Browns 10 Biggest Needs Heading Into 2017

2.) Center

The Browns allowed a NFL high 66 sacks this season. That’s just over four per game or a sack per quarter and part of the reason they couldn’t keep anyone healthy enough to consistently stay under center. The next closest team to them was Los Angeles with 49 sacks allowed. That translates to one more sack per game than the next closest team. It is also the second highest amount since 2007 with only the 2014 Jaguars allowing more with 71. The weakest link on the line is at center. After losing Alex Mack, the position has gone downhill. Cam Erving was drafted to be the eventual replacement for when Mack left but he has failed to thrive at what was considered his most natural position. He was so bad that he was pulled for an undrafted rookie center down the stretch. Cleveland needs a center that can help read the defense and create holes for the RB and keep the QB upright. It needs to be a high priority and not one to continue experimenting with.

3.) Middle Linebacker

Middle Linebacker becomes a big need for the Browns with the hiring of Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator. Mostly a 4-3 kind of guy, the Browns need a prototypical MLB that fits the scheme. Christian Kirksey had a great year as a 3-4 ILB but he is not a 4-3 ILB. In the 3-4 last year, Kirksey wasn’t the one asked to eat up the run blocks but instead blitz, be free to stop the run, and play in coverage. He should move over to the weak side OLB in a 4-3 with Collins at the strong side. With no true 4-3 MLB on the roster, the Browns need to find an athletic run stopper who can make plays all over the field in that 4-3 and be athletic enough to drop in coverage if needed. It is the same kind of role D’Qwell Jackson excelled in here when the team employed a 4-3 before struggling in the 3-4.

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