Latest from the Cleveland Browns
Despite being less than a month away from the Scouting Combine and just over a month the free agency, the Cleveland Browns found their way back in the NFL news yesterday. Additionally, a major apparent injury occurred for a likely first round draft choice this week – which could cause a minor shakeup in the middle portion of day one in this draft. Away we go, let’s dive into these topics.
Kareem’s Dream
After being released for an assault to a woman in a Cleveland hotel last year, running back Kareem Hunt has been looking for an opportunity to re-join the NFL. Along comes John Dorsey who originally drafted Hunt in Kansas City in 2017. Since that time, the back has accrued 2,151 rushing yards and 833 receiving yards with 25 total touchdowns. Looking at his on-the-field production, this seems like a no-brainer. However, there is obviously more to the story.
Kareem’s history of awful decisions off the field really puts the Browns in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Dorsey has been lauded for multiple shrewd moves, but many are asking whether getting Hunt is worth the risk. First and foremost, he will be suspended multiple games in 2019 (thus raising the question of what will he do with his free time). Secondly, will Hunt’s behavior rub off on other players? The hope is that Christian Kirksey, Baker Mayfield, and Jarvis Landry can reign him in and get him on the same page as the rest of the locker room. Finally, he’s on a zero tolerance policy with the team – one slip-up and the Browns are ready to move on. I’ve gotten tired of this several years ago with Josh Gordon; I understand it’s a different person and a different situation but having that hang over a franchise’s head could be detrimental.
For the positives: The Browns could end up with a great player who could excel for many years. This will be Hunt’s third season in this league (provided he plays) so his productivity might last for quite some time. Dorsey did not give up any assets for the running back as well. If Hunt takes another misstep or is suspended for a lengthly time, then the Browns are not out a tremendous amount of assets.
Personally, I don’t think this move will work out and I would not have signed the former Toledo running back. I would love to be proven wrong, but after missing time I don’t envision a scenario where Kareem joins the team and is the reason why they enter and go deep into the playoffs. I fully understand those fans willing to forget about his past but also get why some will never root for Hunt. This is a tough spot for the Browns.
Simmons Hurt
Defensive tackle prospect Jeffrey Simmons succumbed to an apparent ACL tear earlier this week while preparing for the NFL Draft. His position was one the Browns were looking to upgrade and Simmons would have likely been a target in the first round. Now, Simmons’ position is up in the air and the Browns have one fewer option at number seventeen. I would be ok with the team still taking Simmons later in the draft (and prepare him for the 2020 season), but would like to see them secure two athletes before that decision.
Conclusion: The Browns made a bold move on Monday and it can either be another gem or a waste of time. I’m not a big fan but I’ll give John Dorsey the benefit of the doubt. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Simmons will more than likely not be chosen by the Browns in the first round. I’m not sure who they get instead but have high hopes.
intentionalhounding 