2 years ago, the Browns were fresh off a abysmal 0-16 season and things were not looking up for them. As the draft was approaching most teams in the NFL already disregarded them. With the Browns joining the Lions as the only teams in history to not win a single game in the last 30 years, the thought of the Browns producing more than a couple of wins in the following season was laughable and anyone who thought this was deemed as crazy.
After the 2017 season, the Browns front office knew that they had to start making changes and fast. They quickly realized that they needed a reliable receiver or they were never going to be able to score points at a reliable pace. With young, upcoming teams like the Rams and Chiefs both having teams that relied on being able to score quickly, the Browns realized getting a dependable wide receiver for their quarterback of the future was essential.
Not soon after the end of the season rumors were swirling that the Dolphins were shopping Jarvis Landry. With a league leading 112 receptions in 2017 Jarvis Landry would have been a perfect addition for Cleveland as they were in desperate need of a reliable wide receiver. Cleveland got into the talks early and persuaded the Dolphins to give up Jarvis Landry for just a 2018 4th rounder and 2019 7th rounder. A small price to give up for a game-changing wide receiver.
However, this wasn't the end of Cleveland's offseason moves. The Browns agreed to trade for Bills Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, a quarterback to fill the transition gap, while the Browns found their franchise quarterback. They also acquired a strong cornerback in Damarious Randall through trade. The Browns made other moves here and there, but no others were very significant.
As the new and improved Browns entered the draft things were starting to look up for the city. They had two draft picks in the top 4 with the 1st overall and 4th overall. As the Browns were getting closer and closer to draft night, it was a toss-up between which quarterback they would select. Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Josh Rosen were all quarterbacks that people speculated the Browns could select. At this point it was almost certain the Browns wouldn't pass up a quarterback with the No 1. selection.
The Browns followed through with this and got their potential franchise quarterback in Heisman Trophy winner, Baker Mayfield. The Browns followed up this selection with taking DB Denzel Ward with the No 4. selection.
The Browns draft night wasn't over yet. They had the No 35. selection as well. They decided to go with running back Nick Chubb.
In hindsight, these picks were amazing selections by John Dorsey. He had picked a top quarterback with great leadership skills. A shutdown corner that could cover many of the elite wide receivers in the league and finally a steal in Nick Chubb, who put together a exceptional rookie campaign.
This may be the common analysis now, but when these picks were originally made, John Dorsey was under fire. Baker Mayfield was constantly being compared to former Browns Quarterback and draft bust, Johnny Manziel.
For a team that desperately needed help along the defensive line, a defensive back was a head scratching choice. Denzel Ward also had quite a lot of doubters, "he can't cover big receivers", "he doesn't have the awareness needed to succeed as a top cornerback".
Nick Chubb was a very surprising pick to many. It was considered that the Browns had sufficient amount of depth at the RB position and they had a lot of other holes to fill. Getting Nick Chubb instead of a D-Lineman or Outside linebacker was considered a mistake.
It didn't take long until all these doubters were proved wrong. Baker Mayfield had one of the greatest rookie seasons for a quarterback in NFL History. With playing only 14 games, he still threw for almost 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. Inside the Browns locker room he was a leader and he enforced a culture that lead the team to 7 wins and drastic jump from their winless season in the prior year. Along with this he was selected to the Pro Bowl and got First Team All-Pro Honors.
Denzel Ward had a stellar rookie season of his own with 3 interceptions and quality performances against the likes of Antonio Brown, Michael Thomas, and Julio Jones.
To top it off, Nick Chubb had a stellar rookie season with just under 1,000 and 8 tds. The production Nick Chubb had was completely unexpected and his game-changing long touchdown runs only added to the pleasant surprise in running back, Nick Chubb.
With a uplifting 2018 season, Browns fans were excited. They had many pieces to start becoming a dominant team in the league.
To start the offseason the Browns acquired a much needed reliable D-Lineman in Pro Bowler Olivier Vernon. Although they gave up OL Kevin Zeitler, their defensive line needed a boost and Olivier Vernon would provide it. The Browns looked as they would have a relaxing time until the draft and Browns fans for the first time in a while, were satisfied. Satisfied with their team and excited about their future.
The news broke. Everyone's phones were buzzing. It was just released that the Browns have traded for Odell Beckham Jr. Why? What? How? Everyone was losing their mind, but Browns fans were ecstatic. They just got one of the most electrifying players in the league and for everyone in the NFL, it was a moment of disbelief and then realization.
Realization that the Browns were going to be scary.