The Cleveland Browns have to start being more competitive. There was a time in 2013 when the Browns were in first place. Brian Hoyer won three games in a row, but his future in Cleveland looks bleak. Jimmy Haslam and co. only gave Rod Chudzinski one year, so head coach Mike Pettine will need to hit the ground running. Here at a few needs for the Browns as the NFL Draft nears:
Quarterback
The Browns have been linked for awhile now to Johnny Manziel. Many have ridiculed Manziel, but the quarterback would give Cleveland a shot in the arm that they need. There are some good quarterbacks in this draft, and the Brown could wait until the 26th selection to draft a quarterback as well. Some other options include Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr.
Running Back
Many were stunned when the Browns traded Trent Richardson last year, but it turns out that the Browns were the real winners of the trade. Nowadays, starting running backs can be found in the middle rounds. In the second round, many have said that the Browns have interest in Carlos Hyde. If that's true, the Browns would have a connection in state from Ohio State. Some other options include Charles Sims and Isaiah Crowell.
Wide Receiver
Sammy Watkins could be an option in the top five for the Browns, but Cleveland go the Odell Beckham Jr. route at the end of the first. Cleveland has two first-round picks, and they could very well pick a quarterback and a wide receiver. Josh Gordon needs a competent receiver opposite of him, and Watkins would be a good fit.
Middle Linebacker
The Browns cut D'Qwell Jackson, and they will need to find his successor in this year's draft. If C.J. Mosley falls to the Browns at the 26th selection, Mosley will most likely be a Brown by the end of the first round.
Cornerback
Joe Haden is a dynamic cornerback, but he doesn't have a starting-material cornerback opposite of him. There are a ton quality cornerbacks in this draft. Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert, and Jason Verrett could all be options for the Browns. Coach Pettine loves his defense, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Cleveland address their secondary early in the draft.