In 2020, the Cleveland Browns were able to win their first playoff game in 18 years.
Despite not getting to the Super Bowl, it was a successful year for Cleveland.
Fans got to watch quarterback Baker Mayfield blossom into what appears to be a franchise quarterback.
Also, right guard Wyatt Teller had an enormous breakout campaign and finished as arguably the best guard in the entire league.
Cleveland wasn’t able to reach the Super Bowl, but these breakout performances were a huge factor in 2020.
However, it’s time to look towards the future and figure out which players could take the next step in 2021.
1. Harrison Bryant
On draft day, it was quite confusing why the Browns decided to take tight end Harrison Bryant in the fourth round.
Cleveland already had paid Austin Hooper significant money and had David Njoku back healthy.
But, the Florida Atlantic product found a way to be productive despite battling for playing time.
Honestly, it’s shocking that Bryant fell that far in the draft considering he was a solid prospect coming out of college.
The Browns might’ve found one of the best sleepers in the entire draft class.
Justin Herbert finds FAU’s Harrison Bryant, the highest-graded TE in 2019.
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 21, 2020
On paper, Bryant didn’t light up the stat sheet during his rookie campaign.
Although, it’s worth noting that none of the Browns tight ends put together solid offensive numbers.
Through 15 games, Bryant hauled in 24 receptions, 238 yards, and three touchdowns during his first year in Cleveland.
Those numbers don’t exactly scream superstar, but Bryant finished with 65 receptions for over 1,000 receiving yards during his final year in college.
There is no doubting his potential and he showed flashes of it during his rookie season.
Harrison Bryant's second career TD comes on #NationalTightEndsDay! #Browns
📺: #CLEvsCIN on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/MIIkbfUwYk pic.twitter.com/aBvNXTK0EX— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2020
It wouldn’t be shocking if Bryant walks into training camp next season with the No. 2 tight end spot basically locked up.
The Browns could add Njoku to their trade block this offseason.
Regardless, it sounds like Bryant has surpassed Njoku on the depth chart.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski loves utilizing his tight ends into his offensive scheme.
It might only be a matter of time before Bryant finally shines like a star.
2. Grant Delpit
The Browns secondary was doomed from the start of the 2020 season.
They lost second-round pick safety Grant Delpit to a season-ending Achilles injury in training camp.
The promising young safety had his rookie season taken from him, but he’ll be back in 2021.
Browns’ S Grant Delpit was carted off the field and is being tested for a potential Achilles injury, per @AdamSchefter
Delpit was the top-ranked safety in the 2020 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/DEViSOb23J
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 24, 2020
Cleveland was forced to start veteran Andrew Sendejo without Delpit available.
The good news is, Delpit is expected to be ready to go next season and will have little competition.
The Browns don’t have much talent at safety, which means Delpit could be let loose, assuming he’s fully healthy.
Through three seasons at LSU, Delpit recorded 199 tackles, seven sacks, and eight interceptions with the Tigers.
He was arguably the best safety in the draft and the sky is the limit for this 22-year-old.
Obviously, Delpit is coming off a significant injury that adds speculation on whether or not he’ll be the same player that he was in college.
He has all the potential to have a breakout campaign, assuming he’s healthy at the start of the 2021 season.
NEXT: Paul DePodesta Was Right About Kevin Stefanski
