Browns: Ranking the 20 best players from the 2020 season
By Chad Porto
10. Kareem Hunt
Even though Kareem Hunt didn’t rush for 1,000 yards, he still had a solid year. He posted 1,145 yards from scrimmage, with 11 total touchdowns. A strong season, but one that failed to live up to the possibilities of a player of his talents. When asked to fill in for Nick Chubb for four games, he didn’t break 78 yards rushing in any of those games, he also didn’t top 27 yards receiving in those games either. Considering many saw him as a guy who could hit 2,000 all-purpose yards in Kansas City, to see how often he was used, and how pedestrian his numbers were, it’s hard to say he had a great season. If his name was Joe Schmo, sure, 1,145 yards and 11 touchdowns is a great season but we expected more from the former Pro Bowler and rushing champion.
9. J.C. Tretter
J.C. Tretter might be higher on this list if the NFL recognized him for the talent that he is. Tretter has been a great addition to the team and has really shown just how valuable he is at the middle of the line, navigating blocking assignments and calling out defensive looks in order to pick up the guys they need to pick up. As far as blocking assignments and adjustments go, he’s a borderline genius.
8. Denzel Ward
Like some on this list, injuries and an inability to stay healthy limited Denzel Ward’s position on this list. He could be one of the best corners in the entire league but his inability to stay on the field is hurting that standing. He’s heading into the last year of his rookie deal and he needs to prove he can actually play an entire season before anyone starts talking about huge extensions.
7. Jarvis Landry
Jarvis Landry played most of the year with a hip that needed more time to heal than most, but not all, expected. We warned everyone that Landry would not look like his old self for most of the year and that’s exactly what happened. As Landry played and continued to improve his health, he looked better and better to the point that he regained his old form the last four or five weeks of the season. He should return to form for 2021.
6. Wyatt Teller
The emergence of Wyatt Teller in 2020 was a heck of a story for many. The problem is that he was 1.) Hurt for nearly a third of the season and 2.) Needs to do it again. He might be a future Hall of Famer in this scheme if he stays healthy, he also might be a one-year wonder. Before anyone talks about huge contracts for Teller, he has to prove he’s healthy and consistent enough to warrant one.