Five Missteps in the John Dorsey Era in Cleveland

Five Missteps in John Dorsey Era in Cleveland

1. Draft Picks

It’s easy to point out the hits in the first and second rounds. Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward, and Nick Chubb have a bright future ahead of them. However, the sign of a great talent evaluator is finding those contributors in the later rounds. Antonio Callaway is no longer on the roster. Damion Ratley is struggling to see playing time this season with Rashard Higgins in the doghouse (a little pun intended). Sione Takitaki is a special teams guy and Sheldrick Redwine isn’t lighting the league on fire with his opportunity. I’ll give Dorsey credit for Mack Wilson because I think he’ll be a stud once he gets comfortable with the speed of the game.

2. Signing Greg Robinson

I’m all for players getting a second chance to prove doubters wrong. This is Robinson’s third. Robinson is, unfortunately, a bust in the league. The Rams and Lions gave up on him and it looks like the Browns are next on the list. While playing in most of the games this season, he has yet to prove to be the permanent solution at the left tackle position. Dorsey must make the offensive line a priority in the offseason.

3. Trading for Odell Beckham Jr.

The trade for Beckham isn’t panning out as everyone hoped and there are rumors that he wants out of Cleveland. Cleveland is a great city, but it’s not welcoming to players with this much personality if there is a lack of production or wins. This year is Beckham’s worst while healthy and the frustration is evident. He will likely finish the season with career lows in receptions, yards, and touchdowns when playing most or all of the season. I know playing with his best friend sounded like a dream, but this isn’t what dreams are made of.

4. Dying on the Freddie Kitchens Hill

This is pure stubbornness, but no need to beat a dead horse. Many people, including myself, don’t believe Kitchens is ready to be a head coach. Situational awareness is low and outside of never calling plays prior to the post-Hue Jackson era, Kitchens is too much of a player’s coach. The lack of discipline has cost a few ticks in the win column. There is enough talent on the roster to be a playoff contender, yet the Browns are looking to finish the season at 8-8.

5. Lack of Contract Talk with Joe Schobert

This just doesn’t make sense. Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot is reporting the Browns have had no contact in months with Schobert’s representatives about a contract extension. Schobert is playing lights out and is on his way to another Pro Bowl. Meanwhile, Christian Kirksey can’t stay healthy. It may be a negotiation tactic, but when you have a talent like this, you make sure to lock him up long term. Dorsey doesn’t want this to end up being a Mitchell Schwartz (who ironically signed with the Chiefs) type of cluster.

Important Months Ahead

The upcoming months are going to be pivotal to the organization’s future. What position is Dorsey looking to draft? How does he plan on fixing the offensive line? Does he try to work things out with Beckham or get rid of him?

Follow me on Twitter at @PlsticCupSports and follow us @OTHeroics1 for more great content!

Also, be sure to check out the Overtime Heroics Forums page to join in on the discussion!

Head over to our shop if you are interested in purchasing some Overtime Heroics gear!