The Cleveland Browns finished fourth in a very close AFC North division with the arrival of their franchise quarterback 11 games too late.
Now with a full season with Deshaun Watson to go, the Browns have a top-heavy roster ready to compete in a cramped AFC conference. Before that is training camp, lead in by the NFL Draft. The last large acquisition of talent before the season.
Until then, the Browns roster looks ready for the most part. With a handful of questions to the depth and some starting spots potentially up for grabs come preseason.
QB
- Deshaun Watson – As mention before, the Browns didn’t get Watson until after 11 games serving a suspension. Now, he’ll get a full 17-games with what will undoubtedly be the best combination of weapons and offensive line he’s had since his days in Clemson.
OL
- LT: Jedrick Wills – His fifth-year option is likely to be picked up after finally playing a full season in 2022. With no clear upgrade in the draft and Wills finally coming into his own, he may secure himself as the long-term answer on the blind side.
- LG: Joel Bitonio – One of the league’s best left guards and continues to play as such.
- C: Ethan Pocic – Pocic came in as the backup to Nick Harris, who was lost to a season-ending injury in the preseason. What progressed was the best of his career and another stint as the Browns man in the middle.
- RG: Wyatt Teller – The 2-time All Pro and Pro Bowl right guard solidifies what may be the best interior offensive line in football and continue to create the lanes for one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in football.
- RT: Jack Conklin – The final piece in one of the most complete offensive lines in football. Conklin has battled injuries over the last two seasons but his contract won’t have a potential out until after the 2024 season so he’s here to stay. The good news, when he is on the field, he’s usually one of the best right tackles in football.
RB
Browns RB Nick Chubb (24) – Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports
- Nick Chubb – Five seasons in and Chubb hasn’t lost a step yet, continuing down what may be a Hall of Fame path. The arrival of Watson at QB and a revamped WR room should open up more for the running game.
TE
Browns TE David Njoku (85) – Scott Galvin/USA TODAY Sports
- David Njoku – Continuing to be a reliable run blocker, Njoku is coming off his best season as a receiver (58 receptions, 628 yards and 4 touchdowns), despite missing three games. A priority component in what looks like may be a deadly offense.
WR
- WR1: Amari Cooper – After fleecing Dallas in exchange for just a fifth round pick, Cooper finished one of his best seasons as a pro with a career-high in touchdowns (9). And this was with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback.
- WR2: Donovan Peoples-Jones – A bit of a breakout year for DPJ, as the emergence of Cooper gave him his best numbers to date. Firmly establishing him as the X-reciever on the team and a worthy second option.
- WR3: Elijah Moore – In exchange for a second-round pick, the Browns garnered an extra third and slot receiver with a ton of upside. Frustrated in his use on offense, as well as the inconsistent QB play, Moore comes in as the inside man for a QB who was one of the best at completing to the slot position.
DL
- Edge: Myles Garrett – En route on small drive to Canton, OH is the four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who continues to be one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
- 1-Tech DT: Dalvin Tomlinson – A quality free agency signing. One of the few pure nose tackles in the NFL who can apply a consistent pass rush while also being a run-stuffing A-gap player.
- 3-Tech DT: Jordan Elliott – The Browns may look to upgrade at DT even with Elliott coming off a career best season. One of the few areas on defense where the starting job will have real competition.
- Edge: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – While not the same type of run defender on the edges, his one season in Houston after a stint in LA has shown that Okoronkwo is much better suited as a 4-3 defensive end, as opposed to a 3-4 OLB.
LB
Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) – Scott Galvin/USA TODAY Sports
- ILB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – ‘The Joker’ as he’s called, is becoming one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. Showing skills in coverage, run defense, tackling and even as an occasional pass rusher. Soon to be a star.
- MLB: Anthony Walker Jr. – An underrated re-signing is Walker. A player who can play MIKE, SAM or WILL, but applies consistent run support and can read the offense to set up the alignments and calls.
S
Browns S Grant Delpit (22) – Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports
- SS: Grant Delpit – The move from deep safety to the box has been a career-saving move for Delpit. Playing a full 17 games, developing into a playmaker and one of the team’s best tacklers.
- FS: Juan Thornhill – Adding a ball hawk who can play deep and in the center of the secondary to the level of Thornhill can’t be understated. A player who yearly makes plays deep and is able to close in on crossing receivers across the middle.
CB
Browns CB Denzel Ward (21) – Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports
- CB: Denzel Ward – Continuing to be one of the premiere lockdown corners in the league. Ward is a staple of the Browns secondary, and their most important defensive player behind only Garrett.
- CB: Martin Emerson – A pleasant surprise to the Browns last season. The rookie came in for an injured Greg Newsome as a third-round rookie and played with the lowest completion percentage (50.5%) allowed among qualified players. Another season, paired with a revamped secondary could see a good rookie season into an outstanding sophomore output.
- Slot CB: Greg Newsome II – Newsome filled in a large portion in the slot last season, despite being relatively vocal about his desire to play outside. However, his ability to just as effective inside as out, make too much sense NOT to have him inside when the Browns run nickel with both Ward and Emerson outside. However, in 2 cornerback looks is when we will likely see him play away from the slot.
