Cleveland Browns: 5 gifts received in 2020
By Sam Penix
![Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 23](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15330141-850x560-d1e8bdf15601c2c03fdf8cc92925b94be6297cee09628c0a8dad0a7714fb5dcc.jpg "Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 23")
3. Tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin
Cleveland’s offensive line struggled mightily in 2019, so they made it their top priority to upgrade over the offseason. Wyatt Teller’s sudden emergence as an All-Pro was unexpected, but he was already on the team.
When the Browns were on the clock with the 10th overall pick, they immediately sent in their selection, and that’s because they never expected Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr. to fall to them. The collegiate right tackle has had his rookie moments as he’s switched sides for the first time in his football career, but he’s been one of the NFL’s better pass protectors nonetheless.
Many expected Tennessee’s Jack Conklin to become one of, if not the highest-paid tackle in NFL history as he entered free agency, but Cleveland was able to land him for $42 million over three seasons. He was always solid as a Titan but is having the best season of his career in 2020. It’s clear that Mayfield is massively benefitting from not having to worry about pressure off the edges every play, and the value that the team has gotten from the capital they sunk into these two players is tremendous. Year two for them should be even better.
Alternatively, offensive line coach Bill Callahan could take this spot. He’s got four of his five linemen playing at a league-best level, and the one that isn’t is a rookie switching sides who is still protecting Mayfield very well. Callahan has been everything he was made out to be, and much more.