Browns roster: 5 players that could take a production jump in 2024
Elijah Moore and JOK just two Browns who could see career years in 2024
The offseason for the NFL is generally full of hopes and optimism. For the Cleveland Browns, it hasn’t been full of moves outside of retaining players in NFL free agency, trading for WR Jerry Jeudy and making their selection in the NFL draft.
There were other smaller moves but the Browns are relying on improvement from players on their roster going into the 2024 NFL season. While earlier we shared five players that could be in line to regress in 2024, we also want to spend time on ones that could take a step up in production next year.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25514437/1880342800.jpg)
Age is not the only factor but an important one as is role and comfort in the situation:
LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – JOK was elite last year but has a chance to build on that performance in 2024. The biggest way the Notre Dame product could do so is through a few more explosive plays. Despite all his gifts, Owusu-Koramoah only has two interceptions, five forced fumbles and five sacks in his three seasons.
DE Alex Wright – Partially as a result of predicting that Za’Darius Smith could have a drop-off, Wright could have big jump in his third year, just like JOK did last year. In 2023, the rotational defensive end had five sacks but was only on the field for 38% of the defense’s snaps. If he jumps that number closer to 50% (from 388 snaps to around 500), Wright could have a career year.
WR Elijah Moore – Last year was a career year for Moore with 59 catches and 640 yards. This year, with Cleveland expected to have only one tight end on the field much of the year, Moore could see another small jump in those numbers as he heads to free agency. A career year in touchdowns, currently five from his rookie season, would be a big improvement from two last year.
S Juan Thornhill – A player with success in his past, Thornhill never seemed to get really comfortable in his new surroundings as injuries limited him to only 11 games. A full offseason with DC Jim Schwartz and, hopefully, health will give the energetic safety a chance to take a step up from last year when he had just one pass defense and two QB hits to go along with 54 tackles.
WR Cedric Tillman – Progression from Tillman starts with route running and learning the nuances of the game. Despite the addition of Jeudy, the Browns should throw the ball enough that Tillman sees more than 21 receptions for 224 yards in his second season. Doubling that number will be a start but fans will expect a little more from the 2023 third-rounder.
