Here’s a quick overview of the three Browns positional groups that need the most attention this offseason.
Quarterback — Cleveland’s braintrust isn’t foolish enough to rely on Johnny Manziel as the answer for 2015. He’ll probably get one more fair shot to show up or to show off and ship out. Meanwhile it’s hard to put odds on the return of UFA Brian Hoyer, but I lean against. We now know his ceiling. Connor Shaw may prove serviceable but ultimately limited. Late-season emergency signee Tyler Thigpen shouldn’t return. So it will be fascinating to see who the Browns bring in. Veterans such as Mark Sanchez, Jake Locker and Nick Foles (if the Eagles look elsewhere) seem worth considering. Even so, expect the Browns to draft another quarterback. Who and in which slot? That will surely be a storyline to follow into May.
Defensive line — The unit most saw as the team’s strength was decimated by injuries. Now longtime starter Ahtyba Rubin is a free agent, as is fill-in Sione Fua. Ishmaa’ily Kitchen saw lots of snaps on the nose, and he’s a restricted FA. It’s quite possible none (except maybe Kitchen) will return. That leaves the expensive Desmond Bryant, plus three guys headed into the last year of their rookie contracts: Phil Taylor, Billy Winn and John Hughes. Winn and Hughes ought to be considered for new deals before next season. Injuries aside, Taylor hasn’t played to his first-round potential. Armonty Bryant was an intriguing pass rush threat before his ACL tear. His rehab and the development of Calvin Barnett and Jaccobi McDaniel will be telling in terms of depth. One impact player would fit in really well, but I’d be very reluctant to open the bank for the soon-to-be-ex-Lion Ndamukong Suh.
Tight end — The big question is whether former Pro Bowler and UFA-to-be Jordan Cameron will return. On one hand, it would be a shame if we lose him after the years invested in his development. He’s a sure-handed big-play threat that defenses must respect. But he’s also concussion-prone. The Browns were right to let Brodney Pool walk five years ago, and I could understand if they won’t pay a premium this time either. I hope it works out for him to return. Otherwise, TE becomes a serious need. Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge are nice complementary players who’ll be back. But no doubt the scouts’ shopping list has tight end near the top.
Other units ranked in decreasing order of need:
- Wide receiver
- Offensive line
- Secondary
- Linebacker
- Running back
- Specialists
Look for my overviews of these units soon. In the meantime, you can review the current roster yourself here.
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| Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin may very well be going and gone, respectively. |
