Now that the Super Bowl has been played and free agency is approaching in a month, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team. Today, the Cleveland Browns are under the microscope. Due to their dismal 1-15 season in 2016, the Browns hold the number one pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In truth, one draft might not fix all the Browns’ problems. However, it could be enough to lift them from the NFL’s basement. Raising the Browns from a laughing stock to (at least) respectable could do wonders for fans and the team itself. These are the three biggest needs for the Cleveland Browns’ 2017 off-season.
Cleveland Browns 2017 Off-Season: Top 3 Needs
Defensive Line
In 2016, it was incredibly clear that the Browns’ defense needed a serious overhaul. Of course, the offense did not help them out much, but that is a different story altogether. Fortunately for the Browns, the 2017 NFL Draft is full of defensive talent.
Cleveland can solve their D-Line problem in a myriad of ways. The top prospect, Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett, is an athletic freak. Additionally, Alabama’s Jonathan Allen is an amazing college lineman that could equal Garrett right out of the gate. When it comes to defensive talent, the Browns have a lot of choices in this draft. They just have to hit on the right player.
Quarterback
Since 1999, the Cleveland Browns have had a serious quarterback problem. Though they may have something with USC’s Cody Kessler, one can never be sure. The top four quarterback options for the Browns this off-season are as follows.
Deshaun Watson
Currently the quarterback of the National Champion Clemson Tigers, there is really no denying the talent of Deshaun Watson. Watson led Clemson to a victory over a seemingly immortal Alabama team to win the 2017 National Championship. If the Browns want to go with a quarterback in the #1 spot, Watson might be their guy.
DeShone Kizer
As a passer, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer has perhaps the biggest upside in this draft class. His arm talent is second to none, and he has the smarts to make NFL-level throws. With a little bit of development from Hue Jackson, Kizer could grow into a franchise quarterback in two years.
Mitch Trubisky
North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky is an interesting prospect. Despite being widely considered as unprepared, Trubisky has shot up draft boards. His throwing touch is fantastic, and in time, he could become a superstar quarterback. Especially being from Northeast Ohio, Trubisky really could be special for the Browns.
Jimmy Garoppolo
As Tom Brady‘s heir apparent, Jimmy Garoppolo has not seen a lot of game experience. Nevertheless, his hype has spiked since the end of the 2016 season. If the Browns can strike a good deal with the New England Patriots, they just might find their franchise quarterback in Garoppolo.
Secondary
The defensive secondary of the Cleveland Browns was atrocious in 2016. Their horrendous pass defense could not keep the offense on the field, and opponents dominated their defense. While their front seven continues to rebuild through Danny Shelton and Jamie Collins, the secondary has struggled majorly.
Aside from Joe Haden, the Cleveland Browns have virtually no defensive secondary talent. The jury is still out on Briean Boddy-Calhoun across from him, but the safety position is a disaster. Malik Hooker and Jamal Adams are both reliable picks for the Browns, and could immediately make an impact. If the Browns can get one of those guys, they will be in much better shape come August.
In Conclusion
Though many of the Browns’ needs are on defense, their offensive unit is still lacking. The Cleveland Browns need as much help as they can get, and this draft could be a good start. As the 2017 season rolls around, the Browns will have almost a completely new look. It will be incredibly interesting to see how Hue Jackson uses his influx of new talent. Hopefully for fans and Coach Jackson alike, the Browns will raise themselves up from the NFL’s depths. It appears that only time will tell what the future holds, but addressing these needs should be top priority.
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