Even before Paul Tagliabue steps up to the mike, I’m already a big fan of what the Browns and GM Phil Savage have accomplished.
The April 18 press conference by Savage and Bill Rees, the director of player personnel, was truly a masterstroke, for several reasons. First, it established that the team’s draft planners can be open and upfront with the media and public without harming their competitive position. By sitting there for well over an hour to expound on their scouting and address every question, they projected optimism, not paranoia. They left us with plenty of insight, well beyond what they were required to do, yet nobody can rightfully accuse them of tipping their hand too much.
Secondly, it displayed an actual willingness, indeed, an eagerness, to bring fans and the independent media into the process of anticipating, debating, speculating about what the Browns might do. That’s savvy marketing. Fans interested in the Browns’ draft strategy have been ushered into the happy medium between “who the heck knows?” and “well, duh!” By explaining the team’s objectives and process in gearing up for the draft, Savage and company have continued building understanding, which leads to trust, which leads to emotional investment, which, of course, is the Browns’ most important intangible asset.
Thirdly is the substance of what was said. We have a more realistic framework in which to process the myriad variables that will play themselves out on Saturday and Sunday. Among other things, the expectations for obtaining A.J. Hawk have been tempered. The possibility of trading up or down from #12 has been constrained to a few slots either way. Any thoughts of drafting a QB with the first pick have essentially been squelched.
By opening the door into their thinking in a forthcoming yet prudent way, the Browns’ braintrust has proven itself both brainy and trustworthy. That makes this weekend all the more interesting exciting for Browns fans.
