ESPN has released their 2023 NFL roster core rankings with the Cleveland Browns right outside of the top-10 at number 11. This seems fair as the Browns still have several younger players but some questions remain at the most important position.
“A few years ago this group could have challenged for the No. 1 spot in these rankings. But after Watson played so poorly in his return to football in 2022, posting a Total QBR of 38.0, it’s fair to wonder whether he holds the rest of the players on this list back going into 2023. If he gets back to his Houston level of play, Cleveland would fly up the list.”
Concerns about Deshaun Watson are valid, as there is no way to know if he will return to form in 2023, though it seems likely. The team’s median age is under 28 so they have a ton of youthful talent and if Watson bounces back they will be contenders for an extended period of time.
