How to Make the Browns Competitive, Part One

The Browns are not a good football team. They can’t score, and they can’t keep other teams from scoring. For weeks, Browns fans have been subjected to a bad running game, quarterbacks that fail to sustain drives on third down and receivers that can’t catch anything. Not to mention a team-decimating flu. The defense does not stop the run, and opposing quarterbacks are shredding the secondary for huge plays.

Eric Mangini has a handful of players to build around, but they need to surround the talent they have with solid NFL-worthy players. Right now they have too many starters on both sides of the ball that are no better than NFL backups.

The Browns need an infusion of talent at nearly every position to be competitive in the NFL, and here's where they should focus:

Defensive Back

The Browns secondary cannot cover receivers and they cannot tackle receivers once they catch the football. Brandon McDonald looks lost, and Abe Elam takes poor angles and lets too many receivers get behind him. Eric Wright is a serviceable NFL cornerback, and Brodney Pool is an NFL quality safety, he's just one or two concussions away from early retirement. They lack an identity and a big hitting presence.

Quarterback

Neither Derek Anderson nor Brady Quinn is the answer for this team. Though I would like to see Quinn get a chance again this season.

Running Back

Jamal Lewis is old. I don’t believe that James Harrison is a guy that can carry the ball 20-30 times for 16 games. We don’t know how good James Davis can be.

Defensive End

The Browns need younger players that can penetrate into the gaps and create plays for themselves and the linebackers. Corey Williams was supposed to be that player. Robaire Smith is serviceable.

Wide Receiver

I believe that the Browns two young receivers are going to be good players in the long run. Receivers usually improve dramatically between their first and second year in the NFL. They lack a talented veteran player, and need a possession receiver.

Tight End

The tight end position lacks a passing threat. Royal and Heiden are serviceable tight ends.

Linebacker

Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson (along with NT Shaun Rogers), are by far the most talented guys on the defense. Bowens and Barton are space holders. With Jackson out for the season, the Browns should get a chance to evaluate draft picks Kaluka Maiava and David Veikune.

Offensive Line

The Browns have a solid offensive line. The right side struggles with pass-blocking against speed rushers. They also lack the ability to consistently generate a push in the run game.  The left side is excellent, and Alex Mack has developed into the player the Browns were hoping he would become.

The Browns are sure to have a top 10 pick in the upcoming draft. They also have eleven picks. They should be able to use the picks that they have amassed to fill 2-3 major holes immediately. There are also several viable options in the free agent pool and most NFL players can help improve this team.

Stay tuned for part two, an evaluation of what the Browns should do in the draft…