Williamson: 3 AFC teams that will improve dramatically this offseason
Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns, and spent the last 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of the podcast "Football Today."
The 2016 NFL season is now officially in the books. While the playoffs were going on, every front office in the league was working on offseason moves. This includes Atlanta and New England. Before we know it, the free-agency period will begin and veteran players will be on the move, with the draft also right around the corner. Many rosters will look quite different before long. Below are three AFC franchises in the best position to make a major improvement to their roster before we see live football once again. I also covered the NFC.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have nowhere to go but up, and with huge amounts of cap space, the first overall pick, and a wealth of picks throughout the entire draft, Cleveland has more resources than any team in the league to add talent. But do free agents want to play for the Browns? Is Cleveland even interested in being a buyer in free agency? In fact, last year at this time, the Browns allowed their top free agents to depart in order to reap the compensatory picks and build through the draft.
Not only is Cleveland picking at the top of each round, they also own the 12th overall draft slot as well as quite a few extra picks and supplemental selections to come. Terrelle Pryor will be the Browns' top priority to retain, and they have the cap space to make it worth his time to stick around.
Trading for an encouraging young quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo - without forfeiting the first overall pick - and signing him for the long term would be a wise plan of action. As would selecting Myles Garrett, a possible immediate star on defense, first overall. But in the end, the future of this currently dismal organization is all tied to how well they draft and what they get from the classes from 2016-18, as this will take time.
There is no denying that the resources are there now to really build something in Cleveland, but it certainly won’t happen overnight.
Denver Broncos
Somewhat surprisingly, the Broncos could be big spenders in the free-agent market this offseason. Having very little invested at the quarterback position is a big reason why.
The Broncos don’t have the same draft capital as the other two teams listed here, but because they missed the playoffs, they will pick 20th overall. Of course, the draft is very important and Denver could use help on its offensive and defensive lines, as well as at linebacker and tight end, but this could be a team in position to make a pretty big splash in free agency. The Broncos are also facing a decision on what to do with Sylvester Williams, whose contract is expiring.
Of course, the Broncos will be linked to Tony Romo, and acquiring him would put a dent in what they are able to spend on the open market. But even with a new head coach, you'd think Denver would be a very appealing destination for an incoming free agent or two that could make an immediate difference. One home run of an offseason could put the Broncos right back in the hunt.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans don’t have a lot players set to depart the organization, and they are in an outstanding situation to acquire more talent. Not many teams will have more cap room than Tennessee. After finishing 9-7, the Titans have the first-round pick they earned at 18, the Rams' selection from the Jared Goff dea at fifth overall, and some extra picks throughout the draft process.
The Titans already have a promising core in place, and not nearly as many pressing needs as usual for them this time of year. On offense, the quest for a true No. 1 wide receiver will be a difficult one to complete, but it's absolutely the top priority on that side of the ball.
Defensively, Tennessee could use reinforcements everywhere, with the secondary the primary defensive area to address. A top cornerback added to this defense would go a long way. This group of upcoming free-agent corners looks to be quite strong, as does the draft class at this ever-important position. Maybe the Titans swipe A.J. Bouye from their divisional rival and still use one of their early picks on a cornerback to really attack the problem.
Unlike what is sure to be the case with the Browns, by the time the draft rolls around, Tennessee could be in position to more or less just take the best player on the board without worrying about a specific need - a very enviable position to be in indeed, especially in a division without a clear top dog. This offseason, if done properly, could make the Titans the AFC South favorite.