Cleveland Browns: 5 players who will break out in 2021
By Sam Penix
1. WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before injuries derailed his career. Statistically, he hasn’t been himself since 2016, but stats don’t tell the whole story.
After undergoing offseason groin surgery, Beckham dealt with back and toe issues in 2020, but when he was healthy, he looked better than he had in years. He was constantly open downfield, and absolutely lit up Baltimore’s secondary in Week 1.
Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters were unable to stick with him, but Mayfield wasn’t good during this stretch of the season. He practically single-handedly beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4 as well. Beckham did his job, which was to get open.
Mayfield overcame his issues and finished the season on a tear. By all accounts, Beckham’s rehab went swimmingly and he should be a full go for training camp. Being fully integrated into the offense and playing with a good QB will do wonders for him, and it will have to. Assuming Mayfield plays at a similar level to last year, Beckham will make or break the team’s Super Bowl hopes.
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He has a lot of people to prove wrong, and the only way he can do that is by producing. With better QB play, good talent around him, and a quality coaching staff, Beckham should be back to being one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL.