The Cleveland defense has an impact player in Myles Garrett and a few young players that have a chance to become breakout stars.
Whether those players do so might make the difference between a top-five defense and a top-ten version, which could also make the difference between a good team and an average one.
The starting defensive ends are top notch with the gifted Myles Garrett at one end and the Browns re-signed Jadeveon Clowney to return on the opposite end of the line.
The depth is unproven though as Chase Winovich arrives via a trade with New England and two rookies round out the group with third-rounder Alex Wright from UAB and seventh-rounder Isaiah Thomas from Oklahoma.
Cleveland could be vulnerable at defensive tackle with former Jacksonville number one pick Taven Bryan and returning Jordan Elliott as starters.
Neither has set the world on fire in their career and they are backed up by second-year man Tommy Togiai and fourth-rounder Perrion Winfrey of Oklahoma.
This unit will have to exceed expectations in order for the defense to be strong against the run.
The linebackers feature Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who seems to be ready for a breakout season.
JOK can be a three-down linebacker, rush the passer, and drop back in pass protection, and he only has to be healthy to perform at a top level.
Veteran Anthony Walker returns as a steady tackle accumulator and Jacob Phillips is back after missing most of last season due to injury,
Sione Takitaki will see some time and help on special teams as well as Tony Fields.
The Browns are strong at the corners with Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome and they used their top pick in the third round on Martin Emerson of Mississippi State.
Cleveland traded Troy Hill back to the Rams, so they expect Emerson to fill his spot at the slot corner.
A.J. Green and Greedy Williams complete a solid collection of cornerbacks.
Grant Delpit showed signs late last year of giving the Browns a possible star at safety after missing his rookie year with a torn Achilles.
Delpit has the ball skills that the Browns have never seemed to possess at safety and I think he could be another breakout star this season.
John Johnson will start at the other safety after a mildly disappointing first season with Cleveland.
Ronnie Harrison was re-signed to some surprise and Harrison can be an excellent player if he can stop his issues with taking dumb penalties by being overaggressive.
D'Anthony Bell made the team after a strong training camp battle with second-year man Richard LeCounte that was so close that the Browns decided to keep both players.
Rookie Cade York was drafted from LSU to hopefully solve the Browns kicking problems that date back to allowing Phil Dawson to leave via free agency and veteran Corey Bojorquez was signed in free agency from Green Bay as the punter.
Cleveland signed Jakeem Grant to help the return team but Grant was injured in camp and will miss the season.
The plans are for Demetric Felton to be the main kick returner in Grant's absence.
I don't know what to think of this team.
There are some very special players on this team and some with the potential to be on that level as well.
However, I have doubts about the eleven games without DeShaun Watson and even when Watson returns, it's asking a lot to be in top form after missing almost two years and joining a new team.
I'm not impressed with the non-Amari Cooper wide receivers and if this team gets behind, they will have a tough time battling back.
On defense, the Browns could be very good, especially if they can get any production from the interior defensive line, even if only to stop the run.
The question is this- can the defense be very good or can they be elite?
Elite is what it may take this season and I would cautiously that they might fall a little short of that.
Let's call it 9-8 and in the battle for the final wild-card spot with a third-place finish in the AFC North.
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