Free Agent Pick-Ups Include Potential Starters
As NFL free agency began last Wednesday, there were a handful of names that everyone was watching to see where they would end up. Leading the list was, as expected, QB Kirk Cousins, whose odd time in Washington showcased his talent, but didn't produce any meaningful wins. Others that were on the radar were CB Trumaine Johnson, TE Jimmy Graham, and OT Nate Solder. Unfortunately, none of them went to the Browns.
Carlos Hyde By Jeffrey Beall [CC BY 3.0]
They did, however, pick up a couple of difference-makers. Carlos Hyde will most likely be the new starting running back, and likely a fan favorite due to his Ohio State ties. I also hope this squashes fans clamoring for picking Saquon Barkley at No. 1 overall in the draft. Hyde is fairly similar to the departing Isaiah Crowell, who left in free agency to the New York Jets. Hyde is slightly faster, though.
With the announcement of left tackle stalwart Joe Thomas' retirement, the Browns are in a hole regarding the offensive line. The signing of RT Chris Hubbard will help alleviate the situation. Donald Stephenson was also added from the Broncos. I'm still not sure who gets moved to starting LT, since most of the options we have mainly play as right tackle or guard. It is an interesting development and a competition that I will be watching throughout training camp.
Several defensive players, including CB Travis Carrie, were signed as well. The contract given to Carrie, at four years and $31,000,000, suggests he will be starting. He will most likely take the place of traded CB Jason McCourty, who went to the Patriots in what I considered an odd move.
By New York Jets [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Jets Trade Shakes Up Draft
The New York Jets have acquired the third overall pick in this year's draft from the Indianapolis Colts. While this has major impacts to the rest of the league, it definitely affects how the browns are going to approach this draft.
The Jets initially had the No. 6 pick in this year's draft, but they gave that pick, along with two second-round picks this year, and one second-rounder in 2019, to move up three spots. There was also a report that came out that they contacted Cleveland in an attempt to get the No. 1 overall pick, but I assume the price was too high. This tells us a few things. First, the Jets are set on drafting a QB. You don't move up and give up picks like that in any other case. They knew that the top talent at QB would most likely be gone by pick No. 6, and could not pass it up.
Secondly, it tells me that the Browns are drafting a QB as well. For as much as passionate but short-sighted Cleveland fans want the Browns to pick Saquon Barkley at No. 1, their refusal to move down tells me they are eyeing the most important position on the field, too. I could easily see a quarterback being taken in picks 1-3.
Now the Browns own the No. 4 pick in the draft as well this year, and as a consensus, there are four "top-tier" QBs available. Most reporters have Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Josh Allen in some order as their premium QBs. Personally, I think Lamar Jackson should be in this conversation, but we'll see how it plays out. Owning that "last chance" at a top-rated QB could mean a huge ransom if Cleveland would trade that pick to say, Buffalo or Arizona. This could also pressure the Broncos to move up just one spot from No. 5 to make sure they don't get leap-frogged. Or the Browns could stay at No. 4 and pick the best non-QB player in the draft.
There are a lot of options and it's going to get very interesting between now and draft day.
Cover Image Credit : By Moe Epsilon [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Author: @jaymesbawned
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