The Cleveland Browns once again come into the new NFL season with high expectations, maybe a little less this time.
They were humbled last season after only going 6-10 in Baker Mayfield‘s second season. With a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski and some key player additions, the Browns are ready to roll (again.)
2019 Record: 6-10 (3rd in AFC North)
Cleveland Browns Key Additions
TE: Austin Hooper
If there is one thing that I know for a fact about Stefanski is that he loves his two tight end sets. Hooper is one of the more sure-handed tight ends in the NFL and will be a big target for Mayfield. Dating back to his college career, Mayfield has always loved to target his big tight end.
OT: Jack Conklin
It was clear last season that the Cleveland Browns needed to address their tackle position. Mayfield had no time to do anything last season. Conklin will be a big upgrade for this offensive line.
S: Karl Joseph
It was clear after the departure of Demarious Randall that this would be another position of need for the Browns. They signed Joseph to be the short term answer at saftey.
FB: Andy Janovich
Nothing to say here except I am excited that the Browns will be using a fullback this year.
Key Draft Picks
OT: Jedrick Wills Jr.
An interesting pick. With all the left tackles still on the board, they went with a right tackle in hopes that he will transition to the other side. Wills excels at run blocking and is athletic enough to slide to the other side of the line with no issue.
S: Grant Delpit
Drafting a safety was a lock for this team. It just so happened that the top safety was available in the second round. Delpit has a very high upside. He just needs to work on his tackling. Unfortunately he will likely miss the entire season with a ruptured Achilles.
Other additions: Harrison Bryant (TE) and Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR)Cleveland Browns Season Breakdown:
Offense:
The obvious question surrounding the Browns in 2020 is what version of Baker Mayfield are we getting? After a great rookie season that almost (but also not really) put the Browns in the playoffs, he put out a real clunker in his sophomore season. Mayfield has said that he was in over his head. All the pressure got to him. I think he will rebound, but he needs to have a good season. With all the talent surrounding this team, the Browns don’t have time for him to have another bad season.
At running back, the Browns will host one of the most feared two-headed monsters in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Chubb finished last season with 1,494 yards, which was just short of Derrick Henry for the league-best. With Hunt, you have a player who is getting his second chance in the league after his disappointing exit from Kansas City. He is not only a threat with his hands, but he is also a great receiving back. I expect a lot of screen passes and short routes for Hunt this season.
The wide receivers are another group that is among the leagues best. Hopefully, the Browns just don’t ignore Odell Beckham Jr this season. It was clear that Beckham was the best playmaker for the Browns, as he had another season over 1,000 yards, but he needs more touches and targets this year. Next to Beckham will be his best friend, Jarvis Landry. Landry is entering his third year with the team and has quietly been one of the most sure-handed receivers in the league. As I mentioned earlier, Mayfield loves his tight ends. He will have two tight ends on the field for most of the game. Whether it be Hooper, David Njoku, or Bryant, he will always have two of the three on the field.
Defense:
Myles Garrett was playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level before he committed assault during a game. Olivier Vernon, after much speculation of being cut from the team, will be back on a cheaper deal and will look to pick back up where he left off before his injury. Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi were disappointing for the most part last year but will have some much-needed reinforcements this season.
The Browns added Adrian Clayborn depth and drafted Jordan Elliott to help Richardson and Ogunjobi.
After letting Chris Kirksey and Joe Schobert walk in free agency, they signed B.J. Goodson and former Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith, but there is no glaring talent in this group that has proven themselves. It doesn’t help that Mack Wilson will miss most of the season with a leg injury suffered in camp.
Denzel Ward is a good, proven corner but is still a work in progress. Greedy Williams struggled as a rookie but we were able to see some real upside in his play. The Browns signed Kevin Johnson to help out a injury prone secondary.
At safety, the Cleveland Browns will have Sheldrick Redwine and Joseph. The Browns brought in Karl Joseph, Andrew Sendejo for some depth but suffered a big blow when Delpit torn his achillies in camp and will miss his rookie season.
Win Total: 8
I have the Browns in the 9-10 win range, but that is depeding on the play of Mayfield. They have the talent to compete in the AFC, they will just have to put everything together.
Fantasy Player To Watch: Kareem Hunt
Hunt is the perfect flex for your fantasy team. He is cut from the same cloth as Christian McCaffrey. He can beat you in multiple ways. I would look to draft him if you are looking for a RB2 or a flex.
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