This offseason we’ve been profiling each NFL team, breaking down their offensive and defensive philosophy and some insight into the front office. Click here to find previous war room features.
Cleveland Browns NFL Draft war room
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Offensive scheme: The Browns run a West Coast offense that is dependent on a quarterback who can read coverages, work receivers open through zones and get the ball out quickly. Those were all traits current starting quarterback Colt McCoy coming out of Texas. The Browns' new passing game is timing based and requires receivers who run precise routes. The expectation is that third-year wide receiver Brian Robiskie should blossom in the scheme. Tight end Evan Moore plays like a wide receiver and is the team's big-play threat. When the passing game is in rhythm, it should be hard to stop. Many of the routes are shorter, with many of the yards coming after the catch. The scheme is built to protect from the outside speed rush and defenders must have penetrating defensive tackles.
The run game in the Browns’ West Coast offense is designed to pull the safeties and linebackers toward the line of scrimmage. Lead running back
is the offense’s best weapon. He’s a strong runner who can break tackles with ease. What makes him so important to a West Coast offense is his ability to catch the ball. That’ also why the Browns signed free agent Brandon Jackson. When the running game clicks, it will allow McCoy to run more play-action, which suits his athleticism.
Defensive scheme: After several years of running one the NFL’s more unique 3-4 defenses, the team has moved to the 4-3. New coordinator Dick Jauron has said he wants the defense to be pressure-based, especially with the front four.
The Browns are set with their starting defensive tackles
and
, one of the league’s more underrated players. The depth at tackle is lacking. It’s worse at defensive end. The Browns use a power left end (Jamyme Mitchell) and a speed right end (rookie
). Other than Marcus Bernard, who is unproven in the 4-3, there is little depth to speak of at end.
The linebackers in the team’s 4-3 are versatile and needed to stop the run and cover linebackers. Each of the three starters,
,
and
, could all start at middle linebacker.
The most talent on the defensive is probably in the secondary. Starting cornerbacks
and
are physical corners who are best in man. With Brown aging, the team signed former Eagles cornerback
. Rookie
has grabbed headlines during training camp and preseason.
Recent history: Under president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, the Browns have shown they’re comfortable shuffling draft picks. The team traded away the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft to Atlanta for a staggering five picks. Then the team traded up to take Taylor, but still retain the extra first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft received from Atlanta.
It’s evident the team values draft picks highly. In the 2010 draft, the team used multiple picks in the second, third and sixth rounds.
Heckert also values his former players with the
. The Browns have added several former Eagles, including Brown, Gocong and Patterson.As for their draft philosophy, Heckert and Holmgren haven’t picked based on any stereotypes. They’ve taken players with character issues and serious past injuries. It’s clear the team drafts by its board, but only goes with players who fit their scheme.
Coach: Pat Shurmur
GM: Tom Heckert
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