This article is part of our Team Previews series.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
THE SKINNY
Former MLB exec Paul DePodesta has been brought in to serve as the team's Chief Strategy Officer. Taking more of an analytical approach, the Browns traded down twice in the first round of the draft for future assets. Though once again in rebuild mode, the change in organizational philosophy offers hope.
THREE KEY STORY LINES
EXPECTATIONS AT QB
Journeyman QB Josh McCown was the starter for eight games in 2015 until a broken collarbone prematurely ended his season. He actually played admirably, but aiming for a potential upgrade, the team elected to sign Robert Griffin III to a two-year deal in the offseason. Griffin didn't play at all last year and really hasn't been effective since his rookie season, despite possessing all the tools to be a franchise signal-caller. New coach Hue Jackson featured a balanced attack while serving as Cincinnati's offensive coordinator the past two years, getting solid QB production from Andy Dalton, who isn't as physically gifted as Griffin. Thus, the hope is that Jackson can bring out the best in Griffin, and help return RG3 to the promise he showed in 2012, when he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. With McCown a candidate to be traded or released before the 2016 season begins, look for rookie Cody Kessler to serve as a developmental quarterback behind Griffin. While Kessler, a third-round selection out of USC, doesn't have prototypical size or arm strength, he earns good marks for his decision making.
COLEMAN TO THE RESCUE
When the Browns let Travis Benjamin walk this offseason, they lost their only viable deep threat. Following the release of Brian Hartline, slot man Andrew Hawkins represents the team's top holdover at wideout, while TE Gary Barnidge will look to replicate the unexpected level of output he enjoyed in 2015. Looking to rejuvenate the team's pass-catching corps, the Browns selected four wide receivers in the draft, including Corey Coleman at No. 15 overall, making him the first player picked at his position. While Coleman doesn't possess ideal NFL size, he's explosive in the open field. Though he did experience some drops last year with Baylor and is somewhat inexperienced as a route runner, he immediately becomes the team's most talented pass catcher, giving the Browns the dangerous playmaker they desperately sought. Between the third and fifth rounds, Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins were added, with each player bringing something different to the table. With the status of Josh Gordon (suspension) still in question, opportunity knocks for Coleman and the team's other rookie receivers.
THE BACKFIELD SPLIT
Young RBs Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell each turned in respectable campaigns in 2015, considering the overall struggles of the Browns' offense. Although Johnson had just 104 carries for 379 yards and no touchdowns, he shined as a receiver out of the backfield in his rookie season, grabbing 61 of 74 targets for 534 yards and two scores. His best game of the season came in Week 4, when he caught nine passes for 85 yards, including a gorgeous 34-yard touchdown grab in the back of the end zone. Crowell played mostly on early downs during his sophomore campaign, finishing with 185 carries for 706 yards and four touchdowns. His effectiveness on a per-play basis fell from his rookie season, as he dipped from 4.1 to 3.8 YPC, while scoring half as many touchdowns (eight in 2014 but just four last year). It's reasonable to assume there will be a similar workload distribution in 2016, although Johnson seems to have more value, especially in PPR leagues, given that the Browns lost two key members of their offensive line in C Alex Mack and OT Mitchell Schwartz.
KEY JOB BATTLE
Rookie Corey Coleman is widely expected to serve as Cleveland's No. 1 wide receiver this season, but the second starting wideout spot is up for grabs. Veteran Andrew Hawkins might have the inside edge due to experience, although he's likely to be pushed for reps by the likes of rookies Ricardo Louis and Rashard Higgins. Louis is in the mold of fellow rookie Coleman, a big and explosive wideout, while Higgins excelled in a pro-style offense in college. Chances are Hawkins will see his share of targets, working primarily out of the slot, whether he officially starts or not. The darkhorse is former QB Terrelle Pryor, who is huge with good speed, but some think he still might be too raw to make an immediate impact.
PIVOTAL PLAYER
Robert Griffin III
After not playing a single regular season snap in 2015, Griffin should be fresh, at least in theory. It remains to be seen what the QB has to offer at this stage as both a passer and runner, but the former No. 2 overall pick should feel less pressure than he has in some time, after arriving in Cleveland with far less fanfare than he did in Washington.
BAROMETER
RISING: Duke Johnson
With his plus pass-catching ability, Johnson will retain value in PPR formats. He could also see more work on early downs, given that fellow RB Isaiah Crowell has an upright and physical running style.
FALLING: Josh Gordon
Though Gordon can reapply for reinstatement on Aug. 1, his future with the Browns is cloudy. For now, though, the team has opted not to part ways with the talented 25-year-old wideout.
SLEEPER: Terrelle Pryor
Pryor, a converted QB, brings a nice blend of size and speed to the table, and given the team's overhaul at wideout, he has an opportunity to carve out a role as he gains experience at the position.
THE INJURY FRONT
Gary Barnidge, TE – The veteran tight end underwent sports hernia surgery in early June, but is expected to be ready for training camp. Once the 2015 breakout performer is up to speed, he'll look to develop a rapport with new QB Robert Griffin III.
Andrew Hawkins, WR – The diminutive Hawkins, who was placed on injured reserve last year due to a concussion, should be ready for the season, barring any setbacks. The bigger issue for Hawkins is that the Browns suddenly have a plethora of young and talented wideouts on hand, most notably Baylor's Corey Coleman.
Josh McCown, QB – The journeyman QB, who missed half the season with a broken collarbone, could battle Griffin in camp for the team's top QB spot. Despite an impressive, albeit abbreviated, 2015 campaign, McCown is still a candidate to move on before the season begins, however.
IDP FOCUS
Tramon Williams, CB – The former Packer cornerback had a solid first season in Cleveland in 2015, finishing as the team's third-leading tackler, while breaking up 10 passes. He only had one interception last year, but had at least three picks in six of the previous seven seasons.
Demario Davis, LB – After playing in the shadow of David Harris in New York, Davis has a chance to break out in his first season with the Browns. Thus, he could post 100+ tackles, with a handful of sacks.
Joe Haden, CB – The former Pro Bowler played just five games last year due to a number of injuries, and his health (ankle) is in question for the start of the 2016 campaign. If he can get back on the field, the ball-hawking CB would form a nice duo with Williams.
OFFSEASON MOVES
KEY ACQUISITIONS:
Robert Griffin III – QB (from Redskins)
Gets much-needed change of scenery and is on track to start.
Corey Coleman – WR (Rd. 1, No. 15 – Baylor)
Explosive wideout provides an upgrade at a position of need.
Cody Kessler – QB (Rd. 3, No. 93 – USC)
Not likely to start, although team's brass is high on him.
Ricardo Louis – WR (Rd. 4, No. 114 – Auburn)
Rare athleticism gives him a real chance to blossom as a pro.
Rashard Higgins – WR (Rd. 5, No. 172 – Colorado State)
Experience in pro-style system could lead to a role as rookie.
KEY LOSSES:
Travis Benjamin – WR (to Chargers)
Speedy deep threat bolts to San Diego after posting career numbers.
Brian Hartline – WR (FA)
Deemed expendable after team drafted four wide receivers in April.
Johnny Manziel – QB (FA)
Flashes of on-field potential were overshadowed by off-field issues.
