NFC East Cleveland Rams - Michigan Panthers News & Notes

Cleveland was in an interesting spot in round one. There were still some capable Quarterbacks as well as Running Backs and the Defensive side was wide open. The Rams decided to go with a home run hitter in Halfback Paul Lowe.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
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In that same vein as a Jim Brown, Lowe has the potential to break a long run every time he touches the ball.

Every season Paul played from 1960-66 he owned a rushing play of 50 or more yards! The Rams also have a good young QB Frank Ryan who is waiting for his starting opportunity. There are a pair of dangerous receivers on the Rams in Jim Colclough and Jimmy Orr. Cleveland didn't ignore the defense. The Rams had an opporunity to grab an elite defensive lineman and jumped on the young Defensive End Willie Davis.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
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Throughout the sixties Davis will be tormenting opposing Quarterbacks and Halfbacks alike with his dominant play at DE. Unfortunately for opponents his bookend at the other Defensive End position Ordell Braase will be around for much of the decade as well. Cleveland fans will have much to cheer for a long while with the Rams.

The Michigan Panthers began their tenure in the SRFL by drafting one of my personal favorite players in Bobby Mitchell.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
4	1

Mitchell has the distinction of being a Pro-Bowler at two different positions. First as a Halfback then later at Wide Receiver. No matter, wherever Mitchell plays he's a game-breaker. Bobby is not alone as an impact player in the Panthers offense. Tommy McDonald, Del Shofner and Terry Barr all provide fireworks in the passing game. Delivering to those targets will be Jack Kemp.

Pro Bowls 1960 +	First Team All-Pro 1960 +
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Kemp has an impressive 7 Pro-Bowl seasons ahead of him and he will be capably protected by Jerry Kramer and Jim Ray Smith. With Mitchell and company caking Kemp, the QB just may achieve that potential in the SRFL. Michigan focused on their offense first so the Panthers defense might take a couple of seasons to catch up. One great building block in place is Defensive End Bob Dee. The big Dee has 4 Pro-Bowl seasons for the Panthers to enjoy.