Back in 2015, the Cleveland Browns looked much different. Coming into the 2015 NFL Draft, they had just gone 7-9 the previous year. Brian Hoyer was the starting quarterback, with a developing Johnny Manziel waiting in the wings. Nearing the draft, many Browns fans thought that this could be the draft class to put them over the top, and dare they say, into the playoffs. While it seems that Cleveland hit on the first of their first-round picks that year (Danny Shelton), something awful happened. With the 19th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Browns selected Cameron Erving. Since then, the Browns have seen nothing but complete and total failure. But, is there still time for Erving to right himself, or is the Florida State product a lost cause? Let’s find out.
Solving the Cameron Erving Problem
Erving’s Flaws
The main problem with Cameron Erving lies in his fundamentals. Although Erving has all the physical tools he needs to be a decent offensive lineman, he doesn’t have the technique. When it comes to the game of football, nowhere is technique more important than with offensive linemen. Even though Erving’s hand placement is fine, his problem lies in his legs.
Cameron Erving has a body type that is usually not very conducive to offensive linemen. But then, why did he play so well in college? Well, pure “raw” talent can only get you so far, and Erving has failed to improve. During the NFL Draft scouting process, many noted that Erving has insufficient power in his legs. In the most important part of your body, Erving lacks. While his handiwork is fine, his footwork is awful and holds no substance.
Possible Solutions
Coming into the NFL Draft, Cameron Erving’s claim to fame was being able to play any position on the offensive line. Now, a non-specialist can be both a blessing and a curse. See here: one of the newest Browns, Jabrill Peppers. In any case, could this be the saving grace for Erving? Let’s take a look.
Move Erving to Right Tackle
Although the Browns have tried moving Erving on the line before, those previous times were out of necessity. But now, the Browns boast one of the best offensive lines in the entire NFL. Working with such strong figures as Joe Thomas, J.C. Tretter, and Kevin Zeitler, the Browns might be able to “hide” Erving now. Of course, he isn’t in the running for the right tackle starting job yet; that honor goes to Shon Coleman it seems. However, if the Browns wanted to, they could try out Coleman on the right side of the line.
Bench, Cut, or Trade
There’s a lot of options here. Most practically, the Browns could just bench Erving and be done with this whole thing. Another option: they could cut Erving and be even more done with this whole thing. But perhaps the most intriguing option lies in trading Cameron Erving.
Sure, I know what you’re thinking. Who would even want him at this point? Well, you know what they say about desperate times. Perhaps the Seattle Seahawks or Cincinnati Bengals would want Erving on their line, if only as a backup tackle. No matter what, if there’s one GM that could get a couple of draft picks out of Erving, it’s Sashi Brown.
Is There Still Time?
So, is Cameron Erving a lost cause, or is there still time for him to right himself? Well, maybe he’s a lost cause within the Browns organization. The Browns have a competent offensive line now, and there is really no place for a player like Erving. In short, they don’t need him in Cleveland anymore. But perhaps, Erving might find a use somewhere else, whether he is cut or traded. And hopefully for him, his family, and his career, he does.
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