Browns Offense: Where the Roster Stands and What Questions Still Need to be Answered

Even as there are plenty who insist on psychoanalyzing a kicker who's not likely to be on the roster in a few days, the Cleveland Browns will have a strong roster entering the 2023 season. General manager Andrew Berry's job isn't done, but he's made the vast majority of the big moves he's going to make this offseason, putting the focus on the roster and head coach Kevin Stefanski, which still has questions to answer two weeks before they open the season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This is the offense Stefanski has been waiting for since he took the Browns head coaching job. He has has hand-picked quarterback, added a weapon that fits a role he's been seeking since taking the job to an offense that had plenty of success last year.

It's all there for Stefanski and it's up to him to get it at the level it's capable, but there are still questions to answer with each position group.

Quarterback

The combination of Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson looks fantastic on paper given DTR's success in the preseason. While it feels too enthusiastic to suggest the former UCLA Bruin is ready to start for several NFL teams (The Arizona Cardinals not withstanding), he has hit the ground running and there's plenty of upside. He's athletic, possesses a strong arm and processes information quickly. The sky appears to be the limit.

Watson has outstanding talent. In three throws against the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason finale, he showed onlookers everything they need to see in terms of what he's capable. The seam to Donovan Peoples-Jones, extending the play to be able to find Amari Cooper with an effortless throw down the sideline and then the touch throw on the corner route to David Njoku for the touchdown that was right on time and in the right spot show that the 2020 version of Watson is in there.

Kellen Mond likely makes the practice squad.

Biggest Question: How quickly can Watson regain his consistency?

There are still some missed throws and errors, some general inconsistency that needs to be worked out. The Browns have two more weeks to tune up for the Cincinnati Bengals, but it wouldn't be surprising if Watson is up and down to start the season before reaching another level when he really clicks into gear.

Running Back

Nick Chubb is the best pure runner in the league. The offense utilizing more spread looks could create lighter boxes and cleaner running lanes for him to exploit. Usage of inside zone along with their pin and pull scheme could also provide an additional advantage.

The Browns love second-year back Jerome Ford. He checks many of the boxes that Kareem Hunt did while potentially offering better vision. Ford has size and strength, enough speed to be interesting and is a natural pass catcher out of the backfield. He's expected to be ready for week 1, but it's not ideal he's been unable to practice as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

After no one distinguished themselves among the backs they had competing to be the team's third running back, the Browns traded for Pierre Strong Jr. from the New England Patriots. He has limited regular season opportunities, but still shined in those plus isn't short on preseason highlights. Strong is explosive out of the backfield and has good hands, can contribute as a receiver as well. The challenge for him is now picking up the Browns offense quickly in case Ford isn't ready or has a setback.

Hassan Hall, John Kelly and Demetric Felton could be available to the practice squad. Hall makes more sense than Kelly at this point. Kelly is what he is.

Biggest Question: What's the ceiling for Nick Chubb in the passing game?

Yes, Chubb can catch the ball and has a few great snags littered throughout his career. He's never been terribly fluid as a pass catcher, functioning far better when he's able to stop to catch the ball as opposed to catching it on the move. If he can add more of that element to his game, able to catch balls on the move in addition to the offensive adjustments the Browns have provided, he could have the best season of his career.

Wide Receiver

The Browns aren't in the elite category with teams like the Miami Dolphins at this position, but the collection of talent they have assembled has plenty to offer and fits together well. So much of the attention is on Elijah Moore and everything the Browns want to do with him on offense which doesn't take into account the 1,999 yards, 12 touchdowns and 32 plays of 20+ yards Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones combined for last year.

The opponent is going to have to find a way to defend all three at the same time. Moore adds the element the Browns didn't have the last few seasons. Someone with elite speed that can stretch the field and make plays with the ball in his hands. The fact Moore can do it lined up just about anywhere on the field is one more element that can give defenses problems.

Kevin Stefanski's offense has been at its best when the quarterback just takes what the defense gives him. The Browns have the talent not only to make that easier, but rewarding as they have dangerous receiving threats that can punish defenses for mistakes in coverage.

Cedric Tillman looks like he belongs in the NFL. Between his size and ability at the catch point, he looks like he's ready to contribute as a rookie, but may have limited opportunities. David Bell continues to be downplayed, but he just does his job consistently and gives them a different dynamic as a power slot.

Marquise Goodwin's blood clotting issue was a setback, but he's been cleared and is going to begin practicing. The question for him is football shape, but he's a hard worker and the Browns still have two weeks before their first game.

That would also create a difficult choice for the Browns. When Goodwin was put on the non-football illness list, the receiver the team added was Austin Watkins Jr., a relative unknown who played collegiately at UAB, but most recently played in the USFL.

Watkins has thrived since joining the team and fits in their power offense dynamic. Along with Cooper, DPJ, Tillman and Bell, Watkins is at least 6'1" 210 pounds. He has gotten open and made some highlight reel plays in the preseason.

The problem for the Browns is that neither Goodwin or Watkins contribute on special teams and seven wide receivers isn't realistic. Moreso when only David Bell and Cedric Tillman are going to contribute on special teams, save for if Donovan Peoples-Jones is returning punts.

It also hurts Watkins that he's an X behind both Cooper and Tillman. Watkins was on the field with Tillman briefly in the final preseason game, but a lack of versatility is another potential stumbling block for Watkins in Cleveland.

The good news for Watkins is whether it's with the Browns or another team, he's talented enough to make an active roster and fully realize his NFL dream. The Browns may try to trade Watkins the same way they did with Tyrone Wheatley Jr., knowing he wasn't going to make it through waivers either.

The only receiver likely to be available to the practice squad is Mike Harley Jr., so anyone else they add is likely going to come from another organization. They also may be holding out hope that they can get Daylen Baldwin back when he's fully recovered from his hamstring injury.

Biggest Question: What is the ceiling for Donovan Peoples-Jones?

DPJ is coming off a big third season. He thrived as the third threat last year in addition to returning punts. Now, with the addition of Moore, he is likely the fourth option. DPJ is in great position in a contract year, but can he distinguish himself enough to warrant a contract extension with the Browns? Or will he be testing the open market?

Tight End

David Njoku is coming off his most complete season in the NFL and the only reason he didn't a number of career marks was a high-ankle sprain, which hurt the running game as much as it did the passing game. That momentum has carried over into this season where Njoku has been almost impossible to cover.

Deshaun Watson has been great for tight ends over his career, but he's never been paired with someone with the level of talent as Njoku. The element to keep an eye on in particular is when plays break down and how these two connect on the scramble drill. If Njoku is working the middle of the field and Watson attacks the line of scrimmage, defenders may get caught in no man's land allowing Watson to hit Njoku with running room.

The addition of Jordan Akins has been prudent. The familiarity with Watson dating back to the Houston Texans is valuable and Akins can be utilized as a wing or even in the backfield. A quick chip and a release into the flat can provide an easy checkdown.

The other reason Akins has been a smart is due to an illness with Harrison Bryant. With no public explanation to date, Bryant that kept out for multiple weeks. He's been working out even though he hasn't done much else. The Brown have not placed him on the Non-Football Illness list, which suggests they feel like he is close to returning.

Zaire Mitchell-Paden and Thomas Greaney stand out as practice squad targets, but if they can get him, the Browns might be happy to get Miller Forristall there.

Biggest Question: If Njoku gets hurt, how do the Browns adjust their offense?

Njoku is the only pure Y on the team. Yes, they could bring up someone like ZMP or Forristall to line up inline if they are on the practice squad, but the Browns may be content to use an offensive lineman for run blocking situations and forgo it in passing situations, instead opting for flexed out threats or just putting more receivers on the field.

Offensive Line

The starting five is set. Healthy, the Browns need their front to play the way they are capable after tailing off last year. Healthy, the right side of the line with Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin need to return to the All-Pro level they have shown capable.

Center Ethan Pocic needs to continue what he was able to do last year where he was one of the better centers in the league. The future Hall of Fame left guard Joel Bitonio is tasked with trying to maintain the top tier level of play he's had for his entire career.

For Jedrick Wills, it's make or break time. He's been inconsistent. Tough enough to play through pain, but hasn't played all that much better when fully healthy, he's blessed with a ton of talent. It's time for him to put it together.

The Browns have some capable depth as well. They have at least toyed with seeing if a few of their linemen can offer versatility to help cover gaps. For example, rookie Luke Wypler has played both left and right guard. Dawand Jones has played left tackle after mostly focusing on the right and James Hudson III has gotten a handful of reps at guard.

Just because those players operated in those spots doesn't mean the results were good. Wypler will give everything he has wherever he's lined up, but guard is a stretch currently. The main reason he was available to the Browns in the sixth round was a perception he's only a center and he lacks strength, especially in his trunk. That is apparent in some of his guard reps even against backups from other teams. He's a terrific prospect and may eventually be able to help there, but playing him there now would be similar to when the Browns were forced to play Nick Harris at guard as a rookie for two games in 2020.

Dawand Jones can play both tackle spots. He just needs reps. Hudson being able to play guard would just add to the list of areas he can function. In his case, his strength as a run blocker would seemingly shine at guard and reduce the area he has to work as a pass protector.

Michael Dunn remains the Browns sixth best lineman and has been a major asset on this team. With a healthy Nick Harris, he has not been tasked with also trying to work at center, allowing him to focus on his natural position of guard.

Drew Forbes may be kept on the active roster initially to then place him on injured reserve, so he can potentially return later.

Tyrone Wheatley Jr. made strides in his development after being added as a former tight end last year. Good enough that the Browns knew he wasn't going to get to the practice squad, so they traded him to the Patriots to get another running back.

Biggest Question: What will the Browns get from Jedrick Wills?

The hypercriticized left tackle isn't as bad as some would like to paint him, but he is the weakest link on the starting unit. The Browns need him to play at least as well as he did as a rookie and reduce or eliminate the valleys his play endures. Working against Myles Garrett all camp has been a brutal and unrealistic way to grade him, but it's up to him to make that experience into a positive.