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Cleveland Browns: The 4 offensive players with most to prove in 2021

By Eddie McDonald

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 03: Austin Hooper #81 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 03: Austin Hooper #81 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns, Odell Beckham
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 11: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns pauses after making a reception during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Colts 32-23. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

The first two seasons of the Odell Beckham Jr. experience in Cleveland have not gone as planned. It got far worse last season when the former three-time Pro Bowler was lost for the season with an ACL tear. He played in just seven games.

Fast forward to now and you would never know that injury occurred. He looks to be in fantastic shape and the knee looks great as he is able to run and make sharp cuts. That shouldn’t be possible less than seven months removed from major knee surgery.

Mayfield said Beckham “Looks really great” and thinks Beckham’s return can help the offense in a big way.

"“He looks really great,” Mayfield said of Beckham. “After seeing him run and really just talking to him, as well, he feels comfortable. He is still getting used to some of these cuts and certain motions, but you are talking about seven months since the surgery so it is pretty impressive how quickly he has come back.”"

Over the past two seasons, Mayfield and Beckham have not appeared to have the greatest chemistry. Was Mayfield trying to force the ball to Beckham a little too much? It certainly looked that way, but again, last year was a new system, head coach, and offensive coordinator, so that plays a part too.

Baker and Odell have been working together during the offseason, including last week when the quarterback hosted wide receivers and tight ends in Austin, Texas for throwing sessions and boat trips.

Beckham was once considered an elite NFL wide receiver and will be looking to get back to the upper echelon of receivers this season.

The presence alone of Beckham will make this offense even better as teams will have to game plan for his explosive play-making ability down the field, which in turn, helps free up his teammates elsewhere on the field with less coverage. The Browns certainly could have used him against the Chiefs in last year’s Divisional Round.

Hopefully, this is the year that Beckham gets back on track and shows he’s worth the number on his contract. If he is able to do this, Baker and the offense will continue to thrive.

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