From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

[Mike7Vinas]

From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise




Introduction

The Browns last reached an NFL Championship in 1964 on the back of possibly the greatest running back in NFL history, Jim Brown.

Plenty of time has passed and the Browns have been through a lot. The Drive, the fumble, the relocation to Baltimore, and much more. The Browns have been the laughing stock in the league for a while and now lets see if they could make waves and achieve former glory behind their new head coach.

Meet the Coach



Les Miles is your new coach in Cleveland! After being fired after a very successful stint at LSU, Miles and Cleveland have reached a deal worth about $4M over 2 years.

Miles went 141-55 in his career at LSU, including an impressive 62-28 record within the always competitive SEC. Successful college coaches don't always go on to be successful in the NFL. For example, Nick Saban went from being a coaching genius at LSU to being called mediocre in his time with the Miami Dolphins. Nobody knows is Miles will turn the Browns around but that question is answered with another; what do they have to lose?

House Rules

Quarters: 8 (no accel clock)
Speed: Normal
Difficulty: All-Madden
Sliders: Custom, tried to make the hardest set possible
Game: Madden 25
Reasoning: I decided on 25 purely on the ability to upload draft classes
Platform: PS3

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Browns Preseason; Year 1



Cleveland welcomes 2 new talented quarterbacks who were fighting throughout the preseason for the starting job; Cody Kessler, a rookie from USC with exceptional accuracy and a pretty good arm and newly acquired Robert Griffin lll who's career has gone nothing but down since being drafted number 2 overall by the Washington Redskins and taking them to the playoffs in his rookie campaign.

Both Quarterbacks were given equal reps and after a 3-1 preseason in Cleveland, Coach Miles would hold a press conference to announce their signal caller for this season. Here's his announcement on the starter:

Miles: "I know everybody here is itchin' to find out who will start but first I want to praise both of them, both played well and it was a very hard decision to make, but without further ado, your starting quarterback will be Robert Griffin lll, this decision isn't anything against Cody (Kessler) and he'll be on deck to step in whenever he is needed."

Now that the quarterback situation is settled the only other question is who would be the starting back, Duke Johnson Jr. or Isaiah Crowell? Miles would hit on that in the press conference as well.

Miles: "Now to address the running back situation, here we have two very talented backs that even with a backup role will still receive significant carries. Isaiah (Crowell) will be our #1 back heading into this season but Duke (Johnson) will receive a lot of carries, consider it close to a 60/40 split."


Notable Signings-
HB/FB- Andre Brown
FS- Desmond Southward
DT- Alameda Ta'amu
SS- Isaiah Lewis
Notable Releases- None

Preseason Schedule
Week 1- Los Angeles Rams, Loss 20-17
Week 2- vs Detroit Lions, Win 33-18
Week 3- @Indianoplis Colts, Win 34-10
Week 4- @Chicago Bears, Win 20-17

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Week 1; Year 1

Isaiah Crowell finds the endzone four times in victory over Dolphins

Browns fans everywhere had something to cheer about Sunday as Cleveland got a victory against the Miami Dolphins, 38-24.

The charge for the Browns was led by a tremendous performance by running back Isaiah Crowell. Crowell rumbled for 154 yards on 23 carries and 3 touchdowns. He also put up a touchdown in the receiving game.

The Dolphins would open up the game with a 69 yard drive ending in an Andrew Franks field goal to put the Dolphins up 3-0 through one quarter.

Early in the second the Dolphins would strike on a 25-yard touchdown grab by veteran Santonio Holmes to put the Fins up 10. It wouldn't take long for the Browns to strike back though, 6 plays later they found themselves at the 2-yard line, that's when Isaiah Crowell plunged in for his first score on the night.

The Browns would later tie it on a Cody Parkey 38-yard field goal. After an interception the Browns would find the endzone again, this time on a 43 yard scamper from Crowell. That wouldn't end the first half scoring for Cleveland as with 22 seconds to go Crowell would punch it in for the third time, this time on a 30 yard reception.

The Browns would open up the second half with a 77-yard drive, getting down to the Dolphin 11 yard line. Cleveland would spoil the opportunity though as Bene Benwikere would jump a RG3 pass and take it down to the Cleveland 9. It only took Miami one play as Ryan Tannehill would find Devante Parker for a touchdown to bring Miami within 7.

Cleveland wouldn't play games as Crowell would find the endzone once more, this time on a 43 yard rush to put the Browns up 14 heading into the final quarter.

After both teams traded interceptions the Dolphins found themselves in good field position at the Cleveland 35. That wouldn't last long as Demario Davis would intercept Tannehill of a ball tipped by Linebacker Christian Kirksey , that would be Tannehill's fourth interception on the night.

The Browns would then find the endzone on an 11 yard Gary Barnidge touchdown to put the dagger in for the Browns victory. The Dolphins would punch it in during garbage time to make the final score 38-24.

Next week the Browns will travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens for the first time this season.

Stat Leaders

Passing-
R.Tannehill- 25/42, 301 yards, 3TD, 4INT
R.Griffin lll- 13/22, 158 yards, 2TD, INT

Rushing-
I.Crowell- 23 CAR, 154 yards, 3TD
K.Drake- 10 CAR, 50 yards

Receiving-
K.Stills- 4 REC, 80 yards
C.Coleman- 4 REC, 45 yards

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Week 1 News

Breaking News

Duke Johnson Jr. sent to Chicago for 3rd and 7th round for draft picks




Cleveland struck a deal with the Bears sending running back Duke Johnson Jr. to Chicago for 3rd and 7th round draft picks for the 2017 draft. Johnson reportedly demanded a trade on a phone call with Coach Les Miles because of his lack of carries in the week one victory over Miami. Johnson didn't touch the ball one time in the win. You may ask who will fill the void as the only other running back on roster is Andre Brown who is mostly used as a backup fullback. Well the Browns made another move, signing free agent running back Taiwan Jones (1 year, $1M). Jones is known for his elusiveness and explosive speed but he'll be behind Isaiah Crowell who had a big game in the win over the Dolphins. Crowell finished the night with 23 carries for 154 yards with 3 scores and a receiving touchdown.

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Scouting Report #1

Samaje Perine, Deshaun Watson, and Kenny Hill Outline Talented 2017 Draft Class




In a draft class stacked with talent especially at the quarterback position with Kenny Hill (TCU), Deshaun Watson (Clemson), Ryan Burns (Stanford), Malik Zaire (Notre Dame), all garnering a first round projection this class could see up to 10 quarterbacks go in the first three or four rounds.

So far the projected #1 pick is Linebacker Dondre Lee, outside linebacker at Lehigh University (FCS) located in Pennsylvania.
Despite not attending a well-known school, Lee has broken multiple records both national and school. He led the FCS in tackles last season (140), had a career high 12 sacks, and won defensive player of the year. He is a force and is a dream pick for any team lucky enough to get him.

Samaje Perine (Oklahoma) isn't the only running back projected to go in the first round of the draft. He's joined by 5 other running backs; Darrel Williams (LSU), Jarvion Franklin (W. Michigan), Nick Chubb (Georgia), Ray Lawry (Old Dominion), and Dalvin Cook (FSU), all will most likely go right beside him in round one.

The downside of the otherwise talented class is the lack of quality offensive lineman. No linemen are projected to go in the first round and only two in the second round.

The Cleveland Browns have their eyes on a couple athletes:

QB- Malik Zaire, 22, 6'0" 225 (1,22)- Notre Dame
THP- B, SAC- B, MAC- B, DAC- D

QB Kyle Allen, 22, 6'3" 214 (3,11)- Texas A&M
THP- B, SAC- B, MAC- B, DAC- C

DT- Chris Bailey, 22, 6'2" 259 (2,3)- TCU
STR- B, PMV- B, FMV- B, BSH- D

SS- Trey Marshall, 23, 6'0" 209 (1,29)-
Florida State
MCV- C, ZCV- C, PRC- C, TAK- B

[TheRosterMaster]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

I'm liking this so far. Great win to start the year and a couple of nice transactions.

Just a quick question, why are you putting Malik Zaire in your draft class?

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

I'm liking this so far. Great win to start the year and a couple of nice transactions.

Just a quick question, why are you putting Malik Zaire in your draft class?

I have no clue, he wasn't on the players leaving when I exported the draft class but he ended up on it.

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Week 2; Year 1

Isaiah Crowell leads Browns to victory again with 234 yard, 3 TD performance




The Browns had nothing going for them in this game besides the run, Isaiah Crowell put on a show stampeding for 234 years and three touchdowns.

It didn't take Crowell long to heat up, on the first play from scrimmage he rattled off an 85 yard run to give the Browns an early 7-0 lead. Baltimore would then have a solid drive lead by backup quarterback Ryan Mallett who is in for the injured Joe Flacco. The drive would stall on a 3rd and 1 give to Lorenzo Taliaferro that was eaten up by defensive tackle Danny Shelton for a loss. That forced Baltimore to kick a 33 yard field goal to put the score at 7-3.

Teams would trade interceptions and the Browns would find themselves up 14-3 after another long Isaiah Crowell touchdown, this one from 44 yards out.

The Ravens would find a bit of a spark with 3 consecutive first down carries by running back Lorenzo Taliaferro but it was for nothing as on 3rd and 5 from Baltimore's 49, Mallett would take off out of the pocket and receive a devastating hit from linebacker Christian Kirksey which would jar the ball free, resulting in a scoop and score for Cleveland's Corey Lemonier. Browns would then lead 21-3. They would increase their lead with 25 seconds remaining in the half with another Crowell touchdown run, this one from 68.

Leading 28-3 at the half the Browns wouldn't expect Baltimore to start to stage a comeback but they would do just that. On the Raven's first drive they would find the endzone in just three plays on a 40 yard bomb from Mallett to Mike Wallace. After another RGlll interception, Baltimore would strike again. Mallett would waste no time finding veteran Steve Smith for the 25 yard score to put the score at 28-17 heading into the fourth.

The Browns passing game would continue to struggle as three straight incompletions would result in a punt. After a nice drive consisting of only runs brought Baltimore down to the Brown's three. Mallett would then go play action on 3rd and Goal and find tight end Dennis Pitta to draw within 4.

The Browns found themselves in a difficult spot not being able to pass the football and Crowell being sidelined with cramps late. Robert Griffin would attempt to right his wrongs and take over this ball game, and that's exactly what he did. He would pass for 56 yards out of his total of 119 on the final drive, finishing it off with a keep to get into the endzone and cement this one at 35-24. Baltimore would not be able to strike back and the Browns would take it, going to 2-0 on this young season.

Next week the Browns will head to Minneapolis to take on another undefeated squad, the Minnesota Vikings led by Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater.

Stat Leaders

Passing
R.Mallett- 19/30, 282 YDS, 3TD, INT
R. Griffin lll- 9/16, 119 YDS, 2 INT

Rushing
I.Crowell- 18 CAR, 236 YDS, 3 TD
L.Taliaferro- 15 CAR, 49 YDS

Receiving
M.Wallace- 4 REC, 97 YDS, TD
C. Coleman- 3 REC, 56 YDS

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Week 3; Year 1

Corey Coleman exposes Vikings defense en route to Browns victory




The Cleveland Browns would improve to 3-0 for the first time since the 1993 season with a 27-10 victory Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings.

Rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman would produce his best performance of his young career, racking up 173 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Neither team would be able to move the football to start the game as each team would find themselves going three and out and punting it away. The game would remain scoreless going into the second.

It wouldn't take long after the break for the Vikings to strike first blood, finding the endzone on a 23 yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Jarius Wright. The Browns would have an answer though as Isaiah Crowell would find running room all the way down to the Minnesota 12. That's when RGlll would find rookie Corey Coleman for his first score of the night.

After an interception by Tramon Williams at the Vikings 29 yard line, Coleman would find the endzone once more from 25 yards out. It looked like Minnesota would answer almost immediately with returner Cordarrelle Patterson tripping at midfield on what would've been a sure touchdown. It wouldn't matter though as the Vikings wouldn't move from that spot, punting it back to the Browns with 45 seconds remaining in half number one.

The Browns would add points on the scoreboard before the intermission on a 52 yard Cody Parkey field goal. They would lead 17-7 heading into the break.

The defenses would stiffen up to begin the second half as both teams would combine for a total of 44 yards in the third quarter, 34 of them coming from Cleveland. After another Tramon Williams' interception, the Browns would put up the only points of the third quarter with a 44 yard field goal from Parkey. Going up 20-7 heading into the fourth.

The Vikings would find somewhat of a rhythm as Bridgewater would find the rookie from Germany, Moritz Boehringer, four times for 66 yards. They would suffer a huge loss though as star running back Adrian Peterson would leave the game with back spasms. They would end up tacking on a 22 yard Blair Walsh field goal to cut Cleveland's lead to 10.

It wouldn't take long at all for the Browns to respond as Corey Coleman would torch Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes for 81 yards on a deep ball. That would make the score 27-10 with only 2:02 to play.

The Vikings would try to answer but with 31 seconds remaining they would make a costly mistake as Bridgewater would be sacked by cornerback Jamar Taylor, fumbling the football in the process which would be recovered by Stephen Paea to seal the game.

Next week the Browns will return to Cleveland for their first of a three game home stretch against their AFC North foe, The Cincinnati Bengals (0-3).

Stat Leaders

Passing
R.Griffin lll- 15/23, 240 YDS, 3 TD
T.Bridgewater- 15/27, 199 YDS, TD, 2INT

Rushing
I.Crowell- 13 CAR, 77YDS
J.McKinnon- 6 CAR, 42 YDS

Receiving
C.Coleman- 7 REC, 173 YDS, 3 TD
M.Biehringer- 6 REC, 71 YDS

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Week 4; Year 1

Crowell gashes Bengals late to help Cleveland escape with a narrow win



The Cleveland Browns would double their win total from last season after a 24-17 victory over the visiting Bengals. That gives the Browns their first 4-0 start since the 1979 season.

Robert Griffin lll would look like a polar opposite of himself from last week's performance with a no touchdown, two interception outing.

Early in this one the Bengals would control the game, moving the football with ease on their initial drive going 80 yards in 6 plays, capping it off with a 14 yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to Tyler Kroft to give Cincinnati an early 7-0 lead. That score would hold heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter wouldn't look much different as the Bengals would go up 14-0 after a Dalton passed was bobbled and brought in by receiver James Wright from 33 yards away. The scoring wouldn't stop their though as Griffin lll would be intercepted by Karlos Dansby and Cincinnati would start at the Browns 22.

The Browns defense would hold though as Cincinnati would be forced to kick a field goal to go up 17-0 with three minutes left in the half.

After a 66 yard kick return by receiver Andrew Hawkins, the Browns would find their only points of the half coming off of a 50 yard Cody Parkey field goal. The Bengals would lead 17-3 heading into the break.

It would take the Browns just seconds to bring the game back to one score as Hawkins would have another huge return of 99 yards, punching it in to bring the Browns within 7.

After a defensive slugfest of a third quarter each team struggled to gain momentum until the fourth quarter. That's when the Browns and Isaiah Crowell would take over. Crowell would take the opening carry of the fourth quarter 55 yards to the house to tie the game up for Cleveland.

The Bengals would stall on their ensuing drive and Crowell would immediately make them pay, rushing for another touchdown, this one from 23 yards. That would give the Browns the lead once and for all.

The Bengals would attempt to take the game into overtime but a tipped Dalton pass would be intercepted by safety Dezmen Southward, putting this one in the books.

Next Week the Browns will play host to the Buffalo Bills (2-2) lead by running back LeSean McCoy.

Stat Leaders

Passing
A.Dalton- 20/36, 208 YDS, 2 TD, INT
R.Griffin lll- 12/24, 139 YDS, 2 INT


Rushing
I.Crowell- 20 CAR, 107 YDS, 2 TD
J.Hill- 10 CAR, 79 YDS

Receiving
A.Green- 6 REC, 88 YDS
C.Coleman- 3 REC, 44 YDS

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Season 1 Recap

To get this franchise going faster and get more into developing a plot, I have decided to wrap up season 1 and post the results of the season on this post. I've already played through the season and am starting the offseason currently.

Browns Year 1 Schedule
Final Record: 8-8 (4th in AFC East)
1. vs Dolphins, W 38-24
2. @ Ravens, W 42-24
3. @ Vikings, W 27-10
4. vs Bengals, W 24-17
5. vs Bills, W 33-27 OT
6. vs Lions, L 31-28 OT
7. @ Packers, L 37-13
8. @ Chiefs, L 31-20
9. vs Ravens, L 35-17
10. Bye
11. @ Bengals, L 34-10
12. vs Steelers, L 21-16
13. vs Jaguars, L 31-29
14. @ Patriots, W 38-30
15. vs Bears, W 28-24
16. @ Jets, W 17-14
17. @ Steelers, L 23-18

The Browns would win another game completing a 5 game in streak to start off the season, the success wouldn't stay around long as the Browns would drop 7 straight and make a free agent pickup at quarterback acquiring Matt Flynn. RGlll throwing for a then league high 15 interceptions prior to week 11 combined with a season ending knee injury to rookie Cody Kessler lead to this transaction. Flynn would start and provide an accurate quarterback who wouldn't do it all but would do enough. He would have to do more than enough due to multiple injuries to breakout running back Isaiah Crowell, leaving him out of 5 games. They would end the season winning three in a row and then falling to the division champion Steelers. The Browns would go .500 but miss the post season.

Notable Season Stats

Passing
R.Griffin lll- 133/244, 1,874 YDS, 13 TD, 16 INT
M.Flynn- 79/143, 1,017 YDS, 6 TD, 4 INT

Rushing
I.Crowell- 198 CAR, 1,236 YDS, 14 TD
T.Jones- 65 CAR, 436 YDS, 3 TD

Receiving
C.Coleman- 56 REC, 938 YDS, 6 TD
J.Gordon- 47 REC, 637 YDS, 2 TD
G.Barnidge- 40 REC, 515 YDS, 7 TD
J.Boyce- 24 REC, 343 YDS, TD

Defense
D.Davis- 97 TAK, SK, 2 INT
T.Williams- 33 TAK, 7 INT
D.Southward- 80 TAK, SK, 3 INT

Special Teams
C.Parkey- 17/22 (77%), Long of 52
B.Colquitt- 37.8 Net Avg., 5 inside 20


Awards
MVP- QB A.Rodgers- Packers
OPOY- RB Reggie Bush- Jaguars
DPOY- MLB Luke Kuechly- Panthers
ORY- RB E.Elliott- Cowboys
DRY- DE J.Bosa- Chargers
Coach of the Year- Mike McCarthy- Packers

Aaron Rodgers takes home the league MVP beating out fellow quarterback Carson Palmer. Rodgers threw for 4,502 yards and 28 touchdown along with 18 interceptions, leading the Packers to a 13-3 record. Veteran running back Reggie Bush rejuvenates himself with an epic 1,550 yard, 13 touchdown season taking the Jaguars to a 13-3 record and a division crown.

Luke Kuechly churns out another great season earning himself a defensive player of the year award. Former Buckeyes Bosa & Elliott take rookie of the year awards after great first seasons. And last but not least Mike McCarthy takes Coach of the Year after guiding Green Bay to a division title.

Playoff Results
Pictures in order by round










The Jaguars shock the league going 13-3 and winning the AFC South, they wouldn't make a playoff run though as they would lose to New England in the divisional round 22-12.

The Cardinals drop the Lions 30-9 on Wild Card Weekend before dropping Carolina 34-17, and then escaping Lambeau with an NFC Championship by defeating the Packers 43-36 on a diving Larry Fitzgerald touchdown with only 4 second remaining.

Brady and the Patriots routinely run through the playoffs, winning the AFC with a instant classic game versus the Chiefs 41-34.

That would set up a Super Bowl between two veteran quarterbacks hoping to possibly have a going out party into immortality. It would be Tom Brady prevailing, leading the Patriots to a dominant Super Bowl performance against Arizona. Brady acquired his fifth ring with a 34-15 victory, possibly cementing his spot as the greatest quarterback ever.
Brady would win Super Bowl MVP. The question now is, will Brady go riding off into the sunset and retire or will he return to New England next season?

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Off-season Y1; Retirements

Future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Drew Brees top list of League Retirements


Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, and Drew Brees are just a couple names on the list of league retirements. We also see names like Steve Smith and Jason Witten who have had decorated careers in the league. All things must come to an end and we might see some of these players again in the future as coaches, only time will tell. Here's the full list of retirements:

Notable in Bold
QB Drew Brees- Saints
QB Carson Palmer- Cardinals
QB Tom Brady- Patriots
K Shayne Graham- FA
HB Fred Jackson- FA
K Adam Vinatieri- Colts
WR Steve Smith- Ravens
HB Leon Washington- FA
TE Jason Witten- Cowboys
ROLB Robert Mathis- Colts
DT Justin Bannan- FA
K Ryan Lindell- FA
DT Isaac Sopoaga- Cardinals
RT John Wetzel- Cardinals
ROLB James Harrison- Steelers
QB Luke McCown- Saints
C Jeff Faine- Jaguars
WR Anquan Boldin- Lions
P Mike Scifres- Chargers
CB Terrance Newman- Vikings
QB Shaun Hill- Vikings
K Josh Brown- Buccaneers
RE George Johnson- Buccaneers
MLB Lorenzo Alexander- Bills
QB Josh McCown- FA

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Off-season Y1 News

Browns get steal; ship RGlll to Buffalo for 9th overall pick



The Browns made headlines earlier today in a shocking trade with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills offered their first round pick (#9) for Griffin lll after he was added to the trade block. Other interested teams included the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants, both offering future first rounders for the former Heisman winner.

Griffin had a mediocre season, losing his job to Matt Flynn midseason. Griffin would never get his job back and a trade seemed imminent. With the trade, Cleveland now garners the 9th and 20th overall picks in the upcoming draft and quarterback seems to be the obvious choice. Deshaun Watson from Clemson and Ryan Burns from Stanford are currently Cleveland's top two prospects.

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Off-season Y1; Free Agency Recap

Cole Beasley and Demetrius McCray highlight Browns Free Agency



The Browns didn't make many moves during free agency this season only signing four new players during the free agency period; DT Shaun Rodgers (1YR-900K), WR Cole Beasley (2YR-2.3M), QB Logan Thomas (1YR-700K), and CB Demetrius McCray (1YR-1.7M). They could still sign available players before the preseason so that number will definitely increase. They also signed QB Matt Flynn (1YR-900K) and HB Taiwan Jones (2YR-3.5M) back to the team after they didn't initially want to resign. Here is the list of players who did resign:
FS Dezmen Southward (3YR-10.2M)
SS Isaiah Lewis (2YR-1.4M)
HB Andre Brown (1YR-900K)
SS Jerome Couplin (4YR-11M)

Free Agency Around the League

Ezekiel Elliott, Jared Goff amongst rookies who find knew homes



Due to the roster I was using, rookies that the roster creator added from free agency had an option to test free agency after their rookie campaign, which is usually not the case. This could anger some but I take it as a positive, making this league unique and getting the whole "custom franchise" feel into it. Some rookies would resign but most teams wouldn't accept the big contract demands from unproven players. Besides the rookies there were barely any big name signings except for MLB Stephen Tulloch (6YR-42.7M) to Pittsburgh. Here's a couple of the big name rookies who found new homes this offseason:
QB Jared Goff- Cowboys (4YR-22M)
HB Ezekiel Elliott- Panthers (5YR-22.2M)
QB Carson Wentz- Saints (4YR-23M)
QB Cardale Jones- Cardinals (4YR-20M)
CB Eli Apple- Cardinals (4YR-10M)
CB Vernon Hargreaves- Packers (5YR-29M)
MLB Myles Jack- Eagles (6YR-38M)
HB Derrick Henry- Colts (4YR-6.2M)

[Mike7Vinas]

Re: From Chumps to Champs; A Cleveland Browns Franchise

Off-season Y1; NFL Draft

Browns select QB Deshaun Watson with 9th overall pick



The Browns made headlines weeks ago after shipping quarterback Robert Griffin lll to the Buffalo Bills for the 9th overall pick, they used that pick on Heisman winning quarterback Deshaun Watson out of Clemson. Watson threw for 3,984 yards and 26 touchdowns in his past season for the Tigers. He also rushed for over 800 yards and 11 scores. He was accompanied by outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter who was selected with the 20th pick. Here's the Browns full draft class:
R1P9- QB Deshaun Watson- Clemson
R1P20- OLB Lorenzo Carter- Georgia
R2P20- WR K.D Cannon- Baylor
R3P8- CB Ranthony Texada- TCU
R3P20- DT Demarcus Christmas-FloridaSt
R3P22- FS Dravon Askew-Henry- WV
R4P20- OLB Kyle Queiro- Northwestern
R4P23- CB Chris Lammons- SC
R5P20- DE Qualen Cunningham- Texas A&M
R6P20- WR Braxton Berrios- Miami
R7P8- LT Logan Tuley-Tillman- Michigan
R7P20- WR ArDarius Stewart- Alabama

The first overall pick in the draft would belong to the Miami Dolphins (2-14) who would select OLB Dondre Lee from Lehigh, other notable picks include HB Samaje Perine to the Giants at pick #5 and QB Malik Zaire to the Rams at #15. The most shocking thing about this draft by far was the amount of special teams players selected in the first round (3). That was started off with the San Francisco 49ers using the 7th overall pick on kicker Mitchell Becker and then the New York Jets using the 29th pick on punter J.K Scott and with the next pick the Saints would select kicker Matthew McCrane. Here's the complete first round.

1. OLB Dondre Lee- Dolphins
2. OLB Elijah Lee- Raiders
3. DE Myles Garrett- Titans
4. QB Kenny Hill- Eagles
5. HB Samaje Perine- Giants
6. DE Bryson Henderson- Buccs
7. K Mitchell Becker- 49ers
8. DE Marquis Haynes- Bears
9. QB Deshaun Watson- Browns
10. DE Derek Barnett- Texans
11. DT Lowell Lotulelei- Patriots
12. DE KeShun Freeman- Rams
13. HB Darrel Williams- Broncos
14. HB Nick Chubb- Chargers
15. QB Malik Zaire- Rams
16. TE Tyler Luatua- Vikings
17. CB Adoree' Jackson- Seahawks
18. FS Budda Baker- Falcons
19. HB Jarvion Franklin- Ravens
20. OLB Lorenzo Carter- Browns
21. HB Ray Lawry- Cowboys
22. DE Naashon Hughes- Steelers
23. SS Trey Marshall- Colts
24. DT Chris Bradley- Cardinals
25. WR Jalin Marshall- Bengals
26. WR Allen Lazard- Lions
27. RT Nick Gates- Jaguars
28. C Patrick Kugler- Packers
29. P J.K. Scott- Jets
30. K Matthew McCrane- Saints
31. QB Ryan Burns- Chiefs
32. CB Maurice Smith- Patriots