Another Browns’ roster overhaul continues in full swing

As I was saying …

1.Everyone thought John Dorsey had upgraded the Browns’ roster to the point where only topping off was needed for the team to reach the next level. The new regime obviously has different thoughts. I think we’re in for more roster overhaul than anyone expected.

2.Consider these 2019 veterans who have been released: Cornerback T.J. Carrie, tight end Demetrius Harris, guard Eric Kush, linebacker Adarius Taylor, linebacker Christian Kirksey. Add these free agents who likely won’t be back: left tackle Greg Robinson, linebacker Joe Schobert, receiver Rashard Higgins, safety Eric Murray, quarterback Drew Stanton. And then add these players under contract who very well could still be let go: defensive end Olivier Vernon, safety Morgan Burnett, right tackle Chris Hubbard. That’s 13 of 53 on last year’s roster – roughly 25 percent turnover – and there could be more.

3.The decision to let Schobert leave in free agency is not a surprise. The time to redo his deal was in November. While the Browns dragged their feet, Carolina gave linebacker Shaq Thompson a $54 million deal on Dec. 7. Per overthecap.com, that deal gives Thompson about $28 million guaranteed over the first two years. That $14 million average set the target for Schobert’s next deal – and blew the Browns out of the running. Like Dorsey, the former Browns GM, the New Browns Order doesn’t value an inside linebacker that highly. Schobert will find a comparable deal in free agency and – clip and save -- most likely will appear in a playoff game before his former teammates do.

4.The decision to let Schobert leave in free agency resembles the one in 2016 to let Mitchell Schwartz walk. New Browns GM Andrew Berry was a VP/player personnel at the time. Schwartz wanted to return to the Browns, but “settled” for a new deal with Kansas City. Four All-Pro honors and one Super Bowl ring later, Schwartz isn’t complaining, of course. Changing teams was a career breakthrough for him. If you hooked up Berry to a lie detector, he would admit letting Schwartz leave was a mistake. The difference is the value the Browns, and other teams, attach to middle linebacker v. the value of a right tackle. I just think you need to make exceptions for extraordinary cases. Realistically, Schobert’s value may be higher to the Browns than to a new team that pursues him. His leadership on the defense is undeniable. His mentorship of 2019 rookie Mack Wilson was invaluable.

5.Schobert’s probable departure is more lamentable considering the Browns’ decision to release linebacker Christian Kirksey, another home-grown locker room leader. Kirksey’s injury problems the past two seasons came at a time his contract was peaking -- a deadly combination. Kirksey had the longest length of service on the roster. The third-round pick in 2014 suffered through a Browns cumulative record of 24-71-1. Kirksey’s selection as a two-time captain and 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee speaks to his immense respect in the locker room. He, too, will find greener pastures.

6.Of all the tasks awaiting Berry, rebuilding the offensive tackle positions is most urgent and will define his early tenure. Dorsey’s well-chronicled blind spot for offensive linemen was his Achilles heel, although his trade for Wyatt Teller should patch the right guard spot. Berry and the analytics department no doubt will crunch the numbers on available veterans Trent Williams of Washington and Jason Peters of Philadelphia. The short-term solution to the OT problem is acquiring one of them. But I don’t see the Browns paying top dollar for either player – along with a high draft choice in trade for Williams -- despite the obvious connections to them.

7.Free agent Jack Conklin of Tennessee is another possibility. The Titans didn’t exercise his fifth-year option and Conklin turned in a solid season in his walk year. He’ll command a record haul for a right tackle. I’m thinking the Browns might be better served by lowering their sights in free agency to Green Bay right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who is older (soon to be 31) and injury-riddled, or Philadelphia sixth man Halapoulivaati Vaitai.

8.All of which makes it incumbent on the Browns to use their first draft pick on an offensive tackle. In a draft with at least five tackles projected to be first round-worthy, it is the right time to address the void still unfilled by the retirement of Joe Thomas. I wouldn’t even tab Clemson defensive hybrid Isaiah Simmons ahead of the best available offensive tackle at No. 10. Now, given the apparent surplus of choices at tackle, a reasonable trade-down for an extra pick is an option. But the Browns have to be assured the tackle they end up with is capable of starting from Day One.

9.So it’s obvious that Berry’s solution at the tackle problem involves signing one in free agency and drafting another. If he signs a right tackle in free agency, he has to use the draft on one capable of playing left tackle immediately. If he acquires the left tackle in free agency or trade, he has the luxury of positioning the rookie at right tackle. As usual, the Browns’ moves in free agency will tip off their intentions with their first draft pick.