Displaying items by tag: NFL Draft

On the Wednesday edtion of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast:

The fellas weighed in on Cleveland being the host city for the 2021 NFL Draft

Michael Lee of the Athletic joined in to talk NBA Playoffs 

One of the best television producers of our time Dick Ebersol joined the show to talk about being the recipient of the 2019 Pete Rozelle Radio and TV award during Enshrinement Week at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. 

Kevin Kleps, sports business reporter from CraIn's Cleveland Business joined the Sam and Brad Show as they were live from Progressive Field as they discussed the possibility of Cleveland hosting the NFL Draft in 2021.

The announcement will be made in Key Biscayne, Florida tomorrow.

"The Browns and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission feels pretty good about it (the possibility of the draft coming here)," he said. 

Sam spoke about a recent article in the Beacon Journal about local officials asking the State for stricter penalties for those who assault sports officials. He also took calls on the matter as well.

He also spoke with former Barberton graduate and Charleston (WV) football player John Cominsky who was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. 

On the NFL Draft Day Edition of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast 

They guys spoke with former Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson about his draft day experience and this year's upcoming Browns team (around 18 seconds in) 

Former Browns GM Phil Savage joined the show to talk about the rush that is Draft Day (around 13 minutes in) 

On the Feel Good Friday edition of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast:

Draft prospect Andy Isabella joined the show to talk about the draft process (20.2 seconds) 

ESPN and MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian joined the show to talk about the Sunday night game that he will be calling in Cleveland between the Indians and the Atlanta Braves. (11:02) 

On the Monday edition of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast:

Jimmy Hanlin spoke about Tiger winning the Masters at Augusta National  (20.8 seconds) 

Chris in Copley spoke with the fellas to talk about the poll question posed by the guys: Who is the greatest golfer of all time? Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods? (8:51) 

Dane Brugler of the Athletic joined to talk about the upcoming NFL Draft. (15:08)

On the Feel Good Friday edition of the Sam and Brad Show Podcast:

Jonah Rosenblum of the Record Courier on the Portage Trail Conference (19 seconds) 

NFL Draft hopeful and Barberton grad John Cominsky on the draft process (around 13 minutes) 

ESPN's Brian Windhorst on his new book: LeBron INC: The Making of a Billion Dollar Athlete. (around 30 minutes) 

On this Wednesday edition of the Sam and Brad Show, the guys catch up with head basketball coaches Dru Joyce II (STVSM, 00:21) and Mark Fisher (Ellet, 06:40) as their two teams prepare to square off. Former NFL scout Matt Manocherian chats with the guys about some of the top prospects from the NFL Combine and what implications the combine has on this year's draft (13:01).

Color Analayst for the UCLA-IMG Sports Network Matt Stevens spoke with Sam and Brad to talk about Josh Rosen for our Know Your Prospect segment.

Stevens, a former Bruin quarterback, said that Rosen is "another Aaron Rodgers" and is the best QB in the draft.

For this week's edition of our Know Your Prospect interview, we went just north of 303 to speak with Jeff Fox, the head coach of the Nordonia Knights to talk shoutdown cornerback Denzel Ward.

The NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, and Ward is making a name for himself at some local combines and workouts.

Former USC football player and FOX College football analyst Petros Papadakis joined the Sam and Brad Show to talk about Sam Darnold's potential as a pro, as well as Hue Jackson's handling and coaching of quarterbacks. 

Former N. Canton Hoover quarterback and former Purdue and Florida signal-caller Austin Appleby took some time to join the Sam and Brad Show to talk about his preparations for the NFL Draft and how he projects himself to play in the league.

Appleby led the Florida Gators to a bowl win over Iowa in the Outback Bowl, starting seven games in 2016.

Former Garfield Golden Ram, OSU Buckeye, and NFL running back Chris "Beanie" Wells spoke with Sam and Brad as they broadcasted live from Fred Martin Nissan.

Beanie discussed the draft process and what it was like for him when he came into the league.

Sam and Brad caught up with Adam Cook from Whitehouse HS in Whitehouse,Texas to discuss where his former QB Patrick Mahomes II might end up in the NFL Draft.

For today's edition of Know Your Prospect,  we spoke with former Massillon Washington HS coach Jason Hall as he spoke about former Tiger and OSU Buckeye standout Gareon Conley.

NFL Network analyst and former Washington Redskins GM Charley Casserly joined Sam Bourquin Friday to discuss the upcoming NFL Draft and the Cleveland Browns with picks #1 and #12.

For the full interview, click here.

Dane Brugler from CBS Sports spoke with Sam Bourquin and Brad Russell about the upcoming NFL Draft and where they might go with the #1 overall pick in the draft.

The full interview can be heard here.

Draft analyst Eric Galko from Optimum Scouting joined the Sam and Brad Show to see where the Browns might be leaning as far as the #1 and #12 picks in this year's NFL Draft.

For the full interview, click here.

Sam, Brad, and Justin talked about the upcoming NFL Draft and the TV coverage, especially the "war room."

Should it be callled a "war room?"

You decide!

Today's edition of Know Your Prospect takes us to Coppell, Texas, where we meet Joe McBride, head coach of Coppell, HS.

He was the high school coach of Solomon Thomas, who went on to have a great career at Stanford on the defensive line, and could be a target for the Browns in the first round. 

For the full interview, click here.

Today's edition of Know Your Prospect takes us to South Carolina where we meet coach Chris Carter from Edisto HS.

He coached former Clemson standout Mike Williams at Lake Marion HS in the Palmetto State.

Here's what Coach had to say about Mike with Sam and Brad on Thursday.

Today's edition of Know Your Prospect goes up to Cleveland, Ohio where we speak with Ted Ginn Sr. from the Ginn Academy to talk about defensive back Marshon Lattimore who played at Ohio State and will be drafted in the NFL.

Here's the previous Know Your Prospect Interviews: Tre'Davious White,   Myles Garrett , and Deshaun Watson 

Browns beat writer Nate Ulrich spoke with Sam and Brad on Monday to talk about the NFL Combine, free agency, and if they would take Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett #1 overall.

For the full interview, click here.

The Know Your Prospect stories continue as we get closer to the NFL Draft.  One of those prospects is Tre'Davious White, the athletic cornerback out of LSU.

His high school coach in Shreveport, Louisiana, James Spencer Heard, who coached him at Green Oaks High School joined Sam and Brad Friday.

For stories on some of our other prospects, click here for Myles Garrett, and here for Deshaun Watson.

Today's edition of Know Your Prospect takes us to Arlington,Texas to Martin High School, where head coach Bob Wager joined the Sam and Brad Show Wednesday.

Wager joined the show to talk about one of his former players, Myles Garrett and his preparation going into the NFL.

For the full interview, click right here.

Previous Story: Know Your Prospect Deshaun Watson.

Today's first edition of Know Your Prospect takes a look at Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is one of the more well-known prospects in the NFL Draft.

His high school coach at Gainesville (GA) High School, Bruce Miller joined the Sam and Brad Show on 1590 WAKR.

For the full interview, click here.

Phil Savage, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl joined Sam and Brad to talk about the upcoming game January 28 in Mobile, AL.

For the full interview, click here. 

Tim May, Ohio State Football beat writer, joined the Sam and Brad Show to discuss various OSU football players declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Browns drafted wide receiver Corey Coleman with the #15th overall pick out of Baylor University. Coleman's former college coach offered his take on how he progressed down at Waco, and what he worked on to get to his dream.

Baylor head football coach Art Briles joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the former Belitnikoff award winner and the winning attitude he will bring to the Browns this upcoming fall.

He said Coleman is a guy that brings a lot of intangibles to the table including speed, toughness, and a willingness to work.

"He's a can't miss guy, and you're going to love him in Cleveland, I'll guarantee you that," Briles said.

Coleman was the first wideout off the board for the Browns in Thursday night's first round in Chicago. Coach Briles says Corey was a serious and diligent worker in his four years at Baylor.

He's a guy that certainly never had an issue with us on or off the football field," Briles said. "He's a pro and pros have certain parameters to stay within, and he's not going to have a problem staying within that."

The day is finally here and the NFL Draft will be ushering in some new blood into the rankings of the league, where many childhood dreams will be realized.

Steve Doerschuk from the Canton Repository joined Sammy B to talk a little draft, and he anticipates the Browns will take a chance on former Ohio State star Ezekiel Elliott with the 8th overall selection.

Doerschuk says he's talked to many people about Zeke, and a lot of folks in and around the league say that he's a complete back who can not only run the football, but catch it out of the backfield, and pass protect, which is something that not every running back has mastered by the time they get to the NFL level.

You can catch the Browns radio network draft coverage on 1590 WAKR beginning at 7 p.m.

One of the fastest-rising names in the NFL draft ranks is Jack Conklin, the big offensive lineman from Michigan State, and it could be possible he'll be wearing brown and orange after Thursday's draft in Chicago.

Jack's father and high school coach Darren Conklin joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show to talk about Jack's path to the draft coming out of Plainwell, Michigan.

When asked about how he grew to love the game and hone his craft, the elder Conklin said it was from an early age.

"He loved the physical nature, he loved running around and hitting people, he was aggressive and bigger than most kids, even in youth football, he said.

The Conklin family is in Chicago for the draft, and Darren describes the events and TV production surrounding the draft as "first class" and says it's been a great experience for Jack and the rest of the family.

As the NFL Draft nears closer to Thursday, the Browns have many options at #8. One of those players could be former Florida DB Vernon Hargreaves III.

Vernon's former coach at Wharton HS in Tampa, FL David Mitchell joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show to talk with him about what kind of player and person Vernon was in high school.

He said what stood out about him right away was his athleticism and ability to process information and get the little things down.

"Everybody knew no matter where the ball was, he would be there," Mitchell said. "He was a very mature player." 

He was a defensive star at Florida, and at cornerback, he has that confidence you need to be out there on the island and make plays.

 "He comes from a great family, great young man, and he's got his head on straight," Mitchell said.

The Browns traded from #2 to #8 and he might be in play for the Browns, but coach Mitchell said it would be nice to see him play for the hometown Buccanneers if possible.

Yesterday, the NFL was buzzing as the Cleveland Browns and the Eagles have swapped first-round picks, with Philadelphia selecting at #2 overall, and the Browns moving down to the #8 overall pick.

Andrea Hangst from the Orange and Brown Report joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show to talk about her initial thoughts on the move and what it means for the Browns moving forward.

"Right now it looks like a big win to me, they have 12 picks this draft, they have an additional first round pick next year,  they have a second rounder in 2018, I think it's a really smart move when you look at all the picks they acquired from Philadelphia," she said.

"That brings a lot more value to the team I think, potentially at least than anyone they could have picked with that second overall selection."

Hangst believes the Browns could select UCLA linebacker Myles Jack with the #8 pick. He does bring some health concerns with the knee, but can stop the run and work in coverage as well. Another possibility could be Ohio State star Ezekiel Elliott, who could provide playmaking ability at the running back position.

The NFL Draft is less than 20 days away, and many teams have holes to fill to improve their team, and the Browns are certainly one of those teams.

Nolan Vasan from NFLDraftGeek.com joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the draft coming up in Chicago, and where some teams might go with their picks and where our Cleveland Browns might go at #2.

Nolan says he's most excited about how wide open the draft is, considering there's no blockbuster names out there.

"Nobody knows what's going to happen from #1-32," Vasan said. "I'm really looking forward to some excitement, I hope."

Vasan says that despite signing Robert Griffin III earlier this spring. the Browns will still select a quarterback in the 2016 draft.

"If you're in the position to take a franchise quarterback, you take one," he said.

With the NFL Draft just a few short weeks away, the Browns have that #2 overall pick and the debate still rages on between Carson Wentz and Jared Goff for the quarterback spot.

Kennedy Paynter from Drafttek.com joined the Average Sports Show with Brad Russell and he said the Browns have to take their shot and take a chance with Wentz.

"I would take him #2, and it's been said before, you've got to take your swings, and if you keep swinging, you'll get your franchise guy," Paynter said.

The singal-caller from North Dakota State (Wentz) can run, throw with velocity, and has more upside than Cal's Jared Goff, who is more of a system quarterback and needs a certain kind of offensive game plan to succeed according to Paynter.

The Baltimore Ravens had a down year in 2015, and they're going to have to add some young blood to the defense in hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2016.

Jeremy Conn from 105.7 The Game in Baltimore joined Sam Bourquin Thursday to talk about the Ravens' draft needs coming up in April.

He says they need help at both pass rusher and cornerback, knowing there are some aging veterans in both of those spots.

 "You're going to need some help with the pass rush, you have Terrell Suggs in the November of his career, and you have Elvis Dumervil, who is getting up there, and there's some spots in the secondary that need filled as well," Conn said.

"It's expected that they will go defense in their first selection, but there's any number of directions they can go in."

One of the more notable names coming out in the 2016 NFL draft is former OSU quarterback Cardale Jones, who many predict will have success on the next level as he learns the pro game.

His high school coach, Ted Ginn Sr. joined the Average Sports Show to speak with Brad about his former QB and what road he took to get to where he is today.

Ginn said he took a great deal of pride in helping Jones and other young people achieve their goals.

 "Anytime I see one of them (students, student-athletes) reach that goal they always wanted it makes my job that much more important," Ginn said.

Jones led OSU to the National Championship two years ago as a third-string quarterback and coach Ginn says ever since he was young, he always worked to prove doubters wrong.

As we get to know some of the more notable names getting closer to the NFL Draft, one of the more notable offensive skill players fans and scouts have an eye on is former OSU quarterback-turned receiver Braxton Miller.

His former high school coach Jay Minton from Huber Heights Wayne talked with Brad on the Average Sports Show to talk about Braxton as an athlete and as a person, saying he was just as good of a young man as he is as a football player.

"He's one of the most coachable young men we've ever been around," Minton said. "Very respectful, always wanted to be challenged, and he always wanted to get better."

Miller was the two-time Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year at OSU, and made the switch to wideout as a senior.

Minton said it's going to continue to be a smooth process to make a full transition to wide receiver because of his athletic ability and maturity.

"He can make some dynamic plays, and he's a young man that wants the ball in his hands, and he wants to make an impact regardless of what position he plays," he said. 

As the NFL Draft approaches, many people are asking about the Browns' quarterback prospects and one of the names that is popping up is Paxton Lynch, the former quarterback of the Memphis Tigers.

Allen "B.J." Johnson coached Paxton in high school at Trinity Christian in Deltona, Florida. He's coached Paxton since the sixth grade, and he's proud of him both on and off the field.

He says a lot of NFL scouts have been calling him, asking about his former signal-caller.

"He's a great kid," says Johnson. "He has no character issues, and if you don't draft him, you will regret it," he says with confidence.

Johnson says he compares favorably to current NFL quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Colin Kaepernick due to his size, arm strength, and escapability in the pocket.  While at Memphis, he guided the Tigers to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Birmigham Bowl against Auburn.

Coach Johnson says Paxton won't  be concerned if he lands to the Browns, who have had their struggles with quarterbacks, but he knows his will to win and desire to succeed will see him through.

One of the players a lot of the experts have the Cleveland Browns taking with the #2 overall pick is former Cal quarterback Jared Goff, and we reached out to his high school coach to give us some insight into what makes the signal-caller from the west coast tick.

Mazi Moyaed, the head coach of Marin Catholic HS in California joined Brad Russell in the Average Sports Show to talk about his former QB and the leadership he brings on and off the football field.

When asked about what kind of leader he was in high school, Mazi said he exemplified leadership and confidence throughout his time at Marin Catholic.

"He's a great player obviously, phenomenal leader, he's always been one of the guys," Moyaed said. "He's embraced by the community, and he embraces the community, he gives people his time, he's well-mannered, but when he's on the field, he's very competitive."

 Mazi says scouts have been calling him asking about Goff, his maturation over the years, and how his skill set translates to the NFL. Moyaed says that Goff's smarts set him apart from everyone else and he always stays calm and cool under pressure.

 "He really processes things well and just gets it going."

The Browns are in a position to draft a top-notch quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, and there are a couple of guys on the team's radar.

Longtime Walsh Jesuit head football coach Gerry Rardin (now retired) spokewith Brad about the exlpoits of former Warrior signal caller and Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook  and how his resilency and mental fortitude will serve him well moving forward to the NFL.

 "He just worked on every possible area of his game," said Rardin. "His best trait is that he never let the last play bother him."

During his career at Michigan State, he bested current Washington Redskins' quarterback Kirk Cousins' mark for most wins by a QB in Spartan history.

 The other big name that people have been talking about is former North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz, whose stock rose after a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

 Ron Wingenback, the head coach of Century High School in North Dakota also joined Brad to talk about his former quarterback and what he brings to the football field.

"Carson's a very good learner," Ron said. "He wanted to know everything he needed to know about the opponent, and that made him a very good quarterback in high school and in college."

With the NFL Draft coming up in just a short amount of time, the Browns will assuredly take a look at a quarterback in April.

Former Division III national champion Jim Ballard, who played quarterback at Mt. Union joined the Sam Bourquin Show on a Feel Good Friday to talk about some of the signal callers like OSU's Cardale Jones, Cal's Jared Goff, and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz.

"The quarterback position is so objective and subjective by all the scouts in the NFL," says Ballard. "Things I might look for in a quarterback might not be a big deal to other scouts," he says.

One of the players who might get a look in the 2nd or 3rd round is former Walsh Jesuit star and Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook, who has all the physical tools, but questions arise about his leadership, seeing that he was not voted as a captain his senior season in East Lansing.