There are always players that come out of nowhere and have good seasons. Which Cleveland Browns players could surprise people in 2018?
It always seems that players that struggle initially in their career in the NFL or players that were expected to be depth pieces come out of nowhere and provide significant contributions to their team.
Last year, the Cleveland Browns had one such player. Joe Schobert was a fourth round pick in 2016 that was expected to be an outside linebacker or edge player.
But after the Browns traded Demario Davis last offseason, Schobert stepped up as the starting middle linebacker. He started all 16 games and was tied for a league best 144 tackles. He was named to the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.
Heading into the 2017 season, no one would have predicted that Schobert would have been the only Browns representative in the Pro Bowl.
With plenty of young players and new additions, there is a good chance that another Browns player will surprise in 2018.
There is also a new offensive coordinator and new offensive philosophy. That means that players that struggled in last year’s offense could excel in the Browns offense in 2018. And Gregg Williams will go back to his old defensive philosophy as well.
Here are some Browns players that could surprise in 2018.
Chris Smith – Defensive End
The Browns gave Chris Smith a decent amount of money for a player that has not received a ton of playing time in his career. But with Cleveland, he will get the playing time that will help him live up to the contract.
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It is expected that Smith will be a rotational defensive end that will play in passing situations. Without any defensive tackles that can be solid pass rushers, Smith will also see time inside.
With Emmanuel Ogbah and Myles Garrett rushing the edges, quarterbacks are not going to be able to break contain that often. Being confined in the pocket, quarterbacks will be susceptible to pressure up the middle. That is where Smith can make a name for himself in Cleveland.
Smith played well when he was moved inside last year for the Bengals. He compiled four sacks and three tackles for loss. Although he played with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap, Garrett and Ogbah have shown to be a lethal combo together. That will force offenses to game plan for extra protection on the edges rather than inside. This will leave Smith going ono-on-one against slower guards.
Even if he does not play inside all the time, he has shown he can get to the quarterback on the edge. If he is filling in for Garrett or Ogbah at defensive end, he has the ability to get to the quarterback himself.
Genard Avery – Linebacker
The Browns are solid with their starting linebackers Schobert, Jamie Collins, and Christian Kirksey. But there will always be time for a rotational linebacker like Genard Avery to receive playing time.
Such as if there is an injury, like what happened to Collins last year as he missed ten games. Or if Schobert was a one-year wonder and struggles in 2018, a replacement may be needed. There will always be a time when a backup linebacker can make plays.
Avery is an athletic linebacker that can get to the quarterback. In 2017, Avery made 80 tackles, 22 of which for loss, and 8.5 sacks while playing for Memphis. For a player that can play as an inside linebacker and record 8.5 sacks, there is a lot of talent there.
Playing in Williams’ aggressive defense, there will be a lot calls for blitzing linebackers. Avery could find playing time if Williams wants his blitzing linebacker to get home and sack the quarterback.
And even though Avery’s specialty is getting to the quarterback, he has the athleticism to be comfortable in coverage. In 2017, he recorded two pass breakups. And in 2016, Avery intercepted two passes, returning both for touchdowns.
Although Avery will primarily be playing on special teams – where he should be able to make an impact – he has the talent necessary to be a reliable. He could even take over as a starter at some point during the season. Avery will put up more production than Browns fans expect from a fifth-round pick.
Rashard Higgins – Wide Reciever
After not playing much his rookie season, Rashard Higgins had much more of an impact in 2017. Last season for the Browns, he recorded 27 receptions for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
Although those are numbers that do not stick out, it showed that Higgins has talent that can be used in the NFL. The real reason why he can have a surprise season in 2018 is because of Todd Haley and the new offense.
With the trade and large extension for Jarvis Landry and the acquisition of Tyrod Taylor, it appears Cleveland will be transitioning away from a vertical offense. Haley has said he likes to tailor his offense to his players. With Taylor and Landry, it seems that an offense more comparable to a West Coast offense would be the best fit.
Landry lives off short to intermediate throws while Taylor makes smart decisions and does not force deep throws just to take chances. For Haley, it may be better for him to tailor an offense to match those talents than try to force them to fit into a vertical offense.
The reason why that is a big deal for Higgins is, like Landry, he is better as a short to intermediate receiver instead of a vertical threat. He does not have the speed to create separation so he uses strong route running to do that.
There will be competition for the number three receiver job for the Browns. Although he has a large group of receivers to beat for the job, Higgins could feel comfortable in the new scheme and adjust better than the other receivers.
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However, if Haley’s offense remains a vertical offense, Higgins will not fit well into the scheme and his roster spot could be in trouble.