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Cody Kessler ready if needed Saturday: Browns notebook

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Rookie quarterback is back to waiting his turn but he'll be ready to go if Hue Jackson calls his name on Saturday against San Diego.

BEREA, Ohio -- Should Browns head coach Hue Jackson decide to take a longer look at rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, whether it's during Saturday's game against San Diego or during the season finale in Pittsburgh, Kessler will be ready to go.

Until that happens, though, he knows every rep, no matter when it comes, is important.

"As a competitor, you want to get as many reps as you can in game situations," the third-round pick out of USC said on Wednesday, "but if you don't get that chance, then you've got to continue to compete in practice."

Jackson said that Kessler, who has suffered two concussions this season, has gotten more reps this week than normal, but he hasn't taken any away from Robert Griffin III, the starter on Saturday.

No matter what happens on Christmas Eve, Kessler's approach has been the same all season: stay ready.

"No matter where you are on the depth chart you have to prepare every game as a starter and stay ready," Kessler said. "You never know what happens."

Know your opponents: Take a quick glance at the standings and you'll see that we can now safely say who the Browns will play next season.

Along with their six divisional games, the Browns' divisional rotation pits them against the NFC North and AFC South divisions. Their remaining two games will be against the teams in the AFC East and AFC West that finish in the same spot as the Browns finish in the AFC North -- fourth place. That means the Browns will have rematches next season with the New York Jets and their upcoming opponent this Saturday, the San Diego Chargers, who both have clinched last place in their respective divisions.

Roster move: The Browns promoted defensive back Trey Caldwell from their practice squad. Defensive back Trae Elston, who was signed Dec. 7, was waived to make room.

Caldwell is a fifth-round pick of the Browns in the 2016 draft out of Louisiana-Monroe. He has been on the team's practice squad all season.

All 14 of the Browns draft picks have now spent time on the team's active roster, though not all 14 have been active for a game. Only Scooby Wright, signed off the practice squad by Arizona last week, is no longer with the team.

Injury updates: Cornerback Jamar Taylor did not practice with a groin injury. Jackson said it is the same groin that has been an issue for Taylor for a while now and thinks he will be okay.

Joe Thomas (knee) did not practice, which is nothing new for the 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle, and tight end Randall Telfer did not practice with ankle, knee and thumb injuries.

Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (finger), defensive lineman Stephen Paea (knee), linebacker Dominique Alexander (abdominal/groin) and long snapper Charley Hughlett (hamstring) were limited.

Running back Melvin Gordon (hip/knee), tackle King Dunlap (knee) and cornerback Craig Mager (shoulder) did not practice for the Chargers. Wide receiver Jeremy Butler (ankle) was limited.

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Tyronn Lue told Cavs' GM to 'take his time' in upgrading roster after losing J.R. Smith

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Cavs coach Tyronn Lue told general manager David Griffin to 'take his time' in upgrading Cleveland's roster after the loss of J.R. Smith to a fractured thumb.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavs are working through hand specialists to determine which doctor will surgically repair starting shooting guard J.R. Smith's fractured right thumb, suffered Tuesday night in Milwaukee.

A source said Smith might not have surgery before Christmas, and the team said a timetable won't be set for his eventual return until after the operation.

All of this goes to show that Cleveland could be without Smith for a while, and yet there isn't a (noticeable) sense of urgency to make a move to replace him.

"I told Griff to take his time," Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said before Wednesday's game against the Bucks, discussing the brief conversation he had with general manager David Griffin. "We are 20-6 and we're playing good. We're a good team. And we don't want to settle for just any point guard, we want to make sure that we have the right piece that we bring in here that could help us win a championship. That's our goal.

"I mean, with Griff at the helm I know he'll get something done. He always pulls out something magical, so let him to his thing and I just gotta to continue to coach the team with what I've got."

Smith was hurt late in the first half against the Bucks. Initial images were "inconclusive" Tuesday, but fears were confirmed Wednesday morning when the fracture was diagnosed.

Based on Lue's words, and team sources have backed this up to cleveland.com, the top priority when comes to finding outside help remains a backup point guard.

There's a void behind Kyrie Irving because Mo Williams chose at the outset of training camp to retire, and then, rather than file his retirement papers opted for knee surgery -- which cements him on the roster with a $2.1 million salary. Cleveland can't cut him without not only paying him, but his tax liability as well because the team is so far over the salary cap.

On Friday, the Cavs lost their No. 4 big man when Chris "Bird Man" Andersen tore his right ACL. His $1.6 million salary is also guaranteed. So that's two dead roster spots that Griffin needs to clear in trades if he wants to bring in new players.

Smith, in the first season of a four-year, $57 million deal, is struggling offensively -- averaging 8.6 points and shooting 33.7 percent from the field. But Smith is the team's best on-ball defender, according to Lue. That may come to light when the Cavs host the Golden State Warriors on Christmas and Smith isn't out there to guard Klay Thompson.

The Cavs' plan to improve their roster didn't change with Smith's injury, team sources said, but if Cleveland obviously suffers without him it could add some urgency into the equation.

The other issue is the playing time and workload of LeBron James and Irving. Entering Wednesday's game against the Bucks, James was averaging 37.3 minutes per game and Irving 34.7.

Beginning next month, Cleveland had planned to taper that down, especially with James. With Smith out, the Cavs would need another rotation player -- either currently on the team or not -- they can trust so James and Irving can play fewer minutes.

DeAndre Liggins starts for Smith Wednesday. The Cavs will also need more from Mike Dunleavy (4.3 ppg, 35.6 percent shooting) and maybe Jordan McCrae.

"We're going to miss J.R., his defense, his effort on defense, his tough shot making," Lue said. "But that's no excuse for us. Next man up, we've got to be ready to play and we've got to be ready to help J.R. out until he gets back and gets healthy."

Cody Kessler standing by, Joe Thomas returns to Pro Bowl: Berea report

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Dan Labbe and Scott Patsko talk about Wednesday's Browns news. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - The Browns continued their short week of preparation Wednesday for their Week 16 game against the Chargers, and what they hope will be their first win of the season.

Dan Labbe and I heard from Hue Jackson and some Browns players after practice, and discuss what we learned in the video at the top of this post. We talked about the possibility of Cody Kessler playing before the season ends, what it means that Joe Thomas is now a 10-time Pro Bowler, and which Browns player is the most improved this season. 

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Live updates and chat Game 27

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Get the latest updates and analysis from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Game 27 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, marking the return of Matthew Dellavedova.

Follow along in the comments section as Joe Vardon and Chris Fedor bring you observations and analysis throughout the game.

Make sure to follow Vardon and Fedor on Twitter.

Game 27: Cavs (20-6) vs. Bucks (13-13)

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: FoxSports Ohio; WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM (ESP)

Cavs probable starting lineup: LeBron James, Richard Jefferson, Tristan Thompson, DeAndre Liggins and Kyrie Irving.

Bucks probable starting lineup: Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Henson, Tony Snell and Dellavedova.

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here

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Cleveland Cavaliers honor Matthew Dellavedova, present him with championship ring (video)

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Before Delly could even get a glimpse, he was mobbed by former teammates and GM David Griffin nearly got trampled.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With AC/DC's "T.N.T" playing over the loudspeakers at Quicken Loans Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers honored Milwaukee Bucks point guard Matthew Dellavedova and presented him with his championship ring.

Just as they did during Timofey Mozgov's return to Cleveland last week, the Cavaliers put together a special video while General Manager David Griffin, not Tyronn Lue this time, was at center court, ready to give Dellavedova his newest piece of jewelry. 

Before Delly could even get a glimpse, he was mobbed by former teammates and Griffin nearly got trampled.

Even Kyrie Irving, who used to get into practice scuffles with Dellavedova early in his career, shared a warm embrace with the Aussie. J.R. Smith, with a cast on his fractured right thumb, ran out of the tunnel to greet his former teammate.

The Cavs official Twitter account captured the moment 

Dellavedova left the Cavaliers to join the Bucks in the off-season, signing a four-year, $39 million contract.

LeBron James, Kyrie Irving rejected chance to rest and committee steps up for J.R. Smith: Fedor's five observations

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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue's initial inclination was to rest both Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In their first game during this upcoming stretch without J.R. Smith, the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to prove they are still plenty good enough to keep the wins piling up.

They did just that, cruising to a 113-102 win against the upstart Milwaukee Bucks, a team that has proven to be a very difficult matchup for the champs. 

Here are five observations:

No rest - Head coach Tyronn Lue's initial inclination was to rest both Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. Playing the second of a back-to-back, with the duo logging 92 minutes in an overtime win the night before, it seemed like a wise move.

But Lue is going to trust his players. James and Irving wanted to play.

"Just to prove that we're at a different level," Irving said. "I'm pretty sure he wanted to sit us. But tonight it was just going against a great Bucks team. It's really just the competition at a high level. It was just another personal game of wanting to be out there and just competing."

No, the Cavs haven't forgotten that November slaughter.

As for James, his minutes have been an internal topic recently, as Lue continues to look for spots to rest him. That's why he sat James the final four-plus minutes of the second quarter Wednesday. But this early in the season, James and the Cavs believe his workload isn't over the top. Not yet anyway. 

"He knows his body better than anyone," Lue said. "Him and Mike Mancias, that's the plan that they want. He's been doing this for a long time, says he feels great and nights he doesn't feel great he won't play. He wants around 38 or 39 minutes per night and then he said end of January or early February we will tailor him down and scale him back so as of right now that's the plan."

Tristan Thompson sets the tone - Going into Wednesday's game, Lue's points of emphasis centered on getting back in transition and keeping the Bucks from bullying them in the paint for a third straight game.

Check and check.

"Defensively just making a conscious effort of getting back, a missed shot, a turnover," Lue said of the approach. "I thought LeBron the last couple games -- we showed them on film -- just set the tone. If you don't get the foul call, just sprint back into the play. When we do that, and we load to the basketball and keep those guys out of the paint, it makes it easy on us and I thought we did a great job of shrinking the floor."

For the first time this season, the Cavs outscored the Bucks in the paint, 48-44. In the two other games, Milwaukee had a decisive edge, 122-62.

"Tristan did a great job today of being aggressive, getting on the offensive glass," Channing Frye said. "Now it makes that big who is leaving him hesitate. 'Do I leave or do I go?' When that happens, when you get a team to hesitate on a game plan that's when you're really going to see success."

Committing extra bodies to keep the relentless Thompson off the glass helped slow the Bucks' transition game. Thompson also protected the rim, swatting away four shots, tying his season high.

Singled out by Lue before the game as a key component to the Cavs' success in this particular matchup, Thompson finished with a game-high 15 rebounds, including nine on the offensive end.

One night after telling sideline reporter Allie Clifton that the Bucks had no answers for containing him on the boards, Thompson backed up that talk. In 24 hours, Thompson pulled down 27 total rebounds, including 14 on the offensive end.

Irving's pivotal moment - With 5:06 remaining in the second quarter and the Cavs leading by 16 points, Lue tried to steal some minutes with James resting.

It backfired. The Bucks finished the period on a 19-8 run, closing to within five points against the non-LeBrons.

Late in the third quarter, Lue tried again, pulling James for the final minute-plus so he could be fresh for the start of the fourth quarter, a time when James leads the second unit.

This time, the Cavs didn't falter. Instead, they increased their lead from 11 to 15.

"They closed out the quarter the right way," James said of the stretch. "I know Kyrie took the responsibility in the third quarter to close the quarter the right away. He was spectacular man."

Irving was at the center of the late surge. Aggressive to the basket, his drive and kick to Shumpert forced the defense out of position, which led to a Jordan McRae triple. Then in isolation, with the clock winding down, Irving attacked the defense and buried a contested jumper while getting fouled. He capped the three-point play with a free throw.

"We just have to prove why we are who we are and those moments in the game and pockets of the game whether it's the beginning of the third or end of the third, you got to be able to make a push," Irving said. 

Stepping up - Prior to the game, Lue talked about replacing Smith with a committee approach. That's what he got.

DeAndre Liggins started for Smith, bringing his customary defense and helping hold Milwaukee to just 22 points in the first quarter. 

Iman Shumpert came off the bench, scoring 10 points. McRae added eight and Mike Dunleavy tallied five. Given the struggles of Cleveland's second unit, that counts as a very productive night.

"It's next man up," James said. "And guys have to fill in, guys have to fill in and play their role. Don't play J.R.'s role. J.R. is a special talent so you don't try to play his role, you just try to do more on your own and try to help the team win, so, hopefully we can get that."

Cavs honor Matthew Dellavedova

Rough return - The night started with Matthew Dellavedova receiving his championship ring and getting mobbed by former teammates at center court.

The players actually trampled General Manager David Griffin, causing the ring to fall out of the box. They found it quickly though and Dellavedova showed it off. 

That was about the the only highlight during an otherwise shaky return.

The one-time fan favorite scored just two points on 1-of-4 from the field, including 0-of-3 from beyond the arc in 25 minutes. The fans that wanted to see Delly didn't get much of an opportunity, as he was on the bench for much of the second half.

"It's always fun," Irving said of playing against him. "I know it's going to be a competitive game. It will be physical. He understands our offense, knows the plays we're running so it's always fun."

That above play didn't look too fun for Delly, however. Irving outscored him, 31-2, and out-assisted him, 13-3. 

Dante Booker, Demario McCall and the Northeast Ohio guys up next at Ohio State: Cleveland Tough

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Ohio State has five defensive starters and one offensive starter from the Cleveland area. Who's up next? Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's defense has a distinct Cleveland flavor this season, with five starters from Northeast Ohio.

We've been breaking it down all week, because it's been a while since the Buckeyes have had that many guys from the Cleveland area starting on one side of the ball. Those players think they bring a different kind of edge, a blue-collar element to Ohio State's talented defense, a toughness.

What if there were more than five on that side of the ball?

How about an all-Northeast Ohio linebacker corps?

That's on the table with Jerome Baker coming back, Chris Worley presumably coming back and Dante Booker a candidate to replace Raekwon McMillan at middle linebacker next year.

Cornerback Denzel Ward and defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones will be back next year. You could also conceivably add Tracy Sprinkle and Rashod Berry to the mix as possible starters on the defensive line next year, depending on who leaves early and who comes back.

Ohio State seems poised to lose Malik Hooker at safety? What if he's replaced by Glenville's Erick Smith?

"Erick Smith is capable of starting this year, it's just a competitive secondary and there's a lot of good guys out there competing to get the job," Hooker said.

That's eight potential starters from Cleveland next year, and we're just talking about the defense. Parris Campbell (already a big part of the receiver mix) and Demario McCall seem poised to have bigger roles on offense, and there are other young Northeast Ohio products waiting their turn.

Think Ohio State has a strong Cleveland presence now? It could be exponentially greater next year. So as part of our series examining that presence, we're looking at who's next.

Here are the Northeast Ohio products on Ohio State's roster who are still waiting for their time, and what we think their role can be moving forward:

Dante Booker, Jr., LB, St. Vincent-St. Mary: Booker was supposed to be a starting outside linebacker this year, but a knee injury in the season-opener has led to a redshirt season. With McMillan presumably on his way out as an NFL Draft early entrant, Booker is a candidate to slide to middle linebacker and play between Worley and Baker next year.

Tracy Sprinkle, Jr., DT, Elyria: Sprinkle was injured in that same game against Bowling Green, costing him what would have been his first season as a starter. The Buckeyes have talked like they expect him back for what would be a fifth year next year. Jones is starting in his spot now. They can battle heading into next year, but Sprinkle will be in the defensive tackle rotation at the least.

Erick Smith, Jr., SAF, Glenville: Smith appeared on track to be a starter by now, playing 14 games as a true freshman in 2014. An injury cost him most of his sophomore season. He's back contributing on special teams now with 16 tackles and a tackle for loss. He will be in the mix to replace Malik Hooker next year, assuming Hooker leaves for the NFL.

Rashod Berry, R-Fr., DE, Lorain: Berry has seem some time as a reserve defensive end and special teamer this year with seven tackles. It's possible Ohio State loses both Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard after this season. If that happens, Berry will be in the mix to win a starting job next year.

Alex Stump, R-Fr., WR, St. Edward: A big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Stump hasn't been able to work his way into the receiver rotation this season, and has dealt with some injuries. He has one catch for eight yards this season, and he'll try to make a push into the rotation next year.

Demario McCall, RB, Fr., North Ridgeville: McCall saw a lot of action in blowouts this year, and made the most of it. He's got 270 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His positional future is up in the air (running back or H-back), but he should have a greater role in the offense starting next year.

Jack Wohlabaugh, OL, Fr., Walsh Jesuit: Wohlabaugh is redshirting this season, but could be in the mix for a starting job with Pat Elflein leaving and Billy Price possibly going pro as well. Wohlabaugh looks to be a future center. That future could be 2017.

Luke Farrell, TE, Fr., Perry: One of three tight ends Ohio State took in the 2016 recruiting class, Farrell redshirted this season. It will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes sort out the tight ends, especially if Marcus Baugh comes back for his senior season. That will be a crowded position group.

Kierre Hawkins, TE, Fr., Maple Heights: He's kind of in the same boat as Farrell as one of those three 2016 tight ends. But Hawkins also showed that he's a diverse athlete while at Maple Heights. A position switch to make sure he gets on the field could be in the cards.

Ohio State's Northeast Ohio defenseDefensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones, linebackers Chris Worley and Jerome Baker, and cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Denzel Ward are the five Cleveland starters on Ohio State's defense.

Our Cleveland Tough series

How Ohio State built a D on Northeast Ohio talent

Jerome Baker took an uexpected role, became a star

Denzel Ward too good to be left out of CB rotation

Kyrie Irving wants to play, and sweep, the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs

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The Cavs took both games from the Milwaukee Bucks this week, but the Bucks have definitely caught their attention. So much so that Kyrie Irving now says it's personal every time the two teams play.

CLEVELAND -- After 13-plus seasons and 199-career postseason games, LeBron James knows not get carried away when the subject turns to potential playoff matchups. Especially in December.

So when James was asked after the Cavs knocked off the Milwaukee Bucks 113-102 on Wednesday about his feelings toward a potential playoff showdown with the Bucks, who James admits plays his team tough, he said: "how far down the line?"

"I don't know. The next several years they could be really really good," James said, after posting 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. "For me, I'm ready for whatever matchup. It doesn't matter if it's this year, or if it's several years, I'm going to be ready for it."

Kyrie Irving, who had just poured in 31 points and dished out a career-high 13 assists, was far, far more pointed.

"I hope. I hope, man. I hope," Irving said, when asked about the possibility of seeing the Bucks in the postseason. "They're a great young team. It would be great to go four games against them. I'm fired up to go against them every time now, for real. Ever since they kicked our (butt) in Milwaukee, it's been personal and it's going to continue to be personal."

Kyrie, LeBron scorch Bucks again

The two anecdotes are not meant to contrast James, the nearly 32-year-old sage and three-time champion, with the 24-year-old Irving who's got one ring but still welcomes the street fight (he did just predict a playoff sweep in this hypothetical with Milwaukee).

Playoffs or no playoffs, and right now, the Bucks are 13-14 and in ninth in the East -- Milwaukee definitely has the Cavs' attention. You can see it not only in their words, but their actions.

The Bucks' 118-101 smashing of Cleveland on Nov. 29 struck a nerve. It was just that Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points to go with 12 rebounds that game, or that Jabari Parker added 18 points, or that Michael Beasley chipped in 17 off the bench. Or that the Bucks bullied their way to 68 points in the paint and scored 22 off Cleveland's turnovers. Or even that coach Tyronn Lue pulled his entire starting five during the third quarter when the group failed to respond to halftime adjustments.

It was all of the above. The Cavs approached this two-game, consecutive-night series clearly wanting to make right all those wrongs.

It started with a strict adherence to the game plan. Both Lue and James stressed it to the media -- get back on defense, no matter what. Try to keep the ball out of the 6-11 Antetokounmpo's hands in transition. Don't be afraid to help onto another man on a drive to the hoop.

In Wednesday night's game, the Cavs actually outscored Milwaukee in the paint, 48-44. Antetokounmpo and Parker combined for 110 points in the two games this week, yes (they are the reasons James and Irving are saying the Bucks are so good), but the rest of the Bucks were mitigated in part by Cleveland's discipline with its defensive plan.

"Defensively just making a conscious effort of getting back, a missed shot, a turnover," Lue said. "I thought LeBron the last couple games we showed them on film just set the tone. If you don't get the foul call, just sprint back getting back into the play. When we do that, and we load to the basketball and keep those guys out of the paint, it makes it easy on us and I thought we did a great job of shrinking the floor."

There is also the "personal" component that goes beyond Irving simply declaring it so. On Tuesday, the Cavs gritted out a 114-108 victory in overtime, perhaps most impressive because Kevin Love was out and J.R. Smith broke his thumb in the first half. James played 47 minutes and scored 34; Irving scored 28 points in 45 minutes.

Lue tells Griff to take his time when upgrading roster

Given the Cavs' M.O. of resting starters after arduous workloads for the second game on consecutive nights, it was reasonable to expect that Lue might leave James or Irving or both on the bench for Wednesday. And that was in fact his plan heading to the arena, while knowing he'd also be without Love and Smith. That's four starters. And then both Irving and James talked him out of it.

"Just to prove that we're at a different level," Irving said. "At the end of the day it really comes down to that. We've been through the ringer. We know what to expect from one another. I'm pretty sure he wanted to sit us, understanding that myself playing (45) minutes, Bron playing (47)."

The Cavs scored the final six points of the third quarter to go up 15, the last three on a nifty drive to the hoop by Irving and free throw. Irving said they closed the quarter with such furor because "it's really physical out there.

"Especially against this young Bucks team, they're budding in the Eastern Conference," Irving said. "But at the end of the day, we just have to prove why we are who we are and those moments in the game and pockets of the game whether it's the beginning of the third or end of the third, you got to be able to either make a push."

Come what may for the Bucks, the Cavs are the defending NBA champs who are heading to the playoffs. Almost surely with a very high seed.

But they won't soon forget the Bucks.

And no one forgets the Cavs -- especially Irving and James.

"For the last 48 hours to see those two..." Milwaukee coach Jason Kidd began, "they put a lot of pressure on the defense tonight and we understand why they're the best team in the league. They're the champs and they showed that again tonight."

Cleveland Indians podcast: Santa Claus is coming to town, but what about Edwin Encarnacion or Mike Napoli?

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It's the holiday season, and impatient Indians fans are waiting for a gift or two.

We're on iTunes. Subscribe to the cleveland.com Sports podcasts channel here (or search cleveland.com Sports podcasts).

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's the holiday season, and impatient Indians fans are waiting for a gift or two.

There hasn't been much of a frenzy in the free-agent aisles, not that the Indians frequent those spots too often anyway. Could this winter be different, though? Could this be the year that the front office and ownership approve of a significant free-agent signing?

We've discussed the Edwin Encarnacion situation at length:

Encarnacion is the ideal fit for the Indians

What kind of deal would lure Encarnacion to Cleveland?

Now, with the clock ticking toward the new year and spring training, Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes are here to examine the Indians' status with Encarnacion, Mike Napoli and the other free-agent first basemen sitting idly by as snowflakes fall to the ground.

In the podcast below, the guys make the case for Encarnacion in a Tribe uniform, discuss whether it's realistic or just a pipe dream, wonder if bringing back the same team for 2017 would be a mistake or send the wrong message and explain why it's the perfect time for ownership to spend a little more money than usual.

Give it a listen and share your own thoughts in the comments section below. And to all of our readers, have a wonderful holiday, no matter if you're deserving of an Encarnacion-like gift, or merely a lump of coal.

Podcast: Will front office make a splash?

DMan's NFL Week 16 picks ATS: San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks among winners

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I expect the Seattle Seahawks to handle the Arizona Cardinals in Seattle as part of NFL Week 16.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers will be among NFL Week 16 winners against the spread.

At least that is how I see it -- for entertainment purposes only, of course.

I am picking NFL ATS for the second straight year. In 2015, I went 122-127-7 in the regular season and 4-6-1 in the postseason. I did manage to win the Super Bowl (Denver +5 1/2).

In this space, I decline to take the easy route when picking ATS. I pick all of the games, not a select few "hot ones'' each week. Leave that to a video. At the same time, I am realistic. I think batting .500 is an accomplishment, and I make no guarantees. (And don't yell at me too loudly when I have a bad week(s) because this is, after all, for entertainment purposes only.)

I have researched each team/matchup, but I plan on relying more on gut than anything else this season. 

For continuity's sake, each week I will use the MGM Mirage lines from vegasinsider.com as of Wednesday afternoon unless noted. Games are listed as I came upon them, not by order of certainty. I do not adjust picks even if injuries occur and/or lines change between Wednesday afternoon and Sunday.

  • Week 1: 9-6-1
  • Week 2: 8-8
  • Week 3: 7-9
  • Week 4: 8-7
  • Week 5: 7-6-1
  • Week 6: 5-10
  • Week 7: 10-5
  • Week 8: 6-6-1
  • Week 9: 6-6-1
  • Week 10: 5-9
  • Week 11: 11-1-2
  • Week 12: 9-6-1
  • Week 13: 9-6
  • Week 14: 9-7
  • Week 15: 6-9-1

Week 15 recap: Very disappointing, obviously.

I'm bitter about three outcomes, in particular.

* I had Los Angeles +15 1/2 over @ Seattle. I was 100 percent committed to taking the Seahawks, no matter the spread, primarily because I can't stand the Rams. A "friend'' talked me out of it, saying a spread of 15 1/2 simply was too large. Seahawks won, 24-3.

* I had @ Kansas City -5 1/2 over Tennessee. Chiefs led by 14 in first quarter and by 10 through three quarters. Titans won, 19-17.

* I had @ Cincinnati +3 1/2 over Pittsburgh. Bengals led by 11 at halftime and by five through three quarters. Steelers won, 24-20. 

Week 16 predictions: Winner (against spread, not always outright) listed first:

Thursday night

@ Philadelphia (+2 1/2) over N.Y. Giants

Skinny: Brain tells me sizzling Giants by 10. Gut tells me slumping Eagles not only cover but win outright. This is going to be one of those "Bad Eli'' games. Eagles, 20-19.

Saturday

@ Chicago (+3) over Washington

Skinny: I like the Bears and scrappy QB Matt Barkley right now. Redskins suffer hangover from stinker at home against Carolina on Monday night (L, 26-15). Bears, 23-22.

@ Buffalo (-4) over Miami

Skinny: Both teams are coming off decisive victories -- Bills over Browns, Dolphins at Jets. Dolphins are better than the Bills, yet Vegas views them as underdogs. That should tell you something. Bills, 25-20.

@ New Orleans (-3) over Tampa Bay

Skinny: This pick is not about suddenly being down on the Buccaneers, who lost at Dallas, 26-20, in Week 15. This is about being awed by Saints QB Drew Brees and his offense in a 48-41 victory at Arizona in Week 15. Saints, 27-23.

@ Carolina (+2 1/2) over Atlanta

Skinny: At first, I thought: Falcons QB Matt Ryan + RB Devonta Freeman = just enough to prevail in tough road game. Then I changed my mind because of Panthers QB Cam Newton and WR Ted Ginn Jr. Panthers, 22-21.

@ Green Bay (-6 1/2) over Minnesota

Skinny: Packers and their great quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, are locked in. Packers, 27-17.

@ New England (-16 1/2) over N.Y. Jets

Skinny: I do not care if I lose; I would not have taken the Jets against my boys unless the spread were 25+. Patriots, 34-10.

Tennessee (-5) over @ Jacksonville

Skinny: Do not let me down, Titans, after the stirring victory in Kansas City. Struggling Jaguars enjoy no homefield advantage. Titans, 23-12.

San Diego (-6) over @ Cleveland

Skinny: Chargers, admittedly sub-.500, are insulted that spread isn't larger. Chargers highly motivated to avoid being Browns' first victory. Chargers, 24-17.

Indianapolis (+3 1/2) over @ Oakland

Skinny: I am going to win by the hook, I am going to win by the hook....Raiders, 23-20.

San Francisco (+3 1/2) over @ Los Angeles

Skinny: Remember Week 1, when the 49ers defeated the Rams, 28-0, in San Francisco? Time for 49ers to win again. 49ers, 12-10.

@ Seattle (-8 1/2) over Arizona

Skinny: I get that Seahawks-Cardinals games are supposed to be close. Not this time. Seahawks, 29-17.

@ Houston (-1 1/2) over Cincinnati

Skinny: Only because Texans and QB Tom Savage are at home. Texans, 20-18.

Christmas

@ Pittsburgh (-5 1/2) over Baltimore

Skinny: I have a feeling I am laying too many points in this heated matchup, but I can live with it. Steelers, 28-22.

@ Kansas City (-3 1/2) over Denver

Skinny: Chiefs let me down in Week 15, but I have too many doubts about the Broncos' offense. Chiefs, 24-20.

Monday night

@ Dallas (-7) over Detroit

Skinny: Cowboys are on a mission, and Lions QB Matthew Stafford is banged up. Cowboys, 27-17.

Dre'Mont Jones became arguably the most important player on Ohio State's defensive line: Cleveland Tough

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When Ohio State lost Tracy Sprinkle to injury, Jones stepped in and took the starting role at defensive tackle. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There's still a defensive end inside of Dre'Mont Jones' No. 86 Ohio State football jersey.

He'll line up at defensive tackle on Dec. 31 when the Buckeyes play Clemson in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl. That's where he's been for all 12 games this season, 11 of those starts.

Jones has accepted that role, the latest converted defensive end that Ohio State believes can become a disruptive interior defensive linemen. That plan has worked before -- think Adolphus Washington -- but Jones isn't quite ready to give up that identity as an edge player.

"I can still play end. I didn't lose that ability. I think I can play both," Jones told cleveland.com this week. "It's a big adjustment, closer space and not as much room to work, but it's something I got used to."

The quick first step and pass rushing instincts Jones had when he was one of the best high school defensive ends in the country at St. Ignatius are starting to translate well to his new role.

But when Jones had to step into a starting role on the defensive line this year after an injury to Tracy Sprinkle, there was some unknown about a redshirt freshman who missed most of his first season in Columbus because a devastating knee injury suffered in high school.

"After Oklahoma I started to feel more comfortable," Jones said. "That was a big thing for me personally, going against Oklahoma and how talented they are, I played pretty well for my first big game. That opened the door for me to gain my confidence."

And opened the door for him to remain one of the five Cleveland starters on Ohio State's defense.

Like linebackers Jerome Baker and Chris Worley, and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, Jones grew up in Cleveland. But like cornerback Denzel Ward, Jones came up in a different part of Northeast Ohio from the rest of the group.

Jones didn't have a deep connection with those other Cleveland starters before coming to Ohio State, but there's one now, and they all play the same way.

Dre'Mont JonesOhio State defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones hits Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano earlier this season. 

"We play with a chip on our shoulder," Jones said. "I can vouch for all of the Cleveland guys and say they play the same way as me."

Playing with that edge helped Jones get through his first few games in a new, sometimes uncomfortable position.

"In the beginning, the first three of or four games, I was more in shock that this was my job and I have to take it. Originally it was Tracy's job," Jones said. "We have the mentality of next guy up has to step up to the plate. I was a redshirt freshman, and I was nervous. But as the season grew on I felt myself getting better and better, and started to become a smarter football player."

In that Jones became arguably the most important player on the Buckeyes' defensive line.

Defensive tackle has been the most-scrutinized position group at Ohio State since Urban Meyer's been here. He wants a steady stream of disruptive players in that spot, not just one or two. When Sprinkle went down, the Buckeyes lost a starter they felt was poised for a big season.

Jones stepped in, filled that role well, and is playing his best at the end of the season.

"I had to get out of that Ignatius comfort zone," Jones said, meaning he had take more ownership of his development and not rely solely on coaching.

"The coaches were hard on us, but it was more sheltered coaching. I had to be an adult, man up and take the role that's in front of me."

The Dre'Mont Jones Profile

Year, height, weight: Redshirt freshman, 6-foot-3, 280 pounds.

How he got here: Jones was a four-star prospect in the 2015 recruiting class when he chose Ohio State over offers from Michigan, Notre Dame and others. A knee injury suffered during his senior year of high school kept him out for most of his first year in Columbus.

What he's done: Started to rise quickly once he got healthy during last year's bowl practices. He was poised to be a part of the rotation at defensive tackle coming into this season, but then was thrust into a starting role after an injury to Tracy Sprinkle. Jones has started 11 of the Buckeyes' 12 games.

2016 stats: Jones leads all Ohio State defensive linemen with 47 tackles, while also notching three tackles for loss.

Ohio State's Northeast Ohio defenseDefensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones, linebackers Chris Worley and Jerome Baker, and cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Denzel Ward are the five Cleveland starters on Ohio State's defense.

Our Cleveland Tough series

How Ohio State built a D on Northeast Ohio talent

Jerome Baker took an uexpected role, became a star

Denzel Ward too good to be left out of CB rotation

Which Northeast Ohio Buckeyes are next up at OSU?

NFL 2016 Week 16: Playoffs implications on line, beginning tonight (photos)

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NFL 2016 Week 16 preview: Key games include New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night, Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders on Saturday, and Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The regular season is drawing to a close and several teams will either make their final push into the postseason or improve their position for the playoffs this weekend. The Christmas weekend schedule opens tonight with the New York Giants at the Philadelphia Eagles (8:25, NBC, NFL Network).

Several key games this weekend could determine the future for several teams. The "bickering" Denver Broncos, the defending Super Bowl champions, may not get a chance to defend their title if they fall to Kansas City on Christmas Day.

How about the Houston Texans, who couldn't wait until the end of the season before they switched quarterbacks. The Texans will start Tom Savage on Saturday against the Bengals. Savage will replace Brock Osweiler, who struggled in last week's game against Jacksonville.

Here's a look at some prime games to watch, along with the complete weekend schedule and TV. You can get live scores along with previews and updates from all the games all weekend on our NFL Scoreboard.

PRIME MATCHUPS

Thursday

New York Giants (10-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-9)

  • When: 8:25 p.m., NFL Network, NBC
  • Why watch: The Giants are the hottest team in the league and they remain in the hunt to win the division over the Dallas Cowboys but it will be tough with only two games left and the Cowboys have a two-game lead.

Saturday

Indianapolis Colts (7-7) at Oakland Raiders (11-3)  

  • When: 4:05 p.m., CBS
  • Why watch: Barely, but the Colts still remain in playoff contention. A loss to the Raiders would knock the Colts out. A victory by the Raiders would set up a potential division clincher at Denver next week.

Sunday

Baltimore Ravens (8-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5)  

  • When: 4:30 p.m., NFL Network
  • Why watch: A victory by the Steelers will earn them a third consecutive playoff berth. If they lose they'll need help for the second year in a row to make it. A Ravens victory Sunday and next week against the Bengals gives the Ravens the AFC North title.

NFL WEEK 16 SCHEDULE

Thursday

  • New York Giants (10-4) at Philadelphia (5-9), 8:25 p.m., NFL Network, NBC

Saturday

  • Miami (9-5) at Buffalo (7-7), 1 p.m., CBS
  • New York Jets (4-10) at New England (12-2), 1 p.m., CBS
  • Tennessee (8-6) at Jacksonville (2-12), 1 p.m., CBS
  • Minnesota (7-7) at Green Bay (8-6), 1 p.m., FOX
  • San Diego (5-9) at Cleveland (0-14), 1 p.m. CBS
  • Washington (7-6-1) at Chicago (3-11), 1 p.m., FOX
  • Atlanta (9-5) at Carolina (6-8), 1 p.m., FOX
  • Indianapolis (7-7) at Oakland (11-3), 4:05 p.m., CBS
  • Tampa Bay (8-6) at New Orleans (6-8), 4:25 p.m., FOX
  • Arizona (5-8-1) at Seattle (9-4-1), 4:25 p.m., FOX
  • San Francisco (1-13) at Los Angeles (4-10), 4:25 p.m., FOX
  • Cincinnati (5-8-1) at Houston (8-6), 8:25 p.m., NFL Network

Sunday

  • Baltimore (8-6) at Pittsburgh (9-5), 4:30 p.m., NFL Network
  • Denver (8-6) at Kansas City (10-4), 8:30 p.m., NBC

Monday

  • Detroit (9-5) at Dallas (12-2), 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Why is resting Kyrie Irving important for Cleveland Cavaliers? - Terry Pluto (video)

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The Cleveland Cavaliers are right to find some rest time for Kyrie Irving during the regular season. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's easy to forget that Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving had an injury history early in his career.

He had some shoulder issues and other problems.

Then he suffered a fractured kneecap in the 2015 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss the start of the next season.

Irving came back strong when he did return last season, but after playing all the way to the 2016 NBA Finals and winning the championship in seven games, he spent the summer playing with USA Basketball in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Irving is only 24, but this his sixth year in the NBA.

The Cavaliers are right to find spots to rest him during the regular season and keep him as fresh as possible when the playoffs roll around.

I talk about that in this video.

Kyrie Irving, LeBron James scorch Milwaukee again in Cavs' 113-102 win

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Kyrie Irving scored 31 points and dished out a career-high 13 assists in the Cavs' second win in as many nights over Milwaukee.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Say this for the Cavs, they handle bad news pretty well.

Hours after learning J.R. Smith would be out for a while with a fractured thumb, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James again scorched the Milwaukee Bucks in a 113-102 win for Cleveland.

The Cavs (21-6) beat the Bucks Tuesday in Milwaukee, largely behind James and Irving. Cleveland is 3-3 on the second night of back-to-back games.

This is (largely) the group that of course came back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals to win the franchise's first championship. That's the biggest and best example of the Cavs playing great through adversity.

There are other, smaller examples, the latest taking place on Wednesday night at The Q. The Cavs know they're going to be without Smith for a month, maybe more, after he fractured his right thumb Tuesday against the Bucks. And Kevin Love was out again with his bruised left knee.

This was the second night of a back-to-back in which James was coming off a 47-minute game and Irving played 45 minutes in Cleveland's 114-108 overtime win.

Irving dominated with 31 points and a career-high 13 assists in 34 minutes. He delivered an array of spin-move, up-and-under, highlight-reel layups like maybe no other player can, and shot 11-of-17. He scored 28 points Tuesday night.

With the first nine of his 11 points in the first quarter of this one, Irving became the ninth player in Cavs history to reach 7,000 points. Then he scored 14 in the third, pushing what was a five-point Cleveland lead at halftime to 92-77.

James finished with 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes. He was 4-of-7 from 3-point range and made nine treys (to go along with 63 points) in the two games against the Bucks.

James drained his third consecutive 3-pointer in a 1:11 stretch to put Cleveland ahead by 16 with 5:11 left in the second quarter (and give himself 18 points for the first half). Then Lue took him out for the rest of the half, and the Bucks made it 59-54 heading into halftime.

Like Irving and James, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabarai Parker were also dynamic on consecutive nights. Antetokounmpo scored 28 points (with 13-of-14 foul shots), while Parker scored 27 with four 3-pointers. The Bucks' problem: Their other starters combined for nine points.

This being the back end of the two-game set, with the Cavs ahead by 15, Milwaukee coach Jason Kidd essentially punted in the fourth quarter, leaving his two best players on the bench. Irving and James both played in the final frame.

Tristan Thompson scored five points but led everyone with 15 rebounds. Richard Jefferson, who again started for Love, added 10 points and four assists. Not bad for the 36-year-old on his second night of a back-to-back.

Then again, Jefferson was hit with two technicals with 3:19 left (maybe he was tired?) for arguing after tumbling to the court with Milwaukee's Thon Maker and earned an ejection. He heaved his jersey into the stands as he headed for the tunnel.

Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert both scored 10 points off the bench.

Matthew Dellavedova made his return to The Q for the first time since Game 6 of the Finals, and first time ever as a Buck. Dellavedova was Mozgoved as he was about to get his 2016 championship ring before the game from Cleveland general manager David Griffin, which means his former Cavs mates mobbed him near midcourt.

They did the same thing Saturday when Timofey Mozgov collected his ring before the Cavs played his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

The last Cav to get Delly was Smith, dressed in (nice) street clothes and sporting a cast. Griffin took a pretty good shot from his players, who were in a mad dash to get to Dellavedova, who finished with two points.

NEXT: The Cavs host the Brooklyn Nets Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland Browns Scribbles about the parade, a prediction and fan pain -- Terry Pluto (video)

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Cleveland Browns can win this weekend ... maybe. And through all the pain, stats show fans keep reading about the team. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Cleveland Browns notebook:

1. Each week my bosses ask me to pick the winner of the Browns game. For months, I have been insisting they'd win at least one game, not that it matters much either way.

2. One win is my story and I'm sticking to it. So this is the week, the Browns will  beat the San Diego Chargers ... I think. On my Browns video, I made my boss Mike Starkey pick a score. He picked, 3-0. Maybe he thought it was a Tribe game and Corey Kluber was pitching against the Padres. Anyway, the pick is Browns 3, Chargers 0.

3. But fans know the truth. At this point, there is not much difference between 0-16 and 1-15. It's been a long, hard, awful year for anyone who cares about the orange helmets.

4. I keep hearing that "No one cares about the Browns anymore." The empty seats at games should be alarming to the franchise, along with many of the fans wearing the colors of opposing teams. Yet, when I'm out signing my Cavaliers book, I receive more questions on the Browns than any other team in town.

5. Here comes the analytics. I checked my internet hits for the month of December: Eight of my top 10 most read stories were about the Browns. The Indians came in at No. 7 and No. 9. The Cavs occupied a lot of spots in 11-20 range.

6. I can't explain the still-intense interest in the Browns, at least in terms of what people are reading. But it's real. It's surviving the worst season in franchise history. And I haven't even started writing about the draft yet, which always increases readership.

7. I really don't want to hear another word about the 0-16 Browns parade. It's not funny any more. Not after all the losing since 1999. You can even say -- all the losing since 1989. Since 1999, the Browns have had only three winning seasons along with a move to Baltimore.

8. Please, forget the parade. This town actually won a title and had a real parade thanks to the Cavs. Now that was classy. This for the Browns is stupid.

9. I was trying to think of a season quite as dismal as 2016. Obviously, no season will match the record, unless the Browns win the last two games. That would make them 2-14, the same as the 1999 expansion season.

10. We actually saw something like this at the end of the 2008 season. Quarterbacks kept getting hurt -- Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Bruce Gradkowski and Ken Dorsey all started games. In the final six games of that season, the Browns scored only one touchdown. That's right, one TD in six games!!!

11. The 2008 team scored 31 points in those last six games. They were 4-12 that season, but ended the year by losing 9-of-11. It was really hard to watch.

12. It's hard to believe, but this team is probably in better shape than the 2008 version. That was when things were falling apart with Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Jamal Lewis, etc. Only Joe Thomas remains with the Browns from that team.

13. I feel for the fans, who long to look forward to a Browns game without a sense of hopelessness. Also, when a team is so offensively deprived, it's even more painful to watch. The Browns have not scored more than one touchdown in any of their last six games.

14. I'm not sure it was a good idea for Hue Jackson to talk about how he could easily go to Cody Kessler during Saturday's game. He can think that, but why make it public? Robert Griffin III already is dealing with confidence issues.

15. Here's what Jackson said: "I will not be hesitant in this game (to switch quarterbacks) because I would like to see a little bit of Cody before the end of the season. If things are not going as well as I like, I do have that card where I could put Cody in the game."

16. It won't take long for Browns fans to want Kessler to play, unless Griffin comes out very hot early in the game.

17. I have been very hard on Cameron Erving, often mentioning how Profootballfocus has rated him the worst center the NFL. But in the 33-13 loss to the Bills, Erving had a good game. PFF wrote: "Erving put forth his best game of his career with a grade of 80.9. He allowed just one hurry, was strong as a run blocker and didn't commit a single penalty. While one game doesn't change a season, his play in the second half of the season is markedly better than the first eight games."

18. I still have major doubts about Erving and would love to see the Browns do something about a center for 2017.

19. Curious to see how much Terrelle Pryor plays with that severely injured finger.

20. Ending on a positive note: If the 2017 NFL draft were held today, the Browns would have these picks in the first two rounds: 1, 7, 33 and 53. The NFL has a built-in mechanism of selling hope to bad teams -- the draft. And the Browns are in great position to find some players, assuming they look in the right places.


Malik Hooker's dazzling rise at Ohio State and the NFL's challenge of evaluating 1-year superstars

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Malik Hooker has had one full season as a starter, and he might be the best NFL safety prospect in the country.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Pretend it's a few years from now, and Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano is back in the NFL, preparing whichever team he's coaching for the NFL Draft.

There's a draft prospect out there. An absolute stud, it would appear. But he's only got one year of starting experience in college. Would he pull the trigger in the first round?

Can you learn everything you need to know about a player based on one season's worth of starting game film?

"It depends on how good he is," Schiano said. "If you make a determination that he's that level of player, then the reality is you get a guy with more tread, less wear on the tires. If you're not sure, you can't do it, speaking in general terms."

Schiano knew who he was being asked about.

Let's give that stud prospect a name. It's Ohio State safety Malik Hooker.

It sounds crazy to think there would be any questions about Hooker, who projects as a first-round draft pick if he comes out after this season. He's a unanimous All-American, an incredible athlete on the back end of the Buckeyes' defense who's made six acrobatic interceptions and scored three defensive touchdowns.

There is one question, though: How do you evaluate a redshirt sophomore who's made this kind of rise in only one year as a starter?

"It's definitely not common," CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler told cleveland.com. "Scouts love to avoid the one-year wonder, guys that really only have one year of tape."

Hooker's journey to this point is probably even more uncommon than most.

He didn't start taking football seriously until his junior year of high school. He redshirted his first season at Ohio State, and had a special teams role last year. Taking that inexperience, and throwing it in the NFL next year might be viewed as a gamble by an NFL team deciding whether Hooker is worth a first-round pick.

But it would also have to be incredibly intriguing. He's only been playing football a few years and he's already this good?

Really, it's been an incredible rise for Hooker.

"It's definitely a blessing," Hooker said. "Not too many guys had the opportunity to go out there to make the plays that I made, with the guys that I'm playing with. ... I always had a dream of going out there and making big plays, scoring touchdowns and just being that guy. But I never ever thought it would be something like this."

Why drafting Hooker is a no-brainer

Hooker is on the record as saying he plans on coming back to Ohio State next season, but that could just be a front to deflect questions about the draft.

On the surface it makes too much sense not to go get his money, and begin his professional career.

"When you talk about a safety, there are three main traits that scouts are looking for: Range, instincts, tackling skills," Brugler said. "All of the traits that he's put on tape really translate to the type of player teams are looking to take in the first round."

* Range? Check. Remember when Hooker ran about 30 yards to go get this interception against Bowling Green?

* Instincts? Check. Hooker was the first player, other than Tulsa's quarterback, to know where this pass was going:

* Tackling? Check. Hooker's tackling hasn't been perfect, but he's shown a knack for being able to come downhill in run support.

It's these kind of plays that led Schiano to openly compare Hooker to Ed Reed, a nine-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year who will be in the Hall of Fame soon.

"He's got great hand-eye (coordination), great athletics and sense of body control -- and he's very explosive," Schiano said of Hooker. "You put that all together, as he learns football, I think you decrease the reaction time. ... He can be as good as he wants to be. He can be the best there is if he works at it."

Why Hooker's decision may not be that simple

When Hooker said he was coming back, you probably had similar reaction to a lot of Ohio State fans: Sudden jubilation followed by the realization that it probably wasn't true.

But is it possible Hooker is actually leaning towards coming back? Maybe he knows how rare his kind of jump to the NFL would be.

Malik HookerWill Malik Hooker go from backup to first-round NFL Draft pick in one year?  

We're talking about drafting a redshirt sophomore, which on the surface isn't that crazy. Ohio State had two such players drafted in the first round last year, Eli Apple and Darron Lee, but both were two-year starters.

In the last five NFL Drafts, there have been eight redshirt sophomores selected in the first round. All but one of have them had two years of starting experience. The 2014 draft was particularly kind to this type of player, with Jameis Winston, Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, Johnny Manziel and Greg Robinson all getting drafted. They all had two years as a starter.

The outlier was LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who was selected No. 14 overall in 2012 with one full season as a starter and another as a backup on the Tigers' defensive line.

Brockers has put together a fine career. This isn't a cautionary tale, but rather an illustration of just how rare a thing Hooker is trying to accomplish.

"Ideally you'd like him to be a four-year starter and have all the tape you can see on him. But that's not always the case," Brugler said. "It's not ideal, but you're still drafting the traits. ... The golden rule of scouting is 'traits over production.' Malik Hooker certainly has a lot of the traits that you look for in a starting NFL safety."

So when Ohio State plays Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Eve, take a second to appreciate what Hooker has done. It may be your last chance to see him in a Buckeye uniform.

If Ed Reed was actually playing on Ohio State's defense this year, that's something that should be appreciated, whether or not Hooker comes back.

Hooker has taken time to enjoy it, because it was unexpected and it's become special.

"I just stay the person that I am, and knowing what it took to get here, " Hooker said. "It's a humbling thing because as fast as you get it, it can be taken away. You're never too good to not remember what got you to where you were."

Cleveland Browns hope to get off 'L' train against San Diego Chargers: Crowquill

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Cleveland Browns hope to get off 'L' train against San Diego Chargers on Christmas Eve day

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns (0-14) face the Chargers (5-9) Saturday at FirstEnergy Stadium. It will be Cleveland's next to last chance to avoid the first 0-16 season since the 2008 Detroit Lions.

While the Browns seem to be in an endless loop of futility, there have been occasional glimpses of a possible bright future for the team. Such as the running of Isaiah Crowell, the receiving of Terrelle Pryor Sr. and the defensive play of Emmanuel Ogbah.

Let's hope the Browns finally play their way out of the losers' circle by playing consistent, smart football for 60 minutes and beating the Chargers on Christmas Eve day.

Crowquill, by Plain Dealer artist Ted Crow, appears three times a week on cleveland.com.

What about Tyson Chandler as an option for Cavs' bench? Hey, Joe!

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Would Tyson Chandler be an option for the Cavs? cleveland.com Cavs writer Joe Vardon explains why not.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Happy holidays! Do you have a Cavs question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Joe? Submit it here or tweet him @joevardon.

Hey, Joe: Is it too far fetched to think the Cavs have a shot at getting Tyson Chandler over in Phoenix? He's 34 but is having one of the best seasons of his career. He would easily fill the big man void we have and would also help solidify our (shaky at times) pick and roll defense. I think it's a match made in heaven but does it work out financially? -- Louie, Jacksonville

Hey, Louie: Yes, it is too far fetched. Or close to it. As you mentioned, Chandler is 34. His salary this year is $12.4 million and he has two years on his contract after this one. The Cavs have no interest in using their limited trade assets on Chandler, who is indeed shooting a career-high 70.3 percent from the field this season while averaging 7.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. The 7-1 center would not start over Tristan Thompson or Kevin Love, nor would Cleveland play him over Channing Frye off the bench most nights. If the Suns choose to buy Chandler out of his contract later this season, then, yes, the Cavs would consider signing him to a league minimum as insurance for their frontcourt.

Hey, Joe: How did Mo Williams' late decision to retire -- the timing of which really hurt the Cavs ability to replace him -- benefit Mo himself? There certainly were many rumors beforehand that he was going to retire. And I forget: did he even attend training camp? -- Jim, Boston

Hey, Jim: The self-preservation of Mo Williams goes back to June, when he exercised the $2.1 million option on his contract for this coming season. After that, it didn't really matter when he decided to "retire," because, well, you don't forfeit the money unless you file paperwork with the league. For instance, neither Tim Duncan nor Kevin Garnett filed their retirement papers, even though they walked away from the game this year. They're still being paid. What Williams did to prevent a legal fight with the Cavs over his decision not to come to camp (see, that answers one of your questions) or play this season was having knee surgery while technically on the Cavs' roster. It further guaranteed he would be paid this season without ever stepping on the court.

Hey, Joe: James Jones is a great shooter. Why can't he get in games for a few minutes or get in on a regular rotation? It seems he only gets in during blowouts. -- Daquan, Jacksonville, N.C.

Hey, Daquan: Jones is 36. That's the primary answer to your question. Yes, Richard Jefferson is also 36 and plays regular minutes, but Jefferson is the better athlete. He can defend and run. In long stretches, Jones can be exposed in man-to-man settings. But, to your first point, he is an excellent shooter. I mean, if you think 14-of-19 from 3-point range is good. Jones is here primarily for his veteran leadership and calming influence in the locker room. But he's also always ready when called upon. Always. And occasionally he is called upon for a few important minutes because of an injury (to, say Kevin Love) or foul trouble.

Hey, Joe: Do you think that DeAndre Liggins has earned a spot in the rotation with his recent play as a defender and being able to hit open threes? Could you realistically see him playing and being a piece for the playoff run? -- Ryan, Newark 

Hey, Ryan: Yes. He is starting for J.R. Smith because the Cavs were bowled over by Liggins' tenacity on defense. Also, he is shooting 7-of-11 on 3-pointers, which I didn't even realize until you forced me to look it up. When Smith returns, assuming the Cavs haven't made a significant trade by then, Liggins would remain in the rotation. When the playoffs come, minutes could be harder to come by because Liggins struggles mightily as a ball handler. But that's a long way away. If he continues as a lockdown defender who makes 3s, coach Tyronn Lue may continue to play him.

Cleveland Indians recognized a golden opportunity with Edwin Encarnacion, and they pounced on it

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The Indians -- ever so opportunistic in a buyer's market -- recognized the circumstances in front of them and they pounced. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Turn your holiday gathering this weekend into one, final Party At Napoli's and pour one out for the guy who gave the Tribe a career year in 2016.

The Indians have proceeded to bigger, better, more expensive things. Mike Napoli will have to find work elsewhere. Edwin Encarnacion, one of the most established sluggers active in the sport, that imposing, I-dare-you-to-throw-me-your-best-pitch force, fit for the middle of any lineup, is bound for Cleveland.

These are still Paul Dolan's Indians, believe it or not. The rhetoric about the frugality of the organization's ownership perished just 50 days after the team fell short in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series.

Does Encarnacion's new contract -- worth at least $60 million -- mean the Indians have reinvented their organizational philosophy? Not necessarily. Does it erase past years of minimal spending and plenty of hoping and praying? Not necessarily.

But the Indians -- ever so opportunistic in a buyer's market -- recognized the circumstances (wink) in front of them and they pounced.

Indians sign Encarnacion to 3-year deal

Barring injuries or world plague, the American League Central shouldn't present much of a challenge to the reigning AL champions. Even without Encarnacion, the Indians shouldn't have struggled to outperform the rebuilding White Sox, the downward-trending Royals, the abysmal Twins and the aging Tigers.

A division title isn't the aim, however. And though the playoffs are often a crapshoot -- as a team with three starting pitchers totaling 29 able fingers reaching the brink of euphoria can attest -- Encarnacion strengthens the club's outlook in April and in October.

The Indians did little to upgrade the roster after the 2007 campaign, one that ended with a Game 7 loss to the Red Sox in the ALCS. A painful rebuild started shortly thereafter.

Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff could have lured Napoli back into the fold and the Indians could have tried to deliver the message that a team on the precipice of a title would return two starting pitchers and perhaps its best hitter (Michael Brantley). Fans would have, understandably, groaned -- or growled; some of them definitely growl.

Instead, the front office studied an ever-shrinking market, devoid of suitors in need of a first baseman. The Yankees, Red Sox, Astros and Rockies all went in a different direction. The Rangers refused to pony up the cash.

In the end, the Indians strayed from their comfort zone and landed the grandest right-handed power bat available.

No competitor has ever conquered Father Time, but the commitment to Encarnacion -- who turns 34 on Jan. 7 -- only has to persist for three years, and if his numbers are any indication, the Indians should feel comfortable with the pledge. It's those six- and seven-year pacts that tend to truly cripple teams' payrolls and flexibility. And Encarnacion at $20 million per year for three years is much more of a bargain than Napoli at, say, $15 per year for two years.

Over the last five years, Encarnacion has averaged a .272/.367/.544 slash line, 39 home runs and 110 RBI. He has totaled 20.3 WAR during that stretch. (Napoli totaled 1.0 WAR in 2016.)

Where will Encarnacion fit?

His salary will replace the $17 million Napoli and Rajai Davis earned last season (if the club opts not to bring Davis back). A handful of core players will receive raises next season, but the Indians also have a stack of briefcases full of postseason revenue and a new minority owner. They also no longer owe the Braves any coin for absorbing the albatross-like contracts of Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn.

On his way out the door to Toronto, Mark Shapiro admitted regret for those two signings. The Indians haven't dipped their toes into free-agent waters much since. Of course, they haven't been in this sort of position.

The AL champs, after falling short on the grand stage, didn't stand pat. That's commendable.

The Party At Napoli's might be over, but there's much reason for Indians fans to celebrate.

Cleveland Browns to lose to Chargers for 0-15: Bill Livingston (video)

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The Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers franchises share a lot of football frustration, but the Browns, of course, have more of it. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers share one thing in the NFL, and that is frustration. Neither has won a Super Bowl, although simply by being in one, San Diego is the envy of Browns' fans.

True it was a stern lashing by the San Francisco 49ers, which began with a Steve Young to Jerry Rice TD pass (they were second highest-scoring duo in NFL history), and, hey if you're going to do tricky stuff like that, how's a plucky underdog to prepare?

The current Chargers' combo of Philip Rivers to former Kent State basketball star Antonio Gates is in the top 10.

Robert Griffin III to any Brown is not, nor are Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, Clipboard Jesus, Colt McCoy, Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson. Brian Hoyer or Johnny Football to any other Brown on any list worth not blushing over.

Johnny Manziel, and this tells you a lot, was the last Browns quarterback to win a game.

Otherwise, the "Bolts," so named in headlines to save space and to salute their way cool thunderbolt helmet emblem, have it all over the candy-corn orange of the storied Hotspur Haslam era.

The Chargers had Kellen Winslow Sr., a tight end by name but a wideout by game, who made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Browns had K2, Sonny Boy, Kellen Part II, a tight end by name and a fool by game.

K2 got bucked off his "crotch rocket" motorcycle and lost one season and got his leg broken trying to recover an onside kick, taken after a safety from the Browns' 20, with scant time to play against Dallas.

Increasing the unlikelihood of a miracle finish: Quarterback Jeff Garcia, who would have faced the 70 yards to the far goal line, was on his way to carding a quarterback rating in the game of 0.0, like Bluto's GPA in "Animal House."

That call was another Butch Davis master stroke.

Traipsing down memory lane is one way to lessen the pain of this slapstick Browns season, if only because they been staging sort of an ongoing pie fight ever since they returned in 1999.

None of the previous teams, not even the dreadful 2-14 expansion team, was winless. After a 28-10 shredding by Rivers of the pathetic defense, these Browns will be one step away.

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