By Corey Neer ’17

Quarterback:

Not only have the Browns been plagued by poor quarterback play since returning to Cleveland in 1999 – they have spent 4 first round picks on the quarterback position, in the form of Tim Couch, Brady Quinn, Brandon Weeden, and Johnny Manziel. There seems to be a trend of quarterbacks taken by the Browns in the first round failing to pan out. Tim Couch was ineffective, Quinn a bust, Weeden horrible, and Manziel an idiot. The 2015 season saw something different, as Josh McCown demonstrated he could run an offense and was effective in the passing game as he threw for 2,109 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptionss in his 8 games played. Regardless of this, because of his injury problems and age, Josh McCown isn’t the answer for the future.

My Solution:

The Browns currently hold the 2^nd and 32^nd overall picks in the 2016 NFL Draft. The consensus pick for the Browns at #2 is Jared Goff, a quarterback from Cal. But, as we’ve seen, the Browns have not done well drafting first round quarterbacks. Goff is a great player for the future, and with time to develop behind a veteran he has the opportunity to become a legitimate starter and effective player. If the Browns don’t decide to draft Goff it is imperative that they pick up a quality player in free agency along the lines of Sam Bradford. If the Browns don’t make a splash in free agency and do draft Goff, Josh McCown must be the unrivaled starter so that Goff can acclimate to the NFL as McCown mentors him and helps him become a great player.

Synopsis:

Pick up Bradford in Free Agency and address other issues in the draft or draft Goff, allow Goff to develop behind McCown.

Running back:

Last season the two best running backs on the Browns roster were ineffective to say the least. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson both struggled initially, but as the season progressed so did both Crowell and Johnson. By the end of the year, Crowell was running with power and was effective on the ground – gaining 371 yards over the last 5 games of the year, nearly half of his total yards over the season. Duke Johnson provided a nice change of pace, but he was almost exclusively used as a receiver out of the backfield.

My Solution:

The strong play of Isaiah Crowell towards the end of the season showed the organization and fan base that he has the ability to be an every down back. He bought himself another year as the starter, unless the Browns feel a veteran in free agency is best for the team. The top two free agents are Matt Forte and Lamar Miller. The better player at this point in time is Lamar Miller, but Matt Forte is the better player for the Browns because of his skill set. Not only is he an amazing pass catcher out of the backfield, the type of player Duke Johnson may become, but also he is an exceptional downhill runner, the type of player Isaiah Crowell is. Matt Forte is a veteran with much to teach Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell. 

Synopsis:

Allow Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson to develop into quality running backs for the future. The addition of Matt Forte is not necessary, but would help improve the running back group and give the Browns a star on offense.

Wide Receivers:

The Browns have arguably one of the most capable receiver groups in the NFL. Travis Benjamin showed that he can be burner as well as a reliable pass catcher and route runner. Brian Hartline is a veteran with sure hands, and is a great team player who can help develop the younger guys on the roster. Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel have incredible speed and can dominate with the ball in their hands. Terrelle Pryor has the height (6’5”) and the speed (4.38 40-yard dash) to become a dominant receiver in this league and, if given time, he may just become a legitimate receiver. The elephant in the room is, of course, Josh Gordon. Josh Gordon is one of the best receivers in the NFL and if he were able to return to the Browns, he would serve as a superstar wide out to take the pressure off his quarterback and open up the run game.

My Solution:

The Browns biggest problem is height. Travis Benjamin, Taylor Gabriel, Andrew Hawkins, Marlon Moore, and Darius Jennings are all less than 6 feet tall. The best thing that the Browns can do to improve the problem is improve through free agency. The Browns cannot afford the star of the class, Alshon Jeffery, but a player like Marvin Jones from the Bengals is flying under the radar. Jones is a great pass-catcher and route-runner that could be a great addition to the Browns as a number 2 behind Josh Gordon.

Synopsis:

Re-sign Travis Benjamin, sign Marvin Jones in Free Agency, and pray Josh Gordon comes back clean and ready to work.

Offensive Line:

Many rank the Brown’s offensive line as one of the best in the league. Two players made the Pro-Bowl this season, Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. The talent is there, but many no longer want to play for the losing Browns. Alex Mack is expected to opt-out of his contract and be a free agent this season. Joe Thomas has voiced his opinion on the team, saying that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay with the team much longer. Mitchell Schwartz, the starting right tackle, is set to be a free agent this season and is not expected to stay.

My Solution:

The most important thing about having a good offensive line is keeping the guys that made it good in the first place. The Browns need to do all they can to keep their previous line corps happy and in Cleveland. Investing in an offensive lineman in the draft may help seal up any holes in the depth chart should any of the key players on the line leave.

Synopsis:

Retain the line we already have. Invest early in lineman in the draft if unable to retain the line.

Tight Ends:

Gary Barnidge had a breakout season as a 30 year old, catching 79 passes for 1,043 yards and 9 touchdowns. Barnidge made his first ever Pro-Bowl and signed an extension with the team before the end of the season. Barnidge is a very talented pass-catcher and was an unexpected spark to the team this year. Backup Jim Dray was not used very often as a receiver and more as an extra lineman.

My Solution:

The tight end position is actually a strong point for the Browns with the emergence of Barnidge. A young prospect from the draft could help prepare the team for the future. A player like Nick Vannett from Ohio State would be a great addition to the tight end corps and offer a bright future.

Synopsis:

A young player should be taken in the draft to provide a player for the future while Gary Barnidge remains the starter.