TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Myles Garrett (right) is already one of the game’s best players. The All-Pro defensive lineman seeks another level. He set a single-season team record with 16 sacks last season, a mark he wants to shatter. When the Browns visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer, Garrett was excused because he wants his first tour to be at his induction. Garrett leads a Browns defense that will be among the league’s fastest. Second-year linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could be on the verge of stardom and Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward leads one of the NFL’s top defensive backfields.
Weaknesses: The wide receiving group is thin. Amari Cooper, who arrived via trade after four solid seasons in Dallas, is a solid No. 1, but there’s not much proven value below him. Donovan Peoples-Jones has shown glimpses of being a game-changing playmaker. Anthony Schwartz has world-class speed but has struggled with consistency and confidence. David Bell could be a dependable third-down target, but he’s been catching up since suffering a foot injury early in training camp.
Camp development: Cade York has been as advertised, and then some. The fourth-round pick from LSU has instilled confidence in teammates and coaches with his powerful right leg and ultraconfident personality.
Expectations: Hard to predict. Deshaun Watson isn’t eligible until Week 13 after agreeing to a settlement with the league for alleged sexual misconduct. It’s not what the Browns had in mind when they signed the three-time Pro Bowler to an historic contract in March. With a soft early schedule, Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts, might be able to keep the Browns treading water until Watson’s available.