Kicker Chase McLaughlin was re-signed, but it doesn't mean he won't face competition in training camp.
GM Andrew Berry still has work to do before Browns draft in three weeks
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
This could go down as the most eventful Browns transaction season of the expansion era, with the blockbuster trade and contract for quarterback Deshaun Watson, and all.
But as we review the comings and goings of Andrew Berry’s third season as GM, we see more work to be done before the NFL draft that sits just three weeks away.
Additions
Place-kicker Chase McLaughlin: He looked like a goner after missing 6 of his last 11 field goal tries last year. But with free agent pickings slim, the Browns chose to weigh his 10 of 10 start more heavily than his finish. Nothing’s assured, however, and McLaughlin possibly could be challenged by a rookie – whether he’s drafted or undrafted.
Punter Corey Bojorquez: Left-footed punters in the NFL are the baseball equivalent of left-handed short relievers in baseball. They’ll always find a job. His stock was boosted by four decent years in cold-weather Buffalo and Green Bay. But – there’s always a but – his inconsistency as a holder on placement kicks contributed to veteran kicker Mason Crosby’s worst season in nine years, causing Bojorquez to get the boot out of Green Bay.
Center-guard Ethan Pocic: Who doesn’t like LSU offensive players, right? Even their centers deserve a close look. The former second-round draft pick of the Seahawks fills a vital role as interior swingman, capable of backing up both guards and challenging heir-apparent center Nick Harris.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett: His 36-17 TD-to-interception ratio, big frame (6-4 and 235 pounds) and mobility are reasons to feel he’s an upgrade over Case Keenum. But if he’s the starter during a probable Watson suspension, keep in mind he has started games for the Patriots, Colts and Dolphins and never won more than he lost for any of those teams.
Offensive lineman Chris Hubbard: He defied the odds and returned despite having his second season in a row end in major surgery and approaching his 31st birthday. It’s a testament to Hubbard’s popularity as a teammate and his versatility. He’s been a fixture since Todd Haley was offensive coordinator. Think about that for a moment.
Defensive end Chase Winovich: Bill Belichick’s third-round pick in 2019 had 5.5 sacks in each of his first two seasons, and then his snap count fell dramatically from 594 to 113, and he had 11 tackles and no sacks in 13 games in 2021. He’s only 27 and will be the new Takk McKinley as a situational edge rusher and does offer something on special teams.
Return specialist Jakeem Grant: This is special teams coordinator Mike Priefer’s second stab at a return specialist. JoJo Natson didn’t move the meter and now Grant brings six career return touchdowns to a team that hasn’t had one since 2015. In seven NFL seasons with the Dolphins and Bears, Grant has averaged 14 catches as a receiver for 11.4 yards a catch and one touchdown.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson: At his best, he’s the elite quarterback the Browns never had in their expansion era. Questions abound, however, about a possible NFL suspension resulting from 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct. in addition to virtually taking the 2021 season off and never playing and practicing consistently in Cleveland football weather.
Defensive tackle Taven Bryan: He was picked 29th overall by the Jaguars in 2018. His middle name is Coal and he’s from Casper, Wyoming. Let’s go!
Linebacker Anthony Walker: A second season for Walker to call the defensive signals and tutor Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. He dutifully relinquished jersey No. 4 to Watson.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper: There’s a divergence of opinion on whether he’s a true No. 1 receiver, though he’s definitely the best on this roster. He’s had two 1,000-yard seasons with the Raiders, two with the Cowboys and one splitting time with both teams. In seven seasons, he’s missed only five games.
Tight end David Njoku: As coach Kevin Stefanski moves away from his beloved three-tight end set – aka 13 personnel – Njoku could emerge as the TE1 who finally has his athletic gifts maximized with a strong-armed quarterback who can connect with him downfield.
Running back D’Ernest Johnson: Given a nice raise via the lowest RFA tender, he could actually get more reps as the main backup if Stefanski institutes a creative two-back set using Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunts.
Losses
Quarterback Case Keenum: Traded to Buffalo for a seventh-round pick, he leaves with a 2-0 record – technically the best of 33 Browns starting quarterbacks since 1999.
Linebacker Mack Wilson: Traded to the Patriots for Winovich, his demise started with an unfortunate high tackle of Nick Chubb on the first practice with pads in the 2020 training camp. I think Wilson will benefit immensely from this trade.
Wide receiver Jarvis Landry: He needs a change of scenery after two difficult seasons in a row – not just a change of agents.
Center JC Tretter: He’ll land on his feet after the draft with a playoff-contending team, possibly in the AFC North.
Tight end Austin Hooper: Until further notice, he’s Berry’s biggest foul tip in free agent spending.
Fullback Andy Janovich: Well, there was that 1-yard touchdown run in the Texans game.
Still needed
1. Pass-rush complement to Myles Garrett.
2. Veteran wide receiver.
3. Rotational defensive tackle.
4. Third quarterback who ascends to No. 2 during Watson suspension.
