4 Ways That the Cleveland Browns Can Compete in AFC North

The Cleveland Browns are facing a new challenge.

They fired their head coach last season and once again have a new head coach and a whole new coaching staff to boot. In this slideshow, I will tell you what the Browns can do to speed up the rebuilding process in order to be competitive in the division and possibly contend for an AFC North title down the road. 

Get McCoy a Legit Wide Receiver

Last season the Browns ranked 29th in passing due to a putrid set of wide receivers in Massaquoi and Robiskie. However, the Browns can improve and offer an upgrade compared to those two.

Whenever free agency starts, the Browns should look for a number one receiver for McCoy. Free agency has a lot of good receivers this year, such as Sidney Rice, Santonio Holmes, and Santana Moss. Any one of those receivers would be an upgrade over what the Browns have now. 

Get Some Defensive Help

The Browns may have filled most of their needs by taking defensive tackle Phil Taylor and defensive end Jabaal Sheard, but there are still some holes that need to be filled.

The Browns may want to address the safety position as Abram Elam seemed to lack decent coverage skills. They also could help with the defensive end position by signing Ray Edwards or Jayme Mitchell.

Better Play-Calling

Last season, Brian Daboll was offensive coordinator of a very bad Browns offense that ranked 29th in passing.

This season, the Browns' new head coach Pat Shurmur will call offensive plays and is implementing a new offense known as the west coast offense.

Pat Shurmur must find ways to improve on what was a bad core of receivers and help Peyton Hillis get fewer carries as he took too many last year and wore down as a result.

I realize this is a very difficult task, and as a result, it may take another year or so as the team needs more experience in the new offense that Shurmur will implement.

Get Another Running Back to Help Peyton Hillis

In one way to describe it, HIllis was absolutely fantastic last season. He had 1,177 yards and had 11 touchdowns along with a 4.4 rushing average.

As the season went along last year, Hillis wore down as a result of his many carries. The Browns must target a back that can help take the load off Hillis and keep him healthy.

In free agency, there are tons of options, such as Darren Sproles and Michael Bush. Those two guys might be a good choice to back up Hillis. 

Conclusion

The Browns are once again in a rebuilding process and if they do what I've suggested, the Browns could substantially speed up the rebuilding process and can compete in the division for many years to come.