The Cleveland Browns are officially off their bye-week but how are the players and teams doing so far? Let’s find out by grading the team!
To be clear, this is what’s about to happen with these grades for the Browns. The offense, defense, and overall team are going to be graded. The primary players at key positions will be graded as well. Not every player will be, because not every player has warranted enough time on the field to warrant an evaluation. After the players are graded, the coaches will be graded, followed by an entire team grade to close things out.
With that, let’s start this thing off right.
Offense
Overall Unit: B+
The offense has done an impressive job so far in 2020. They’re one of the top-scoring offenses in the league and hopefully, that’ll continue through the rest of the year.
QB Baker Mayfield: B-
Baker Mayfield is getting bounced around by the media something fierce. A lot of it is unwarranted, and Mayfield continues to prove that, being the primary force behind the 5-3 record.
RB Nick Chubb: C
Injuries matter when evaluating talent. If you’re not playing, you’re not helping. If you’re not helping, you’re hurting. Chubb (assuming he stays healthy) should bounce back in the second half.
RB Kareem Hunt: C+
It’s hard to not be disappointed by Kareem Hunt. He’s been dealing with some nagging injuries, sure but he’s also not making big plays. He’s been fine, but that’s it.
FB Andy Janovich: B-
He’s doing everything he’s supposed to do. He just hasn’t made many big plays yet, but that’s due more to lack of opportunity.
WR Jarvis Landry: C+
The injuries have affected him, clearly and he’s not the same player he was in years past. Will he be able to bounce back? That’s anyone’s guess.
WR Odell Beckahm Jr.: C-
Yes, he had a few big plays but largely he’s been a disappointment over two years, and he’s now again hurt. Another injury-plagued year for Odell Beckham has come to pass.
WR Rashard Higgins: D-
He was supposed to be the third receiver but that’s not how it shook out. He’s had one nice game but that’s it. Needs to do more to get a better score.
WR KhaDarel Hodge: F
He has 144 yards in his career and 59 this season. What did you expect him to get?
TE Austin Hooper: C+
If you’ve been disappointed with Austin Hooper’s 2020 campaign, you’re not alone. His blocking is pretty impressive though.
TE Harrison Bryant: B+
Hasn’t had many opportunities but has made the most of the ones given to him. Could be a star.
TE David Njoku: D+
There’s a reason why the Browns signed and drafted tight ends in the offseason. A malcontent who keeps requesting trades due to a lack of playing time, but can’t make plays when called upon.
OT Jedrick Wills Jr.: C-
A forgettable eight-game stretch for Jedrick Wills, but should improve with time (hopefully). Needs to work on his quickness if he’s ever going to be a Pro Bowler.
OG Joel Bitonio: C+
Has had a few bad games. Either it’s due to declining play or covering up for Wills.
IL J.C. Tretter: A-
Not one bad thing to say here.
OG Wyatt Teller: B
If he played the entire season to this point, at the level he had been playing at prior to his injury, he’d have a better grade.
OG Chris Hubbard: C+
Commendable performance by the sixth-man off the bench.
OT Jack Conklin: B+
Haven’t had his name called much, and for an offensive lineman that’s a good thing.
Defense
Overall Unit: D-
There’s only one reason this isn’t an F.
DE Myles Garrett: A+
The only reason this unit isn’t an F.
DL Porter Gustin: C+
He’s had some good games but more consistency is needed.
DT Sheldon Richardson: C-
Has played great against bad teams, but has played terrible against anyone with a middle school offensive line or older.
DT Larry Ogunjobi: C
Same
DT Jordan Elliot: D-
Despite poor play from the starters, still can’t get playing time.
DE Olivier Vernon: D+
One good game does not a good season make.
DE Adrian Clayborn: D
He was supposed to be good, right?
LB Mack Wilson: C-
The biggest disappointment of the year, and the guy who was supposed to replace Joe Schobert. Hopefully, he’ll be better now that he’s healed up.
LB Malcolm Smith: F
An Andrew Berry signing.
LB B.J. Goodson: D-
Another Andrew Berry signing. This is who people thought could replace Schobert.
LB Sione Takitaki: F
When the cover linebacker can’t cover you know you’re screwed.
CB Denzel Ward: B-
Injuries and occasional sloppy play has hurt his grade but has some impressive games despite nagging issues.
CB Kevin Johnson: D-
If only he played like the famed receiver of the same name, only on defense, then maybe this defense would be better.
DB Ronnie Harrison Jr.: C+
Has only come on strong in the last few games, but as he continues to get accustomed to the defense his grade should go up.
DB Karl Joseph: F
Oakland didn’t want him back for a reason.
DB Andrew Sendejo: C
Takes too much blame for the failings of others, a sure tackler, but hasn’t made many big plays.
DB Sheldrick Redwine: D+
There’s potential here, but not much.
CB Terrance Mitchell: F
Every team loves picking on him and for obvious reasons.
Special Teams and Coaching
K Cody Parkey: B+
He’s kicking over 90% for both field goals and extra points but he’s on his second stint with Cleveland and has already played for five teams for a reason.
P Jamie Gillan: B+
The most popular punter since Chris Gardocki, and a pretty dang good one too.
RS Donovan Peoples-Jones: D+
He’s yet to score a return touchdown and has more than once flubbed a return opportunity. Combined this with him largely being overlooked on offense and this is a high grade.
DC Joe Woods: D-
We’re giving Joe Woods the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the defense is that bad, but right now, he’s not showing his worth as the defensive play-caller.
OC Alex Van Pelt: S
We’re not entirely sure how much input Alex Van Pelt has in the games, so we’ll give him an “S” for satisfactory.
HC Kevin Stefanski: B-
Kevin Stefanski has made some mistakes in game plans and play-calling, but he’s owned those and has tried to rectify them. He’s learning and should see a stronger grade at years end.
Overall Team Grade: C+
Some decisions are baffling, and others understand. Right now Andrew Berry’s big offseason acquisitions have largely not lived up to the hype, and there were a few bad decisions made about who to let go. If the team makes noise in the playoffs, then all is forgiven.