With the Browns sitting at 1-6 currently, and trending towards a top 3 pick in the NFL Draft, I’ve decided to take over for the team and see how I can fix this squad. Feel free to read on to see how I’d fix the Cleveland Browns, from staff to free agents to the NFL Draft:
The new Staff:
New Offensive Coordinator: Charles London (QB Coach, Seattle Seahawks)
- This would give the Browns an updated voice in the offense rooms, as well as someone with experience in getting the most out of QBs (look at his work with Geno Smith.)
New Offensive Line Coach/Asst Head Coach: Hank Fraley (Offensive Line Coach, Detroit Lions)
- This one would be a homecoming for Fraley, having played with the Browns. This also would be an elite pickup, as Fraley has worked his magic with the Detroit Lions, turning their offensive line into an elite unit.
New Wide receivers coach: Keenan McCardell (Wide Recievers Coach, Minnesota Vikings)
- Another former player as a position coach? It’s just crazy enough to work, as Keenan has done exceptionally well in developing top tier talent like Addison into stars, as well as making stars like JJettas continue to develop and hone their craft. Plus, the Minnesota to Cleveland pipeline remains alive with this one.
New strength and conditioning coach: David Ballou (Director of Sports Performance, University of Alabama)
- This one would be the most unlikely of the 4 new hires, but what David has done for the University of Alabama in developing a culture of conditioning and strength is sorely needed in Berea. Saban’s and Deboer’s teams seem to be rarely injured, and when they are, the injuries are addressed in a safe manner for the players, but also with the interest of getting them back on the field. Would he leave Bama for the NFL? Probably not. But it would be worth a discussion.
Free agency:
Browns sign Walker Little, LT – 2 yrs, 7 million
- This one would be a little bit of an overpay signing, as Walker Little has underperformed while in Jacksonville. However, with the lack of top tier talent in the NFL Draft for Offensive Tackles, Free agents tackles likely will cash in. Walker would compete with Wills (see below) and Conklin for snaps at LT, or could be the swing tackle.
Browns sign Jedrick Wills, LT – 1 yr, 4 million
- This one would be a prove it deal for Wills, as Walker Little would compete with him and Conklin for snaps at Left Tackle (more on who plays right tackle to come) and the losers would be the backup left tackle and swing tackle for the Browns (unless either would be open to a move inside, which could revitalize their careers.)
Browns sign Trent Sherfield, WR – 2 yrs, 6 million
- Signing a receiver who has experience with our new Wide Receivers coach? That would be an excellent get. It would mean that the depth chart would be:
- Jeudy
- Thrash
- Tillman
- Sherfield
- The rookie selection below
- Moore (should he resign his deal, if not, this would be a day 3 selection here.)
Browns resign Nick Chubb, RB – 2 yrs, 11 million
- Chastise me all you want, but the Browns are not letting Chubb walk this off season. I fully expect a 2 year deal loaded with financial incentives that could push this north of 20 million should Chubb meet certain plateaus.
Total spending: 15 million in 2025, 11 million in 2026.
Mock Draft:
1.03: Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado
- This selection is all about getting their QB of the future, and while I love Cam Ward and prefer him at QB1, Shedeur is a better fit in the offense that Kevin Stefanski would want to run. Not to mention this would make the decision to move on from Deshaun that much easier should Sanders succeed at the next level.
2.34: Jonah Savaiinaea, G/T, Arizona
- In Round 2, we need to address this offensive line, as both sides of the line have their issues (Conklin with his health, Wills with his talent deficiencies). Here in Round 2, we get a day 1 starter at Right Tackle, which means left tackle can be addressed with the competition we alluded to earlier in the article.
3.67: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
- Round 3 sees us going after a pass catcher to help flesh out this wide receiver room. I have the Browns going after a talent who I’ve seen compared to Stefon Diggs in Tai Felton. I have more of a Deebo Samuel comparison for Tai, but his excellent route running abilities will allow him to get open quickly. Not to mention, he does his best work when the lights are on the brightest, so there won’t be any worries with him shying away from competition.
Ultimately, with the Deshaun Watson contract, you have to win in the margins in Free Agency and in the draft on young, cheap talent. These moves wouldn’t be all the moves, but would be a good start to fixing what ails Cleveland.
Got a move you think the Browns should make instead? Send it to me on “X” @sparkscouting. I’d love to hear all your takes. And give me a follow while you’re there, whether you loved or hated this article.
