Rashard Higgins' return to the Browns in a one-year deal bodes well for the Browns' receiver depth. (usatoday.com)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Hey Tony: Do you see a rebirth with Baker Mayfield and Rashard Higgins under Kevin Stefanski? Most of us could never figure out what the hell happened there.
-- John, Chesterland, OH
Hey John: The return of Higgins in a one-year deal for roughly the NFL minimum is a good thing for the Browns and Higgins. He and Mayfield were good together in 2018 and at least for one series in the opener in 2019. After that, everything went to whoopty-hell. I would think they could rekindle that chemistry in the Stefanski system. Given the emphasis on multiple-tight end sets, though, I’d expect Higgins’ offensive snap count to be less than the typical No. 3 receiver if Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. stay healthy.
Hey Tony: Long-time Browns fan living in Orlando Florida now. I saw the Browns re-sign Rashard Higgins to a one-year deal, is there any update on Jadeveon Clowney?
-- Robert, Orlando, FL
Hey Robert: Clowney remains without a contract and it appears Seattle might have moved on by using two picks on defensive ends in the draft. As long as Clowney is without a contract, the Browns could revisit signing him. But there is no sign anything is imminent.
Hey Tony: Favorite Browns draft pick this year and why.
-- Chad, Erie, PA
Hey Chad: My favorite was Grant Delpit because he has a chance to be the franchise’s most disruptive safety since Eric Turner in 1994. Delpit has the size, athletic ability, fantastic range and experience in a big-time program to be a difference-maker in the back end of the Browns’ defense.
Hey Tony: I think the Browns had a great draft and picked up some quality free agents, but do you think they have done enough to shore up the linebacker depth?
-- Ed, Weston, FL
Hey Ed: The Browns wanted to upgrade their speed at linebacker and they have done that by turning over the position group to 2019 draft picks Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki and 2020 pick Jacob Phillips. I’m not quite sure where free agent B.J. Goodson fits in at the moment. Frankly, the only things I’m sure of are that Wilson is the best coverage linebacker in the group and Phillips had the rep of a tackling maching at LSU. This group has more questions than any other on the team.
Hey Tony: Do you see the Browns addressing the linebacking corps any further before the start of the season?
-- Anthony, Aurora, OH
Hey Anthony: I don’t expect any major addition, no.
Hey Tony: Since the draft is behind us, is there any chance that Clay III could be offered a 1-2 year deal at LB? Even though his best days are behind him—and we'll lean on the young guys—he's still a student of the game. He'd be a QB for the defense—and fan favorite. Crazy idea?
-- Kevin, Cleveland, OH
Hey Kevin: Sorry, I don’t see it. They’re going with young legs at linebacker.
Hey Tony: Early on, I heard the new coaching staff talking about changing Baker's footwork -- leading with the other foot. Is that something we should be concerned about, with so much pressure on Baker to improve this season?
-- Jennifer, Orrville, OH
Hey Jennifer: Coordinator Alex Van Pelt believes the slight change in Mayfield’s mechanics on his dropback from center will set him up for sounder technique in throwing the ball, improving accuracy and reducing turnovers. I recall him scoffing last year that he doesn’t need anyone teaching him how to make a three-step drop. Times are changing.
Hey Tony: Will the new regime stunt Myles Garrett more in the future. To me it seems his only move was a bull rush around the end.
-- Tom, North Canton, OH
Hey Tom: While new coordinator Joe Woods’ scheme is a mystery, I feel Garrett will benefit from new line coach Chris Kiffin, who is a noted pass rush specialist. I think Garrett is more than a one-trick pony, but I agree that varied stunts would help the overall pass rush.
Hey Tony: Would you pursue a deal with Jadeveon Clowney, or hang with Vernon for a year then address that position in 2021?
-- Leonard, Troy, OH
Hey Leonard: Clowney would come at a hefty price. Considering Garrett is in line for a new deal soon, I’d rather see through the last year of Vernon’s contract, hope he stays healthy, and then address the position anew in 2021.