2021 NFL Offseason: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns (Last Year: 11-5)

2021 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Takk McKinley, DT Malik Jackson, LB Anthony Walker, CB Troy Hill, S John Johnson.
Draft Picks:
CB Greg Newsome, LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, WR Anthony Schwartz, OT James Hudson, DT Tommy Togiai. Browns Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
DE Olivier Vernon, DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Sheldon Richardson, DT Larry Ogunjobi, LB B.J. Goodson, CB Terrance Marshall, CB Kevin Johnson, S Karl Joseph, S Andrew Sendejo.

2021 Cleveland Browns Offense:
The Browns were one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl in 2019, at least according to the Vegas odds. There was so much hype with that team, as people wanted to back Baker Mayfield off an impressive rookie campaign. Cleveland was priced as low as 8:1 in some sportsbooks. Despite this, the Browns disappointed, failing to qualify for the playoffs entirely. Conversely, there was no hype with the Browns last year because they let down so many people in 2019. They ended up having a great year, nearly beating the Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs.

So, what happened? Mayfield was much better in 2020 than he was in 2019 – his touchdown-to-interception ratio climbed from 22:21 to 26:8 – but it’s not that simple. Ultimately, it was all of the improvements Cleveland made to the offensive line that made all the difference.

The Browns couldn’t block whatsoever in 2019, as they had miserable play from their tackles. The front office recognized this as a huge problem, so they paid big money to right tackle Jack Conklin and then spent their first-round pick on Jedrick Wills. The duo thrived in 2020, providing Mayfield with much better protection. Meanwhile, the interior, comprised of guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, as well as center J.C. Tretter, was even better. All five starters are returning for 2021, so Mayfield will be extremely well shielded once again.

It says something that Mayfield was still able to thrive despite losing Odell Beckham Jr. to a season-ending injury in the middle of the year. Beckham will be back, as the talented LSU duo (Jarvis Landry being the other) will reunite. Rashard Higgins, returning as the third receiver, did a fine job of filling in for the injured Beckham last year. Third-round rookie Anthony Schwartz will compete for snaps. Meanwhile, the Browns have a couple of talented tight ends in Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant. Hooper is overpaid, however, and he could continue losing snaps to Bryant, who was chosen in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The improved blocking obviously helped the ground attack as well. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt were great last year as one of the NFL’s top rushing duos, combining for nearly 2,000 rushing yards despite Chubb missing four games.

2021 Cleveland Browns Defense:
Cleveland’s front office has shown that it is willing to really attack a position it deems an area of weakness. The offensive line was given plenty of attention during the 2020 offseason. This time, it was the secondary.

The Browns had severe issues stopping the pass last year despite the great Myles Garrett putting heavy pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Everyone was a witness to this in the divisional round of the playoffs, when Patrick Mahomes built a huge lead for the Chiefs by torching Cleveland. Denzel Ward was the only viable, healthy cornerback on the roster, so the Browns went shopping. They initially signed Troy Hill away from the Rams, which was a terrific acquisition. Hill thrived as the Rams’ slot cornerback last year, so he’ll provide an upgrade at that spot. The Browns then used a first-round pick on Greg Newsome, who figures to win the starting job opposite Ward.

Hill wasn’t the only defensive back the Browns stole from the Rams. They also signed John Johnson, who is considered one of the top, young safeties in the NFL. Just 24, Johnson will be an enormous upgrade at what was a position of severe weakness last year. He’ll start next to 2020 second-rounder Grant Delpit, who didn’t play at all as a rookie because of a torn Achilles. He suffered this injury in training camp, meaning it occurred so early in the season that he should be ready for the 2021 opener.

The Browns made changes elsewhere as well. They lost Olivier Vernon as the starter opposite Garrett this offseason, so they signed Jadeveon Clowney. The former Texan and Titan is a big name, though he has been a big disappointment as a pass rusher for most of his career. Still, Clowney is stout in run support, so he’ll at least be able to help the Browns in that regard. Depth is an issue at defensive end unless former first-round bust Takk McKinley can finally turn around his career.

There was a swap in the interior of the defensive line as well. Sheldon Richardson was a surprise release, but the Browns signed Malik Jackson to take his place. Jackson is a talented player, but has been injured recently. He’ll be part of a quartet of interior defensive players, with the other three being Jordan Elliott, a third-round pick in 2020; Andrew Billings, a big run stuffer; and Tommy Togiai, a fourth-round rookie. Given the mediocrity here, it’s shocking that Richardson was cut.

The Browns will be hoping that another rookie of theirs, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, provides a boost to the linebacking corps. This was an area of weakness last year, so the athletic second-rounder might be able to help. The Browns have a mix of young players (Jacob Phillips, Sione Takitaki, Mack Wilson) and veterans (Anthony Walker, Malcolm Smith) at this position otherwise. None are very good, though Phillips had some bright moments in his rookie campaign last year.

2021 Cleveland Browns Schedule and Intangibles:
Long-time kicker Phil Dawson hasn’t been on the team since 2012, yet the Browns are still trying to replace him. Cody Parkey went 19-of-22 last year, but didn’t attempt a kick beyond 50 yards. He also missed four extra points.

Cleveland had a pedestrian punter last year with Jamie Gillan finishing 26th in net yardage.

The Browns weren’t good on special teams last season, allowing a touchdown to the opposition while failing to score themselves.

It’s not often that an 11-5 team has a third-place schedule, but the Browns will have the luxury of navigating through it. However, they’ll have to deal with the tough AFC West.

2021 Cleveland Browns Rookies:
Go here for the Browns Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2021 Cleveland Browns Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks	Offensive Line	Secondary
Running Backs	Defensive Line	Special Teams
Receivers	Linebackers	Coaching

2021 Cleveland Browns Analysis: The Browns gained some valuable experience last year. Perhaps they’ll use that to make a deeper push into the playoffs this season. They’re certainly capable of doing so, thanks to their elite offensive line and improved secondary. Unfortunately for them, the Chiefs are still the best team in the conference and will likely stand in their way of reaching the Super Bowl.

Projection: 12-5 (1st in AFC North)

2020 Projection: 10-6. 2020 Actual Result: 11-5.
2019 Projection: 10-6. 2019 Actual Result: 7-8-1.
2018 Projection: 5-11. 2018 Actual Result: 7-8-1.
2017 Projection: 4-12. 2017 Actual Result: 0-16.
2016 Projection: 2-14. 2016 Actual Result: 1-15.

NFL Draft Team Grade: A- Grade

Goals Entering the 2021 NFL Draft: The Browns don’t have that many needs on their loaded roster. They’re in a position where they can draft the best players available to help them get over the top against the Chiefs. Part of that would be getting another edge rusher to pressure Patrick Mahomes.

2021 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Cleveland didn’t exactly follow my advice as far as obtaining someone who could pressure Patrick Mahomes on the edge, but the front office put together a strong draft class otherwise. Both Greg Newsome and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah filled needs that will help counter Pittsburgh’s talented receiving corps and Lamar Jackson’s scrambling ability.

The Browns also made some great value choices on the third day of the draft. James Hudson and Tommy Togiai were nice selections to help address the trenches, while fifth-rounder Tony Fields is another player who can help Cleveland’s ailing linebacking corps.

The only pick of Cleveland’s that I wasn’t a fan of was Anthony Schwartz in the third round. Schwartz has unbelievable speed, but he’s a track athlete rather than a football player. Perhaps this should have been the edge-rusher pick. Regardless, the Browns walked away with a strong haul that should allow them to keep improving.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

26. Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern – B Grade
Anything in the back seven would’ve made sense for the Browns. They need linebacker help to deal with Lamar Jackson and cornerback upgrades to cover all of Pittsburgh’s receivers. They opted for Greg Newsome over Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, which is fine. I had Newsome pegged in this area, and he figures to be a solid No. 2 cornerback across from Denzel Ward.

52. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame – A Grade
I slotted Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to the Browns in the first round, so I love this value. That said, I’m not surprised Owusu-Koramoah slipped. Some would say he doesn’t have a natural position, so after Isaiah Simmons’ struggles last year, teams may have been worried about Owusu-Koramoah’s translation to the NFL. However, he’s a great athlete and should be able to help Cleveland defend Lamar Jackson.

91. Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn – D Grade
I liked Cleveland’s draft up until this point. Anthony Schwartz isn’t a football player. He’s a track athlete trying to play football. Perhaps he’ll develop into a football player, but he’s a huge project. I thought he would go in the fifth or sixth round.

110. James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati – A Grade
The Browns’ great draft continues. I consistently mocked James Hudson in the second or third round, so this is incredible value. It doesn’t fill a major need at all, but the Browns are getting one of the top players available to fill depth on the offensive line. Just ask the Chiefs how important offensive line depth can be!

132. Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State – B+ Grade
The Browns lost Sheldon Richardson, so it makes sense that they would address the trenches with this selection. I’ve had Tommy Togiai slotted in this range, so this is a solid choice for the Browns, who are having a great draft.

153. Tony Fields, LB, West Virginia – B+ Grade
Here’s another linebacker for the Browns to help neutralize Lamar Jackson. Tony Fields is an undersized player, and he’s not very athletic, but he was very productive at West Virginia. I had him in the fourth round in some updates.

169. Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia – C Grade
Richard LeCounte was a productive player in Georgia as a tackling machine. The problem is that he’s small and very unathletic, so he may not translate into the pros, unfortunately. He may have to be relegated to special teams.

211. Demetric Felton, RB/WR, UCLA – B- Grade
Demetric Felton is versatile threat who is moving from running back to receiver. There’s some questions about whether he can do that, and his upside is questioned, but Felton could end up being the Browns’ third running back. This is an OK pick, but Felton could have trouble making the roster.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Season Summary:
The Browns qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Not only that; they managed to win their first postseason contest since the 1990s! They lost in the second round to the Chiefs, but it’s evident that this was not a fluke. The improved Browns are here to stay.

Offseason Moves:

Browns sign DE Jadeveon Clowney

Browns sign DT Malik Jackson

Browns sign LB Anthony Walker

Browns sign CB Troy Hill

Browns sign DE Takk McKinley

Browns sign S John Johnson

Team Needs:

Two Linebackers: The linebacking corps is the weak point of Cleveland’s roster. Two new players are needed at the position. Re-signed Malcolm Smith; signed Anthony Walker
Wide Receiver: There’s no guarantee Odell Beckham Jr. will return next year, while Rashard Higgins happens to be a free agent.
Defensive End: The Browns need a bookend pass rusher across from Myles Garrett. Olivier Vernon is a free agent coming off a torn Achilles. Signed Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley
Defensive Tackle: An interior defensive lineman is needed as well. Larry Ogunjobi is another impending free agent, but he needed to be upgraded anyway. Signed Malik Jackson
Kicker: The Browns need a better kicker, and Cody Parkey is entering free agency anyway. Re-signed with Browns
Punter: Cleveland had one of the worst punters in the NFL last year.

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2021 NFL Free Agent Signings:

John Johnson, S, Rams. Age: 25.
Signed with Browns (3 years, $33.75 million)

John Johnson is one of the top safeties in the NFL, and he’s only 25 years old. The sky is the limit for him.
Jadeven Clowney, DE/OLB, Titans. Age: 28.
Signed with Browns (1 year)

Jadeveon Clowney was a disappointment for the Titans, failing to record a sack in 2020. He has yet to notch double-digit sacks throughout his career. He’s overrated as a pass rusher, but plays very well against the run.
Troy Hill, CB, Rams. Age: 30.
Signed with Browns (4 years, $24 million)

Troy Hill was one of the better slot cornerbacks in the NFL last year. He’s now 30, so regression could come soon, but he should still play well the next two years.
Malik Jackson, DT, Eagles. Age: 31.
Signed with Browns

Malik Jackson used to be a stellar player, but he has slowed down recently. He hasn’t performed well the past two years. He’s now 31, so this decline is likely to be permanent.
Takk McKinley, DE, Raiders. Age: 25.
Signed with Browns (1 year, $4 million)

Takk McKinley still has some major potential as a former first-round pick, but he’s been a bust thus far.
Anthony Walker, LB, Colts. Age: 26. — Signed with Browns (1 year)

Cleveland Browns Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

B.J. Goodson, LB, Browns. Age: 28.
B.J. Goodson had a solid year in Cleveland’s lackluster linebacking corps. He was at his best in coverage.
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Browns. Age: 30.
Signed with Vikings (1 year)

Sheldon Richardson was cut for financial reasons; he performed on a high level in 2020, both as a pass rusher and a run supporter. He turns 31 in November.
Terrance Marshall, CB, Browns. Age: 29.
Signed with Texans (2 years)

Terrance Marshall was thrust into the starting lineup because of an injury to Greedy Williams. Marshall performed well, tackling particularly well.
Kevin Johnson, CB, Browns. Age: 29.
Signed with Titans (1 year)

Normally a quality slot cornerback, Kevin Johnson struggled a bit in 2020 because of nagging injuries. He’s likely to bounce back next year.
Olivier Vernon, DE, Browns. Age: 30.
Olivier Vernon had a great 2020 campaign, stopping the run well and getting to the quarterback frequently (nine sacks). Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles late in the season, so he may not be 100 percent for the start of 2021.
Karl Joseph, S, Browns. Age: 27.
Signed with Raiders

Time is running out for Karl Joseph to prove his worth as a first-round pick. He’s played well at times in his career, but wasn’t very good in 2020, thanks to injuries.
Malcolm Smith, LB, Browns. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Browns

Malcolm Smith is a versatile linebacker who excelled in coverage last season. He’s 32, however, so he’ll decline in the near future.
Rashard Higgins, WR, Browns. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Browns (1 year)

Rashard Higgins did well in place of an injured Odell Beckham last year. Higgins caught 37 passes for 599 yards in 2020. He’s only 26, so he should be able to improve in the near future.
Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Browns. Age: 27.
Signed with Bengals (1 year)

Larry Ogunjobi had a down year in 2020, but he’s still a solid rotational defensive lineman with some upside.
Kha’Darel Hodge (RFA), WR, Browns. Age: 26. — Tendered by Browns
Andrew Sendejo, S, Browns. Age: 33.
Kendall Lamm, OT, Browns. Age: 29. — Signed with Browns (2 years, $8.5 million)
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Browns. Age: 33.
Cody Parkey, K, Browns. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Browns (1 year)
Vincent Taylor, DT, Browns. Age: 27. — Signed with Texans (1 year)
Marvin Hall, WR, Browns. Age: 28. — Signed with Patriots
Tedric Thompson, S, Browns. Age: 26.
Tae Davis, LB, Browns. Age: 25. — Signed with Texans
Elijah Lee, LB, Browns. Age: 25.
Taywan Taylor, WR, Browns. Age: 26.
JoJo Natson, WR, Browns. Age: 27. — Re-signed with Browns