COLUMBUS – With nowhere to go but up, the Browns found a way to go down in 2017. In coach Hue Jackson’s first year, Cleveland the joined 2008 Detroit Lions as only teams in league history to lose all 16 games.
The accomplishment earned them the top pick in the draft, one of two in the first five, but Browns fans have learned that that does not translate into on-the-field success.
2018 NFL Draft: AT& T Stadium, Arlington TX; April 26-28 (NFL Network)
Browns’ possible first pick (#1, #4) – QB Sam Darnold, Southern California; QB Josh Allen, Wyoming; QB Josh Rosen, UCLA; QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma; RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State.
A bad decision to start rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer was compounded by the team failing to keep a competent veteran QB to groom him. Kizer led league with 22 interceptions with several coming in game-deciding moments.
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The Browns (0-16) averaged league-low 14.6 points per game — 14 less than AFC champion New England — and the offense lacked impact playmakers until WR Josh Gordon returned from suspension for the final give games.
Rookie DE Myles Garrett, the top overall pick in 2017, had a solid season but was slowed by ankle injury suffered just before opener. The Defense showed some improvement, but couldn’t get big stops when needed and finished ranked last inside red zone.
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Jackson has been given third season — and maybe less — to win. New general manager John Dorsey was aggressive during offseason, landing QB Tyrod Taylor and WR Jarvis Landry in trades and rebuilding the defensive backfield.
Major needs remain, none more glaring than a franchise quarterback. Taylor will likely start in 2018, but could be pushed by the top overall pick, expected to be either Darnold or Allen.
Darnold seems like the safer choice and Dorsey has discounted his turnover troubles last season with the Trojans. After passing on chance to take Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson the past two seasons, the Browns can’t afford to risk skipping another top QB.
Cleveland has a dilemma at No. 4 as Barkley may be irresistible and tough to ignore twice.
Another possibility is North Carolina State DE Bradley Chubb, who could play opposite Garrett and give Cleveland fearsome pass rush.