5 bold predictions for Cleveland Browns 2022 season ahead of camp

With the 2022 NFL Draft complete the Cleveland Browns begin to look forward to minicamp, OTAs, and training camp. Let’s look at 5 bold predictions for 2022.

The NFL Draft is over and though there are still unsigned free agents out there the Cleveland Browns roster has begun to take shape for 2022.

Some rookies will make the team, others won’t and they are likely to add a veteran or two at some positions that still need more talent. It is still early in the offseason but let’s look at five bold predictions I have for the 2022 Browns.

A potential Deshaun Watson suspension can drastically change the Browns’ season so for the sake of this article we will assume that a suspension of four games or less occurs.

2022 Cleveland Browns season bold prediction number 5- Nick Chubb will win the rushing title

No matter how effective the Browns’ passing attack is there’s always one thing you can count on, Nick Chubb will perform. Even when he is the only thing that is working for the offense he still manages to be the most consistent thing they have on offense. At times he gets bottled up when there isn’t a legit threat from the passing game. I think with Deshaun Watson at quarterback and an improved wide receiver room things will open up even more for Chubb and he will take full advantage of it.

2022 Cleveland Browns season bold prediction number 4- Denzel Ward will have an All-Pro season

Denzel Ward cashed in this offseason signing a massive extension with the Browns a few weeks ago. The Browns have made upgrades to the defense around him through free agency and the draft which will take some pressure off Ward. Greg Newsome had a great rookie year and Grant Delpit will be stronger in his second year off of the Achilles tear this will allow Ward to play even freer and have his best season yet.

2022 Cleveland Browns season bold prediction number 3- Kareem Hunt will be traded for a Day 2 draft pick

The Browns running back room is starting to get really crowded after drafting Jerome Ford in the fifth round. Kareem Hunt has been great for the Browns and his absence last season was obvious on the field however he is in the last year of his deal. The Browns have already paid Nick Chubb and aren’t likely to pay two running backs with Deshaun Watson now on the roster. Instead of letting Hunt walk next offseason, they will move him for a premium draft asset.

2022 Cleveland Browns season bold prediction number 2- Jacob Phillips will lead the team in tackles

The first two seasons of linebacker Jacob Phillips’s career have been plagued with injuries that resulted in a lot of missed time. But when he was out there he showed flashes as a really athletic linebacker with great sideline to sideline speed to run down ball carriers. He reads the field well and has the talent and speed to react very quickly. If he stays healthy as the Browns’ starting mike linebacker this year he will showcase those abilities and lead the team in tackles.

2022 Cleveland Browns season bold prediction number 1- The Browns will finally win the AFC North

The Browns have not won a division title since the year 1989, which is two years before I was born. That changes this year, with elite quarterback play, improved wide receivers, and a solid (if healthy) offensive line they have the firepower to do it. They have added more depth and talent to the defense and completely remade the special teams unit that was awful last season.

If the Browns stay healthy they should absolutely have a shot at bringing home a division crown.