For the last couple decades, the Cleveland Browns have been the consistent laughing stock of the NFL.
It's almost insane to predict how this narrative would change if the Cleveland brass would have just stuck with Bill Belichick instead of parting ways with the G.O.A.T. in 1996, but that's neither here or there.
Instead, there has been a constantly revolving carousel of misery and dysfunction since Belichick rode into the sunset 21 years ago. We are talking about a time period that includes just one playoff appearance that came in 2002, where the Browns fell to the Steelers in the Wildcard round.
Since Belichick departed, there have been nine head coaches that have attempted the impossible. Since 1999, there have been a whopping 24 starting quarterbacks, far more than any other team in the league.
Names like Tim Couch, Jeff Garcia and Derek Anderson immediately come to mind. There were sure fire instant saviors like Brady Quinn, Colt McCoy, Brandon Weeden and Johnny Manziel. Cleveland tried its hand with QB's that tasted success with other teams like Jake Delhomme, Jason Campbell and Robert Griffin III. Still, heading into the 2017 season, there isn't a clear-cut starter for the Browns. That's been the story for quite some time.
Tom Brady is entering his 16th season as the Patriots' starting signal caller. Think about all of the passers that have rotated through Cleveland during that same time. It's astonishing.
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I'm not going to act like I'm some expert on why the struggles have plagued a franchise with such a rich history. Much of it involved the owner and front office. There were obvious coaching debacles. There was the constant attempt to reach for players in the draft, throw on a quick band-aid and hope for the best.
Heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, most fans and media members expected the Browns to do what the Browns usually do. Last year, they were criticized for passing on Carson Wentz in exchange for a bunch of draft picks from the Eagles. Little did we know, Sashi Brown and the innovative new Cleveland front office had much bigger plans in store.
For passing on Wentz, the Browns obtained a unprecedented nine players and two future picks.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| WR | Corey Coleman |
| OT | Shon Coleman |
| QB | Cody Kessler |
| WR | Ricardo Lewis |
| S | Derrick Kendred |
| OG/OT | Spencer Drango |
| WR | Jordan Payton |
| S | Jabrill Peppers |
| QB | Deshone Kizer |
Clearly that's a whole slew of prospects. Most of these guys have yet to prove themselves, but you're looking at a list with a ton of upside. That doesn't include Houston's first-round pick and Philly's second-round pick next season.
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Texas A&M Athletics[/credit]
Those names don't even include the talent Cleveland snagged last weekend with picks that didn't weren't related to the trade with the Eagles. It started with Myles Garrett — the consensus top player in this year's class.
After landing the Texas A&M star, the Browns selected David Njoku (TE, first round), Larry Ogunjobi (OT, third round), Howard Wilson (CB, fourth round), Roderick Johnson (OT, fifth round), Caleb Brantley (DT, sixth round), Zane Gonzalez (K, seventh round), and Matt Dayes (RB, seventh round).
It's crazy to think Cleveland didn't have one of these 17 players heading into last year's draft.
The national media — who have become so accustomed to the Browns laying an egg when it mattered the most — were blown away with their draft. Just take a look at the high grades from nearly every major outlet.
Sports Illustrated: A-
Bleacher Report: A-
SB Nation: B
CBS Sports: A
NFL.com: A-
Mel Kiper, ESPN: B
It's impossible to find a negative mark from a respected media outlet. We won't know anything for certain until the future pans out, but let's take a look at the factors in play pointing to Cleveland's future success.
Young Quarterbacks
Hue Jackson is widely considered one of the best QB gurus in all of the land. Cleveland brought in former Texans passer Brock Osweiler and we all pretty much assume that's just a place holder until one of these young arms can master the offense and execute on Sunday.
Jackson has Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and now Kizer at his disposal. All three of those guys were successful in college and present their own list of positives and negatives. I feel like it will eventually be Kizer leading the way, but Kessler looked poised and comfortable several times last season.
Coach
We talked about Jackson's prowess with quarterbacks, but his football acumen goes far beyond his expertise with passers. Jackson is one of the most respected coaches in the league and has found success as a coordinator almost everywhere he has been. Players love Jackson and if the Browns' front office is patient, he's the right guy to lead them back to contention.
Other talent
It's hard to find a ton of talent from a 1-15 squad, but it's there. Offensive linemen Joe Thomas and Alex Mack were both Pro-Bowlers a season ago. There is nothing more vital than a strong offensive line for any young QB and Cleveland has added young talent to pair with the veterans.
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Remember when they stole former Patriots' linebacker Jamie Collins last year in a trade with the Pats? This is a defense with a ton of gaps, but a lot of those were filled in the draft. Add Garrett, Peppers and Wilson to a defense cemented by Collins and Joe Haden (top NFL corner) and you are looking at the shell of an emerging unit.
The offense will undoubtedly need some major work, but we all know that. The next few years will be focused on grooming the young talent with an eye toward the future.
AFC North
The Steelers have remained the class of the AFC North for the last several years while the Ravens have put up a constant fight. Let's be honest, though. Ben Roethlisberger is on the verge of retirement and when he's gone, there will be at least a little drop off in the Steel City.
Joe Flacco has been consistent over the years, but he's still a 32-year-old QB. The Cincinnati Bengals — who many believed would emerge as top dog in the division — just wrapped up a questionable draft. Now, most feel they will take another step back instead of moving forward.
It may take a few years, but the stars are aligning for the Cleveland Browns. They have a ton of young talent and a proven, respected coach. Their front office is making great decisions for the first time since we can remember. I'm saying it, folks. This is a team that will turn it around sooner rather than later.
