The remaining Browns Offensive talent is probably below average, but if we go unit by unit, it's not the disaster it's being called.
I think a Joe Thomas trade is more likely than merely possible, and will assume that's the case.
The new line will be fine at the guard position. Indeed, above average. Center and tackle is more problematic.
Pasztor has the dimensions to play right tackle, and there are a couple other contenders with starting experience. None of them will be as good as Mitchell Schwartz was.
At left tackle, that's a looming disaster unless Thomas sticks around. The Browns would absolutely have to draft a left tackle, at least in the third round (I'm hoping the Kaepernik thing won't happen.)
That guy will never be as good as Joe Thomas, and will probably be pretty downright bad as a rookie.
It is actually really dumb to disagree with LeCharles Bentley and nearly every NFL scout about Cameron Erving's potential at center after a putrid rookie season.
Nor was the entire season that bad. Late in the season when he had to fill in at right guard, he did a serviceable, if unimpressive, job. I seem to be the only guy in Cleveland to have noticed that.
Erving will have every opportunity to work hard in the off season and return for year two as a decent center.
Still, we can't count on that, and the offensive line overall will be below average. That will mess up everything else.
Most likely, Hue Jackson will go cave man and try to just run everybody over. It could work, sometimes, but they won't be able to avoid obvious passing situations, and then the quarterback will get kitchen sinked.
On that subject, Isaiah Crowell is highly underrated. Duke Johnson is dangerous and versatile; surprisingly hard to take down, as well as quick and fast. This backfield will be above average.
Unfortunately, it might not show. Adrian Peterson can't do anything when he has no where to go. Marshawn Lynch, maybe, but he's rare.
Tight end is above average, except they don't block very well. So I'll call them average.
Quarterback is above average. Josh McCown is above average. Yes he is. Is too.
But see my comments on the running backs. Whoever plays quarterback here will get beat to hell. It doesn't help that McCown's biggest flaw is a tendency to hold the ball too long.
Now quit this wide receiver hysteria. Andrew Hawkins kicked butt both outside and from the slot. Brian Hartline did a lot before he was injured.
Here's the deal on Hartline: An elite man corner or safety help can take him out. He is not a number one receiver. Sometimes, he was covered like one, because the Browns couldn't take that heat off him.
He's a very good number two, when there is a real number one threat opposite him.
Josh Gordon will obviously be reinstated. There's another one you can't take to the bank: He has to be in shape and play with discipline. All the signs are there, though: He's working hard to get ready.
A couple years ago, he was the best wide receiver in the NFL with three different quarterbacks and in fourteen games.
Sorry to bring this up yet again, but Terrelle Pryor is not the joke you think he is. He practices running routes constantly, he got some real game reps to build on, he intellectually understands all the reads and concepts, and this is NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.
This team will feature no more than five active wide receivers. Hawkins, Hartline, Gordon, and yes, Pryor should be four of them.
Drafting another wide receiver would be good, but isn't as urgent as most think. You can doubt Gordon, or doubt Pryor, but you shouldn't doubt both of them.
Pryor is clean. Gordon is proven. One or both will probably come through.
I'll be generous, and call wide receiver average. As in the sky not falling.
Too bad the defense won't be dominant, and the offensive line will be bad. As usual, everybody will blame the quarterback and running backs.
Terry Pluto said that the Browns were a distant fourth in the AFC North. He is wrong. Even after all the recent losses, and assuming Joe Thomas is traded, the Ravens are nearly as bad.
They did pick up a deep threat in Mike Wallace, so they'll have a formidable passing attack, but they have many of the same issues as the Browns have in general.
In 2016, the Browns might even beat them. I kind of hope not, but in the real world, the Ravens lack talent. Yes they do. Do too.
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