Cleveland Browns: Hiring Ryan Grigson was a reach for the franchise

Adding to the Cleveland Browns’ front office was not something that was needed at this time.

Since the Cleveland Browns put into place their current front office regime, the franchise has been impressive. Maybe not on the field yet, but in terms of draft capital and the big picture point of view, they have done well.

Everyone seems to be on the right path as they look to right Cleveland’s ship back to being a promising team in the NFL. Staying the course with what they had was and still is the right approach, but for some unknown reason, Cleveland decided to add to their front office.

Yesterday, Cleveland announced that they have hired former Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson. He will be a senior personnel executive and will report to VP of player personnel Andrew Berry.

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If you recall, Cleveland hired Berry from the Colts’ front office. His boss was Grigson, but now the roles are reversed. As long as Grigson does not influence the draft and trades, perhaps this hiring could work out.

Since he failed in Indy, Grigson must now work his way back up the front office’s latter of positions. Had Grigson not struggled to succeed with the Colts, maybe they would have kept him longer.

Essentially, Grigson is now a high ranking scout. Still, seeing what exactly he does on a daily basis will make it clear very soon if Grigson can do well in Cleveland.

After all, he is the general manager who traded a first round pick for running back Trent Richardson, drafted EDGE Bjoern Werner in the first round, and failed to protect and provide the necessary resources for franchise quarterback Andrew Luck.

Berry has that background with Grigson, so he can put the newest member of the front office in the best position to succeed. Adding more football experience never does hurt a team. Instead, it is how teams use their new employee(s) and how much push they are given.

Without Grigson, Cleveland’s front office would have been fine. Just look at what they have already achieved! Grigson is an interesting hire and as long as his responsibilities does not eventually include being a decision-maker in some form, the Browns will continue to excel.

Still, my initial reaction remain consistent and that is filled with paused and hesitation. I am sure some of you feel the same way given Grigson’s background. I do not question his ability to scout talent as much. Rather, the potential of what could be done, down the road in terms of influence is what is most concerning.

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Cleveland would have been better off not hiring Grigson. Instead, they now may risk putting all of their previous success and progress on the line.

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