2017 NFL Draft: Biggest Needs For Five Worst Teams
By Erik Lambert
Five teams sit at the bottom of the barrel in 2016 and thus contenders for the top five picks in the 2017 NFL draft. If that holds true, here is a rundown of their biggest needs.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
As if this is any surprise. Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown are both out with significant shoulder injuries. Cody Kessler has a future as a backup. This team needs a massive reboot at the quarterback position. No more half measures or ridiculous risks. It’s time for them to try for another quarterbacks high in the draft to build around.
Pass rusher
Considering the fact that Cleveland has three sacks in three games so far, it’s no surprise this is on the list. Barkevious Mingo was a major league bust and Paul Kruger was never much of anything beyond a decent role player. At present their best options are Corey Lemonier and Carl Nassib. Not exactly blue chip talents. More help is definitely needed.
Offensive line
Joe Thomas isn’t getting any younger and the rest of the names on the offensive line aren’t household ones. Joel Bitonio probably has a promising future at left guard but beyond that there are plenty of unprovens. If the Browns plan to build around a quarterback, then nothing takes greater importance moving forward than his protection.