The NFL Draft is set for April 26, and your Cleveland Browns hold the No. 4 overall pick, plus the 22nd pick in the first round. Thanks very much to the Falcons for the extra selection.
Fans seem eager to discuss how the Browns should use those picks, and there is plenty of debate about Robert Griffin III and if he's the future at quarterback for the team. But don't forget about free agency beginning on March 13. There are some big-name players available at positions where the Browns desperately need an upgrade.
Wide receiver
Whoever winds up playing quarterback for the Browns in 2012 desperately needs a few more receivers to target. Greg Little emerged as a solid starter in his rookie year but needs to work on holding onto the ball. Mohamed Massaquoi missed time due to concussions again in 2011, an injury that could hamper the rest of his career.
The fact that these are the Browns' two best receivers at the moment speaks volumes
It's clear the Browns need to address this position, and with Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State likely off the board before they draft, they should seek a big name in free agency. A few intriguing names include Vincent Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, and DeSean Jackson. All three fit the mold of "No. 1 receiver," and DeSean Jackson has ties to Browns GM Tom Heckert. It was Heckert who drafted Jackson in 2008.
Other options are names like Marques Colston, Mario Manningham, and Reggie Wayne. Plenty of choices for the Browns here, so they should land one of these players if they want fans to take them seriously in 2012.
Linebacker
Since there doesn't appear to be a linebacker worthy of the No. 4 overall pick, the Browns should be looking for strong-side and weak-side linebackers through the free agent market.
But first, the Browns need to take care of their middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who is also a free agent this year. Jackson had a strong comeback season and deserves a fair deal from the team
On the outside, Heckert and company could pursue Anthony Spencer from the Cowboys. Spencer had a solid year, emerging as a proven starter. But he has been playing in a 3-4 defense and would have to make the adjustment to the Browns' 4-3 scheme.
Erin Henderson of the Vikings could be a better option. He has experience in the 4-3 defense and, at only 26 years old, has a bright future ahead of him.
Offensive line
Joe Thomas and a healthy Eric Steinbach should solidify the left side of the line in 2012. And with the emergence of Jason Pinkston in Steinbach's place last year, the Browns could move him to the right side ahead of Shawn Lauvao. But right tackle is still a glaring need for the team.
Jared Gaither from the Chargers could be a solution. He was a very productive backup for San Diego when Marcus McNeil went down with an injury last year and is only 26. Gaither would have to move from the left side to the right, but it seems likely he would do so for a chance to be a regular starter.
Other areas of concern
The Browns also need to improve the secondary and their running game if they let Peyton Hillis walk. Both are probably better addressed through the draft. There are some big time running backs available - Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Arian Foster, just to name a few - but the team is better off spending their money on a less injury-prone position.
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