The Cleveland Browns are shaping up to be one of the best teams in the league this year. After an impressive run in the 2020 NFL Playoffs, the front office made some aggressive moves to improve the roster. This team has a plethora of weapons, and the defense has the potential to be the best in the league.
Everything is finally coming together for Cleveland after years of distraught. They'll have to be at their best though, as the Baltimore Ravens will be extremely competitive as well. The AFC North will be a tough race, but the Browns look like they have the edge as we head into training camp.
The defense is stacked and should cause problems for opposing offenses all year long. Even so, the team will only go as far as the offense will let them. Baker Mayfield shined in the final stretch of the season last year. If he can carry that momentum into 2021, the Browns should easily be a top contender.
Even with all of the star power on the roster, the Browns have some depth players on the roster that could be in for a big year. Jarvis Landry seems to be the top receiver on the team and many are hopeful Odell Beckham Jr. comes back to regular form. However, the team will need a couple of other players to step up in the passing game if they hope to improve. With that said, here are two sleepers on the Browns roster.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Donovan Peoples-Jones had a quiet rookie year, putting up a minimal stat line. He finished with just 14 receptions, 304 yards, and two touchdowns. However, his 21.7 yards per reception average and 70% catching percentage pop out on the page. Peoples-Jones was incredibly efficient with his touches and could earn an expanded role in the passing game in 2021.
He has a great chance to be the slot receiver on this team. Opposing defenses are going to stack the box to slow down the run game, or put their attention on Landry and OBJ in pass coverage. Peoples-Jones could find himself open more often than not, as defenses won't be paying him much attention. If that's the case, Mayfield could have a new favorite target, especially if Donovan Peoples-Jones can maintain that efficiency we saw last year.
Harrison Bryant
Similar to Peoples-Jones, Harrison Bryant had a relatively quiet rookie campaign. However, he shined when his number was called. Bryant finished last year with 24 receptions, 238 yards, and three touchdowns. He earned more playing time down the stretch of the season, giving the Browns three solid tight ends for Mayfield to target.
Austin Hooper holds the starting role for now while David Njoku flashed in the back end of the season as well. Bryant will have to fight for snaps, but he has the potential to become the best tight end in Cleveland sooner, rather than later. Hooper wasn't all that consistent last year, and Njoku is likely leaving next offseason. Now is the time for Bryant to make an impact, which could prove to be exactly what the Browns need to win the AFC North.
Follow Us
Subscribe