The Opening Drive 2/14: Coffee-Driven Weekend Banter, NFLPA Report Cards, and a Lightning Mock Draft

I woke up, settled in, poured some coffee and decided to make some draft selections.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: A general view of the video board on stage with the Cleveland Browns fifth pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Welcome to the weekend, my people. I don’t know about you, but it was a long week for yours truly, and the weekend always feels like a welcome sight. Who am I kidding? There is no peace. By 6:30 in the morning my two boys are already screaming at each other over toys, and the Valentine’s Day cinnamon rolls were suddenly “gross” because the icing was pink instead of white. Another day in mayhem, as they say.

But it’s not all bad — don’t let any parent lie to you. Last night I took my oldest, now 8, to see the new movie Goat, a hoops world where only the big animals get to play at the highest level. “Smalls can’t ball,” they say — until Steph Curry’s goat recreation gets a shot to play in the big league and carries his team to a championship (not exactly Cavs-friendly material). By the end, the message lands: size doesn’t define you. Dream big.

My son loved it. Watching someone small take down bigger opponents really hit home for him. And honestly, there’s something pretty cool about watching your kids pick up life lessons from movies and shows. Anyway, those of you with kids of your own it was a fun movie worth your time.

In the Browns world I found the situation around Daniel Stern to be quite peculiar. For weeks now we have been led to believe he was a lock to be the Browns Associate Head Coach and Director of Football Strategy. We never quite had a confirmation, but it felt like the deal was done behind closed doors and was waiting to be announced formally by the team along with others. Now we have learned Stern is headed out West to join the Seahawks staff as their pass game strategist. Strange all around. We will hope this isn’t a major loss to the overall group without knowing all the details about the coach.

Plenty more to discuss below but first a taste of what has been going on at Browns Film Breakdown.

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Below you’ll find the latest in the BFB catalog for supporters to dig into. Click the link to become a supporter if you haven’t already, and enjoy all the latest from Browns Film Breakdown.

Latest Podcasts:

• Position Review and Look Ahead: Quarterback

• Byron Storer Named Special Teams Coordinator, More Staff Updates, and Cleveland Browns Daily

• David Njoku's Farewell and Defensive Coordinator Candidates Emerge

Latest Articles:

• The Opening Drive 2/13: Why Cory Undlin Is The Best External Defensive Coordinator Option

• Opening Drive 2/12: Defense Will Be Tempting at No. 6, and More Quarterback Drivel

• Opening Drive 2/11: Browns Could and Should Be Interested in Malik Willis

Latest Film Rooms:

• FREE AGENT FILM ROOM: Malik Willis

• FILM ROOM: Todd Monken Offense Breakdown, Part I (Georgia Tape)

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In the more broad NFL world it seems those fun organization score cards are over. The NFL’s arrogant ownership didn’t like the world knowing how players felt about their performances and facilities so we no longer get to pick apart those details. The players and agents world will still get the information, which matters most, but the public won’t be able to consume them as well.

This is mostly a bigger loss for the content creator space. These are fun to discuss and compare. The Browns would have also been in line for big grade improvements in the coming years with the reshaping of the Berea headquarters and the massive stadium project looming. Alas.

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On the way out the door here is a quick and almost mindless mock draft for you to consume over the weekend. I went into it thinking lets see what we can do to improve the two most important positions the Browns need and we found solutions.