The Cleveland Browns are about to embark on what we hope to be, the most historic season in franchise history.
The organization has never won a Super Bowl, and the thought Cleveland could finally claim the Vince Lombardi trophy is creating mass hysteria.
Undoubtedly, every card carrying member of the Dawg Pound will want to show support for their team, especially when it comes to wearing player jerseys.
And we all know Browns’ fans love their jerseys. A trip to the stadium on any Sunday will reveal jerseys from the six decades the team’s been playing football. Heck, some guy was even wearing a Steve Cox jersey at the draft!
Here, you won’t find Odell Beckham and Baker Mayfield jerseys, because there’s a good chance, you’re wearing one as you read this.
So, with the Browns more popular than ever, here’s a look at four new jersey numbers you’re likely to be rushing out to pick up by October.
1. Cleveland Browns LB Jacob Phillips, No. 50
The former 3rd-round pick appeared in just nine games (started three) in 2020, but he’s being picked my many in the media to rise to the top of the Browns’ linebacking corps.
Before the roster was upgraded through free agency and the draft, Phillips’ most noticeable asset was speed–an obvious attribute when compared to the rest of his teammates at the time.
Phillips was recently listed as a “Best Breakout Candidate” for each team by The Athletic’s Zac Jackson.
The writer noted how even though he wasn’t a constant fixture on the defense last season, the Browns began to give him more work as the season progressed. With his size and speed, Jackson contended, Phillips is good enough to be an every-down player.
Phillips is listed at 6-foot-3, which makes him look like a giant standing next to rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6-foot-1/2).
With his sideline-to-sideline ability, the Browns will count on him to be a playmaker. If it happens, and we expect it will, Phillips’ No. 50 should become a hot seller. Cleveland loves its linebackers and it’s been a long, long time since the franchise has had a really good one.
2. Cleveland Browns CB Greg Newsome, No. 20
Predicting the team’s first-round pick will have a popular jersey is predictable, but keep in mind, rookie Greg Newsome plays on a roster loaded with superstars in Odell Beckham, Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry.
Heck, even his position mate, Denzel Ward commands plenty of attention both locally and on the national scene.
Here’s why Browns’ fans won’t be able to hold on to their money when deciding on whether to plunk down some cash on a Newsome jersey: He’s got the potential to make the most immediate impact of any new player.
You could argue John Johnson or Jadeveon Clowney, but I contend that it’s Newsome who will catch the attention, because of his draft status, in addition to the importance of shutting down the opposition’s passing game.
Newsome will likely compete with Greedy Williams for the starting cornerback role, and he’ll probably win it, forming what could be a terrific tandem with Ward in the team’s defensive backfield.
3. Cleveland Browns Jadeveon Clowney, No. 90
If both Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney stay healthy, both should be in store for great seasons, with the later enjoying a career rejuvenation.
If things are going well, expect the fan basef to jump aboard the Clowney bandwagon.
While his numbers have production haven’t been great the past couple of seasons, Clowney’s name still packs a punch in the superstar world.
Clowney hasn’t lived up to expectations, but did enjoy his best seasons playing alongside J.J. Watt with the Texans when he totaled $18.5 million between 2017-2018.
Even if he doesn’t put up the sack numbers, Clowney promises to get plenty of run, especially if lives up to his billing as run stopper.
4. Cleveland Browns Anthony Schwartz, No. 10
He’s already racing roller coasters and currently holds the title of the fastest man on the Browns.
While Schwartz is buried on the depth chart in the wide receiver’s room, his speed adds an element that can’t be ignored, perhaps as gadget-play option in year one.
Additionally, I’d look for Schwartz to get a shot at kick returns and perhaps, punt returns.
You don’t have to jog your memory too far to recall the phenom Josh Cribbs became in Browns uniform. Cribbs excelled on special teams, but would show up as a Wildcat QB before later settling in as a wide receiver.
Plus, it won’t take long for Schwartz to endear himself to the fan base. If he rips off a big return early in the season his bandwagon will be well on its way.
Schwartz was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.