Browns: Ranking the 20 best players from the 2020 season
By Chad Porto
15. Ronnie Harrison
There were times when Ronnie Harrison looked like a trade steal, and there were other times when you were wondering “what was he doing?”. He was a fine acquisition with good upside but he only started in 2019 because Tashaun Gipson got cut to help the salary cap. Harrison’s a fine piece but he needs to take a giant leap in 2021 if he’s going to warrant a second-contract.
14. Austin Hooper
Austin Hooper’s debut year with the Browns was an admitted disappointment. That’s not to say it was bad, because it wasn’t, but for the money he made, he really should’ve done more in the passing game. He was hurt a few games and most days he would walk away with 30 yards to his name at best. He did bring a strength to the position thanks to his blocking and that shouldn’t be disrespected.
13. Harrison Bryant
This may seem strange to have him higher than Austin Hooper, but Harrison Bryant had nearly identical numbers to Austin Hooper when adjusted for opportunities. Bryant’s younger, longer and more athletic than Hooper and his upside is undeniable. Bryant should outlast Hooper as a member of the Browns long-term.
12. Rashard Higgins
Rashard Higgins was one yard shy of 600 on the year. He had four touchdowns and had 37 receptions on only 52 targets. Is he a top-two receiver for a team? Probably not. Yet his report with Baker Mayfield, his willingness to go over the middle, and his above-average blocking ability for a player at his position may make his return far easier in 2021.
11. Olivier Vernon
This selection has me torn. On one hand, he didn’t play or didn’t show up in 12 games. On the other hand, he had four really good games So who is Olivier Vernon as a player? An inconsistent one, yes. A streaky one, absolutely. Yet, this defense was so bad, arguably the third-best player on that side of the ball despite all of it. He only had 36 tackles but did have nine sacks. He was second on the team, and it wasn’t even close with third place Sheldon Richardson having 4.5 sacks on the year.