Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft
3. Cleveland Browns
RB: Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt (24/25)
This unit has two running backs that could be 1,000-yard rushers on other teams. Nick Chubb, in his sophomore season, finished as the second-leading rusher in the NFL and accumulated nearly 1,700 total yards. Kareem Hunt, despite missing eight games, was hyper-efficient; he averaged 4.2 yards per carry and caught 37 passes for 285 yards. With Kevin Stefanski implementing his system in Cleveland, this rushing attack could be even more dangerous in 2020.
WR: Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, Taywan Taylor, Donovan Peoples-Jones (22/25)
Even though Beckham played through injury last season and struggled in his first year with the Browns, he’s one of the best receivers in the league when healthy. He still had over 1,000 yards receiving and averaged 14 yards per reception, despite the chaos around him.
Jarvis Landry actually performed better than Beckham, catching 83 balls for 1,174 yards and averaging 14.1 yards per reception. Without sufficient depth at the No. 3 wide receiver spot, however, the Browns will be capped at this ranking.
TE: Austin Hooper, David Njoku (23/25)
I am not the biggest Austin Hooper fan, as I think his 2019 performance was more of a product of Atlanta’s poor offensive line than his own talent; yet, I can’t deny he’s a top-ten tight end in this league and will be great in Stefanski’s tight end friendly scheme. David Njoku is a solid compliment whom I still believe could be a starting tight end in this league. Cleveland’s 12 personnel will be tough to defend this season.
Offensive Line: Jedrick Wills Jr, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin (21/25)
Even though the Browns were only in the middle of the pack in terms of sacks in 2018, Baker Mayfield was constantly under duress and forced to flee the pocket. Luckily, Cleveland addressed their weakest offensive unit this offseason.
They signed Jack Conklin to take over as right tackle and drafted Jedrick Wills Jr. with their first-round draft pick. Given Tretter and Bitonio are already above-average interior lineman, I am comfortable giving Cleveland a high grade on their offensive line.
Total Score: 90/100
Summary: Baker Mayfield thoroughly disappointed in his sophomore season, completing less than 60 percent of his passes and throwing 22 touchdowns compared to 21 interceptions. Yet, much of this was a product of poor offensive line play and foolish coaching decisions. Mayfield has no more excuses heading into his third season, as I believe he has a top-three supporting cast headed into this season and some of the best weapons in the NFL.