Days Until Football is a series in which I preview every NFL team, one a day at a time until the NFL season starts on September 6th. It will preview offense, defense, and give a prediction for the team’s record. Also, I will list a fantasy star and sleeper. Here is the Cleveland Browns preview.
Last year, the Browns were… bad. Their quarterback play was awful, they had no skill players and the defense was mediocre, so they went 0-16. They finally made a few moves over the offseason to improve their team, such as drafting Baker Mayfield and trading for Jarvis Landry.
Browns Offense
There will be a quarterback battle during training camp. Baker Mayfield was drafted first overall and they acquired Tyrod Taylor from the Bills. Usually, the veteran quarterback starts for a month or two then the rookie takes over midseason. However, with Tyrod playing well, Baker could be on the shelf for the full season. Over the offseason, the Browns also revamped the running back position. They signed Carlos Hyde and drafted Nick Chubb, who struggled in his preseason debut. The Browns still have Duke Johnson, who is good, but not a workhorse.
At receiver, the Browns brought over Jarvis Landry from the Dolphins, and traded away Corey Coleman. Josh Gordon is still away from the team and remains a question mark. Rookie Antonio Callaway impressed in his preseason debut, but a possible suspension could limit his rookie potential. Finally, the Browns have expressed interest in bringing Dez Bryant in to play opposite Gordon, and Dez will make his visit this week.
Browns Defense
On the other side of the ball, Cleveland did not do much to improve defensively. Former first overall pick Myles Garrett is the best player on the front four. They traded former first-rounder Danny Shelton to New England over the offseason. Jamie Collins had highlighted the linebacking core since he got his big contract, and former Wisconsin Badger Joe Schobert tied for the league lead in tackles last season. For their secondary, they drafted Denzel Ward fourth overall, traded for the Packers’ Damarious Randall to play him at his natural position, safety, and Jabrill Peppers is a versatile safety opposite Randall.
Predictions for Browns
I think the Browns will go 5-11, third in the AFC North. The quarterback position is a question mark and it is hard to win when you are changing your quarterback. The receiving corps does not have much depth, and the defense is mediocre, with only one elite player in the front seven. They also play in a very tough division. Games against the Steelers and Ravens will be very tough, but the two games against the Bengals should be wins.
Fantasy Star- Jarvis Landry
Fantasy Sleeper- Nick Chubb
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