SI Ranks AFC North Rosters, Too Low on Browns?

Sports Illustrated has ranked the four AFC North offenses from best to worst. The Cleveland Browns come in at third on the list, which would be an improvement from their last place finish in the division last year.

SI had the following to say:

The Browns are one of the biggest wild cards in the AFC. Are they going to get the performance they expected from quarterback Deshaun Watson when they traded for him last offseason, or will they get a similar return to the poor play from a year ago? If Watson snaps back to his prior form, he’s surrounded by a talented offense. Cleveland has a premier running back in Nick Chubb and one of the league’s top offensive lines, anchored by tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and guard Wyatt Teller. On the perimeter, receivers Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones aren’t elite, but they’re good enough to cause problems. Beyond Watson, the biggest question is what happens with the defense. Last year, the defense was middling once again, ranking 14th in yards against and 20th in points allowed. After adding defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and replacing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Cleveland will be better up front. Still, the linebackers remain a question mark, as does the secondary (save for corner Denzel Ward). The addition of safety Juan Thornhill will help with coverage and experience, but tackling and run support aren’t his strong suits.

With Cleveland coming off a 7-10 season, they’re going to be expected to win with the additions they made. It is playoffs or bust for this roster and getting a playoff spot as the third team in division could happen but it is tougher.

Three teams very well could make it to the playoffs from the AFC North, it has happened before. Also, having the third best roster in the division doesn’t mean much at this point, even if they were. There are still potential moves to make and a season to play.

Having the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the Browns is a tough one, simply because their roster is not as well put together. They improved on offense by adding Odell Beckham Jr., as well as Todd Monken to call the plays. Cleveland’s offense is still better as a whole and that includes the offensive line.

There is work to do for the Browns and people to prove wrong. The only way that can happen is on the field. Cleveland is a team that will be under the radar until they prove they shouldn’t be.

GM Andrew Berry has worked his tail off this season and set the Browns up nicely, with one of the more complete rosters in the AFC. Now, it’s just time for Stefanski to get the most out of it.

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