Biggest Strength: Defensive Line 🛡️
The Cleveland Browns boast a formidable defensive line, spearheaded by the talented Myles Garrett. This unit ranked second in the NFL for last season according to advanced metrics, only trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers. Remarkably, Cleveland’s defensive line was the sole group to finish in the top five for both pass-rush and run-defense grades, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the league. 💪
With the likes of Garrett, first-round pick Mason Graham, and a robust supporting cast, the Browns’ defensive front is primed to wreak havoc in the trenches for their opponents this coming season.
Biggest Weakness: Quarterback 🏈
At present, the Cleveland Browns are in the initial phase of hunting for their long-term quarterback solution. The current roster features a mix of talent with 40-year-old Joe Flacco, seasoned veteran Kenny Pickett, and promising rookies such as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While Flacco is likely to take the reins as the Week 1 starter, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position means any of the others could see significant game time as the Browns strive to develop a functional passing attack.
Quarterback Spotlight: Joe Flacco 🚀
- 2024 PFF Grade: 71.6
- Key Stat: 35.1 Passing grade under pressure (ranked 38th out of 43 qualified quarterbacks)
Flacco made seven appearances for the Colts last season, stepping up in the wake of Anthony Richardson's injury struggles and inconsistent performances. Although he has limited mobility at this stage in his career, he still shows effectiveness when he operates from a clean pocket. However, his lack of improvisational skills might present challenges for the Browns, especially given that their offensive line fell to 27th in pass-blocking grade last season, a stark contrast to the Colts' top-10 performance.
Offensive Player to Watch: WR Jerry Jeudy 🌟
After making the jump from Denver to Cleveland last offseason, Jerry Jeudy experienced a significant increase in usage. His 142 regular-season targets marked him as the seventh-most targeted player in the NFL, earning a solid 74.9 receiving grade—his second-best showing to date. Jeudy peaked during a thrilling 235-yard game against his old team in Week 13. With minimal competition for targets in Cleveland’s receiving roster, Jeudy stands in a prime position for yet another high-usage season as the team's main go-to option.
Defensive Player to Watch: EDGE Myles Garrett 🔥
Though Myles Garrett will not turn 30 until December, he has already made a name for himself among the NFL's all-time edge defensive leaders. His dominance in recent seasons has been extraordinary. Since 2021, Garrett has taken the lead among all defensive players in terms of PFF grade, boasting a stellar rating of 95.3. This elite level of performance continued into 2024, as he topped all defenders with at least 200 pass-rush snaps in both pass-rush grade and win rate.
Rookie to Watch: DI Mason Graham 🌟
While the Browns opted out of pursuing Travis Hunter in the draft, they secured a potentially elite talent in Mason Graham. The former Michigan standout led all FBS defensive tackles in overall PFF grade and run-defense grade this past season. Throughout his three years at Ann Arbor, he consistently showcased himself as the highest-graded defensive tackle in the country. Graham’s addition could significantly elevate the performance of an already fearsome defensive line.
Fantasy Spotlight: 🎮 RB Dylan Sampson
Dylan Sampson earned recognition as a versatile running back against formidable SEC competition, demonstrating exceptional balance, footwork, vision, and explosiveness—traits highlighted in various scouting reports. However, his size (5-foot-8, 200 pounds) remains a concern; Dion Lewis is the only running back of similar stature to have surpassed 2,000 snaps in the last decade. Sampson's clearest pathway to playing time in Cleveland may present itself as a receiving back. He recorded the highest receiving grade and most yards per route run among Browns running backs at the collegiate level, although the overarching concern remains the performance of the offensive line.
Best Bet: ✏️ WR Cedric Tillman — Over 675.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
Despite the uncertainties at quarterback, Cedric Tillman has a notable opportunity to carve out a significant role within the Browns’ strategy. Last season, he averaged a depth of target at 12.3 yards and achieved a contested-catch rate in the 96th percentile, showcasing his capability to excel in downfield situations. With the Browns likely trailing in numerous games, Tillman could bring essential stability to the receiving core.
Bottom Line: ⚖️
The defensive prowess led by Myles Garrett should keep the Browns competitive throughout the season. However, securing stability at the quarterback and offensive line positions is critical for the team to chase meaningful victories and potentially secure a spot in the playoffs.