Well, it looks we have our first John Dorsey hire of the off-season, in Alonzo Highsmith. Highsmith announced that he would be joining John Dorsey’s staff, as Vice President of Football Operations. He spent the last 19 years in Green Bay working to build a Super Bowl contender.
Good to See Mr. Dorsey getting his ducks in a row here before a long, and very lonely off-season for the Cleveland Browns. By all accounts, Highsmith, like Dorsey seems more than qualified for the job. He is a well respected Football lifer, who is known for his ability to identify, and develop talent.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the highlights from Highsmith’s interview with ESPN regarding the move:
“We discussed so many ideas and all kinds of stuff,” Highsmith said in a phone interview from Cleveland. “I was exposed to so much stuff today. That’s why I thought it was as great opportunity. It feels good to go somewhere that you feel like you’re trusted…
This is an opportunity to build something from the ground up, having an input, working with John Dorsey, who I respect a great deal,” Highsmith said. “To watch his work ethic today — we watched film all day. He made me feel rejuvenated. It was a lot of fun today”
Seriously, that quote made it move. Alonzo has made a name for himself, especially in the draft. It was documented in the ESPN piece that he convinced the Packers Brass to pick Donald Driver in the seventh round of the 1999 draft. He was also instrumental in scouting, and bringing in un-drafted free agent Cornerback, Sam Shields. Shields was a major contributor in the Packers Super Bowl win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011.
As second thing that stands out is taking a look at Wide Receivers drafted, and developed by the Packers. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Devante Adams, and James Jones just to name a few. Just a bunch of guys that were starters, and contributes on very good teams. A couple of number 1 receivers in that list as well.
Lets take a look at what they got running routes in Berea, Oh. The Browns have Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins, Bryce Treggs, Jordan Leslie, Jordan Payton, Ricardo Louis, and Kasen Williams, and Bug Howard. I’d like to think Highsmith will help turn this group of mush into something, or draft new guys.
Again I don’t have the slighest clue how this dude will fair in Cleveland. I pray Dorsey know’s exactly what is needed, and is lining up his people in place to execute the plan. Highsmith seems like a positive step forward.
The off-season is our season baby!
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