Another Change of Direction

The Cleveland Browns have a new general manager.  

This would be their third since 2015.

The Cleveland Browns have passed on quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson in the past two drafts by trading the picks that were used to take them.

The Browns went 0-16 in 2017 after going 1-15 in 2016.

If you're looking for a silver lining for the Browns you will find it in the picks and cap space the team has built over the past three seasons.  The team has also hit on some recent draft picks including defensive end and #1 overall pick in 2017, Myles Garrett.  Garrett recorded seven sacks in his debut season.

Holding the first and fourth overall picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Browns simply can't avoid using a premium pick on a possible franchise quarterback.  Then again, this is the Browns organization where literally anything negative is possible and mostly expected.  Whoever gets drafted by the Browns to play quarterback is expected to fail not because of their abilities, but simply because they were drafted by Cleveland.

New general manager John Dorsey plans to dump the heavy analytics angle that the organization has been run under and base their decisions on more traditional scouting.  Coach Hue Jackson looks to get at least one more season to prove that he's better than his 1-31 record in Cleveland.

The Browns have a chance to get moving in the right direction.  That starts this offseason with the first overall draft choice.  The quarterback they select will be responsible for leading a team to a winning record, a feat that has not been accomplished in Cleveland since 2007. 

Offensive Ranking: 24th

Defensive Ranking: 14th

Key Free Agents:  

Isaiah Crowell - RB - Has led the Browns in rushing in each of the last three seasons.  Expected to reach the open market.

Marcus Martin - G - Picked up by the Browns on waivers last offseason.  A former 3rd round pick.