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3 Bold predictions for the 2020 Cleveland Browns

By Greg Newland

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands between receivers Odell Beckham Jr #13 and Jarvis Landry #80 during the singing of the national anthem prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands between receivers Odell Beckham Jr #13 and Jarvis Landry #80 during the singing of the national anthem prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammate Christian Kirksey #58 after Garrett sacked Luke Falk of the New York Jets in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammate Christian Kirksey #58 after Garrett sacked Luke Falk of the New York Jets in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns defense will be top 10 in the NFL next season

While there was a lot of hype for the offense going into last season, many expected the Browns pass-rush to be unstoppable with edge rushers Garrett and Vernon. While the defensive line showed flashes of greatness last season, quarterbacks were far too comfortable in the pocket and shredded the Browns defense. Injuries and suspensions made things even more difficult, but the entire defense was a major disappointment in 2019.

With Joe Woods at the helm, look for major changes headed into next season. Garrett and Vernon will both play with fire after a disappointing end to last year, as well as a fully healthy Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams at cornerback. Remember, both were hit with nagging hamstring injuries that kept them off the field at the beginning of the season and never allowed them to get into form.

The biggest changes in 2020 will be the improvement from second-year linebacker Mack Wilson, and the addition of rookie safety Grant Delpit. Wilson had a strong season last year considering he was a fifth-round pick but often struggled to line up properly and overran plays. With Joe Schobert no longer on the roster, Wilson MUST step up for the Browns to have any chance of being successful next season.

Perhaps the Browns best value draft pick in 2020 was the LSU safety, Delpit, at pick no. 44. IF Delpit had entered the draft last season, he likely would have been to a top 15 pick, but a high ankle sprain in 2020 would limit his production at times. Fans must remember, his best games were the College Football Playoff Semi-Final and Championship game.  With over a month to heal the ankle, Delpit returned to form and was a huge reason LSU was able to win the National Championship last year.

With the dawg pound rocking next season, look for this defense to step up in a big way and make First Energy Stadium a difficult place to play.  Garrett, Wilson, and Delpit will be huge pieces to the puzzle, and the team will be motivated to play hard for Woods and Stefanski.

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