3 Browns Players Who Need Rebound Seasons to Get Cleveland Back to the Playoffs

After the Cleveland Browns logged a promising campaign (for their standards) in 2018, there were high expectations coming into 2019, especially after the team bolstered the roster with a number of moves, highlighted by the acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr.

However, the Browns faltered, finished 6-10 and cleaned house, firing head coach Freddie Kitchens and general manager John Dorsey. There will be new beginnings in 2020, but these three players will have to get back on track after the Browns made a number of other acquisitions to put the team in the best possible position if they want to return to the postseason.

3. Odell Beckham Jr.

Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. / Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

We're not sure what OBJ's issue was last season. Did his injuries really hold him back that badly? Was it the change of scenery? Did Freddie Kitchens/Baker Mayfield not get him the ball enough? Whatever it was, it cannot happen again. He's a No. 1 wide receiver and he simply can't be putting up career-low numbers (for a full season) in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns.

2. Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett / Jason Miller/Getty Images

Yup, Myles Garrett HAD to be on this list. His inclusion has nothing to do with his production, but rather his notorious role in the brawl with the Pittsburgh Steelers that saw him rip Mason Rudolph's helmet off and then swing it at his head. Garrett was suspended indefinitely, which ended up being six games, and at that point he had 10 sacks through 10 games. But he should be back in 2020 ready to prove the doubters wrong. An epic rebound season better be in the works for the former No. 1 pick.

1. Baker Mayfield

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield / Bobby Ellis/Getty Images

And speaking of No. 1 picks, this entire season will likely hinge on the performance of Colin Cowherd's favorite QB, Baker Mayfield. His sophomore slump was a true embodiment of the term. He finished with just over 3,800 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions across 16 games AFTER the Browns added OBJ and gave Nick Chubb a bigger role in the offense. In 2018, across 14 games, he had 3,725 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Both seasons yielded the same amount of wins (6). Baker could very well be staring at a make-or-break year because the Browns might have to blow it all up if he's not meeting expectations midway through the year.