Analyzing the state of the Dawg Pound — weighing optimism versus reality. What should Cleveland Browns fans expect for the 2018 season?
A new era has begun for the Cleveland Browns and general manager John Dorsey has firmly taken the reins. After a great many additions via trades and free agency, and a wealth of equity in the draft around the corner, there is a sense of optimism brewing in the Dawg Pound. An overall feeling has taken hold that we may finally crawl out of the laughingstock pit in which we have been imprisoned in for decades.
Personally, I am excited. Take into consideration that we now have the following:
- A GM with a proven history of making wise decisions in John Dorsey.
- A quarterback with some experience that can lead the pack until such time a young pup can take over, being Tyrod Taylor.
- A wide receiver in Jarvis Landry that is known for the ability to actually catch the ball — while being allowed on the field.
- Josh Gordon is allowed on the field!
- We even have an Ohio State alum on board. Welcome home, Carlos Hyde!
- Those “awful days of analytics” have left us with an enormous wealth of assets and equity in the draft. Where is the boo-hooing now?
I am even excited about Hue Jackson retaining his duties as our head coach. Jackson is a leader of men, I will take Joe Thomas’ word on it. Click here for an article on SI.com by Thomas himself, it will certainly put things into perspective. Yes, a future Hall-of-Famer in Thomas himself has retired, but I am confident that the benefits of his knowledge and work ethic remain.
There is no denying that the pieces are in place for a prompt and complete turning of the tide. The 2018 NFL Draft could be known as the best thing to happen to the Dawg Pound since — well, it is hard to remember a time. That said, it could also come to be known as the worst thing since — in a pair of words — Modell and Baltimore.
Although the optimism is excitingly apparent, we must consider also the reality of our situation. There will no doubt be a couple quarterbacks in the upcoming class that will rise above the norm and become superstars in the NFL of the future. If the Browns fail to secure one for themselves, the resulting aftermath will be gut-wrenching to say the least.
Another area of great concern is the gaping hole where Thomas once stood. He was the greatest to ever play the position and he cannot be replaced. That said, Shon Coleman did well on the right side last year and may transition adequately. I expect the free agent addition of Chris Hubbard and the upcoming draft will help ease the pain.
We must also take into account the amount of change within the roster. Our pack is full of new faces which come along with new personalities and traits. Will all these new Dawgs pull the sled with precision, filling their specific roles and getting along with one another while bringing up the young pups? Or will we end up with Dawg fights, a shattered sled and remnants of hope scattered out across the landscape of what could have been?
I, for one, have heard enough of the ridicule. This regime is not the regime that made the Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert draft. Nor are they the ones that passed on Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson. This is not the group that failed to draft a quality player in first round, after first round, after first round.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection
We cannot place this front office group in the same category as all of the regimes since Phil Savage selected Joe Thomas. We have had many failed regimes and ignorant draft selections, but the location on a map does not make them the same.
We even have an owner that wants to win — at this location on the map! This is Believeland! Believe in the Optimism!