It seems that Ray Farmer wants "to build through the draft" which is admirable,if you manage to keep players that you have developed into contributors,which looks unlikely as I'll write below.
I'll be looking at various positions that could use help and with a few players that I would like to see in Cleveland at those positions.
Keep in mind that the cap would not allow all of these players to be signed,just players that I like at those positions...
Offensively, the Browns have huge needs at wide receiver and tight end.
A number one wideout needs to arrive via free agency or the draft.
If you draft one,I'm fine with the Browns going after a Michael Crabtree or a Brian Hartline in free agency,but the elite WR's are already signed elsewhere (Jeremy Maclin to the Chiefs),signed with their current team (Randall Cobb in Green Bay) or franchised (Dez Bryant in Dallas and Demaryuis Thomas in Denver),so it appears that the best available are the aging Andre Johnson,deep threat Torrey Smith,who struggled as the number one in Baltimore and maybe Percy Harvin,who doesn't seem like a Mike Pettine fit.
I'd be Ok with any of those along with Crabtree and Hartline,but I'd consider a look at Denarius Moore of the Raiders,who can stretch the field and is a former Tennessee Volunteer,which could increase the Browns interest at the right price...
The Browns don't appear to be interesting in bringing back Jordan Cameron at the price that he wishes.
Despite the ability and skills that Cameron brings,I can understand the reluctance with Cameron's injury filled past with concussions.
Cameron is a huge risk and one that I could live with the Browns not wanting to take that chance.
Two tight ends that would make sense to me with the blocking types of retainees Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray are Jermaine Gresham of the Bengals and Owen Daniels of the Ravens.
Daniels had big years catching the ball with Houston and at minimum brings a red zone target that resembles Cameron.
Gresham was underused in Cincinnati in my opinion and might be a high reward signing for the Browns.
Of the two,I prefer Gresham..
The offensive line could use a little help,but I don't see the Browns investing dollars here unless they want a new right tackle for Mitchell Schwartz to fend off.
The tackle crop is light this year,so I would likely say it would be a depth signing more than someone brought in to start.
The guards are solid with Joel Bitonio and John Greco,but if they wanted a third guard,I've always liked the Falcons Justin Blalock.
Cleveland has likely made their quarterback move with Josh McCown and I don't see the Browns signing a quarterback,although they could draft one or even trade for one in the right circumstance (Sam Bradford or Nick Foles).
If I had to take a quarterback from this group,I'd take Jake Locker of the Titans as the best of an uninspiring bunch...
The Browns seems set at running back with youngsters Isaiah Crowell,Terrence West and Glenn Winston,but a veteran to fill the role that Ben Tate didn't would be a nice addition.
Two players that might be nice at an affordable cost would be Roy Helu of Washington and Pierre Thomas of New Orleans.
Both could slip well into a back rotation and can catch out of the backfield..
On defense,the Browns need two things badly-a outside rusher opposite of Paul Kruger and a run stuffer inside to match with the returning from injury Phil Taylor.
The defensive tackle that would be preferred would be either Dan Williams of the Cardinals or Nick Fairley of the Lions.
Both would be upgrades with the loss of Ahtyba Rubin,but both will come at a cost that the Browns might not be willing to pay,
A cheaper alternative might be worth risking a flyer on B.J, Raji's return from injury from the Packers.
Jabaal Sheard never took to being a standup 3-4 backer after being a great 4-3 end.
Cleveland need to generate an outside rush somehow,
I'd be fine with Cole or either of the two young Tampa linemen in Adrian Clayborn or Da'Quan Bowers.
Both have potential to breakout after not being a fit in the Lovie Smith defense last season.
If the Browns prefer the rush to come off the edge from a linebacker,Jason Worilds of the Steelers knows the division and Brian Orakpo of the Redskins are interesting to consider.
The Bills re-signed Jerry Hughes today,who been thought to be a Browns target at this position taking him off the board.
The Browns drafted Justin Gilbert to move Buster Skrine to the slot corner,figuring that Skrine would be cheaper to re-sign after the season.
The problem was Gilbert didn't play well,Skrine had a strong season and now the Browns will have to overpay Skrine to stay,
Assuming Skrine leaves,which I think he will, and then hoping that you get what you hoped from Gilbert,the Browns could be looking for a slot corner with something to prove.
I'd look into former number one pick of the Jets Kyle Wilson.
Mike Pettine knows Wilson and he might be a nice signing at a good price.
The Browns likely aren't signing a safety,but if they did, Kurt Coleman would be solid in the Jim Leonhard role as safe returner,dime back and special teamer.
I'll have more on whoever the Browns sign and I'm sure it'll be part of a upcoming podcast....
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