3 Cleveland Browns from the 2021 draft class poised for a big year

The Cleveland Browns could see three second-year players take a big leap in 2022.

The Cleveland Browns are in a place where they need to see some guys step up heading into the 2022 season. While some money fell off the cap after June 1, the team still owes $60 million to just two players next year that they’re not paying this year. So they can’t keep relying on the John Johnson III’s and Jadeveon Clowney’s of the world to step up.

The Browns have a few solid starters from the 2020 season and a load of potential from the new crop of rookies taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. Yet, a team isn’t built around just one draft alone and that’s why the team needs some key guys to step up from the 2021 class.

Luckily there are a few names that may just be able to do that this season.

Three Cleveland Browns poised for a big year

CB Greg Newsome

Greg Newsome is likely the best player from the 2021 draft class and the player I think has the most chance to become a Pro Bowler. He’s going to be in a loaded trio of corners with Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, and himself, making the Browns’ corner crops the best in the league. Yet, is Newsome on Ward’s level? That’s something we’re likely to find out in 2022.

LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

I like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, I just don’t love him. He’s a solid tackler and he excels splendidly in coverage, yet I question his “big-play potential”. He was rarely out of position and was always there to do his job, but he had no turnovers, just a sack and a half, only three tackles for a loss, and just four QB hits. He’s a fine player and could be a 10-year starter for the Browns, but if he’s going to take that leap into superstardom like many in Cleveland think he’s capable of, he’s going to have to do it in 2022. Like with 2020’s pick, Jedrick Wills, I don’t see Owusu-Koramoah becoming elite, but I think he’ll be good enough which is more than you can about past linebackers.

DT Tommy Togiai

This is all optimism on my part. Tommy Togiai has not shown to be a good defensive tackle. He was a backup at Ohio State that shot up the board due to his workouts. They’re impressive and he’s likely the strongest player on the team. Yet, he needs to turn the weight room strength into football strength and earn a starting spot.