The Cleveland Browns Have Potential

The Cleveland Browns have played, and lost, half of their games already this season. They seem like a doomed franchise, with countless first round picks failing. However, they have also flown under the radar.

The Browns’ roster is packed with talented players. Their under performing offense is anchored by All-Pro Tackle Joe Thomas. They have developed Terrelle Pryor into an up and coming star Wide Receiver since converting him from Quarterback. Running Back Isaiah Crowell is putting up good numbers, with 4.9 yards per carry and over 500 yards in 8 games. Rookie Receiver Corey Coleman showed promise before he broke his hand in September. All of these players should make the pro bowl this year or next year.

However, their offense has its issues. Despite being the 12th best offense in the league for yards per game, their offense is a mere 25th on points per game. The Browns have a bad turnover margin of -4, which likely contributes to this disparity.

The defense has some potential, but needs work. The Browns now have a trio of great defensive players. Their Defensive Line depends on Danny Shelton, a former first round pick, who has been playing well in the first half of the season.

They have Pro-Bowl cornerback Joe Haden, who is one of the best at the position in the league. Finally, their recent acquisition of Jamie Collins could help the Browns defend the run, cover tight ends and running backs, and pressure the quarterback.

However, the Browns defense still has some work to do, and currently is one of the lowest ranked defenses in the league. Even still, it features three pro-bowl caliber players, which could help it develop in the future.

The Browns have more talent than many appreciate. There is a good chance that five Browns players make the pro-bowl this year, which would be more than most teams.

Despite their talent, the Browns still suffer from long-standing organizational issues. They have had four coaches in the past six years. They have had countless draft failures, most notably quarterbacks Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, and Brady Quinn. Star Wide Receiver Josh Gordon is such a wreck that he cannot get on the field. And they still don’t have a good quarterback this season.

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The Browns have hope though. Their talent-filled roster will continue to produce in the future. The team will have a lot of cap space next year to spend in free agency.

Cleveland has two first round picks and two second round picks in the 2017 draft, along with two second round picks in the 2018 draft. Not to mention that if they keep losing this season, they’ll end up with the first pick in next year’s draft.

It’s unlikely that the Browns have an epic comeback this year to shock the league and end up looking decent. But their future is brighter than is often appreciated.