12. Returner
The Browns actually had good return numbers this year. They were sixth in kick returns at over 25 per return and fourth in punt returns with just over eleven a return. It’s currently a position of need because Travis Benjamin, the punt returner, is set to hit free agency. Kick returner will also be a need because the Browns used six of them throughout the season. Mostert and Jennings were signed over halfway through the season. Draughn was cut in the beginning of the year. Gilbert was hurt and a healthy scratch at times. Moore and Johnson combined for the other five returns. The Browns could use some stability at kick returner and also somebody to replace Benjamin if they don’t resign him.
11. Outside Linebacker
This is a player versus production battle so it falls farther down on the list as compared to some. The Browns finished fifth worst in the NFL with 29 sacks on the season, nine of them coming in one game against San Francisco. The Browns should have Scott Solomon back next year after losing him for the year due to injury. The team also has former sixth overall pick Barkevious Mingo and second round pick Nate Orchard. The Browns still have Paul Kruger under contract but there is a possibility he gets cut despite leading the team in sacks in 2014. The problem is this season the Browns only got 5.5 sacks combined from all four of them with Orchard and Kruger being the only two to record them. The Browns can use another guy to help with productivity since the position failed to perform this year.
10. Running Back
The Browns finished the year with 95 yards a game and 4.0 YPA on the ground. They only had a two back system with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. They cut Shaun Draughn who had a decent season for San Francisco and they cut Terrelle Pryor to make room for an injured Robert Turbin who proved to be a bust and cut shortly after that. The Browns have their change of pace and pass catching third down back with Duke Johnson. Isaiah Crowell didn’t do much to stand out and make himself the star RB either. With RBs being found all over the place the Browns can look to add another back. They need a guy that can be that star running back to replace Crowell or they need to look for a power back that can run inside for the hard yards.
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