The Cleveland Browns under went some big changes this season as new head coach Hue Jackson looks to change the culture. Cleveland also passed on the chance to draft potential franchise quarterback Carson Wentz as they will roll the dice with RG3 instead. Will the Browns be AFC North cellar dwellers again in 2016?
3 Position Battle To Watch:
- Wide Receiver: Andrew Hawkins vs. Rashard Higgins vs. vs. Ricardo Lewis vs. Jordan Payton
Josh Gordon was reinstated by the league today but Cleveland likely can’t count on him as he has missed the entire 2015 season. Rookie first round Corey Coleman could have a solid season as one starting option. The Browns used a ton of picks on wide receivers this year and I expect Rashard Higgins to have the best chance of making a contribution. Tyrell Pryor is also on the roster just in case you were curious.
2. Pass Rusher: Carl Nassib vs. Barkevious Mingo vs. Emanuel Ogbah vs. Nate Orchard vs. Joe Schobert
Apparently the Browns don’t understand scheme fits very well as they plan on turning rookie 2nd and 3rd round picks Ogbah and Nassib into outside linebackers. Both players are much better fits for the 4-3 but we shouldn’t be surprised, that’s the Browns way. Mingo has been a disappointment since being drafted in the first round but again its another guy who plays in the wrong scheme. Nate Orchard and Joe Schobert are two guys I do like as they were late round picks this season. Paul Kruger has proved he will man the other outside linebacker spot.
3. Kicker: Patrick Murray vs. Travis Coons
Coons spent the year as the Browns kicker last season but he wasn’t spectacular with a field goal percentage under 90 percent. Murray spent 2015 with the Bucs and should have a chance to take the job away from Coons.
Ready For Breakout Season: Duke Johnson
This one was a no brainer for me. Hue Jackson will employ Johnson the same way he used Gio Bernard a year ago. Johnson has elite speed and he’s going to be a factor in the passing game. I wouldn’t be surprised if Johnson racks in double digit touchdowns this year.
Fantasy Sleeper: Robert Griffin III
Yes that’s right RG3. Hue Jackson is a great coach for him and if there is ever a time to turn things around for him it is now. Griffin will also add some rushing stats to his fantasy stat line adding a lot of value to his stock. In two quarterback leagues RG3 is a good gamble.
Rookie To Watch: Scooby Wright
I’m not sure anyone really understood what the Browns were doing during the draft (especially the Cody Kessler pick, Yikes) but they may have struck gold with Scooby. Wright was a projected top 10 pick prior to the season and fell all the way to the 7th round. He could make an immediate impact at one of the middle linebacker spots.
The Cleveland Browns are probably destined for last but I anticipate them being better than people anticipate. The previous regime under Mike Pettine was a extremely poor coached unit. I expect the Browns to win more this year.
