The Cleveland Browns defense and speed were matters of concern last season, and now those concerns have been addressed. Andrew Berry made some calculated decisions during the 2021 Draft that paid off, despite this being the first time in 25 years the Browns picked so late in the first round. Now, it\u2019s time to move forward and work on an even stronger season than 2020.<\/p>\n
The Browns were a bigger force last season<\/a> than most predicted. They defied odds, overcame challenges, and along with the entire league, faced a very different world. The difference was that this time, they were hungry for success. They thrived on their need to prove the naysayers wrong.<\/p>\n Although they reached the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, there was a nagging need<\/a> for a shutdown cornerback, an athletic and versatile linebacker, and a speedy receiver.<\/p>\n Greg Newsome from Northwestern is exactly what Cleveland needs. Some call him \u201cultra-competitive and ultra-confident<\/a>\u201d. The three-year starter expected to go a little higher and was somewhat disappointed that he fell that far. \u201cThe way I feel, if I\u2019m not the first pick in the draft then everyone made a mistake. That\u2019s the type of confidence I have. I could have been picked second overall and I still would have had a chip on my shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n Well, one such player with a chip on his shoulder is Kareem Hunt. And that fueled him to be one of the best running backs in the NFL. This chip on Newsome\u2019s shoulder should ideally put him in the right frame of mind to do big things.<\/p>\n Berry noted that Newsome is laid back off the field, but on the field an entirely different person. \u201cHe\u2019s very, very confident, and highly competitive.\u201d Cleveland lacked a corner who had that much confidence. If Newsome lives up to his own expectations, the Browns are sorted in that area.<\/p>\n [pickup_prop id=”6787″]<\/p>\n Prior to the draft, Berry signed six free agents, all defensive players. Suffice it to say that the defense is undergoing a big change. Adding another valuable piece to strengthen the unit comes in the form of Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Berry obviously felt that going up in the draft (trading with Carolina Panthers) was a worthy investment.<\/p>\n It seems like it was destiny, with Owusu-Koramoah revealing that he pictured himself in one of the Browns schemes while watching them last year. \u201cIt has been a blessing to see everything come to fruition.\u201d A blessing indeed \u2013 the rookie is a quick processor with a high motor and great range. The ideal schematic fit.<\/p>\n Cleveland\u2019s receivers have shone brightly. However, Odell Beckham<\/a> Jr.\u2019s injury meant that one quality was lacking: speed. Auburn\u2019s Anthony Schwartz<\/a> blew everyone away with a 4.2 in the 40-yard dash, cementing him as the next great receiver in Cleveland\u2019s arsenal.<\/p>\n Of his own talent, he said \u201cEvery time you throw it deep, I\u2019m grabbing it and it\u2019s going to be a touchdown.\u201d That run-after-catch mindset and vertical presence will lift Cleveland’s offense to a higher level.<\/p>\n The Browns offense last year reached heights no one thought possible. The concern had been with a defense that dwindled after previous success. Speed and defensive issues are well on their way to being resolved. Now we wait and watch.<\/p>\n Main photo:They Have The Ideal Cornerback<\/h3>\n
The Holes In Cleveland Browns Defense Have Been Fixed<\/h3>\n
A Fast Receiver? Yes Please.<\/h3>\n
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>