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7 Best Cleveland Browns of the 21st Century

By Martin McConnell

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 3: Cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after catching and interception during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 3, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 3: Cornerback Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after catching and interception during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 3, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 04: Odell Beckham of the New York Giants meets Baker Mayfield of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 04: Odell Beckham of the New York Giants meets Baker Mayfield of the Oklahoma Sooners during the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Despite the Cleveland Browns’ two-decade-long spell of irrelevancy, there have been some bright spots for the Dawg Pound since 1999. As we head into training camp, let’s take a look at the best Browns of the 21st century.

The Cleveland Browns have had a major facelift this offseason. Adding the NFL’s resident megastar in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., as well as so many other pieces on both sides of the ball, the Browns are loaded with talent and look to be one of the rising contenders in the AFC.

As the Dawg Pound knows all too well, it wasn’t always this way. Since 1999, the Browns have been largely irrelevant to the football world. Not only are they one of just two teams to finish a season 0-16, but their record from 2015-2017 rests at an abysmal 4-44. But, there were almost always glimmers of hope for Browns fans somewhere on the often-barren roster.

It’s true what they say, that even a blind squirrel can find a nut. The same principle applies to the Browns, who have had seven genuinely great, impactful talents come through their doors and don their uniforms since the team returned in 1999. Whether on the offensive line, in the defensive backfield, or somewhere in between, the Browns have always been home to truly fantastic talents, however few and far between they may be.

Before 2019 training camp gets started, and everyone in the Cleveland area catches Browns fever once again, let’s take a look back. These are the seven best Cleveland Browns of the 21st century.

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