3 biggest areas of improvement for the Cleveland Browns in 2023

Dec 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Jack Conklin, Browns
Jack Conklin, Browns. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Browns Area of improvement No. 2 – Upgrade at offensive tackle

I think one of the most underrated areas of struggle for the Cleveland Browns the last few weeks is the offensive line. Ever since Ethan Pocic went down, this unit has really struggled. What’s even more unfortunate, the tackles have struggled even more with pass protection the last few weeks which has put a ton of pressure on Watson and Jacoby Brissett previously.

Jack Conklin had been great coming off his injury from last year but has really played himself out of a great contract for next season. Not only has the speed rush been an issue, but stunts up front have also really confused this entire group. Even though he may want to come back, it will have to come at a hometown discount.

Jedrick Wills is going to get another year to prove he is a starter in the NFL, but he is my biggest concern on this offense for next season. I think James Hudson will do fine stepping in at right tackle next season, but even Bill Callahan (offensive line coach), who is considered the best in the business by many can’t seem to get Wills in line.

I don’t think the Browns can spend money in free agency at tackle with Will and Hudson slated to be the starters, but you will certainly see a third or fourth-round pick taken on a developmental player at the position. A huge decision that Berry will have this offseason is the fifth-year option on Wills. After the Baker Mayfield saga, he may be a bit gun-shy.