Recapping The Browns Preseason To This Point. What Has Stood Out?
The Cleveland Browns have a very different roster than they did just one year ago. It has been fun to watch new relationships develop and new teammates bond. This doesn't only apply to the players on the roster but also to the coaches.
Offensively, there's a lot for Browns fans to be excited for. First, leading the way, quarterback Deshaun Watson finally has a full offseason to get acclimated and develop chemistry with his teammates. Watson has had some ups and downs in camp and the preseason, but nothing that was unexpected.
Outside of Watson, running back Nick Chubb appears to be in for yet another dominant year. He will see an increased role in the passing game as well since former Browns running back and current free agent Kareem Hunt will have a new team in 2023.
Jerome Ford, who has impressed coaches heading into his second year, is missing an important time in the preseason due to a hamstring he suffered in training camp.
Due to both of those factors, Chubb is guaranteed to be involved in the passing game much more starting this upcoming season.
On the offensive line, one thing has stuck out to just about everyone in Cleveland and has even gained recognition of some national media as well.
Rookie fourth-round pick out of Ohio State Dawand Jones has been sensational throughout the preseason. On 71 pass-blocking snaps, Jones has only allowed one total pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.
Like Jones, rookie quarterback and fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been electric thus far. He's shown poise in games and during practice and is easily coachable. He also is surrounded by veterans Watson and Josh Dobbs, whom he has been taking advantage of by consistently asking questions.
The wide receivers as a whole have been really impressive so far but it would be a disservice to not specfcially mention two names: Elijah Moore and Austin Wakins Jr.
Moore, whom the Browns traded for earlier this offseason from the Jets, has been explosive and everything Cleveland had hoped for.
The Browns admire his versatility and have lined him up inside, outside and even in the backfield. Moore has taken handoffs during this preseason and has shown an impressive chemistry with Watson already. Moore will be a major part of the Browns offense in 2023.
Watkins is a player who was signed from the USFL (United States Football League) in late-July. Since then, he's done nothing but catch every ball and do seemingly everything right. He went from just being a camp body to being someone the Browns need to carefully consider finding a place on the 53-man roster for. Yes, he's been playing that well.
Tight end Jordan Akins, who was signed by Cleveland this offseason, was reunited with Watson and it is easy to tell they have had prior chemistry. The two have connected a lot this preseason and Akins will likely be a security blanket for Watson in 2023.
The defense, however, has been the most impressive this preseason by far. Led by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the entire unit just has a completely different feel than it did just one year ago.
The players on the defensive side of the ball absolutely adore Schwartz. Several defensive acquisitions had interest in joining the Browns for a variety of reasons but were headlined by Schwartz.
His leadership and prior experience are just two things that Schwartz possess that has attracted players to Cleveland.
One player who has raved about Schwartz during his media availibility during training camp is Ogbo Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo signed a three-year, $19 million deal with a maximum value of $22 million to join the Browns during free agency this offseason.
When describing Schwartz's defense, Okoronkwo raved about the freedom he has to just get to the quarterback.
"It's almost like, sometimes you think like, do I have too much freedom," Okoronkwo said. "You get to just like, play at your best you know, do all the things that accentuates your skill sets the best. It's been really fun."
Okoronkwo is on the same defensive line as guys like Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris.
Throughout the preseason, the defensive line has absolutely dominated as is expected to be the cornerstone to the defense.
In the secondary, there are a few names that have stood out as well.
First, second-year cornerback MJ Emerson. Emerson, the former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed a ton promise in his rookie season.
Since then, he has only developed and gotten better. Throughout camp, Emerson has been extremely impressive. With his rare combination of size and speed, he has real potential to be among the NFL's best cornerbacks.
For perspective, some Browns fans have given Emerson the nickname of "Baby Ramsey," a massive compliment comparing him to Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a three-time First-team All Pro player and a six-time Pro Bowler.
With Greg Newsome ll and Denzel Ward to go with Emerson, the secondary promises to be great, barring injuries.
The safety room has been another positional group that has been extremely impressive so far throughout camp.
Juan Thornhill, a key offseason acquisition for the Browns this offseason, has been making his veteran presence felt. Thorhill has made a series of nice plays already, including interceptions off Watson.
But the safety position is much deeper than it has been in the past. After Thornhill, the Browns have Grant Delpit and Rodney McLeod. Both of those guys have been performing well too.
Specifically with McLeod, his veteran leadership has been felt on the team and his prior chemistry with Schwartz from their days in Philadelphia is noticeable.
After those three safeties, guys like D'Anthony Bell, Ronnie Hickman, among others are fighting for the final roster spot it appears.
Hickman has been playing really well and his skills have been on full display. The undrafted free agent from Ohio State has a very real chance at making the 53-man roster.
Finally, the special teams has been headlined by Cade York's early struggles, and rightfully so.
York told me earlier this offseason how important the mental aspect to kicking is in the NFL and he's continuing to try to get back on track.
Bubba Ventrone, Kevin Stefanski and everyone else has confidence in York and he has a nice support system around him. As of now, there's no competition that will be brought in to compete with York.
During joint practices with the Eagles this week, York was just about perfect and will look to continue that tonight in Philadelphia when the Browns face off against the Philly in their second official preseason game.
