Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Cleveland Browns Offensive Needs

The hyperbole coming from Cleveland and Browns fans for the 2019 season is deafening.
Going from a winless season to seven wins that should have been nine with average officiating and with a quarterback that set rookie records will do that to fans-especially when the team adds a player like Odell Beckham, but there are still holes to fill and John Dorsey will attempt to cement a few in the draft.

On the offensive side of the football, the Browns have made great strides from this time a year ago in improving their talent, but there are still some needs to be addressed, but mainly from a depth perspective.

Baker Mayfield is entrenched as the quarterback for hopefully a long time to come, but the Browns could use a young QB to groom as a reserve.
Former Packers general manager Ron Wolf (Wolf's son Elliot works in the Cleveland front office) always attempted to take a quarterback in every draft, using the thinking that having a young quarterback around every year increases competition, improves depth and when they mature a little and are ready to start, you can trade them for a draft selection or two.
I'm in total agreement with that philosophy.
Considering the Mayfield backups are veteran Drew Stanton and AAF standout Garrett Gilbert, the Browns could very well take a quarterback on day three of the draft.

The running backs depth chart looks similar to last season with Nick Chubb as the starter and Duke Johnson as the pass catcher/change of pace back.
That was until the Browns signed Kareem Hunt, who was leading the league in rushing before a release by the Chiefs following an assault charge.
Hunt will be suspended for the first eight games and Johnson wants to be traded, thinking that there isn't room in the offense for enough touches for three backs.
If Johnson is traded during the draft, only backup Dontrelle Hilliard remains and considering the knee injury background of Chubb, there would be a lack of depth until Hunt returns and under that scenario, the Browns are going to need a back.
If Johnson is moved, Dorsey would likely draft a back and sign another after the draft as a priority free agent.

The wide receivers look strong after the acquisition of Odell Beckham and are looking good with a Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, and Antonio Callaway foursome.
Young receivers Damion Ratley and Derrick Willes each had a few moments last season, although Willies will be attempting to return from a collarbone injury that cost him much of the season.
Jaelen Strong was signed as a veteran free agent in the off-season.
I doubt the Browns will look for a wide receiver unless it is a situation of best players available on day three.
Cleveland could select a tight end though, as David Njoku is still more projection than production, although his physical skills make you want to live with the developmental process.
Veteran Demetrius Harris was signed from Kansas City to replace Darren Fells as the blocking tight end, but Seth DeValve could see his roster spot in jeopardy as he occasionally makes the spectacular catch, but gets dinged up easily and still struggles to block.

The offensive line might see an addition or two.
2018 second rounder Austin Corbett joins an otherwise intact line and veterans Eric Kush and Kendall Lamm were signed as free agents to back up the line and second-year man Desmond Harrison is back in the hopes of continuing to catch up his physical dimensions with his play.
Still, the line could use younger depth and an offensive lineman would make sense with center lacking a lineman that could replace center JC Tretter either now in the event of injury or later, push Chris Hubbard at right tackle or even an insurance policy at guard in case Corbett disappoints.

Kicker Greg Joseph was erratic after replacing Zane Gonzalez and could see a challenger either from late in day three or from the undrafted free agent cattle call.

I'll be back later today or tonight with the defensive needs and some players that I'm looking at and hoping the Browns consider.




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