2016 Team Needs: AFC North
By Kris Rogers
Cleveland Browns
Team Needs: QB, WR, LB
Johnny Manziel is gone, and while Josh McCown played admirably, he is not a long-term option. Luckily barring any trades, the Browns will have their choice of prospects available. And they’ll need to draft a signal caller, because the current crop of free agents is less than stellar. The Browns need to get this pick right, or it’ll be another few years before making it out of the basement of the AFC North. New Browns head coach Hue Jackson met with NDSU QB Carson Wentz at the Senior Bowl and was very impressed.
Three Options: Ryan Fitzpatrick (FA) , Carson Wentz, Jared Goff
At receiver, Josh Gordon has applied for reinstatement, but there’s no promise that commissioner Goodell will let him back into the league. His most recent positive drug test saw him suspended for the entire 2015 season. Even if Gordon is brought back, Travis Benjamin is a free agent, and and Brian Hartline is only under contract for another year. The Browns drafted Vince Mayle in the fourth round out of Washington State, but he didn’t make the team.
Three Options: Jermaine Kearse (FA), Michael Thomas, Tyler Boyd
On defense, the Browns need players who can stop the run and rush the passer. As a team, the Browns finished 30th against the run and 28th in sacks. Paul Kruger was brought in on a top-dollar contract but struggled to get the the QB in 2015, only totaling 2.5 sacks. The Browns could invest a high pick in an outside linebacker who can set the edge an get after the passer.
Three Options: Courtney Upshaw (FA), Jaylon Smith, Myles Jack
Next: Baltimore Ravens