The Cleveland Browns will enter the 2021 season coming off a year that was full of “for the first time since” accomplishments. The Browns recorded a winning record for the first time since 2007, made the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and won a playoff game for the first time since 1994. Now, the team will enter the upcoming campaign with the highest expectations in a long time for the franchise.
Despite all those accolades and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs, the Browns still finished third of four in the AFC North last season. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers saw turnover to their rosters, but there’s no question that the AFC North will be one of the closest divisions in the entire league in 2021.
Seeing their opportunity, the Browns loaded up this offseason to build on what was already a strong roster. Additions like Anthony Walker, John Johnson III, and Jadeveon Clowney have bolstered a Cleveland roster that was already far improved a year ago. While Super Bowl chants aren’t unheard of in Cleveland, this roster gives them a bit more conviction.
However, there are a handful of players that might get lost in the fold. The names that grab headlines have high expectations, but diving deeper into the depth chart presents names that could sneak under the radar throughout the season.
Whether it be building on past success, taking advantage of an opportunity, or finally being healthy enough to contribute in a smaller role, these three players for the Cleveland Browns could surprise people around the league in 2021.
The potential is there, now it’s just harnessing it for the Dawg Pound. While others will be the ones drawing headlines, don’t forget about this trio because opposing teams surely won’t be able to.
Harrison Bryant, TE, Cleveland Browns
A year ago it seemed like Harrison Bryant would be lucky to get on the field in Cleveland. While the team was planning to use multiple tight ends, he was buried on the depth chart behind newly signed Austin Hooper and David Njoku. However, as the season progressed and opportunities were presented, Bryant quickly carved out a role for himself.
Appearing in 15 games for the Browns, the most for any tight end on Cleveland’s roster, Bryant quietly hauled in 24 catches on 38 targets. He was able to total 238 receiving yards and found the end zone three times, the same amount of receiving touchdowns as both Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.
That was all done as a rookie in a year when offseason workouts were basically non-existent. Now, Bryant will have had a full offseason to work with coaches, with Baker Mayfield and make the necessary adjustments to the NFL game that he wasn’t fully able to last year after the draft.
Cleveland’s depth chart currently lists Bryant as the team’s No. 2 tight end behind Hooper. Given his athleticism and versatility, the Browns will find more ways to get him involved in the upcoming season. He played above expectations last season, but that might just be the foundation for what could be coming.
Jordan Elliott, DT, Cleveland Browns
A third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jordan Elliott quietly played in all 16 games for the Browns last season. He was a bit stuck on the depth chart behind Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, but with both of those guys gone Elliott will have the chance to explode in 2021.
Cleveland’s defensive tackle position had a near overhaul this past year. Andrew Billings will return after opting out last year and the team signed free agents Malik Jackson and Sheldon Day. As for rookies, Cleveland selected Tommy Togiai in the fourth round and added Marvin Wilson after the draft as an undrafted free agent. The only one of the group that has played a down for Cleveland is Elliott.
He tallied 15 tackles last year over 16 games, but if you look at his college stats there’s clear potential. Playing in 22 games for Missouri in 2018 and 2019 combined, Elliott registered 68 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
The defensive tackle position might be the biggest question mark for Cleveland this season. There’s a lot of players there, but there isn’t “the guy” at the position. Elliott has the tools and potential to become “the guy.”
He was able to learn from Richardson and Ogunjobi last year and, like Bryant, has now had a full offseason with the team. Throw in the other veterans the team added who will help him and Elliott is set up for a breakout season.
Greedy Williams, CB, Cleveland Browns
After being taken with the 46th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Greedy Williams has played in a grand total of 12 games for the Dawg Pound. That’s it. He struggled to stay healthy in 2019 and then missed all of 2020. So, why is this year any different?
For the first time in his brief NFL career Williams has no expectations. In the eyes of many fans he’s an afterthought, someone to trade. The upside to that is there is no pressure. He can go out and play his game.
During his first two seasons with Cleveland Williams was touted as the No. 2 cornerback to play opposite Denzel Ward. However, this offseason the Browns drafted Greg Newsome II in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and also signed Troy Hill in free agency. Those moves have pushed Williams down to the fourth cornerback on the depth chart.
For a player that has battled injuries, that could be a good thing. Williams won’t be needed on every down, but when he is on the field he will play a critical role. It’s also easy to forget that he was rather productive at LSU.
Over 24 games for LSU, Williams tallied eight interceptions in addition to 19 passes defended. He was also able to log 71 tackles. All of that was alongside Grant Delpit in the secondary, who will also return healthy for Cleveland this upcoming season.
Will Williams be a Pro Bowler this season? Probably not. Can he surprise fans of the Cleveland Browns? Considering the fact that he’s now being forgotten or cast aside, absolutely.