5 reasons Browns fans can bet on a turnaround in 2020

The Browns were crushed under the weight of heavy expectations in 2019. Fortunately, Baker Mayfield and his teammates are poised for more success in 2020.

Browns fans should be forgiven if they’re not prepared to enter the 2020 regular season with a lot of optimism. Their hopes and dreams were crushed in 2019 after an offseason full of hype in northeast Ohio. The good news for the tortured souls in Cleveland is that the team’s fruitful offseason is set to pay big dividends next season.

That doesn’t mean the Browns should start making Super Bowl plans. The team still faces an uphill climbs to even make the playoffs. Playing in the same division as the Ravens and Steelers has that habit. It does mean, however, that a significant improvement over last year’s final record of 6-10 is on the horizon.

This piece will detail the five biggest reasons why the Browns are primed for a turnaround. It starts with the projected improvement of one of the team’s most underrated position groups.

5. The defensive line will enjoy internal improvement

Myles Garrett is an unquestioned star at one defensive end spot. Olivier Vernon is a pretty good option on the other side. Throw in Chad Thomas as a third option and Adrian Clayborn as a wild card and it’s clear to see the Browns are well-stocked with edge rushing talent.

They just need Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi to give them a little more punch on the inside. Richardson, in particular, enjoyed a very mediocre 2019 campaign. If he simply plays up to his potential in 2020 it’s going to give this defense a serious lift.

Add it all up and the Browns have six solid defensive lineman they can count on before they add any talent in the draft. That’s a good platform to build around on defense. Look for the group to provide more production and pressure in 2020.