Should the Cleveland Browns Get D.J. Williams...

Offense is something hard to come by for the Cleveland Browns the past few years. While the front office has worked hard to find receivers and running back, they may have overlooked tight end. Could the Green Bay Packers fix that with D.J. Williams?

Everyone knows the Packers have the great fortune of having replaced a Hall of Fame quarterback in Brett Favre with an arguably better one in Aaron Rodgers. He already has a Super Bowl ring and an MVP trophy to his name and isn't even approaching 30 years old. No name on the Green Bay roster means a Super Bowl shot than him, if he stays healthy. That is the dilemma now facing the coaches and front office. A year ago the Packers had no reason to fear Rodgers not playing in a game. Backup quarterback Matt Flynn was ready and waiting. In 2010 Flynn nearly upset the AFC powerhouse Patriots in Foxborough and last season the supposed backup hung 48 points on the Detroit Lions in the season finale. Those performances made it impossible to hang on to him in free agency with the Seattle Seahawks offering too much money. So the Green Bay Packers settled on young prospect Graham Harrell to take his place. Two games into the preseason and they might already regret their choice. Despite having a deep offense Harrell has struggled, throwing two interceptions and only one touchdown pass against scrubs. In a championship-or-bust season, Green Bay can't afford having someone unreliable take over if Rodgers went down. That is why many think they should swing a trade for help.

The one name constantly mentioned on the trade market is Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. After two tough seasons that included a coaching change and a new owner, McCoy lost his starting job almost by default to 28-year-old rookie Brandon Weeden. It was a tough pill to swallow since the Browns didn't give him much to work with on offense. Even so the young quarterback voiced his wishes to stay in Cleveland. Several local experts don't want the team to deal him. However that becomes harder and harder the more McCoy plays through the preseason. Through two games he has gone 10 for 14 for 146 yards with no interceptions. That is ten yards per pass play with a group of receivers considered subpar in most offenses. While not the most explosive quarterback McCoy has matured into a game manager who can lead long drives. Given the firepower Green Bay has he could make the perfect choice for a backup behind Rodgers should Harrell keep struggling this preseason. Early estimates say the Packers would need a fifth-round pick to work a deal. On the other hand, the Browns also need help at tight end. Green Bay spent a fifth-rounder on backup tight end D.J. Williams who got tagged as one of the best in the 2011 draft class. A swap of those players might benefit both teams.

Colt McCoy hasn't given up the fight with Brandon Weeden but the Browns seem set in their ways. If so then the Green Bay Packers may jump into a trade deal with D.J. Williams should Graham Harrell falter.

Comments: 8

David P Aug 20, 2012, 12:17pm UTC

The Browns are loaded at Tight End.
D.J. Williams would be a 4th string behind:
Ben Watson
Evan Moore
Jordan Cameron

Now if you want to give us a wide receiver, cornerback or linebacker we can talk.

Erik Lambert Aug 20, 2012, 12:29pm UTC

In fairness, Dave, for a team "loaded" at tight end I haven't heard their names getting mentioned much in training camp or the preseason games. Williams has still managed to get noticed, and he's behind Jermichael Finley. Maybe I'm wrong but I think he would fit well with Weeden, Gordon and Richardson.

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David P Aug 20, 2012, 1:36pm UTC

Let's put it this way...the Browns have depth at TE. Williams is a good talent but the Browns need skill at other positons including: WR, LB, DE, CB, OL. I believe that if Green Bay wanted to offer a player in one of those areas...then I think the Browns would be a little more interested in dealing McCoy to the Packers.

Erik Lambert Aug 20, 2012, 3:19pm UTC

I figure James Jones is possible though McCoy isn't quite worth that price. As for those other areas, the Packers have problems of their own. Maybe that was why you whooped them after Rodgers came out.

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David P Aug 20, 2012, 4:06pm UTC

I think James Jones would be pretty fair...maybe the Browns could give McCoy and a 6th round pick for Jones? Statistically, Rodgers will get hurt at some point during the system and McCoy would be a good back-up to him. Honestly, Cleveland should keep McCoy and cut Seneca Wallace however the clubhouse was split when Weeded was handed the starting job without a "fair" QB competition with McCoy so many insiders think McCoy has to go in order to unite the lockeroom behind one QB.

Erik Lambert Aug 20, 2012, 7:00pm UTC

Probably a fifth rounder because Jones isn't over 30 and produces when called up. I think McCoy can be good but he really hasn't been the same since that injury he suffered in the national championship against Alabama. He manages too much. Being a great quarterback means taking shots downfield. Yes, you need receivers for that but I haven't seen many highlights of him doing it anyway. He needs to show the coaches he can elevate the offense, not just run it.

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David P Aug 20, 2012, 7:33pm UTC

You're right... McCoy has not taken many shots downfield over the past two seasons. I'm guessing there are multiple reasons why this is the case though I don't believe injury is one of them. McCoy is extremely accurate and good at managing the game. He's got a great attitude and would be a strong filt for the Packers. I think he could challenge with deep passes in Green Bay. Cleveland's play-calling really precluded him from doing that against defenses. I think the Browns will be improved this season and surpise some folks. I don't think they should be rated #32 in the NFL and I would not be surprised if they beat Philly on opening day. The AFC North is very difficult and they are still two years away from seriously challenging...though I believe that they will challenge.

Erik Lambert Aug 20, 2012, 7:48pm UTC

They got defense. I believe that. But when you're potentially starting three rookies on offense, I think it will be a struggle early on. I believe McCoy would fit in Green Bay and the receivers would be a big help. He just needs to have someone in his ear reminding him it's okay to take some chances.

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Should the Cleveland Browns Get D.J. Williams from Green Bay Packers?

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