From Heartbreak to Hope: The Cleveland Browns Road Back to Relevance

Photo Courtesy of Bri Ali/Cleveland Browns

By Nate McCray

As the Cleveland Browns embark on the 2025 season, the organization faces a pivotal moment in its storied history. Following a challenging 3-14 record in 2024 and the fallout from the Deshaun Watson era, the Browns are at a crossroads. To transform into a winning organization, a strategic overhaul is essential, focusing on culture, football operations, player personnel, and critical roster enhancements through the NFL Draft and free agency.​

Culture Over Everything: Cultivating a Winning Culture and Team DNA

The foundation of any successful team lies in its culture. For the Browns, fostering a culture of accountability, resilience, and unity is paramount. This begins with leadership. Promoting tight ends coach and passing game specialist Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator will hopefully shape into instilling innovative strategies and fresh perspectives within the coaching staff.

By the same token, the organization must prioritize transparent communication and set clear expectations. Players should be encouraged to take ownership of their roles, fostering an environment where continuous improvement is the everyday norm.  Continuing to emphasize community engagement can also strengthen the bond between the team and its passionate fanbase, reinforcing a collective identity centered around perseverance and pride.​

Revamping Football Operations Infrastructure

A robust football operations department is crucial for sustained success. The Browns continued focus should be in advanced analytics and sports science to inform decision-making processes, from player acquisitions to in-game strategies. Enhancing the scouting department with a group of fresh and unique talent evaluators, and not the status quo personnel group, will ensure thorough assessments of both collegiate prospects and professional players.​

Additionally, continued fostering of collaboration between coaching staff and front office personnel can streamline operations and ensure alignment in organizational goals. Elevating their training facilities and rehabilitation programs will further support player development and health, reducing the risk of injuries that have plagued the team in recent seasons. 

Go-to-Market Strategic Approaches in the 2025 NFL Draft and Free Agency

With the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns have a prime opportunity to secure franchise-altering talent. Addressing the quarterback position remains a pressing need.  University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, or University of Miami quarterback, Cam Ward, should be options to place under center this coming season.  However, if the Browns opt for a defensive standout like Penn State EDGE rusher Abdul Carter at No. 2, they could target a quarterback later such as Jalen Milroe from Alabama in the second round.

In free agency, the Browns have been strategic in bolstering their roster. Acquiring quarterback Kenny Pickett via trade provides a potential bridge starter or valuable depth. Signings like offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas and guard Teven Jenkins aim to fortify the offensive line, while additions of defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and defensive tackle Maliek Collins enhance the defensive front. ​

Front Office Goals and Strategies

The front office must operate with a clear, long-term vision. Prioritizing financial flexibility is essential, especially considering previous contractual obligations. Strategic contract structuring and prudent salary cap management will enable the Browns to pursue key free agents and retain core players.​

In addition, fostering a collaborative environment where scouts, coaches, and executives share insights will enhance talent evaluation and acquisition processes. Emphasizing character and work ethics in player evaluations can help build a roster aligned with the desired team culture.

Addressing Player Personnel and Scouting Needs

A broad assessment of the Cleveland Browns current roster reveals several areas requiring attention:​

Quarterback: With Deshaun Watson's future uncertain due to injury setbacks, identifying a reliable starting quarterback is critical. The Browns have explored options, but they have to get it right at this position, and fast.

Running Back: The potential departure of Nick Chubb in free agency necessitates finding a dynamic running back to maintain offensive balance. Jerome Ford has shown promise, but additional depth is needed, as you can never have too many running backs (a lesson I learned coaching at the college level with my running back room). 

Wide Receiver: While Jerry Jeudy has emerged as a reliable target, bolstering the receiving corps with versatile playmakers will aid in the development of any incoming quarterback.  At least 2-3 additional great route runners that can create space and make explosive plays are needed with this group.

Offensive Line: Injuries have exposed a lack of depth. Investing in versatile linemen through the draft and free agency will protect the quarterback and enhance the running game.  This is a group that needs focused attention on to create sustainability and consistency.

Edge Rusher: Pairing another formidable pass rusher alongside Myles Garrett can elevate the defense's effectiveness. Drafting a talent like Abdul Carter could address this need.  A valuable steal in the draft could easily be someone like Marshall University’s explosive edge rusher, Mike Green – a 6’4”, 250 pound talent that is a diamond in the rough.  Here’s my warning to NFL decision makers – DO NOT SLEEP on him.

Implementing Offensive and Defensive Changes

Offensively, adopting a balanced scheme that leverages the strengths of the quarterback and skill position players is vital. Emphasizing a strong running game will alleviate pressure on the passing attack. Incorporating more play-action and quick-release passes can mitigate offensive line vulnerabilities.​

Defensively, enhancing the pass rush remains a priority. Utilizing varied blitz packages and focusing on situational football can disrupt opposing offenses. Strengthening the secondary through strategic acquisitions will complement the pass rush and improve overall defensive performance.​

Closing Remarks

The path to revitalizing the Cleveland Browns is multifaceted, requiring concerted efforts across culture, operations, and personnel. By fostering a winning mentality, investing in infrastructure, making smart strategic roster moves, and implementing effective schemes, the Browns can lay the foundation for sustained success. The 2025 season presents an opportunity to redefine the organization's trajectory and reestablish its presence as a formidable force in the NFL.


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