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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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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 06: Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans runs onto the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Buffalo defeats Tennessee 14-7. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 06: Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans runs onto the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Buffalo defeats Tennessee 14-7. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

1. Signed Jack Conklin

Surely, most would put the Austin Hooper signing at No. 1 overall since he’s the biggest name. And, he’s also sure to have the biggest impact on the stat line — which will also mean he gets the most love. While all of that is true, Hooper comes in a close second to the addition of Jack Conklin, the former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman.

What makes the Conklin move so important is the way it helps the entire offense. Take this team from last season. Big names such as Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Odell Beckham, Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Kareem Hunt should have been able to get more than six wins.

Sure, a lot of the blame falls on former coach Freddie Kitchens, but the performance of the offensive line had just as much to do with the team’s struggles — and most of the issues were with Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard.

Robinson, who is no longer with the team, was the 41st highest ranked tackle according to Pro Football Focus. And he was the better of the two starters as Hubbard was all the way back at No. 76 overall. Conversely, Conklin was 10th for the Titans with an impressive grade of 80.6.

All the offensive weapons are great. Adding Austin Hooper was a phenomenal move. However, none of that means anything if Baker Mayfield is getting sacked 40 times and no receivers have time to run routes beyond five yards from the line of scrimmage.

Next. Way too early Browns bold predictions. dark

Cleveland will almost certainly still add a left tackle — possibly at No. 10 overall — but Conklin’s signing was their most important move to date this offseason.

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