The Cleveland Browns have been called a lot of things over the years but “most complete team” is a new one.
New but accurate.
The Browns had a very successful 2020 season behind a very good offense led by Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, the offensive line and a variety of other playmakers. The team kept continuity on that side of the ball while getting Odell Beckham Jr. back from injury and drafting Anthony Schwartz in the third round of the NFL draft to add even more speed on the outside.
It is on the defense that Cleveland really turned the page from 2020 in a positive way. The Browns could have up to eight new starters on the defense to go along with Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Ronnie Harrison. The team loaded up in free agency, without blowing their future salary cap, and in the draft with Greg Newsome II and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah as their first two picks.
All of that is why NFL.com just listed Cleveland as the “most complete team” in the NFL:
The Browns have been building a respectable roster for several years now. But heading into the 2021 season, they aren’t just good — they’re loaded with Pro Bowl talent from top to bottom, featuring multiple high-level players at almost every position group.
The Browns are listed just above the last two Super Bowl champions, Tampa Bay and Kansas City. The Los Angeles Chargers slip in at fourth on the list, perhaps most surprisingly.
“Most complete” and “best” are not always the same thing but it does show just how talented Cleveland’s overall roster is.
Of note, special teams is considered the team’s weakness:
Cleveland’s special teams unit was a liability at times last season.
Even with questions on special teams, these aren’t the same old Browns. Those days are over.
AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens did not make the top five list but were noted as a possibility.
The Browns may have the most complete roster in the NFL but they will have to prove that it is good enough to compete with the juggernauts of the league in 2021.