Browns: 5 players who could have a breakout year in 2021
By Chad Porto
The Browns have some players poised for big years.
There’s an old saying that God laughs at men who make plans. That’s why it baffles me when fans just assume that if a player was good one year, that he’ll be just as good the next year. You will never know until you know. So having depth and viable backups are a must in every sport. Thankfully, the Browns have a few guys who could step into action if their number is called.
Not only can they step into the action, but they could step up and do great things too. These five players (six technically) are the guys you’re going to want to watch as the season goes on. If they get the call, they could end up producing in a major way.
None of them are starters but some of them could be if their circumstances change. So here are the five (six) players who could have a breakout year.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
With the health of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry a lingering thought for the Browns and their fanbase, you need depth behind them. Not to mention but their health may not be the only thing to worry about. Landry had a down year in 2020, and despite looking better in the last quarter of the season, he may not be the player he once was due to that major hip issue he had in 2019.
Then you look at Beckham and realize it’s been five years since he was last a dominant receiver and it’s far more likely he misses 12 games than it is that he catches 12 touchdowns. So you need to make sure you have guys who can make plays. Donovan Peoples-Jones did very well in limited action last year, and with a full training camp ahead of him, plus stability in the same system, Peoples-Jones should be able to really put together a strong season if he’s given a chance.
Sure, he has to deal with guys like Beckham, Landry, Anthony Schwartz, Rashard Higgins, and others for reps at his position, on top of watching the tight ends and running backs get their numbers called, due to the equally deep talent pools there. That said, if Peoples-Jones is thrust into action due to injury, he may just prove to everyone that he was taken far too late in the 2020 NFL Draft.