Browns' Biggest Weaknesses Ahead of 2022 NFL Training Camp
It may only be June, but there are several players on the Cleveland Browns' roster locked into starting spots.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will be the top running backs, Amari Cooper will be the No. 1 wide receiver, and Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney will be the starting edge-rushers.
However, the Browns will also have key roster battles taking place soon. And some of those competitions will be at positions where they may not have a ton of proven players.
Cleveland has plenty of strengths, and there are reasons to believe it will bounce back and make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons in 2022. But there are also reasons to think it may have some trouble this year, at least in particular aspects of the game.
Although the Browns' roster isn't yet finalized—and there's still time for them to make moves before training camp begins in July—the team has some areas where it could be better. And if these spots aren't addressed, they could lead to problems this season.
Here's a look at Cleveland's biggest weaknesses at this point in the summer.
Uncertainty at Quarterback
The Browns have their starting quarterback on their roster. In March, they acquired Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans, and they immediately signed him to a four-year, $160 million extension.
However, there's no guarantee the 26-year-old will be leading Cleveland's offense in Week 1. He's currently facing 24 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct or sexual assault. According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the NFL is looking to give him a "significant" suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
It's unclear how long that could be for, but the Browns may have to prepare for a substantial amount of time without Watson. And Baker Mayfield is unlikely to still be in Cleveland by the start of the 2022 season as trade rumors continue to swirl.
So who might be the Browns' Week 1 starting QB? It could be Jacoby Brissett, a six-year NFL veteran who has never had tremendous success. He's a solid backup, but if Cleveland ends up needing him to start 17 games (or close to it), its offense is unlikely to reach its top potential.
For now, quarterback isn't a weakness for the Browns as long as Watson is on the field. But because of the uncertainty surrounding his status, the position could be one of Cleveland's largest roster holes in the next few months.
Not Enough Proven Wide Receivers
Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry may be gone, but the Browns added a new top wide receiver when they acquired Cooper in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys in March.
Beyond that, though, Cleveland doesn't have many proven players in its receiving corps.
Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz are the Browns' top returning WRs. They signed Jakeem Grant Sr. in free agency, and they used their third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft on former Purdue standout David Bell.
There's a chance Peoples-Jones has a breakout year, or Grant proves to be a solid receiving option rather than just the star returner he's been in the past. Bell may also quickly become a key contributor. But none of those things are certainties, and it's possible none of them happen.
At this point, receiving depth seems to be one of Cleveland's bigger weaknesses. And if defenses can focus on double-teaming Cooper at pretty much all times, the Browns may struggle to move the ball through the air.
It could be beneficial for Cleveland to add one more proven wide receiver to its roster prior to training camp to bring more of a sure thing to the group.
Lack of Impact Players on Interior of D-line
Garrett is one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, and Clowney had a strong showing in his first season with the Browns in 2021.
It was a great move by Cleveland to re-sign Clowney last month, reuniting its potent edge-rushing duo.
However, the Browns don't have many proven players on the interior of their defensive line. Malik Jackson, who started 16 games for them in 2021, remains a free agent. And if they don't bring him back, they'll have to start a less experienced player in his place.
Jordan Elliott, Perrion Winfrey and Sheldon Day are among Cleveland's returning defensive tackles, and the team signed Taven Bryan in free agency. Bryan played 63 games over the past four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he hasn't made a start since 2020.
The Browns are hoping that at least a few of these players step up and become stalwarts in the middle of their defensive line. But it's not the best group of tackles, and the lack of experience there could potentially impact the effectiveness of Garrett and/or Clowney.
If one or two of these defensive tackles show improvement and the ability to be a solid starter, though, it's possible this will no longer be a weakness for Cleveland.