Cleveland Browns: 3 reasons why Baker Mayfield could break out in 2020
By Chad Porto
Better and more complete pass-catching unit
Firstly, having a healthy receiving corp is going to make things so much better for this team. Sure, Odell Beckham Jr. has caught more injury bugs than touchdown passes in his career, but there’s always a chance he can stay healthy for an entire season. Jarvis Landry, like his good friend Beckham, was banged up and needed surgery last year. Both men are on the mend and are poised to have big seasons this year, assuming all goes well.
While behind them on the depth chart the Browns wide receiver pool is pretty barren, the fact that their two best receivers will apparently be ready for the regular season, healthier than ever, is a really reassuring fact.
Beyond them, the Browns upgraded their tight end depth. The team spent big money to bring in Austin Hooper, who should make a few Pro Bowls in Cleveland. He’s not only a great pass catcher but he’s a staunch blocker for a tight end. Joining him is Harrison Bryant, a player many consider to be a potential steal from the draft. The fourth-round pick out of Florida Athletic is expected to compete with David Njoku for playing time as the team’s second tight end option. Njoku returns to the club after spending most of the year prior on the bench. Even if Njoku doesn’t take back a spot on the starting rotation, as a third option among tight ends, you can’t do better than Njoku.
The Browns may still make a move or two to solidify the wide receivers, as Rashard Higgins is still a relatively unknown commodity among Browns players. Yet if he and Njoku are the team’s weakest links in the passing game, then the team is sitting pretty.