Cleveland Browns training camp: Storylines, position battles and what to watch

3 biggest storylines for 2021

Every year, there are several storylines to keep track of. The good news for this team is that there’s nothing incredibly negative from the season before to get past since they finally had a winning season and a playoff victory. Still, there will be plenty to check out as they get ready for the season in Berea.

3. What role will Anthony Schwartz play?

The Cleveland offense was incredible last year but if there was one spot they needed to improve, it would be their speed at wide receiver. Part of that was due to the injury suffered by Odell Beckham, Jr. and his return should help. But they’re not banking on just one guy, evidenced by their selection of Anthony Schwartz from Auburn in the third round.

Schwartz showed off sub-4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash and while he’s still raw, he’s an absolute burner. The question will be what they expect from him in year one. Cleveland has a strong receiving corps but they didn’t use a day two pick on Schwartz with the intention of him sitting all season behind the veterans.

2. Will Baker continue to grow?

Early on in the 2020 season, Baker Mayfield was still struggling to find consistency. This wasn’t all on him since he was in his third season but already on his fourth head coach and fourth offensive coordinator. In addition to that, he had to learn this new system primarily from Zoom meetings.

Eventually, the light bulb went off and Mayfield was one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Cleveland will need him to continue to grow if they want to find more success down the road, which means there will be plenty of eyes on No. 6 as we watch to see him take his next step.

1. Can Joe Woods find success?

There were those calling for Joe Woods’ head after the disastrous defensive performance in 2020. But the Browns did the right thing by bringing him back.

Woods was dealt a tough hand due to the team’s durability concerns. Week after week, Woods was working with a patchwork defense and did the best he could with what he had.

Now, the front office made sure he has no excuses (which, to his credit, he wouldn’t offer up anyway) with all their additions. Woods should not be judged for 2020, but this year will be one where he’s truly evaluated and that starts in camp as he works to get eight potential new starters up to speed.