Cleveland Browns 2017 Off-Season Needs
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2016 Season Recap
The Browns had a typical Browns season, which meant that they were awful. It seemed automatic. Somehow, someway, they managed to go even lower than the already-low standards that were set for them, going a franchise-worst 1-15. Only the Browns can do that, folks.
Prized off-season acquisition Robert Griffin III injured his shoulder in Week 1; they blew a 20-0 lead against the Ravens in Week 2; sensational rookie Corey Coleman then broke his hand (86.5 YPG prior to getting hurt); and then everything just went south.
By season’s end, the team was at the bottom three of total yards, points, points allowed, total yards allowed, and touchdowns allowed.
Top Free Agency Needs
Offensive line. This part of the article could probably end right there. The Browns’ blockers gave up a league-worst 66 sacks (4.1 per game) during the year, which is 17 more than the next team in that list. Don’t get it wrong, though, this is not a knock on 10-time Pro-Bowler Joe Thomas. He’s one of the best and most consistent tackles in the NFL, let alone the Browns’ O-Line.
We, of course, realize that the Browns are a team that probably needs an upgrade at every position imaginable. However, tackles and/or guards should be at the top of the priorities, because having (at the very least) a decent group of linemen will open up plenty of opportunities. Any QB, when given time, can connect with an open man, because no defense can cover for that long.
Among the linemen they could target is Ronald Leary, guard for the Cowboys’ elite O-Line. The 28-year-old is a key part in the ‘Boys only allowing 28 sacks throughout the season (eighth fewest) and helping backs, particularly Ezekiel Elliot, run for a combined 149.7 YPG (second in the league).
Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth is also worth a look. He’s not the youngest lineman out there, but he’s still able to perform at a high level, as evidenced in making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in the last two years.
Should the Browns be able to fill out the needs at the offensive front, the next two areas they need to upgrade are pass rushing and pass-catching, because as mentioned, they are arguably the worst in the NFL in producing and allowing yardage.
They acquired (and recently locked-in long-term) an aggressive rusher and overall defender in Jamie Collins, and it’ll be great if he can have partners in the box. In the passing game, they most certainly have to move on from the troubled Josh Gordon and retain the versatile Terrelle Pryor (62.9 YPG, four TDs during the season). Adding another great WR and/or TE along underrated their wideouts (Pryor and Coleman) can definitely point the offense to a better direction.
Top Draft Needs
At 1-15, the Browns will need to look at literally every player, and by look, we mean study like their lives depended on it. They’ll have a great chance to greatly address their needs since they have the top picks in several rounds, including two in the top 12 of the first round.
For the first pick, the consensus choice of experts and fans around the web is Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett, who perfectly fits the team’s need in having the ability to pressure the QB. Garrett is quite equipped in what a pass rusher should have – quickness, length explosiveness of the edge, resiliency, etc. He is. without question, the best and wisest pick in that position for now.
Over at the 12th pick, the best players they have a chance on are safety Jabrill Peppers, linebacker Reuben Foster, and big-play receivers Mike Williams and Corey Davis. With those two D guys, you’ll have defensive versatility at it’s finest. Peppers, as you may know, can play various positions well, especially safety and LB. Foster, meanwhile, is always in the conversation as the most complete LB in the college level, thanks to being great in the run, blitz, and coverage.
Finally, in the middle and latter rounds, they should go for upgrading their mediocrity in all the other position, especially, AGAIN, at the O-Line. Among the linemen they could get their hands on are center Tyler Orlosky, tackle Dion Dawkins, and center/guard Pat Elfein.
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