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Cleveland Browns Wisely Looking To Employ Scot McCloughan

By Erik Lambert

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: General Manager Scot McCloughan of the Washington Redskins talks on the phone prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: General Manager Scot McCloughan of the Washington Redskins talks on the phone prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /
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It seems the Cleveland Browns are cured of their notions that analytics is the way to building a great NFL team. They’re back to finding football guys.

They started off the right way by making John Dorsey as their new GM. This man is an NFL lifer. He was a scout in the business for years and then became a successful general manager with the Kansas City Chiefs before the two sides parted ways this past off-season. While not known for being the diplomatic sort, Dorsey understands what it takes to build a good team. He’s also wise enough to understand that he shouldn’t have to do it alone.

This has led to him recruiting as much help from outside sources as possible. One of his big gets was Eliot Wolf from the Green Bay Packers, considered to be one of the top up-and-comers in the business. It seems though that the Browns weren’t done. They took advantage of another front office shakeup that happened over in Washington, scooping former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan to join their front office as a top consultant.

McCloughan resume adds even more credibility to Browns front office

It’s a shame that McCloughan has been so demonized for his past issues with alcohol. It’s something he’s battled for years and it certainly hasn’t prevented him from doing his job. From 2005 to 2016 he had a hand in drafting some outstanding players to the pro level:

  • Alex Smith
  • Frank Gore
  • Vernon Davis
  • Delanie Walker
  • Patrick Willis
  • Joe Staley
  • Russell Okung
  • Earl Thomas
  • Golden Tate
  • Kam Chancellor
  • Richard Sherman
  • Bobby Wagner
  • Russell Wilson
  • Brandon Scherff

All three teams McCloughan was a part of at a high front office position in San Francisco, Seattle and Washington ended up going to the playoffs. The 49ers and Seahawks went to the Super Bowl largely thanks to his efforts. This is a man who recognizes what actual football players look like. Considering the Browns have five picks in the first two rounds and two in the top five overall? This is basically like throwing Willy Wonka into a candy shop and telling him to pick the best stuff.

If Cleveland gives him a strong enough voice in matters there is a chance 2018 could be a landmark draft for the Browns franchise. The kind that is almost impossible for men like Dorsey and McCloughan to screw up.

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