What do the Browns need this offseason?
The Cleveland Browns and their supporters are hoping that the next leg of their roller coaster ride will
take them back up the hill. The thrill of the 2020 season blossomed from low expectations, but the
disappointment of the 2021 season dashed their high aspirations.
Sports betting fans who click here for live updates will find the Browns in the middle of the pack when it
comes to their chances of winning the Super Bowl in 2023.
In many respects, the 2022 season might determine the team's foundational destiny. Two consecutive
losing seasons may cause owner Jimmy Haslam to reconsider his present strategy, while a second
playoff participation in three years could result in contract extensions for Andrew Berry and Kevin
Stefanski.
The Browns offseason in 2022 will be vital. With decisions to be made about Jadeveon Clowney and
David Njoku, as well as a contract issue with Denzel Ward, the club has a lot to do. Baker Mayfield's
health and productivity will also loom over the club until he performs on the field or is replaced, despite
their public backing for their starting quarterback.
Every franchise in the NFL is looking for improvements in a number of positions, but here are the areas
that Cleveland need to focus on ahead of the 2022 season.
Wide receiver
Cleveland's greatest need is predictable. Despite all of the expectation and hoopla, the Browns wide
receiver corps was less than great last season. Jarvis Landry suffered his worst season, Odell Beckham
Jr. was traded at the trade deadline, Anthony Schwartz never found his stride and Donovan Peoples-Jones failed to capitalize on a hyped summer.
To put things right, the club might be interested in bringing in a veteran, as well as a high draft selection.
In fact, if they don’t add a veteran receiver, they may opt to go for two receivers in the first four choices at
the draft. Stefanski will be focused on getting more out of their passing offense, assuming a healthy
Mayfield and additions on the outside are essential to that.
Nose tackle
Teams were able to press the inside of the Browns’ defensive line as much as they wanted last season,
and those that could run the ball up the middle had a lot of success as the Browns’ defense focused on
strategies to hunt down Lamar Jackson and stop quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai are the team's main inside players right now. During his first season,
Elliott has been up and down, while Togiai has seen very little action. This summer, finding a nose tackle
or defensive lineman who can take on double teams while remaining stationary and pushing the pocket
with power will be critical.
Defensive tackle
The Browns also need a pass-rushing, block-splitting defensive tackle, a player who can get in the
quarterback’s face. Because Elliott and Togiai have only the support of Sheldon Day in the middle of the
line, the defensive tackle position may be prioritized, with Malik McDowell still dealing with legal issues
and veteran Malik Jackson poised to go into free agency.
Special teams
Special teams must improve, even if they don’t receive the headlines or have significant assets thrown
their way. This offseason, Cleveland needs to acquire a kicker and a punter. It will be intriguing to see if
they spend draft capital to get one or the other, but they must get it right.
Unfortunately, kickers who are consistent year after year are few in the NFL. Instead, most clubs swap
kickers every two to three years at most, in the hopes of catching a player at peak form. In 2021, a much-
improved kicking game may have swung game results, and will be required again in 2022.
Defensive end
Right now, the Browns edge-rushing cohort consists of Garrett and a slew of other players who can make
an occasional contribution. They need to strengthen the defense to ensure that can they go after the
quarterback and establish an edge against the run.
It would be enormous to re-sign Clowney, but he seems to be aiming for a large payout. Even if he
returns, the club will need to recruit depth players who can complement Garrett and Clowney in the
rotation. Takk McKinley Achilles injury, which occurred late in the season, will likely keep him out for
months, so it will be interesting to see if Berry attempts to re-sign him on a cheap multi-year contract now
that he is a free agent. But don’t be surprised if the Browns use their first-round choice to address this
defensive need.
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