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Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round picks defensive lineman Myles Garrett and defensive back Jabrill Peppers and tight end David Njoku display their jerseys to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
With OTAs officially underway, here's a look at five reasons why the Cleveland Browns could emerge as a surprise playoff contender in the AFC.
For years, the Cleveland Browns have been considered the laughing stock of the NFL, but believe it or not, this team seems to finally be moving in the right direction when looking at all of the big moves made on both sides of the football. From landing numerous key players in free agency to earning three solid picks in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, it's crazy to think how the Browns have been one of the biggest winners of the offseason, and could even surprise a ton of people next year.
Of course, saying that is easier said than done for a team like Cleveland when considering how close they were to becoming the second team in NFL history to go an entire year without winning a single game. But for the first time in what feels like whatever, there actually seems to be excitement surrounding where the Browns are heading, and could even result in them being a surprise contenders in the AFC.
Before anyone freaks out over how ridiculous that may sound, it may not seem as crazy as one thinks if Cleveland can play their cards right. So without wasting any more time, let's take a look at five reasons why the Browns could emerge as surprise playoff contenders for the 2017 season.
May 24, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
5. Improved passing game
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While the quarterback position has been a major weakness for the Cleveland Browns over the years, a quarterback can only do so much on his own without the proper help surrounding him in the passing game. Give the Browns credit for using a first-round pick on former Baylor standout Corey Coleman in 2016, but unfortunately the debate is still out there when it comes to seeing if he has what it takes to be an elite wideout in the NFL after he was limited to just 10 games last year.
Now that he's got a year of experience under his belt, Cleveland is excited to see what Coleman can bring to the table during his sophomore season, and what's even more exciting is the team has done a solid job building around him in the passing game. Not only was Kenny Britt added once free agency got underway, but the Browns made the unexpected move to trade back into the first round to land an effective pass-catching tight end in David Njoku in this year's draft.
All of a sudden, the receiving corps in Cleveland will look completely different than a year ago, and in a good way. If all goes well, each of these three players certainly have the chance to make a solid impact during the 2017 season.
Kevin Zeitler Cincinnati Bengals
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4. Better offensive line
Despite how much this team has struggled over the years, it's safe to say just about every team has been envious over the Cleveland Browns having one of the best tackles the game has to offer in Joe Thomas. By adding one of the top free agents from this year's class in Kevin Zeitler to the mix along with J.C. Tretter, the Browns are ready to show the rest of the league how this is going to look like a completely different unit during the 2017 season.
Never in a million years could anyone have imagined Cleveland of all teams would be considered one of the biggest winners in free agency, but that was exactly the case this offseason, as they kept making impressive moves left and right. As mentioned before, it was one thing to land a top free agent like Zeitler, but to snag him away from a division rival in the Cincinnati Bengals made this move even more enjoyable for the Browns.
It's one thing for a team with a history of quarterback issues, but to have a poor offensive line makes it even more difficult to deal with. Luckily for Cleveland, this revamped offensive line could easily work their way into the top 10 at season's end, assuming everyone can remain healthy.
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
3. Hue Jackson motivated to bounce back
After only one season as head coach, the Oakland Raiders fire Hue Jackson back in 2011 following a disappointing 8-8 finish, but it seemed like only a matter of time before he would eventually land another gig with a new team. The Cleveland Browns were finally willing to take a shot on Jackson after bringing the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator on board for the 2016 season, but luckily he managed to avoid the wrong side of NFL history.
By losing their first 14 games, all signs pointed to the Browns becoming the second team in history to go an entire year without a single win before luckily pulling off a win in Week 15 against the San Diego Chargers. Even if it didn't look pretty at times during that Week 15 matchup, the important factor is the Browns didn't join the Detroit Lions in the winless club.
No head coach can ever imagine the amount of frustration Jackson must have been feeling at times last year just to earn a single win, but based off what Cleveland's last few months, his second year should be the complete opposite when it comes to earning wins. And who knows, maybe Jackson's motivation to make sure his squad improves during his second year as head coach will result in the Browns becoming a surprise contender in the AFC.
May 24, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer (7) throws a pass during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2. Multiple options at quarterback
Remember all of those issues the Cleveland Browns previously had at the quarterback position? Embarrassing doesn't even begin to describe some of the performances displayed by Browns quarterbacks over the years, but all of a sudden, this team finds themselves in position where they could use one of three options before Week 1 officially gets underway in September.
At the moment, Cody Kessler, who went 0-8 last year as a rookie, seems to be the favorite to lineup under center in Week 1, as the former USC star has received all sorts of praise this offseason for the work he's put in to making himself a better player. From improving his eating habits to taking his workouts to a whole new level, Kessler knows this may be his best chance of proving himself as a starter in the NFL.
With that being said, Kessler also finds himself in a different position when compared to the end of last season now that DeShone Kizer and Brock Osweiler are in the picture. Either way, at least the Browns can take advantage of having a few different options to work, and spend the next few months evaluating which quarterback seems to be the best fit for Hue Jackson's squad.
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
1. Defense on the rise
The only perk of winning one game during the 2016 season is the Cleveland Browns were able to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, which they used on former Texas A&M star defensive lineman Myles Garrett. And if that wasn't impressive enough, the Browns were able select another top defensive star from this year's draft class in Jabrill Peppers.
Originally, Cleveland had an extra pick in the first round at No. 12 thanks to last year's trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, but they would eventually trade back with the Houston Texans to still land Peppers at No. 25. For months, it seemed like a guarantee that Garrett would be taken with the top pick while a quarterback would potentially come into play with the 12th pick, depending on which players were still available.
Instead, this scenario seemed to workout even better for the Browns since they managed to land two of the top defenders from this year's draft in Garrett and Peppers along with a future first rounder from the Texans in 2018. Garrett and Peppers may be rookies, but there's a reason why they've been considered two of the top defensive prospects over the last few months that seem capable of making an impact right away in Cleveland.
