Cleveland Browns 2023 Off Season: Recap

The Cleveland Browns have made major moves this offseason. Last year’s season showed where the team needed improvement. The organization took charge and have made major improvements, along with all the other 32 teams. Looking at the recap of free agency and the draft picks selected, multiple NFL analysts and reporters have given the Cleveland Browns offseason a grade of B or higher.

There were three major improvements on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Defensive signings: The free agency signings the Browns made should make a huge improvement for the interior defensive line and back field. The signing of Dalvin Tomlinson, who is able to get pressure and a win rate of 12.9%, will be an asset not only on the field, but as a veteran/mentor to the younger players on the team. In addition, Cleveland was able to get Za’Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo to help on the edge alongside Myles Garret. When it comes to the backfield, Denzel Ward is one of the best cornerbacks. Now, adding Juan Thornhill, a Super Bowl champion, brings experience, intensity, and a winning attitude to the team.

Adding to the variety of defensive talent is the new Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz has built top 10 defensive groups for the Titans, Bills, and Eagles. His plan is to play to the player’s strengths; more man-to-man coverage for CB Denzel Ward. Martin Emerson Jr. DB will thrive in this defensive scheme. Emerson has a style of play that Jim Schwartz looks for. His physicality and aggression to get to the ball showed in his performance last year. Emerson finished with 63 tackles, 15 pass deflections, and a sack.

On paper, this is a top 5 defense. With the new and physical scheme of Schwartz paired with talented veterans and young players, the Cleveland Browns defense will be one to look forward to.

“We need to be coached up,” said Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward. “It’s good criticism. Just guys got to be out here knowing what they’re supposed to do and doing our job, and he’s making sure that he’s holding us to that standard.”

OFFENSE SIGNINGS:

Juan Thornhill said it best: “I don’t care about what happened any year before I got here. New Era !!!”

The Cleveland Browns now have their franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson. As a dual-threat quarterback, a new offense will emerge. Basing an opinion of any quarterback off of six games at the end of the year is not an accurate representation of the future. Watson has had a rating of 98 or higher (the highest was 112.4 in 2020) throughout his career. With a strong arm, accuracy, and the ability to avoid sacks, Watson is the complete package. For most of the offseson, Watson along with his new wide receiver core have been practicing and team building. With a full offseason and more chemistry with his teammates, the Browns offense will not be one to scoff at.

Nick Chubb is one of the best running backs in the NFL. If the passing game opens up, so does the running game for Chubb. Most defenses solely focus on Chubb because of his ability to break tackles and incredible field vision. Kareem Hunt is no longer a Cleveland Brown; there is speculation as to whether Andrew Berry will bring in another running back or develop the ones currently on the team, like Jerome Ford.

Many say Andrew Berry is the winner when it comes to trading and acquiring wide receivers. Possibly one of the best offseason moves made by the Browns was the wide receivers they have acquired. Not only did they bring in veteran receivers, but diverse and talented receivers to play alongside Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. The Cleveland Browns’ first pick of the draft was wide receiver out of Tennessee, Cedric Tillman. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 215 pounds, he is one of our larger receivers. Tillman has strong hands, deep ball skills, a wide catch radius, and is great at gaining yards after the catch.

The veteran players the Browns acquired without giving up much are Elijah Moore and Marquise Goodwin. Elijah Moore is still young and has incredible potential now that he is playing with an elite quarterback. Goodwin has the speed and ability to stretch the field. There will be competition in the wide receiver room this year, and competition brings out the best in players.

They may not be receivers, but tight ends David Njoku and now Jordan Atkins who has played with Watson before are both big, strong targets.

Offseason Overall:

The Cleveland Browns set out on a mission to improve both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Acquiring key players and depth players that were needed will only strengthen the team in the long run. This 2023 Cleveland Browns season is one to look forward to with the new faces on the team, both players and coaches.