3 young Cleveland Browns headed for bigger roles in 2023 after first wave of free agency

With the first wave of free agency in the books, we can see some of the Cleveland Browns plans for the 2023 NFL season start to take shape. They were able to retain a few key internal free agents while also going out and making a few splash signings.

Those moves not only tell us what they think about the players who signed new contracts but also how they feel about the younger guys who are returning in 2023.

For example, the decision to re-sign Ethan Pocic not only tells us that they believe he's the future at center, but also that they don't believe Nick Harris has the ability to adequately replace him. They also showed some faith in a few other players, such as these three who will have larger roles in 2023.

Browns rising star No. 3: Jerome Ford, RB

When the Cleveland Browns added Jerome Ford in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the writing was on the wall for Kareem Hunt. While he was great for much of his time with the Browns, he was entering the final year of his contract and battled injuries in 2021.

Then in 2022, Hunt showed signs of wear and isn't expected back in free agency. Also out on the open market is D'Ernest Johnson, who played well in 2021 while Hunt was hurt but fell to the back burner last year. Cleveland hasn't seemed to be making any effort to retain either which is a sign that they think Jerome Ford is ready for more.

As a rookie, Ford had just eight carries for 12 yards but he did show off his shiftiness and ability to avoid tacklers as a return man. He finished with 723 yards on 30 kick returns but isn't likely to resume those duties with Jakeem Grant returning.

Instead, he's in line to be the primary backup to Nick Chubb which should net him far more than eight rushing attempts.

Browns rising star No. 2: Perrion Winfrey, DT

In need of some help on the interior of their defensive line, Cleveland used a fourth-round pick in 2022 on Perrion Winfrey out of Oklahoma. Known as a pass-rushing specialist, Winfrey recorded 5.5 sacks in his senior season.

He then showed up to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, and completely bullied everyone who tried to block him.

Even with all that being the case, he was still considered a below average run defender, which is why he slid to Round 4.

Once he did get selected by Cleveland, he became an instant fan favorite. His energetic personality and excitement to join the Dawg Pound and play alongside Myles Garrett was greeted with enthusiasm.

That excitement waned during the season as Winfrey found himself in the wrong dog house. But after dealing with early disciplinary concerns, he was able to redeem himself near the end of the year and finished his rookie campaign on a high note.

Now looking ahead to 2023, he should have an even greater role — and some of the early moves in free agency suggest as much.

Cleveland has focused heavily on the defensive tackle position by showing interest in Javon Hargrave, Dre'Mont Jones, and Dalvin Tomlinson. They ended up landing Tomlinson, who gives them a legit run-stuffer. From there, they added Maurice Hurst and Trsyten Hill who have the talent to play the 3-tech but come with huge question marks.

Chances are, they're insurance signings with the real plan being that Winfrey provides the interior pass rush. They won't put all their eggs in that basket since 2022 was a bit rocky but he will be given every opportunity to earn a key spot in the defensive line rotation.

Browns rising star No. 1: Alex Wright, EDGE

The first free agent signing Andrew Berry made this year was met with praise as he added Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who played for the Houston Texans last season. Okoronkwo began his career with the Los Angeles Rams and even won a Super Bowl with them but truly started to break out with Houston.

He finished with 44 tackles and 5.0 sacks while serving as a rotational rusher — with eight starts in 17 games. But it was his pass-rush win rate that really attracted Cleveland to him. According to Next Gen Stats, he had the third-highest win rate, finishing slightly above Myles Garrett.

As good as Okoronkwo was against the pass, he had issues when it came to run defense. That's why we might see Alex Wright take on more responsibility in year two, even with the arrival of Okoronkwo.

A third-round pick out of UAB, Wright came in with a lot of promise. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, he looked the part of an NFL defensive end but needed time to develop.

He did get plenty of opportunities in 2022 with five starts in 17 appearances. Wright held his own with 28 tackles and used his length to bat down five passes at the line of scrimmage. What he didn't do was record any sacks as he was clearly still working on his technique.

Adding Okoronkwo, instead of going after a high-priced EDGE, is a sign the front office believes Wright can take the next step in his development. If so, he could be used heavily in the rotation, even seeing more time in obvious running situations where his massive frame would help more than Okoronkwo, who stands 6-foot-1 and 253 pounds.

The pairing could be perfect for Cleveland, and would finally give them a three-headed attack with Myles Garrett leading the way.