The hiring of Todd Monken changes the outlook slightly. Monken has a proven offensive background and has coordinated successful offenses at both the NFL and college levels. Cleveland's front office also committed to rebuilding the offensive line, which should help whichever quarterback wins the job.
Coaching Analysis
Head Coach: Todd Monken (4/5 stars). Monken brings an aggressive passing philosophy and should get more out of the quarterback position than Cleveland did in recent years.
Offensive Staff: B+. OC Travis Switzer, QB Coach Mike Bajakian, RB Coach Duce Staley, OL Coach George Warhop. This is an experienced offensive staff capable of developing a young offense.
Defensive Staff: B. Mike Rutenberg inherits a defense that still has talent despite losing Myles Garrett. Veteran assistant Dom Capers adds valuable experience.
Special Teams: B. Byron Storer takes over a solid special teams unit.
Position Breakdown
Quarterback: C. The biggest question on the roster. Cleveland must find consistent play at quarterback. Running Back: B-. A capable group, but they need better blocking and consistency. Wide Receiver: B. KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston add youth and explosiveness. Offensive Line: A-. One of the most improved units in the NFL - Spencer Fano, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Teven Jenkins. Defensive Line: B. Replacing Myles Garrett isn't realistic, but Jared Verse helps soften the loss. Linebackers: B. Quincy Williams brings speed and leadership. Secondary: B+. One of the stronger position groups on the team.
S³ Team Outlook
Strengths: Offensive line, coaching upgrade on offense, young talent, secondary. Weaknesses: Quarterback uncertainty, replacing Garrett's production, offensive chemistry, AFC North competition.
S³ Final Grades: Coaching B+, Offense B-, Defense B, Roster B-, Future A-.
S³ Prediction: 6–11 (3rd or 4th in the AFC North). Todd Monken should make Cleveland more competitive immediately. The offensive line overhaul gives the offense a much stronger foundation, but the Browns' ceiling depends on quarterback development. If the quarterback position exceeds expectations, Cleveland could push toward 7-10 or even 8-9. If not, 6-11 feels like the most likely outcome heading into 2026.
