A solid free agency and draft in 2017 isn’t quite enough to propel the Cleveland Browns from the basement of ESPN’s post-draft power rankings. In their rankings unveiled today, there aren’t a whole lot of movers and shakers. Here is what was said about the Browns:
When you can triple your previous season's win total and still have a good shot at the No. 1 overall pick, you're in a ... good spot? Not sure, but the Browns got three fun players in the first round of the draft and somehow kept Jamie Collins from leaving in free agency. I say give Brock Osweiler a shot, but they probably won't.
One team in the division saw a big spike, though, and that was the Pittsburgh Steelers jumping five spots from No. 9 to No. 4. The primary reason for that jump is attributed to Martavis Bryant’s suspension being lifted.
The Ravens, meanwhile, were one of the biggest fallers, dropping five spots from No. 11 to No. 16. The reason given for the drop is a lack of faith in the team’s wide receiver corp. Given the hot/cold nature of the Steelers and Ravens’ rankings being dictated by that position, one would have to wonder if Cleveland’s ranking would rise above the likes of the 49ers, Jets, and Bears if Josh Gordon were to be reinstated?