3 Browns Players Who Have No Excuse But to Dominate in 2020

It cannot be overstated just how impressive the Cleveland Browns' offseason has been. First-year general manager Andrew Berry has been surprisingly aggressive thus far, but impressively, he hasn't put a foot wrong.

Cleveland has already considerably cushioned its roster, and the latest NFL buzz suggests that more moves could be on the way. The way we see it, there's no excuse for the Browns, who finished 6-10 last season, not to compete in 2020. Specifically, these three players are poised for breakout campaigns.

3. Nick Chubb

Browns RB Nick Chubb taking a handoff against the Bills / Jason Miller/Getty Images

Chubb was a beast last season for Cleveland, though his production was largely overshadowed by the struggles of quarterback Baker Mayfield. The second-year running back totaled 1,494 yards and eight touchdowns on 5.0 yards per tote. We often see running backs begin to regress after posting career numbers, but Chubb's ough to improve given the lack of mileage on his odometer. New offensive line signing Jack Conklin will only help matters for the former Georgia Bulldog, and Chubb's ceiling for 2020 will only raise up if the Browns select an offensive lineman with the No. 10 overall pick.

2. Denzel Ward

Browns CB Denzel Ward / Jason Miller/Getty Images

There's no denying that Ward regressed in 2019 after a superb rookie campaign. According to Pro Football Focus, the former No. 4 overall pick was targeted 69 times, which ranked tied for 37th among qualified cornerbacks. Ward also surrendered a whopping 31 receptions, which ranked 82nd in the league. Unfortunately for the Browns, the Ohio State product didn't make the most out of the regularity that quarterbacks were throwing his way as he notched just two interceptions. The adjustment period is over. Ward has no choice but to bounce back in 2020.

1. Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield must bounce back from his disastrous sophomore season / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

We honestly don't know what more the Browns could do for Mayfield. The team bolstered Baker's offensive line by signing Conklin and added yet another pass-catching weapon in tight end Austin Hooper. As things stand, Mayfield will have Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, Hooper, David Njoku, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt to work with on offense. That might be the most imposing assortment of offensive talent in the entire NFL. The former No. 1 overall pick really needs to regain some form and light it up in Year 3. If Baker thought his sophomore season was heavily criticized, he's in for a rude awakening if his struggles continue in 2020.