Cleveland Browns 2017 Preview
It’s difficult to imagine that the Cleveland Browns will be more woeful than last season’s horrendous NFL worst 1-15 record, especially since there have been reinforcements brought in.
First and foremost, top overall draft pick Myles Garrett should make an immediate impact on defense if he is able to overcome a foot injury suffered in offseason drills.
One of the common threads during the extended streak of futility by the Browns is that there has been a constant turnover at the quarterback position. The explanation for the revolving door is quite clear, they all have sucked.
This year there is the intriguing idea that the lamented Brock Osweiler can resurrect his career in the brown and orange. The former Denver Broncos backup flopped badly after signing a huge deal with the Houston Texans and was run out of town in what was basically a salary dump.
He will have every chance to win the starting job in Cleveland despite the presence of rookie DeShone Kizer.
The Browns’ ground attack will again be led by Isaiah Crowell who ran for 952 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2016. Duke Johnson is the backup.
The receiving corps took a big hit with the departure of former Ohio State University star Terrelle Pryor who went to the Redskins as a free agent. Pryor was a multi-dimensional threat but questions about his attitude and motivation led to Cleveland not offering him a new deal.
It doesn’t look good when it comes to guys who will be catching the ball for Osweiler or whoever else starts. Second-year player Cosey Coleman was struggling with injuries all season but should be healthy. The team also signed journeyman Kenny Britt and drafted tight end David Njoku who could develop into a star.
Pity poor offensive lineman and perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas who could be a future Hall of Famer but has known nothing but suckitude during his 11-year tenure with the Browns.
The defense will improve if Garrett and the Browns other first rounder, Jabrill Peppers can be solid contributors as rookies.
What’s it all mean?
As bad as the Browns still are it would be shocking if they didn’t improve on last year’s abysmal record and with a bit of luck, may get to four wins this year and another top five pick in next year’s draft. If Osweiler is a bust, they can use that pick to grab their quarterback of the future.
