Browns looking at upgrades on offensive line and receiver while continuing search for franchise QB

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said on Jan. 5: “the next 120 days are crucial for the organization” after firing his sixth head coach that he hired since purchasing the team in 2012.

The first three months have been underwhelming with the hiring of Todd Monken as coach and no major splashes in free agency. However, another strong draft class by general manager Andrew Berry could turn sentiment around.

All seven members of the 2025 draft class made significant contributions last season. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger was the AP NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, and the Browns were the first team since the 1968 Buffalo Bills to have rookies lead the team in passing (Shedeur Sanders), rushing (Quinshon Judkins), and receiving (Harold Fannin).

“There was certainly an adjustment period for young players, but we want to have high expectations for guys that come into our program to be role players to ascend into starters. And I think we saw that this past year with his past draft class,” Berry said during February’s scouting combine.

State of the QB

The Browns have had a league-high 13 quarterbacks since 2020, including seven over the past two seasons.

Sanders goes into spring workouts as the incumbent. He started the final seven games and threw for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Deshaun Watson is ready to compete for the job after missing last season rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon. Watson has played in only 19 games since being acquired in 2022 and is 9-10.

Dillon Gabriel, last year’s third-round pick who started six games, is also on the roster.

Even though the Browns drafted Sanders and Gabriel last year, Berry said they may draft a QB again.

“It’s the most important position. We wouldn’t talk about it any differently if you’re drafting an O-lineman or a D-lineman or something along those lines. I don’t think that you can invest in it enough,” he said.

Pick ’em

Cleveland has nine picks, including two in the first round at six and 24. The Browns got the 24th pick as part of last year’s trade with Jacksonville when it moved up to the second spot to take Travis Hunter. Barring a trade, this would be the fifth time since 2014 that Cleveland would have multiple first-round selections.

Needs

Offensive tackle and wide receiver. The Browns upgraded the offensive line during free agency by signing guard Zion Johnson and center/guard Elgton Jenkins while trading for offensive tackle Tytus Howard, but they still lack depth. Left tackle remains the biggest question, though. Dawand Jones is under contract for one more season but is still rehabbing from a knee injury. Cleveland is also in need of playmaking receivers. Jerry Jeudy had only two touchdowns last season. Five of Cleveland’s top six players in receptions were either a running back or a tight end. Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate and offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and Spencer Fano (Utah) are options with the sixth overall pick. Mauigoa and Fano were primarily right tackles in college.

Don’t need

With AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett coming off a year where he set the single-season record of 23 sacks, the Browns don’t have a priority for edge rushers. Defensive tackle is also stocked with Maliek Collins and Mason Graham, last year’s first-round pick.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL