Browns preview: Brock Osweiler, QB uncertainty linger amid rebuild
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the Cleveland Browns ...
1. Brock Osweiler is still around
Oh, right. The Browns traded for the erstwhile franchise quarterback of the Houston Texans in what looked like an NBA-style salary cap dump in March. The club was happy with receiving the Texans’ second-round draft pick in 2018, not so much the 26-year-old passer. But with training camp nearing, Osweiler is not only on the Browns roster but also is the team’s most seasoned — and expensive — quarterback with 21 career starts. He is due to count $19 million against the salary cap. Rookie DeShone Kizer will compete with Osweiler, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan for the starting job.
2. There have been wholesale changes throughout the depth chart
The Browns went 1-15 a year ago, so changes would be expected. But going off their official 2016 Week 1 starters against the Philadelphia Eagles and a projected starting lineup (including top draft picks Myles Garrett and David Njoku), the Browns are likely to roll out about five new starters on offense, not including former starting center Cameron Erving potentially moving to right tackle. On defense, new coordinator Gregg Williams could field three new starters. None of this includes rookie Jabrill Peppers, who could find his way into the starting 11 on either side of the ball.
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3. The new defense could take a step forward under Williams
Coach Hue Jackson brought in the coordinator, and while Williams will have young players to work into a new system, he often finds success immediately. In stops with the Washington Redskins (2004), New Orleans Saints (2009) and St. Louis Rams (2012) as a first-year coordinator, Williams’ defenses improved in points allowed or yards allowed, if not both, from the previous season.
4. Thomas is looking to remain the team's anchor
Left tackle Joe Thomas, 32, is entering his 11th season, all with the Browns. He has played in 160 consecutive games, made 10 Pro Bowls in a row and is a six-time all-pro. He is likely to be a Hall of Famer when he hangs it up. But the question is: How long he can continue to anchor the blind side of whoever is playing quarterback for the Browns? Hall of Famers of a similar ilk saw their careers end at about this time. Jonathan Ogden was done at 33. Walter Jones, Anthony Munoz and Orlando Pace at 34, Willie Roaf at 35. Thomas hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down, but as the Browns retool with younger players, it’s worth keeping an eye on the best player the franchise has had since rejoining the league in 1999.
5. Expect a heavy dose of the ground game
Before the revolving door at quarterback really got ridiculous, the Browns were rushing the ball at an impressive clip. Isaiah Crowell averaged 4.8 yards per attempt and totaled 952 yards and seven touchdowns. Duke Johnson averaged 4.9 yards per rush and added another 358 yards. For all of his creative formations and ability to groom quarterbacks, Jackson loves to pound the ball — and with new additions up front in center JC Tretter and right guard Kevin Zeitler, expect the Browns to hand the ball to Crowell and Johnson often.
Owczarski also writes for the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network.
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