6 Reasons Cleveland Browns Will Improve from Last Season

In 2011 the Cleveland Browns struggled heavily throughout the season on the way to a 4-12 record and a spot in last place in the AFC North. After a solid offseason there are a variety of reasons why the Browns will improve on that record in 2012.

The Browns had a solid free agency outing which was followed by a stellar draft. Both will combine to allow Cleveland to improve in all facets of the game. The team wasn’t as bad as their record indicated last year, and if the roster can stay healthy the Browns could surprise a few teams.

Outside of infusing the roster with talent via free agency and the draft the Browns are going to improve simply because of progression. The roster is littered with a variety of young players that will only improve as they adapt to the NFL and the schemes they are given to work with.

The Browns aren’t Super Bowl contenders by any means, not yet. However, they are on the right track and the 2012 campaign could be shocking for fans.

Here are six reasons the Browns will improve their record from a year ago:

Trent Richardson

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. The Browns made Trent Richardson the third overall pick in the draft and he’s the type of player that can single-handedly turn franchises around. He’s the best running back prospect to enter the draft since the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson.

Richardson is a drastic upgrade over anyone currently on the Browns’ roster at the position. The Browns were ranked a measly 28 out of 32 with 95 yards rushing per game last season. That won’t happen with Richardson running the ball.

Not only is Richardson an upgrade in the running game, he’s a great pass-catching back. He’ll provide a safety outlet for the rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. Richardson is also spectacular at pass-blocking which is something that will drastically help Weeden.

Brandon Weeden

Brandon Weeden may have been a reach in the first round, but if an NFL franchise feels like they have found a franchise quarterback they can’t afford to pass on him. The Browns believe Brandon Weeden is their guy.

Weeden was outstanding in college at Oklahoma State. He played in a spread offense with elite receiving options but his physical measurements translate well to the NFL. In the West Coast offense Weeden could be effective in the short and intermediate game.

Weeden has the ability to stretch the field on deep throws which is something the Browns were missing last year. He’ll struggle like any rookie does, but his ceiling is high and he offers some traits physically that last year’s starter Colt McCoy couldn’t offer.

Evolution of Greg Little

Greg Little was selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Browns. He finds himself as one of the criminally underrated receivers in the league already. He’s a prototypical No. 1 receiver and will act as such for the Browns this season.

In his rookie year Little caught 61 passes for 709 yards and two scores. He was only behind the Cincinnati Bengals’ A.J. Green in terms of receptions by a rookie receiver. He did have numerous drops but that is something that he will improve on with time and more consistency from the quarterback position.

Little is flying under-the-radar right now, but he could have a breakout season next year. He’ll be the main option of a passing attack that should have more room to breathe thanks to the addition of Trent Richardson.

Developing Offensive Line

The Browns offensive line struggled to do much of anything last year. As mentioned earlier they couldn’t run block better than the majority of the league and quarterback Colt McCoy was subject to an inordinate amount of hits because the line struggled with pass protection.

If the offensive line can stay healthy it will improve in 2012. The have a franchise player in Joe Thomas at left tackle and a variety of young players that are set to improve. The addition of tackle Mitchell Schwartz in the second round of the draft could provide a quality starting right tackle.

Defense Will Be Better Against the Run

In 2011 the Browns were an elite defensive unit against the pass but were among the worst against the run. The team made some huge steps toward fixing that issue this offseason that will pay off immediately.

During the free agency period the Browns added defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker to reinforce the line. Both are solid run-stuffers who will excel in the Browns’ schemes. The duo joins the Browns impressive draft selection from a year ago, Jabaal Sheard to form a solid rotation.

The Browns also did a good job of bringing back there best defensive player from a year ago, D'Qwell Jackson. He's an amazing presence in the middle of the field that will continue to produce.

Cincinnati defensive tackle John Hughes was considered a reach in the third round but he’s a massive tackle that will help stuff gaps along with last year’s outstanding draft pick Phil Taylor.

Draft selections like linebackers Emmaunel Acho and James-Michael Johnson are solid rotational pieces that are efficient in stopping the run, as is the versatile Billy Winn.

The Browns went into the offseason knowing their strengths and weaknesses defensively and did an adequate job of addressing the weaknesses. That strategy could go a long way toward improving their record in 2012.

Strength of Schedule

Strength of schedule can be a double-edged sword. On paper it appears as if the Browns have one of the more difficult schedules in the league next season. Upon further inspection, the Browns have a variety of winnable games on tap.

Games against the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins are very winnable thanks to said teams having rookie quarterbacks as well and the Browns having arguably a better overall roster. It’s always hard to tell which Dallas Cowboys or San Diego Chargers teams are going to actually show up, so those could go Cleveland’s way. AFC West opponents like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are also very beatable teams for the Browns.

It goes without saying, but the AFC North is as tough as ever once again. All three teams above the Browns made the playoffs last year and swept the Browns in regular season play. As usual they all managed to have outstanding draft classes as well.

Despite those odds, the Browns always play divisional opponents tough and it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Cleveland win two or three games in the division this year. Overall, a final record of 7-9 or 8-8 isn’t out of the question.

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