Evan Silva Ranks NFL Lineups; Puts the Cleveland Browns at No. 24 Overall

Earlier today, I checked out Evan Silva's article that ranked (in detail) all 32 teams in the NFL based on their cumulative starting lineups on both sides of the ball. Silva's column was segmented into four pages, so I immediately clicked on "page four" in an effort to find the Browns.

I expected to have to scroll down toward the bottom after doing so, but to my delight, he actually had Cleveland at No. 24 overall. He even went as far as saying that he thinks the Browns are "a quarterback away from being a playoff team." Nice.

Offensive Overview: The Browns are ranked relatively low here, but they're a quarterback away from being a playoff team. And it certainly isn't out of the question that QB gurus Rob Chudzinski and Norv Turner mold big-armed Weeden into a viable short-term fix for their vertical passing attack. The offensive line is a mauling young group that graded out positively in the 2012 ratings of both Pro Football Focus and Football Outsiders. The only front-five starter that may not return is left guard Jason Pinkston, who claims he's medically cleared from last year's blood clot scare and is potently backed up by Greco anyhow. Richardson's 3.56 YPC average is a lock to rise as he moves past last year's double knee surgeries and multiple rib fractures. Long-ball wide receiver Gordon is an ideal fit for what Chud and Norv want to do in the passing game. Little, Bess, and sneaky breakout candidate Cameron complement Gordon as chain movers.

He doesn't list a starting fullback for Cleveland or a second tight end, opting to go with Davone Bess as a third receiver instead. With the health status of Jason Pinkston, he has John Greco penciled in there for the time being. Here is what Silva thinks of the defense:

Defensive Overview: Keep in mind Jabaal Sheard isn't even listed here. He's been the Browns' best pass rusher the past two seasons, but seems to be in a state of limbo after the Mingo pick. Under the direction of brilliant new playcaller Ray Horton, Cleveland could boast a high-octane pass-rushing rotation if they don't trade Sheard before the season. The Browns' front seven looks excellent on paper following the additions of Kruger and Calais Campbell clone Bryant, who was perhaps the most underrated defensive signing of the 2013 free-agency period. Cleveland has solid secondary starters in Ward and Haden, but right cornerback and free safety are up for grabs. Old Horton pupil Kerry Rhodes would make a ton of sense in the latter hole.

Silva is going with youth defensively, as he has Barkevious Mingo starting at outside linebacker over Jabaal Sheard and cornerback Leon McFadden starting opposite Haden. Craig Robertson is also listed at inside linebacker, with Tashaun Gipson at safety. Silva echoed my wishes of having veteran Kerry Rhodes coming to town as a fill-in.