When it comes to continuity, we don’t see a lot of success for professional teams that change people in their front office or coaching staff on a yearly basis. The biggest reason is if the philosophy changes every season, then likely you don’t have the right personnel, and significant turnover has to happen.
The Cleveland Browns are trying to do that after a decade of reshuffling the deck every season.
When owner Jimmy Haslam talks about his front office, he usually mentions the term “collaborative”, which we aren’t sure works in professional sports. We believe it is far better to have someone who can judge talent in concert with the coaching staff, and let that person make the call.
That makes it very difficult for evaluate GM Andrew Berry.
First, let’s go back to the trade for Deshaun Watson. Whoever had the idea to vigorously pursue Watson via trade should be no longer with the organization. It was that bad of a decision.
However, we don’t know who advocated for the deal, and that of course leads to speculation that it was the owner who pushed for the move.
And dealing the three first round picks makes it hard to evaluate Berry’s performance in the draft. In looking at his record, we find the following:
2020: First round pick Jedrick Wills didn’t pan out as expected and has probably played his last down in Cleveland. Second rounder Grant Delpit is a solid safety. Nick Harris (5th) has been injury prone. Harrison Bryant was also selected in this draft.
2021: First rounder Greg Newsome is a starter at nickel corner and 2nd rounder Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has made a Pro Bowl, although he had a severe neck injury last season. James Hudson, selected on the 4th round is hanging on the roster by a thread.
Taking WR Anthony Schwartz in the third round wasn’t a good pick.
2022: No first this year, but the top selection, Martin Emerson is a starter, and another pick in that round, Alex Wright shows some promise. Jerome Ford (5th) is a contributor, and Michael Woods (5th) has had injury issues.
2023: Again, no first-round pick, but 2nd rounder WR Cedric Tillman shows promise. 3rd rounder Siaki Ika has been cut, but 4th rounder Dawand Jones should start somewhere if he can stay healthy and DE Isaiah McGuire flashed late last season.
Fifth round QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson looks like a wasted pick and CB Cam Mitchell seems like a solid cornerback. Offensive lineman Luke Wypler missed all of last season.
In last year’s draft, 2nd rounder Michael Hall seems to be the real deal, but has had off the field issues. It’s too early to judge anyone else.
The problem for Berry has been the lack of first round picks for sure, but neither of the two he made is an impact player. In fact, outside of Owusu-Koramoah and Delpit and maybe Emerson, none of his picks can be considered franchise cornerstones.
That might be the most damning thing to say about those drafts. He made solid trades for Jerry Jeudy, Amari Cooper, and other veterans, but free agent signings Juan Thornhill and John Johnson III haven’t worked out.
It’s why fans and media people have issues trusting Berry with this draft, which includes a first-round pick, and is oh so important for the franchise.
And we totally understand.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 