http://www.browns247.com/

Linebacker Darryl Blackstock, a three-year veteran of the Arizona Cardinals who was not tendered by the team, will visit the Browns today and work out Wednesday, a source said.

Blackstock (6-3, 244) is a rush linebacker with experience in the 3-4 defense, thereby familiar with Romeo Crennel's defense and philosophy.

Blackstock, a third-round pick in 2005 out of Virginia, played there under former Browns defensive assistant Al Groh, who coached with Crennel under Bill Parcells.

Blackstock has been primarily a backup and special-teams player in Arizona, but some scouts think he can develop into an every-down player in the right system. Last season, he had 21 tackles, one forced fumble and three sacks. Miami and Cincinnati are also believed to be interested.

Scouts Inc.'s analysis on ESPN.com said Blackstock "looks more effective going forward than he does dropping into coverage. He can be explosive with his first step and accelerates off the edge with a good burst of speed. He is active and not afraid to throw his body around with abandon."

Blackstock's former team, the Cardinals, agreed to terms Monday night on a five-year deal with rush linebacker Travis LaBoy, whom the Browns had hoped to sign when he was in town over the weekend. Reports said the deal was worth $22 million with $7.5 million guaranteed.

I'd like everyone to note that I had a cut ready to paste, but I saw this first (!). The restraint!

I like the blurb on him, that he's active and has a good burst. He did have three sacks last year and 21 tackles, way more than his first two years.

I wonder if we can bring out his inner ILB. He played it some of his college career, which was 3-4.

http://thebrownsboard.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7246085224/m/7581034625

Wasn't he a situational LB ? Hence the low numbers.

Sorry shep, until they actually give me something to do, I'm hardcore surfing sports sites at my desk.

Yeah, Adam. A backup and special teamer. But he's like 24 and at least the Browns, Dolphins, and Bengals see him as a good "prospect." Almost like a draft pick.

Something the Browns don't have much of.

He's fast, athletic, and plays hard. I'm interested.

I bet Mel would like to work with him. If he can be had for relatively cheap I would definitely like him over davis or mcginnist.

Adkins on OBR, who I think is really sharp, likes Blackstock's potential, because he's fast, athletic, and physical. Thinks if he got some serious PT, he could turn into a real find.

Not at all impressed with Greisen. Thinks he's a step down as a utility backer from Chaun Thompson.

General consensus on Thompson is that he got something of a raw deal here, but may need a fresh start elsewhere. He has his issues -- recognition and coverage -- but he's a big athlete who can really move.

I think he could've been a serious ILB if the Browns had stuck him there and kept with it. But the same is probably true of Blackstock. They need to choose his spot and stick to it if they sign him.

quote:

They need to choose his spot and stick to it if they sign him.

Wasnt it you that was telling us how we could be like the Pats and have LBs that play multiple positions?

I could be wrong; maybe it was the D-line you were talking about.

quote:

Originally posted by shepwrite:
Adkinsianovitchikitis on OrangutanBananaReview, who I think is really sharp, likes Blackstock's potential, because he's fast, athletic, and physical. Thinks if he got some serious PT, he could turn into a real find.

Not at all impressed with Greisen. Thinks he's a step down as a utility backer from Chaun Thompson.

General consensus on Thompson is that he got something of a raw deal here, but may need a fresh start elsewhere. He has his issues -- recognition and coverage -- but he's a big athlete who can really move.

I think he could've been a serious ILB if the Browns had stuck him there and kept with it. But the same is probably true of Blackstock. They need to choose his spot and stick to it if they sign him.

Just trying to keep ya out of trouble, shep.

Yeah, the Pats like versatility at the LB spot, Toop. But I think it's a double-edged sword, especially with a guy like Thompson who never kept his most valuable assets between his ears.

That kid needed to do one thing and do it well. A lot of people think he could've been a pass rusher if they'd just focused on that.

Blackstock could be different. I know he's a young guy who hasn't really found his place yet.

But he's getting really popular. Add the Dolphins to the chase.

Cleveland Browns still looking for new pass rusher
by Tony Grossi
Tuesday March 04, 2008, 10:22 AM

The Browns are still trying to add a pass rusher in free agency and an inside linebacker to help against the run.

They thought they had Tennessee's Travis LaBoy all but locked up. During his visit over the weekend, LaBoy and his wife scouted possible homes. But LaBoy left without a contract and signed with Arizona the next day. He'll try to move to outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.

The Browns are meeting today with Arizona's Darryl Blackstock. Another possibility is Pittsburgh's Clark Haggans, who hasn't made many visits yet.

On the inside linebacker front, Baltimore's Nick Greisen also left Cleveland over the weekend without a contract and is still unsigned.

Since I am the teller of all things Blackstock...

I hear the Browns are pretty serious about him. But the Bengals, Pats, and Dolphins like him, too. He's going to make a little coin in a Shaun Smith kind of way, almost like a draft pick.

It's more about what Savage thinks he can do than what he's already done.

Had a really good combine and was slated for round 2, fell to round 3. Browns had their eyes on him. Maybe they nab him this time around.