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5 Cleveland Browns who could take a step back in 2021

By Sam Penix

Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to the sideline during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to the sideline during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) reacts returning to the bench after a Browns touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Browns won 48-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Wyatt Teller

Wyatt Teller played nine games for the Browns in 2019 after having been acquired via trade late in the preseason. He was an upgrade over Eric Kush, but still wasn’t great.

He ended up winning the training camp battle after second-year man Drew Forbes opted out, and was one of 2021’s biggest surprises. Per PFF, he led all offensive linemen, regardless of snap count, in both overall grade (92.3) and run-block grade (93.6). He was flat-out dominant in the run game, and the Browns run game struggled mightily in the five games he missed.

Teller does have to improve his consistency in pass protection, but his arrow is also pointed up. Much like Mayfield, it’s just not fair to Teller to expect him to repeat his performance. That doesn’t mean he won’t likely be a good, or even great starter once again, but best in the league is a stretch.

He benefitted from playing between Tretter and All-Pro Jack Conklin, and did have some pass-blocking issues late in the year, but his overall emergence was vital to the Browns success. It remains to be seen whether or not the team will be willing to pay Teller top dollar to keep around past this season, but perhaps a larger sample size will be beneficial for one side.

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