Cleveland Browns Off Season Check List: Without a QB upgrade the Browns are stuck in Neutral

Cleveland Browns off Season Check List

2011 Outcome            (4-12)

The Browns were supposed to be moving forward in Year 2 of Holmgren’s rule and instead were caught in neutral.  Defensively, the Browns made a nice transition to the 4-3 and have some emerging young talent.  On offensive the Browns have major problems.  Colt McCoy is a backup Quarterback masquerading as a starter, the offensive line has major holes at RT and LG, and the Browns lack playmakers at the skill positions.  If the Browns are to complete with the rest of the conference than the Quarterback position must be settled this offseason with either Robert Griffin or Matt Flynn.

Coach Seat Temperature

The Browns will give Pat Shurmur a second year but another 4-12 or 5-11 finish is not going to sit well withMikeHolmgren.  I think it would be wise to add an offensive coordinator and allow the new HC to grow into his position.  It is a poor decision to allow a new HC to play coordinator (Rasheem Morris, Pat Shurmur, and Todd Haley even if his credential didn’t say he was the OC).  DC, Dick Jauron, did a solid job with young, inexperienced players on defense.

2011 Draft Class Rating        (B+)

Though the Browns ignored important positions they were able to acquire talent.  Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard both had great seasons and should be anchors on the defensive line.  Greg Little appears to be a solid #2 WR.  Jordan Cameron, TE, and Buster Skrine, CB, could be future starters.  Owen Marciuc will become a solid FB and though Jason Pinkston struggled he could become a versatile backup.

2010 Draft Class Rating        (B-)

The Browns did a decent job at the top of the draft.  Joe Haden appears to be a shut down CB.  TJ Ward is a solid SS who needs to become better in coverage.  Montario Hardesty and Shawn Lavuono have talent but cannot stay healthy.  The rest of the picks were misses.

2009 Draft Class Rating        (D-)

This was the draft before Holmgren got here and illustrates the problems in drafting they Browns truly had.  Alex Mack is a Pro Bowl center.  Second Rounds Wide Receivers Massaquoi and Robiskie are depth only players and the last second round pick David Veikune was a bust.  The rest of the players are backup only and have traveled to many teams.

Current Needs

Offense: QB, RB, WR, RT, LG

Defense: DE, OLB, CB, FS

Current FA

Peyton Hillis: Hillis is aMike Alstott type player who has attitude problems.  From over rating himself and hitting on his coaches wives he has become a talented, yet troubled player who the Browns are cutting ties with.

D’Qwell Jackson:  Jackson’s talent was never an issue…it was his health.  Finally playing a full season has let the NFL know how talented he is.  The Browns would be wise to resign him as soon as possible.

Current Mock

1. Robert Griffin                       QB       Baylor

1. Kendall Wright                     WR      Baylor

2. Lamar Miller             RB      Miami

3. Ryan Miller                           OG     Colorado