The 2024 offseason has been action-packed as Andrew Berry pushes to get this Cleveland Browns roster over the hump. After over-achieving last season and an embarrassing loss in the playoffs to end the year, the pressure is on for 2024 to be “the year”.
With Ken Dorsey as the offensive coordinator, we will likely see a totally different offense in 2024 under the direction of Deshaun Watson. The big move was trading for and extending Jerry Jeudy this offseason, and expectations will be higher than ever for him.
The most fun part of the NFL is not the top end of the roster, but what you can do for the last five starters on your depth chart. NFL football is a true team sport, and you are only as good as the worst player on your team unless you have Tom Brady.
As we prepare for the offseason to hit full swing, here are three under-the-radar players who could greatly impact the 2024 season.
No. 3: Mike Vrabel
I know that Mike Vrabel is no longer a player, but the Cleveland Browns bringing him in will have a major impact on the season. At first, I was hesitant of the hiring thinking it would only put pressure on Kevin Stefanski, but I truly think this is only a benefit.
Vrabel fits the aggressive mentality that both Berry and Stefanski follow, and he relates well to players and pushes them hard while maintaining a strong relationship.
Other than liking to go for it on fourth down, Stefanski and Vrabel are almost opposites, which is what makes him so effective. Having the ear of someone with so much head coaching experience will be a huge benefit down the road.
No. 2: Nyheim Hines
After the injury to Nick Chubb last year, some (including myself) had doubts as to whether he would even be on the team in 2024. And while that question hasn’t been answered, the addition of Nyheim Hines and D’Onta Foreman tells me it’s more of a transition plan back to Chubb vs. a complete change in strategy.
I don’t think anyone was overly excited about the addition of Hines. For some reason, Berry loves adding guys who are coming off injury, but I think Hines can be a big addition to this team. He’s never had more than 380 yards rushing, but twice in his five-year career, he has had more than 60 receptions for more than 400 yards which is exactly why Berry wanted him.
This change in philosophy for the offense won’t take away from the running game, but it will certainly change the style. We will see far more shotgun snaps and plenty of screen passes to help slow down this pass rush which is exactly where Hines will come into play.
Don’t look for him to be a guy that gets 45 snaps a game, but I would expect him to be extremely effective in the 15 or so snaps he gets a game, especially catching the ball out of the backfield.
No. 1: Maurice Hurst
Heading into the offseason there was some speculation that Berry and the Cleveland Browns would potentially spend big at defensive tackle on a guy like Christian Wilkins. Last year Berry signed Dalvin Tomlinson, and the dividends were tremendous.
Instead, Berry took the depth approach and signed three guys to play one position. Maurice Hurst, Shelby Harris, and Quinton Jefferson are all in line to see significant playing time with all having the opportunity to shine and take over as the second defensive tackle on this roster.
It feels like Hurst has the potential to really shine this year. Injuries are a concern, but after missing most of the 2021 and all the 2022 season, Hurst played in 13 games for the Browns last year and was extremely effective in both stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback.
Again, Hurst is a guy who will likely only get 15-20 snaps per game, but look for him to make the best of all the time he gets on the field. He’s always had the talent, and if he can bounce back from the injury and even play 13 games again like last year, he will be a crucial part of this roster.