Ranking The Browns' Five Biggest Needs in the Offseason
Ranking The Browns' Five Biggest Needs in the Offseason
The Cleveland Browns will miss the NFL playoffs for the second straight season after falling to the New Orleans Saints at home on Christmas Eve. With work to do this offseason, the main focus should be improving the defense. The majority of the offense is set, but it's time to add some more talent to the other side of the ball.
Here are the Browns' five biggest needs in the offseason:
Cleveland Browns' Five Biggest Needs in the Offseason
1. Defensive Coordinator
The Browns' defense has struggled all season long, even dating back to last season. While there have been prominent bright spots along the way, including Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, the defense has had a rollercoaster of a season. When it feels like they take a step in the right direction, they show up next week looking like they forgot how to tackle, stop the run, and forget their coverages.
While it appears Kevin Stefanski isn't going anywhere, I wouldn't say the same about defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Don't be surprised at all to see a new coordinator next season. Jim Leonard is a name that has been discussed by multiple NFL teams as the season comes to an end.
2. Defense Tackle
The defensive tackle room this season has been disappointing. Consisting of Taven Bryan, Jordan Eliott, Ben Stille, Tommy Togiai, and Perrion Winfrey, the group has failed to apply any pressure all season long. The room feels like it is missing a veteran, meaning Andrew Berry should look to build the room via free agency rather than the NFL draft.
Rookie Perrion Winfrey has shown glimpses of hope this season, however, has missed time this season with injuries along with a team-issued suspension earlier this year.
3. Slot WR
Quarterback Deshaun Watson received little to no help last week in the loss to the Saints. The Browns should target a slot receiver who has the ability to separate from defenders, which would create another element to the Kevin Stefanski offense.
The receiver room has its core in place with Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, but the rest still feels like a mystery. The Anthony Schwartz experiment appears to be heading in the wrong direction, and the team still doesn’t know what they have in rookies David Bell and Michael Woods.
4. Defensive End
Despite missing some time due to a car accident, Myles Garrett has had yet again a fantastic year so far recording 13.5 sacks. The team should look to add a strong-side defensive end that would pair well with Myles Garrett.
While Jadeveon Clowney is stellar at stopping the run, he'll become an unrestricted free agent again this season with a top dollar on his mind. Rookie Alex Wright appears headed in the right direction, but players like Isaiah Thomas, Chase Winovich, and Isaac Rochell have struggled this season.
5. Slot CB
The cornerback room has performed better as of late, but still has areas for improvement. After a slow start to the season, Denzel Ward is back to his regular self, and rookie MJ Emerson has shown bright glimpses of what could come in the future.
It's time to stop playing Greg Newsome in the slot and move him back to his best role. Greedy Williams will likely not return next season, creating room for Greg Newsome on the outside. If the Browns can bring in a true slot corner, the defensive back room is set.
Brad Stainbrook is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and covers the Cleveland Browns for 247Sports. You can find Stainbrook on Instagram @Brownsbybrad and on Twitter @StainbrookNFL.