Browns: How Should Cleveland Improve Going Into 2016?

Dec 1, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback

(3) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Hit On Key Draft Picks

This is a big one. The Browns have zero 2011 or 2012 first round draft picks currently playing for the team. That in itself is a problem.

Pair that with the fact that LB Barkevious Mingo has not lived up to his draft stock, cornerback Justin Gilbert barely is able to get on the field and the whole QB Johnny Manziel situation, and you can clearly see that the Browns have a huge issue with picking prospects early.

It is essential in stating in next year’s draft and beyond that the Browns select players that will have a lasting impact on the team.

The Browns need help in multiple areas and as we have seen recently, those are not usually fixed in free agency. Instead they are fixed in the draft, but only if you pick the right players. Lately the Browns have not done a good job of that, which is very evident to your everyday football fan.

A lot of people have referenced the Oakland Raiders in the same regard.

Yet, over the past two years the Raiders have drafted Derek Carr, a franchise QB, a great pass rushing linebacker in Khalil Mack and a play making wide receiver in Amari Cooper. They’ve gone from the joke of the NFL to a legitimate playoff contender in just a couple of seasons and they can blame their draft strategies for that.

If the Raiders can do it so easily, why can’t the Browns?

Next: Figure Out Manziel