The Cleveland Browns offseason has been lauded over and over again, despite trading away star DE Myles Garrett and still having a big question at the quarterback position. The reasons for the positivity vary slightly, but the Browns bold decisions to set a course based on young players and future draft picks, while rebuilding the offensive line and wide receiver groups, seem solid.
As always, not everything works out in the NFL. Most draft picks are coin flips, injuries can play a huge role, HC Todd
Monken is a first-time NFL HC, and there is that pesky question at quarterback still.
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave Cleveland’s offseason a “B+” grade, with a lot of positive statements. Walder also questioned two of GM Andrew Berry’s moves on the offensive line:
But I didn’t like the pricier (Zion) Johnson deal as much and did not understand the (Tytus) Howard trade at all. The Browns traded a draft pick to pay Howard good money despite his poor numbers in recent seasons (24th and 31st percentiles in pass block and run block win rate last season, respectively).
Walder’s concern is understandable, beyond the analytical numbers. With so few quality offensive linemen in the NFL, young ones (Johnson) and tackles (Howard) are rarely available via free agency or trades. That alone is enough to at least raise concerns about two of the bigger additions this offseason.
For many Cleveland fans, any additions to the offensive line will be welcomed after how bad the unit performed last year. Walder’s warning could bring down the expectations for this year’s starting group, at least a little bit.
What do you think of the Johnson and Howard additions this offseason?
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