Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Cleveland Browns

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Cleveland Browns

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Hue Jackson
Associate Head Coach/Offense: Pep Hamilton
Defensive Coordinator: Ray Horton

Key Additions

• HC Hue Jackson
• QB Robert Griffin III
• WR Josh Gordon (Returning from suspension)
• WR Corey Coleman (1st round)
• LB Demario Davis
• LB Emmanuel Ogbah (2nd round)
• CB Jamar Taylor

Key Departures

• C Alex Mack
• WR Travis Benjamin
• RT Mitchell Schwartz
• LB Karlos Dansby
• S Tashaun Gipson
• S Donte Whitner
• LB Barkevious Mingo
• LB Paul Kruger
• P Andy Lee
• DT Randy Starks

Preseason Power Rankings - No. 32

Patience, Browns fans. While it should be easy to get excited about a new regime, this is going to be a long rebuilding process. A severe lack of roster talent has to make Cleveland a favorite for the No. 1 overall pick. More ...

Projected Starting Lineup

*Gordon will serve a four-game suspension as a condition for his reinstatement from a previous year-long ban

Questions to Answer

• Can Hue Jackson's presence bring an immediate culture change?
• Is Robert Griffin III capable of recapturing the magic from his sensational rookie season in Washington?
• Will the offensive line be able to overcome the loss of two longtime starters in free agency?

Best-case Scenario

The entire football world knows 2016 is the first of several rebuilding years for the Browns, At long last, ownership is seemingly opting to trust a new management regime with a methodical approach. Playoffs has to be out of the question given the lack of talent at a number of spots on the roster, but Jackson can prove to be a slam-dunk hire by keeping this team competitive throughout the year. Even six wins would be considered significant progress.

Worst-case Scenario

With that understanding of a long-term rebuilding process, and an already weak roster that was gutted in the offseason, this season certainly has the potential to be a long one for Browns fans. If Robert Griffin III proves to be the player we saw at the end of his stint with the Redskins, the Browns could be poised for two wins or less. Getting the No. 1 overall pick wouldn't be all that bad for the rebuilding process, but taking a step back from last year's three-win performance would be uninspiring for the new regime, to say the least.