Every NFL team’s breakout star for this season

Breakout NFL candidates for 2023: Cleveland Browns – Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

Sometimes, decent players find a new home in free agency and become stars. It happens a lot on defense, where there’s plenty of volatility based on defensive structure, who is in front of young players, and the ability to double team one side of the line.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo feels like a player that could make the jump. He’s been playing on the Houston Texans for the start of his career, but he’s joining a talented Cleveland Browns defense hoping to make a splash in the AFC North.

The Browns gave Okoronkwo a deal worth a possible $19 million, but it’s incentive heavy. He has to show up to get the most out of his contract. They did this because Okoronkwo fills a massive need for the Browns, who need pass rushing outside of just Miles Garrett.

Okoronkwo was one of the best pass rushers in the second half last season. He was getting to the quarterback every game, ranking near the top in pressure rate from Week 11 on. This player is finding ways to win on the line of scrimmage, seemingly showing off his instincts that allow him to make the right move/cut to get past the offensive lineman.

The Browns desperately needed a change along the line of scrimmage, and while Garrett will take credit for what happens with the pass rush and run stuffing, Okoronkwo will be considered a breakout star for how he changes this defense.