CLEVELAND- Another typically dismal season is in the books for the Cleveland Browns. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-7 to finish the season at 4-12. It is time to file it away and forget about it. The Cleveland football scene is the proverbial dry desert. The Browns are lucky to find enough water in the cactus of a rare win.
As the Browns continue their journey in the dry desert of the drought of losing seasons, there is a well of hope in the 2014 NFL Draft. A franchise quarterback can come in the form of Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, or Tajh Boyd.
One unique draft strategy the Browns could employ is picking Clemson Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins, followed by Boyd, Clemson’s highly touted quarterback.
If Bortles declares for the draft and has a solid performance against Baylor, he will command the attention of the Browns, making him the frontrunner to be selected and compete against Brian Hoyer. Bortles is drawing comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger for his strong arm and ability to extend plays. Bortles is the quarterback that can extend plays and display a cannon arm. The Browns should select him and build a solid core of offensive playmakers.
Here is a review of Bortles by ESPN’s Todd McShay, courtesy of username brahmanknight on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MijoSJffus
After taking a quarterback, the Browns will be able to turn their attention to playmaking wide receivers Allen Robinson out Penn State and Marqise Lee out of the University of Southern California.
Lee is much like Browns receiver Josh Gordon. He is extremely quick and could be a viable deep threat. Pairing Gordon with Lee is a recipe for thrashing defenses.
Robinson is not known for being a speed threat but he is captivating the attention of General Managers everywhere due to his ability to make circus catches.
Any receiver that makes immaculate catches is worthy of the Browns attention given the history of inadequate quarterback performances since 1999. Former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson was on the way to greatness after a phenomenal 2007 season. Anderson’s performance was short lived. The Browns have two winning seasons since returning to the league but the rest have been dismal.
The quarterback that is selected by the Cleveland Browns will need playmakers and an established, physical offensive line.
Many Browns fans likely doubt the theory of quick fixes. Those fans who are not believers in quick fixes may want to look at what the Bengals, Ravens, and Panthers accomplished . Quick fixes are possible. The evidence is there.
Quick fixes are the difference between another dismal season and a turnaround year that results in a trip to the playoffs. Does that sounds like a fantasy? Many NFL fans in general probably laughed at the Bengals a few years ago before they drafted Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. The Browns in-state rival provides the best blueprint for success.
It comes down to brilliant decision making, excellent execution from the rookies and no injuries. All rookies drafted by the Browns should be careful in the offseason. The last thing the Browns want is offseason controversy or a major injury.