The Cleveland Browns had one of the most notable offseasons this year due to the attention at high-value positions. What are the biggest questions coming out of their offseason moves?
What is going on at quarterback?
Most teams enter the training camp portion with four quarterbacks, but not in the way that the Browns acquired theirs. DeShaun Watson is out of the picture, which leaves them with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.
The thought is that the Browns have no incentive to start Flacco or Gabriel. Flacco is around to keep a veteran presence, and he can start if none of these three prove to be NFL caliber. Gabriel was drafted with the thought of being a quality long-term backup with the small chance that he would become something. Still, his limitations could push him into third spot until Flacco moves on.
So, now the Browns essentially took two fifth-round picks and have a competition between Pickett and Sanders. They can either trade the loser of the competition, or if they feel both have progressed, they would move on from Flacco. Flacco could range anywhere from the start to cut based on how the other three perform; his performance in that time will mean little.
Will the two rookies take over the Cleveland Browns’ backfield?
The Browns’ backfield was poor last season. Nick Chubb looked like a different version of his old self, and while Jerome Ford can hit some big runs, his down-to-down consistency is poor. Quinson Judkins was drafted in round two, and he is the ultimate grinder for consistent yards. He will take the majority of the work in ways that Nick Chubb did for the Kevin Stefanski offense.
The real question is Dylan Sampson. Sampson has some speed and is more consistent than Ford, but has a bit less splash. The question will come down to how well Sampson can pass protect. If he can, he may have valuable fantasy weeks.
Do the Browns have enough opposite of Myles Garrett?
The Browns are applauded for putting Mason Graham next to Myles Garrett, but they still have real questions across from him. Ogbo Okoronkwo is a rotational rusher, and Isaiah McGuire got work towards the end of last season but did not prove himself. The Bucs were not pressed to keep former first-round pick Joe Tyron-Shoyinka when he hit free agency. They did not address the spot despite talent in the draft. Is this going to be an issue for them having a feared front, even despite two potential studs?
Will Diontae Johnson start?
The Browns waited until after the draft to sign Johnson, and he is a head case, but on paper, he is going to start. Jerry Jeudy was best when Stefanski put him in the slot, and Cedric Tillman is your classic big body outside threat. A quick, shifty possession receiver who can beat press is the perfect complement to Tillman and completes the room. How long can Johnson hang, and does the playing time possibility keep his head in it?
Is this the end for JOK?
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah suffered a neck injury in October, and his status this season is in question. The Browns not only signed Jerome Baer, they also drafted Carson Schwesinger to kick off the second round. It may signal that they do not anticipate him coming back anytime soon.
What does Harold Fanin mean for David Njoku?
Harold Fanin was one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the draft, and his selection in the third round means the Browns will have a plan for him. They lack pass catchers, and while David Njoku is a threat, this may be his last year on the Browns roster. Can Fanin show enough flashes that he is a screaming buy after this year?