Somehow, it feels like a year of fresh starts and the Cleveland Browns players poised for a breakout year will be eager to prove themselves. High expectations have been placed on the entire franchise, and the time has come for certain players to improve on what they’ve already achieved with the team. A breakout season is likely on the horizon. But for whom?
Cleveland Browns: The Players Poised for a Breakout Season in 2021
Odell Beckham Jr. – Wide Receiver
He may have the most to prove out of the entire team. Odell Beckham Jr. was on track towards Hall of Fame status but injuries put an abrupt halt on that. It’s been rough for this receiver – since 2016, he’s had a groin injury that needed surgery, plus ongoing back and toe issues.
In week 1 of 2020, he began to resemble his healthy self. Beckham was frequently open downfield and caused problems for the Baltimore Ravens secondary. When Baker Mayfield was having a bad game in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, Beckham got himself open and was largely responsible for the win.
If Mayfield continues playing the way he did in the second half of 2020, Beckham can thrive off that. Combine that with good talent surrounding him on offense and excellent coaching, there is every reason he can return to being one of the best offensive guys in the league and have a true breakout season.
[pickup_prop id=”6152″]
David Njoku – Tight End
David Njoku is Cleveland’s best tight end. In 2020, he produced in the passing game and blocked more than adequately. He outplayed Austin Hooper. With the Browns picking up his fifth-year option at $6 million, we can expect to see him be a bigger target this season.
Njoku missed all of 2019 but didn’t take long to fall right back in last year. Most tight ends take a year or two, but his talent has never been doubted. His health is the only thing holding him back. He became a consistent playmaker throughout the 2020 season. As tight ends go, he is one of the most athletic in the NFL and has huge potential to develop even more.
Donovan Peoples-Jones – Wide Receiver
Despite being one of the most explosive receivers in NFL Combine history, Donovan Peoples-Jones had an average college career. Injuries on the team pushed him onto the starting lineup early in the season and he performed in a way that ensured he was a major part of the offense by the end of that season.
He makes difficult catches and blocks well. He has the ability to win downfield and that’s uncommon among Cleveland’s receivers and tight ends. When Odell Beckham Jr. became unable to play from injury in Week 7, Peoples-Jones became the sole receiver in 13-personnel.
According to cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, Peoples-Jones had an excellent minicamp and got plenty of reps.” He truly has the potential to be a No. 2 or No. 3 in the future.
THE ROOKIE DONOVAN PEOPLES-JONES GAME WINNER🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 25, 2020
Greedy Williams – Cornerback
Suffering a nerve issue in his shoulder meant Greedy Williams Greedy Williams sat out the entire 2020 season. His rookie year was solid and even though Greg Newsome is now in the picture, Williams has the goods to remain the No. 2 corner.
He is returning from a serious injury and has a lot to prove. He has the talent and it showed in the past. That will put him in a good position to start over Newsome. His health is the foremost issue, and if he can perform well, the Browns will have three capable starting cornerbacks.
As it is, the Browns have so many established players who have turned the franchise around completely. If these four guys can shine, it’s a win for them and for Cleveland.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
