Browns Utilizing YouTube to Scout Players

Offensive lineman Joel Reinders, signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent, did not send out tapes of himself playing for the University of Waterloo in Canada. Instead, he and his agent relied on a YouTube highlight reel in the hopes that an NFL team would take notice and be impressed enough to give the giant lineman (Reinders is listed at 6-7, 320 lbs) a shot. Lucky for him, the Browns took that chance, and Reinders has become one of a few NFL players who have set a precedent for what could become a growing trend.

It might seem like a joke, but there is no reason that YouTube could not become a valuable tool in the scouting process. Naturally, NFL scouts are going to have to wade through crappy highlight videos set to terrible music done by people with little else to do (but man, do I love the good highlight videos out there), but when an official one such as Reinders’ comes along, they should give it some serious thought.

– The Browns have signed tight end Alex Smith to a one-year deal, adding even more depth to the position. As you may remember, the Browns also signed tight end Ben Watson to a three-year deal this off-season.