Todd Monken's comments at the NFL Combine hint at a clear No. 1 priority this offseason, as the Cleveland Browns rebuild their offense
It's hardly a secret what the Cleveland Browns' biggest needs are this offseason. Glaring holes exist on the offensive side of the ball, most prominently along the offensive line and at wide receiver.
Cleveland also has uncertainty at the quarterback position at the moment – a situation that appears destined to be decided through a competition.
The bottom line, the Browns are due for a major makeover on offense. Todd Monken, however, rebuffed the idea that the situation is a full-fledged rebuild. In doing so, he may have revealed what the team's No. 1 priority will be in the weeks ahead.
"I think every year, every team has to rebuild, either with the current players they have or through free agency or the draft, so I don't really see it as that," he said at the NFL Combine this week. "I see it as what pieces are available on our current roster, what pieces are out there in free agency, what pieces are out there in the draft and how do we put together, starting with the offensive line because that where it starts, and then every other position group that gives us the best chance to compete every Sunday, so rebuild is probably a little strong. Retool."
Whatever Monken wants to call the Browns' current situation on offense, he made it abundantly clear that turning things around on that side of the ball starts in the trenches.
From here, it's up to Monken and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Andrew Berry to decide what their vision is for reshaping the o-line. Berry actually cited the Chicago Bears' recent rebuild in the trenches as an example of an example Cleveland could follow.
"I guess thinking about the offensive line, I actually think what Chicago, what Ryan Poles did last year is a really nice model," Berry said during his Combine presser. "If you think about it, they did a combination of internal development, veteran editions and draft, right?
Chicago did use multiple avenues to address their o-line situation. That included trading for multi-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, but also trusting some recent draftees like Darnell Wright and Theo Benedet. They also acquired guard Jonah Jackson via trade, signed center Drew Dalman.
"It's a nice mixture of youth and experience," Berry added. "And I think that we would look to take a similar approach if the player markets line up for us."
First up for the Browns is free agency, where they theoretically could get in the mix for top targets like center Tyler Linderbaum or tackle Rasheed Walker. Of course, a major decision also awaits from veteran Joel Bitonio, who could decide to retire one day before the new league year begins. His return would be a nice boost for the locker room.
With two first-round picks at their disposal ahead of April's NFL Draft, several rookie options are likely to be considered as well. Both Monken and Berry appear open to not potentially having multiple first-year players suiting up on the o-line as well.
"Nope. I mean if they're the best players, that's where we're at right now ... Let's not go to five," Monken joked. I mean multiples a pretty broad stroke there. Again, if they're really talented rookies, then no."
Browns Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Browns. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.