As the Cleveland Browns front office starts to focus on 2023, here are the three biggest areas of improvement needed by this team.
Even though Lamar Jackson didn’t play last week, the Cleveland Browns are coming off a nice victory vs. the Baltimore Ravens. The offense struggled to capitalize on a great performance from the defense, but a win is a win in this league.
With just three games left, the Browns biggest goal for 2022 is to try and win out and avoid another losing season. It will certainly be difficult to win three straight, but also attainable with the Saints, Commanders, and Steelers remaining on the schedule.
The playoffs aren’t truly eliminated, but there are far too many bounces that must go their way at this point, so focusing on the future is key. With no first-round pick that would make losing a decent option, these next three games will be used to see who is a part of the future and to get Deshaun Watson back up to speed.
Below are the three biggest areas of improvement Andrew Berry and staff must address before the start of next season.
Browns Area of improvement No. 3 – Upgrade at safety
Perhaps one of the biggest turnover positions this offseason will be at safety for the Cleveland Browns. With Joe Woods wanting to utilize three safeties on the field for most snaps, I think you will see two new faces. One likely through free agency, and one via the draft.
John Johnson just hasn’t cut it as the deep safety, and with a reasonable post-June-1 cut option, he will be looking for a new team. Berry brought back Ronnie Harrison on a one-year deal, but he continues to be inconsistent.
A ton of people want Woods gone, but I’m still not sold he is the biggest issue. Look for Grant Delpit who has had his ups and downs as well as the only returning starter.
Browns Area of improvement No. 2 – Upgrade at offensive tackle
I think one of the most underrated areas of struggle for the Cleveland Browns the last few weeks is the offensive line. Ever since Ethan Pocic went down, this unit has really struggled. What’s even more unfortunate, the tackles have struggled even more with pass protection the last few weeks which has put a ton of pressure on Watson and Jacoby Brissett previously.
Jack Conklin had been great coming off his injury from last year but has really played himself out of a great contract for next season. Not only has the speed rush been an issue, but stunts up front have also really confused this entire group. Even though he may want to come back, it will have to come at a hometown discount.
Jedrick Wills is going to get another year to prove he is a starter in the NFL, but he is my biggest concern on this offense for next season. I think James Hudson will do fine stepping in at right tackle next season, but even Bill Callahan (offensive line coach), who is considered the best in the business by many can’t seem to get Wills in line.
I don’t think the Browns can spend money in free agency at tackle with Will and Hudson slated to be the starters, but you will certainly see a third or fourth-round pick taken on a developmental player at the position. A huge decision that Berry will have this offseason is the fifth-year option on Wills. After the Baker Mayfield saga, he may be a bit gun-shy.
Browns Area of improvement No. 1 – Upgrade at interior defensive line
The biggest hole on this team continues to be the interior defensive line, especially when it comes to stopping the run. Being the biggest weakness on this defense for the Cleveland Browns says something as well because of how bad they have been at times.
This was a position that many thought would be addressed in 2022, but once again Berry used a late-round pick to try and fill the void. What was even more puzzling, the two guys he brought in (Taven Bryant and Perrion Winfrey) are both pass-rushing specialists with known struggles against the run which matched the issue from 2021.
It’s time to spend some money in free agency on the position and bring in a big three-technique tackle who can eat up multiple gaps. The Browns have gone with the strategy of undersized linebackers as well, which makes the need for a beefed-up offensive line even bigger.
I know the NFL has turned into a passing league, but watching this team give up five-plus yards on every single run is beyond infuriating as a fan. Without a first-round pick, I don’t think Berry can risk fixing this issue in a draft, he needs a veteran guy who has more than proven themselves.
With restructures for guys like Watson and Amari Cooper, the Browns should have some money to spend next offseason.
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