What can we expect from Cleveland Browns in 2016 NFL season?
Wednesday 16 March 2016 12:00, UK
Still without a quarterback, having lost their leaders during free agency and with an owner renowned for his ruthless attitude to disposing of head coaches - the Cleveland Browns seem a long way from competing at the top level.
The Browns haven't had a winning season since 2007, and it was 2002 when the organisation last made the playoffs. Following his takeover in October 2012, owner Jimmy Haslam has seen four head coaches take charge of the franchise and since their reintroduction to the NFL in 1999, the team have had a record 24 starting quarterbacks.
The inconsistency is staggering, and it doesn't take much to draw conclusions between an unsettled management team and poor results on the field.
Last year the Browns finished 3-13, ranking 25th in offence and 27th in defence. The head coach and general manger were both relieved of their duties as the franchise finished the season in turmoil.
It feels like the team is once again starting over. Having released Johnny Manziel after two frustrating seasons, the Browns have seen their core group of influential players leave during free agency. Three time Pro-Bowl centre Alex Mack, who joined the Atlanta Falcons last Wednesday, cited his reason for leaving as the opportunity to join a winning franchise. It's hard to blame him, having gone 29-70 in seven seasons with the Browns. Tashaun Gipson, Travis Benjamin and Mitchell Schwartz have also left Ohio in search of success elsewhere.
It's another blow for new vice-president Sashi Brown, who said at the Scouting Combine that keeping the experienced nucleus of the roster was a key task to rebuilding. With talk of trading Pro-Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas now on the cards, the squad is skeletal.
Brown and head coach Hue Jackson now have a mountain to climb. The plan seems pretty clear; use the draft to develop a championship calibre side rather than splashing big money on players that care more about their wallets than their team.
The strategy is not unprecedented; the Packers, Bengals, Steelers and Patriots all tend to use free agency sparingly. However, the key difference between these organisations and the Browns is that the playoff contenders tend to lock down their stars before free agency approaches.
The Browns have no starting pieces to build around, and their record in the draft in recent years has been notably poor. If things are going to change for this organisation, they need to be a little savvier in player recruitment.
What do Cleveland need?
Quarterback
Cleveland's saving grace is that they have the No 2 pick in the draft. If they haven't secured Colin Kaepernick, they are likely to have their pick of the board. Carson Wentz seems to be the stand-out choice, and Jackson is the perfect coach to develop the young talent from North Dakota State.
Centre
Replacing Mack must be high on the Browns' 'to do' list. Developing a good relationship with the incumbent QB is pivotal in the offensive line's ability to protect the passer. They have been linked with the Jags' Stefen Wisniewski but could look for a middle draft pick, potentially Notre Dame's Nick Martin.
Wide receiver
Dwayne Bowe was supposed to be Cleveland's big splash in last year's free agency. He caught five passes and ran for a total of 53 yards throughout the season. No 1 receiver Travis Benjamin has joined the Chargers, and Jackson desperately needs to hit on a WR in the draft to give the new quarterback a legitimate weapon.
Tackle
After losing Schwartz and supposedly considering a trade for Thomas, further development of the offensive line is inevitable. Alvin Bailey signed from the Seattle Seahawks last week, giving the Browns options at either tackle or guard, but further depth is needed. One option might be Bailey's former team-mate Russell Okung, who is still available as a free agent.
What happens next?
It is another roll of the dice for owner Haslam. In Jackson, the Browns have a talented young coach who must be allowed time to develop a philosophy and get the fan base excited again. Drafting quality is key, and changing the mindset of a losing franchise into one that is ready to compete in the AFC North. Easier said than done, but the Seahawks have provided a perfect example that with stable infrastructure, anything is possible in the NFL.
