The ragging on the Cleveland Browns by football analysts has dumbed down this offseason as more positive talk encompasses the Dawg Pound. This sudden appearance of the smallest inch of hope for Cleveland football is strange considering they are coming off their worst season in franchise history (0-16). Here are some of the moves that critics say will have the Dawg Pound back into contention in the next 5 years.
1) Draft Picks + Brock Osweiler
Cleveland has 2 first round draft selections in 2018 and 3 second rounders to accompany those. While trading down from pick #12 this year was a well-advised move by the Browns, acquiring Brock Osweiler (and his MASSIVE contract) and a 2nd round pick next year was deemed a brilliant move by critics. Osweiler's contract is one thing, but he is a terrible locker room leader who argues with coaches and teammates alike. Osweiler is a typical diva except without the talent. The sooner he is out of Cleveland, the better. That said, the Cleveland Browns' draft picks will pave the way for them in the future.
2) Newly Acquired Young Talent
Getting Myles Garrett, sure-fire superstar, Jabrill Peppers, versatile, freak athlete, and David Njoku, another freak athlete, Deshone Kizer, underrated quarterback, Roderick Johnson, solid right tackle, and Caleb Brantley, troubled yet dominant potential inside, in the 2017 draft pushed the Cleveland team forward. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson will lead the backfield tandem for Cleveland once again as Johnson looks to stay healthy in a season where both backs could surpass 1,000+ yards behind a much improved offensive line with the potential to be the best in football. Garrett will become Cleveland's freak defensive end following in the footsteps of JJ Watt and Von Miller. Njoku will replace the solid Gary Barnidge who has held down the tight end position for a few years now. Peppers will work at running back, wide receiver, quarterback (in wildcat formations), strong safety, and linebacker for the Browns in 2017 as he is the most gifted athlete in the NFL. The Browns could either thrust Kizer into a leadership role on day one, or they could bench him and be patient with his development for half to the entirety of the season. Personally, I feel like Kizer would be better if he is thrust into a starting position at the start of the season rather than waiting for his chance. Behind a strong O-Line, injuries to your new quarterback are not relevant at this point. With all this young potential and talent flying around the field, the Browns only need one or two more drafts to solidify themselves as a top, young powerhouse in the league.
3) Recently Acquired Young Talent
Danny Shelton DT
The Browns picked up Shelton in the first round of the 2015 draft, and while Shelton has not developed as quickly as 2014 defensive tackle draftee Aaron Donald, he has been solid at an otherwise weak point of attack in Cleveland.
Emmanuel Ogbah DE/OLB
Also drafted last year, Ogbah's rookie year was spent playing in Cleveland which let his pass rushing skills pass under the radar. He is the favorite to play across from rookie Myles Garrett in 2017 and could see his first double digit sack season in only his second year as a professional.
Cody Kessler QB
While Browns' quarterbacks have been famously ridiculed for seemingly the past 100 years, Kessler played decently in '16. If Hue Jackson looks to keep Kizer on the bench to start the year (like how Johnny Manziel's career began... or ended technically), Kessler will be the starting QB in Cleveland. And while Browns fans have the right not to be excited about their sophomore QB, Kessler will do well to gain extra experience under his belt and become one of the league's best backup quarterbacks after Kizer takes over.
Duke Johnson RB
Johnson spends most his time in the training room seeing as he is seemingly never healthy. However, Johnson still possesses the same talent the NFL world saw from him when he ran for over 1,500 yards and 10 TDs at Miami. If he can stay on the field, he will be one of Cleveland's best playmakers.
Corey Coleman WR
While Coleman may not be WR1 material, his contributions are extremely valuable to a growing offensive core. Coleman will most likely be Cleveland's top safety blanket over the next 10 years while also possessing some big play ability from time to time.
Joel Bitonio G
As offensive linemen have become more and more valuable in the NFL, Bitonio has been one of the position's best in Cleveland over the last 3 years despite only playing 5 games in 2016.
3) Acquired Veterans
Jamie Collins LB
Kevin Zeitler G
JC Tretter C
Kenny Britt WR
Jamar Taylor CB
Demario Davis LB
4) Franchise Veterans
Joe Haden CB
Joe Thomas T
Joel Bitonio G
John Greco G
Christian Kirksey LB
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