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NFL power rankings: Saints, Chargers lead way into 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) talk during a TV timeout during the NFC Championship Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on January 20, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 20: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) talk during a TV timeout during the NFC Championship Football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints on January 20, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 30, 2018: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 30, 2018: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

. Cleveland Browns. 12. team. 53. .

2019 Key Additions: This offseason, there have been fewer franchises more aggressive when it came to improving its roster. The Browns traded for a pair for a pair of former New York Giants in explosive wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and pass-rusher Olivier Vernon via separate deals. The team’s new defensive coordinator is one-time Arizona Cardinals’ sideline boss Steve Wilks. Meanwhile, offensive-minded Freddie Kitchens becomes the 11th different head coach for the franchise dating back to 1999. Aggressive general manager John Dorsey signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in free agency and used a second-round draft choice on LSU cornerback Greedy Williams.

Offseason Review: A year ago, the much-maligned franchise put itself back on the map by winning seven games after finishing 0-16 the previous season. Dorsey’s 2018 drat class included quarterback Baker Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward and running back Nick Chubb – all who made big-time contribution during their rookie seasons. Combined with the aforementioned newcomers and the reason for optimism for this franchise is warranted. It will also be interesting to see how former Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Kareem Hunt is handled after his eight-game suspension. There’s plenty of potential here.

Next: No. 11

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