There’s no doubt that the Browns have reached a fork in the road following a disappointing campaign in 2011. Their star running back ran for only 587 yards in his 10 games of action, and it’s still unclear if they have their starting quarterback in Colt McCoy. The decisions made in the next few months about the future of the Browns’ offense will likely determine their fate for years to come.
Peyton Hillis is a free agent. The Browns effectively have until March 13th to lock Hillis down; that’s the date that NFL free agency begins, and it remains unclear whether the Browns will try to secure Hillis for the future or if they’ll pass on him. Hell, it’s still unclear whether Hillis is a great running back or not. He had one very good year with the Browns, but it wasn’t anything special, and I’m not sure that he’s worth as much money as he’ll likely demand to remain with the team. Personally, I don’t see him returning to Cleveland.
The other big question, and probably more important too, the Browns are struggling with is what they should be doing with Colt McCoy. He is currently under contract through the 2013 season at a very cheap rate. On the other hand, the new CBA favors picking in the top 10 because of the rookie cap. In other words, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that the Browns would hang on to McCoy and go find his replacement.
Still, it’s an awkward situation. Is the Cleveland offense set up for long-term success with a QB you can “just get by” with? Or will they make the leap up the draft board to take a franchise-shaping player?
The Browns pick 4th overall in April’s draft. Robert Griffin III is almost certainly going to be picked in the top 5 (although most likely not number 1 overall). The Rams and the Vikings are the two teams picking in front of the Browns. It’s unlikely that either of those teams will pick Griffin because they both have very young, promising guys on their teams. That makes them prime trading partners for anyone that wants Griffin, because if Griffin is still there at number 4, the Browns would draft him in a heart beat.
I expect the Browns to take advantage of their draft position and trade up to number 2. The Rams will likely be talking to other teams, but the Browns are the most attractive trade partner because the Rams would only move down 2 positions. On top of that, the competition from other teams will drive up the offer from the Browns. It’s a sellers’ market, and the Rams are in the catbird seat on draft day.
At this point of the off-season, there’s often a sense of optimism from many varieties of teams. I just don’t get that feeling looking at the needs of the Cleveland Browns. There’s a sense of pessimism and uncertainty. That type of environment rarely breeds success. The Browns have a few very big decisions to make concerning Peyton Hillis, Colt McCoy, and Robert Griffin III that will determine the Browns future success for at least the next four or five years, if not longer.
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