Browns training camp is right around the corner, meaning so is the start of the 2022 NFL season. Let's take a look at three players who could breakout for the Orange and Brown this fall.
Photo: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
1. David Njoku
It’s pretty clear the Browns see Njoku as a promising piece of the future, with the organization signing the 2017 first-round pick to a four-year extension and letting Austin Hooper go. Njoku likely will be receiving the most targets of his career next season. Even with Harrison Bryant still in the fold, Njoku is TE No. 1 and should be able to top his career-high of four touchdowns. He finished fourth among tight ends in yards per reception (13.2) a season ago, trailing only Kyle Pitts, Dallas Goedert and Rob Gronkowski.
Photo: Nick Wass/AP
2. Grant Delpit
When Delpit came off the board 44th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, he was viewed as a steal as some mocks had him going in the first round. Right after he was drafted, he tore his achilles in training camp, but in 2021, he came back with a vengeance and swagger. Appearing in 15 games (seven starts), Delpit posted good stats, including 66 combined tackles, three pass deflections and one interception. He saw his role increase dramatically down the stretch last season due to COVID outbreaks and Ronnie Harrison going down with an ankle injury.
The way the Browns decide to use John Johnson and Ronnie Harrison will tell us what they think of the promising safety. Delpit will be eligible for an extension after the upcoming season, so if he has the type of season he's capable of, Grant could be locked in to a Browns uniform for years to come.
Photo: Ron Schwane/AP
3. Deshaun Watson
On the surface, the Browns new quarterback doesn't seem like a breakout candidate, but he’s been out of football for a year and coming into the best situation he’s ever been in since coming to the NFL. The last time Watson played a full season in 2020 he finished 10th in passing attempts while being sacked the second-most among quarterbacks (49). He also finished second in passer rating (112.4) and had a PFF quarterback grade of (92.5).
His 2020 season proves he doesn’t need a perfect situation to shine. Cleveland is the ideal situation for him to come into with talent and potential at some of the key skill positions. The superstar QB has the potential to put up career numbers and remind people he's still a top QB in the league in the event of a short suspension.
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