Will Browns GM Andrew Berry be aggressive in free agency and the draft? Hey, Mary Kay!

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey, Mary Kay!

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think Andrew Berry will be aggressive in both free agency and the draft? Or do you see him trading down? — Jeff Lerner, Avon, Ohio

Hey, Jeff: Berry stated unequivocally during his introductory press conference on Wednesday that he wants to be defined by his aggression. It was a bold statement, and I believe he’ll back it up with equally bold roster moves. If that means trading down from No. 10, he’ll do it. If it means trading a big-name player to acquire a boatload of assets, he won’t flinch. I think he’ll be judicious in adding free agents, but he’ll plug a few holes with some mid-priced talent. It’s time for Berry to put his stamp on this roster, and his presence will be felt immediately.

Hey, Mary Kay: How much weight will the new front office place on the on-field playcalling of Joe Schobert when they decide his fate for next year’s roster? Who remains in the building that has the knowledge to assess this type of contribution, that may be impossible to evaluate from watching tape or reading statistics? — Dennis Bartuccio, Parma, Ohio

Hey, Dennis: If John Dorsey had remained as GM, Schobert, a fourth-round pick of Sashi Brown in 2016, didn’t have much of a chance of sticking around. He wants to be the highest-paid linebacker on the team, and that wasn’t going to happen. Andrew Berry was involved in drafting Schobert and undoubtedly has a higher opinion of the Pro Bowler than Dorsey did. With new defensive coordinator Joe Woods committing to a 4-3 base, the Browns must determine if Sione Takitaki is ready to be their full-time starting middle linebacker, or if they want to keep Schobert in that role. The 2017 Pro Bowler has said he’d like to stay here. We’ll know soon if that’s going to happen. Schobert is due to become an unrestricted free agent on March 18.

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think that the Browns should draft their future left tackle with the 10th pick or should they trade for a proven left tackle rather than taking a chance on another draft bust? I still have the memories of Austin Corbett and Cam Erving in my mind, and know that the draft is a huge gamble. — Steven C., Beavercreek, Ohio

Hey, Steven: It is difficult to project left tackles, and I do think there’s some merit to trading for a proven one or adding one in free agency. But with the Browns having the No. 10 pick, they can land one of the top premier left tackles in the draft, and there are at least four who could go that high and warrant consideration. They are Tristan Wirfs of Iowa, Andrew Thomas of Georgia, Jedrick Wills Jr. of Alabama and Mekhi Becton of Louisville. I’m guessing the Browns will stay at No. 10 and select one of these blindside protectors for Baker Mayfield. As for Washington’s Trent Williams, new Redskins coach Ron Rivera is making a strong push to keep him, and they’ve hired a new trainer to smooth the waters, so he might not be a trade option.

Hey, Mary Kay: It’s draft day, Browns are on the clock and all three of the following are still on the board -- Clemson safety Isaiah Simmons and any two of the top four rated offensive tackles. Which way do we go? OT or ultra talented Simmons? — Dave Shepler, Fort Ashby, W. Va.

Hey, Dave: Great question and what a conundrum for the Browns. They definitely need their left tackle, and if they get it right, they’d have the position locked up for the next decade. But a game-changing hybrid defender like Simmons might be just what this sluggish defense needs. He can play the run and hit like a linebacker, yet cover like a defensive back. He can blitz, cover the slot receiver, tackle, break up passes and intercept them. He has all the makings of a dominant, disruptive defender and the Browns certainly need one of those. I would stick to my draft board here and draft the highest-graded player at No. 10.

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think the Browns will hire a QB coach and do you think they need one considering that Baker Mayfield is going into his critical third year? — Robert Ruple, Novelty, Ohio

Hey, Robert: I think there’s a good chance Alex Van Pelt will serve the dual role of OC and quarterbacks coach, with the help of offensive assistant T.C. McCartney, who was the Broncos’ QB coach last year and did a nice job with rookie Drew Lock. With Bill Callahan as offensive line coach and mentor or senior offensive assistant to Stefanski, I think that frees up Stefanski to call plays if he so chooses. With Van Pelt’s vast experience as a QB coach, I think they’ve got it covered.

Hey, Mary Kay: Is Alex Van Pelt going to be more than a QB coach? I love the idea of him working with Baker Mayfield, but he doesn’t seem to fit the run-heavy zone blocking scheme Stefanski is known for. — Brad Bellomo, Hudson, Ohio

Hey, Brad: Van Pelt will definitely be more than a QB coach. If he doesn’t call plays, he’ll still run the offensive meetings and help install the gameplan. He’s been a coordinator before, and understands Stefanski’s marriage of the run and pass. He’ll get up to speed quickly on the zone blocking scheme and help implement it.

More Browns coverage

New Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods will stick with 4-3 defense

49ers’ Chris Kiffin joining Joe Woods as defensive line coach

NFL Draft 2020: Day 2 safeties who could fit in the Browns’ secondary -- Film Review

Beloved Browns mascot, Swagger, passes away at 6

Browns fan who teaches at Boardman has pride for his area and his favorite team

Charles Barkley sideswipes Browns on 'NBA on TNT’ pregame show


Like what you’re reading? You want more? Subscribe to Football Insider for exclusive Browns content, including daily texts from Mary Kay Cabot and cleveland.com's entire coverage team. Register quickly below using your phone number.



Buy Browns gear: Fanatics, NFL Shop, Amazon, Lids


If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.