The Cleveland Browns moved to 7-7-1 after picking up their fourth win in five games. It’s been a tough time of late for all those associated with the Browns, but in 2018 the situation looks a lot brighter. The Browns are 5-2 since they fired Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Changing the coaching staff has made a difference to a franchise heading in the right direction. The Cleveland Browns 2018 draft picks have earned their salary.
Cleveland Browns Draft Picks Paying Off
With the First Pick of the 2018 NFL Draft…
Baker Mayfield has had a stellar season. The 2018 first overall draft pick looks to have solved the Browns quarterback enigma. The Dawg Pound faithful have every reason to look forward to a productive 2019 NFL season. To date, Mayfield has thrown for 3,349 yards and 24 touchdowns.
The rookie threw three touchdown passes in yesterday’s convincing win over the 6-9 Cincinnati Bengals. Marvin Lewis will be glad to see the back of 2018 and Mayfield, who has seven touchdown passes against their divisional rivals.
Red zone fears seem to have subsided for the Browns offense. Mayfield’s touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku in yesterday’s win highlights the belief and synergy between the players and coaching staff. Cleveland’s search for a franchise quarterback is over. Mayfield is not a finished article but they have a rough diamond. He is playing with a swagger. He spoke to the media in the Week 16 post game press conference.
“People need to fear coming to Cleveland. They need to fear coming and playing around at the lake with an exciting crowd, a lot of noise and a team that is protecting their own turf. That is how it needs to be”. (via browns.com).
From Georgia to Ohio
One player to have enjoyed a coaching change is rookie running back Nick Chubb. Since Week Eight the 35th overall draft pick has had six rushing touchdowns and two touchdown receptions.
Chubb has spearheaded the Browns running game, carrying the football 183 times for 972 yards. The Baltimore defense will do their best to inhibit Chubb’s runs in Week 17, he is aiming for a milestone of 1,000 yards. That‘s impressive in an inaugural NFL season.
It’s been a record-breaking season for No. 24. He set the franchise rookie rushing record for a season, previously held by Trent Richardson.
Buckeye Talent
The Browns drafted Denzel Ward as the fourth overall pick. The rookie cornerback started the season in style. The shutdown corner picked Ben Roethlisberger twice in the Steelers 21-21 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie has made an impressive start to his pro-football career, has three picks, and a forced fumble. Ward has entered the concussion protocol. His next game may turn out to be in the 2019 Pro Bowl. Ward spoke to the media after the announcement of his inclusion to the AFC roster.
It is definitely a blessing. I appreciate all of the voters and everyone that believed in me. Just glad that I can be a representative here for the Cleveland Browns (Via browns.com).
Myles Garrett is also heading to the Pro Bowl. The 2017 first overall draft pick has had a great season, picking up 12.5 sacks.
Looking Ahead
The 2019 first overall draft pick won’t be heading to Cleveland. The Browns are arguably the most improved team in the NFL. Garrett, Mayfield and Chubb are the blueprint for success. The AFC North is a tough division, expect the Browns to be in the mix in 2019. What a statement it would be if the Browns could close out the season with a win on-the-road at the Baltimore Ravens (9-6) – stranger things have happened in football.
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