CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Do you think the Browns can win six or seven games this year?"

I was asked that question by a fan when I spoke at Lakewood Library. My quick answer? "No."

The audience laughed. No is a fair answer. No isn't a rejection of the overall plan of the Browns' front office.

No is to acknowledge last season's 1-15 record. The Browns really were that bad. Obviously, they intended to win more. But consider the following:

1. They had the NFL's second-youngest roster. They had more rookies playing more snaps than any other team -- by more than 25 percent.

2. Veteran center Alex Mack was leaving, no matter what. But free agents Travis Benjamin, Mitchell Schwartz and Tashaun Gipson also left without receiving significant offers to stay.

3. The Browns didn't spend much on veteran free agents to replace those who left.

4. They had their third coaching staff in four years.

5. As usual, they had no quarterback.

None of that adds up to a formula for winning many games. Throw in a few significant injuries, and the team finished with a franchise-worst 1-15 record.

IT IS BETTER

So the Browns turn the page to 2017. Since the Sashi Brown front office took over, the team has done a superb job of piling up salary cap room, draft picks and young players.

As I wrote last week, the Browns will spend $44 million in 2017 on free agents -- 10th highest this season. But they still have the NFL's most salary cap room -- $55 million. Check out overthecap.com for that and other excellent information.

1. They replaced Ray Horton with Gregg Williams as the defensive coordinator. That is an upgrade.

2. They signed Kevin Zeitler and JC Tretter. Both free agents will help the offensive line.

3. They retained linebacker Jamie Collins, who should be an impact player.

4. They gave a lot of young players experience. Often, players don't show what they will be in the NFL until their second pro seasons.

5. Quarterback is probably still a mess, but I prefer the current troika (Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler and DeShone Kizer) to last season's Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown and Kessler. The 2016 group had two quarterbacks (McCown and Griffin) with major injury histories. This group at least has been healthy in the past and it's younger.

6. Hue Jackson is in his second season as head coach, and with his own offense.

7. The only significant free agent loss is Terrelle Pryor. He is replaced by Kenny Britt. We'll see who has the better season.

8. The Browns had the draft's No. 1 pick and chose the best player -- Myles Garrett. They didn't get tricky.

KEEPING IT REAL

You can bring up a lot of other positive points, but the Browns will once again be one of the youngest teams. As ESPN's Pat McManamon points out, the Browns' current roster has 56 players under 25.

Experience is a major factor in winning. But in 2015, the Browns had the 16th-oldest team and the highest-paid defense. They finished 3-13 and everyone was correctly fired. So paying a bunch of older guys (especially free agents) isn't a winning formula.

In the big picture, the Browns are doing the right things -- draft a lot of players and mix them in with a veteran coaching staff. This season, they correctly spent on some talented free agents.

Furthermore, I don't expect them to treat the regular season as an extended training camp. While that wasn't the sole propose of 2016, it often felt that way with so many young players pressed into action.

But the team doesn't have enough depth and experience to go 7-9 in the AFC North. Even 6-10 appears very optimistic. On the other hand, it doesn't have Josh Gordon, Johnny Manziel and other seriously troubled souls -- players who were expected to have meaningful roles.

A team can always take chances with a player. The Browns are doing that with rookie Caleb Brantley. But multiple offenders such as Justin Gilbert (now suspended for a year) drag down everyone who cares about the orange helmets.

I haven't picked a final record. I'll wait for the end of training camp. My expectations are the team will be not only be improved, but far more interesting than a year ago. I like the general direction of the franchise.

That said, let's not expect a huge jump in the standings.

ABOUT THE BROWNS

1. I hope this is right: Profootballfocus has rated the Browns as the No. 2 offensive line for 2017, behind Philadelphia.

"The off-season free agent spending spree could pay huge dividends in Cleveland. JC Tretter and Kevin Zeitler both bring above average grades at center and guard ... the only question mark comes at right tackle where Shon Coleman at least looked competent in his 62 snaps as a rookie."

2. PFF's ranking of the Browns' AFC North rivals? Pittsburgh is No. 3, Baltimore 23rd and Cincinnati 31st among the offensive lines.

3. The big question is Coleman. Who knows if he is ready. His backup is Cameron Erving, and I have major doubts about him anywhere on the offensive line. He failed at center in 2016.

4. The Browns drafted Florida State's Rod Johnson in the fifth round. He is working behind Joe Thomas at left tackle. Just as the Browns went slowly with Coleman in 2016, they will do the same with Johnson. He really isn't a candidate to start.

5. Guard Spencer Drango had some good moments as a rookie. He will back up Joel Bitonio and Zeitler. Bitonio is recovering from major foot surgery and is expected to be ready, but it's important to have Drango ready just in case.

6. Guard John Greco is still on the roster. Like Bitonio, he had major foot surgery. But he may not be ready for the opener.

7. The Browns will work Anthony Fabiano behind Tretter at center. Austin Reiter is recovering from major ACL knee surgery. He looked good in his one start at center last year. They hope he is ready by the regular season.

8. Tretter is a very talented center. But he also has an extensive injury history. He missed his rookie season (2013) with a broken leg. He played only eight games in 2014. In 2015, he stayed healthy. In 2016, he missed eight games. So it's important that Reiter or Fabiano be prepared as a backup.