For the longest time, the Cleveland Browns had this reputation of winning the offseason, but doing Browns things in the regular season and have a losing record. This time it is different. Cleveland is a winning organization and had a record of 11 wins and five losses. They also came close to edging out the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. The Browns are winning this offseason and this should translate to even more wins next season.
Cleveland used a considerable amount of their assets on their solid offense. They used a first overall pick on quarterback Baker Mayfield and gave sizeable contracts to wide receivers Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry. The duo account for the biggest cap hits on the roster.
Cleveland invested in the offensive line through free agency and the draft and now has arguably the best line in football with three of its members on All-Pro Teams, guards Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and tackle Jack Conklin. Running back Nick Chubb was a second-round pick and has been fantastic for Cleveland.
With all the resources used in putting together the Browns offense, it is understandable that in this offseason, their most relevant move on that side of the ball is signing complementary wideout Rashard Higgins to a modest contract, which in itself was a smart piece of business.
The Browns upgraded their secondary with acquisitions of safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill. Defensive line depth was added with the signings of Takkarist McKinley and Malik Jackson. Linebacker Anthony Walker was also brought in from the Indianapolis Colts.
Even with the aforementioned signings, Cleveland's biggest need is a toss-up between an edge rusher to complement Myles Garrett and a high-ceiling linebacker. Due to the importance of the position, edge rusher is the more pressing need.
McKinley projects mainly as a rotational pass rusher. After four years in the league, he is average at getting to the passer. He is rarely used in running plays and when he is, he is more of a liability. McKinley has the tools to be better against the run. However, the team can do better than McKinley in the draft.
While there are no top-five pick quality edge rushers in the upcoming draft, there are several first-round prospects who could bolster a pass rush. Some options in the first round for the Browns are Miami Hurricanes Gregory Rousseau and Jaelen Philips.
The two are similar in terms of height and weight, but Rousseau has a more imposing frame and ridiculous length. As a bonus, he can even line up at defensive tackle if needed. He has great physical gifts, but is quite raw and needs to refine his technique. On the other hand, Philips is a versatile player and has a relentless motor. He brings a lot of speed to the position. Both players do have an injury history, so the team will have to carefully evaluate them.
Having a one-two punch of Garrett and a first-round caliber edge rusher will spell trouble for opposing quarterbacks and is a step in the right direction to the Browns winning a Super Bowl.
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