NFL Free Agency starts on Tuesday, beginning the annual bidding for the top free agents. The Cleveland Browns have a lot of holes to fill this offseason. The team will most likely look towards the NFL Draft to answer these question areas, but the team has quite a bit of money to spend in free agency to help shorten the list of weaknesses they will need to address in late April.

The Browns’ biggest weaknesses include: Quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, and pass rusher. I believe the Browns will address the offensive line in the draft because they need depth rather than older free agents to play right away. Quarterback was already addressed in free agency with the signing of Josh McCown, but here are some realistic options to fill these other needs.

Wide Receivers

Brian Hartline

Hartline had a meeting with the Browns earlier this week and is still considering joining the Browns. He had 39 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns last year with the Miami Dolphins. He has been a solid receiver in his career and has shown the ability to be a reliable pass catcher with good quickness. He would be a good addition to the Browns receiver depth chart.

Michael Crabtree

Crabtree is a former first round pick who has struggled with injuries and consistency. Last year with the San Francisco 49ers, he had 68 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns. He has the talent to be a big time receiver with good route running ability and quickness to gain separation from defenders. He can highpoint balls in the air, but struggles with drops. The Browns could take a chance on him and get a good return from him.

Cecil Shorts

Shorts is a Northeast Ohio native who has shown a lot of promise, but has dealt with injuries. Last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had 53 receptions for 557 yards and a touchdown. He is a fast receiver with the ability to make big plays for his team. He has struggled with drops along with nagging injuries. The Browns could get a steal by adding the Northeast Ohio native.

Other Options: Kenny Britt and Brandon Tate

Tight Ends

Virgil Green

Green has not gotten a lot of playing time with the Denver Broncos, but has a lot of potential to be a starting tight end. Last season, he only had six receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. His biggest role with the Broncos was as a very good blocker, receiving a +5.5 overall grade for his run blocking by ProFootballFocus. He has the talent to be a receiving threat, so in an expanded role with the Browns he could become a good tight end.

Ed Dickson

Dickson has shown glimpses of very good talent, but has not been able to do it consistently. Last season with the Carolina Panthers, he had 10 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. He has the ability to block, but his biggest skill set is his athleticism in the passing game. He has the ability to be a mismatch in the passing game because of his combination of size and athleticism. The Browns could take a gamble on him and get a starting caliber tight end.

Other Options: Owen Daniels and Lance Kendricks

Defensive Line

Dan Williams

Dan Williams fits exactly what the Browns need, a run stopping nose tackle. With Arizona last season, he had 38 tackles and one sack. ProFootballFocus graded his regular season and postseason with a +14.4 overall grade, including +13.7 grade for his run defense. He could fit right in the middle of the line for the Browns and be the nose tackle that takes up multiple blockers for his fellow teammates. In an expanded role with the Browns, he could improve upon his pass rushing.

Terrance Knighton

Knighton is a very underrated defensive tackle and could be one of the best free agents on the market. With the Denver Broncos last year, he had 33 tackles and two sacks, while garnering a +15.3 overall grade by ProFootballFocus for his performance last year in the regular season and postseason. He is a very good run stopper, but also adds the ability to put pressure on the quarterback. The Browns would be in great shape if they could add a player of his caliber.

Corey Peters

Corey Peters does nothing special except being stout against the run. With the Atlanta Falcons last season, he had 26 tackles and two sacks. ProFootballFocus graded him with only a +0.9 overall grade, but against the run he earned a +2.3 grade. He is a cheaper option for the Browns, but he would help improve the Browns horrible run defense.

Other Options: CJ Mosley and Kenrick Ellis

Pass Rushers

Jerry Hughes

Hughes has shown that he fits very well in Mike Pettine’s defense. With the Buffalo Bills last year, he had 53 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. In his two seasons with the Bills, he has completely turned his career around and shown the talent that made him a first rounder. He also showed last season that he is solid against the run. He had his best season under Mike Pettine in 2013, notching 10 sacks that year. He would give the Browns another pass rushing outside linebacker opposite of Paul Kruger. He is my top target in free agency for the Browns.

Brandon Graham

Graham is a young outside linebacker with the ability to rush the passer and defend against the run. Last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he had 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He is a dangerous pass rusher with great strength and technique to get to the quarterback. In an expanded role with the Browns, he could become one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL.

Pernell McPhee

McPhee has been very productive in limited playing time with the Baltimore Ravens. Last season, he had 27 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He is a versatile player who can play outside linebacker or move inside to defensive end. His pass rushing production is very impressive given his lack of playing time. With an expanded role, McPhee could be just the pass rusher the Browns need opposite of Kruger.

Other Options: Jason Worilds and Derrick Morgan