3 Cleveland Browns who should thrive in situational roles during 2021

1. Cleveland Browns DE Takk McKinley

The former 2017 first-round draft pick has been on the Browns’ radar for at least a year. They tried to claim him off waivers multiple times last season, always coming up short. In free agency, they got their man.

At the time, nobody really went crazy over the move. Remember, this was after the Browns failed to come through with J.J. Watt. McKinley was viewed as a lottery ticket signing. Perhaps he’d make good on his first-round promise, but if not, no worries.

However, the Browns weren’t done shopping. They eventually signed Jadeveon Clowney, which changed the dynamic in the defensive end room.

With Clowney on board, McKinley goes from being the No. 2 option, to No. 3. That’s a huge difference. Additionally, defensive coordinator Joe Woods can put him on the field should his scheme call for either Clowney or Garrett to flip inside.

From the onset of his introductory press conference, McKinley has portrayed that he’s all about business. Well, his role as a situational player in 2021 can send his stock soaring.