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The five most disappointing Cleveland Browns of the modern era

By Greg Newland

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the football as offensive linemen Cameron Erving #74 and Joe Thomas #73 block defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (L) and linebacker Jarvis Jones #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on November 15, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 30-9. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the football as offensive linemen Cameron Erving #74 and Joe Thomas #73 block defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (L) and linebacker Jarvis Jones #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on November 15, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 30-9. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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Offensive Lineman Cam Erving

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Cameron Erving #74 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 30, 2015, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Cameron Erving #74 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 30, 2015, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

With the 19th pick of the 2015 draft, the Browns selected Cameron Erving from Florida State. At the time Erving was the catch of the draft with the size to play tackle and experience at center. Fans believed they were getting a talented young man with tremendous versatility.

Unfortunately, that versatility would never show up in Cleveland. Erving started at center to begin with and was constantly getting bull-rushed into the quarterback’s lap. The Browns continued to try to find a home for Erving at guard as well, but unfortunately after two seasons and 17 starts, the Browns traded Erving to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth-round pick.

What is the most frustrating part about Erving? He went to Kansas City and became an important part of the offensive line. He has never been a full season starter, but in three seasons Erving has 25 starts and one Super Bowl win. No, Erving is not performing at a Pro Bowl level, but he has been a consistent sixth man, which is a crucial role in the NFL.

As a former offensive lineman, Erving irritated me from the beginning. He was a monstrous human who for most of his time in Cleveland looked weak and slow. Multiple times Erving was given a second chance just to be benched once again.

While irritated with Erving, it just goes to show sometimes change is all that’s needed. While unfortunate for the Browns, at least Erving was able to resurrect his career to some extent and even recently signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. In case you’re wondering, the Browns selected Genard Avery with the draft pick received in the Erving trade, but traded Avery after a nice rookie season.

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