A very common thought for the Cleveland Browns is that they are one piece away from making the jump. That piece? Offensive tackle. There is a problem. It is more than just one position that needs to be addressed. There are several positions that need attention and could have turnover before next season starts.
Left tackle
Yes. Let’s start with the obvious, left tackle. Greg Robinson is atrocious and has absolutely zero business being in Cleveland next season. If the Browns want to properly protect Baker Mayfield, replacing Robinson is a must. The draft should have plenty of options available to Cleveland at 10. Including the likes of Andrew Thomas and Mekhi Becton.
Right tackle
You read that right. Both tackle positions need to be addressed. Like Greg Robinson, Chris Hubbard was awful in 2019. Add in the fact that Hubbard will be expensive and moving on makes a ton of sense here. Finding a second replacement tackle will not be easy. Free agency will provide some options, but spending big in free agency is more often than not a fool’s gamble. Perhaps Cleveland could select two tackles in the draft. Having two rookie tackles isn’t the best path, but at some point they need to do something about their offensive line.
Right guard
Wyatt Teller did not play very much in 2019, but what was seen shouldn’t prevent the Browns from looking at other options. At worst Teller could be serviceable, although the goal should be more than serviceable. Cleveland has a good left guard and center. Why can’t this distinction apply to the other positions on the line as well?
Running back
Kareem Hunt has zero business being on the roster next season. At some point he’s going to run out of chances and that point should have been over a year ago. Nick Chubb is the starter but a capable backup is needed. The middle rounds in the draft could be a spot to take a running back. There is also the option to sign a middling free agent to a team friendly deal.
Tight end
Are the Cleveland Browns really content with David Njoku as their tight end? Cleveland needs to acquire a player who is a more natural fit for the offense of Kevin Stefanski. Sure, Njoku might develop into something worthwhile and change his future in 2020. What the Browns cannot do is depend on his “upside and potential”, and then proceed to ignore this position in the offseason.
Defensive end
This applies to starting and backups. Olivier Vernon does not appear long for this team. Vernon has a problem with staying on the field and carries a large salary for 2020. This combo surely points towards a new starting defensive end opposite Myles Garrett next season.
Depth must also be addressed here. Chad Thomas, Bryan Cox, and Porter Gustin cannot not be counted on to provide adequate production. Yes they are backups, but if there is an injury or suspension the team needs someone to at least be able to temporarily hold down the fort. This does not apply to the aforementioned players here.
Linebacker
One, potentially two starting linebackers may be a need. Joe Schobert is set to become a free agent and Christian Kirksey could very well also be on his way out. This is two starting linebacker positions. Mack Wilson flashed some potential as a rookie, but he needs someone competent next to him to help guide him through the growing pains.
Safety
Damarious Randall is all but gone and the other options include Sheldrick Redwine, Justin Burris, Eric Murray, and Morgan Burnett. Burnett seems like some Cleveland could move on from leaving quite an uninspiring group at the back end of the Browns secondary. There are options in the draft, however Cleveland needs to focus on the offensive line in Round 1 while looking at other positions starting in Round 2.
