After a solid playoff run last year, the Cleveland Browns hope to take the NFL by storm in 2021. The roster is stacked as the roster looks like a Super Bowl contender this year. With the preseason opener taking place on Saturday night, the Browns' coaching staff will see just how deep the roster is.
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The front office made some aggressive moves this offseason. For that reason, Cleveland will be in the running to win the AFC North. Baker Mayfield has a load of talent around him and the defense has the potential to finish amongst the top of the league. The Browns should be happy with their roster, especially with a few guys standing out during training camp.
The offensive line will likely remain consistent, but a young left tackle is showing huge improvements this offseason. Cleveland's receiver room is solid, but a young prospect is making a strong case to see the field more often next year. Defensively, the Browns will be one of the best. However, they'll need a veteran to get back to his prime if they hope to make a Super Bowl run. With that said, here are three pleasant surprises standing out in the Browns training camp.
Browns Offense
Jedrick Wills Jr.
Jedrick Wills Jr. was phenomenal in his rookie year, but it sounds like he's made some big improvements to his game. If that's true, Cleveland could have a top-five offensive line on their hands. Last year, Wills played (and started) in 15 games, serving as a consistent left tackle throughout the season.
Wills' development is great news for the Browns. Baker Mayfield will have all of the time in the world to work through his reads. Additionally, Cleveland has the best one-two punch in the league with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the backfield. Having Jedrick Wills Jr. blossom into a legitimate left tackle could open up the run game even more.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Donovan Peoples-Jones might just be the best performer in the Browns training camp. Cleveland's coaching staff has been raving about his development, as he's been incredible so far. On top of that, Mayfield and Peoples-Jones have already built solid chemistry. Donovan Peoples-Jones is making a strong case to be the Browns' third receiving option behind Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.
Keep an eye on Peoples-Jones as he could make an impact in the Browns preseason opener. He's currently competing with Rashard Higgins for the third spot. However, if Peoples-Jones continues to play like he has, he'll win the job over Higgins and potentially serve as a top pass option this year.
Browns Defense
Jadeveon Clowney
Everyone knows that Jadeveon Clowney is incredibly talented. He's an elite player that has to be double-teamed on every snap. However, he's been less than impressive the last two seasons. So much so, that Clowney had to sign a cheaper contract due to his inconsistency. He was basically a non-factor for the Tennessee Titans but hopes to find new life with the Cleveland Browns.
So far in training camp, it sounds like Jadeveon Clowney is coming back to normal. The Browns continue to express how great he looks, which bodes well for their pass rush. If Clowney can become a force on the defensive line again, with Myles Garrett on the opposite side, the Browns could finish with the best pass rush in the league. That's a defensive front no quarterback wants to face.
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