2013 Recap:
There wasn’t ever a team in Cleveland this season. The criticism of the NFL comes from the idea that everyone is playing for their own stats, and for their next contract. Not for the team, the city or the fans particularly. Most teams counteract this in some way, but Cleveland didn’t. The team was alright, but there was very little passion or consistency running through the team. Looking specifically at the offense, Cleveland never had a set “first string” at either quarterback or running back. Without these leaders on the offensive side of the ball it was difficult for the team to get into a groove.
2014 Prospects:
Josh Gordon: Fantastic a receiver as Gordon is, one of the main criticisms he’s faced this past year has been his consistency. Once you attribute these problems to a lack of consistency at quarterback, and his relative inexperience he becomes a Pro Bowl player with an even higher ceiling. A frightening thought for secondaries to deal with.Joe Haden: Slightly down in terms of his statistics, but Joe Haden wasn’t helped out too much this season. He has an opportunity to become the leader of this secondary and he’s already making a measurable difference in that respect. If he continues to improve as a leader he can become a high point for this football team.
Joe Thomas: Where there has been inconsistency in the backfield there has always been the unshakeable presence of Joe Thomas on the O-Line. He is one of the best in the league, but he never gets the exposure he really deserves. I’m looking for Thomas to keep the offense together as Cleveland gear up for another rebuilding year that will hopefully turn up some better results than last season.
Missing Pieces:
Quarterback: Not many teams would benefit from picking up a new quarterback quite as much as Cleveland. Inconsistency has killed them at this position, and they haven’t had a strong QB in their organisation since before drafting Brady Quinn (in 2007). They currently have Jason Campbell as their number one, and while he is a solid backup he’s not the kind of player to lead your franchise, as the Redskins discovered a few years back.Running Back: To expand upon the inconsistencies on offense, this is a huge hole. There aren’t any backs in this draft that are being projected into the 1st round right now, and that fits the Browns perfectly to be able to pick up their guy in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Offensive Line: Joe Thomas is a force, but he doesn’t have much support on his right and that makes everything so much easier for the defense facing the Browns. Most analysts are projecting that the Browns need a new Guard on the line but I’d go as far as to say they should take whatever talent is available along the line. The O-Line is the key to a great offense.
