32 in 32: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns

Read the introduction here
Read the Vikings preview here
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tomorrow
2011 Record: 4-12

Key Acquisitions: Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden
Key Departures: Eric Steinbach, Peyton Hillis (worst Madden cover decision ever)

This division is really tough and they'll be bad for a few years because the Raven, Bengals and Steelers will all beat up on them. They'll be better this year though.

Offense
The 28-year-old rookie has been named the starter, so the Colt McCoy era is over. I know absolutely nothing about Weeden, so let's just move on.

Trent Richardson is a beast of a running back. He's going to be a really good runner and that will be a great help to a rookie QB. This tandem is going to be the core of this team for years to come (ignoring the fact that Weeden is 28).

Mediocre receiving corps. Josh Cribbs is a dynamic athlete, but after him... The running game will be good, but there's absolutely nothing to throw to. They could be last in the league is passing.

Don't forget, they have a Gronkowski on their roster.

I like this offensive line. Joe Thomas is arguably the best tackle in the league, and Alex Mack is above average. I expect Richardson and Weeden to have a lot of protection, which is perfect for players that are new to the league. Weeden is going to have a lot of time to throw, and Richardson will have good protection.

Defense
Guess what team was #10 in defense last year? Anyone? The Browns. They did it with a bad defensive line, and their defensive line is still really bad. Juqua Parker and Frostee Rucker are the best players on this line. I don't know how their going to live with this.

Scott Fujita is suspended for 3 games, so D'Qwell Jackson has to carry this front 7 on his back until he returns. Both are pretty good.

Joe Haden is a good young player that I really like. Sheldon Brown has always been a really productive corner for his careeer. Both good, but they don't have great safeties to help next to them.

Special Teams
Phil Dawson is a really reliable kicker and won't be giving away easy field goals and Reggie Hodges is a decent punter. Josh Cribbs is a really good return man so he'll be getting good field position for the offense.

6-10, 4th in AFC North