Cleveland Browns (Last Year: 11-6)
Season Summary:
The Browns went through a myriad of quarterbacks last year in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s injury before settling on Joe Flacco. Things were promising until a blowout defeat in the opening round of the playoffs. Watson will be back next season, but he didn’t exactly look great prior to his injury last year.
2024 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Jameis Winston, QB Tyler Huntley, RB Nyheim Hines, RB D’Onta Foreman, WR Jerry Jeudy, OT Hakeem Adeniji, DT Quinton Jefferson, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Devin Bush, CB Tony Brown.
Draft Picks:
DT Michael Hall, G Zak Zinter. Browns Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
QB Joe Flacco, RB Kareem Hunt, TE Harrison Bryant, C Nick Harris, DT Shelby Harris, DT Jordan Elliott, LB Anthony Walker, LB Sione Takitaki, S Duron Harmon.
2024 Cleveland Browns Offense:
Any prediction involving the Browns finishing 11-6 and reaching the playoffs last year would have involved the assumption that Deshaun Watson rebounded to 2020 form. That, however, was not even close to what transpired. Watson played just six games because of injuries, giving way to a slew of pedestrian quarterbacks before Joe Flacco took the reins and led the team on a late-season charge.
Flacco is no longer on Cleveland’s roster, so he won’t be able to bail out the team if Watson gets hurt again. The interception-prone Jameis Winston is the backup, so the Browns will need Watson to not only stay healthy, but to perform like he did four years ago. There’s a chance that version of Watson is gone forever, though the Browns made sure to acquire another weapon for him. Already possessing the talented Amari Cooper and David Njoku, Cleveland made a trade for Jerry Jeudy in an attempt to give Watson an explosive second downfield threat. Jeudy is talented, but is a knucklehead who constantly makes mistakes and tends to give up on occasion. There’s a good chance that he’ll continue to be a frustrating option in Cleveland, especially if Watson doesn’t revert to 2020 form.
It’ll also help Watson if Nick Chubb can fully recover from his injury. Quite possibly the best pure runner in the NFL, Chubb was lost in Week 2 last year with a devastating knee injury. Unfortunately for Cleveland, it’s unlikely that Chubb will be able to play to start the year. Players often attempt to return too early from torn ACLs, and it usually ends up costing them with another injury. The Browns would be wise to repeat what the Jets did with Breece Hall; the Jets severely limited Hall until the midpoint of the season, which is when they unshackled him. Perhaps Chubb can dominate down the stretch like Hall did for New York, but his injury was much worse. In the meantime, Jerome Ford will draw more starts. Ford did a decent job filling in for Chubb last season.
Chubb and Ford will have the services of an excellent blocking unit. The entire offensive line returns intact, and as a bonus, Jack Conklin will be back from injury after playing just one game this past season. Conklin is a terrific right tackle, so he’ll be needed if left tackle Jedrick Wills doesn’t bounce back from a down season.
The interior group is led by Wyatt Teller, who has developed into one of the better guards in the NFL. Joel Bitonio is also an excellent player at the position, while center Ethan Pocic happens to be a solid blocker.
2024 Cleveland Browns Defense:
The Browns were able to finish with an 11-6 record last year despite their quarterbacking woes, thanks to their incredible defense. Cleveland’s stop unit was ranked at the very top of the chart in EPA.
The strength of Cleveland’s defense was the pass rush. The Browns were first versus aerial attacks and eighth in pressure rate. Myles Garrett was obviously greatly responsible for this. Garrett is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL now that Aaron Donald has retired. Garrett recorded 14 sacks last year, while his bookend, Za’Darius Smith, chipped in with five sacks, a number that’s not indicative of how well he performed.
The Browns were able to generate plenty of pressure from the edge, but they didn’t get much heat on opposing quarterbacks from the interior of the defensive line. This is why they spent their initial draft choice on defensive tackle Michael Hall. The Ohio State product has plenty of talent, but fell out of first-round consideration because of serious character issues. If he can remain clean, he could become a nice complement to Garrett. He’ll form a trio at the position with Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris. Both are fairly known players who have performed very well in the past, but have declined recently because of age. Tomlinson and Harris are now 30 and 32, respectively, so Hall has a chance to claim a starting job.
Cleveland also has great play from the secondary. Denzel Ward is one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL, while Greg Newsome is a gifted slot corner. There’s a hole across from Ward, which was occupied by Martin Emerson last year. The Browns didn’t address this area, so they’ll be hoping Emerson, a third-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, will improve.
Another reason Cleveland was so stellar against the pass was the addition of Juan Thornhill last offseason. Formerly of the Chiefs, Thornhill thrived with his new team. He and Grant Delpit were an excellent safety duo.
As for the linebacking corps, the Browns made a couple of changes because they lost the talented, but oft-injured Anthony Walker to free agency. They signed Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks to pair with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Neither player projects well, though Owusu-Koramoah has been an excellent player for the Browns since he was chosen in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
2024 Cleveland Browns Schedule and Intangibles:
Long-time kicker Phil Dawson hasn’t been on the team since 2012, yet the Browns may have finally replaced him. Dustin Hopkins was excellent last year, going 33-of-36, including a perfect 8-of-8 from beyond 50.
Corey Bojorquez finished 12th in terms of net punting average last year. He did a great job of pinning the opposition inside the 20.
Cleveland has to deal with the AFC North, as well as the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Eagles. There are some easy opponents as well, but not too many of them.
2024 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.
2024 Cleveland Browns Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2024 Cleveland Browns Analysis: The Browns possessed the best defense in the NFL last year. There’s no reason to think that they won’t be in the top 10 in 2024, meaning the sky is the limit if Deshaun Watson can revert back to 2020 form. Given how long it’s been, the possibility of that occurring seems low. Despite this, the Browns will still be able to compete for a playoff spot.
Projection: 10-7 (TBA in AFC North)
2023 Projection: 11-6. 2023 Actual Result: 11-6.
2022 Projection: 9-8. 2022 Actual Result: 7-10.
2021 Projection: 12-5. 2021 Actual Result: 8-9.
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.
Goals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: With no picks in the first or fourth rounds, the Browns would do well to trade down from their first pick, which is at No. 54. Cleveland has to focus on upgrading the defense, which improved last year with some short-term solutions. Better players for the long term are needed.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Cleveland made just two selections in the first 155 picks, so it hurt that the initial choice wasn’t very exciting. That was Michael Hall, a talented player with off-the-field issues. Hall was expected to slip into the third round, so the Browns reached at No. 54. They at least made up for it with the third-round choice, Zak Zinter, who would have been drafted earlier if he didn’t have a recent injury.
I can’t say I’m excited about Cleveland’s draft class. Of course, it’s difficult to be in general with just two picks in the top 155, but there wasn’t a single selection made that will definitely help the team in 2024. I liked the Nathaniel Watson pick at No. 206 the most, but he’s a sixth-round pick, so he’s not expected to produce as a rookie either. There’s a chance that Watson, Zinter and Hall contribute later in their careers, but the Browns are an expected playoff team, so the wait isn’t exactly ideal.
Season Summary:
The Browns went through a myriad of quarterbacks last year in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s injury before settling on Joe Flacco. Things were promising until a blowout defeat in the opening round of the playoffs. Watson will be back next season, but he didn’t exactly look great prior to his injury last year.
Offseason Moves: Broncos acquire WR Jerry Jeudy from Browns for draft picks
Team Needs:
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Cleveland Browns Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
Projection: 10-7 (TBA in AFC North)
2023 Projection: 11-6. 2023 Actual Result: 11-6.
2022 Projection: 9-8. 2022 Actual Result: 7-10.
2021 Projection: 12-5. 2021 Actual Result: 8-9.
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:
C- GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: With no picks in the first or fourth rounds, the Browns would do well to trade down from their first pick, which is at No. 54. Cleveland has to focus on upgrading the defense, which improved last year with some short-term solutions. Better players for the long term are needed.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Cleveland made just two selections in the first 155 picks, so it hurt that the initial choice wasn’t very exciting. That was Michael Hall, a talented player with off-the-field issues. Hall was expected to slip into the third round, so the Browns reached at No. 54. They at least made up for it with the third-round choice, Zak Zinter, who would have been drafted earlier if he didn’t have a recent injury.
I can’t say I’m excited about Cleveland’s draft class. Of course, it’s difficult to be in general with just two picks in the top 155, but there wasn’t a single selection made that will definitely help the team in 2024. I liked the Nathaniel Watson pick at No. 206 the most, but he’s a sixth-round pick, so he’s not expected to produce as a rookie either. There’s a chance that Watson, Zinter and Hall contribute later in their careers, but the Browns are an expected playoff team, so the wait isn’t exactly ideal.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
54. Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State – C- Grade
Michael Hall is staying home in Ohio, but that may not be the best thing. Michael Hall was expected to fall even lower than this because of some glaring off-the-field issues. The Browns are getting a player with upside, but the risk is very high.
85. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan – B+ Grade
The Browns had some injuries on the offensive line last year, so it makes sense for them to find some quality depth and a future starter. Zak Zinter is a solid player who would have gone earlier if it weren’t for injury concerns.
156. Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville – B- Grade
Eagles fans have to feel nostalgic with Trotter and Thrash going back to back. Jamari Thrash isn’t quite as good of a prospect as Trotter, but he makes sense in the fifth-round range. He made some big plays in Louisville, and he’ll provide needed depth at receiver for Cleveland.
206. Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State – A- Grade
Nathaniel Watson is someone we had in the fifth round, so this is solid value for the Browns, a team that needed to find a linebacker. Nathaniel Watson was a tackling machine in college, though he has questionable coverage ability.
227. Myles Harden, CB, South Dakota – B+ Grade
Myles Harden made a name for himself last year, and he could have gone a round earlier than this. The Browns are getting a promising cornerback prospect here, making this a solid choice.
243. Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati – B Grade
Jowon Briggs made a name for himself on the top 30-visit circuit. The Browns needed more production from the interior of their defensive line, and Briggs might be able to provide that, though he’s a project.
Season Summary:
The Browns went through a myriad of quarterbacks last year in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s injury before settling on Joe Flacco. Things were promising until a blowout defeat in the opening round of the playoffs. Watson will be back next season, but he didn’t exactly look great prior to his injury last year.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Wide Receiver: Elijah Moore wasn’t quite the No. 2 receiver the Browns were hoping for, so they’ll need to find someone better to complement Amari Cooper. Traded for Jerry Jeudy
- Defensive End: Za’Darius Smith was a great complement to Myles Garrett last year, but he’s due to hit free agency.
- Linebacker: Anthony Walker is another key free agent-to-be. He was sorely missed late last season when he suffered an injury. Signed Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush
- Defensive Tackle: Cleveland has a couple of defensive tackles who will leave if they’re not re-signed, namely Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst. Signed Quinton Jefferson
- Quarterback: The Browns need to figure out their backup quarterback situation behind Deshaun Watson. Joe Flacco is an impending free agent. Signed Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley
- Cornerback Depth: Depth is needed at the position just in case Denzel Ward gets hurt again like he did at the end of the year.
- Punter: Corey Bojorquez will need to be replaced if he leaves as well.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Cleveland Browns Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Picks - Dec. 15
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
