Browns Roster Ranked 31st; Needs Noted
The Cleveland Browns roster was given a ton of love from the combined research of PFF and ESPN just before the Super Bowl, our write-up here in a new window, not everyone agrees however. Rotoworld writer Evan Silve ranked the Browns roster far, far worse, likely more in line with what fans think about it, at 31st out of 32 teams:
"31. Cleveland BrownsQB: The Browns appeared to be one of the NFL’s up-and-coming teams as recently as last October. They enter the offseason in horrific condition, particularly at the most important position in pro sports. Backup-caliber Brian Hoyer‘s contract is up, while Johnny Manziel looks the part of a draft bust. They do have Connor Shaw."
Only the Tennessee Titans are ranked behind the Browns in their rankings. Silva starts at the obvious issue a the QB position for the Browns. With it being the most important position on the field the Browns currently have no answer. The problem is that most don’t believe there is an answer to be had at the position this off-season either. Brian Hoyer likely heads the free agent class while Marucs Mariota likely needs a year of sitting and the off the field concerns with Jameis Winston make him a huge question mark.
That leaves the Browns again trying to scrap together something, anything reasonable at the QB spot. Maybe Johnny Manziel returns from rehab a changed man and takes control of the position. Maybe Mike Glennon, Nick Foles or another QB can be traded for to take the spot. Maybe Mariota, Winston or even Brett Hundley will be drafted and start right away. Maybe even Hoyer, Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker decide to sign in Cleveland, not sure why Hoyer would want to return, and show that can lead.
Until the question at the QB spot is answered the rest does not matter. The key will be whether GM Ray Farmer and HC Mike Pettine believe there is an answer among the mess listed. If they do, they should go all out to acquire that answer, or help that answer in the case of Manziel. If they do not believe the answer is out there, they need to use their massive resources to upgrade the rest of the team but in that order, QB comes first.
If they invest in a QB or don’t, they still have roster issues that Silva notes need to be handled:
"WR: This team desperately needs a big, touchdown-scoring, yards-after-catch monster to help prop up what will inevitably be poor quarterback play.TE: Injury-riddled Jordan Cameron‘s free agency leaves Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray as the top tight ends on the Browns’ offseason roster. Indications out of Cleveland are Cameron won’t be re-signed.NT: The Browns seem poised to move on from free agent NT Ahtyba Rubin, who got pushed around in run defense throughout 2014. Rubin’s top backup, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, is a restricted free agent."
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It is unclear whether Silva is listing these needs in order of importance or just listing them. Many Browns fans would list WR pretty high but analysts would note how well the team’s passing attack was compared to their last ranked run defense. Nothing is in a vacuum but the limited talent at the nose tackle in the 3-4 is a huge problem at stopping the run.
While the Browns could struggle to address their QB needs the other three reported needs have ample opportunity. Free agency has a lot of linemen and receivers as well as a few tight ends. The NFL Draft also have quite a few linemen and receivers, though the tight end class seems very limited.
We expect the Browns to be very active in Free Agency and aggressive in the Draft to upgrade their roster.
What do you think of Evan Silva’s ranking of the Browns roster?