faba Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Smith pushing Browns hard to draft him CLEVELAND (AP) Usually the one avoiding pressure, Troy Smith is putting the heat on the Cleveland Browns. Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his hometown team to select him in April's NFL draft, and he isn't missing any chance to remind the Browns that he'll be available to them soon. Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Tuesday night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance speech he thanked the city's fans for their support. "Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level with the Cleveland Browns," he said. Smith hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Browns, who after finishing 4-12 last season will pick either third or fourth in April's draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball game, Smith wore a Browns jacket. Following a tribute for him at Glenville High School in December, Smith said playing for the Browns would fulfill a lifelong goal. "I have dreamed about it and talked about it countless times with my mother," he said. "All she talks about is saving the Browns. If that were to happen, that would be a dream come true because I could stay in the community and give back." Most draft experts have forecast Smith being taken in the second or third round. The knock on Smith is that he's not a prototypical pocket passer and that he's too small — he was listed at 6-foot-1 on Ohio State's roster. One of his former high school and college teammates believes Smith is being underestimated. "He should be a first-round pick," said Buffalo safety Donte Whitner, the No. 8 pick overall last year by the Bills. "I don't think there is a problem with his height. He has shown what he can do on the field, he's a winner. He has won the big games, except for the last one. I believe in him. "They said the same thing about Drew Brees, but he changed the New Orleans Saints organization around this year." Smith didn't end his college career on a good note as he was roughed up by Florida's defense in a 41-14 loss in the BCS national championship. However, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Smith's performance shouldn't hurt his draft status. "One game doesn't make a career," he said. "It was unfortunate the way it unfolded. That is the only sport that I know of where they take 50 days off and then play the championship. Troy had a terrific career at Ohio State, he won the Heisman Trophy, he's from Cleveland and well see how the draft unfolds in all of that." The Browns seem committed to starting either Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson at quarterback next season, so if they pick a QB, it probably won't be until the later rounds of the two-day draft on April 28-29. Frye said he isn't concerned about the possibility of the Browns bringing in another quarterback. "If you're worried about that, you're worrying about the wrong things," he said. Smith isn't the only Clevelander dreaming of playing for the Browns. Wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr., Smith's teammate at Glenville and Ohio State, is skipping his senior college season for the NFL. He, too, said he would like to trade a silver helmet for an orange one. "It's always been a dream to play for the Browns," he said. "Why would I want to go anywhere else but Cleveland?" Ginn still is wearing a protective walking boot after spraining his left foot in the BCS title game. Ginn said his injury, which happened during a celebration after he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, is getting better and that he'll work out for pro scouts once it's 100 percent. He said watching from the sideline on crutches during the Gators' thrashing of the top-ranked Buckeyes was difficult. "Oh, man, it was very tough to see my team go down like that and not be able to help them at all," he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxman Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I give him credit for being honest. I always hate when a kid from San Francisco claims to be a Jets fan or something like that. I had Ken O Brien posters on my walls. Uh, no. You were a Montana fan. Don't lie to us. This kid gets credit for honesty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted January 31, 2007 Author Share Posted January 31, 2007 I wonder wghat Charlie Frye thinks about this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4HCrew Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I think Troy just wants to make some money instead of dropping in the draft Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afosomf Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 and i want Scarlet Johanson to bang the hell out of me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I think Troy just wants to make some money instead of dropping in the draft I don't think that is the case. I wouldn't be surprised for the Brownies to trade with a team in the 20's to grab Smith. He would be a good QB for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aec4 Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I think Troy just wants to make some money instead of dropping in the draft PErfectly said.. I wonder how Troy would feel if the Browns decided to draft him in round 2 or 3... What if they asked this: "Troy, tell the ot her teams you won't play for them, and we'll draft you in round 3.. guaranteed....." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 PErfectly said.. I wonder how Troy would feel if the Browns decided to draft him in round 2 or 3... What if they asked this: "Troy, tell the ot her teams you won't play for them, and we'll draft you in round 3.. guaranteed....." At first when i read this, i didn't remember how bad the browns were and that they have a top five pick. It reminds me of last year when Vernon Davis said "I don't see how the Jets can't pick me, who else do they have on offense?" i still hate that bum for saying that. i only wish he was a bust,....no luck so far... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECURB Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 At first when i read this, i didn't remember how bad the browns were and that they have a top five pick. It reminds me of last year when Vernon Davis said "I don't see how the Jets can't pick me, who else do they have on offense?" i still hate that bum for saying that. i only wish he was a bust,....no luck so far... He did break his leg... lol But he is seriously going to be a beast if he can stay healthy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 He did break his leg... lol But he is seriously going to be a beast if he can stay healthy... I don't know if i agree with that though. He has the skills yes, and by all counts he SHOULD be unbelievable. He did play well this year, so i clearly have nothing backing up my instinct of saying he won't be that terribly good. Part of that instinct is a direct corrilation of me wanting him to fall with the San Andrea's fault into the ocean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 The Browns arn't that stupid.. well maybe they are if he comes to them in Round 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 The Browns arn't that stupid.. well maybe they are if he comes to them in Round 2. I don't call it stupid to draft him in the second round. I'm not sure of their picks, but i would say he has great value middle of the second round. 4th overall? yeah, that would be stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serphnx Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I thought this guy was supposed to be better than Brady Quinn, now I hear he's a 2nd-3rd rounder at best. The Browns should take him in the 2nd round probably if that's true. He's almost certainly better than Frye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AG Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I think he might go to Green Bay in the second round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 I think he might go to Green Bay in the second round. Living in the Cheese land, head would roll. Nobody really likes Rodgers out here, but they all want to see him play. GB could have the first 20 picks and still suck next year, they need some work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 In related news, I want the Saints to draft me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4HCrew Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 For some reason I could see Quinn going to the Packers...just a hunch but not sure why Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gun Of Bavaria Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Steaming Pile of Dookie > Troy Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serphnx Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 In related news, I want the Saints to draft me. I want the Jets to draft me. I swear I have a better arm than Chad Pennington, but since I'm shorter than Clemens it's probably not an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 and i want Scarlet Johanson to bang the hell out of me You mean THIS one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 I thought this guy was supposed to be better than Brady Quinn, now I hear he's a 2nd-3rd rounder at best. The Browns should take him in the 2nd round probably if that's true. He's almost certainly better than Frye. Yup he's dropped to the 2nd or 3rd round. He had a terrible BCS championship game and senior bowl. I can see the Brownies using a 3rd on him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizzock Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 with the browns draft history why would you want them to draft you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 with the browns draft history why would you want them to draft you? Apparently he grew up a Browns fan. That and of course the $$ would be the only reasons I could think of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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