Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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BEREA, OH – JUNE 13: Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) participates in drills during the Cleveland Browns Minicamp on June 13, 2018, at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BEREA, OH – JUNE 13: Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) participates in drills during the Cleveland Browns Minicamp on June 13, 2018, at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

31. Cleveland Browns

The Browns still have a lot of holes to fill, but they deserve credit for adding some quality professionals to their roster via free agency. Players like Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry aren’t going to power Cleveland to the playoffs, but they can make this team a lot more respectable in 2018.

The real question for the Browns is when their high draft picks from the last few seasons are really going to hit their stride. Don’t expect to see much of this year’s No. 1 overall selection Baker Mayfield until the team has given up on their playoff hopes. Recent high selections like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Corey Coleman all have nice upside.

Unfortunately for the Browns faithful, there are still too many positions on the field where there simply isn’t enough talent. The retirement of Joe Thomas at left tackle is particularly concerning. There are serious doubts over whether or not Shon Coleman can hold up as anything close to an average pass protector on the blind side. That’s part of the reason the Browns will play Taylor early in the season. They don’t want to put their future franchise quarterback in harm’s way.

The linebacking group also projects to be well below average. That isn’t the most glamorous position in the NFL these days, but the trio of Mychal Kendricks, Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins might be the weakest group in the league. Not only are they short on playmakers, they’re short on guys who can make simple reads/tackles on the defense’s second level. Add it all up and the Browns are still several years away from being postseason contenders.