Cleveland Browns: 5 Bold Predictions For The 2016 NFL Season
The Cleveland Browns are hoping to turn their franchise around heading into this season. It has been quite some time since they were viewed as serious playoff contenders. That might not change in 2016, but the Browns seemed to have a big offseason for the first time in a long time.
Hue Jackson took over as the new head coach for the Browns, replacing Mike Pettine. He is a major upgrade over Pettine on the outside looking in; although, he will have to prove that during the next few seasons.
Robert Griffin III is expected to be the starting quarterback for Cleveland barring an unexpected change. He was signed in free agency after the Washington Redskins released him and will look to turn his career back around. There is no question that Griffin will be an upgrade over Johnny Manziel, who caused constant drama within the Browns’ organization.
Cleveland had a very good draft, and they should have quite a few young playmakers coming up in the next few seasons.
All of that being said, what five bold predictions can be made for the Cleveland Browns heading into the 2016 NFL season?
There have been very few players in recent NFL history that have received the kind of criticizing comments that Griffin has received. He will break out into stardom for the Browns this coming season despite all of the critics that don’t believe in him. Griffin has only struggled due to injuries and will be able to stay healthy this season and will show why he was the No. 2 overall pick back in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Corey Coleman Comes in and Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
Cleveland made Baylor wide receiver, and Corey Coleman their first round pick in the draft this year. He is known for his top-notch speed and playmaking ability. Coleman will come in and put up huge numbers throughout his rookie season and will end up winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Duke Johnson Jr. Proves He Is a Franchise Caliber Running Back
It has been some time since the Browns had a legitimate, every down running back. Duke Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Crowell will both get carries this season, but Johnson is by far the better player. By the end of the season, Johnson will have proven that he is a franchise caliber running back for the Browns’ future.
Last season was yet another brutal season for the Browns, as they finished the season with a 3-13 record. Jackson’s hire was a big step in the right direction for Cleveland, and he will help lead them to at least five more wins. An 8-8 record would be a positive sign for a franchise and fanbase that has needed one for a long time.
Cleveland Finds a Way to Make the Playoffs as a Wild Card Team
Predicting the Browns to make the postseason is not an easy prediction to make, to say the least. It has been a rough recent history for Cleveland, but they will find a way to squeak into a Wild Card spot. Many will not agree with this prediction, but Griffin and Jackson will both surprise quite a few fans and analysts to help lead the Browns to the postseason.
Expect to see this team play well above the expectations that many are setting for them. Cleveland fans will get an exciting season, and will finally see the Browns make a return to the postseason.
Do you believe that the Cleveland Browns can make the playoffs this season? What are your thoughts on the five bold predictions listed above? Let us know in the comment box below!
[AP Photo/Tony Dejak]
