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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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CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Cornerback Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns tips the ball to teammate Morgan Burnett #42 for an interception in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Cornerback Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns tips the ball to teammate Morgan Burnett #42 for an interception in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward will make the Pro-Bowl

The most disappointing part of the 2019 season was the regression of rookie sensation Mayfield.  In his defense, he is largely not to blame. Mayfield was under constant pressure, which never allowed him to get comfortable and limited the playbook substantially. Not to mention Kitchens looked incompetent at times calling plays, and frequently put the team in horrible positions.  Don’t get me started on third and two plays lined up in shotgun trying to throw the ball with Chubb in the backfield.

The third-year cornerback from Ohio State, Ward, has been great WHEN he is on the field.  Truthfully, Ward has gotten a bit of a pass from Brown’s fans because of being a former Buckeye.  There are real concerns because of the concussion history, but look for Ward to clean up his tackling form and be a tremendous leader on the Browns defense next season.

Under Stefanski, Mayfield is not going to throw for 5,000 yards or 45 touchdowns but look for him to have a high completion percentage and a strong touchdown to interception ratio next season.  Not only that, but a 9 or 10-win season and the Brown’s first playoff birth since 2002 will also push him into the Pro-Bowl.

This year will also be a big one for Ward who will be healthy for the first time as a Brown.  After a dominant rookie season, Ward struggled with a hamstring injury much of last season.  Let’s not forget a non-existent pass rush, which is a corner’s worst nightmare. With better safeties over the top, a better pass rush, and a better offense to keep the defense energized, Ward will have a lockdown year with five-plus interceptions. That with 50 plus tackles will earn Ward his second trip to the Pro-Bowl.

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Both sides of the ball will be tremendously improved from last season but look for Mayfield and Ward to take the biggest steps.  (Yes, Garrett will be awesome, but that is expected). These improvements look for the Browns to make the playoffs as a wildcard contender and pick up their first playoff win in 25 years. They won’t be ready to challenge for a Super Bowl, but the culture change will begin, and the Browns could be competitive for years to come.

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