Cleveland Browns can balance ‘win now’ and ‘draft for the future’
Key Takeaways for balancing “win now” and “win later”
If the Browns want to “win now” most of their investment should be in free agents, as they have correctly done, rather than fixating on imaginary needs for rookies.
The draft is primarily for building for the future (“win later”), and the Browns should seek to invest in additional draft capital they can expend in the future if the opportunity presents itself. Your Cleveland Browns have committed some atrocious deeds in the past but have greatly improved recently.
The basic formula suggested is:
1. Spend now on free agents to improve the roster and satisfy immediate needs. They’re bargains this season because of the depressed salary cap. Satisfy current needs with free agents.
2. Invest in draft capital for the future. If some foolish team offers 2022 draft picks at a huge discount, take the deal.
3. The draft is not the key to winning this year, but it is the key to winning in future years. Drop the false idea that the team needs some particular player at 26th overall to win the Super Bowl. If the position is that important, sign a free agent. Instead, maximize value — the best available player (or combination of players in a deal) at the lowest possible long-term cost.
Next. LBs Browns should still consider in free agency. dark
4. Leave roster spaces open in order to accommodate UDFAs who are like to surpass the achievements of late-round draft picks this season. Late round 2021 draft picks should be traded. Try to capture some additional picks in 2022 and beyond.