Cleveland Browns 2023 Training Camp Preview
The Cleveland Browns’ 2022 campaign was disappointing, to say the least. They started a lackluster 4-7 behind Jacoby Brissett and just broke an even 3-3 after Deshaun Watson returned from his suspension. All the while they had a myriad of defensive issues. The Browns allowed 22 PPG (20th) and ranked as the 3rd worst rushing defense in all of football. But with the additions of some major defensive assets and a full season of Deshaun Watson, the Browns could be primed to return to the playoffs and make some noise. Before they can think about the playoffs or even Week 1, they must get through training camp and preseason. Here are the most important position battles of camp and candidates who could have a big season for the Browns.
Three Position Battles to Watch
Wide Receiver #2 & 3: Elijah Moore vs. Donovan Peoples-Jones vs. Cedric Tillman
Amari Cooper returns as the unquestioned number one of this receiving group, but slots two and three are certainly up for grabs. In that competition are the returning Donovan Peoples-Jones, newly acquired Elijah Moore, and rookie Cedric Tillman. Peoples-Jones is likely to nab one of them as he’s coming off his best year where he posted career highs in receptions, targets, and receiving yards. Moore was disappointing last year, but it’s understandable considering he had Zach Wilson and Mike White delivering him the ball. Moore has reportedly impressed in camp, creating separation with ease, and showing off his burst and explosiveness. Tillman was a projected first or second-round pick but slid to the Browns in the third round. He’s a physical receiver who is great at the catch point and uses his 6’3″ frame well. Tillman is the most unlikely to crack the two or three spots on the depth chart but could leapfrog Moore if he impresses. The other wild cards in this race are Marquise Goodwin, David Bell, and the speedy Anthony Schwartz. However, all of them seem like they are competing for the fifth and sixth spots on the wideout depth chart.
Swing Tackle: James Hudson vs. Dawand Jones
Both of Cleveland’s starting spots are held down by the incumbent Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, but the swing tackle spot is up for grabs. The competition for that spot is between third-year tackle James Hudson and rookie Dawand Jones. Jones was a projected first or second-round draft pick but tumbled to the fourth round after concerns about interview answers and his weight. Jones still has great size and a ton of potential and could be the Browns’ tackle of the future. Hudson, a fellow fourth-round pick has started in seven games and seen action in 29 total games across two seasons. Hudson has been underwhelming at best and has repeatedly gotten the quarterback he was protecting almost killed.
Back-Up Defensive Tackle: Siaki Ika vs. Maurice Hurst vs. Trysten Hill vs. Perrion Winfrey
With the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson and the return of Jordan Elliott, the other four defensive tackles on the roster will likely be competing for three of the final defensive linemen spots. However, the Browns could opt to start someone other than Elliott if they want to make a splash. Elliott was solid, but not anything special, as he started all 17 games and recorded 36 tackles and 2 sacks. Siaki Ika is an interesting candidate to jump into the starting front seven. Ika has great strength and athleticism for a defensive tackle but struggled against double teams at Baylor. Maurice Hurst has appeared in 40 career games for the Raiders and 49ers but sat out last season entirely. Trysten Hill has appeared in 31 games across 4 seasons in Dallas and Arizona. Perrion Winfrey returns for his second season in Cleveland after recording 22 tackles in 13 games last season. It’s unclear who will be the second defensive tackle, but spots three and four are also up for grabs.
Breakout Player: David Njoku
I was tempted to select Watson considering how poorly he played but decided against it. Instead, I think the logical choice to break out for Cleveland is David Njoku. Njoku has been steady across 6 seasons in the league at best, but I anticipate a career year in 2023. He was on pace to break career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns but was derailed by a high ankle sprain and knee injury last season. With all the other talented receiving talent on the roster, I think 800 receiving yards and five or more touchdowns are in the realm of possibility for Njoku.
Rookie to Watch: Siaki Ika
Without a first or second-round choice, it was difficult choosing a potential rookie to have a breakout campaign with the Browns. In my eyes, Ika has the best opportunity to see the field and make an impact in his rookie season. He’ll be rotated in with other linemen to keep guys fresh, but If Elliott is mediocre or disappointing, Ika could have a starting spot by the end of year one. He’s a good run defender, strong, agile, and quick for a tackle his size.
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