Cleveland Browns News: Realistic rookie expectations
By Randy Gurzi
Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know
It’s hard not to get excited about the most recent Cleveland Browns draft class. They not only solidified their offensive line with the selection of Jedrick Wills at No. 10, but they possibly got two other starters after that pick — both of which came from LSU.
Safety Grant Delpit had no business being there at pick 44, but Cleveland was thrilled to land him. After that, they took his teammate Jacob Phillips (who actually came after Jordan Elliott from Missouri). Phillips has a better chance to start than Elliott considering the team’s depth at their respective positions.
But what can we really expect out of this class? That’s the question Ellis Williams from Cleveland.com answers in this edition of the Daily Dawg Tag’s featured article.
Cleveland Browns News
What to expect from the Browns’ 2020 rookies: reviewing the film — Ellis L. Williams, Cleveland.com
"“I think three rookies start Week 1, and we already read about the first two above. Third is Phillips. The Browns’ linebacker room was the most inexperienced in the NFL until New England lost Dont’a Hightower to an opt-out. (Last year’s Patriots starters Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins) and Jamie Collins (Lions) are gone, too.)”"
In addition to praising Phillips, Williams was high on the upside for Jedrick Wills and safety Grant Delpit as well. We need to see them all on the field but the early indications suggest that the Browns hit a home run in this draft class.
Cleveland Browns: 3 offensive players who could have big years — Chad Porto, Factory of Sadness
"“With injuries to Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, and no real depth behind them to look at, the odds that tight end Austin Hooper gets targeted more in 2020 than he did in Atlanta is entirely possible. Hopper, while splitting receptions from Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones was still able to net over 70 receptions the last two seasons. While it’s likely that Landry and Beckham stay healthy through 2020, it’s no guarantee. Making his addition all the much more needed and necessary.”"
Austin Hooper was a killer pick-up for Andrew Berry. While we were all looking at offensive tackles, he had his eyes set on a game-changing tight end. Hooper is a solid blocker but will make his living hurting defenses in the passing game. While this position wasn’t the biggest need this offseason, it could be the most impactful signing.
"Clay, during a Wednesday appearance on Cleveland Browns Daily, called Stefanski a “terrific hire” and said the 2020 Browns are “in a position to make a leap this year … the personnel is there.”"
ESPN analyst Mike Clay is high on the Browns offseason moves and it’s hard not to agree with him. They got a lot done this year and as long as they stay focused, there’s no reason to expect another disaster like we saw in 2019.
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