RADIO
The Cleveland Browns were a massive disappointment just a year ago. Can the change at head coach, coupled with acquisitions made through the NFL Draft make this more successful in fantasy scoring in 2020? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
The 2019 Cleveland Browns were the poster-child for winning the league on paper in April. All signs were pointing towards this team pushing for the playoffs after the acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr. among a host of other moves. What was expected was a lights-out offense led by Baker Mayfield. Instead, we saw Mayfield regress in all the key areas last season with his completion percentage dropping below 60% and a TD: INT ratio of 22:21.
The passing attack looked largely out of sync all season aside from a late-season surge from Jarvis Landry. Landry's strong finish allowed him to finish just inside WR1 range for fantasy (WR12), a spot that many were expecting to be occupied by Beckham (WR25).
Despite the poor performance from the passing game, Nick Chubb proved to be everything fantasy owners were expecting. He was the workhorse of this offense during the early stages of the year and his statistical output propelled him to an RB8 ranking. The scoring could improve over his eight TD last season but the fear now will be the potential split workload between Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Once Hunt returned from suspension, we saw a clear vision of what this team wants to do with the backfield. Chubb was the clear early-down runner while Hunt spelled him and play a majority of the passing-down snaps.
Looking ahead, new HC Kyle Stefanski will look to bring a blend of run-pass balance that was successful with the Vikings. The pieces are there on offense for a bounceback but everyone must buy-in. Mayfield has post-hype sleeper written all over him and could be a player that far exceeds his draft value in 2020. The same goes for Beckham, as he likely left a bad taste in many owner's mouths. He'll still be drafted as a WR1 this season but will be nowhere near the consideration as top overall at the position like he was a season ago.
The real question mark here will be with the RB situation. Chubb will be drafted fairly based on potential, but could it be a trap as he seems destined to split time with Hunt? I would hedge my bets and attempt to draft both as to lock up the backfield as we've seen in years past with the Mark Ingram/Alvin Kamara split.
But as far as the draft is concerned, look for this Browns team to hone in on solidifying the trenches. The offensive line badly needs help and that is the area that will be looked at the most as they were mediocre at best in both run blocking and pass pro. Giving Mayfield more time to assess the field will only help his confidence. The interior of the defensive line will be addressed as well as safety to improve a defense that struggled mightily last year.
Cleveland Browns - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 71.5 (20th)
Defense: 61.6 (28th)
Overall: 72.5 (25th)
TEAM NEEDS
OL, S, DL
First Selection (1.10)
Tristan Wirfs, OT Iowa
After testing off the charts at the combine, Wirfs has seen his stock rise drastically. He has the elite size that you want at the tackle position. His upper-body power will allow him to push off blockers from the snap and clear holes for the running game.
Zone blocking is right up his alley and his skillset should blend right in to help Chubb find more success on the ground. He has the quickness and footwork to stay with some of the faster edge rushers in the league. Wirfs will be a great addition to a Browns offensive line and a building block for the new coaching staff.
Second Selection (2.09)
Antoine Winfield Jr., S Minnesota
Winfield will not jump off the page as an elite athlete with prototypical size at the position. But what he has going for him is his flexibility to play either strong or free safety; he is just a solid ballplayer. He has above-average strength, coupled with his body control and balance which helps him stay in position on most plays.
He does a solid job in coverage against tight ends but can also drop down and is an excellent run defender. He may not fill the stat sheet with turnovers but he will do his job well and take the pressure off of the players around him.
Third Selection (3.10)
Ben Bredeson, OG Michigan
Another addition to the offensive line, Bredeson will bring a sense of leadership and toughness to this group. He was a four-year starter in college but does have some athletic limitations. But his body type and power help to overcome those limitations.
He plays with more comfort as a run blocker but is sufficient in pass protection. He will rarely get overpowered from across the line and his grittiness is a quality that the coaching staff will love. He, along with Wirfs, could be a great nucleus in a young and steady offensive line for years.
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