5 reasons why the Cleveland Browns can succeed in the AFC North

The Browns’ are trending upward

This offseason has been quietly one of the most significant in the last few seasons for the Browns. As far as change goes, enough of it can push a team in the right direction. This is especially true if the team in question has only won four games in the last two seasons combined.

The Browns made big splashes through the draft, free agency, and player transactions. Top draftees Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, David Njoku, and maybe even DeShone Kizer figure to make an immediate impact.

Free agency worked out fairly well as the Browns picked up two solid contributors to their secondary in Jason McCourty and Calvin Pryor. The offensive line has a few new faces as well with J.C. Tretter and Kevin Zeitler joining the ranks.

The addition of Brock Osweiler gives the Browns some depth at the quarterback position. Adding former NFL Pro Bowler Jamie Collins last season just sweetens the whole deal that much more.

All of this has come in the wake of the hiring of Hue Jackson to be the new head coach in 2016. With the results of last season in mind, it looks like the Browns have began to turn the page in terms of committing to the long term.

Next: Banner would have signed Kaepernick

The Browns know that they’re not in the position to win now so it only made sense that they start fresh. In order to compete with the best, they’re gonna have to be their best all the way around. In this case, the Browns starting from square one puts them in position to soar over the rest when the competition falls off.