James Walker of ESPN asked the question that has been irritating many Browns fans: why was Cleveland ranked No. 32 overall and projected to receiver the first pick in the 2012 draft? Scout Inc's Matt Williamson answered Walker's question with the following:
Williamson: This is another one I've backtracked a little from. Now I would move the Browns from No. 32 to No. 31 and put Washington at 32. But overall it's a tough thing to ask right now. There's a ton of free agency where players are going to move around. But there are big worries. The Browns are in a tough division, although their schedule overall is reasonably easy. But that's not something I looked into a whole lot when I did these rankings. I just think in this league you need to stop the pass and be able to pass. Their passing game is still among the worst in the league. How much offense can they generate? Colt McCoy still has a lot to prove. I don't think there's a real high ceiling and they don't have anyone dangerous that scares you. I love the Greg Little pick, but he didn't even play football last year. I think their draft tells you everything you need to know that they are building for the long term. They are getting quantity versus quality, which is smart because their roster is so weak. If you look at how they're going to defend the pass, they don't have any pass-rushers. I love Joe Haden and I think their secondary is pretty good and will only get better. But their front four is still a really big worry to me, especially their pass-rushers.
That isn't much better to hear that Washington could be behind the Browns. What about the likes of Carolina and Buffalo? Was the team's solid stretch against the likes of the Saints, Patriots, and Jets last year just a fluke? Does Peyton Hillis not contribute anything? I guess in the end, it's really not worth getting all riled up about the ranking; we'll see what happens when the [potential] season begins.