Grading Strength of Every Cleveland Browns Positional Unit, Pre-Draft Edition

The Cleveland Browns have many holes to fill leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft.  

Whether it's the less than spectacular wide receiver play, embattled offensive line or the void left by Peyton Hillis' departure to Kansas City, Tom Heckert has his work cut out for him in April.

Due to Heckert's philosophy of building the franchise through the draft, he will have to hit on several key picks this year if he is going to help head coach Pat Shurmur steer the team in the right direction.

The Browns' offense was atrocious in 2011, ranking near the bottom of the league in every offensive statistic. Offensive is a good way to describe what they were to their fans.

After focusing on the defense in the past two drafts, it looks like this is the year Heckert will work his magic on the offensive side of the ball.  His keen eye for offensive production has been demonstrated by his drafting of LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson as general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Browns fans everywhere are hoping he brings that talent to the table this year. In the 2011 NFL Draft, he snagged Greg Little at the bottom of the second round. That move was only the beginning. Heckert recently stated he will likely used both first-round draft picks on offensive players.

The manner in which he secures playmakers for the struggling Browns offense remains to be seen.

Let's take a look at how each positional unit grades out in order to properly evaluate team needs come draft day.

Quarterbacks

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks:

1. Colt McCoy

2. Seneca Wallace

3. Thaddeus Lewis

Overview: The debate as to whether or not Colt McCoy is a franchise quarterback is an endless phenomenon. As always in Cleveland, the starting quarterback is public enemy No. 1.

While McCoy has not taken the starting QB position and ran with it, he has not performed terribly either. He may likely not ever be an NFL superstar, but McCoy has the tools to be an effective leader of the Browns offense.

Likewise, backup Seneca Wallace is not capable of bringing an offense on his shoulders and changing football games.

If McCoy and Wallace are given another chance and both fail in 2012, the position will likely be up for grabs to a free agent or rookie in 2013.

QB unit grade: C+

Draft Outlook: After failing to acquire the rights to the second overall pick in order to draft Robert Griffin III, the Browns will likely stand pat with Colt McCoy at quarterback for another season.

While this is not ideal to some, it will benefit the team in the long run. The draft could possibly yield a mid to late-round quarterback prospect to groom such as Kirk Cousins, Nick Foles or Case Keenum.  

A possibility also exists the Browns could select Ryan Tannehill with the No. 4 overall selection in the draft. Recently, Pat Shurmur stated the Browns were "moving forward" with Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback. However, the Browns were announced to have Tannehill coming in for a visit prior to the draft and are thought to be considering him with the No. 4 pick, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Running Backs

Cleveland Browns running backs:

1. Montario Hardesty

2. Chris Oggbonaya

3. Brandon Jackson

4. Armond Smith

Overview: The injury bug struck the Browns' backfield in 2011. Luckily, an incredibly deep Houston Texans team had Chris Oggbonaya sitting ripe for the taking on their practice squad.

Oggbonaya filled in nicely for the injury-plagued Cleveland Browns.

However, with Peyton Hillis now a Kansas City Chief, the Browns' backfield does not have the same powerful presence it did in 2011.

The Browns' offense showed it could survive without Hillis by plugging in a variety of running backs. Oggbonaya's signing and production is a good example of this.

Finally, there is some hope that undrafted free agent Armond Smith may be a diamond in the rough, but those aspirations have not translated to any on-field success as of yet.

RB unit grade: B-

Draft Outlook: If Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson can stay healthy, the Browns will have adequate options at running back in 2012. Chris Oggbonaya will again find himself sliding down a depth chart, but is a reliable option in the event of injury. 

However, due to those injury concerns and the question marks surrounding Hardesty's ability to prosper in the passing game (a key attribute of a WCO RB), the Browns may need to address the RB position early in the draft. Hardesty is also limited physically and has yet to fully recover from two knee surgeries in back-to-back years (one surgery in college and one in 2010).

While Trent Richardson may be the popular pick currently, I do not think the Browns will select him with the No. 4 overall pick due to the makeup of this group, the importance of running back in the Browns' system and the alternatives in the late first and early second-round of the draft.

Wide Receivers

Cleveland Browns wide receivers:

1. Greg Little

2. Joshua Cribbs

3. Mohamed Massaquoi

4. Jordan Norwood

5. Carlton Mitchell

6. Rod Windsor

7. Owen Spencer

Overview: The wide receiver position is one of the biggest needs on the Browns' roster. The unit led the NFL in drops in 2011 and didn't scare opposing defenses enough to draw coverage from the line-of-scrimmage. Opposing defenses stacked the line often against the Browns and were able to contain the running game, sit in man coverage and send extra blitzers to stifle Colt McCoy without the thought of a vertical threat to deter them.

Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie were believed to be the solid wide receivers the Browns had been searching for. Robiskie, however, was cut during the 2011 season and Massaquoi has been unable to stay healthy and produce when he is on the field.

Joshua Cribbs has shown some spectacular moments, but is sometimes the forgotten man on the offense. His utility as a WCO WR should not be underscored. If the Browns can involve him more in the offense with more creative playcalling, Cribbs could be a weapon opposing defenses will need to account for underneath.

Rookie Greg Little performed decently in his first year of action since 2009 after sitting out all of 2010 on a suspension at the University of North Carolina. Little, however, was plagued by drops and inconsistency in his rookie season.

Little was targeted 121 times and only hauled in 61 of those receptions (ESPN). That is unacceptable, even for a rookie, to be the focus of an offense to that extent and only produce a barely 50 percent completion rate.

Second-year man Jordan Norwood was a pleasant surprise of the group. His small frame and great hands proved to provide an excellent option in the slot for Colt McCoy. Norwood's contract was recently extended and he will compete for more playing time at that position in 2012.

WR unit grade: C-

Draft Outlook: The Browns need a threat on the field to keep opposing defenses honest. With that in mind, there are several first and second-round prospects such as Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright, Stephen Hill and Reuben Randle.

An addition of any of these players will greatly enhance the Browns' offense and help the rest of the WR group excel by forcing opposing defenses to respect the passing game.

The late rounds also project some interesting prospects such as injury-riddled Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma) and Greg Childs (Arkansas).

Heckert would be wise to pick up not one but two pass catchers to bring into 2012.

Tight Ends

Cleveland Browns tight ends:

1. Benjamin Watson

2. Alex Smith

3. Evan Moore

4. Jordan Cameron

5. Dan Gronkowski

Overview: Injuries have plagued Benjamin Watson and Evan Moore recently, but should not be a primary concern heading into 2012.

Watson has proven to be an excellent free agency acquisition by Tom Heckert and, if 100 percent in 2012, will continue to be the Browns' primary option at the position.

Project tight ends Evan Moore and Jordan Cameron did not see much playing time in 2011 for different circumstances. Moore was seemingly the forgotten man at times, but did see sporadic involvement in the offense and returned dividends in the time he was given. Cameron did little in his limited action, but will likely be further along in the development process and ready to contribute more in 2012.

Alex Smith was recently re-signed and may prove to again be a solid run blocking and nearly adequate pass-catching outlet for Colt McCoy. Smith was not as terrible as it may have seemed early on in the 2011 campaign and made some decent catches along the way. For some reason, Pat Shurmur values Smith and his blocking skills over the taller and more athletic Moore.

TE unit grade: B

Draft Outlook: Superficially, the Browns TE group looks to be secure for the foreseeable future. However, drafting a tight end as an insurance policy to Benjamin Watson's concussion concerns would be a wise move.  

Watson claims he is feeling no residual effects from the three concussions he suffered in 2011.

An adequate tight end could be acquired in the draft from the fourth to sixth rounds.

Offensive Linemen

Cleveland Browns offensive linemen:

1. Joe Thomas

2. Alex Mack

3. Jason Pinkston

4. Shawn Lauvao

5. John Greco

6. Oniel Cousins

7. Jarrod Shaw

8. Dominic Alford

9. Stanley Daniels

Overview: If it were not for Joe Thomas and Alex Mack's continued performance, the Browns' offensive line would be in shambles heading into 2012.

Other than Thomas or Mack, though, things look very concerning on the OL for Cleveland. Rookie Jason Pinkston performed adequately at left guard in place of the injured Eric Steinbach (now released) and second-year man Shawn Lauvao 

The right tackle position has been in flux since the retirement of Ryan Tucker. Tony Pashos, when healthy, was thought to be a serviceable option at the position. Unfortunately, Pashos couldn't do so in two straight seasons and was released recently. This leaves Oniel Cousins as the perceived starting right tackle.

John Greco performed well in limited relief for Shawn Lauvao. He was recently re-signed and will be able to contribute if needed.

Overall, the right side of the OL consisting of Shawn Lauvao and Oniel Cousins is a huge liability heading into 2012. Colt McCoy needs a couple extra seconds from that side of the line if he is going to ever be an effective QB for the Browns.

OL unit grade: C

Draft Outlook: The Browns' offensive line is in shambles following the release of Eric Steinbach and Tony Pashos. While Heckert has not ruled out re-signing Steinbach at a lower salary, it does not appear to be a priority.

The Browns will need to address both the guard and right tackle positions in the draft. With so many other holes to fill, it is interesting to project when the Browns will go after OL come April.

Tom Heckert's strategy should start by taking a right tackle early and a guard prospect later to replace Lauvao or push him to excel.

Safeties

Cleveland Browns safeties:

1. T.J. Ward

2. Usama Young

3. Eric Hagg

4. Ray Ventrone

Overview: The absence of T.J. Ward for any period of time exposed serious depth and personnel issues in the Browns' safety unit. Ward's hard hitting.

Mike Adams was an integral part of the group. While not spectacular, Adams has been the only constant at the position.

Usama Young was an underwhelming signing in the 2010-11 offseason despite showing some occasional signs of brilliance. 

Ray Ventrone has proven he is better served on special teams rather than lining up every down on the defensive side of the ball.

Overall, the Browns' safeties are a less than spectacular but adequate group that could use added depth due to injury concerns.

S unit grade: C+

Draft Outlook: The Browns' safety unit would benefit greatly from added depth in the draft. Moving Sheldon Brown from cornerback to free safety has also been discussed as an option to fill the void there until a better solution arises.

If Brown is not plugged in though, the position will likely be addressed in the mid to late rounds of April's draft.

Cornerbacks

Cleveland Browns cornerbacks:

1. Joe Haden

2. Sheldon Brown

3. Dimitri Patterson

4. Buster Skrine

5. James Dockery

6. David Sims

Overview: Joe Haden has developed into every bit the player the Browns hoped he would when he was drafted No. 7 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. No one is perfect, though, and Haden has gone through his fair share of criticism since then.

Opposite of Haden, the aging Sheldon Brown is slowly becoming a liability in the secondary. His knowledge, instincts and experience are beginning to give way to diminished physical ability.

Backups Dimitri Patterson and Buster Skrine performed adequate in the Browns' nickel and dime packages, but struggled when lining up in man coverage while subbing in for the injured Joe Haden.

CB unit grade: C+

Draft Outlook: General manager Tom Heckert loves cornerbacks; he likes to draft them early and often. After recently signing Dimitri Patterson to a three-year, $18 million dollar contract, the Browns may see Patterson as the next starter across from standout CB Joe Haden.

However, there is no such thing as too many talented cornerbacks on an NFL team. Patterson has shown little in the way of proving he can be an every-down corner in the Browns' secondary.

Look for Heckert to add a couple cornerbacks through the upcoming draft in the early to mid rounds to help bolster an improving pass defense.

Linebackers

Cleveland Browns linebackers:

1. D'Qwell Jackson

2. Chris Gocong

3. Scott Fujita

4. Kaluka Maiava

5. Benjamin Jacobs

6. Quinton Spears

7. Brian Smith

8. Craig Robertson

Overview: Question marks surround Scott Fujita's availability for all of the 2012 season following the aftermath of the "Bounty Gate" scandal in New Orleans. While Fujita will not likely miss any time, there is still no denying he is beginning to age and lose a step or two. Even then, he has not been able to stay healthy since coming to Cleveland.

The Browns feel comfortable with MLB D'Qwell Jackson and WLB Chris Gocong. Comfortable enough to reward them both with extended contracts. Behind the starting three, there is little adequate NFL-caliber depth on the roster.

Opposing tight ends expose the weakness of the Browns LB corps: speed. Fujita, Jackson, Gocong and Maiava have all been the mainstay figures of a linebacker group who are notorious for being burned in pass defense.

Not only is the group a liability in pass defense, but Gocong, Maiava and Fujita are often times "lost" in traffic and unable to shed blocks of linemen after reaching them on the second level.

This group needs to improve in order to help the defensive line lock down opposing running games. If teams can continue to run at will against the Browns defense, it's going to make for another long season in Browns Town.

LB unit grade: C

Draft Outlook: Outside linebacker should be one of the primary areas of focus in the upcoming draft. There is a deep group of athletic candidates to choose from and I feel Tom Heckert will select multiple players to address the needs of this group.

Hopefully, a situational pass rusher and an every-down solution at outside linebacker can be added at the minimum.

While Gocong and Jackson look like locks to start for the foreseeable future, I would not be surprised to see replacements for either of them.

Defensive Linemen

Cleveland Browns defensive linemen:

1. Ahtyba Rubin

2. Jabaal Sheard

3. Phil Taylor

4. Frostee Rucker

5. Brian Schaefering

6. Emmanuel Stephens

7. Juqua Parker

8. Marcus Bernard

9. Auston English

10. Brian Sanford

11. Scott Paxson

12. Kiante Tripp

Overview: The Browns' defensive line wins the award for "most improved" unit on the team. The drafting of Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard back-to-back in 2011 being the primary catalyst for that improvement.

Ahtyba Rubin cemented his position along the DL and helped create a formidable core to the Browns' defense alongside Phil Taylor.

In limited action, Emmanuel Stephens surprised many with his toughness and adequate play when starter Jayme Mitchell went down with injury.

Marcus Bernard will look to rebound after not playing in 2011. He was thought to be the situation pass rusher the Browns desperately needed. In relief for Bernard, undrafted rookie Auston English was less than spectacular in that role.

Overall, the Browns' DL needs to improve on the edges, specifically against the run. Defensive ends, including Sheard, need to contain better in the Browns' 4-3 defensive scheme. Hopefully the additions of Juqua Parker and Frostee Rucker will help with that endeavor.

DL unit grade: B+

Draft Outlook: The Browns' defensive line is three fourths complete. The additions of Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker are solid depth moves at defensive end after the loss of the disappointing Jayme Mitchell.

Rucker may turn out to be the pass-rushing, run-stopping mauler to play opposite of Sheard. 

Even with the free-agent acquisitions and apparent depth at DL, Heckert will likely add another pass rusher and a defensive tackle due to his desire to continue improving the position.

Special Teams

Overview: Special teams under former ST coordinator Brad Seely had been a point of pride in an otherwise bleak franchise.

In 2011, the Browns' ST unit digressed severely under the leadership of Chris Tabor.

Unhappy with his role on offense and the performance of special teams in his absence, Joshua Cribbs requested to be moved back to his role as gunner and primary return man on the special teams unit.

ST unit grade: D+

Draft Outlook: Draft choices will undoubtedly improve the quality of players kept for special teams.

After going through a slew of punters in 2011 and recognizing Phil Dawson is approaching the end of his career, it would not be out of the realm of possibility for the Browns to select both a punter and a place-kicker with their compensatory picks in the upcoming draft.

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