Browns Wire Roundtable: Which young player has the biggest opportunity to step up in training camp?
Welcome back to another season of Cleveland Browns football! As the team is now entering the third day of practices down in Greenbriar, West Virginia, we are just about a week away from seeing the Browns take the field in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the New York Jets. So why not celebrate with a Browns Wire staff roundtable discussing young players like Elijah Moore and Greg Newsome II?
In this roundtable, the topic is: which young player has the biggest opportunity to step up in training camp? We are defining a young player here as a team member entering their third season or more youthful.
Who has the Browns Wire staff pinpointed? Let’s dive in.
DE Alex Wright
A raw prospect coming out of UAB with unreachable gifts, it did not click for Wright as a rookie. He has a great blend of size, power, and athleticism but he isn’t a refined player that needs development. Now you pair him with more talent taking pressure off of him to perform, and Jim Schwartz overseeing his development. He’s in a great position to succeed. Schwartz has shown the ability to get the most out of defensive linemen and Alex Wright could be the next to flourish under him. – Jacob Roach
WR Elijah Moore
Third-year wide receiver Elijah Moore is poised for a breakout year. The former New York Jet was a heavy focus for the Browns’ offense during OTAs, lining up everywhere including the backfield. The versatile weapon has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. I predict that his ability as a route runner will propel him into Pro Bowl discussions. According to ESPN’s tracking data, FiveThirtyEight assigned Elijah Moore a score of 70 on their “Open Rating”. A 70 Open Rating would be the second-highest rating a receiver has ever had with Deshaun Watson, trailing only DeAndre Hopkins. Last year Amari Cooper scored a 54 Open Rating. I urge everyone to draft Elijah Moore this Fantasy Football season. – Browns Alchemy
CB Greg Newsome II
New number, new defensive coordinator, new role, new expectations. Greg Newsome II was unhappy playing exclusively in the nickel a year ago after a standout year playing exclusively outside as a rookie. Now under Schwartz, Newsome II and Denzel Ward will both match inside and rotate into the slot. Even when Newsome II played outside a year ago (late last year against the Pittsburgh Steelers) he shined. There is no reason for the Browns to expect anything other than more consistent success out there. Entering a crucial season, Newsome II has the chance to make himself a great deal of money in 2023. – Cory Kinnan
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