Now that the Cleveland Browns have completed their entirely drama-free (ahem!) search for a coach to replace Kevin Stefanski, bringing in former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the team will need to look to rebuild the personnel cupboard that has been so frustratingly depleted–on the offensive side–in recent years. And though it is entirely possible that the Browns need an upgrade from quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the fact is, in his seven starts last season, Sanders never really had much of a chance to show his wares.
The Browns had one of the worst offensive lines in the league, and to make that notion even more unpalatable, the veterans in place are heading into free agency en masse this winter. The wide receiver room was one of the league’s worst, too, and hasn’t shown much sign of improving. Any QB would struggle.
The Browns did well in last year’s NFL draft to add a very capable tight end (Harold Fannin) and a running back with star potential–Quinshon Judkins. They also got linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and while it was a positive draft, all the Browns really did was pick players at the three positions that are easiest to fill in free agency on a bargain contract.
Spencer Fano, Denzel Boston in 1st Round
The Browns will need to be bolder in whom they pick and what positions they address–assuming they do not pick a quarterback, and are at least comfortable starting with Sanders as The Guy. The line absolutely must be rebuilt, but Sanders needs receivers to develop with.
In the latest two-round mock draft from The Athletic, that’s just what the Browns are pegged to do. After taking Spencer Fano, the massive tackle from Utah, with the No. 6 pick, the Browns would then turn their attention to a pair of wide receivers that would make Sanders smile. It makes sense to double-up: This draft is stocked with potential WR1s.
First off, according to The Athletic, would be the Browns taking Denzel Boston out of Washington.
The site notes: “Trying to land QB2 in this draft class (whether it’s Simpson or another prospect) should be on the table for Cleveland, either by trading up or sticking at 24 and hoping he falls. If that doesn’t work, though, landing Boston — a big receiver who runs like a smaller receiver (with great ball skills) — would be a fine alternative.”
Browns Add Another WR in Round 2
If the Browns could enter the second round of the NFL draft with the Fano and Boston picks, they would not be afraid of adding another receiver prospect–this time, Elijah Sarratt out of Indiana.
If Sanders remains the quarterback going into next season–and that’s still a big “if”–he’ll immediately get better. That’s because there’s no way the Browns won’t add significantly to their WR rotation, and if the quarterback is Sanders, he will find more targets available to him at every level of the field.
Writes The Athletic of Sarratt: “Sarratt was one of Mendoza’s top targets during the Hoosiers’ championship run. He finished the season with 65 catches for 860 yards and a team-high 15 touchdowns. The talented receiver has good size (6-3, 213) and executes well out of his breaks, but his greatest strength is his hands.”
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