When the Cleveland Browns 2022 NFL season ended it was clear what the team needed. First, QB Deshaun Watson needed to get back to the player he was a couple of years ago or, most likely, none of it matters.
After that, there were very clear upgrades needed starting on the defensive side of the ball but not limited there:
- Joe Woods needed to be let go
- Mike Priefer should probably follow Woods out the door
- John Johnson III was a good player but was miscast as a free safety next to Grant Delpit
- The defensive tackle group needed multiple players brought in
- Jadeveon Clowney needed to be replaced with a starting-level edge rusher
- Linebackers needed to get healthy or get upgraded
- A second tight end was needed
- A starting center was needed either the return of Ethan Pocic, using a draft pick or a healthy Nick Harris
- Speed and quickness at wide receiver needed to be valued
- Special teams units needed an upgrade
As 2023 NFL free agency hits what seems to be a bit of a pause at the moment, it is interesting to see that GM Andrew Berry has addressed every single weak link noted above.