Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Cleveland Browns.
2015 in a nutshell: They finish 3-13, which — rather surprisingly — is their worst record this century. They use three ineffective quarterbacks, which brings that total to 24 since 1999.
Why 2016 could be different: They brought in 2012 offensive rookie of the year Robert Griffin III to be quarterback No. 25. They also might finally get talented young wide receiver Josh Gordon back, and the entire front office and coaching staff has received yet another makeover.
Major additions: Griffin, eventually Gordon (he’ll have to serve a four-game suspension), new head coach Hue Jackson and veteran linebacker Demario Davis. Plus, promising top pick Corey Coleman might start at receiver.
Major losses: Four veteran starters — center Alex Mack, offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, wide receiver Travis Benjamin and safety Tashaun Gipson — all walked as free agents, despite the fact the talent-starved Browns had more than enough money to re-sign all of them.
Breakout watch: Third-year linebacker Christian Kirksey made strides last year and should have a chance to take a big step forward in 2016, while a lot of pressure will fall on 2015 first-round pick Danny Shelton up front.
Position to watch: Griffin enters camp as the clear favorite to win the starting quarterback job, but they still have the veteran Josh McCown as well as rookie third-round pick Cody Kessler. A new environment could help Griffin a lot, but he won’t be well supported in the backfield or receiving corps, so it might be hard to hold onto that job.
Prediction: If they can get some steady play at quarterback — and Jackson’s presence should help — this team has the ability to win six or seven games. But they’re not even close to being a playoff team.
