was a need, adding Erving seems more like a luxury. The Browns had a decent offensive line a year ago and two of the game's best at their position in left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack.

The Erving pick won't be embraced by a segment of Browns fans and Thursday night will do nothing to quell critics who believe their general manager has an anti-receiver agenda in the draft.

But the big three receivers - Amari Cooper, Kevin White and DeVante Parker - were gone by the time the Browns picked at No. 19. (They chose Shelton at No. 12 ahead of Parker, who went to the Dolphins at No. 14.)

What the Browns get in Erving is an offensive lineman likely to start on the right side at either guard or tackle next season. They also have insurance at center if Mack opts out of his contract at the end of 2015. Then, there's the matter of right tackle Mitchell Schwartz entering the final season of his rookie contract.

Erving started last year at left tackle for the Seminoles before moving to center and excelling at the position. He earned all-ACC honors at both spots.

The Browns could have used such reliable utility a year ago when Mack was lost to a broken leg in a Week 5 win over the Steelers. The running game, which started brightly, never again was as consistent. Quarterback Brian Hoyer never again looked as comfortable.

Fans longing for a franchise quarterback and more playmakers on offense don't want to hear about adding offensive line depth. They don't want to be begging for points every week. But the nimble 6-foot-6 Erving should bolster the rushing attack. The Browns were more willing than able to run the ball, finishing sixth in attempts (477) and 28th in yards per attempt (3.6). 

Look what the Cowboys were able to do a year ago on the ground after fortifying the line in recent drafts.

Browns GM Ray Farmer believes Erving has "some of the best feet in the draft." Marcus Mariota's feet aren't bad, either. Neither are (name a first-round receiver). The Browns, however, are trying to stay true to an identity of building through toughness, a mantra of coach Mike Pettine since his arrival a year ago.

"I know these aren't the sexiest picks with linemen but we are thrilled," Pettine said. "The Cleveland Browns got better today."

That's probably true. What's certain is they got bigger.

Gallery preview 

NFL Draft 2015 Day 1: Jamie Turner's real-time diary

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It's the one and only liveblog for all of this week's NFL draft, beginning with tonight's Round 1.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Supposedly this was going to be the "quiet draft," with fans' attention split between the Cavaliers, Mayweather-Pacquiao and the annual meat market held this year in Chicago.

Who knew they would be right?

No surprises. The outrage ("what do you mean, they did/didn't go big after Marcus Mariota?"). The sports talk hosts who make you wonder if they actually pay attention to sports at all ("I've never heard of him!"). On this night, it didn't really happen

But we caught every big moment caught in our yearly three-day coverage of the NFL's talent extravagance.

Quick links and highlights

* Not sexy, but Browns are better, say Farmer, Pettine

* Browns made the safe, right moves: Pluto

* Browns weren't in play for Mariota

* Cameron Erving offers versatility and talent: Reed

* Grade the Browns' choice of Danny Shelton

* Browns made the smart pick with Shelton: Shaw

* More Browns coverage on the draft's opening night


11:31 p.m.: Roger Goodell on being hoisted by Danny Shelton: I'm fine, but we'll see how I feel in the morning."

11:30 p.m.: The first round is complete with the New England Patriots at 32 taking:

Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

11:25 p.m.: With the 31st pick, the New Orleans Saints take:

Stefone Anthony, ILB, Clemson

Mayock thought this was a second-round player.

11:19 p.m.: With the 30th selection, the Green Bay Packers take:

Demarious Randall, S, Arizona State

11:18 p.m.: From Terry Pluto:

"At one point, Browns coach Mike Pettine talked about needing 'big guys in the middle.' They added two -- and they still have eight picks left in the next six rounds. For the Browns, it was a night that may not inspire anyone to buy season tickets, but it could help them win a few more games in the fall."

11:12 p.m.: Ray Farmer on Browns' radio hints strongly that fans waiting for an impact receiver on Friday might be waiting until Saturday. "When did my receivers last year let me down?"

Asked what he wants to accomplish in Day 2, he offers "get more good football players."

11:11 p.m.: With the 29th selection, the Indianapolis Colts take:

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

11:08 p.m.: From Mary Kay Cabot on the Browns' interest (or otherwise) in moving up for Marcus Mariota:

"So for all the speculation, reports and rumors that the Browns might move up to pursue Marcus Mariota, it proved to be much ado about nothing. Farmer said the Browns had some cursory discussions about moving up and down, but nothing very substantial."

11:03 p.m.: The draft is breezing along now. At 28, the Detroit Lions take:

Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke

Mike Mayock says Tomlinson might have been a third-round grade for some teams, but likes the pick. And who says it's Jon Gruden who only sees the bright side?


11:01 p.m.: With the 27th selection, the Dallas Cowboys take:


Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut


10:55 p.m.: Baltimore Ravens with the 26th pick take the player that a lot of Browns fans seemed to dread wearing orange (Braylon Edwards II?):

Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida

10:54 p.m.: From Tom Reed's analysis of Danny Shelton:

"Danny Shelton swept NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell off his feet Thursday night at draft in Chicago. He figures to do that to a few opposing offensive linemen in the AFC North and a Browns' fan base weary of seeing its team gashed by the run the way it was a season ago."


10:50 p.m.: With the 25th pick, the Carolina Panthers take:


Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington


10:48 p.m.: Cameron Erving on his conference call:

"There's not a position that I like to play better. I like to play offensive line and I like to play ball. ... I'm going to give 100 percent whatever I do."


10:47 p.m.: From Terry Pluto on Cameron Erving:


"Adding Cameron Erving ... the Cleveland Browns have indeed changed direction from the 2014 draft. Erving played everything from left tackle to center at Florida State in the last three years. He even played a little defensive line as a freshman.


"What the Browns did was pick two very good linemen in the first round. I was hoping for a receiver somewhere in the first round, but I find it hard to second-guess either selection.


"With right tackle Mitchell Schwartz heading to free agency after the 2015 ... and center Alex Mack having the right to become a free agent after 2015 ... the Browns needed another offensive lineman."


10:43 p.m.: The Arizona Cardinals were linked to Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon, but both are gone, so with the 24th pick, they take:


D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida


10:42 p.m.: From SI.com on Browns offensive lineman Cameron Erving:


"With Alex Mack possibly opting out of the five-year, $42 million contract he signed in April 2014, and with right tackle Mitchell Schwartz mastering his turnstile impersonations throughout his NFL career, Erving does make sense here -- even to distressed Browns fans who would like to know why they didn't take a receiver with either of their first-round picks."


10:36 p.m.: Lions trade back with Broncos, getting a couple of fifth-round picks and guard Manny Ramirez.


With the 23rd selection, the Denver Broncos take


Shane Ray, DE, Missouri


10:34 p.m.: Well, sometimes the PR department has a slipup every once in a while:


10:31 p.m.: With the 22nd selection, the Pittsburgh Steelers add to their sagging pass rush:

Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky

10:30 p.m.: From Bud Shaw on the Browns' new defensive tackle: "Danny Shelton isn't a sexy pick. Unless you're Mike Pettine, defense is your calling card, and your defense happened to finish 32nd against the run. Then Danny Shelton is your trophy wife.

""The Browns made stars out of ordinary running backs last year. They even made an inside runner out of Denard Robinson (and they said it couldn't be done). Robinson's work between the tackles probably raised Shelton's draft status right then and there."

10:27 p.m.: With the 21st selection, the Cincinnati Bengals boost their offensive line:

Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M


10:26 p.m.: Coach Mike Pettine said "value met need" with the two selections, confirming his belief in "building through the lines." Says there's certainty that "the Cleveland Browns got better tonight."


Farmer confirms that wide receivers were in the discussion before the selections tonight. Says Browns receivers "are even better" than last year, but the line makes the entire offense better."



10:24 p.m.: Browns GM Ray Farmer says the team took the guys who were the best fit "for who we want to be."

10:20 p.m.: With the 20th selection, the Philadelphia Eagles don't get Marcus Mariota, but take

Nelson Agholor, WR, Southern California

10:19 p.m.: From NFL.com on Erving:

"Former defensive lineman who is still learning the nuances of offensive-line play after just two seasons as a starter. Has the length and foot quickness to play tackle, but film work shows that he will have a much more successful career at center. Possesses skill set and temperament to show rapid development."

10:14 p.m.: With the 19th selection, the Cleveland Browns take

Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State


Mel Kiper on the pick: "He's huge. He's a gifted athlete with enormous upper-body strength. My question is where he fits in ... he's a guard or a right tackle. They obviously think with this level of athletic ability, the skill level he brings to the offensive line, that he has some natural versatility."

10:07 p.m.: With the 18th pick, the Kansas City Chiefs take

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

He's the defensive back who was booted by the Huskies for arguing with coaches.

Browns on the clock.

10:01 p.m.: With the 17th pick, the San Francisco 49ers select

Erik Armstead, DE, Oregon

Breshad Perriman, Jaelen Strong, Phillip Dorsett and Nelson Agholor are receivers still available, as is pass rushers Bud Dupree and Shane Ray.

10 p.m.: Danny Shelton hasn't had his conference call with Cleveland media, so he takes to Twitter:

9:55 p.m.: With the 16th pick, the Houston Texans select

Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest

9:54 p.m.: From SI.com on Danny Shelton: "Shy of Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota inexplicably falling into their laps, the Browns could not have asked more of the Round 1 board than to leave them a choice between Shelton and WR DeVante Parker, who would have filled another need.

"However, the porous run defense had to drive coach Mike Pettine nuts last season, so the top priority became shoring up his team's front. Shelton is absolutely massive. He can hold up against multiple blockers, yet probably does his best work lined up directly over center. ... The Browns' defense just got tougher."


9:47 p.m.: With the 15th selection, the San Diego Chargers take:


Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

9:46 p.m.: More on the trade that boosts the Chargers to the No. 15 selection.

9:44 p.m.: Danny Shelton and Roger Goodell are becoming a social media thing...


9:43 p.m.: With the 14th selection, the Miami Dolphins take:


DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville


Meanwhile ...


9:40 p.m.: From NFL.com on Danny Shelton:


"With his thick frame and powerful upper body, Shelton has moments where he can dominate at the point of attack. He was forced to chase sideline to sideline due to the nature of Pac-12 offenses, but when he faced downhill competition like Stanford, he stepped up. Shelton is an above-average interior pass rusher for a man his size, thanks to his surprising athleticism. He is a fit in a two-gap scheme and could benefit from playing fewer snaps than he was forced to play at Washington. He has an All-Pro ceiling, but must show a greater consistency of effort."


9:35 p.m.: With the 13th pick, the New Orleans Saints take:


Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

9:30 p.m.: From Mike Mayock on the Shelton selection:

"I'm amazed that a guy that big has vision and instincts like he does."

From Shelton: "It's surreal. ... I'm bringing the run-stoppin' and the pass rushing."


9:26 p.m.: Here we go. With the 12th selection, the Cleveland Browns have taken:


Danny Shelton, DT, Washington





9:19 p.m.: No trade by the Vikings, who at the 11th pick select:


Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State


It should be said that for the most part, this is a great start for all those mock drafters, who have nailed a lot of picks.

9:13 p.m.: With the 10th pick, the St. Louis Rams -- rumored to be surprising, take:

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Obviously, either Danny Shelton or LeVante Parker will be available for the Browns at No. 12.

9:07 p.m.: With the ninth selection, the New York Giants take:

Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

9:01 p.m.: With the eighth pick, the Atlanta Falcons select:

Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

"He's a situational pass-rusher," says Mike Mayock.

With Giants next, it would seem likely they would go offensive lineman.

8:58 p.m.: Chris Mortensen expects defense for the Falcons, but thinks Todd Gurley will be gone sometime soon.


8:54 p.m.: With the seventh pick, the Chicago Bears take:


Kevin White, WR, West Virginia


Gruden was all defense for the Bears, but Mel Kiper gets the point for the win as he was all over White.



Meanwhile, the Bulls have eviscerated the Bucks and will be heading to Cleveland this weekend.



8:51 p.m.: Patriots fans are suddenly worried about the AFC East.



8:48 p.m.: With the sixth pick, the New York Jets select:


Leonard Williams, DT, Southern California



8:46 p.m.: Only problem with sending the draft to Chicago is you don't have the crazy J-E-T-S and Giants fans.


8:40 p.m.: No trade. With the fifth pick, Washington Redskins take:

Brandon Scherrff, OT, Iowa

Rumors now of possible shoulder injury for Leonard Williams. An example of the information that teams have that mock drafters obviously don't.

8:37 p.m.: Rumors swirling about Browns being among many teams interested in Leonard Williams, as are Jets, New Orleans and possibly Minnesota.

8:34 p.m.: With the fourth pick, the Oakland Raiders take:

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

8:28 p.m.: With the third pick, Jacksonville selects:

Dante Fowler, DE, Florida

With Oakland next, there is a small rumor that the Browns are interested in defensive lineman Leonard Williams of Southern Cal.

8:25 p.m.: Doug Dieken on The Fan 92.3 is seriously unenthused about Danny Shelton, calling the Washington defensive tackle a "two-down player" who doesn't offer the impact he wants. Guess 9.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss isn't good enough.

8:21 p.m.: With the second pick, the Tennessee Titans take:

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

"This kid is the steal of the draft," enthuses Jon Gruden, having returned to his normal hard-edged analysis.

And Zach Mettenberger wants to be traded. Like he has any leverage.

Goodell's pronunciation: "Mariato."

8:13 p.m.: With the first pick, the Bucs take:

Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State.

Now the real intrigue is centerstage.

8:10 p.m.: With Bucs on the clock, here's a prediction from an ex-Brown of some notoriety:

8:04 p.m.: NFL pushing the idea that 100,000 are standing in Grant Park to watch the draft on TV. Then again, who's counting?

Roger Goodell opens the draft by standing on a podium in Grant Park, instead of the auditorium nearby where the actual action (such as it is) takes place. "Chitown is Drafttown."

7:59 p.m.: NFL Network reports Eagles are offering DT Fletcher Cox, two years' worth of No. 1 picks and "other players" to either Bucs or Titans.

Both Steve Mariucci and Mike Mayock say "I'd take that in a heartbeat."


7:51 p.m.: An interesting take from Grantland's Chris B. Brown, who offered an analytic breakdown of Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley. His final decision on who's No. 1 seems a little more -- subjective.


"While Winston's score just edges Mariota's, I'd prefer to pick the passer whom I trust most to spend countless hours mastering his craft and to avoid doing anything on or off the field to jeopardize his future. I'd pick the quarterback with the most grit. I'd pick Marcus Mariota."



7:42 p.m.: Apparently the Bears are insisting that Jay Cutler go to Tennessee in trying to move up to No. 2. This seems not to be the world's finest incentive.


7:37 p.m.: Jon Gruden is surprisingly harsh on both wayward pass-rushers, Shane Ray and Randy Gregory. He lumps in Josh Gordon and says "This is a sign of a lack of intelligence and I don't know if you want undisciplined people who don't understand this."

If he was this critical on Monday Night Football ... oh, forget it.


7:30 p.m.: No great surprise, since "exclusives" in NFL media are seldom more substantial than the latest wave passing the dock, but ESPN has spent the last few hours downplaying the Browns/Marcus Mariota rumors, with the network's Jeremy Fowler stating "that Oregon Duck may have sailed" (15-yard penalty for mixed metaphors).


According to Northeast Ohio Media Group's Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns' braintrust may have already cooled on mortgaging the draft picks needed to move up to the No. 2 spot tonight.


Meanwhile, some fans are already moving on.






Plus there's already the "rising up the draft board" winner for the evening...






How would you grade Cleveland Browns picking OL Cameron Erving in first round of NFL Draft 2015? (poll)

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How do you rate the Cleveland Browns drafting OL Cameron Erving?

BEREA, Ohio - Thumbs up or thumbs down on the Cleveland Browns selecting Florida State center Cameron Erving with their second pick of the first round Thursday night in the NFL Draft?

The Browns picked Erving at No. 19 overall. Cleveland snared nose tackle Danny Shelton of the University of Washington earlier Thursday with the No. 12 selection.

So, one offensive lineman and one defensive lineman on Day 1 of the draft. How do you feel about following up Shelton with Erving? 

We invite you to grade the Erving selection in the poll in this post, from an A to an F.

Was Erving (6-foot-5, 313 pounds) the right way for Cleveland to close the opening round or should the Browns have targeted a different player, or a different area?

Erving is perhaps best known for protecting Florida State QB Jameis Winston -- Thursday's overall No. 1 selection -- and his blindside, helping Winston win the Heisman Trophy and the Seminoles take the BCS National Championship in 2013.

(See a collection of pictures, videos and more information on Erving here).

Look for a separate poll for each player the Browns draft over the next three days. Remember, you are voting just on the single draft selection, not how you would grade all the Browns' moves thus far.

As of 11:30 p.m. Thursday, the Shelton selection is an overwhelming "A" garnering 76 percent of the 1,720 votes.

What should the Browns do Friday on Day 2? Sound off in the comments. Or defend your grade of drafting Erving.

See what cleveland.com readers are saying about Cleveland Browns drafting Cameron Erving

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Check out a sampling of comments from cleveland.com readers on Cleveland Browns selecting OL Cameron Erving in NFL Draft.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns closed Day 1 of the NFL Draft by selecting offensive lineman Cameron Erving with the 19th pick of the first round Thursday night.

It didn't take long for cleveland.com readers to express their opinion on the decision. Check out a sampling of comments below, grade the selection of Erving and join in the conversation by going into the comments section below.

Reader whitt wrote:

I think the choices are solid. No one can guarantee success but these seemed to be the best available and we can use the beef as we got hurt last year by injuries and never recovered. I hope for a wide receiver tomorrow if there are any left.

Reader ollie007 wrote:

Great foundation and great draft for the Browns, one they have been waiting for so long.

Reader Sergio Acevedo wrote:

Browns were playing strong the first part of the year until the line got decimated by injuries. A 7-4 start against some very good teams. I think with this it not only improves our rush defense, making a good defense even better, but makes the Offensive Line better and also gives it better able to absorb an injury like the one on Mack. Great WRs can be found in later rounds. Good job Browns.

Reader Cincy_Brownsfan wrote:

Most solid first round I've seen from them in a long time.

Reader Brownsbigdog wrote:

Best first round selections in a while....we needed both those picks....plenty of time to pick up a Hundley, Petty, Grayson at QB...maybe pick up Devon Smith WR from our beloved Buckeyes.....off to a solid start...

Reader ciceropolo wrote:

Sweet! They actually seemed to know what they are doing! So far so good. Barring any injuries you just got two players that excel and hopefully play for 8-12 years at high level of proficiency. Excellent choices. Irving was impressive in his college post season game against Oregon quick feet, massive size and great blocking / protection.

National experts praise the Cleveland Browns on day one of the 2015 NFL Draft

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The Cleveland Browns hit a home run on day one of the NFL Draft with the national media.

BEREA, Ohio - Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer filled gaping holes with two first-round picks in Thursday's 2015 NFL Draft despite numerous rumors and a host of predictions.

Chatter about the Browns attempts to make a deal for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota were not fulfilled. Nor were rumors about the Browns making a trade for QB Sam Bradford of the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, the Browns addressed a dire need when they selected Washington defensive tackle Danny Shelton with the No. 12 overall pick. The Browns were last against the run last season and the addition of Shelton as a roadblock will help.

The selection of Florida State center Cameron Erving with the No. 19 pick addressed another need. Erving adds depth to an offensive line that suffered when a season-ending injury to center Alex Mack got the line out of rhythm.

Several national pundits credited the Browns on their draft day opener.

"I love the pick of Shelton," said Charles Davis of the NFL Network. "He's a dominant nose for the 3-4 base. He rushes the passer better than expected. I also like Erving's versatility on the offensive line."

Steve Wyche, also of the NFL Network, agreed.

"Solid first day," Wyche said. "They get Danny Shelton who will help the defensive line. Erving will help the offense line. So far, so good."

Shelton led the country with five fumble recoveries. He was 14th in the country in tackles for loss (16.5) and 19th with nine sacks. But Fox Sports senior NFL reporter Alex Marvez still wonders.

"My biggest concern is whether he can develop into the type of lineman who can generate some pass rush and play on passing downs," Marvez said. "If he's only on the field for a limited number of snaps as primarily a run-stuffer, he was over-drafted."

Erving started the first nine games this past season at left tackle before he moved to center for the last five games. He excelled at center despite never playing the position.

Former New England Patriots linebacker Pierre Woods also praised the Browns' selections, but he was critical of the order.

"They should have went with the best offensive tackle available first and a defensive tackle second," said Woods, a native of Cleveland. "Joe Thomas is not getting any younger, so they have to start looking for his replacement. The Browns keep talking about a QB, but why talk about getting a quarterback if you can't protect him."

Erving could indeed become Thomas' replacement in the near future. Erving was an elite left tackle before he moved and became an superior center. He has the ability to plug any hole on the line.

The Browns, meanwhile, may have had a successful day one but Davis was surprised the team did not address another desperate need.

"They got an offensive lineman with the 19th pick, but I expected a wide receiver," Davis said.

The Browns will get the chance to address plenty of other needs when the draft resumes Friday and concludes on Saturday.

"They still need playmakers; wide receiver types in the second round," Wyche said. "Maybe they'll go the quarterback route on Friday."

That quarterback could be Sean Mannion of Oregon State. Mannion, at 6-5 and 227 pounds, became the Beavers all-time leader in career passing yards and passing touchdowns his senior season, passing up former Browns QB Derek Anderson's records.

"Mannion's the quarterback everyone keeps talking about as a sleeper in the draft," Wyche said. "Three to four years from now, people will look back and wonder how they missed on him. He'll come off the board to some team in the second round."


Danny Shelton grateful to be a Cleveland Brown after overcoming adversity

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Danny Shelton will be introduced in Cleveland Friday on the four-year anniversary of his brother's fatal shooting.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When Danny Shelton shows up in Cleveland on Friday and holds up his new Browns jersey, he'll undoubtedly be filled with mixed emotions.

It will be the start of his NFL career in Cleveland after the Browns selected him with the No. 12 overall pick, but it's also the four-year anniversary of the death of his brother Shennon, who was shot in front of Danny's eyes in an altercation. Another brother, Tui, survived a bullet to the chest. A third bullet was meant for Danny, but the gun jammed.

The tragedy almost caused Danny, a high school senior at the time, to quit football. Instead, he forged on, overcoming the lingering anger and post-traumatic stress of the ordeal.

"It means everything,'' said Shelton of being drafted by the Browns. "The fact that I was able to bring out my family, too, it's just crazy to think that it's finally over. It's crazy to think that I'll be leaving to Cleveland tomorrow morning."

Shelton credits the Huskies for keeping him in the game and standing by him through some turbulent times.

"Honestly, I owe it all to the coaching staff, I owe it all to the team and I owe it all to the [Huskies] fans,'' he said. "It's amazing how much they supported me throughout my four years, and I didn't have any doubt in myself. I knew that I was at home, I was in a better place and I was just ready to play. That's what shaped me throughout the four years. Facing adversity, it prepared me for the next level.

"I feel confident to go into the league and play the right way and play the way that I play."

The Browns showed considerable interest in Shelton before the draft, working him out privately at Washington and bringing him to Cleveland for a pre-draft visit.

"I didn't know if I was coming here or not,'' he said. "As soon as I got that phone call, I was smiling. I'm still smiling. It's exciting because of the fan support, the Dawg Pound and the social media has given me nothing but love. That was throughout this whole process.

"It's crazy to think that now I get to go out and be a part of the Dawg Pound. As far as the defense, I'm expecting the same thing as far as producing a run stopper. I'm also going to add to the pass rushing game. Those are the two main things I want to focus on this offseason."

Shelton was so excited to hear his name called in Chicago that he bear-hugged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and lifted him off his feet.

"It was a little bit planned (laughter), but it was just an exciting time so I had to do it,'' he said.

Said coach Mike Pettine. "I haven't seen that before (laughter). The look of panic on Roger's face was quite interesting."

Shelton (6-2, 339) will step in at nosetackle and immediately help shore up the Browns' 32nd-ranked run defense. As a senior, he was the only player in the country named first-team All-America and first-team Academic All-America.

Voted the team's most inspirational player last year, Shelton had 93 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 9.0 sacks and and a nation-high five fumble recoveries in 2014.
Shelton is most often compared to former Ravens and current Lions nosetackle Halota Ngata, the five-time Pro Bowler whom Pettine was with in Baltimore.

"In some ways (they're similar),'' said Pettine. "The explosiveness and just from a size standpoint, he is a little taller. You watch the tape and you isolate certain plays, and they are playing like their hair is on fire. We talk about Play Like a Brown attributes, and you can check a lot off the list with Danny.''

Like Browns general manager Ray Farmer, Pettine believes that Shelton can play on third down.

"He did have nine sacks,'' said Pettine. "When you can push the pocket and eliminate the step-up option for the quarterback, you will find your edges suddenly become more productive. If he is not getting production, he is causing production. The other good thing, too, is if there is a threat of a run on third down, you can put Shelton out there and a bunch of small guys around him and know that he can be disruptive versus any run scheme and then you can tee off with everybody else to attack the quarterback."

 Shelton will likely rotate at nosetackle with Phil Taylor, who championed the pick in a series of tweets, including "The Defense got better!'' The two will also probably work side-by-side in some fronts.

"Yeah, when we're watching the end zone copy and we're wearing white pants, it'll be two big white spots right in the middle of the screen,'' said Pettine. "We're thrilled, again, to have that skillset in the middle. Phil obviously had the injury and we're hopeful to get him back at 100 percent, but there is some uncertainty there.

"We did adjust a few things schematically but felt that we needed that big guy in the middle. We're also hopeful that Kitch (DL Ishmaa'ily Kitchen) can step up and be productive for us, as well, and when we get into real obvious run situations that we can put a pretty heavy front out there."

Shelton's selection marked the third straight year the Browns have gone defense with their first overall pick. Two years ago it was linebacker Barkevious Mingo at No. 6 and last year it was cornerback Justin Gilbert at No. 8. They came back at No. 19 and selected Florida State center/offensive lineman Cameron Erving.

 "When we talked about building a team, you are in every game if you are solid defensively,'' said Pettine, a defensive-minded coach. "That will obviously be a cornerstone. We were thrilled that we were able to add a player where we felt like the value met the need. Thrilled that Danny is here, and then obviously, in regards to the second pick, I am a firm believer, as Ray has already expressed, that you build your team through your lines.

"I know these aren't the two sexiest picks when you are taking guys that aren't 'skill players.' We prefer to call them 'big skill.' We are thrilled because we know with a great degree of certainty that the Cleveland Browns got better tonight."

On Friday, Shelton will be grateful to have come so far, considering everything he's been through.

"I know my brother will be watching over me from above,'' he said.

T.J. House struggles as Cleveland Indians end April with 5-1 loss to Blue Jays

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Starter TJ House gave up five runs in the fourth inning as the Indians fell to Toronto, 5-1.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians starter T.J. House gave up five runs in the fourth inning as they fell at home to Toronto on Thursday night at Progressive Field, 5-1.

House had pitched three innings of no-hit baseball before giving up a walk and four straight base hits, including a two-run double from Kevin Pillar. He fell to 0-4 on the season after giving up five runs on four hits in three innings of work.

The Indians added a run in the fifth inning on an RBI single from Michael Brantley after a double from Mike Aviles.

Toronto had only four hits after the fourth inning, but did enough to keep the Indians off the board after Brantley's RBI single.

What it means

The Indians (7-14) end April losing 13 of their last 18 after starting the season at 2-1. They have only had back-to-back wins once this season, which came in the first series of the season in Houston.

Toronto (11-12) had come to Cleveland having lost five of its last six games.

An unkind fourth

After not giving up a hit in his first three innings, House walked Jose Bautista and gave up four straight hits that gave the Blue Jays a 4-0 lead and ended his day.

Edwin Encarnacion and Danny Valencia hit consecutive singles to put Toronto on the board at 1-0.

Russell Martin sent a double to right to score Encarnacion and made it 2-0 before Pillar's double.

Consecutive groundouts including a sacrifice from Jonathan Diaz made it 5-0.

An April to forget

The numbers in the first month of the season were not kind to the Indians.

In addition to falling to 7-14 on the season, they are 1-7 in series openers and 0-10 when they trail after six innings. 

More hits are not enough

The Indians outhit Toronto, 11-7. Brantley and Ryan Raburn each had three hits, and Brandon Moss had two.

Thursday's loss was the second time this season the Indians lost despite outhitting their opponent.

Can't bring them home

The Indians had a runner in scoring position in each of the first three innings, including bases loaded with one out in the second. They failed to score in each of those innings.

In total, the Indians stranded 10 runners, with one coming in each inning except the fourth.

Short day for the starters

House wasn't the only starter who had a short outing on Thursday.

Toronto starter Derek Norris went only four innings, allowing four hits and walking two hitters. He did not give up a run, but he got out of tough jams in each of the first three innings.

Norris threw 78 pitches in three innings, before Jeff Francis came in to relieve him. Francis allowed the Indians' only run of the game.

Who came, who saw

Thursday's attendance was 9,798 at Progressive Field. It was the second time this in four days that the attendance was less than 10,000.

What's next

Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 4.60) will go up against Toronto's Mark Buehrle (3-1, 4.94.) in the second game of this series. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m., with SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100-AM and WMMS 100.7 carrying the game.

Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley help Cleveland Indians mash their way past Toronto Blue Jays: DMan's Report, Game 22

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The Indians, who have been struggling against lefties, scored a total of nine against two from the Blue Jays in a 9-4 victory Friday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley and Brett Hayes homered in support of Carlos Carrasco as the Indians defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 9-4, Friday night at Progressive Field. Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Booming bats: The Indians (8-14) produced the three homers and two doubles as part of 13 hits.

The extra-base hits drove in eight runs. In the opener of the series Thursday night, the Indians had 11 hits -- but zero homers and three doubles -- and lost, 5-1.

The Indians pounded Toronto lefty Mark Buehrle for 11 hits and eight runs in 4 1/3 innings. It could have been worse for Buehrle: Toronto center fielder Kevin Pillar made yet another superb catch, denying Kipnis extra bases at the wall in the fourth, and Michael Bourn was called out at the plate on a replay reversal in the fourth.

Kipnis led off the first by driving a 2-2 off-speed pitch (77 mph) over the right-field wall for his second homer in three games. Kipnis fouled the previous pitch, also clocked at 77. Buehrle's attempt to double up was supposed to be down and away but stayed up just long enough.

Kipnis answered a leadoff homer by Toronto's Josh Donaldson. According to Indians research ace John Krepop, a game involving the Indians had not featured leadoff homers by both batters since Grady Sizemore and Luis Castillo did so when the Indians played the Twins in 2006.

Fast fact: The Tribe improved to 2-8 in games started by lefties.

Relentless: The Blue Jays led, 4-1, entering the bottom of the third. The Indians tied the score, 4-4, on Brandon Moss's two-run double and Lonnie Chisenhall's fielder's choice.

Brantley's two-out, two-run homer to right-center made it 6-4 in the fourth. He smashed Buehrle's 2-0 pitch (83) that was down and in. Toronto catcher Russell Martin hopped as soon as Brantley swung, knowing that the location was supposed to be away.  

The timing of the hit was significant. The previous batter, Mike Aviles, had doubled into the right-field corner with Bourn on first. Bourn made a head-first, face-plant dive while attempting to avoid Martin's tag. As Bourn touched the plate with his left hand, umpire Bill Welke called him safe, but Martin told his dugout to appeal. Even though the replays did not seem convincing, the call was reversed.

What could have been a momentum shift for Toronto evaporated quickly because of Brantley.

After Ryan Raburn and Chisenhall hit one-out singles in the fifth, Toronto manager John Gibbons hooked Buehrle for Andrew Albers. Lefty Albers' second pitch of his appearance was an 0-1 off-speed meat ball (75); Hayes clobbered it for a three-run homer into the left-field bleachers to account for the final margin.

Cookie Express: Carrasco, coming off a bad start in Detroit, allowed the four runs on six hits in six innings. He walked three and struck out six. He threw 63 of 101 pitches for strikes.

Carrasco's line was underwhelming, but it could have been a lot worse. He recovered from a rocky beginning -- with an assist from Tribe pitching coach Mickey Callaway -- to put his team in position to win.

Through 56 pitches, Carrasco had given up four runs in 2 2/3 innings. Callaway visited and pointed a finger in Carrasco's chest, seemingly challenging him to stop nibbling and trust his stuff. Carrasco was up to the task the rest of the way.

Here is a pitch-by-pitch breakdown of Carrasco's start:

First inning

(R) Josh Donaldson -- fastball low; fastball, homer to left field (inner third at knees).

Skinny: Fastball moved from middle to inner third. Donaldson did a good job of getting barrel to the ball. 

(R)  Jose Bautista -- slider high (squirted out of hand); slider swinging strike; slider called strike; fastball, double to right-center (outer half at knees).

Skinny: Too good of a pitch in a pitcher's count. Leaked back over outer half.

(R) Edwin Encarnacion -- fastball in dirt; slider low and away; fastball outside; fastball, walk (low).

Skinny: Carrasco wanted no part of Encarnacion and his power potential.

(Tribe catcher Hayes talks with Carrasco.)

(R) Russell Martin -- 95 fastball outside corner called strike (generous corner); 93 fastball, GIDP 6-4-3 (inner half).

Skinny: Welke helped out Carrasco with first-pitch strike. Martin was sure it was a ball; replays sided with Martin. The first pitch set up the second.

(R) Kevin Pillar -- 86 slider swinging strike; 86 slider swinging strike; 87 slider down and away; 89 foul; 95 fastball, fly to center.

(17 pitches)

Second inning

(L) Michael Saunders -- 92 fastball ball; 86 changeup called strike; 86 changeup ball; 94 fastball foul; 88 slider, swinging strikeout (under hands).

(L) Dalton Pompey -- 95 fastball foul; 88 slider foul; 92 fastball high; 88 slider foul; 95 fastball, swinging strikeout.

Skinny: Hayes and Carrasco set up Pompey expertly with the slider.

(L) Ryan Goins -- 88 slider foul; 95 fastball, fly to left.

(12 pitches)

Third inning

(R)  Jonathan Diaz --  95 fastball called strike; 88 slider down and away; 95 fastball swinging strike (up and in); 83 curve, called strikeout.

(R) Josh Donaldson -- 89 cutter, single to center (outside corner).

(R) Jose Bautista -- 87 slider down and away; 88 slider down and away; 87 slider called strike; 87 slider down and away; 95 fastball foul; 88 off-speed foul tip (Hayes unable to hang on); 96 fastball foul (inside corner; staggers Welke); 89 slider down and away, walk.

(R) Edwin Encarnacion -- 93 fastball ball; 85 slider swinging strike; 93 fastball down and away; 85 slider, RBI double to left (over plate at knees).

Skinny: The pitch was hit so hard, third baseman Chisenhall barely had time to move his glove before the ball was past him. 

(R) Russell Martin  -- 94 fastball low; 95 fastball inside; 85 slider swinging strike (down and away); 85 slider called strike; 86 slider, swinging strikeout (down and away).

Skinny: Carrasco refused to give in, and it paid off.

(R) Kevin Pillar -- 86 slider outside; 85 slider down and away; 94 fastball called strike; 94 fastball low; 93 fastball, two-run triple to right-center (middle third at thighs).

Skinny: Pillar got revenge for just missing the fastball in the first inning. Carrasco's bad location made it too easy for Pillar in a hitter's count.

(Tribe pitching coach Mickey Callaway visits Carrasco. Callaway points finger in Carrasco's chest.)

(L) Michael Saunders -- 95 swinging strike; 94 fastball outside; 84 slider foul; 85 slider called strikeout (top of zone)

(31 pitches)

Fourth inning

(L) Dalton Pompey -- 92 fastball called strike; 91 fastball down and in; 86 changeup foul; 82 curve, swinging strikeout (outside corner).

(L) (Ryan Goins -- 80 curve called strike; 94 fastball away; 86 off-speed, liner to second (outer third).

(R) Jonathan Diaz -- 94 fastball, fly to right (over middle at thighs).

Skinny: Carrasco made a mistake but got away with it because the batter was Diaz and not Bautista or Encarnacion.

(eight pitches)

Fifth inning

(R) Josh Donaldson -- breaking pitch inside; 93 fastball inside; 95 fastball foul (inside); 94 fastball low and away (barely); 94 fastball, walk (away).

(R) Jose Bautista -- 93 fastball called strike; 79 curve high; 93 fastball, pop to center (inside).

Skinny: The second fastball ran in on Bautista just enough.

(R) Edwin Encarnacion -- 80 curve called strike; 87 slider swinging strike; 94 fastball, GIDP 5-4-3 (off inside corner).

Skinny: Sinker in decent spot. Terrific pick on second hop by Chisenhall, who was moving to his left. Chisenhall slid, spun and threw on-target to second baseman Jason Kipnis. Relay to first baseman Carlos Santana beat Encarnacion by the length of a cleat.

(11 pitches)

Sixth inning

(R) Russell Martin -- 94 fastball inside; 94 fastball foul; 94 fastball inside; 86 slider called strike (outside corner); 82 curve high; 95 fastball foul (up); 95 fastball foul (inside); 95 fastball, fly to right (caught at track).

(R) Kevin Pillar -- 81 curve called strike; 92 fastball down and away; 82 curve swinging strike; 83 curve, single to center (hanger).

(L) Michael Saunders -- 94 fastball foul; 85 changeup low (Pillar steal); 86 changeup down and in; 93 fastball high and away; 93 fastball, grounder to second (Pillar to third).

(L) Dalton Pompey -- 94 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball swinging strike; 95 fastball foul (away); 96 fastball away (100th pitch); 96 fastball, grounder to pitcher.

(22 pitches)

Z-Mac locked in: After Tribe righty reliever Scott Atchison worked the seventh, righty Zach McAllister struck out two in a perfect eighth. McAllister threw 11 of 15 pitches for strikes.

McAllister started Cleveland's home opener, April 10 against Detroit, and ran into trouble (4 IP, 13 H, 5 R). He was moved to the bullpen and, as happened in late September last year, the results have been favorable.

In seven appearances since the move, McAllister has given up a total of three runs on 12 hits in 12 2/3 innings. He has walked four and struck out 12; he has at least one strikeout in each appearance.

In his past three appearances, McAllister has allowed one hit in 4 1/3 innings and fanned six.

Lack of consistent secondary pitches has been a stumbling block for McAllister as a starter in his career. But in one or two innings of relief, the problem is mitigated to a large degree. McAllister can lean on his heater and mix in something off-speed just to keep batters honest, and he doesn't need to pace himself.

McAllister's fastball as a reliever is mid-to-high-90s, as usual, but its late life in the zone has been more evident.

See what cleveland.com readers are saying about the Cleveland Browns drafting Miami (Fla.) RB Duke Johnson

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See what cleveland.com readers are saying about the selection of Miami (Fla.) RB Duke Johnson.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns continued Day 2 of the NFL Draft by selecting offensive lineman Duke Johnson with the 77th pick on Friday night.

It didn't take long for cleveland.com readers to express their opinion on the decision. Check out a sampling of comments below, grade the selection of Orchard and join in the conversation by going into the comments section below.

Reader PRINCE NAMOR said:

"Browns are going back to old school football,run the football,stop the run,thumbing their noses at the pass happy league it has become.Like it or not,this is the hand we're dealt."

Reader Bicyclebuckeye said:

"Passing attack, third down and red zone just improved. This guy is reportedly not only very difficult to cover, but possesses solid hands. We were something like dead last in the NFL in pass attempts to backs. About time we added that to our arsenal."

Reader PapaDunders said:

"Unbelievable, the Browns let all the good Tight Ends and Wide Receivers slip by. Doesn't matter who the Qb is this year cuz he will have no one to throw to. Once again, we are the joke of the league. I think I have had it. TOO bad Goodel didn't suspend Farmer before the draft. I am waiting for Children Services to show up at my house and charge me with Child Abuse for raising my son as a Browns fan."

Reader marc113 said: 

"weird, another young runner....West and Crowell were certainly sent a message here

we seem to be correcting past mistakes"

Reader AWorldOfPain said:

"Duke Johnson has a lot of potential. He was the best offensive player on that team"

Reader Who Needs Receivers said:

"We will not be scaring any defenses with this lineup.  What is Farmer thinking.  Where is any logic.  Bradford is thinking OMG and I almost got traded to that team???"

Cleveland Browns continue sensible approach to draft with Duke Johnson, Nate Orchard -- Terry Pluto (photos)

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The Browns are drafting players who have a strong track record of production in college.

BEREA, Ohio -- I know, the Browns still haven't picked a wide receiver.

But let's put that on hold for a moment. Let's consider what they are doing in this draft -- because it makes a lot of sense.

As Coach Mike Pettine said Friday night, "I'm a firm believer, as Ray (Farmer) has already expressed, that you build your team through your lines."

The Browns entered this draft with four top priorities:

  1. The defensive line.
  2. The offensive line.
  3. The pass rush.
  4. Making sure they run the ball well.

Think back to the 2014 draft. The best pick for the Browns was ... Joel Bitonio, a second-rounder from Nevada. He was a left tackle in college, and the Browns moved him to left guard. He is on his way to a career with some future Pro Bowl appearances.

LOOKING BACK

Defensive lineman Danny Shelton, offensive lineman Cameron Erving, Xavier Cooper and outside linebacker Nate Orchard all seem to be in that mold that the Browns must adopt to end some of the nonsense that has plagued the franchise.

Let's be real. Josh Gordon is suspended for the entire season as he's flunked multiple drug tests. Johnny Manziel spent 10 weeks in a rehabilitation center to deal with his personal problems. Justin Gilbert was told not to dress for the final game of the season because of his lack of professionalism.

That's two first rounders from 2014 (Gilbert and Manziel) and the Pro Bowl receiver (Gordon).

This draft is so different.

As General Manager Ray Farmer told 92.3 The Fan on the Cleveland Browns Radio Network Thursday:

"I want to be great up front. I want to be able to dictate the pace of play. That's who we want to be. I want to be able to run the football when we want to run the football and I want to be able to pass the football when we want to pass the football.

"And that starts with your offensive line. Conversely, we want to be able to dictate the pace of play to the other team and it starts with our defensive line and our ability to affect both the run game and the pass game."

HERE COMES DUKE

They added Duke Johnson in the third round, a star-running back from Miami. He is the Hurricane's all-time leading rusher. He had a stunning final season, rushing for 1,652 yards (6.8 average) and also caught 38 passes.

You can see the Browns adding him to the list of running backs with Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West. The difference is that Johnson is quicker and a better receiver.

Johnson also was a kicker returner earlier in his career, averaging 31.8 yards with two touchdowns in 2012 and 2013.

Now, you still have to score. And the Browns still need to build up the passing game.

But when they were receiving solid quarterback play from Brian Hoyer and strong blocking (especially with a healthy Alex Mack), the team was off to a 6-3 start. They peaked on November 6, 2014, with a 24-3 victory at Cincinnati.

After that, they lost 6-of-7 to finish the season at 7-9.

Erving began his career at Florida State as a defensive lineman. Then he moved to offense, left tackle. In the middle of his senior season, he took over at center.

The Browns wanted a guy who could play virtually any spot on the offensive line.

"I've always been the type of person to do what is best for the team," said Erving, and his actions at Florida State proved it.

Shelton made himself into a great college player at Washington. Orchard took four years to mold himself into a sack machine at Utah. Johnson was an overachiever at Miami.

The team's first five picks had outstanding college careers, as they were as much about production as potential -- and that's a good sign for the Browns.

As for the receiver, the Browns have five more picks in the last four rounds. Why not use one on a receiver?

See reaction from Cleveland Browns' selection of Washington State defensive lineman Xavier Cooper: NFL Draft 2015

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See reaction from the Cleveland Browns pick of Washington State DT Xavier Cooper.

2015 NFL Draft capsule: Ohio State TE Jeff Heuerman taken by Denver in third round at pick No. 92

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Heuerman was the fourth tight end off the board and could be targeted by Peyton Manning right away as a rookie.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Breaking down Jeff Heuerman's NFL Draft selection by the Denver Broncos in the third round of Friday's NFL Draft.

Jeff Heuerman, tight end

Where he went: Heuerman was taken by the Denver Broncos with the 28th pick in the third round at pick No. 92. He was the second Ohio State player drafted, behind Devin Smith, and the fourth tight end drafted. He's the highest drafted Ohio State tight end since Ben Hartsock went at the fifth pick of the third round in 2004.

How it went down: Heuerman was ranked among the top five tight ends in the draft by several analysts and viewed as a likely third- or fourth-round pick. The Cincinnati Bengals took Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft at pick No. 85 where Heuerman might have been a fit, but just seven picks later Heuerman found a home catching passes from Peyton Manning.

* What will Jeff Heuerman be like as a pro?

How he fits: The Broncos lost tight end Julius Thomas to free agency after Manning helped turn Thomas into a star. In the last two seasons, Thomas caught 109 passes for 1,282 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Thomas is 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. Heuerman is basically the same size. If Heuerman really slides right into that role, he could be in for big things. Clearly, it's a position where Denver has a need and a position that Denver uses in its offense.

What he'll do as a rookie: Heuerman has an NFL body. He was hampered by injuries as a senior at Ohio State, but if he's healthy he could slide right into an important role. He may want to call former Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who played with Manning in Indianapolis, to find out about the high standards Manning sets for his pass catchers.

Heuerman was a great blocker in college, but he may get more chances to catch the ball in Denver than he ever did as a Buckeye.


Cleveland Browns get a playmaker on defense in the form of Nate Orchard

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BEREA, Ohio – Ray Farmer spoke extensively with edge rusher Nate Orchard at the Senior Bowl. The team flew defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and outside linebacker coach Brian Fleury to Salt Lake City recently to meet the All-American from the University of Utah. The Browns obviously did their homework on the kid. Not even the fact he had been...

BEREA, Ohio - Ray Farmer spoke extensively with edge rusher Nate Orchard at the Senior Bowl.

The team flew defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil and outside linebacker coach Brian Fleury to Salt Lake City recently to meet the All-American from the University of Utah. The Browns obviously did their homework on the kid.

Not even the fact he had been a wide receiver was enough to scare off the Browns.

While some fans remain exasperated by Farmer's unwillingness to draft a wideout, the club added a playmaker -- albeit one on defense. The senior finished second in the nation a season ago with 18.5 sacks and fifth with 21 tackles for a loss.  

In choosing Orchard with the No. 51 overall pick, the Browns addressed another glaring need and collected another high character player following the first-round selections defensive tackle Danny Shelton and offensive lineman Cameron Erving.

They're hoping the 6-foot-4, 255 pounder can upgrade a pass rush that produced just 31 sacks a year ago. Orchard and Shelton combined for 27.5 last season in the PAC-12.

He figures to challenge Barkevious Mingo for playing time opposite Paul Kruger, a fellow Ute who's been mentoring Orchard for the past year. 

"We haven't talked too much about being in Cleveland and things like that," Orchard said in a conference call. "We talk more about the NFL life and how it's so different from college, such a more business aspect to it. He was here in (Utah during) the summer, last summer working out with the team, conditioning and things like that so I had a chance to hang out with him and talk. I'm looking forward to being his teammate."

The Browns liked Orchard enough to choose him ahead of Nebraska's Randy Gregory and Virginia's Eli Harold. Time will tell if that was the right decision.

A year after dealing with off-field headaches involving Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert and Josh Gordon, perhaps the Browns were never going to gamble on the likes of Gregory, who sacked lots of quarterbacks and failed multiple drug tests.

Orchard has no such red flags despite enduring personal and financial hardship. Converting from prep receiver to college edge rusher was a minor change in his compelling life story.

As a youth, he moved from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City to live with his brother because his mother could no longer care for him. Things weren't much better under his brother's roof. Fortunately, the youngster was taken in by a local family, Dave and Katherine Orchard. Born Napa'a Lilo Fakahafua to his Tongan parents, he adopted his guardians' family name.

Life has forced Orchard to mature quickly. He's married and has a daughter. He believes his new-found stability has been integral in his improved play. His sack total spiked from 3.5 as a junior to 18.5 last season.

Orchard thinks his time as a wide receiver has helped him as an outside linebacker, particularly in dropping back in coverage. But he's no longer the skinny kid who aspires to be the next Steve Smith.

He played 50 games as a defensive end and linebacker for the Utes and left the school with 38.5 career tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles.

"We always say the best indication of future success is past success," coach Mike Pettine said.

Orchard is a playmaker. Browns fans just wish they would draft a few more on offense.

Get to know Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns' third-round pick in 2015 NFL Draft

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See pictures, videos and more on the Cleveland Browns' newest running back.

What Cleveland Indians said after Friday's 9-4 win against Toronto

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Check out what Terry Francona, Jason Kipnis, Lonnie Chisenhall, Brett Hayes and Carlos Carrasco had to say after Friday's 9-4 win against Toronto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here's what the Indians had to say following Friday's 9-4 win against Toronto.

Terry Francona

On the Indians' success against lefty Mark Buehrle.

"I thought our approach was, from top to bottom, was really good. There were some good things that happened a lot. The biggest thing of all was when we got that run taken off the board (in the fourth inning), that hurts. Then Brantley steps up and hits a home run. That was huge."

On the offensive approach.

"I thought we did a good job of sustaining our offensive attack. Because the way (Buehrle) pitches, you're always one pitch from rolling over into a double play because he adds and subtracts so well. But we really stayed after him pretty good."

Jason Kipnis

On scoring eight runs against Buehrle.

"We can beat a lefty. It has been done before. It will be done again. Guys have been taking good swings and having good at-bats. We even out-hit them in the first game. We just couldn't come up with the big hit with runners in scoring position.

"Today it was contagious and guys were feeling good and there was a loose environment in the dugout. I can't tell you how much a different calendar month does for a baseball player's psyche. When you say it turns a page, it really does."

On how much it helps to see teammates getting big hits.

"It's contagious. It's a lot looser when we score runs early. Guys can settle down. There's not as much pressure."

On if scoring more makes the team looser.

"You're not as uptight. Whether we'll admit to it or not, you're not thinking about your at-bats while you're on defense. Guys are in the moment, in the game. Everyone is more locked in and at ease with what's going on and you're able to play better that way. "

Lonnie Chisenhall

On the offense.

"We've put up good at-bats and we've hit the ball hard. But stuff hasn't been falling. Tonight, Hayes had the big homer to put us up with a pretty good lead. When you hit that, you get some breathing room and the bullpen came in and did its thing."

Brett Hayes

On what changed with Carrasco after the third inning.

"The first few innings, I think we got a little too heavy on the fastball/slider. What did they score three in the fourth or the third? Third? He started throwing some more curveballs, more fastballs in and you saw the results. He did a lot better. So I just think we got a little too dependent in the first few."

Carlos Carrasco

On what changed after the third inning.

"When Mickey (Callaway) talked to me in the dugout, he told me, 'Get out. Get aggressive because right now, those guys are being aggressive with you. So get aggressive.'"

NFL Draft 2015 Day 2: Jamie Turner's real-time diary

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You won't miss an important moment as the Browns look for more talent in the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns added the beef on Thursday. What kind of talent was added to the roster tonight?

There was a pass rusher, in Utah's Nate Orchard -- not a surprise at all, although a trade down seven spots gave the Browns additional picks. There was -- surprise! -- a running back in Miami's Duke Johnson, the Canes' all-time rushing leader. And there was more beef, as the Browns traded back into the third round to grab Oklahoma defensive tackle Xavier Cooper to further address a woeful run defense in 2014.

We'll be back Saturday at 11:30 a.m. to see what the Browns do with five remaining selections -- and whether Ray Farmer bows to those who demand another wide receiver.






Quick links and highlights

* Second-round pick Nate Orchard grew up quick

* Browns maintain a smart draft approach: Pluto

* Get to know third-round pick Duke Johnson

* Fans react to the drafting of Nate Orchard

* Fans react to the choice of Miami RB Duke Johnson

* Fans offer thoughts on drafting of DT Xavier Cooper

* More Browns coverage on the draft's opening night



11:37 p.m.: Your final tally for the Browns' draft selections in Day 3:


Two in Round 4, the 16th and 17th.

None in Round 5


Two in Round 6, the 13th and 19th


One in Round 7, the second.

11:35 p.m.: From Terry Pluto on the Browns' Day 2 philosophy:

"The Browns entered this draft with four top priorities: The defensive line. The offensive line. The pass rush. Making sure they run the ball well.

"Think back to the 2014 draft. The best pick for the Browns was ... Joel Bitonio, a second-rounder from Nevada. He was a left tackle in college, and the Browns moved him to left guard. He is on his way to a career with some future Pro Bowl appearances.

"Defensive lineman Danny Shelton, offensive lineman Cameron Erving, Xavier Cooper and outside linebacker Nate Orchard all seem to be in that mold that the Browns must adopt to end some of the nonsense that has plagued the franchise."

11:27 p.m.: Mike Pettine sounds a little like Chip Kelly tonight when asked if this is a "ground and pound" offense in 2015. "No, I see us being able in the pass game to ... get guys in space."

Says he's in the "whatever it takes" business in trying to win games.


11:25 p.m.: Mike Mayock likes him some Browns draftees. "Not flashy, but solid. Meat and potatoes."

11:23 p.m.: From NationalFootballPost.com's Greg Gabriel on Xavier Cooper:

"I see him as a big, athletic inside pass rusher. He can penetrate and disrupt in the run game. He has good closing quickness off blocks. While he plays with a high motor, he is not a consistent finisher. That is a trait that he should be able to improve on. His best fit is as a 3-technique in a 4-man front but he may also be able to play nose or the 5 in a 3-man front. With his top athleticism, he should be a solid day two selection."


11:18 p.m.: The final three picks, all compensatory...


Patriots: Oklahoma DE Geneo Grissom


Chiefs: Oregon State CB Steven Nelson


Bengals: TCU LB Paul Dawson



11:10 p.m.: Cleveland Browns with No. 90 pick take Washington State DT Xavier Cooper


Browns give up a fourth, fifth and sixth round picks.




From NFL.com on Xavier Cooper: "Cooper must play in a penetrating defensive front in order to minimize his lack of length and maximize his above-average athleticism. He lacks the power to muscle up and hold his ground, but his ability to win with his hands and be a disruptive pass rusher could offer him immediate value as a rotational defensive tackle with a shot to become a starter."


11:09 p.m.: More picks...

Cowboys: Florida OT Chaz Green

Broncos: Ohio State TE Jeff Heuerman

Colts: Stanford DE Henry Anderson

Packers: Stanford WR Ty Montgomery

Redskins: Florida RB Matt Jones

And the Browns have traded back into the third round!

10:56 p.m.: Steelers choose Auburn WR Sammie Coates at No. 87, which will intrigue/irritate some Browns fans.

Other selections:

Eagles: Texas LB Jordan Hicks

Bengals: Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft

Cardinals: Northern Iowa RB David Johnson

Vikings: LSU DE Danielle Hunter

Rams: Oregon State QB Sean Mannion

Ravens: Iowa DE/DT Carl Davis

Sometimes, there's analysis that just becomes humorous, regardless of the intent.

No idea with what Coates previously caught balls with.


10:50 p.m.: Browns preparing for Farmer/Pettine press conference, so the team's night is done.


10:46 p.m.: Duke Johnson tells Browns radio that he prepared to be the last pick of the third round, "so this is a good step for me." He emphasizes his ability to help on special teams as a returner and working as a slot receiver to create mismatches.


He laughs when asked whether he has a coat for the Cleveland winters. Says he'll be shopping on Saturday.


10:43 p.m.: Catching up with the third round.


Saints: Florida State CB P.J. Williams


49ers: Virginia LB Eli Harold


Lions: Stanford CB Alex Carter


Bills: Louisville G John Miller


Jets: Louisville LB Lorenzo Mauldin


Chargers: Texas State CB Craig Mager


With only 12 picks left that could be traded (there are three compensatory picks that can't be dealt), there's little time left if the Browns are interested in dealing back into the round with any of their fourth-round picks as ammunition.

10:34 p.m.: Here's a fascinating stat about the Saints and rookie QB Garrett Grayson...

10:31 p.m.: From SI.com on Duke Johnson:

"Ideally-sized speed back with outstanding acceleration as his primary attribute. Good receiver with multi-route awareness; can make plays everywhere from out of the backfield to the slot to out wide. Dynamic return man when given the opportunity, averaging 33 yards per kick return and scoring two touchdowns in 2012. Not likely to be an every-down back, but a creative coaching staff could bring out his best."


10:23 p.m.: From NFL.com on Duke Johnson:


"One of the most explosive runners in college football during his time at Miami, Johnson doesn't need much of a crease to make defenses pay. His explosive quickness and elusiveness should help him adapt quickly to NFL speed. His feel and courage as a one-cut runner should earn him instant playing time. Johnson's lack of pass-protection skills and concerns about his durability could force him into a committee situation. He's perfectly suited for a role as a zone-scheme back."


LaDainian Tomlinson compares Johnson to the Bengals' Giovanni Bernard.



10:20 p.m.: With No. 77 selection, Cleveland Browns take Miami RB Duke Johnson





10:17 p.m.: New Orleans at 75 take Colorado State QB Garrett Grayson and Kansas City (trading up) grabs Georgia WR Chris Conley at 76. And the Browns are on the clock.


10:10 p.m.: Closing in on the Browns' pick, the Rams take Louisville OT Jamon Brown, Atlanta grabs Indiana RB Tevin Coleman and the Giants take UCLA DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa.



Two picks to go.

9:58 p.m.: Two receivers, Kansas State's Tyler Lockett and Arizona State's Jaelen Strong, go to Seattle and Houston, respectively. The Bears, at 71 and seven picks ahead of the Browns, take Oregon C Hroniss Grasu. It was a pick announced by leukemia patient Samantha Jones.

9:54 p.m.: Elton Alexander on how Quinten Rollins earned a selection today by the Green Bay Packers.

"In his lone season of football, the 5-11, 195-pound Rollins was named the MAC's Defensive Player of the Year as he finished the season with 72 tackles and a MAC-best seven interceptions, which was also third best in the nation.

"Rollins, a Wilmington, Ohio native, was invited to the Senior Bowl where he proved his MAC performance was no fluke. He flashed his 4.46 speed when picking off a third quarter interception that nfldraftscout.com called the most impressive catch of the game."

9:48 p.m.: The third round starts this way...

Colts: Florida Atlantic CB D'Joun Smith

Titans: Utah G Jeremiah Poutasi

Jaguars: South Carolina G A.J. McCann

Raiders: Miami TE Clive Walford (another much-mentioned potential Brown)


9:42 p.m.: A few critiques of the Browns' new DE/OLB, Nate Orchard:


From Mike Mayock: "This is another one of my favorite players in this draft. He doesn't get enough respect. I think the 3-4 (base defense) teams like him more than the 4-3 teams. He's a better player than an athlete. If you ask the linemen in the Pac-12 who they thought was the toughest guy to block, it was Nate Orchard."


From NFL.com's scouting report: "Teams will either be wary of Orchard's single season of sack dominance or they will view it as an indicator of growth and potential stardom. Orchard will be below average against the run, but his draft grade and paycheck will be tied to his athleticism and pass-rush talent. If he can develop counter moves, he has big potential. If not, he might be nothing more than a middling, situational pass rusher."


From SI.com: "The Browns took Washington defensive tackle Danny Shelton with their first pick in the first round, and they return to the defensive line at No. 51. At 6'3" and 250 pounds, Orchard has a quick first step and can stop the run well, but he'll run hot and cold with his pass-rush ability. The Browns may ask him to play end replacing Jabaal Sheard, and that would seem to be a natural fit."


9:36 p.m.: No QBs in the second round, and no certainty that any will go in the third, despite what Terry Pluto would like.

9:31 p.m.: The final four picks of the second round are Hobart OT Ali Marpet to Tampa Bay (which traded up), Miami (Ohio) CB Quinten Rollins is the first MAC player off the board to Green Bay, Michigan DE Frank Clark from Glenville goes to Seattle and New England at No. 64 takes Stanford S Jordan Richards.

9:19 p.m.: Check out the reaction to the Browns' choice of Utah's Nate Orchard, which includes this observation: "I guess the #Browns strategy is that if you don't have a QB, why draft a WR - can't believe we passed on @JaelenStrong twice!!"

9:14 p.m.: Yes, after dealing with Dez Bryant, the Cowboys take Nebraska's pass-rushing Randy Gregory.

9:12 p.m.: The Rams take Wisconsin's enormous offensive tackle Rob Havenstein and the Cardinals step in to grab Missouri DE Markus Golden.

Next is the Broncos at 59, with Colorado State OT Ty Sambrailo.

Dallas is next ... will the Cowboys take a flier on Randy Gregory?

9:05 p.m.: Steelers at No. 56 take Mississippi CB Senquez Golson.

9:03 p.m.: Want to know the Nate Orchard backstory? Check out this lengthy piece by the Salt Lake Tribune.

"His (life) was fractured by distance and economics. His mother, Ana, lived in Oakland, Calif., where she worked and regularly sent money to him and his older brother, Max, with whom Nate lived. After moving to Salt Lake, Nate competed on a basketball team made up of elite young players. Among them was Sam Orchard, a skinny guard with whom Nate forged an easy friendship.

"Sam's life did not resemble Nate's. Sam came from a financially stable family that lived in a big house. In subsequent years, the Orchard home was cast as that of Troy Bolton, Zac Efron's character in the "High School Musical" films. But when Max moved in with his in-laws, there was no longer room for Nate. He begged a ride to that large storybook house, knocked, and asked Sam's father, Dave, if he could move in.

"The Orchards opened their home. Nate became part of their family."


8:57 p.m.: Another player that some Browns fans wanted is playing for a division rival.


8:56 p.m.: Nate Orchard says the Browns came to Salt Lake City to work him out in his conference call with Cleveland media. A former wide receiver, he credited that position with helping him cover receivers out of the backfield.

He's looking forward to doing "amazing things."


8:53 p.m.: After the Dolphins take the long-waiting DT Jordan Phillips of Oklahoma, the Bengals at 53 select Oregon OT Jake Fisher and the Detroit Lions at 54 grab Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah.

8:47 p.m.: Dustin Fox and Nathan Zegura on The Fan 92.3 are begging the Browns to trade back into the second round with the ammunition of the fourth-round picks.

8:44 p.m: Cleveland Browns select Utah DE/OLB Nate Orchard




According to NFL Network's Charles Davis, Orchard compares to the non-stop energy of former Purdue lineman Ryan Kerrigan of Washington.


8:40 p.m.: Lengthy ovation for former Bills QB Jim Kelly, recovering from cancer. He announces the Buffalo pick at No. 50, which is Florida State CB Ronald Darby.

And the Browns are on the clock (and reportedly have already made their choice).

8:37 p.m.: Kansas City at 49 didn't have a WR score a TD last year (yes, we're looking at you Dwayne Bowe), so they take Missouri OL Mitch Morse.

And the white smoke is escaping from Berea:

8:31 p.m.: According to NFL.com, there are three first-round talents still waiting to hear their name -- LSU's La'El Collins, Nebraska's Randy Gregory and Oklahoma NT Jordan Phillips. The first two guys are easily explained, but Phillips is losing ground to WRs and LBs.

The Chargers at 48 take Miami LB Denzel Perryman. And there's rumors that the Browns are "making moves"? (HT to Dustin Fox)

8:24 p.m.: The 49ers at 46 select Samford S Jaquisti Tartt, then the Eagles deal up to 47 with the Dolphins and grab Utah S/CB Eric Rowe.

And both Jaelen Strong and Maxx Williams get closer to the Browns at 51.

8:16 p.m.: Saints were considered a likely spot for a tight end, but take Washington OLB Hau'oli Kikaha, the nation's top sacker last fall.

At 45, the Vikings grab UCLA LB Eric Kendricks.


8:10 p.m.: How will Devin Smith do with the Jets? Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises offers his thoughts.


"Smith is the kind of receiver who can make plays as a rookie if he has a quarterback who can get him the ball. Will Jets quarterback Geno Smith be able to do that? Smith should also contribute immediately on special teams as a gunner. He used his speed to get downfield on punt coverage with the Buckeyes, as Urban Meyer called him the best gunner in college football."

8:03 p.m.: Falcons take LSU CB Jalen Collins. The Texans' pick with the Browns' old spot nets Mississippi State LB Bernardrick McKinney.


7:56 p.m.: Browns trading down... eight spots.


Browns deal picks 43 and 229 for Houston's 51, 115 and 195. So the Browns have three fourth-round picks tomorrow -- possible fodder for a move up later in the third?



7:54 p.m.: Just wondering how many fans will be irritated if Jaelen Strong is passed over at 43?


Plus, this pithy quote from DeVante Parker's family about the Browns (oops, had the wrong source originally).



7:50 p.m.: The Titans dropped back seven spots and take the oft-maligned WR Dorial Green-Beckham. The Panthers have traded up to 41 in the Rams' spot and grab Michigan's WR (he's not a TE even if he's big enough) Devin Funchess.(according to Twitter)



7:42 p.m.: The NFL pushed for Twitter not to announce picks early on Thursday, but that's not holding up as much tonight. The Redskins take Mississippi State DE Preston Smith, then the Bears follow with Florida State DT Eddie Goldman.


7:32 p.m.: Sorry, Buckeyes fans. The Jets take Ohio State WR Devin Smith.





7:25 p.m.: Listening to 92.3 The Fan with Ken Carman (a great draft host so far), Dustin Fox and Browns radio host Nathan Zegura, and it's fun to hear Zegura's unrelenting wish for a receiving "playmaker" even with Ray Farmer doing everything he can to douse that idea on Thursday night.


At least the Browns aren't overly sensitive to conflicting opinions inside the offices in Berea.


Meanwhile, the Raiders take Florida State DE Mario Edwards Jr.


Less than two minutes later, the Jaguars grab Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon -- which isn't the best news for Denard Robinson and the rest of an undistinguished crop of runners.


7:16 p.m.: Buccaneers get someone to help protect Jameis Winston, grabbing Penn State OT Donovan Smith.




7:11 p.m.: Tennessee deals the 33rd pick to the New York Giants, who take Alabama S Landon Collins.



For moving up seven spots, that's a pretty good haul for the Titans.


7:03 p.m.: OK, so who's thinking of moving up? Roger Goodell has opened the evening's activities.


6:59 p.m.: Has the luster worn off already in the Second City? It seems impossible that the home of Da Bears has gotten its fill of this Made-for-cable extravaganza, but there is this observation:

6:52 p.m.: Are you hoping the Browns get a chance to select Nebraska edge rusher Randy Gregory? According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer, much of the league considers the Cornhusker a risk just not worth taking.

"According to more than a dozen coaches, scouts, personnel chiefs and GMs, there is concern about Gregory's ability to handle the mental rigors of professional football. And just how far he drops in this week's draft will likely hinge on the individual psychological profiles (and the results of related testing) put together by each team, according to multiple veteran evaluators. He has been taken off several team's draft boards, according to multiple sources. ...

"The situation for the Cornhusker All-American is like this: The natural ability is there; whether he can realize his considerable potential is another matter entirely. Those considerations, however, do not make Gregory unique in the draft nor in the league as a whole."


6:42 p.m.: So what will the Browns do tonight? We have a few suggestions from the insightful media and mock draft experts (OK, that's only slightly 'mocked' on our part):


From NEOMG's Chris Fedor: UCLA DE/OLB Owamagbe Odighizuwa.


From NFL.com: Virginia OLB Eli Harold.


From WalterFootball.com: Harold (2nd round) and Stanford DE Henry Anderson (3rd round).


From Draftek.com: LSU DE/OLB Danielle Hunter (2nd) and Miami (Ohio) CB Quinton Rollins.


From SI.com: Ohio State WR Devin Smith.


Although Browns fans have generally been positive about Thursday's "safe" picks, I'm guessing a receiver would elicit squeals of stunned glee tonight.


6:30 p.m.: The first news of the night comes from a place other than the Browns. Given recent years, that's probably not a bad thing.


While Randy Gregory was promising retribution after his marijuana issues dropped him right out of the first round, the agent for LSU's offensive tackle La'El Collins said his client -- awaiting an interview with Baton Rouge, Louisiana police in the murder investigation of a former girlfriend -- won't play at all this fall and will re-enter the draft if he is not taken tonight.


According to ProFootballTalk.com, "Although the police are not saying Collins is a suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend, it's extremely unlikely that Collins will be drafted tonight because police haven't publicly exonerated him. So if Collins is serious about this, he's probably not going to play this year."

Meanwhile, a piece of news that might signal the end of a career for a still-cherished ex-Brown.

Cleveland Browns trade up for defensive lineman Xavier Cooper

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BEREA, Ohio – As Browns fans wait for an upgrade to their passing game in the NFL Draft, the retooling of the defensive front continues unabated. The club added their second defensive lineman in as many days on Friday trading up into the third round to select Xavier Cooper from Washington State. The Browns sent a fourth-(111), fifth-(147) and sixth-round...

BEREA, Ohio - As Browns fans wait for an upgrade to their passing game in the NFL Draft, the retooling of the defensive front continues unabated.

The club added their second defensive lineman in as many days on Friday trading up into the third round to select Xavier Cooper from Washington State.

The Browns sent a fourth-(111), fifth-(147) and sixth-round pick (202) to the Patriots in exchange for the right to draft Cooper with the last pick in the third round (96) and a seventh-round pick (219).

 The team heads into the draft's final day holding the following selections: Nos. 115, 116, 189, 195 and 219.

The Browns have prioritized the defensive front, which sustained numerous injuries a season ago and struggled against the run. They used the No. 12 overall pick on runner stopper Danny Shelton before grabbing Cooper.

The Washington State product played 36 career games, recording 121 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer spoke highly of the 6-foot-4, 299-pounder from Tacoma, Wash.

"I really felt like he was a difference maker," Farmer said. "The guy played with an unbelievable motor. He ran and hustled to the ball. He showed that first-step quick explosion to defeat a block and get up the field.

"I think the guy has a chance to be a really, really good NFL player."

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