The Cleveland Browns continue to be show the NFL that they're the absolute worst, dropping to an 0-12 record with seemingly no wins in sight. But even in the worst situations, there are things to be hopeful about. Here are 10 for the Browns:
1. The Draft
Every year, Browns fans look forward to the NFL Draft as Cleveland is usually one of the early picks and we're hoping our team can land a pivotal piece moving forward. But this upcoming draft shows even more promise as the Browns have four picks in the first two rounds. This includes their own first and second round picks, Philadelphia's first, and Tennessee's second. All of these selections are projected to be fairly early in the rounds too, although the Titans are looking like a much stronger team as the season goes on.
2. The Pool
3. Passing options
The Cleveland Browns finally have a set of weapons that can do some serious damage for them. Headlining the receiver core would be Terrelle Pryor, whose success this year is taking the league by storm. He ranks 8th in the league in receptions and 12th in the league in reception yards (at the time I'm writing this). Corey Coleman is a strong option as well, although he's been sidelined by injury for much of the year. He's most known as a burner who gets off the line extremely fast. On top of that they have, TE Gary Barnidge who was just a pro-bowler a year ago and RB Duke Johnson, who is a pass-catching specialist. Johnson is on pace for another 60-catch season and over 500 yards receiving, which would be considered elite coming from a player in the backfield, which brings me to my next point.
One of the biggest things I've learned from being a fan of Cleveland sports teams is to be blindly optimistic. "There's always next year."
1. The Draft
Every year, Browns fans look forward to the NFL Draft as Cleveland is usually one of the early picks and we're hoping our team can land a pivotal piece moving forward. But this upcoming draft shows even more promise as the Browns have four picks in the first two rounds. This includes their own first and second round picks, Philadelphia's first, and Tennessee's second. All of these selections are projected to be fairly early in the rounds too, although the Titans are looking like a much stronger team as the season goes on.
2. The Pool
In my opinion, a rebuilding team should look to win the battles at the line of scrimmage as offensive and defensive lineman put their teammates in positions to succeed. A good offensive line makes the running game look better, and gives the quarterback more time in the pocket. On the other side of the ball, a dominant defensive line constantly closes the other teams' running options, or helps the secondary players by pressuring quarterbacks.
Fortunately, there are two very talented defensive linemen: Jonathan Allen (Alabama) and Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) that are headlining this draft class. Both players would make an immediate impact and have the talent plus potential to change the state of the defensive squad. Additionally, cornerbacks are deep in this draft and they could easily get a very talented player with one of their early picks. In fact, many mock drafts expect as many as five corners to go in just the first round! Other pivotal positions that could be addressed adequately are offensive tackle, center, and safety. Players of intrigue include: Cam Robinson OT (Alabama) and Jamal Adams S (LSU).
Another option the Browns can play with is to use their excess picks to trade up (they have an extra fifth rounder and would be awarded another fourth rounder if Jamie Collins leaves in free agency). They also have TE Gary Barnidge who they can leverage as an asset too.
Side Note: I also think there's a big opportunity for offensive lineman Pat Elflein to be a sleeper pick. He's shown success at center this year, and right guard just a year ago for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He can either become the team's starting center or bolster the right side of the offensive line. As of now, Cameron Erving hasn't been great, but has shown enough potential to show that he has potential to be one of the best centers in the league. Even DT Damon Harrison said so himself: "That's a really good young center. Over time, I think he'll turn into one of the better centers in the league. Now that I've watched him a lot on film and saw him in a game, I think that. He's a big guy, and guys like myself have trouble with bigger guys. If he can stay at it and get his technique more consistent, I think he'll be one of the better centers, and that's the honest truth."*
*per cantonrep.com
Fortunately, there are two very talented defensive linemen: Jonathan Allen (Alabama) and Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) that are headlining this draft class. Both players would make an immediate impact and have the talent plus potential to change the state of the defensive squad. Additionally, cornerbacks are deep in this draft and they could easily get a very talented player with one of their early picks. In fact, many mock drafts expect as many as five corners to go in just the first round! Other pivotal positions that could be addressed adequately are offensive tackle, center, and safety. Players of intrigue include: Cam Robinson OT (Alabama) and Jamal Adams S (LSU).
Another option the Browns can play with is to use their excess picks to trade up (they have an extra fifth rounder and would be awarded another fourth rounder if Jamie Collins leaves in free agency). They also have TE Gary Barnidge who they can leverage as an asset too.
Side Note: I also think there's a big opportunity for offensive lineman Pat Elflein to be a sleeper pick. He's shown success at center this year, and right guard just a year ago for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He can either become the team's starting center or bolster the right side of the offensive line. As of now, Cameron Erving hasn't been great, but has shown enough potential to show that he has potential to be one of the best centers in the league. Even DT Damon Harrison said so himself: "That's a really good young center. Over time, I think he'll turn into one of the better centers in the league. Now that I've watched him a lot on film and saw him in a game, I think that. He's a big guy, and guys like myself have trouble with bigger guys. If he can stay at it and get his technique more consistent, I think he'll be one of the better centers, and that's the honest truth."*
*per cantonrep.com
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| Myles Garrett has been at the top of many mock drafts for most of the season. |
The Cleveland Browns finally have a set of weapons that can do some serious damage for them. Headlining the receiver core would be Terrelle Pryor, whose success this year is taking the league by storm. He ranks 8th in the league in receptions and 12th in the league in reception yards (at the time I'm writing this). Corey Coleman is a strong option as well, although he's been sidelined by injury for much of the year. He's most known as a burner who gets off the line extremely fast. On top of that they have, TE Gary Barnidge who was just a pro-bowler a year ago and RB Duke Johnson, who is a pass-catching specialist. Johnson is on pace for another 60-catch season and over 500 yards receiving, which would be considered elite coming from a player in the backfield, which brings me to my next point.
4. Runningbacks
Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson are both fine running backs, as the two-back committee will easily reach over one thousand yards rushing this season. Crowell has even averaged over 5 yards a carry in five of the twelve games this season due to his run strength and explosiveness! The two play very similarly to the other Ohio backfield committee Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard.
5. Offensive Line
Despite C Cameron Erving's struggles, Pro Football Focus ranks Cleveland Browns' offensive line as the ninth best this year. Although they give up a lot of quarterback pressures, much of that is said to do with rookie QB Cody Kessler holding the ball for far too long. Despite losing RT Mitchell Schwartz and C Alex Mack, two top-rated players at their position, the Browns offensive line has held up relatively well.
6. Danny Shelton
Just a 2015 first round pick but is already showing promise as a player who you can build an entire defensive line around. Pair him with one of the two players mentioned in the first part and the Browns may finally start applying pressure consistently.
Just a 2015 first round pick but is already showing promise as a player who you can build an entire defensive line around. Pair him with one of the two players mentioned in the first part and the Browns may finally start applying pressure consistently.
7. Cap Space
Just a year ago, it felt like every capable player on this team was leaving as the franchise was entirely dysfunctional. On the heels of the fiasco that was Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon's addiction, it's hard not to be considered a highly volatile organization. But because of the departures, the Browns now have around $45 million to use in cap space which should help them attract a few notable free agents. Teams that have a losing culture usually find a hard time signing free agents and often have to overpay for players, but fortunately, the attitude of the franchise changed starting with...
8. Head Coach Hue Jackson
Hue Jackson is a well-revered coach across the league. More than anything though, the Cleveland Browns' players are deeply in love with the idea of him being their leader despite losing every game this season-which says a lot. Just look at the glowing endorsement given from the Browns' best player, Terrelle Pryor: "I love playing for Hue. I love playing for Haslam. He is a great owner. They want to win. I don't believe in taking the easy road and going to teams just because they are great. I would rather start how we are and build an empire. I believe in battling. I don't believe in taking the easy way out. Whatever happens in free agency, I love being here. I respect the coaches, the owners, and at the end of the day, it is up to them."
This is also why I think Cleveland will attract some suitors this next offseason. Strategically he's also playing to his players' strengths. He's making the most of his pieces by deploying a vertical offense, which emphasizes big plays and spreading the field. This is an offense that is tailored for pieces like Robert Griffin III, Josh Gordon, Terrelle Pryor, Corey Coleman, Gary Barnidge, and Duke Johnson. Unfortunately, Griffin and Gordon didn't participate in enough games to showcase the full capacity of what Jackson wants to use, but I'm expecting to see it in full throttle next year.
This is also why I think Cleveland will attract some suitors this next offseason. Strategically he's also playing to his players' strengths. He's making the most of his pieces by deploying a vertical offense, which emphasizes big plays and spreading the field. This is an offense that is tailored for pieces like Robert Griffin III, Josh Gordon, Terrelle Pryor, Corey Coleman, Gary Barnidge, and Duke Johnson. Unfortunately, Griffin and Gordon didn't participate in enough games to showcase the full capacity of what Jackson wants to use, but I'm expecting to see it in full throttle next year.
9. They're actually competitive at an extremely young age
A common trend in sports, most notably basketball and football, is that young teams don't know how to close out games. The Cleveland Browns are a prime example of this as they usually find ways to lose games in the second half or fourth quarter. In fact, they've even led in quite a few games before letting that lead slip away. I think this has to do with youth more than coaching as 35 players of the 53 roster are either equal or less than 25 years of age. The Browns are even the second youngest team in the NFL and would be first if outlier, 37 year-old QB Josh McCown was only one year younger. This team has a lot of young players so a sharp growth should be expected.
10. There's Always Next Year In Cleveland.
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