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NFL Draft 2018: 5 Teams that improved the most for this season

By Michael Johnson

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns 

Sticking with the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns under new general manager John Dorsey may end up being the most improved team, period. It has everything to do with the draft. Baker Mayfield isn’t likely to be part of the winning formula that could be the Browns, at least for this season. However, they drafted a few key pieces that we think will help out now and be around for the long haul. 

For starters, Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward is an electrically athletic man-cover corner who adds some much needed flare to his hometown team. Defensive coordinator Greg Williams had a guy with similar traits in Janoris Jenkins, who had a fantastic season as a rookie under his tutelage. Williams’ style is an attacking aggressive style that’ll be greatly beneficial to Ward’s skill set and will help the secondary greatly. Their No. 33 pick, Austin Corbett, was a welcomed addition to an offensive line that will be without their long-time iron man left tackle, Joe Thomas. 

The addition of Nick Chubb in the second round was an interesting one considering they have a solid backfield. Todd Haley has had a history of running the ball with a committee of backs, like he did with Thomas Jones and Jamal Charles in 2010 as the coach of the Chiefs. Chubb’s best seasons may be ahead of him as he spent the last two years either recovering from the torn ACL or getting his legs back under him.

While the Browns might be more of a running team, they took a flyer on a troubled wide receiver from Florida, Antonio Callaway, in the fourth round. Callaway, if he keeps his life on track, could end up being a steal. The glaring strength is his dynamic playmaking ability and separation on underneath routes. With the ball in his hands there’s arguably no one better in the draft at the wideout spot. He could help them on special teams right away and slowly work his way into the lineup.

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