Fast-forward to now and Mark Sanchez is the newest player to hit the open market. In fact, just yesterday the New York Jets decided to move on from ‘Sanchize’ Era, as they released him. The problem with Sanchez just now hitting the open market is the fact that teams such as the Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, and Tampa Buccaneers have already brought in a veteran quarterbacks. So, what exactly is the market for Mark Sanchez and where exactly would be the most likely destination? Well, for me, it’s quite simple – the Cleveland Browns are the best fit for Sanchez.
You might think I’m crazy for saying that anywhere is a good fit for Mark Sanchez, right? Wrong. Mark Sanchez is best fit in a system that has two things: a good defense and a reliable running game. And for now, it appears as if the Browns will have a pretty good defense. They have one of the best corner backs in the National Football League in Joe Haden; however, they have one hole that they might want to fill, and that is the safety position. They decided to let Pro-Bowl safety T.J. Ward walk away. In fact, Ward recently came out saying that Cleveland did not even offer him the opportunity to come back. Even though Cleveland brought in Donte Whitner as Ward’s replacement,drafting a young safety in the first round would drastically improve the team’s defense.
One option that I envision being very possible for Cleveland is finding a trade partner and dealing the fourth pick in the draft. The team already has a second first round pick, as they will pick twenty-sixth overall. Adding on more draft picks would not only give them a better opportunity at filling out their roster, but will also be essential in improving the young talent on the team. They can then draft either safety Ha-Ha Clinton Dix from Alabama or Calvin Pryor from Louisville. Both Dix and Pryor have a tremendous feel for the safety position. Dix, who is more of a finesse guy might be the better option for the Browns. Calvin Pryor has been labeled more as a hitter and with the signing of Donte ‘Hitner’, it would make more sense for them to draft a contrasting style of player.
The team also improved their defense by signing Pro-Bowl linebacker Karlos Dansby.
Another thing Cleveland has is the potential to have a really good running game. They were able to sign one of the better free agent running backs in Ben Tate. Tate, who is a very effective runner served as the back-up to Arian Foster with the Houston Texans. But despite the signing, it is imperative that the Browns bring in another running back prior to the start of the season. With the position being one of the top priorities for Cleveland, it would make sense for them to draft one in either the second or third round. There are a ton of running backs in this year’s draft class that have the potential to be really good. Bringing in a second running back to spell Tate would give the Cleveland Browns a very formidable offense.
Along with their good defense and potential at the running back position, the Cleveland Browns already have some talent in play. Wide receiver Josh Gordon has suddenly transformed into one of the games elite receivers. In just fourteen games last season, Gordon was able to rack in just over 1,600 yards, making him the NFL’s leading receiver. They also have a very athletic tight end that can stretch the field in Jordan Cameron. Cameron finished off the year with eighty receptions for 917 yards and seven touchdowns.
Why wouldn’t the Cleveland Browns want Mark Sanchez? He is better than every option that what they have on their roster and in case the Browns do not feel confident in Bortles, Bridgewater or Manziel, they can bring in an experienced veteran. When Sanchez has a capable team around him, he can still have some success in the National Football League yet again. Am I saying that I think Sanchez is the future of the Cleveland Browns and that they will go to the championship in the first year if they sign him? No, I’m not. Actually, if they do sign Mark Sanchez I would still see them drafting a developmental quarterback. All I’m saying is Mark Sanchez has shown that he has what it takes to be successful in the league. He has been very good to the Jets when the games matter the most and that is something that the Browns have not had over the past few years. Sanchez would be a very nice option that can allow the team to compete for the division crown as they continue to look for their future quarterback.
Thanks for Reading!