5 Cleveland Browns Players Facing the Most Pressure in 2021 Season
The Cleveland Browns enter 2021 with high expectations after their successful 2020 campaign, which saw them finish 11-5 and win their first playoff game since 2002. Here are the five Browns players facing the most pressure this season:
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Coming off ACL injury in 2020
- Needs to improve chemistry with Baker Mayfield
- Team succeeded without him last season
- Critical year for his future with the team at age 28
- Greedy Williams
- 2019 second-round pick competing for No. 2 cornerback role
- Battling rookie Greg Newsome II for starting spot
- Could become trade candidate if he loses position battle
- Must prove himself behind Denzel Ward and Troy Hill
- Myles Garrett
- Defensive leader and former first overall pick
- Consistently productive with 10+ sacks in last three seasons
- Two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection
- Key to defense's success in championship pursuit
- Kareem Hunt
- Valuable complement to Nick Chubb in backfield
- Versatile offensive weapon (1,000+ rushing yards, 500+ receiving yards)
- 14 touchdowns since joining Browns
- Important role player in offensive success
- Future earning potential tied to continued performance
- Baker Mayfield
- Face of the franchise entering fifth year
- Bounced back in 2020 with 4,000+ yards, 30 TDs, 9 INTs
- Fifth-year option exercised
- Future contract negotiations depend on continued development
- Team success heavily relies on his performance
The Browns need these key players to perform at a high level to compete in the tough AFC North and build on their 2020 success.