Browns: Jadeveon Clowney isn’t a player that Cleveland should invest in

The Browns had a chance to get Jadeveon Clowney last year, and a majority of fans wanted to see it all come together. The Browns needed help on the line, and Clowney was coming off a moderately well-received season of 47 tackles, nine sacks, and an undeserved Pro Bowl nod. Instead of coming to Cleveland, however, Clowney went to Tennesse instead, where only played eight games, only had 19 tackles, and didn’t register a sack all year.

Now the Browns are so desperate for pass-rushing help, they’re bringing him back in for another interview.

Clowney has always been overrated as a player. For a long time when he was drafted and played for Houston, Clowney had the benefits of playing next to J.J. Watt.  In that time he only registered three moderate seasons, and two of which were as a 3-4 outside linebacker. To date, Clowney has only topped nine sacks twice, and never any more. His turns in Seattle and Tennessee were as bad as can be expected, considering his status as a three-time Pro Bowler.

Three Pro Bowls, that even at the time, seemed like a confusing decision.

Clowney has battled with injuries a lot in his career and they’re taking their toll. He’s not the player he once was and that’s pretty obvious. His play is declining and the odds that this will be the year that he finally gets double-digit sacks seems highly unlikely.

The other problem that arises with taking Clowney is what to do with the NFL Draft? With Clowney, Takk McKinley, Porter Gustin, and Myles Garrett, there’s going to be a lot of reps already occupied. Would the Browns still take a defensive end at 26 in the first round?

There are some interesting prospects in the draft this year like Zaven Collins or Jaelan Phillips, both with better upside long term than Clowney. If the Browns do sign Clowney, do they skip over a defensive end? Can the team afford to do that?

It makes little sense to get someone so unpredictable like Clowney, especially with the draft still weeks away.

There’s no reason to sign Clowney at this point. He’s got name value, sure, but not game value.