Now, the Browns definitely have an above average, maybe even elite offensive line. Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Kevin Zeitler, J.C. Tretter... Sounds like a recipe for success. They need a Right Tackle. That's it. RTs have become less important recently with less emphasis on the RT as the blocker in charge of the ground game, and the decrease in rushing in general. Isaiah Crowell ran for almost 1,000 yards on a superb 4.9 YPC last season, and Duke Johnson also did very well, WITHOUT three different offensive line positions, and minor injuries to the other two positions hampering the play of the line. They both had great receiving figures, as well.
They have Corey Coleman. He wasn't as good as expected, but Coleman definitely still brought skill to the table, even after his injury. He will continue to bring that skill to the table. Looking at rookie seasons, comparing impact and numbers, do you know who Coleman reminds me a lot of? Brandin Cooks. They had nearly identical rookie seasons and they have nearly identical skill sets. I could see Coleman taking a huge step up this year. In less games, he outperformed Brandin Cooks' rookie season, with Terrelle Pryor absorbing the majority of the targets, and in less games. Coleman could become the #1 wideout that the team needs.
Terrelle Pryor is good, but wasn't willing to play in Cleveland unless they gave him a ton of money so he could check out on his career. They were smart with the cap. Pryor went to Washington for less money, so he could win games. I think there was mutual benefit.
The Browns added Jamie Collins and Emmanuel Ogbah to their defense, and they have Carl Nassib as a developmental prospect. They drafted Shon Coleman, who can compete with Cameron Erving for RT after a year in the league. They reached on Kessler, but when healthy, he wasn't bad. My issue with him is that the Browns' best receivers are all downfield threats, and he doesn't have a big arm. They grabbed Ricardo Louis in the draft last year, and I think he could evolve into an 800 yard receiver; a high end #3 or average #2 receiver.
I think they showed a big change in their draft last year. It wasn't just the amount of picks; it was the savvy that they showed during the draft. I think people will look back at the 2016 and 2017 drafts as the end of the 1999 run where they were inept.