From a talent standpoint, acquiring Deshaun Watson took the Cleveland Browns offseason from mediocre to great.
Losing players like JC Tretter to shed salary hurt in the process.
Ultimately, the upgrade at the quarterback position makes the move worth it.
At least that’s how Andrew Berry and the front office see it.
Only, they aren’t the only ones taking note of what’s brewing in Berea.
The Offseason Improvement Index from Kevin Cole of Pro Football Focus are seeing it as well.
Massive shift in the @PFF offseason Improvement Index with Matt Ryan projecting as a significant upgrade over Carson Wentz for the Colts in 2022. The Falcons fall to near the bottom, even with the signing of Marcus Mariotahttps://t.co/bKefi6Q84y pic.twitter.com/so7LkJ2rgF
— Kevin Cole (@KevinCole___) March 22, 2022
Cole ranks the Browns’ offseason improvement as fifth-best among NFL teams to this point.
With how things looked just over a week ago, that’s not too shabby at all.
Is that justified compared to other teams on the list? Let’s take a look.
Best in the North
The Browns rank higher than any other AFC North team on this list.
That’s encouraging considering how tight the division is expected to be this upcoming season.
The key, again, is the quarterback upgrade.
Cleveland had the worst QB play of any team in the AFC North last season.
Now, they have the most talented guy at the position assuming Watson is still in top form whenever he hits the field.
Keep in mind the trade package for Watson, Sure, three first-round picks is a lot of value.
However, the Browns did not have to part with any of their young and talented pieces.
Houston did not pry Greg Newsome, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, or anyone like that.
As a cherry on top, no second-round pick had to be surrendered either.
Even with the massive incoming contract and the loss of multiple first-rounders, maintaining the young studs on the roster is a huge win for the front office.
Wild, Wild, West
Two AFC West teams appear ahead of Cleveland on the list.
Denver tops the rankings while Las Vegas checks in at third.
The Browns see neither of those teams in 2022.
The Broncos made an aggressive move for an upgrade at quarterback as well by getting Russell Wilson.
High-end quarterback play is something that team has lacked since Peyton Manning called it a career.
Plus, a surprise acquisition of Randy Gregory beefs up an already impressive defense.
We’ll have to see it first, but Denver promises to be a real threat in 2022.
The Broncos offense is ready for liftoff pic.twitter.com/aOjgRxlep0
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) March 22, 2022
As for the Raiders, Derek Carr has to be just foaming at the mouth preparing to throw to Davante Adams.
Vegas did lose a first and second-round pick, but getting Adams should be worth the cost.
As one of the top receivers in the league, a trio of Carr, Adams, and Josh Jacobs poses a huge threat to any defense.
Davante Adams in the silver and black. It's real. pic.twitter.com/AaqS4L0eUK
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 22, 2022
Vegas also made some nice defense moves as well.
Adding defensive end Chandler Jones bolster their pass rush.
Corner Rock Ya-Sin should also provide some much needed help in their secondary.
The AFC West will be tough.
The only team Cleveland sees out of that division this year is the Chargers.
More to Come?
The offseason is far from over.
Free agents are still up for grabs and the NFL Draft is right around the corner.
Berry and the front office have an opportunity to make this offseason even more beneficial if they can add the right pieces.
The core is there, now it’s just a question of how much can be added to it.
NEXT: Report: Odell Beckham Jr. Open To Browns Return
