Analytics hate 2019 Cleveland Browns roster, ranked 18th in NFL

Projected starters for the Cleveland Browns were ranked 18th in the NFL, a surprisingly low numbers considering the team’s expectations.

Analytics aren’t being kind to the 2019 Cleveland Browns roster, ranking the unit 18th among the NFL’s 32 franchises.

The compilation was done by analytically oriented site Pro Football Focus in an article for ESPN+ subscribers. 

I’m not anti-analytics and do believe advanced statistics belong in the game, but I don’t think I’m out of line believing most card carrying members of the Dawg Pound won’t give a rip about PFF’s rankings. After all, analytics gave Cleveland fans those memorable 2016 and 2017 campaigns, which yielded a record of 1-31.

At the time, Pro Football Focus was regarded as “The Browns’ Bible.”

Those times have changed, however analytics still play a big role in the Browns’ strategy, evidenced by Moneyball co-founder Paul DePodesta’s employment.

Speaking for analytics, it’s important to remember that the advanced data was in favor of Baker Mayfield being the No. 1 pick in 2018. Those who saw him in college might’ve thought it was a no brainer, but no one was seriously mocking Mayfield to the Browns besides PFF.

In regard to the actual rankings, it was surprising to see the roster ranked 18th because the compilation was made with projected starters in mind.

PFF listed just one player as elite, meaning they carried a grade of 90 or higher (Odell Beckham Jr.)

Nick Chubb, (87.5), Myles Garrett (87) and Olivier Vernon (86.3) are all on the cusp, while Baker Mayfield is expected to take a big leap in year two, meaning his grade of 84 should be a lot higher at this time next year. Greedy Williams drew a score of 80 based off last season with the LSU Tigers.

The real reason for PFF’s ranking is the number of “Below Average” players expected to start. There’s 10 of them, but keep in mind, just because they were “Below Average” last season, doesn’t mean they will be again in 2019.

“Below average” players, meaning they graded out under 70 included category (0-69.9) with Christian Kirksey (46, lowest on the team), Genard Avery (54.8. baed on a college season).

Other contributors: Antonio Callaway (63.6), Larry Ogunjobi (64),  David Njoku (66.7), Morgan Burnett (66.7), and T.J. Carrie (66.9).

Here’s the o-line: Austin Corbett (54.9), Greg Robinson (59.6),  Chris Hubbard (65.1),

PFF listed the Browns’ biggest weakness as missed tackles, so the linebacking corps will be worth watching since tackling’s biggest offender, Joe Schobert, will be counted on heavily as the “quarterback of the defense.”

In the end, rankings are rankings, even when they’re compiled using advanced data from PFF. The truth is there’s no way to measure the future. We don’t know how the Mayfield to OBJ connection is going to play out and whether Beckham’s mere presence makes life easier for the other receivers on the squad.

This is why we play the game! If we knew the outcome, sports would be about as exciting as going to the dentist. Here’s knowing the Browns, who were just picked to win double-digit games, by the way, prove PFF wrong.

For what it’s worth, the Ravens were said to have the 17th ranked roster, while Pittsburgh is No. 8. The top five is New England, Rams, Saints, Eagles and Bears.