4 Cleveland Browns that have to improve in 2023

If the Cleveland Browns are going to get back to the playoffs in 2023, they’re going to need these four players to improve

7-10 was a far cry from what the Cleveland Browns were expecting this season but they’re not as far away as it seems. Six of their losses were by one score and that means a few plays each week could have made all the difference in the world.

That’s why there should be hope that 2023 can be much better. They’re sure to add a few pieces to help and some improvement from these key contributors could be what it takes to get them back into the playoff race.

4 Cleveland Browns that have to improve in 2023

4. Jedrick Wills, Left Tackle

In 2020, Andrew Berry made his first selection in the NFL Draft and decided to try and shore up the offensive line. He brought in Jedrick Wills from Alabama with the 10th overall selection and had him move from right tackle to left.

Wills played well for the most part as a rookie but the growing pains were expected as he made the leap to the NFL as well as the adjustment to a new position. However, he hasn’t really taken that next step and seemed to regress in year three.

Overall, he wasn’t terrible but there was room for improvement. Moving forward, the Browns will need to see that happen. In order to get the most out of Deshaun Watson, they’re going to need their blindside protector to give him the time he needs in the pocket.

Wills should also have a personal reason for taking a step forward as he nears the end of his rookie contract.

3. Alex Wright, Defensive End

Unlike the first player we looked at, Alex Wright was far from a disappointment in 2022. A third-round pick from UAB, Wright was brought in as a developmental player. He had the measurables defensive coaches love as he stood 6-foot-5 and weighed 271 pounds but needed to work on his technique in order to reach his potential.

Wright was supposed to be the fourth option at defensive end with Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney as the starters and Chase Winovich serving as the primary reserve. That wasn’t the case as Winovich and Clowney both dealt with injuries all season and that led to Wright okaying a much larger role while also starting five games.

He never recorded a sack but finished with 28 tackles, two for a loss, five pass defenses, and a fumble recovery.

With Clowney on the way out and Winovich’s status to be determined, Wright could be asked to start as early as 2023 if they don’t find another option in free agency or the draft.

Even if they do land another starter, he’s going to likely be the primary alternate pass rusher. Cleveland had to be thrilled with how he held up as a rookie but he’s going to be asked to deliver more in the pass-rushing department. If he can do that, it would be a huge help for this defense.

2. Cade York, Kicker

There were mixed emotions when the Browns used a fourth-round pick on LSU kicker Cade York this season. On one hand, Cleveland hasn’t had a long-term kicker for years and York came in with a huge leg and an impressive resume. On the other, drafting kickers hasn’t worked out very often — including when they added Austin Seibert in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

York spent the offseason impressing those who weren’t sold on the pick and giving more evidence to those who loved it. Then in Week 1, he made believers of the entire fan base when he drilled a 58-yard kick with ease as he gave them the win over Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers.

York was hailed a hero but that excitement was short-lived. He missed a crucial extra point in a 31-30 loss to the New York Jets in Week 2 and saw another extra point go wide in Week 3. He then whiffed on two field goals in a 30-28 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5.

The roller coaster continued throughout the season as he hit on just 75 percent of his field goals, although he didn’t miss another extra point following Week 3.

Heading into 2023, the Browns are going to need to see more consistency from York. He’s clearly good enough and can hit from deep but the wind at FirstEnergy Stadium was an issue for him. If he’s going to be the answer long-term, he needs to get that figured out.

1. Deshaun Watson, Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns went all in this offseason for Deshaun Watson as they traded a boatload of draft picks — headlined by three first-round selections — for the former Houston Texans superstar. They knew Watson would spend much of this season suspended, and that came true when he was hit with an 11-game ban.

Jacoby Brissett held down the fort before Watson returned and with the Browns sitting at 4-7 at that time, the final six games became all about Watson knocking off the rust.

Following a 700-day layoff, he wasn’t sharp but did start to show signs of improvement as the season went along. Watson finished with 1,102 yards and a 7-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio while leading Cleveland to a 303 record.

Of course, it might have looked even better had it not been for the case of the drops the wideouts had in their Week 16 loss to New Orleans.

Looking ahead to 2023, this team will go as Watson goes. While it’s true they have other star players such as Myles Garrett and Nick Chubb, we’ve already seen that’s not enough to get them where they want to go.

Cleveland needs a quarterback capable of delivering in the clutch, as well as one who can give them a chance in shootouts against teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills should they get back into the playoffs.

Watson can do that for them, but we have to see it happen in order for them to have any success.

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