The Browns currently don't have a first-round pick as a result of the trade for Deshaun Watson. But if they moved back into the round, which player would be a possible target?
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Hey Tony: If the Browns moved into the later part of the first round which player would you like to see them grab for offense and defense?
-- APJ, Cleveland, OH
Hey APJ: Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks is my favorite player in the draft, so I’d choose him on offense. Reportedly, Burks is visiting the Browns prior to the draft. I couldn’t even name a defensive player because I don’t think any in the vicinity of a trade-up into the bottom of the first round could have the same impact as Burks on offense.
Hey Tony: Will Browns make any other splash trades this off-season?
-- Scott, Plain City, OH
Hey Scott: The only one I might consider is trading a second-round pick – or a third-rounder plus a conditional 2023 pick – for Texans receiver Brandin Cooks.
Hey Tony: Thoughts on Jacob Phillips having an impact this season?
-- Marty, Nashville, TN
Hey Marty: Phillips’ speed is evident, but he has to stay healthy and available over the long haul to have an impact. He and JOK are in the same boat. Durability is always a concern, especially at linebacker, when you sacrifice size for speed.
Hey Tony: Heard a lot about the new punter's big leg. Is he accurate as well? Can he get the ball inside the ten from the fifty?
-- Joe, Canton, OH
Hey Joe: I think the bigger concern with new punter Corey Bojorquez is consistency as a holder on placement kicks (PATs and field goals). Punters don’t win games, but they can lose them with shanks in critical situations, fumbled long snaps and miscues on placement holds.
Hey Tony: How do you feel about fans blaming the media for the problems with the Browns?
-- Billy Bob, Honolulu, HI
Hey Billy Bob: I feel much like the late, great Tommy Lasorda, who teed off in this all-time classic rant after losing a game when Dave Kingman knocked three home runs against the Dodgers.
Hey Tony: Which front office evaluates talent better -- Dorsey or Berry?
-- Paul, Rocky River, OH
Hey Paul: I think both are very good. Dorsey’s fatal flaw, though, was a blind spot for character issues and taking unnecessary risks. Berry has been more conservative in that regard.
Hey Tony: What can the Browns emphasize on offense to keep Deshaun healthy? Quality backups on the OL, tight end protection, roll outs?
-- Dave, Fairlawn, OH
Hey Dave: Although Baker Mayfield suffered a career-high 43 sacks in only 14 games last year, the Browns had one of the best pass-blocking win rates in the NFL, per the analytics sites. This would lead one to believe Mayfield’s indecision in reading the field was more of a problem than his protection. Therefore, I don’t believe the Browns need to change much. Watson should make decisions faster and also has more ability to run and escape pressure.
Hey Tony: If the all time worst happens and Watson ends up convicted, and the Browns decide to cut him, how could they afford the $235 million of dead cap when the teams salary cap for the year isn’t even that high?
--Josh, Galena, OH
Hey Josh: Oh, brother. Do we have to even consider this? My guess is the Browns would not cut him upon conviction and thus would carry him on their cap as if he were active. That would do less damage to their cap than cutting him.
Hey Tony: Is this Deshaun Watson deal the biggest in team history? If it fails, Berry, Stefanski, and even DePodesta could all be toast. Angry fans will be validated. Public perception of the organization will be back to near zero.
-- Ryan, Ashtabula, OH
Hey Ryan: It’s definitely the biggest deal of the Haslam ownership era. I would argue the Bernie Kosar supplemental draft deal of 1985 was bigger. It had a different kind of controversy and owner Art Modell had to be sold hard on it by GM Ernie Accorsi. Believe me, Accorsi’s job was on the line if that failed. If the Watson deal fails – meaning the team does not, at the least, compete for the AFC Championship in the five years of Watson’s guaranteed contract – everyone will lose their job. I don’t believe the Haslams will fire their daughters for “signing off” on the controversial trade/signing.
Hey Tony: Chances of Baker going to either Seattle or Tampa Bay before the draft?
-- Jim, Waxhaw, NC
Hey Jim: I think the chances are much greater of Mayfield ending up in Seattle. Tampa Bay might show strong interest if Mayfield were released, but I don’t believe they would trade for him as a one-year backup to Tom Brady. Mayfield would be Seattle’s starter immediately and would have one season to prove he’s worthy of an extended contract.
Hey Tony: Any chance CLE holds Mayfield through 2022 and ends up with a 2023 3rd Rd comp pick?
-- Bill, Tampa, FL
Hey Bill: I’d say there is no chance of the Browns holding on to Mayfield through 2022. However, you raise a pertinent point. The third-round compensatory pick should serve as their minimum target in any trade for Mayfield. I’m sure they’d be happy to extend into 2023, too.
Hey Tony: If the Browns agree to pay some of Baker’s salary to facilitate a trade, does that portion of Baker’s salary count against the Browns’ salary cap?
-- Dominic, Highland Heights, OH
Hey Dominic: Yes.
Hey Tony: What are the chances the Browns resign Jarvis and/or Jadeveon?
-- Mark, Westlake, OH
Hey Mark: I think both are possible but Clowney is more likely. The final year of Landry’s contract was terminated by the Browns on March 14 after reported negotiations for a reduced contract went nowhere. At the time of the Browns action, GM Andrew Berry issued a statement officially saying goodbye to Landry and wishing him luck. Rarely does a player return after the club goes to that extent. Unlike Landry, Clowney’s contract simply ran out. The Browns reportedly have a new deal on the table for him, but so far Clowney has not accepted. There have been no reports of Clowney receiving contract offers from other teams, however, and the feeling is he will return to the Browns on his timetable. He did not sign with the Browns last year until April 14.
Hey Tony: When will the 100 years war come to an end?
-- Andy, New Albany, OH
Hey Andy: To review: I was pegged as “beat writer for the 100YearsWar” by the great Detroit columnist Shelby Strother in a story he wrote about the Browns resurgence – in 1986. At the time, he was amazed the Browns had not appeared in a Super Bowl or an NFL championship game since 1964. So … 36 years later! we’re still waiting for them to make it to the big game. The #100YearsWar officially ends when the Browns appear in a Super Bowl.
