Cleveland Browns: Ranking top 40 players in 2020, early edition

Players 11-15

11. J.C. Tretter-The former Packer has been a foundational piece of the trenches ever since he came over from Green Bay. In his two seasons, he shed the injury bug reputation many had cast on his career. If he stays healthy, I envision a Pro Bowl season for Tretter, playing in Stefanski’s zone blocking scheme.

12. Denzel Ward-In year one it was concussions. It year two, hamstring issues. Ward is obviously talented, if he can stay on the field, he should be fun to watch playing for new defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who worked magic with San Francisco’s secondary en route to their run to the Super Bowl last winter.

13. Jedrick Wills-He’ll be asked to switch from right tackle to left tackle in the NFL, but nobody seems to think it’s a problem. I’m only slightly worried, because we know how these things usually work out for the Browns. That said, you can’t deny Wills’ talent, as the stalwart allowed just one sack while playing for Nick Saban at Alabama.

14. Mack Wilson-The 2019 fifth-round pick still has a ton to prove, but he got a ton of experience as a rookie in 2020. If Wilson can take a big leap in 2020, it’ll go a long way to quell the fears of what looks like a weak linebacking corps.

15. Olivier Vernon-If Olivier is healthy, I can’t look at this roster and not consider him to be a top 15 player. Will the Browns just eat his salary cap number and find out if the former Giant can re-live his glory days? Fans are clamoring for Jadeveon Clowney, and while that’s fine, it’s going to take a lot more to sign the free agent. Vernon’s can be be cut loose after this season, plus, he’s a better pass rusher, if he can stay on the field.