Browns: 5 underused players who could break out in 2021

DE Porter Gustin

As mentioned above, every player on this list could either start, get traded, get cut, or make the team as a backup. It’s quite perplexing the depth of possibility that surrounds these five men. Port Gustin is no different here. The defensive end was a backup last year who was thrust into the starting spot on several occasions but never really had an impact against the passing game. He did show up against the running attack and was a good fit in that regard, but the Browns went out and signed a new star defensive end while signing another to play his backup.

Gustin has to make the team before anything happens and that in itself has become a tough go. Should Gustin make the team, his skills against the run should help him stand out. With the injury histories of Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett, Gustin will get time to play. Hopefully, he’s properly motivated because he could be an asset, especially if he’s been practicing and training like he needs to.

It’s a big mountain for him to climb, just to even get in a rotation at defensive end, but should he be able to, then he may just step up in a way people haven’t really expected him to. Especially if the talent around him truly is better.