For better or worse, 2023 will be a defining year for the Cleveland Browns. They’ve spent an NFL high of $303 million on this year’s roster, which features three of the NFL’s Top 100. They’ve committed a trio of first-round picks and nearly a quarter billion to potential franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Up and down, their roster features players in the primes of their careers, a year or two away from their inevitable declines.
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Browns in the NFL’s Top 100 for 2023
No. 29: RB Nick Chubb
While all eyes are on Watson, Browns fans and NFL pundits everywhere know that the heart of the offense is Nick Chubb. At No. 29 on the NFL’s Top 100, Chubb, if anything, is underrated. Chubb makes the list for the fourth straight year, and it’s no wonder, given his ridiculous 5.2 career yards per carry. Last season, Chubb had career highs in carries, yards, and touchdowns. If anything, expectations have been ratcheted up for 2023. Chubb is clearly the bell-cow back this year after the team walked away from Kareem Hunt (and for reasons passing understanding, have yet to sign a veteran backup). Behind one of the best offensive lines in the league, Chubb is expected to get more carries and more targets than ever.
No. 106 (Honorable Mention): Joel Bitonio
With Chubb earning career highs last season, it’s odd to find all-world guard Joel Bitonio dropping 51 spots on the NFL’s Top 100. The Browns’ offensive line is consistently rated one of the best in the league, and Bitonio is its anchor. He was named a PFF All-Pro after allowing just one sack all last season. He achieved an 84.5 run-blocking grade. So why the lack of love?
No. 20: DE Myles Garrett
DE Myles Garrett is the team’s longest-tenured player in the NFL’s Top 100. If Chubb is the team’s offensive heart, Garrett is the motor of the defense. It’s a mark of the sky-high expectations for Garrett that 16 sacks last season were disappointing. With new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz bringing his new brand of aggression to the Browns, Garrett’s production is only expected to increase, especially with a late addition on the other side of the defense.
No. 84: Browns DE/LB Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith is the Browns’ newest defensive star. After missing all of 2021 due to injury, Smith is back in the NFL’s Top 100. This marks his second appearance after achieving a No. 51 ranking in 2021. Smith has racked up 36 sacks in his last three seasons on the field. His presence is expected to occupy blockers to allow Garrett’s production to increase. Or Garrett will allow Smith’s production to increase. Either way, the Browns should improve on their 34 sacks from 2022.
Overlooked?
In recent years, four other current Cleveland Browns have been ranked in the NFL’s Top 100.
Last season CB Denzel Ward and OL Wyatt Teller ranked No. 87 and No. 83, respectively. It’s easy to see why Ward fell off. Last season’s defense was bland and confused, leading to an overhaul. Speaking of confusing, though, it’s strange to see Teller fall off altogether. Though Bitonio also dropped 51 spots, it seems the Browns’ offensive line may be operating under the radar in 2023.
It’s been a minute since Amari Cooper entered the NFL’s Top 100 (No. 49 in 2020). Though he has all the ability, his stats have been up and down throughout his career. A quick stat comparison, however, tells another story. Cooper hauled in 78 receptions for 1,160 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. Those compare favorably with Terry McLaurin, who came in No. 94 on the NFL’s Top 100 list. Cooper nearly doubled him up in touchdowns. Cooper’s touchdowns also surpassed No. 67 WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, and their yardage was a virtual tie.
Cooper’s non-ranking is likely speculative. While the Browns’ offense seemingly has all the pieces, no one quite knows what to expect from…
The Browns’ Quarter-Billion Dollar Man
As always, it all comes down to quarterback Deshaun Watson. For obvious reasons, Watson did not make the NFL’s Top 100 list. However, No. 4 has hit the list four previous times. His No. 18 ranking in 2021 was his highest, but he also ranked No. 20, No. 51, and No. 50 in the four previous seasons. Like Cooper, he has the ability but needs to prove it this year on the field.
If Watson was truly worth three first-round picks and a quarter billion dollars, the NFL’s Top 100 list will look a lot different in 2024.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
