Cleveland Browns: Who Would Start On Offense Today?

What if the Cleveland Browns had to play a game in March? Here’s what Hue Jackson’s offense would look like.

The Cleveland Browns are reported to be in full deconstruction mode. They pulled an offer to analytic’s sweetheart tackle Mitchell Schwartz. A rare playmaker Travis Benjamin departed after stating his contract was nearly 80 percent done in December.

Fans shouldn’t, and many don’t expect the Browns to be good in 2016, but I’m not particularly fond of the “they won three games with their departed free agents, they can win three games without them” quip. Instead, I’d rather talk touchdowns when it comes to the offense.

Of those four free agents that signed with other teams, the Browns lost a total of five offensive touchdowns from last year, with Travis Benjamin scoring them all. While reading this, consider, are the Browns really six touchdowns worse on offense? Benjamin is a good player, and the Browns need good players. But The Rabbit was hardly the second-coming of Jerry Rice.

The front office will likely add his replacement in the draft. He’ll be a younger player who probably doesn’t have the injury history of Benjamin. #Justsayin.

OK, so if the offense had to suit up today, here’s your starting lineup for the Cleveland Browns.

Quarterback: Right now, the job belongs to Josh McCown. Other quarterbacks on the roster include Austin Davis and Connor Shaw. Considering the 36-year-old embraces the role of mentor, McCown’s job should be safe. McCown has two years left on his deal. He carries a cap hit of approximately $5 million for each of the next two seasons.

If the Browns select their quarterback of the future, McCown, 36, would be the man you want to mentor the rookie.

Running Back: The position hasn’t been upgraded, so it’s Isaiah Crowell’s job. Duke Johnson showed flashes with ability to catch balls out of the backfield, but his yards per carry (3.6) was rather pedestrian.

Wide Receiver: It’s bleak. Real bleak. So bleak, it’s not a question of whether the Browns will take a receiver in April’s NFL Draft, but rather, we should be wondering how many pass catchers the Browns will take.

Right now, let’s assume Josh Gordon will be eligible. From the looks of recent tweets, he’s trying to talk his way out-of-town by trade. But, he’s a Brown until he’s not, and if in the building, he’ll be starting.

"Can't help but wonder who's next.."

Opposite of Gordon, Brian Hartline should start. The former Buckeye played decently (47 catches, 523 yards) before getting injury in mid December.

In slot, Taylor Gabriel would probably be given the first chance. This is the spot Andrew Hawkins was supposed to dominate when Ray Farmer brought him over form Cincinnati two offseasons ago. Unfortunately, Hawk’s dealt with some concussions, and because of these injuries, I’m not sure how much you can count on him.

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The Browns are so thin at receiver, I’d be willing to try Terrelle Pryor out in the slot, too. He’s big, athletic, and would be a bear to try to tackle.

Tight End: With uncertainty surrounding Gordon, Gary Barnidge is the Browns’ best scoring threat.

Center: Cameron Erving has to prove a few things in training camp. There’s no way he’d start today. John Greco would move over from guard to man the center position.

Tackle: Joe Thomas is still on the fast track to the Hall of Fame on the left side On the right side, 6-foot-7, 305 pounder Austin Pasztor get the first crack to be the full-time starter on the right side in the wake of losing Schwartz. Some reporters still hold the belief that Thomas will be traded because he could probably bring back a first-round pick in return. If it happens, there’s a good chance the Browns pick his replacement this April.

Next: FoS Mock Draft Version 1.0

Guard: Joel Bitonio is still a promising young lineman who’s entering this third year. The Browns would be wise to lock him up before he can even think of free agency. On the right side, newly acquired Alvin Bailey started 42 games for the Seahawks over the last three seasons, while making eight starts. He’s played more tackle, but he’s needed at guard now.

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Who Would Start For Cleveland Browns If The 2016 NFL Season Started Today?

By Nick Dudukovich | Mar 18, 2016

What if the Cleveland Browns had to play a game in March? Here’s what Hue Jackson’s offense would look like.

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