Cleveland Browns: 3 busts from 2020 that will flourish in 2021

1. Austin Hooper

One of the big splashed in the 2020 offseason was the signing of free-agent tight end, Austin Hooper. He’s a big-bodied guy that can block and catch, which earned him a 4-year, $42 million contract last offseason.

Hooper was a great blocker, but for the money spent, the Browns were certainly expecting more than 46 catches for 435 yards in 13 starts. This was a guy who the year before had 75 catches for 787 yards and had continued to improve every year.

In his previous life with the Falcons, the offense was far more open, but the Stefanski offense is built for the tight end to be successful. A few crucial drops on third-down last year likely turned Baker Mayfield’s focus as well.

The biggest disappointment, all we heard all camp was how dominant Hooper looked in drills. All the beat reporters raved at the connection he and Mayfield had. Turns out, our defense was just that bad.

With last year behind him, look for Hooper to bust out this year after having a full offseason to work with Baker and crew. After losing his confidence last year, Hooper will have an extreme focus in 2021 which will make him a major part of this offense, which was the plan from the beginning.

Prediction: 65 catches, 800 yards and a trip to the pro-bowl as the Browns will finish 12-5 in 2021.