Cleveland Browns awards after first quarter of the season

Rookie of the year: Jedrick Wills

This may have been the hardest award to choose which is a good problem to have because several rookies have stepped up big for the Browns, the runner-up was tight end Harrison Bryant who has been great replacing David Njoku.

Bryant has seen significant playing time in every game including two starts. He only has seven catches for 59 yards and a touchdown but he has really shined as a run blocker, helping the Browns average 5.9 yards per carry.

But Wills, the 10th overall pick, made a big transition to left tackle after playing on the right side in college but it hasn’t shown early in the season. He has committed a few penalties but his movement has looked really good which is a big issue for players switching sides.

There have been a few breakdowns but Wills has held his own against some very good pass rushers like Ryan Kerrigan, Matthew Judon, and DeMarcus Lawerence. This is a great start to a promising career that should have Browns fans very excited.

Coach of the Year: Bill Callahan

This hire made headlines in the offseason simply because Bill Callahan is one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL and this may be his best job yet, taking some new pieces and transforming the Browns line into a powerhouse. Cleveland has the best run-blocking line in the league, according to footballoutsiders.com. They don’t do as well protecting the quarterback but they have only allowed six sacks, tied for eighth-best.

Joel Bitonio and J.C. Tretter were already pro bowl caliber players but he has turned Wyatt Teller into an all-pro and has helped Wills make a smooth transition to a new position. Back up tackle Chris Hubbard has even looked much better than he did in 2019, although it was on limited snaps replacing Jack Conklin.

The Browns have the best rushing offense in terms of yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry averaging just under six yards a run which is insane.

Running backs coach Stump Mitchell also got some consideration as his backfield has been excellent. It shined through against Dallas when Chubb got injured and the rush attack didn’t miss a beat when D’Ernest Johnson and Dontrell Hilliard filled in.

But Callahan’s offensive line has been leading the way all season and are the unit most responsible for Cleveland’s early success. We will see how long the 64-year-old coach sticks around but it will be interesting what he can do with this young talented line going forward.