2017 Cleveland Browns Preview
After having yet another awful season for one of the youngest franchises in football, Cleveland managed to collect three first round picks. They hope that they, along with a collection of other assets, draft picks, free agents, etc., can help finally put this team into the postseason. They still have a long way to go, but optimism is at least present in Northeast Ohio.
DRAFT RECAP
Three first round picks is a lot, and it including the top selection in DE Myles Garrett. TE David Njoku was also selected after they traded up to take him 29th, and S/LB/KR Jabril Peppers was the third. They added QB DeShone Kizer to their competition in the second round, and there is a high chance he will play in a few games. The other selection on day two was DT Larry Ogunjobi.
FREE AGENCY
The Browns didn't do a ton in free agency, as they are more focused on development and building through the draft. However, they did add to a very important positional group, the offensive line. They brought in an outstanding right guard in Kevin Zeitler, and an above average center in JC Tretter. They also signed WR Kenny Britt, and traded for QB Brock Osweiler.
PLAYERS LOST
When you go 1-15, having players leave the team doesn't really hurt. S Jordan Poyer went to Buffalo, QB Josh McCown went to the Jets, and DE Stephen Paea went to Dallas. The biggest loss is likely WR Terrelle Pryor, but the Browns still need a quarterback so it's not that devastating. CB Tramon Williams, WR Andrew Hawkins and TE Gary Barnidge are still free agents.
STRONGEST POSITION
This is tough when you have a team like the Browns, but the lines, both offensive and defensive, look formidable at the least. The offensive line has those additions, plus the great LT in Joe Thomas and a solid LG in Joel Bitonio. As far as defensive line goes, they have Myles Garrett, and some solid players in Emmanuel Ogbah and Danny Shelton.
WEAKEST POSITION
This is even harder, wide receiver, tight end, outside linebacker and safety are all very weak groups. However, quarterback is the weakest position in Cleveland. When you have four different starting options, you have to be concerned. When all four might play this season, it's even more concerning. Brock Osweiler, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and rookie DeShone Kizer are all potential options.
FIVE MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS TO THE BROWNS' SUCCESS
Starting quarterback, LT Joe Thomas, DE Myles Garrett, OLB Jamie Collins, CB Joe Haden
Obviously, nobody knows who the quarterback is. Joe Thomas is the key to keeping them upright, and hopefully reducing the number of quarterbacks that play this season. Myles Garrett needs to get off to a good start in his career, and Joe Haden has become a key building block on the defense. OLB Jamie Collins is important because his presence shows to veterans from other teams that vets can have success in Cleveland.
PREDICTIONS
I know there is hype for the Browns that may come to fruition in a few years, but the Browns are likely to be on the clock to start the NFL Draft in 2018. Not only is this team not ready to compete, but they are in the tougher of the conferences which will hurt their win total as well. Maybe three wins are a possibility if they're lucky.
