The Cleveland Browns are not living up to hefty expectations in 2021. Finishing the season 11-6 is their only real chance at the playoffs. They won six before the bye, which would have been an achievement had they not set the bar so high for themselves in 2020. With all the corners of the NFL even putting them in the Super Bowl discussion, this season has been disappointing. Nonetheless, there is still hope in players who are primed for a big future with the Browns.
The Players Primed for a Big Future With the Cleveland Browns
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – Linebacker
He was a steal in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, although many did not think much of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah at first. Questions circulated about his size and where exactly he would fit into the scheme. Those questions have been all but allayed. Before the bye, he had his best game to date, recording 12 tackles and 0.5 sack, resulting in Pro Football Focus giving him a grade of 88.1. Owusu-Koramoah is currently the top-rated rookie defender on the website.
The Browns initial intention was to bring him in for his speed; he has already proven them right. His sideline-to-sideline quickness and explosiveness on plays at the line of scrimmage have been very beneficial to the defense.
Denzel Ward – Cornerback
The extension for Denzel Ward has long been discussed around Cleveland fans’ proverbial water cooler. He has an injury every year that will keep him from playing about four games per season, but he still has plenty left in the tank. As the number four pick in the 2018 Draft, he has proven his worth. Even with missed games, PFF ranks Ward an 80.2 grade at the bye, fifth best among cornerbacks. In November, he had three interceptions, the gob-smacking 99-yard pick-six against the Cincinnati Bengals and served as the reason why Cleveland was able to shut down Ja’Marr Chase.
Ward’s extension is actually likely because as Nick Dudukovich of Fansided suggests, Baker Mayfield will not be getting that mega-deal he wanted. That will mean more than enough to keep Ward at his best.
Greg Newsome II – Cornerback
He has displayed great skills in coverage, some might even count him a top-five defender. While Greg Newsome II has yet to grab an interception, he is still second among rookies in forcing eight incompletions. Unlike fellow rookie cornerbacks, Eric Stokes and Patrick Surtain II, Newsome was not included in PFF’s top 15 rookie rankings. He made it known that he will use that as motivation. Just as well, because it seems like he will stay in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. Look out for more from Newsome.
Wyatt Teller – Right Guard
The Browns revealed just how much of an impact Wyatt Teller will have, by signing him to a weighty contract extension. He has immense presence on the field, now leading in PFF’s Big Time Blocks category. With an overall grade of 86.2, he is third behind Myles Garrett and Joel Bitonio. Cleveland just needs to figure out which guard goes where, with Teller and Bitonio being the most reliable guys on the line. One thing that seems certain is that they’re both there for the long run.
The Browns have a sliver of hope left for the remainder of the season. If they do not succeed in reaching the post-season, fans can at least be assured that they have a talented roster.
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