5 Former Cleveland Browns who would thrive on 2021 roster

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 6: Tight end Derrick Ramsey #88 of the New England Patriots runs with the football after catching a pass as he is pursued by safety Thom Darden #27 of the Cleveland Browns during a game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on October 6, 1985 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Patriots 24-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns 2021 roster is stacked but that doesn’t mean they would turn down any of these five players returning in their prime

This season, the Cleveland Browns have one of their best rosters ever. They’ve overhauled every unit over the past few seasons and suddenly look to be legit contenders.

While they have hopefully shaken their recent failures, it would be a mistake to act as though the franchise has never had good players, because they surely have.

Here, we look at five of the best to ever wear the orange and brown — who would be great additions to the 2021 roster.

5. Thom Darden, Safety

A first-round pick in 1972, Thom Darden was a former Pro Bowl safety who was named to three All-Pro teams. Known for his ability to take the ball away, Darden led the league in interceptions in 1978.

That year, he had 10 interceptions and recorded 200 yards on run-backs. He was in the NFL for 10 seasons but only played in nine since he missed the 1975 campaign with a knee injury. Darden finished with 45 career picks which put him in first place all-time for the Browns.

Right now, Cleveland has a lot of talent at safety with John Johnson III, Ronnie Harrison, and Grant Delpit. However, Delpit has yet to play a snap in the NFL and Harrison struggled with health in 2020. That’s why it would be nice to be able to bring Darden back in his prime to play centerfield.

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