Fansided

5 breakout stars to watch for Cleveland Browns in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Kevin Stefanski
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Kevin Stefanski /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates scoring touchdown after intercepting a pass by Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates scoring touchdown after intercepting a pass by Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

1. SS Karl Joseph

Back to Cleveland’s defensive backfield. He was the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Silver and Black. But strong safety Karl Joseph was allowed the test free agency this off season anyone and ended up landing in Cleveland. The four-year pro signed a one-year, $2.5 million dollar deal with the club (via Spotrac) last month.

The heralded defensive prospect from West Virginia University never played a full season for the Raiders. But he was off to a great start in 2019 before a foot injury put him on injured reserve. In nine games, he finished with 48 tackles, three passes defensed and a pair of takeaways.

“As a team, we started to click as a unit, especially in the secondary,” said Joseph in November (via USA Today). “I don’t think it’s just me necessarily. It’s all of us playing good ball. As a team we’re starting to click. That’s what is most frustrating for me. We started to play some real good football and I wanted to be part of this team going forward. I believe we have a strong chance to go to the playoffs. That’s what’s frustrating for me.”

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings: 2020 edition – Chiefs at No. 1

Now the four-year pro brings his game to Cleveland and hopes to pick up where he left off last season. It’s an opportunity to help a franchise starved for a playoff appearance.

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