The Browns: Unforgettable Off-Season

The Cleveland Browns have done something this off-season that is very difficult to accomplish for any NFL franchise. The Browns had four major weaknesses at the end of the 2012 season; quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and right tackle. During the off-season the Browns not only addressed those positions, but did so with starting NFL talent. 

Let's start with right tackle. Mitchell Schwartz went to Cal University and was a starter on the offensive line. He was a red shirt freshmen when current Browns center, Alex Mack, was a senior at Cal and the two have kept in touch over the past five years. The dude is big, knows the position and will start at right tackle for the Browns in the 2012-2013 season. Not a sexy pick, but one that hopefully lasts for the next 5-10 years.

  Wide receiver Josh Gordon - now this pick has a lot of question marks surrounding him but it seems as though the Browns may have gotten a steal. He has higher ratings to number five overall pick, Justin Blackman, and we're also being told that he can be better then last year's top pick Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. Now understand the kid did have his issues with marijuana in college, but we are told he is done with that, passed all his tests, and is ready to be an elite receiver in this league. He even jumped from third team to first team in his first three days of training camp.

 Quarterback Brandon Weeden was the surprise pick everyone still might be shaking their heads about. Brandon is turning 29 years old. He is a former professional baseball player and has an absolute cannon. He looks as though he is the favorite to start the opener for the Browns, but from what I'm hearing he's not looking so hot early on in camp. Regardless of his age, he's still a rookie so give it time. 

Then there's of course running back Trent Richardson, the sexy and obvious pick for the Browns. He's already ranked in the top 10 for running backs in the fantasy rankings before he even takes an NFL snap. Very fast, strong, great hands, and a lot of potential to be a top running back in the league for years to come. So who deserves the credit for pulling this off?

 General Manager Tom Heckert. Whether the Browns do indeed get sold or whatever happens, I believe Tom should be the one sticking around. Now like I've said many times before, we are talking about the Browns. This could all just be talk and they could all under-achieve. But regardless of what happens, bust or not, this off-season is definitely one that we as Browns fans will not soon forget.

Joe Chaffin--Analyst C.B.R.
Joe's passion in life has always been sports. He loves writing about the Browns and is also a huge Indians and Cavs fan. He is currently attending The Ohio Center for Broadcasting in hopes to have his own sports talk show someday. You can listen to his internet radio show on Tuesdays from 2-4 at http://stations.beonair.com:81/Rock