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Ranking the Cleveland Browns initial offseason moves by order of importance

By Randy Gurzi

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Tight end Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball against the defense of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Tight end Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball against the defense of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Andrew Billings #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Andrew Billings #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

5. Signed Andrew Billings

The No. 5 most important move for the Browns came at the expense of a divisional rival. Cleveland was in need of a run-stuffing nose tackle and they landed one in Andrew Billings, who comes over from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Billings’ ability to play run defense is going to be a great plus for the Browns as they were 30th in the NFL in rushing defense last season, surrendering 144.7 yards per game according to NFL.com.

Putting in a 328-pound nose tackle to clog up holes will do a lot to help them lower that number in 2020. It wasn’t a flashy signing, but it fills a need and makes the defense better.

4. Traded for fullback Andy Janovich from Denver Broncos in exchange for 2021 seventh-round pick

Another move that wasn’t flashy but will help a lot was the trade Andrew Berry made with the Denver Broncos for fullback Andy Janovich. This move landing at No. 4, which might seem a bit surprising because fullbacks get no love. However, it was something the head coach really wanted to add to his team.

Not long after Kevin Stefanski was announced, he made it clear that he wanted to add a fullback to the roster. There was speculation he could go after C.J. Ham, his former fullback from the Vikings, but instead, Stefanski gets Janovich, who was the third-highest rated fullback according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) which was a couple of spots higher than Ham.

Janovich comes to the Browns with just 35 career touches but he does have four touchdowns — one on the ground and three receiving. He can be a weapon if forgotten about, but his main job is going to be clearing holes for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

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