Mangini, Kolkonis, and the Cleveland Browns

Eric Mangini is a stubborn man. Perhaps because I've been watching HBO's John Adams miniseries too much I use this quote to be very appropriate.

"Well thanks be to God he gave me stubborness. Especially when I know that I am right."
- John Adams

Mangini, more often then not, is right. In most instances, he failed to allow media speculation or fan pressure dictate anything that he did. After the heavy criticism he and Brian Schottenheimer received for calling three straight running plays at the goal line (and failing to get in all three times) against the New England Patriots in Week 2's 19-10 loss, the Jets would often be inclined to pass a few times at the goal line. In another instance, according to rumours around Jets headquarters, Mangini completely revamped his defensive scheme after the 34-17 loss to Denver in Week 13. According to the report, the defense failed to pick up the new scheme, which aided in the Jets 1-4 collapse in the final five games of the season.

Yet, as I said, more often then not, Mangini was in the right as a head coach in New York. He took over as defensive playcaller midway through the doomed 2007 season, and in the final seven games of that season, the Jets went 3-4 (they started out 1-8) and their defense finished significantly better in every statistical category then they had in the nine games that he did not call the plays.

Mangini's talent evaluation is also heavily lauded. He had a close relationship with Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum, and the two worked tirelessly each off-season to revamp the broken roster that Herman Edwards allowed to fall apart from the Bill Parcells drafts. D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold have both established themselves as terrific picks from the 2006 1st round class. That class also proved beneficial in adding home-run threat Leon Washington and utility man Brad Smith. In a weak 2007 class, the Jets added stud cornerback Darrelle Revis and stout run defender David Harris. They also snagged a 7th round steal in WR Chansi Stuckey, who trailed off down the stretch, but has shown signs of being a very capable slot receiver in New York. In that same off-season, the Jets landed a diamond-in-the-rough in Kenyon Coleman through free agency, who has emerged into a fine 3-4 defensive end. Despite limited participation from the Jets 2008 draft class, Dustin Keller broke out nicely before hitting the rookie wall in the final four games of the 2008 season.

2008 will be much more remembered for Brett Favre, but the additions of Calvin Pace, Damien Woody, Alan Faneca, and Tony Richardson through free agency went extremely well, even though the style of spending went against much of Mangini's style in terms of building a roster. Pace contributed with seven sacks this season, and while that number may seem average, he was the only Jets defender to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and was by far their best (and only) cover linebacker. Faneca and Woody added veteran leadership to the offensive line as well as great run blocking. Once the line gelled, the Jets emerged with the AFC Rushing Champion--30 year old Thomas Jones. Woody was particularly underrated, as the Jets spent almost the entire season in the Top 5 in yards per rush off right tackle.

Mangini helped revamp the New York Jets, and instilled discipline and character in his players. Cleveland is not necessarily the best fit for Mangini, but like he did with the Jets, he must instill that same sense of discipline and character in Cleveland.

He inherits a talented offense with playmakers Kellen Winslow II and Braylon Edwards in contract years, an aging running back, and a woebegone quarterback situation. Still, Cleveland has one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL when healthy, and Mangini need only prune the Cleveland offensive trenches and find a suitable replacement for the aging Jamal Lewis, which as we've seen can be done without taking a running back in the first round.

Where Cleveland is really in trouble, is on the defensive side of the football. Mangini, like his predecessor Romeo Crennel favors a 2-gap 3-4 system. The 2-gap system can be dominant against the run, but is easily the most team oriented defense in the league. Corey Williams failed to adapt to his position as a 3-4 defensive end, though he is not talentless, and with the right coaching, could potentially develop and save Browns fans, and Mangini, a world of aggrivation. Shaun Rogers, while seemingly better suited as a 1-gapping 3-4 nose tackle, is tied to his position under Mangini thanks to a 6-year 42 million dollar contract. It is not out of the question though, that Rogers could potentially move to defensive end (though I don't anticipate this) in this 3-4. In this scenario, I would imagine that Mangini would take a hard look at bringing in Boston College NT Ron Brace, who is the best NT in this year's class, and probably the best since Gabe Watson in 2006.

Cleveland's problems on defense are still looming large. They lack a pass rusher opposite Kamerion Wimbley, who has struggled with a defensive line that failed to pick up the 3-4 scheme and a limited amount of pass rushing moves. Wimbley needs to refine his game, but will benefit from the addition of another pass rusher. In this case, the Browns best hope is probably in Brian Orapko (Texas), Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech), or Everette Brown (Florida State). As far as linebackers go, Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson (a gem indeed) will likely be the only returning starters for Cleveland.

Cleveland's secondary is the least of it's worries right now surprisingly, which makes me believe they'll pass on cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, despite the fact that he's a home-grown product from Ohio State and compares favorably to 49ers cornerback Nate Clements. Eric Wright struggled at the end of last season, but has shown flashes of being a very good cornerback, and will probably succeed with a more efficient pass rush. Brandon McDonald, benched at one point, really finished the season strong, his best outing coming against Indianapolis' Reggie Wayne. Sean Jones is a free agent, but his battle with assorted injuries this season should keep his price down. Brodney Pool up for a few more seasons as well. As far as the Browns secondary go, they'd probably be better off trying to add a veteran this off-season such as Jabari Greer or Bryant McFadden. They have more then enough youth in the secondary.

Where Mangini works for this team is that he'll add a disciplined demeanor to the squad. He may not be firey and agitated, but Mangini doesn't mess around in training camp. These players will be in shape and ready, and that will mean the world for NT Shaun Rogers. Even if he can't pick up the scheme this year, he'll be in shape or Mangini will be on him no question.

The relationship with Kolkonis is key here. Kolkonis comes from a philosophy of building through the draft, which is heavily aligned with Mangini's. Early indications in Cleveland indicate that Mangini has quite a bit of power. I would expect the Browns will leave free agency alone this season except for maybe one of the under-the-radar players. I think that Eric Barton could easily be one of them to play inside next to D'Qwell Jackson.

The diagnosis on the Browns is not good, but it's not the end of the world. With a host of offensive talent, the Browns simply have to find a way to stay healthy up front and start negotiating on a deal to hang onto either Kellen Winslow II or Braylon Edwards. Edwards is more then likely going to be the one who is shipped out despite Cleveland's lack of depth at receiver. K2 is far more of a fan favorite after Edwards' sixteen drops and badmouthing of the Cleveland fans. With Mangini at the helm, I won't be surprised if Cleveland winds up with a winning record next year, or in the playoffs no less. A lot of it hinges on Brady Quinn, but the first step to success, is a good offensive line--so Cleveland fans can breathe a little easier.


Notes:

- While Eric Mangini is a fan of open competition, and will likely declare every spot in training camp as open, chances are that Derek Anderson will either have to re-do his contract or he'll be cut. The contract itself was more of a 1-year tryout for Anderson, and GM Phil Savage gets unfairly attacked for this deal. It predicted Cleveland being exactly in the situation they're in now--summing up whether Anderson is worth a 5 million dollars roster bonus. The Browns only have about 7 million in cap room right now, so this could be a sticking point. I don't expect Anderson back next season, nor do I expect any takers via trade.
- Mangini is said to have micro-managed the offensive side of the ball in New York. I'd be very surprised though if the Browns don't run a run-heavy offense though. The Jets felt the need to tailor their offense to Favre last year, but Mangini is Favre-free and chances are he's going to go back to the power run.
- With only four picks in this draft, I'm expecting the Browns to try and trade down. I don't anticipate their being any takers unless Matthew Stafford falls to 5th overall. Right now I'm projecting Everette Brown, but Michael Johnson is likely to have a great combine and could wind up at 5th overall. Johnson was inconsistent this season, but still posted nine sacks and is probably the most athletic defensive end in the draft. Still, the Browns may be favoring a more polished pass rusher with enough moves to take the heat off of Wimbley.
- One of Mangini's biggest weaknesses is often confused. By nature, he's an aggressive, blitzing type (until he gets a nice lead, and gets into a much more passive prevent shell). However, where his schemes have failed in the past fall on both him, his coaches, and his players. His blitzes have often looked (especially in the last five games of 2008) obvious, lacking major creativity. More often then not, Mangini tries to overcompensate the lack of creativity with quantity. In 2007, the Jets led the league in both 6-man rushes and 3-man rushes. Watch out for this potential flaw.
- One thing I am expecting is for the Browns to find a new 3-4 DE. I'm expecting either Igor Olshanksy (San Diego), Antonio Smith (Arizona), or Chris Canty to be one of the starting ends in Cleveland next year. As I said earlier, also don't be surprised if former Jets ILB Eric Barton is starting next to D'Qwell Jackson in September.
- I see a lot of potential in Cleveland, and this year nonwithstanding, most coaches have more success with their 2nd team then their first.