Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis talk about Ohio State basketball's 0-3 start to Big Ten play.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State basketball has the chance to get a major win on Thursday night against No. 18 Wisconsin. The Buckeyes could be playing anybody. They just need a win in general.

Mired in a three-game losing skid to start Big Ten play, Ohio State is on the cusp of digging itself in a hole that would be mighty hard to climb out of to make the NCAA Tournament. This season has not played out the way Ohio State needed it to thus far: No big wins, a bad loss against Florida Atlantic and some of the same mental mistakes that plagued the team last year.

Is it time to panic? Still a lot of games left? Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis broke it down during another edition of our Buckeye Talk Podcast. Give it a listen below before Thursday night's game against Wisconsin:

Our Buckeye Talk Ohio State podcast is available on iTunes, Stitcher and Soundcloud.

Ohio State plays at No. 18 Wisconsin on Thursday night looking for its first Big Ten win this season. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Kam Williams was smiling, even laughing a little. How is that possible given the recent struggles of the Ohio State basketball team?

That's just how Williams is. And the Buckeyes aren't panicking. 

They don't feel like their season is over despite an 0-3 start to Big Ten play, and a challenge to get that first win coming up on Thursday night against No. 18 Wisconsin.

The struggles at the start of conference play have been frustrating for coaches, players and fans. It feels like some of what plagued Ohio State in a disappointing 2015-16 season has carried over to this one. That wasn't supposed to happen. This season was supposed to be different.

With 15 Big Ten games remaining, the Buckeyes (10-6) still see time to make it so.

"It's not like we come back into the locker room and it's like, damn we suck," Williams said. "That's not the mindset at all."

No, this team somehow still seems pretty confident -- or is at least giving off that appearance -- even when there are a handful reasons to be leaking confidence. Rather than focus on the collective burden of a losing streak, they're focusing on smaller moments in which games got away, holes were created or they put themselves in a tough position.

Three minutes here, five minutes there, eight minutes in another game and Ohio State feels like this is a different season. That's how it has to operate, otherwise the season is already a lost cause in January.

If the Buckeyes are looking for a way out of an 0-3 Big Ten hole, they can look to the Wisconsin team they'll play on Thursday night in Madison (7 p.m., ESPN2). Wisconsin started 1-4 in Big Ten play last year, with the only win coming against a then lowly Rutgers program. The Badgers found a way to finish 12-6 in league play, and got enough big wins along the way to make the NCAA Tournament.

Ohio State pulling off something similar won't be easy. But it's not impossible.

"I'm not as panicked as one might think" Buckeyes coach Thad Matta said. "I'm staying very, very positive. When the Big Ten schedule came out I looked and said, 'Ooh this is a heck of a start.'"

That doesn't mean Matta isn't frustrated. He is. He's also seen stretches where his team has looked good enough to beat anyone remaining on its schedule.

Following Wisconsin's blueprint from last year means beating the Badgers on Thursday. Wisconsin's turnaround started with a win over a top-5 Michigan State team last year that sparked a seven-game winning streak and got the Badgers out of the hole.

Ohio State could be playing anyone on Thursday night. It doesn't really matter. The Buckeyes just need a win at this point. A win gets them out of this rut, good wins put them on track for a possible NCAA Tournament berth. There's still plenty of opportunity our there for good wins.

"I've been as positive as I possibly can, I believe in this team," Matta said. "Just trying to get these guys to understand that the minute details are so important to help us get that win."

Ohio State, currently 0-5 against teams in the top 50 of the RPI, has seven such games remaining. That Wisconsin team last year, which was also saddled with a bad nonconference loss to Western Illinois, went 5-6 vs. RPI top 50 teams last year and made the tournament.

Don't like RPI? Ohio State has eight games remaining against teams ranked in the top 50 of the KenPom ratings.

The point is Ohio State's season is not totally lost as long as there are opportunities out there for the Buckeyes to get the kind of big wins that can make this year something better than what happened last year.

So Williams is gonna keep smiling.

"There's a lot of season left, just because we lost three games doesn't mean I'm not gonna have a smile on my face," Williams said. "We just gotta keep playing.

"What we're messing up, they're very correctable things. That's encouraging as a basketball team. We can't lose faith in each other. We can easily put a lot of blame on outside forces, or put the blame on the coaching staff, but we're the ones out there on the court. We have to make it happen."

Listen to our latest Buckeye Talk podcast below, discussing the state of Ohio State basketball:

There's plenty of time before the Cleveland Browns are on the clock with the first-overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft and underclassmen still have a few days to make a final decision to stay in college or opt for the next level. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The college football season is over, capped by Deshaun Watson's legendary performance in the title game against Alabama.

Next up: Senior Bowl, pre-draft workouts and NFL Scouting Combine.

There's plenty of time before the Cleveland Browns are on the clock with the first pick of the 2017 NFL Draft and underclassmen still have a few days to make a final decision to stay in college or opt for the next level. 

Then, of course, comes NFL free agency, where decisions will play a part in how this mock draft evolves. 

This is the first look, trying to match player value with team needs. 

Note: Picks 14 and 15 will be decided by a coin toss at the NFL Combine.

1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett, Defensive end, Texas A&M

The NFL's most QB-needy team sits atop the draft with its pick of Watson, Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer or North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky. The internal debate will be whether one of the signal callers is worthy of the top pick, allowing the Browns to bypass the consensus best player at a need position. Perhaps that happens down the line. Not yet. Garrett remains the guy. 

2. San Francisco 49ers - Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Clemson

With a new regime being put in place any day now, San Francisco will have a chance to start over, setting the most important building block early in the rebuild. Watson is the best, most experienced QB and he has the passing talent and intangibles to revive the 49ers. 

3. Chicago Bears - DeShone Kizer, Quarterback, Notre Dame

Kizer is inconsistent with his accuracy and decision-making. He also comes into the league with a handful of losses on his resume. But few QBs are polished leaving college. This pick is about what Kizer can become as opposed what he is now. The Bears need their QB spot figured out if they are going to get out of the NFC North basement. 

4. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jonathan Allen, Defensive End, Alabama

While the Jaguars have invested plenty in the defense recently and the talent started to show at the end of the season, Allen's availability may come as a surprise and he'd be too difficult to pass. He's an interior disruptor.

5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams) - Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU

Taking a wide receiver to pair with young star-in-the-making Marcus Mariota is awfully tempting. However, Tennessee's offense, ranked 11th in yards per game and 14th in passing, wasn't the issue. The defense was, especially against the pass where the Titans allowed 269 yards per game.

6. New York Jets - Derek Barnett, Defensive end/Outside linebacker, Tennessee

The Jets are loaded along the defensive line. But they have been in need of an outside pass rusher. Barnett has been overshadowed by Garrett and Allen, but finished with 23 sacks his final two seasons at Tennessee.

7. San Diego Chargers - Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State

The Chargers had a tough decision last year between Joey Bosa and Jalen Ramsey. They ultimately ended up taking Bosa to boost the defensive line and it looks like the right choice. This time they opt for secondary help, giving San Diego its backend ballhawk with exceptional range.

8. Carolina Panthers - Leonard Fournette, Running back, LSU

Jonathan Stewart, often injured, is nearing the end of his contract. The Panthers need to revamp the offense after a down season. Fournette provides a different dimension, going back to the pounding style that fueled a run to the Super Bowl.

9. Cincinnati Bengals - Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama

Mercurial linebacker Vontaze Burfict is tough to rely on given his injury history and reckless style. But pairing him with the hard-hitting Foster would create an intimidating, violent duo in the middle of Cincy's defense.

10. Buffalo Bills - Mitch Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina

For some reason it appears the Bills are ready to move on from quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who has a team option this off-season. That means they will be looking for their long-term answer. Enter Trubisky. He has tantalizing tools, but was just a one-year starter in an offense built to make quarterbacks look successful.

11. New Orleans Saints - Tim Williams, Outside linebacker, Alabama

New Orleans finished with 30 sacks, which ranked 27th in the league. The missing piece is a pass rusher off the edge to complement young defensive linemen Cameron Jordan and Sheldon Rankins. 

12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles) - Teez Tabor, Cornerback, Florida

Whoops. Hoping one of the three quarterbacks would still be available, the Browns miss. Again. They also sit in a position with the top two safeties off the board. The next need on the list is cornerback to play opposite fading Joe Haden. Tabor has off-field questions, but possesses the cover skills required to match up with the star wideouts in the North.

13. Arizona Cardinals - O.J. Howard, Tight end, Alabama

This might be a bit high for an underutilized piece of the Tide offense. But Howard is the complete package at tight end, the ultimate mismatch to give the Cardinals' offense another weapon.

14. Indianapolis Colts - Dalvin Cook, Running back, Florida State

Frank Gore was still productive this past season. He's 33. One way to limit the amount of hits on Andrew Luck is to give him a talented back to get more involved in the offense. There's an argument for Cook being the best running back in the class thanks to his combination of speed, power, balance and vision. He picks up more than what's available.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings) - Mike Williams, Wide receiver, Clemson

Young QB Carson Wentz will need a go-to weapon in the passing game to continue his development. Someone on the outside would be preferable. Williams profiles as a true No. 1 wideout who makes contested, in-traffic catches.

16. Baltimore Ravens - Takkarist McKinley, Outside linebacker, UCLA

With Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs both on the wrong side of 30, it's time for the Ravens to add some youth on defense. McKinley, who is expected to be at the Senior Bowl, has the combination of speed and flexibility to become a terror off the edge.

17. Washington Redskins - Solomon Thomas, Defensive lineman, Stanford

With all eyes on Trubisky in what was expected to be his final college game, Thomas stole the show. A redshirt sophomore, Thomas was named the Pac-12's top defensive lineman. Quickness. Power. Hand usage. Thomas wrecks game plans.

18. Tennessee Titans - John Ross, Wide receiver, Washington

One thing the Titans' offense lacks is speed and game-breaking ability at receiver. Ross, who averaged 14.2 yards per catch and had 17 touchdowns for Washington, would be a great fit. Putting him with Mariota and running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry will make a rising offense even more formidable.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Corey Davis, Wide receiver, Western Michigan

While the Buccaneers have big-bodied wideout Mike Evans, he needs a complementary piece to keep the coverage from constantly rolling towards him. Davis is a polished route runner with the size (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) and speed to help QB Jameis Winston take another step.

20. Denver Broncos - Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive tackle, Wisconsin

Beyond anything else, the Broncos' offensive line took a step back this past season, leading to plenty of struggles on that side of the ball. It's the AFC West where having both tackle spots shored up is vital against Bosa, Khalil Mack and Justin Houston, among others.

21. Detroit Lions - Malik McDowell, Defensive lineman, Michigan State

Haloti Ngata is 32 and the Lions defensive front already needed some reworking. McDowell had a down year for the Spartans, struggling with injuries and recording 7.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, but showed the year before when healthy that he has the size and athleticism to play all over the line.

22. Miami Dolphins - Taco Charlton, Defensive end, Michigan

Eventually Cameron Wake will stop being productive and the Dolphins will need to find his future replacement. They are in great position to do that in the 2017 draft, which boasts numerous pass rushing options. Charlton enjoyed a breakout final season at Michigan with 10 sacks. 

23. New York Giants - Carl Lawson, Defensive end, Auburn

After signing a one-year, prove-it deal with the Giants last off-season, Jason Pierre-Paul is set to be a free agent this summer. Even if New York brings him back, the Giants will need to add to a group that finished with 35 sacks.

24. Oakland Raiders - Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State

One of the worst pass defenses in the regular season, giving up 258 yards and 27 touchdowns, the Raiders struggled to slow down a Brock Osweiler-led passing game in the playoffs. It's time for Oakland's defense to catch up to its offense.

25. Houston Texans - Cam Robinson, Offensive tackle, Alabama

Perhaps he's a lost cause, but the best way for the Texans to help Osweiler live up to his pricey contact is to give him as much help as possible. With plenty of weapons, Houston should focus on beefing up the offensive line.

Robinson, a three-year starter at left tackle, won the Outland Trophy, which is given to the nation's best interior offensive lineman.

26. Green Bay Packers - Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback, Alabama

Injuries decimated Green Bay's secondary this past season, an unavoidable sign that more help is needed. Humphrey has the combination of size (6-foot-1, 196 pounds) and physicality the Packers need on the outside.

27. Seattle Seahawks - Garrett Bolles, Offensive tackle, Utah

The Seahawks' offense flopped this past season, dropping from fourth to 18th in scoring and from third to 25th in rushing. Marshawn Lynch's retirement played a big role. But many of the struggles can be traced to shoddy offensive line play. Bolles is the best one remaining.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jabrill Peppers, Safety, Michigan

Someone is going to take a chance on one of the nation's best and most versatile defensive players. Is he a linebacker? Is he a safety? The Steelers would be the team to figure it out, adding another young piece in a quest to renovate the defense.

29. Atlanta Falcons - Charles Harris, Defensive end, Missouri

Vic Beasley emerged as a Pro Bowler for the Falcons, who are building a better-than-expected defense. They still need more help. Harris has the kind of burst to give Atlanta bookend pass rushers for years to come.

30. Kansas City Chiefs - Sidney Jones, Cornerback, Washington

Marcus Peters mans one side of the Kansas City secondary. But three quality corners are needed in this era, leaving the Chiefs with at least one hole to fill. They had success with a brash, athletic corner with ball skills from Washington (Peters) once. Why not give it another try with Jones?

31. Dallas Cowboys - Raekwon McMillian, Linebacker, Ohio State

Dallas' defense has a different look when Sean Lee is not in the lineup. Given his age (30) and injury history, the Cowboys would be wise to start looking toward the future. McMillan has some issues playing in space, but is an instinctive thumper.

32. New England Patriots - Christian McCaffrey, Running back, Stanford

The Patriots are always looking for offensive chess pieces. McCaffrey is not only a talented rusher, but also possesses excellent hands and return skills, giving New England another weapon.

In the inaugural episode of The Unnamed cleveland.com Sports Podcast, Doug Lesmerises and Zack Meisel welcome Mary Kay Cabot to discuss whether the Browns are equipped to handle the off-season. They play 'Browns player or renowned artist?' and answer rapid-fire questions about the Cavs and Indians.

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

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Never has there been more to discuss and debate about Cleveland sports. 

The Cavaliers are champions. The Indians are runners-up. The Browns are ... interesting in their own right.

And so, there is no better time to launch the inaugural cleveland.com Sports Podcast. We have the fascinating sports teams and we have the fascinating informed and hopefully entertaining people to talk about them.

We just don't have a name for this podcast yet, so we'll be referring to it as The Unnamed cleveland.com Sports Podcast until someone more creative supplies us with something better.

Our goal (and it'll typically be Doug Lesmerises and Zack Meisel doing the hosting and some of the discussing) is to provide you with a diversion. Whether you're faking your way through the workday or faking your way through your trip to the gym or driving around, we want you to have compelling sports talk. Our intention is to offer conversation on outside-the-box topics that you can't find in other places, entertaining and -- if we're lucky that day -- humorous dialogue and guests who are closer than anyone to the teams they cover.

We won't be rambling for an hour about "what the Browns can do to win on Sunday" or "whether Kyrie Irving is an elite point guard." That's the generic stuff you can find anywhere. We want this to be a space in which you can listen to something new and fresh and interesting.

In Episode 1, we welcomed Mary Kay Cabot to the studio for a debate about whether the Browns' front office structure is set up to excel or fail with such a critical off-season at hand. We played "Browns player or renowned artist?" as we reminisced about obscure players from the 2017 season. We discussed what the psychological ramifications would be if Cavs coach Tyronn Lue opted to rest his Big Three of LeBron James, Kevin Love and Irving against Golden State on Monday.

Browns need to hire GM who has final say: Cabot

We answered rapid-fire questions about the Cavs' addition of Kyle Korver, the remaining holes on the Indians' roster and whether Michael Brantley will make a major contribution this season. We also wondered whether our first episode was any good.

We'll talk Cavaliers, Browns and Indians, and perhaps some Ohio State material as the weeks unfold. We'll discuss whatever is pressing, prevalent or, most important, what we think you would find intriguing.

We anticipate that this new venture will only improve as we go. A catchy name for the podcast would be a good start.

Listen to the first installment below, download it, find it on iTunes and let us know what you think.

The Buckeyes could make draft history with their secondary. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- When Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley intercepted Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson on Clemson's first throw of the Fiesta Bowl last Saturday night, you thought the Buckeyes had more than just a chance.

You thought the Buckeyes had the Tigers right where they wanted them. Because it Ohio State was going to win that College Football Playoff semifinal, it figured that Ohio State win it with the best part of its team.

And everyone knew all season that the best of the Buckeyes resided in the secondary.

"It felt great. It felt like one of my teammates got a pick," Conley said. "The whole defense, when something happens, we all celebrate. We all feel like we did it together."

If that's what this season felt like in the OSU secondary, it's over now. And the pieces that made it that way are gone.

Conley, safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the last to announce his decision Wednesday, are finished at Ohio State, all three unsurprisingly deciding to leave early for the 2017 NFL Draft.

All three could be first-round picks in April, a remarkable idea from a single secondary. But this very well may have been the best secondary in Ohio State history.

Conley, a captain and second-year starter, combined with first-year starters Hooker and Lattimore to form the backbone of a defense that finished seventh in the nation in pass defense, allowing 172 yards per game, while ranking fourth in the nation with 21 interceptions.

Their final numbers:

* Hooker, 74 tackles, 7 interceptions, 11 passes defended

* Lattimore, 41 tackles, 4 interceptions, 13 passes defended

* Conley, 26 tackles, 4 interceptions, 12 passes defended

Maybe you saw a better secondary at Ohio State. It's hard to imagine what it would look like.

"I'm going to remember the whole secondary," Conley said. "They're my brothers and they'll be my brothers forever."

If all three go in the first round of this draft, they'll be just the second trio from a single secondary to accomplish that. 

Watch the video at the top of this post to appreciate this secondary and find out which school these Buckeyes could match.

The Cavs lost their second straight by falling to the Trail Blazers in Portland.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Cavs can't really blame Mother Nature for this two-game losing streak.

NBA schedulers? That's another matter.

Utah and Portland are two cities that, for whatever reason, swallow LeBron James' Cavs whole when they come to town. It happened again in Rip City Wednesday night, where the Blazers cruised past Cleveland 102-86.

Both the Cavs and Blazers had all sorts of trouble -- Portland even more so -- getting here Tuesday night and Wednesday morning because of the foot of snow that dumped onto the town. The Cavs at least got to sleep in Portland hotel rooms.

The Blazers stayed in Seattle, which doesn't even have an NBA team, because there was too much snow and no contingency plan set for their players to get from the airport to their homes. They didn't get to the Seattle hotel until after 4 a.m. and were rolling to the airport for the flight home at 11.

The way things go for James and the Cavs (28-10) at the Moda Center, the Blazers (18-23) could've flown in Wednesday from Shanghai and been fine.

Counting Wednesday night's beatdown, the Blazers have won the last three over Cleveland in their building by a combined 64 points. Overall, the Cavs have lost four straight here, pre-dating James.

It really must be this building. Back on Nov. 23, Kevin Love scored 40 at The Q and Cleveland beat Portland 137-125.

James led the Cavs with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the loss. He passed Tim Hardaway (7,095) for 15th on the NBA's all-time assist list in the first quarter, and posted his ninth consecutive game with at least 20 points.

Love added 17 points and eight boards, but didn't score in the second half. Kyrie Irving scored 11.

The Blazers were led by 27 points from Canton native C.J. McCollum, who became their first player to score at least 25 in seven consecutive games since Clyde Drexler in 1987. Allen Crabbe added 24 off the bench -- it was Crabbe who scored 26 when the Blazers destroyed the Cavs by 29 on Dec. 26 of last season.

Kyle Korver's first two games with Cleveland have been total clunkers. He scored two points -- on 1-of-5 shooting -- and has four points to his name since coming to the Cavs in a trade last week with Atlanta.

The shooting numbers were ghastly for Cleveland, and as a result (or, at least, partially) the assist numbers suffered again. They shot 28-of-82 as a team (.341). James (5-of-12), Love (5-of-15), and Irving (4-of-16) all made life very difficult for the rim.

The Cavs finished with 14 team assists, and haven't had 20 assists in a game in their last seven contests. They committed 16 turnovers, costing them 18 points.

"We can't continue to have more turnovers than assists," James said. "We never win those games."

The Cavs fell to 3-5 on the second night of consecutive games this season, 0-5 on the road.

"We're probably one of the worst teams in the league in back to backs, so we struggle with that," Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. "Having an older team and the way we play, we're going to struggle. (Last year) we came off an emotional game with Golden State on Christmas, you fly into here, I mean it's basically a scheduled loss. And they're a good team at home. They play well at home, just like Utah plays well at home. You come in you gotta have your hard hat on and ready to play. We knew it was gonna be a tough game for us."

Portland's brightest star, Damian Lillard, scored 14 points.

Edwin Encarnacion's signing with the Cleveland Indians is drawing all the attention and he's being hailed as the best free-agent signing in team history. But is he the Indians' best player? Who is? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There has been so much attention on Edwin Encarnacion signing with the Cleveland Indians.

It's being hailed as the best free-agent signing of this off-season throughout baseball and the best in Indians history.

It's a huge deal ... a big bat for the cleanup spot.

Encarnacion agreed to terms on a three-year deal for $60 million with a fourth-year option that takes it to $80 million.

In the last three years, the first baseman/DH has averaged .269, .905 OPS, 38 HR and 112 RBI.

Impressive numbers.

But he's not the Indians best player.

Who is that guy? We talk about it in this video.

Check out the six positions on this side of the ball that aren't a problem. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns kept just one defensive coach after their 1-15 season. How many defensive players should they keep?

At least six of the starters.

The Browns defense ranked 30th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed, compared to the Browns offense, which ranked 31st in points and 30th in yards.

See the difference?

But we liked the offense well enough. Nine starting positions that were good enough to compete in 2017, we said.

Defense? Not as much. But this isn't a total rebuild either.

Firing defensive coordinator Ray Horton and four other defensive assistants was a start, a move that made sense from Hue Jackson. There's still more work to do than on the offensive side.

Player development next for defense

There are a couple sure things on defense, like linebacker Christian Kirksey, defensive tackle Danny Shelton and linebacker Jamie Collins, if the Browns re-sign him. There are a couple other options. Check out at the video at the top of this page for all six of the defensive positions the Browns don't have to work on this offseason.

But there are some other possibilities beyond that, ones we couldn't count on but that don't have to be given up on.

There's linebacker Nate Orchard, the second-round pick from 2015 lost to an ankle injury after week three. There's defensive end Desmond Bryant, the sack leader from 2015 who missed all of 2016 because of a torn pectoral muscle. There's defensive lineman Xavier Cooper, who could find his way next season.

Here's a plan - use three of the four picks in the first two rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft on defense. Get, for instance, a pass rusher, a play-making safety and another linebacker and see what this defense looks like next year under Gregg Williams, whose 4-3 scheme should also make current Browns like Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib better.

Added to the nine offensive positions that are fine, this means the Browns have 15 starting spots that can make them competitive in 2017 without a lot of work.

They have to say yes to depth. They have to say yes to improving more positions to a Super Bowl level.

But focus on the seven most pronounced holes in this team. We'll talk about the additions that need to be made there for months.

Remember this 15-loss team has 15 starting spots that work.

The Browns' offense isn't as bad as you think

Cleveland sports fans wonder about new Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' focus, Johnny Manziel's Super Bowl plans and how Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer is spending the off-season.

Edwin Encarnacion meant what he said. He'll be at the Indians' annual Tribe Fest event at the end of the month. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Edwin Encarnacion meant what he said. He'll be at the Indians' annual Tribe Fest event at the end of the month.

The Indians' slugger suggested as much when he met with reporters last week. The team confirmed the plans on Thursday for his attendance at the Intercontinental Hotel on Jan. 28.

According to the team, there are a limited number of tickets remaining for the morning session, which runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The afternoon session, which runs 2-7 p.m., is sold out. The event is being held off-site for a second straight year because of construction on the service level at Progressive Field. 

Encarnacion joins a lengthy list of Tribe teammates expected to brave the Cleveland cold in late January. The list includes Francisco Lindor, Corey Kluber, Cody Allen, Carlos Carrasco, Andrew Miller, Jose Ramirez, Josh Tomlin, Trevor Bauer, Roberto Perez, Carlos Santana, Tyler Naquin, Brandon Guyer, Yan Gomes, Zach McAllister, Abraham Almonte, Mike Clevinger and Dan Otero. Manager Terry Francona, who underwent hip replacement surgery after the season, and first-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. are also expected to be in attendance.

The Indians also anticipate the presence of five Tribe alumni: Mike Hargrove, Ellis Burks, Chad Ogea, Jaret Wright and Mike Jackson.

Sorry Tribe Fans! My buddy decided fan fest weekend was a good weekend to have his wedding! Won't be at Tribefest this year unfortunately! [?]

-- Jason Kipnis (@TheJK_Kid) January 11, 2017

On Feb. 3, the Indians' clubhouse staff will load the trucks that carry the team's equipment to its Goodyear, Arizona, complex for spring training. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to the desert on Feb. 12. The whole squad unites on Feb. 16.

Tribe Fest set for Jan. 28 at Intercontinental Hotel

Ohio State had five first-round draft picks in 2016, how many Buckeyes will go on Day 1 in 2017?

The Cleveland Cavaliers had been winning against bad teams despite sloppy play on their long trip. That won't cut it against better opponents. Their travel problems have little to do with it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Chicken Littles might be coming home to roost with the Cleveland Cavaliers soon.

In their losses in Utah and Portland, you could round up most of the usual suspects that were in supply in wins against the lame Brooklyn Nets and lousy Phoenix Suns in earlier stops on this six-game trip -- lazy passes, more turnovers than grandma's oven could produce for a family gathering, matador defense on penetrators, lack of interest in getting back quickly on defense, and wayward shooting.

Another transition period

The sky is not falling, though. The snow was in Oregon, however.

The Cavs are in their usual midseason transition mode. J.R. Smith is out with a broken thumb. Kyle Korver is trying to fit in with his new team and stop looking at least for now like Wally "Many Misses" Szczerbiak did in 2008. No proven back-up point guard is on the roster.

Hold the travel complaints

What shouldn't be blamed was the travel conditions, although heavy snow kept the Cavs' plane from landing in Portland until 2 a.m. the day of the game.

The Trail Blazers couldn't land in Portland after their game in Los Angeles and spent the night in Seattle. The Blazers got home the afternoon of the Cavs' game.

This argument falls on deaf ears for those of us who covered the NBA in the 1970s and early '80s, before teams used private jets (writers are excluded); when three games in three nights in three cities was a frequent schedule challenge; and when every travel day began with a 5 a.m. wake-up call and a 7 a.m. commercial airlines flight.

That was because teams could be fined $25,000, a lot of money in those days and not exactly tips for the hotel maid now, if they flew later and did not arrive on time.

The Blizzard of '78

The Philadelphia 76ers, the team I covered, played in Richfield the night the Blizzard of '78 hit.

All airports were closed the next day. On the 16 1/2-hour bus ride back to Philly, the entire traveling party stopped to buy beer and snacks at a roadside tavern. 

Coach Billy Cunningham vetoed the bottle of Ripple, a skull-busting brand of cheap wine, which just-turned-21 Darryl Dawkins wanted to buy. 

"Beer is fine," said Cunningham.

It was an era in which iced beers waited in the locker room for players after each game. One player, Caldwell Jones, disliking the sponsor's brand, had his own little plastic tub with a six-pack of his favorite in it. He would methodically drink them during interviews, one by one.

"Maximum Blitz" Bryant

Everyone on the bus ride played the football board game that Joe Bryant, Kobe's father, had gotten for Christmas and brought with him. Bryant's unvarying defensive tactic was an all-out blitz.

Everyone, even sportswriters, could counter it. Bryant lost every game.

"Maximum Blitz" played that way too, at least when it came to firing shots up as soon as he got into the game.

Hello, Juh-Juh-Jerry

The Lakers encountered travel problems getting to Philly once. The Sixers let their coaches and players eat with the writers in the press dining room because the home team knew it might happen to them sometime.

Cunningham introduced me to former Lakers coach Jerry West, my boyhood hero. The only time a tongue was tied like mine was at that moment might be when Trappist monks take their vows of silence. A writer can still become a kid again in the presence of the right player from his youth.

The very unready room

The trainer/traveling secretary once booked the team into a hotel on the day it opened one block from the Spurs' old arena in San Antonio.

The clerk told forward Bobby Jones, who was just ahead of me in the check-in line, that his room wasn't made.

"That's OK. I'll just drop my bag inside the door and go to the coffee shop," said Jones.

"No, sir," the clerk said, mimicking a man with an invisible hammer amid the racket of construction that filled the lobby. "Your room isn't made yet."

Wagon train

Cavs' studio host Jeff Phelps kidded analyst Campy Russell during the Portland game that the Cavs traveled by covered wagon when Russell played.

Close enough. Westward, ho, the wagons! In Indian country, ixnay on hief-Cay ahoo-Way.

Jones isn't like Lindsey. He's a 6-foot-4, 195-pound receiver. Lindsey was a 5-foot-9 speedster who projected at H-Back.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State isn't going to stop fighting for five-star wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman after he decommitted on Tuesday night. 

But the Buckeyes have to protect themselves. They need to have options. 

Ohio State could be on the verge of landing a commitment from four-star wide receiver Jaylen Harris of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, but they were going to take Harris with Lindsey. 

So Urban Meyer was looking for a replacement for Lindsey. He may have found one when in three-star Ty Jones of Provo, Utah, whom Ohio State offered on Wednesday. 

Rated the No. 64 receiver in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Jones has been committed to Washington since May and is expected to take an official visit to Seattle this weekend. 

Utah made a late push for Jones that Washington was able to hold off, but if the Buckeyes come hard, things could get interesting in his recruitment. 

Jones isn't like Lindsey. He's a 6-foot-4, 195-pound receiver. Lindsey was a 5-foot-9 speedster who projected at H-Back. 

Below is Jones' highlight tape: 

Incredibly blessed to say I just received an offer from The Ohio State University #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/z3I4XmNLR2

-- Ty Jones (@Baller2Ty) January 11, 2017

Gibson will return to quarterback after committing to Luke Fickell at Cincinnati, according to ESPN.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Torrance Gibson is officially not coming back to Ohio State.

Gibson announced on Twitter on Thursday that he's transferring out of the football program after redshirting as a freshman in 2015, and serving a university-issued suspension this past season.

ESPN reported that Gibson has committed to play for Luke Fickell at Cincinnati and that he'll move back to quarterback. Gibson later confirmed on his public Twitter account that he'll join the Bearcats, bit didn't say anything about QB.

Gibson first must take classes at Cincinnati State Community College, according to ESPN, before possibly becoming eligible to play for the Bearcats for the 2017 season.

"This has been a very difficult decision for me and my family, but I wish nothing but the best to my teammates and the Ohio State football program in the future," Gibson wrote on Twitter.

Ohio State signed Gibson as a four-star athlete in the 2015 recruiting class. He played quarterback at American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but the Buckeyes almost immediately moved the 6-foot-4 athlete to receiver when he arrived in Columbus.

After a redshirt season and a bit of a breakout spring game, Gibson figured to be a factor in the passing game in 2016. But he was suspended by the university for an undisclosed reason just before the season started.

Urban Meyer came out hard against Gibson's suspension when it happened, but Gibson still sat out the entire season, and wasn't even enrolled at Ohio State in the fall.

The Buckeyes seemed hopeful that Gibson would be able to join the team when his suspension was up, but Gibson is now going this route and getting back to playing quarterback.

Cincinnati plays at Ohio Stadium in 2019, for what it's worth.

Thank you Buckeyenation! pic.twitter.com/1rRMT1kvye

-- Torrance Gibson VI (@quick_tg6) January 12, 2017

BEARCATS!!! [?] pic.twitter.com/nZ4iNf4F2t

-- Torrance Gibson VI (@quick_tg6) January 12, 2017

"There are going to be a lot of guys, including some unexpected guys," Antonetti said, "who are going to contribute to our team next year." Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- All it takes is an opening.

Tyler Naquin found his last spring, after Abraham Almonte merited an 80-game suspension and as Michael Brantley started and stopped and started and stopped and started and stopped his rehab process.

Naquin turned heads with his spring training performance at the plate and he earned his way onto the Opening Day roster.

Will another prospect follow that path this spring?

"It's really hard to put any sort of timetable on players," said Chris Antonetti, the Indians' president of baseball operations. "There needs to be an opportunity, and there needs to be a player prepared to succeed with the opportunity that he's given.

"No one was writing Tyler Naquin's name to be a regular outfielder for us, but there was an opportunity and he took advantage of it."

There are three position players who could emerge as contributors either in spring training or at some point during the 2017 campaign.

For this exercise, we'll focus on guys we haven't yet seen at the major-league level. We'll omit Giovanny Urshela, though he could be in the mix at third base. We'll leave out Mike Clevinger, Cody Anderson, Ryan Merritt and Adam Plutko, pitchers who all made cameos last season and could do the same this year if someone experiences an injury or regression.

Catching prospect Francisco Mejia garnered attention with a 50-game hitting streak last season, but he has only logged 42 games above the Low-A level and he turned 21 in late October. He still has some minor-league steps to take.

Let's take a look at three players who could make the Naquin Leap in 2017.

"Where you are right now is not necessarily indicative of where you're going to go," said assistant general manager Carter Hawkins, "so the opportunity for these guys to hear that message, to see guys like Tyler who have fought through some adversity to get to where they are and be in the Rookie of the Year race, be in a playoff race -- that's a very, very apparent example for these guys. And certainly one that they can look at and say, 'Hey, I have an opportunity to impact this team as well.'"

Yandy Diaz, IF/OF

2016 stats: .318/.408/.446, nine homers, 22 doubles, 11 stolen bases

Antonetti: "Yandy continues to do what he's done throughout his entire career, which is manage the strike zone really well and be a really productive offensive player. He played a lot of positions in winter ball, including center field. The reports were good about his work and how he went about things. He had a really good winter."

What has to happen: Diaz could land a bench role on the Opening Day roster, with the ability to spell a starter in left field or first base or at designated hitter. If Brantley can't stay healthy, Diaz could become an everyday option. The Indians considered promoting Diaz to the big-league roster last September. There shouldn't be any more hesitation.

"We think he has a chance to be a good everyday player," Antonetti said. "We have to balance what opportunity and role he'll have on the team, what our other alternatives there are and what's best for Yandy."

Indians considering Diaz's potential

Bradley Zimmer, CF

2016 stats: .250/.365/.425, 15 homers, 62 RBI, 25 doubles, 171 strikeouts

Antonetti: "There may be an opportunity for Bradley at some point, the question is he the best option for us and does he take advantage of it?"

What has to happen: Another Brantley setback would likely spark a conversation that would involve Zimmer's name, but manager Terry Francona has suggested the former first-round draft choice needs some more minor-league seasoning. Zimmer played 37 games at Triple-A last season and he posted a .654 OPS, with 56 strikeouts and only one home run.

"I'd like to see myself be a piece to that puzzle, hopefully soon," Zimmer said in September at the Indians' fall development program. "I was hopeful [he'd be a September call-up], but I wasn't holding my breath."

Greg Allen, CF

2016 stats: .295/.416/.413, 23 doubles, seven triples, 45 stolen bases, 77 walks and 78 strikeouts

What has to happen: Allen has logged only 37 games at the Double-A level, so he might be a year away. That said, his defense and speed on the bases have drawn rave reviews. His on-base ability also impresses, as he walked nearly as many times as he struck out in 2016.

Allen was included in the package of prospects that appeared headed to Milwaukee in exchange for Jonathan Lucroy, who eventually vetoed the trade. Allen called his 2016 season "a year of growth, a year of change, a year of transition and new experiences, [a year] that I'm very happy and grateful for."

Indians prospects not traded for Lucroy after all

"There are going to be a lot of guys, including some unexpected guys," Antonetti said, "who are going to contribute to our team next year. I think we saw it this past year. You need to have contributions from those guys to have a successful season."

Grimes is rated the No. 5 wide receiver and the No. 29 overall player in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State football program will sign wide receiver Trevon Grimes on Feb. 1 as part of its recruiting class for National Singing Day 2017. Here is an in-depth look at this member of the Buckeyes' recruiting class. 

Trevon Grimes 

School: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas  

Position: Wide receiver  

Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 202 pounds

247Sports Rating: Grimes is rated the No. 5 wide receiver and the No. 29 overall player in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings. 

Other schools: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia and others. 

What's his deal? A player as big-time as Grimes usually waits until the end of the recruiting cycle for a dramatic National Signing Day announcement. But he shocked the world by simply appearing in five-star wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey's announcement video in August for a joint commitment to Ohio State. 

Lindsey, who plays at Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman, surprisingly decommitted from Ohio State on Jan. 10, but Grimes quickly posted that it has no impact on his future with the Buckeyes. 

Im Still 100% .. NOTHING will change that... [?] [?] hope the homie @tyjonlindsey makes the right move

-- GrimeTime (@TrevonGrimes7) January 11, 2017

Maybe the lack of drama surrounding Grimes' recruitment is the reason he has been easily forgotten. However, he's one of the most complete prospects in Ohio State's deep class and a truly elite player that could truly play anywhere he wants. 

How he fits into Ohio State's plans: Given Noah Brown's move to the NFL and Torrance Gibson transfer to Cincinnati, there are unique openings at wide receiver.  Freshmen don't play often at Ohio State, but Grimes may have been good enough to be in the conversation had he not torn his ACL during his senior year of high school.

Grimes told cleveland.com that he's on a similar recovery plan as defensive tackle Nick Bosa -- who tore his ACL at Aquinas the same week as Grimes -- and should be ready to practice, at least on a limited basis, when fall camp starts. 

Projections for 2017: Grimes may be able to practice at the start of fall camp, but it may be with limited contact. It's hard enough for a freshman to get on the field -- see Austin Mack -- so Grimes is a little behind the eight ball. However, if he acclimates quickly and gets healthy, he could be a special teams player. 

Player comparison: Asked what player Grimes pictures himself being, he said Calvin Johnson. That's a big comparison and there haven't been very many Calvin Johnsons on this planet, let alone at Ohio State. So a comparison could be Michael Thomas or Michael Jenkins, if you want to go back to the early 2000s. 

Why he's important to the best class in Ohio State history: With a four-star dual-threat quarterback in Tate Martell, of course it wants Martell to have a big, stud wide receiver. Grimes is a composite five-star prospect and potentially the best wide receiver in the country. Having top talents at each position is why the class is so dominant. 

Highlights: 

What we've written about Grimes: 

Trevon Grimes opens up about ACL recovery, OSU's offense

Nick Bosa's advice to Trevon Grimes

Leading off topics I addressed on Baskin & Phelps hit on Jan. 11: Cavaliers' recent issues, and whether they are cause for concern.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I chatted with hosts Andy Baskin and Les Levine of Baskin & Phelps on a regular Thursday-afternoon hit on 92.3 The Fan. Les subbed for Jeff Phelps.

Main topics from Jan. 12:

*Cavaliers' recent sluggishness.

*"Schedule losses'' in the NBA.

*LeBron getting fouled.

*Watson's performance in two national title games.

*Watson as a possibility for the Browns.

*Chargers moving to Los Angeles.

In Prepare for List Off, Bud and Doug yell at each other about the Clemson quarterback. And point at each other. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Listen, there's plenty of time for the Browns to figure this out.

But after Deshaun Watson's 35 career starts at the highest level, his clutch National Championship performance against Alabama and his display of quarterback skills, the Browns have to be thinking about him in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Right, Bud?

Right, Bud?

Right ... Bud?

In this Prepare for List Off, there is some, uhh, disagreement over the Clemson quarterback and his potential future in Cleveland. Watch this, then make you check out our over video today on what we think of the Browns firing five assistant coaches. 

Why Watson is ready for the NFL

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving continue to lead the Eastern Conference fan voting for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James and Kyrie Irving continue to lead the way among Eastern Conference players in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game voting, the league announced on Thursday afternoon.

James, a 12-time NBA All-Star, remains the top overall vote-getter with 1,066,147 votes. He leads Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (963,110) in the frontcourt. Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love remained third in frontcourt voting, with 473,328 votes.

Irving, a three-time All-Star, is first among backcourt players with 971,362 votes. Chicago Bulls swingman Dwyane Wade is second (514,866). Toronto's DeMar DeRozan and Boston's Isaiah Thomas remain third and fourth.

Fans account for 50 percent of the All-Star vote this year. NBA players and select media members will split up the other 50 percent evenly.

In the Western Conference, Golden State's Stephen Curry stayed on top in the voting for backcourt players (990,390) while Warriors teammate Kevin Durant leads the list of frontcourt players (987,479).

The five players (two guards and three frontcourt players) with the best score in each conference will be named NBA All-Star Game starters. Voting concludes on Jan. 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Starters will be announced on Jan. 19.

Here is a full breakdown of the second release of voting returns:

The latest #NBAAllStar Voting presented by @Verizon returns!

Vote: https://t.co/7SYpaqHa1f & the NBA App. pic.twitter.com/SXXAebaxx9

-- 2017 NBA All-Star (@NBAAllStar) January 12, 2017

If the Browns hope to land either Deshaun Watson or Mitch Trubisky, they'll likely have to take him with the No. 1 pick in the draft. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio  -- If the Browns want Deshaun Watson, Mitch Trubisky, or even DeShone Kizer, they're going to have to grab him in the top 10 -- and probably even No. 1 overall, according to several NFL draft experts and talent evaluators.

Others have Watson, the Clemson QB, slipping to the second round, but many agree that the Browns will have to be aggressive if they see their franchise QB in this bunch.

The Browns have the No. 1 and No. 12 overall picks in the first round, and Nos. 33 and 52 overall in the second round.

Many analysts agree that none of the top three prospects are worth the No. 1 pick overall. But that doesn't mean the Browns won't have to take one there.

"A lot of teams need quarterbacks and they will overvalue them and reach,'' said one NFL personnel executive.

One top draft analyst, Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, has all three gone by No. 6 -- and none going to the Browns. In his latest mock draft, he's got the Browns taking Texas A&M pass-rusher Myles Garrett No. 1. He has Trubisky, the Mentor, Ohio, native and North Carolina quarterback, going No. 2 to the 49ers,; Kizer going No. 3 to the Bears; and Watson going No. 6 to the Jets.

That leaves the Browns holding the QB bag -- unless they grab one at No. 1, or trade up or down a few notches and take one somewhere in the top eight or so.

As far as which one they like best, that remains to be seen.

If Watson, fresh off his amazing last-second victory in the national championship game over top-ranked Alabama, accepts the invitation to play in the Senior Bowl this month, he'll be coached by Hue Jackson and his staff for a full week on the South team and they'll have a good idea how his skills will translate to the NFL.

Experts are all over the board on Watson, but several prominent talent evaluators believe he'll go high.

"Tremendous competitor, excellent leader and athlete,'' one told cleveland.com. "Will struggle in a traditional passing system. Will need to be in an offense like Marcus Mariota in Tennessee. Should go in the top 10.''

Another one said of Watson, "He was very impressive in that game and has a special skill set. Accuracy is always a concern. His body of work makes him safer than Trubisky, but Trubisky has a big upside. Kizer is solid, but I don't think he's ready to play right away. Watson appears to be the only one who could hold his own right now.''

Deshaun Kizer, Browns candidate at No. 1: NFL Draft Profile

A third longtime talent evaluator expressed concern over Watson's 32 career interceptions, including 17 this season.

"He had five multiple-interception games this season,'' he told cleveland.com. "Three against Louisville, three against Pitt and two against Ohio State. That's too many picks in big games.''

Brugler acknowledged the accuracy concerns, but believes a team will take a chance in the top 10.

"Watson is a winner with the make-up and intangibles you want at the position,'' he told cleveland.com. "And physically, his arm and mobility are great foundation traits. But he had several areas as a pocket passer that require development, most importantly his ball placement downfield. Opinions from NFL teams are all over the map on his draft 'value' so all eyes will be on him throughout the process.''

Matt Miller of the Bleacher Report has Watson going to Buffalo at No. 10.

"Watson is the most pro-ready of all the quarterbacks in this class,'' he wrote in his latest mock draft. "With his accuracy and mobility, he can carve up defenses.''

Charlie Campbell of Walterfootball.com, on the other hand, thinks the Browns can wait all the way until No. 52 to nab Watson.

"The big problem for Watson in 2016 has been poor accuracy - other than against Syracuse,'' he writes. "He has lots of room for improvement with his field vision and ball placement. Watson has missed wide-open receivers for scores throughout the season. He also is undersized and doesn't play in a pro-style offense. Watson is great off the field with work ethic, character, leadership skills, and loving football.

Lesmerises: Watson is ready for the NFL

Despite Trubisky's limited experience -- 13 career starts and an 8-5 record -- Brugler believes he's the best in the class and won't last past the 49ers at No. 2. The junior hasn't graduated yet and isn't eligible to play in the Senior Bowl.

"As a one-year starter at UNC, there will be plenty of on-the-job training for Trubisky once he gets to the NFL,'' Brugler told cleveland.com. "But there's a lot about his skill set that will translate quickly to the pro game, which is why he'll be considered a potential top-10 pick. But his ability to use the whole field and decipher coverages are areas that will require more development.

"His tape shows a very efficient passer with athleticism and an accurate arm, making mostly sound decisions. But he can be fooled at times, something we saw in the Sun Bowl with two interceptions to the safety reading his eyes. Like most young quarterbacks who need to be developed in key areas, the organization and fit where he is drafted will determine a lot.''

Another top personnel executive said, "the Browns should draft Mitch Trubisky No. 1 overall and they'll be set for years.''

Still another said, "he might even have more upside potential than Carson Wentz.''

One of the evaluators said the Browns should forgo all the rookie quarterbacks and trade their No. 12 pick to New England for Jimmy Garoppolo. The Browns are intrigued by Garoppolo, among other veteran quarterbacks.

If they don't go that route, they'll have to grab one of the big three in the top 10 -- and probably No. 1 overall.