Welcome to 32 teams in 32 days. To get us through the offseason, we’ll be taking a closer look at every team in the league, in order of projected 2023 win totals. Up next: the Browns.
It’s fair to label the Browns as having one of the best rosters in the NFL, simply based on the number of Pro Bowlers and All-Pros they have across various positions.
Edge rusher Myles Garrett, running back Nick Chubb and offensive guard Joel Bitonio will likely continue being elite players at their respective positions. But there’s also plenty of uncertainty surrounding how fast the many news faces can jell with the established players.
Scott Galvin/USA TODAY Sports (center); Philip G. Pavely/USA TODAY Sports (left, right)
Most notably, the Browns added defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and wide receiver Elijah Moore. These players were acquired to fill holes and provide depth, but veteran offseason additions don’t always fix the issues from the prior season.
The biggest question mark is quarterback Deshaun Watson and whether he can regain his All-Pro form from his days with the Texans. If he doesn’t, GM Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski might find themselves on the hot seat in 2023.
Biggest gamble this offseason: Not having buyer’s remorse with Watson
The Browns didn’t get many results in Year 1 from their massive investment in Watson, whom they acquired for multiple first-round picks, a historic fully guaranteed $230 million contract and endless amounts of scrutiny. The five-year deal was signed in the 2022 offseason, but it will remain the organization’s biggest gamble for years to come. After serving an 11-game suspension for sexual harassment and sexual assault alleged by more than two dozen women, Watson struggled in his first six games with the Browns—his first games since playing for the Texans in ’20. (He completed 58.2% of his passes and averaged 183.7 passing yards per game, both single-season career lows.) Cleveland desperately needs Watson to regain his rhythm. He’ll have a strong supporting cast on the field with tight end David Njoku, wide receiver Amari Cooper, Chubb and Bitonio.
Toughest stretch of the season: Weeks 1 to 6
The Browns will quickly find out how competitive the AFC North will be this season with back-to-back games vs. the Bengals and Steelers (on the road) to open the 2023 schedule. After a home game vs. the rebuilding Titans, the Browns will host the new-look Ravens in Week 4. (The Ravens hired Todd Monken as their new offensive coordinator in February.) Following the early divisional gantlet, Cleveland will get an early bye week in Week 5 but return to face the mighty 49ers at home. It’s a tough first five games for the Browns, but they have an opportunity to stack wins later on, with their schedule also including matchups against the Colts, Cardinals, Broncos, Rams, Bears and Texans, six teams expected to struggle in ’23.
Breakout player to watch: CB Martin Emerson Jr.
David Dermer/USA TODAY Sports
Emerson, a 2022 third-round pick, flourished as the team’s No. 2 outside cornerback in nickel and dime coverages, which could make him a full-time starter this year in a deep Cleveland secondary. Emerson’s production on the outside, however, caused a team rift with cornerback Greg Newsome II, the ’21 first-round pick, who was asked to play more in the slot. Newsome recently admitted it was a tough adjustment for him to split from inside and outside, which might mean a bigger role on the outside this season with Denzel Ward, the ’18 first-round pick. But roles can be figured out later; Emerson’s surprising play as a rookie gave the Browns a good problem to have at cornerback. The 6'2", 201-pound Emerson recorded 63 total tackles and one sack in 17 games and six starts last season.
Position of strength: Edge rusher
The Browns’ deepest position might be at edge rusher, which wasn’t the case last season as Garrett did not have much help. Cleveland traded for Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Packers and Vikings, and signed Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, a productive playmaker for the Texans last season. Alex Wright, a 2022 third-round pick, could make strides in his second season to provide depth for the pass-rushing rotation. And with more help on the defensive line, Garrett could be on the verge of his best career season; he’s already had plenty of standout seasons since being drafted No. 1 in ’17, including last year with 16 sacks.
Position of weakness: Linebacker
The Browns have many established players across the roster, making this category a tough decision. But the Browns do have some uncertainty at linebacker with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki being inconsistent players in their careers. They’re not Pro Bowlers, but it’s a solid unit on a stacked roster. Entering the offseason, the Browns’ biggest concerns were at interior defensive line, but they addressed that with the signing of Tomlinson and the third-round selection of Siaki Ika.
X-factor: WR Elijah Moore
The wide receiver position is a perfect example of what makes the Browns’ talented roster a bit deceptive. Cooper is a solid wide receiver, but he’s not a star No. 1 wide receiver anymore. Donovan Peoples-Jones has flashed at times, but he also leaves the Browns wanting more. If Moore is able to break out in his new home after two tumultuous seasons with the Jets, this receiving trio could be productive enough in 2023 to help Watson get back on track.
Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com/USA TODAY Network
Sleeper fantasy pick: WR Elijah Moore
The Browns traded a second-round pick for Moore, who projects to become one of their top three wideouts in 2023. While he won’t be their top option (that of course remains Cooper), Moore could earn enough touches catching passes from Watson to be better than his draft position. —Michael Fabiano, SI Fantasy
Best bet: Take the under on Nick Chubb’s 8.5 rushing touchdowns
Chubb matched his career-high with 12 rushing TDs last season. In his other three NFL seasons, he logged exactly eight each. In the final six games of 2022, once Watson took over at QB, Chubb did not rush for a single TD. —Jennifer Piacenti, SI Betting
