When the free agency signing period began, I was eager to see what the Browns would do. In particular, I was hoping that the Browns would upgrade their wide receiver and cornerback positions. In order to have any realistic chance of thriving as a starter, Colt McCoy needs more talent at the wide receiver position, especially veteran talent. Regarding the defensive side of the ball, Eric Wright’s play last season left a lot to be desired, and the increasingly pass-happy ways of the NFL require teams to have a solid corps of defensive backs in order to stop the pass.
Unfortunately, the Browns did not address either of these positions in free agency. In fact, the team regressed somewhat at both of these positions.
Let’s start with wide receiver. While players like Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, and Greg Little have a great deal of talent and potential, a veteran receiver would undoubtedly help Colt McCoy’s development and progression in his first full year as the starting quarterback. I had heard the Browns linked to Plaxico Burress, which I thought would have been awful. An aging veteran with a questionable reputation who’s been out of the league for 2 years? No thanks. However, I would have loved to see a guy like Sidney Rice in a Browns uniform.
What did the Browns do? Nothing. In fact, the Browns allowed Chansi Stuckey–one of their most reliable possession receivers–to sign with the Arizona Cardinals. While much has been said about the great strides that wide receivers make during their third year in the league, I think that the Browns will regret not having a veteran receiver on the roster at some point during this season.
Let’s shift to the cornerback position. The Browns are pretty set as far as the starters are concerned. Joe Haden had a breakout year during his first year in the league and appears poised to continue his improvement during his second season in the league. Although he is aging, Sheldon Brown is still a solid player who will also make important contributions for the Browns this season.
However, depth is a major concern. Although his play last season was abysmal at times, I was still hoping that the Browns would re-sign Eric Wright. Unfortunately, he headed north to play for the Detroit Lions. While I didn’t expect the Browns to pursue any of the big-name cornerbacks like Antonio Cromartie or Nnamdi Asomugha, I was hoping that the Browns would sign Cleveland-area native Nate Clements or Carlos Rogers. Unfortunately, no cornerback of note was signed. As of this time, the Browns’ depth at the cornerback position is very, very thin, and an injury could cause major problems for the defense.
Fortunately, the Browns’ schedule this season is not loaded with pass-happy teams, and the only game in which the Browns’ depth at cornerback may be an issue is their matchup against Indianapolis. The fact that other teams in the AFC North lost major talent at the wide receiver position also lessens the need to have several solid quarterbacks during some of the AFC North matchups. However, an injury to Joe Haden or Sheldon Brown could expose the Browns’ lack of depth at cornerback.
On a positive note, I am glad that the Browns signed Brandon Jackson. Following Jerome Harrison’s departure from the team, the Browns lacked a true third-down back, and Jackson will fill the role nicely.
Admittedly, it is true that most of the NFL’s best teams have been built through smart drafting over the years. However, I can’t help but think of how much a solid veteran wide receiver would help Colt McCoy develop into the starting quarterback that I believe he can be…in any case, the Browns’ first preseason game is less than a week away, and in an offseason filled with doubt and uncertainty, the fact that actual football is about to be played is definitely something to celebrate!
