One thumb way up, another way down

As we all know, the Browns have done well in the free-agent market this offseason. How well, however, depends on your perspective.

New General Manager Andrew Berry addressed both sides of the football with 13 new faces with several more waiting to be selected in the annual National Football League college draft late next month.

Offensively, there is no logical argument raised that can criticize Berry’s seven moves. Not with the likes of offensive tackle Jack Conklin, tight end Austin Hooper, fullback Andy Janovich and backup quarterback Case Keenum.

Unlike his predecessor, Berry understands the importance of an offensive line. Once he plugs the two other holes in that line through the lottery and, perhaps, another free-agent move or trade, the 2020 Browns should have few problems scoring.

Baker Mayfield, who will operate the offense with his third offensive coordinator in three seasons, won’t have to take the frightful battering he absorbed last season behind a terrible line.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski proved last season as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator that he knows how to maximize highly skilled talent and protect his quarterback. Failure to do so last season with the Browns cost Freddie Kitchens his job.

Working with the talents of running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. and tight ends Austin Hooper and David Njoku, Mayfield should once again be able to make the kinds of plays that enabled him to set the NFL rookie record for touchdown passes in 2018.

The defense, as constituted right now, is an entirely different matter. Unless Berry makes at least two or three significant moves, the Cleveland offense this season will have to routinely outscore opponents in order to win games.

Last season’s mediocre defense, hampered by a mistake-prone offense, looks good compared to what’s on board currently. New defensive coordinator Joe Woods should lobby Berry daily to give him some talent with which to work.

Berry gutted the linebackers room and picked up B. J. Goodson and Andrew Sendejo, who are not nearly as good as Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert. The only newcomers who should be impactful are safety Karl Joseph and tackle Andrew Billings.

The pass rush is, quite simply, Myles Garrett. Period. He is the club’s lone threat to get up close and personal with opposing quarterbacks. Olivier Vernon needs to stay healthy – he has failed to do so the last two seasons – to be a factor.

Billings is the key to improving a run defense that has been perennially awful for way too long. Wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes Sheldon Richardson’s new partner at tackle with the overrated Larry Ogunjobi losing snaps.

So it’s one huge thumb up for what Berry has accomplished for the offense thus far and one gigantic thumb down on the other side of the football. Once he gets his new offensive left tackle in the draft, it’s likely he will shop heavily for defensive help.

He needs at least one edge rusher, a pair of linebackers, another safety and depth throughout the defense, especially on the line, with speed and quickness the main attributes.

Berry classifies his style as aggressive. On the field, aggression is the hallmark of a good defense. Time for the general manager to apply that aspect of the game to his defense in an effort to make the 2020 Browns a more well rounded football team.