The Browns are asking the NFL to allow Kareem Hunt to remain with the team during his eight-game suspension, a source tells Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. Players are typically banned from the team facility and all activities during personal conduct policy suspensions, but the club is looking for an exemption in Hunt’s case.
Given Hunt’s history, this could be an uphill battle for the Browns. While we wait for developments on that front, here’s more from Cleveland:
- It sounds like GM John Dorsey will consider Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in the upcoming draft, despite his red flags. “I think from your standpoint, what you should do is you should talk to the coaches and the support system at Starkville, Mississippi State, and just see what kind of man that guy really is,” Dorsey said (via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). The Browns might not be able to land Simmons with their first pick at No. 49 overall, but trading up is always a possibility.
- Dorsey expects Odell Beckham Jr. to arrive in Cleveland for the start of the voluntary offseason program on Monday, April 1 (via Cabot). “He’s excited,’’ Dorsey said. “There’s a genuine excitement there. There’s familiarity with some teammates. There’s familiarity with his position coach. I’m sure he’s … he’s got a relationship with Baker so I’m sure he’s excited to be part of this new beginning for him.’’
Simmons would be a pretty good value at the end of the first round or early-to-mid second round. I like the chance to buy low on a really talented prospect who could deepen their D-line and rotate with Ogunjobi and Richardson.
But a #2 corner is a glaring need and with his red flags and the ACL injury, I don’t know if it’s totally worth it to draft Simmons when you can still get a corner with value like Justin Layne or Rock Ya-Sin. If either of them are gone, then sure.
If Dorsey does trade up, I’m hoping it will be for a CB, SS, or LB.
I don’t really think there’s a ton of value for a safety or linebacker that would be worth trading up for. They could probably stand pat in the second round and get either Mack Wilson or Deionte Thompson if that’s the route they chose.
I think they could still get a good corner where they’re at, but if they really want someone specific they’ll probably have to move up.
Dorsey going for the character guys that are starting to make the Chiefs unravel…