The Browns made a big splash in free agency last summer when they traded for quarterback (QB) Deshaun Watson. While they are still waiting to see if that is a good investment, since he could only play in six games, many moves still need to be made for this team to compete. The Browns are in a division with one of the best teams in the AFC, the Bengals. The competition does not end there, as the Ravens are consistently a playoff team as long as Lamar Jackson is around, and the Steelers have been the most consistent team in the division for some time now. All of these teams leave the Browns on the outside looking in when they were at the top of the division just a few years ago and very close to beating the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.
How do the Browns get back to the top? They must do everything possible to make the Watson trade look like it was the right move. Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones were bright spots in a receiving group that was very lackluster. They must add another receiver in the draft, free agency, or via trade. The offensive line is excellent, and it should not be a problem for the Browns to protect their $250 million QB. David Njoku also had a bright year and will be able to help Watson in the passing game. Add that the Browns have one of the best running backs in football, and they should be set.
The bulk of the Browns’ problems surfaces on defense. Outside of superstar Myles Garrett, this defense leaves much to be forgotten. Denzel Ward was long considered a good corner but had a rough 2022, and the other corners have not produced at the level for the Browns to be a severe defensive team. The linebackers (LB) had a better year than average, as a linebacker usually has been the weak link in the Browns’ defense. The glaring hole in this defense, however, is interior presence. The league has witnessed how important it is to have an excellent defensive tackle (DT) to free up pressure from the edge defender. The Browns do not have this, leaving Garrett doubled more times than not.
The solution will begin with free agency. Cleveland should call an old trade partner to see if they can get Brandin Cooks from Houston as cheaply as possible. They could wait and see if the Texans cut Cooks, and then they could pick him up for free. This would also give Watson a familiar face in the passing game. If Cooks is not the route the Browns want to go, then there is a slue of mid-level receivers set to hit free agency. The two short-term fixes that make sense for the Browns are T.Y. Hilton and familiar friend Jarvis Landry. These guys are moving up in age but would give the Browns experienced pass catchers on short, cheap deals.
Once the slot receiver issue is resolved, Myles Garrett needs a running mate. A few names jump off the page when looking at the market. Eagle teammates Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave would fit in perfectly with Garrett. Either of these guys would bring much-needed life into this defensive line. This would take the load off Garrett and leave the Browns one edge defender away from having a mean front line.
The draft will be simple for the Browns, as they do not have many picks, and it is crucial that they hit on the few selections that they have. Their second-round choice will be used on a prospect determined by how their free agency goes. If they strike out on all DTs, one must be selected with their pick in hopes that they will be a star. Zach Harrison, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Mazi Smith are all exciting prospects. The rest of the draft needs to be used on cornerback depth and trying to find a second tight end.
Regardless of the moves the Browns make this off-season, how far this team goes depends on one man: Deshaun Watson. This team will only be as good as he is. If he can reach his level of play from a few years ago with the Texans, then this team could make some noise. However, if he continues to have games like the one to end this past season, the Browns will have a hard time trying to get away from his massive contract. The Browns’ future lies in his hands.