3 Biggest offseason needs for the Cleveland Browns

2: Fix the Defense

Hiring the right defensive coordinator is priority No. 1 in fixing this defense. Priority No. 2 is getting the right cast of players to go out and execute the game plan of the new coordinator.

The Browns struggled mightily against the run for most of the season, allowing 135.2 yards per game, the eighth-most in the NFL. Time after time, the defense would get gashed by the opposing teams rushing attacks and that led to a lot of long days and finger-pointing.

The defensive line should be the thing, roster-wise, that is fixed first and foremost. Jadeveon Clowney appears to be on his way out, and that could benefit the Browns in the offseason. They can use the money they’d be giving to Clowney to younger guys who won’t complain about the best player on that side of the ball, Myles Garrett, getting put in the best positions to succeed.

Cleveland needs some beefy dudes to clog the rushing lanes while also being able to get after the opposing quarterbacks, especially playing in the AFC North where Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson reside. Garrett was tremendous this season, tying his own franchise record with 16 sacks, but he had little help opposite him, even when he was being double and triple-teamed.

When Berry signed John Johnson III in free agency two years ago, many fans, myself included, were excited about what he brought to the table. Well, that didn’t go as planned and now he is also likely heading out the door. What the Browns need is a true free safety that can roam the field and make plays on the ball. Too often this season the Browns had blown coverages and opposing teams made them pay dearly.

They’ll also need to add some linebacker depth as the unit was riddled with a myriad of injuries in 2022, some of which will be impactful to this roster in 2023.