Browns Analyze Draft Needs and Prospects Amid Uncertainty

CLEVELAND, Ohio – As the NFL Draft approaches, Cleveland Browns analysts are evaluating potential quarterback choices amidst a series of fan inquiries regarding the team’s strategy. Jaxson Dart, a standout at the recent Combine, is becoming a focal point in discussions about the Browns’ second overall pick.

Tony Grossi, a longtime Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland, addressed a series of fan questions this week as speculation mounts on who the Browns might select. He underscored that while Dart has impressed, taking him at No. 2 would be considered a significant gamble.

“I’m a big fan of Dart, but, yes, taking him at No. 2 would be a huge reach, in my opinion,” Grossi said. “Maybe he will emerge after interviews, workouts, visits, etc., as worthy of that high of a pick. But I don’t think so.”

Another fan, Jason from Coshocton, OH, raised the topic of Dart’s comparison with Will Howard, suggesting that Dart could fall to the 33rd spot. Grossi responded, stating that while he sees Dart as notably ahead of Howard in draft rankings, he doesn’t believe Dart will last beyond the first round.

“I do think Dart is way ahead of Howard, by about two rounds of the draft,” Grossi noted, expressing skepticism over Howard’s prospects as a starting NFL quarterback given his Combine performance.

In response to a question about the draft’s overall strength, Grossi pointed to a robust pool of defensive endpoints, running backs, and tight ends, highlighting that while the Browns have needs in several areas, quarterback remains a question mark.

“This draft is strong at defensive end, defensive tackle, running back, and tight end,” Grossi explained. “The Browns have needs at each of those positions, so I think the draft sets up well for the Browns, except at the quarterback position.”

Speculation surrounding Shedeur Sanders‘ declining draft stock prompted further analysis. Grossi shared that despite mock drafts placing Sanders late in the first round, he believes Sanders will go much higher, potentially in the top three.

<p“Sanders believes he will go in the top three,” Grossi said, emphasizing that fan concerns should be seen in the larger context of draft noise.

With increasing scrutiny on Myles Garrett‘s future with the team, Grossi is cautious regarding the best course of action for the franchise. He explained that Garrett’s recent request for a trade was likely considered carefully and suggested that the team might benefit from searching for a deal that could revitalize the roster.

“I wouldn’t try to convince Garrett to change his mind. He put a lot of thought into it,” Grossi stated. “I’m of the belief that the Browns should seek the best deal for Garrett and move forward.”

As for the offensive line, another fan expressed concern about last season’s issues with tackles, prompting Grossi to address the team’s current state in the trenches. He stated that the offensive line remains a strength and highlighted the importance of returning to a successful blocking scheme.

“The strength of the team still is the offensive line,” Grossi remarked. “The change in schemes last year was a disaster. Now, they’re moving back to the Bill Callahan wide-zone blocking scheme. That will have a bigger impact than any additions in personnel on the line.”

As the date of the NFL Draft approaches, Cleveland fans are left to ponder the team’s direction and which players could impact their future.